"Cruiser" Review - Rome International Film Festival (**)

Lori Beth Sikes and Shuler Hensley star in "Cruiser."

The found-footage horror film "Cruiser" explores a lot in its 80 mins—human suffering, predestination, evil and the perverse power of God.

Sam Hensley Jr. wrote the film that stars his Tony Award-winning brother Shuler. The film starts as most any horror film, with an average guy living an average day. Rookie Officer Chip Tate's cop car has just been outfitted with several cameras and he begins what appears to be a regular day on day on the job. Every day is typical, until it becomes the day you die.

The Problem with—and Promise of—Donald Glover's "Atlanta"

Editor's note: It is my privilege today to introduce you to Christina Nicole, our newest Reel Georgia team member. I'd safely describe Christina as a junkie—a film festival junkie—and a finely tuned barometer of what's good. She's got excellent taste, a fantastic demeanor and a clarion way with words. -CM

"Atlanta" is not a comedy, but it is still good.

 
I have to shoot straight from the hip with this review. I didn’t like "Atlanta" the way I wanted I to. To quote "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," “It was cool for what it was, but it wasn’t all that.”

I am a Donald Glover fan. I like Childish Gambino, too, but I didn’t like the show. "Atlanta" is subtle. It is almost too subtle. You have to pay attention to catch all the political and topical references. I appreciated the intellect displayed in the writing, but the show as a whole fell short for me.

Georgia Filmmakers Spotlight an Iconic Location and a Quirky Phenomenon in Documentaries "Hotel Clermont" (****) & "Eat White Dirt" (****½)

Tammy Wright, the primary subject of "Eat White Dirt."

One of the greatest appeals of a film festival is its ability to introduce audiences to stories from around the globe. And while I enjoy seeing the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's nighttime streets and the breathtaking high-altitude views of the Himalayas on the big screen, there's something remarkably special about seeing a film that highlights the stories right in my backyard.

Two Georgia-lensed documentary shorts have been making waves among the southern film festival circuit: "Hotel Clermont" by Heather Hutson and "Eat White Dirt" by Adam Forrester. Both screened earlier this year at the Atlanta Film Festival and both came away with notable awards—"Hotel Clermont" won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Short and "Eat White Dirt" won the Seed&Spark Jury Award. Although I missed their screenings in Atlanta back in April, I made sure to catch them this weekend during the Macon Film Festival's "Southern Stories" shorts block, and I'm so glad I did.

Macon Film Festival: Recapping the Sundance Institute Master Class

The Macon Film Festival welcomed us with open arms and kicked off the weekend with a Sundance Institute Short Film Master Class with Mike Plante and James Ponsoldt.

Plante, Sundance Short Films Senior Programmer, wove his tale to an eager crowd. Beginning his festival journey in 1993, he is no stranger to the inner workings of getting films into festivals, and he started with rule number one—'Don’t be a dick.' Simple enough, just treat every single person you meet along the way well. The positivity will read through the work and more people will sign on to help you make a great film.

14 Films to See at the 2016 Macon Film Festival

Middle Georgia's main film event returns for its 11th edition on July 21-24. While the festival focuses on music and Southern documentary, there's something for everyone.

A 30th anniversary presentation of John Hughes' classic "Pretty in Pink" with star Andrew McCarthy is a good hook. So is a Sundance Master Class with Georgia-born director James Ponsoldt. So are special screenings of Ponsoldt's critically-acclaimed hits "The Spectacular Now" and "The End of the Tour." But the 11th annual Macon Film Festival has a whole lot more to offer!

A couple of years deep into Macon's focused effort to spotlight music-themed films and Southern non-fiction, the festival is bursting with promising offerings in both categories. Pepper in loads of Georgia-lensed shorts, some festival circuit hits, diverse international offerings and quality workshops—you have yourself a dynamite 4-day event.

We've highlighted 14 films from this year's Macon Film Festival that you must check out!

"V/H/S" and "The Signal" Producer Linda Burns Teaches Script Breakdown & Budgeting Workshops June 4th & 5th

Linda Burns, long-time Atlanta filmmaker and instructor of The PA Academy (presented by Atlanta Film Society and Georgia Production Partnership), is offering several workshops in June that will appeal to those looking to break into the film industry in Georgia, or professionals looking to hone their skills in breaking down, scheduling and budgeting their scripts.

One way that Burns earned a stellar reputation in Atlanta's film community was by staying here in the 1990s and 2000s, when much of the state's film business was stagnant. After the film boom began in the mid-to-late 2000s, Burns' educational offerings and partnerships with ATLFS and GPP became wildly popular. Well known for producing television and commercial work, Burns also has produced indie smash hits "The Signal" and "V/H/S."

