Monthly Archives: July 2010

Q&A with Mia Ford

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The Lifetime Channel breaks with tradition a bit to present a supernatural feature about a young girl who can see the evil spirits within others. “Within” stars Mia Ford, a young up-and-coming actress, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for Skewed & Reviewed.

What is the background and setting for the film and what can you tell us about your character?
“Within” has a very suspenseful beginning where you find out that my character, Rachel Weiss, has a supernatural gift of seeing dead people and the evil that lurks inside of them. Also in the beginning of the film Rachel’s mom dies and from there she and her dad move to a new town, where they try to have a fresh start. When Rachel first arrives, she befriends a sweet looking girl named Michelle, who turns out not to be innocent as she originally appeared. While trying to cope after her mother’s death, Rachel tries to understand life with her unique gift. In addition, there is also a mystery to be solved! With the help of Rachel’s supernatural gift, she can unlock the key to solving this mystery. My character in this film has a very compelling story and depth to her, which I love!

What type of prep did you do for the role and did it differ from your usual prep for a part?
Hanelle Culpepper, the director of the film, set up a rehearsal time for my co-star, Sammi Hanratty, and I to meet before filming and to get to know each other better. She also wanted us to work on various scenes in the film so the chemistry would be better between us. This also allowed us to know our characters better. We quickly became friends. Other prep included stunt rehearsal. Hanelle hired a stunt coordinator, Lou Simon, to train us for the many stunts that would happen in the film. He was really patient with Sammi and I, and we had a lot of laughs working with him too! Learning the different stunts was a very exciting experience for me, and I hope to work on more films with stunts in my future.

Where was the film shot and what were some of the more memorable moments from filming?
The film was shot in various parts of Los Angeles. We filmed in Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, and Glendale. I’d never really been to those towns before, so it was a great new experience for me. There’s an abundant amount of memorable moments from filming “Within” and the cast and crew were amazing people to work with. One such moment is when the director would call “cut.” At this time they would have to check this thing on the camera called the gate, so when they would begin doing this, Sammi and I would start singing the song we made up called “Checking the Gate”. It was really funny because sometimes the crew would sing along with us. Another memorable moment was when we were filming a very intense and emotional scene in the woods and, even though I didn’t have as many lines in that scene, I had to show all my emotions in my face, while also doing the different stunts, with tons of things happening around me in the scene. That scene really pushed me as an actor, and it turned out to be one of my favorite scenes in the movie.

What was working with your cast like?
The cast was amazing and I was really fortunate because almost every day I would be filming with other kids, as well as wonderful adult actors. Everyone became really close friends, including the adults that I was filming with in “Within”. Whenever we had a break on set we would be playing cards or other games with each other, talking, or just hanging out together. It was a gift and an incredible experience to work on a set with many talented actors, who were also all extremely kind people. Filming “Within” was one of the best experiences of my life.

When you’re not filming, what sort of shows do you enjoy?
My absolute FAVORITE show would have to be “Friends“! I watch it every day in the summer with my older sister, Madison. We are “Friends” fanatics! Everyone on the show has impeccable comedic timing and their chemistry is just perfect. I think I’ve seen every episode a million times, but they never get old. My favorite characters are Rachel and Joey because my whole family thinks I’m just like Rachel and Joey is just hilarious! Another show I enjoy is “Modern Family“. I love how you can totally relate to the family, and Phil, a dad on the show, is goofy and silly like my dad, which I love. My other favorites include “Glee“, “The Office“, and “Psych“.

What can you tell the readers about your training in acting and about your first break?
I started taking film acting classes when I was five with a well-known acting coach, Cathryn Sullivan, and I have been taking classes with her ever since. I have a manager, an agent in Dallas, as well as a team of agents in Los Angeles that send me out on auditions, in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and sometimes other cities in the US. I’m on planes a lot! I like to think that each audition is another chance where I can train to be a better actress.

My first job I ever booked was when I think I was six years old in Dallas. It was a really funny AAA commercial where everyone except my character, including a dog, was wrapped in bubble wrap! My first job I booked in Los Angeles was another funny commercial, but this time it was for Ford Motor Company, and it had actor Jake Cherry and me. We acted fun and crazy at a Ford car lot.

I have worked on other TV, film, commercial, and voice-over projects before “Within”, but it’s probably my first big break. I had previously worked with the director of “Within”, Hanelle Culpepper, on a short film that she produced. Hanelle thought I would fit the part of Rachel for her upcoming film. She had me come in and read for the roles of both Rachel and Michelle, but in the end she thought I was a better fit playing Rachel. I had an amazing time filming “Within” with all of the kind and talented cast and crew, and I was ecstatic when I found out that it was going to premiere on Lifetime!