On Saturday June 4th, Burns is teaching the first of a two-part workshop—Breakdown & Schedule Your Indie Script—followed by her entry-level class—Create a Proper Film Resume. On Sunday, June 5th, she will follow-up with part-two—Budget Your Indie Script.

#GAfilm Review: "Captain America: Civil War"

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. star in "Captain America: Civil War."

Taking pause from the tropes, "Captain America: Civil War" sobers the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in eloquent and effective fashion; asking its audience, clearly and concisely, to consider the cost. For once in the MCU’s history, we don’t have mass-casualties justified by 'the greater good,' nor the grand contradiction of heroism that tends to accompany them. Instead, Earth’s mightiest heroes are asked to take a hard look in the mirror and redefine their brand of heroism.

Directors Joe & Anthony Russo impress with how they approach these themes; they’re not flashy or shiny, they don’t use 'entertainment' as an excuse for mindless destruction, and they don’t insult the intelligence of their audience. As I watched this film, I was floored by the risk taken in trading out the big bangs for the big ideas, yet it never once felt like an disingenuous soapbox capitalizing on an election year. Moments that we’ve cheered for in previous installments are replayed for both us and our heroes with renewed, real-world, perspective—allowing us to feel the weight and consequence of their actions, as they do.

Sign a Petition to Get Donald Glover to Take "Atlanta" to the Atlanta Film Festival!

Donald Glover is a hero in his hometown of Atlanta. Establishing himself as a force in film, television, comedy and music, Glover has garnered a huge fanbase through work as a writer on shows like "30 Rock," an actor on TV's "Community" and films such as "The Martian" and "Magic Mike XXL," as a stand-up comic and as a recording artist and DJ using the stage names Childish Gambino and mcDJ.

In 2015, it was announced that Glover would create, write, produce and star in a new show for FX titled "Atlanta." Production is currently underway (filming in Atlanta), but the show is already highly anticipated. Set for a summer 2016 premiere, we think it would be perfect for Glover to bring the show to ATLFF this spring.

We want Donald Glover to come to the 2016 Atlanta Film Festival, which takes place April 1-10. Whether he screens an episode or not, we want Glover there to talk about the show, his career and our city. We've heard from inside sources that ATLFF has invited Glover, but has yet to be able to firm up any plans. We hope to use 1,000+ signatures to encourage Glover to attend the 40th annual festival and show off his new work.

SIGN THE PETITION

#GAfilm Review: "The 5th Wave" (**)

Editor's note: I'm happy to introduce a new contributor! Jamie Traner's perspective on films is every bit as unique as she is. I know readers will enjoy her articles, and what a better way to start than with a #GAfilm! -CM

Chloe Grace Moretz stars in "The 5th Wave."

Released last weekend, "The 5th Wave" stars Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson and Liev Schreiber. Filmed in Georgia, including some lovely scenery from the Macon area, "The 5th Wave" is based on the novel of the same name by Rick Yancey. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world run by alien-type beings known as 'Others.' The Earth has been attacked in the titled ‘waves’—1. a signal sent to short all electronics, 2. earthquakes and global tidal waves, 3. Avian flu, 4. the 'Others' inhabit human hosts and 5. an impending, unknown plan to eliminate the remaining humans.

#GAfilm Floods January Box Office

Ice Cube and Kevin Hart return to star in the Georgia-lensed "Ride Along 2."

#GAfilm has flooded the January box office. Two Georgia productions, "Dirty Grandpa" and "The Fifth Wave" made their debut this past weekend, opening in the fourth and sixth positions respectively. They join Atlanta-filmed "Ride Along 2,” which dropped to third place behind "The Revenant" and the record-breaking "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" after its #1 debut the weekend prior.

From downtown Atlanta to Tybee Island, filming for these three #GAfilm productions have taken place all throughout our Camera Ready state. Find out their specific filming locations below and stay tuned to the end for a list of upcoming #GAfilm releases!

"Mad Max: Fury Road" Named Best Picture of the Year by Georgia Film Critics Association

George Miller's blockbuster wins four total; "Inside Out" wins two, while "Ant-Man" receives Oglethorpe Award for Excellence in Georgia Cinema.

The Georgia Film Critics Association have announced the winners of their 2015 Awards slate. In their 5th year, they have named "Mad Max: Fury Road" the year's best film, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Production Design. The haul of four awards is the second highest in the GAFCA's history, second only to the six awards that "The Tree of Life" won in 2011.

"Inside Out" was another big winner, taking home Best Animated Film and Best Original Screenplay for Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley. Alicia Vikander also took home two awards, Best Supporting Actress for "Ex Machina" and the Breakthrough Award. Jessica Chastain won the same two awards back in 2011. Also the Breakthrough Award winner in 2013, Brie Larson won Best Actress for "Room." Leonardo DiCaprio won Best Actor for "The Revenant" and Sylvester Stallone was named Best Supporting Actor for "Creed."

It was a tight year in several of the races, with the GAFCA releasing on twitter that the Best Supporting Actor and Best Score races resulted in near-ties and the Best Picture race saw half the nominees receiving several first-place mentions a piece. "Creed" director Ryan Coogler was second place in the Best Director race, despite his film not being a Best Picture nominee.

Best Foreign Film went to "Son of Saul," Best Documentary to "Amy" and Best Ensemble went to Tom McCarthy's "Spotlight." Georgia-lensed "Furious 7" won Best Original Song for "See You Again," performed by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

"Ant-Man" was named as the winner for the 2015 Oglethorpe Award for Excellence in Georgia Cinema. Awarded to the films' directors and writers, previous winners include "John Portman: A Life of Building," "Sahkanaga," "Selma" and "The Spectacular Now."

Check out the full list of winners after the jump.

Savannah-area Moon River Studios Project Scaled Down

The studio name is inspired by the famed "Breakfast at Tiffany's" song by
Savannah musician Johnny Mercer.

Imagine this—Moon River Studios: the country's largest, full-service production complex built in coastal Effingham County, Georgia. Reminiscent of the dominant production companies of Hollywood's Golden Age, the mega-studio will be equipped with state of the art facilities built on a whopping 1,560 acres of land. It is quite a valiant dream, but it may remain just a dream.

Recent reports have revealed that Moon River Studios (parent company FONU2) has failed to meet the mandatory milestones stated in its original agreement with Effingham County's Industrial Development Authority (IDA). This has resulted in a revised agreement for the studio to scale back to Phase One of its master plan.

Atlanta Launches Nation's First-Ever Entertainment Training Program

Atlanta will be the first American city to train workers specifically for the film industry. 

You've spotted filming signs scattered around town. You've driven past filming locations decked out with camera equipment and crew. Heck, you may've been lucky enough to have spotted a Hollywood star or two in a local Atlanta institution. But have you ever wondered what it's like to work on one of the production sets in the area? To contribute first-hand in the creation of movie magic? Now, you can. 

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE Local 479) recently announced plans to launch the City of Atlanta Entertainment Training Program designed specifically to train below-the-line workers for Georgia's entertainment industry.

Indie #GAfilm "blackhats" Opens in Metro Atlanta on October 23rd, Ahead of VOD Release

You might see us talking about big blockbusters filming here or traveling the Peach State film festival circuit, but Reel Georgia also exists to spotlight films that are fierce in their homage to our good ol’ state. LaRon Austin’s "blackhats" is just that, highlighting the beauty and charm and grit of Atlanta’s city streets.

"blackhats" is an action-filled thriller that navigates the ins-and-outs of cyber terrorism. It’s a high-pressure, high-stakes film starring Errol Sadler as a fiery ex-bounty hunter whose life is disrupted when he’s convinced to track down a colleague’s brother. Janelle, his colleague, is played by the beautiful Doris Morgado ("2 Guns"). They soon discover that Janelle’s brother is in over his head, as he’s also being hunted by the FBI and a rival bounty hunter. Believe me when I say, chaos really does ensue.

The film is written and produced by Martin Kelley, who is certainly no stranger to the Atlanta indie scene. Kelley is one of the founders of our sister-site CinemATL and is responsible for other Georgia indies like "Step Off" and "Behind the Nine."

#GAfilm Review: "A Walk in the Woods" (**½)

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte star in "A Walk in the Woods." 

With Academy Award-winner Robert Redford and Academy Award-nominee Nick Nolte set to conquer an adventurous hike together along the Appalachian Trail, I thought I had another "Wild" on my hands. To my dismay, the Georgia film (and 1998 bestselling book adaptation) "A Walk in the Woods" turned out to be about as exciting as the title suggests. The film begins with energy and potential but quickly loses its footing early on, ultimately resulting in a rather bland and uneventful journey with little substance.

The Local Lense: #GAfilm Updates 8/6 - Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, "The Walking Dead"

Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and more! Hosts Beth Keener and Greer Howard bring you the 411 on entertainment news in Georgia. Find out what's filming, who's here and what to watch!

This week, catch up on the details of "Mother's Day" from director Garry Marshall, which will star Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Jason Sudeikis (to film in Atlanta); "Coat of Many Colors," an NBC TV movie about Dolly Parton's early life (to film in Metro Atlanta), and "Miracles from Heaven," starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah (currently shooting in Atlanta).

Find out what roles Ethan Embry, Merritt Wever and Corey Hawkins will play in "The Walking Dead." NBC just announced a deal with Atlanta-based producer Will Packer to produce a new Atlanta-set and shot drama titled "Buckhead." Also, check out updates from locally produced TV programs like "The Carbonaro Effect" and "The Dinner Project."

Georgia Icon Burt Reynolds Leads a Pack of Filmmakers Heading to 2015 Macon Film Festival

Burt Reynolds in his Academy Award-nominated role in "Boogie Nights."