What movies have you seen recently and what do you have on your to-see list?
I recently fell in love with was the remake of “Karate Kid”. It had a great mix of comedy, drama, and action. The movie kept me on the edge of my seat, which made it so memorable. I’m looking forward to seeing “Life as We Know It” starring Katherine Heigl. The movie looks like it could really touch someone’s heart. Plus, I love Katherine Heigl as an actress! Another movie I am looking forward to seeing is “Due Date” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. When I saw the trailer for it I couldn’t stop laughing! “Flipped” is another wonderful upcoming film I have on my “to see” list. It has a wonderful storyline and some really talented actors attached to this project.

What future projects do you have coming up that the readers can look forward to?
The feature film “Within,” in which I play the lead role of Rachel Weiss, will be having its premiere on LIFETIME TV on July 31st at 9 PM, with additional airdates on August 15th and August 20th. I recently have worked on a film called “Wonderful World”, starring Matthew Broderick, which was in theaters and has now been released on DVD. In “Wonderful World” I play the role of Maxine, the daughter of actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, from “Modern Family”. Another project I recently completed is a short film, “Your Wedding,” from the USC Graduate Film School program, directed by Matt Mercer, a talented up and coming director. I play the role of Connie, a young girl who is dealing with the pain and adjustment of losing her big brother. It’s all filmed through the eyes of Connie and I was able to work with the cinematographer, which was a great experience.

Just for fun, what music are you listening to these days?
I really enjoy listening to Sara Bareilles and Beyonce because of the soul they have in their voices. Their music can get you out of your seat, dancing, and singing, which I think is great! Male singers who I like to listen to are Kris Allen and Justin Bieber. They are both really talented musicians, as well as singers. My mother is a professional jazz musician so I see what dedication and talent it takes to be a musician. Justin Bieber’s songs just always bring a smile to my face, and my mom and I love listening Kris Allen’s album in the car together!!!

Universal Studios Summer 2010

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Universal Studios Hollywood,is a place for movie buffs and adventurers alike. Universal is the oldest real working studios that not only offers attractions for the entire family it also offers a wide array of entertainment and character meet-and-greets for guests to enjoy.

On the upper level of the park you can take a ride on the Studio Tour. On this attraction, guests are taken on a tour through sets from classic movies from both the past and present. Some of the sets includeWar of the Worlds, Psycho, Jaws, Wisteria Lane from the hit TV show Desperate Housewives and many others. In 2008 the famous courthouse from the Back to the Future films and the King Kong ride-through, were destroyed in a fire. This made way for a bigger and better version of KingKong. Created by Peter Jackson, this part of the tour is presented in 360-3D and takes riders to Skull Island. Riders are right in the middle of great fighting scenes between dinosaurs and a 25-foot King Kong. This was a great addition to the tour and is very realistic.
The Back to the Future ride has now been replaced with The Simpsons ride. In this six minute wild ride, guests follow The Simpsons through Krustyland on a roller coaster style car with various characters from the hit TV show. One of the characters in the ride is Sideshow Bob who escaped from prison and is seeking revenge on Krusty the Clown.

On the same level of the park, guests can take a tour through the Universal House of Horrors with some of the most frightening characters of all time including Chucky, Dracula, Frankenstein and many others. Shrek 4D is also located on the same level and is a great 4D experience. The combination of the 3D effects, motion seats and other surprises makes the audience feel as though they are a part of the adventure to save Princess Fiona.
Do you love the Terminator movies? Well if you do, make sure to go to T2-3D. This is an awesome show that incorporates 3D, special effects, animatronics and live actors to bring the audience an amazing experience.
The most exciting and most adrenalin packed attractions are located on the lower level of the park. These include Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy. In Jurassic Park, riders sit in river rafts and are taken through the wonders of Jurassic Park. The grand finale of the ride gets riders up close and personal with a 50-foot T-Rex and an 84-foot plunge. Remember that no matter where you sit you WILL get wet!! Stores on the lower level sell ponchos for riders that don’t want to get wet.

The Revenge of the Mummy ride is also one of my favorites and I must say is not for the faint of heart. This dark style roller coaster combines special effects and lots of twists and turns at up to 45mph, once you think you have reached the end and there is nowhere else to go, you end up riding backwards. When visiting the park both attractions are a must!

The Universal Experience is a walk through museam of props and wardrobe used in various film and TV shows. One of the classic attractions that was also located on the lower level, The Back Draft Experience is now being replaced with a Transformers ride. This ride is currently under construction and is due to open in 2011. The parks other entertainment, most of which are located on the upper level includes Water World, The Special Effects stage, Universals Animal actors and many more. There are also lots of live musical entertainment and characters that roam around the park that are ready for autographs and photo-ops.
I give Universal Studios five out of five stars and is a must see park. The next time you are planning a trip to California and you love movies and adventure like me, make sure to include Universal Studios Hollywood. You will never be disappointed.
Universal Studios

SALT

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Angelina Jolie, as Agent Evelyn Salt, plays the sexy spy role well, but the charm she displayed in Mr. and Mrs Smith isn’t present here at all. This is unfortunate because her emotional ties to the rest of the cast are integral to the plot. As seen in the trailers, Salt is a CIA agent who is accused by a defector of being a Russian spy. Salt is forced to run and uses her training and skills to evade capture while trying to prove her innocence.

Her years of experience as a covert operative are supposed to make viewers believe that this slight woman can take down ayone, but some of her fight scenes expected too much benefit of the doubt from the audience, and didn’t feel real. It wasn’t very convincing having such a thin woman carry on in a full fight scene with heavier built men. Despite harsh sound effects and fast camera edits, it honestly didn’t look like she was hitting the baddies hard enough to hurt, let alone knock them out.

Salt has some great twists and turns that kept me entertained and guessing, but that wasn’t enough to keep the whole movie afloat. Before long, these twists began to feel forced, and because I was snapped out of the movie several times after realizing how confused I was, it began to be aggravating to wait for the film to give the audience its bearings again. Phillip Noyce, who also directed the 1997 Val Kilmer spy film The Saint could have imbued the movie with subtle foreshadowing, or at least some foreshadowing as it was nonexistent.

Liev Schreiber, playing Salt’s trusted colleague, did a great job. His imposing yet friendly and sly demeanor fit his part very well. Chiwetel Ejiofor did a good job as well, but his role as another fellow agent was too small. It needed to be bigger for him to really shine. After watching him in Talk to Me, I believe him to be a headline star who needs more screen time to show what he’s capable of. In this smaller role, he does the job effectively, but left me wanting to see more of him.

The special effects were effective and not distracting except for one particular “walk away from the camera during an explosion” moment. It’s not that it was cliche, it’s that any explosion (at that distance, in that environment) would knock someone unconscious. There’s pushing the boundaries of realism for artistic effect, and then there’s that step that’s one step too far.

Overall, the film was enjoyable, but I had higher hopes for this movie. If you’re looking for action with twists, this movie has them in spades.

Three stars out of five.

Inception

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Inception is a stunningly good movie. Written and rewritten over the course of the last 10 years, this has been Christopher Nolan’s pet project since before he worked on either of the Batman movies. Finally getting the support to afford a big-budget movie of his own creation, he does not disappoint, as Inception is by far one of the best films of the last several years.

The plot is the strongest feature of Inception. In a way, it mirrors the labyrinthine twists of the subconscious, but Nolan is adept at keeping all his proverbial ducks in a row. Luckily, the plot isn’t exactly the same as dreaming, because that would make an insane, disjointed experience. The only negative I could find regarding the flow of the plot was during the first 15 minutes. Nolan doesn’t hold back on twisting your brain, and expects you to figure out when he’s showing reality and when he’s showing you a dream. The plot generally follows the heist genre, but because many elements take place during dream sequences, you never really know what’s going to come next until the film finally ends.

The cast does an excellent job, with much of the interaction spinning around the hub that is Leonardo DiCaprio. Nolan has said that the emotional life of this character is the “guiding thread of the story” and DiCaprio gives a great performance as the dream security expert who is haunted by his own dreams. The supporting cast, that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine and Cillian Murphy, truly has no weak points; they round out the story well, and in some cases provide some needed comic relief in heavier moments.

Inception is a surprise blockbuster. For a heist movie with tinges of sci-fi, it’s a thinker of a movie that will reward extra viewings with extra insight into the motivations of the characters. The action isn’t overly heavy, the special effects work for the story and not the other way around, and it has one of the most clever plots I’ve seen in a very long time. Do not miss this movie.

Five stars out of five.

The Last Airbender

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The four elemental nations once got along thanks to the help of the master of the elements, the Avatar. But that was in the past. Long ago the Avatar disappeared and the power hungry Fire Nation has since been destroying all other nations in an attempt to develop their natural element wielding skills. But the discovery of a mysteriously tattooed boy, Aang, found in the ice by a young waterbender, Katara, and her brother, Sokka, may mean there is a way to achieve peace and once again unite the elements.

The first Avatar movie very closely follows the story of the first season, called Book One, of the original television show. However the translation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon into film has taken some very serious criticism for changes made in the race of the actors who portray the lead characters.

To make fans further iffy about the film the plot moves so quickly that at times the lead characters directly state the story to one another, a distracting and very obvious plot device. Furthering the film’s strange execution is the poor over-acting that fills almost every “emotional” scene. While this strong form of drama is very accurate to the original cartoon, the impact is lost in the translation to the big screen.

Still some things about seeing “The Last Airbender” as a film are really fun. The costumes and environments are both true to the original story. Adding to the fun are clever real world adaptations of the original show’s details, such as Aang’s Airbender tattoos. But where the film really excels is in the elemental battles that define the frequent and large-scale action sequences. Part fantasy and part martial art inspired, these fight scenes help to define the characters while providing visual speed to the otherwise overly paced film.

Fans will enjoy seeing the ideas of “The Last Airbender” executed in live action, but there is no real need for 3D. The film does show some of the character developing talent M. Night Shyamalan is known for, but the rushed pace and forced drama is hard to ignore.

3 out of 5 stars