Georgia-born film legend Burt Reynolds has been announced as a special guest of the 10th annual Macon Film Festival, taking place Thursday July 16 through Sunday July 19. Despite being born in Waycross, Reynolds was raised mostly in Michigan, Missouri and Florida. One of the biggest box office draws of the 1970s and 80s, Reynolds made it a point to return to his home state to film several of his hit films, including "The Cannonball Run," "Deliverance," "Gator," "The Longest Yard," "Sharky's Machine," "Six Pack," "Smokey and the Bandit," "Smokey and the Bandit II" and "Stroker Ace."

2015 Macon Film Festival Complete Lineup Revealed

This year's Macon Film Festival is bound to be the biggest event yet. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Macon announced last year that it would move the four-day event from February to July, coinciding with the city's annual Bragg-Jam Music Festival—creating a ten-day mega event in downtown Macon.

Kicking off our annual coverage of middle Georgia's premiere film event, we are pleased to showcase the entire lineup! Several great films are to be showcased this year, including many Georgia features and shorts, several films that also played the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival ("Divided Time," "Frame by Frame," "Old South," "Wildlike") and some very special presentations to be attended by #GAfilm icon Burt Reynolds.

OPENING NIGHT:

MAVIS!

USA (Director: Jessica Edwards) – Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers inspired millions and helped propel the civil rights movement with their music. After 60 years of performing, legendary singer Mavis Staples' message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Special Screening of DELIVERANCE (1972) 

USA (Director: John Boorman) – Burt Reynolds scheduled to attend a Q&A following the screening of this iconic Georgia film. 

HOW SWEET THE SOUND: BLIND BOYS FROM ALABAMA
USA (Director: Leslie McCleave) – Directed and Produced by Leslie McCleave Filmed over the course of ten years, How Sweet the Sound tells the story of The Blind Boys of Alabama. They met as children in the 1930’s at a state-run segregated vocational school and would become one of the last great gospel quartets, traversing the famed “gospel highway” and beyond. As the surviving band members recount their unlikely success story, we see a rare, frank view of life on and off the road with these renowned performers, now in their 70’s and 80’s.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK!
USA (Director: Bao Nguyen) – "Saturday Night Live" has been reflecting and influencing life in the United States for 40 years. Live From New York! goes deep inside this cultural phenomenon exploring the laughter that pulses through American politics, tragedy and popular culture.

Special Screening of SHARKY’S MACHINE (1981) 

USA (Director: Burt Reynolds) – Reynolds scheduled to attend a Q&A following this Closing Night screening. 

SLOW WEST

United Kingdom/New Zealand (Director: John Maclean) – "Slow West" follows a 16-year-old boy on a journey across 19th Century frontier America in search of the woman he loves, while accompanied by mysterious traveler Silas. The film stars Michael Fassbender and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

WESTERN
USA (Director: Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross) – For generations, all that distinguished Eagle Pass, TX, from Piedras Negras, MX, was the Rio Grande. But when darkness descends upon these harmonious border towns, a cowboy and lawman face a new reality that threatens their way of life.

The Local Lense: #GAfilm Updates 6/25 - Jennifer Garner, Daniel Radcliffe, Isla Fisher

Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah, Daniel Radcliffe, Josh Brolin, Isla Fisher and more! Hosts Beth Keener and Greer Howard bring you the 411 on entertainment news in Georgia. Find out what's filming, who's here and what to watch!

This week, catch up on the details of "Miracles from Heaven" with Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah (to film in Georgia this summer); "Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter" with Josh Brolin and Danny McBride (filming in Georgia); and "Young Americans" with Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan (filming in New Orleans and Atlanta this fall). Plus, catch some info on "The Magnificent Seven" with Chris Pratt and Denzel Washington, set to film in Louisiana.

Find out where Isla Fisher ("Keeping Up with the Joneses"), Andrew Lincoln ("The Walking Dead"),  and Kanye West and OutKast were spotted around town!

Check out TV updates from MTV's "Finding Cater," Lifetime's "Devious Maids," USA's "Complications" and SundanceTV's "Rectify." Stay tuned to the end to see set pictures from "Allegiant: Part 1" with Shailene Woodley, "Mena" with Tom Cruise, "The Founder" with Michael Keaton and "Captain America: Civil War" with Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie.

The Local Lense: #GAfilm Updates 6/15 - Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicki Minaj

Tom Cruise, Michael Keaton, Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington and more! Hosts Beth Keener and Greer Howard bring you the 411 on entertainment news in Georgia. Find out what's filming, who's here and what to watch!

We are thrilled to be featuring The Local Lense here at Reel Georgia! Every week, Beth Keener and Greer Howard host the Entertainment Buzz—giving you the complete #GAfilm rundown of what's filming, what celebrities were spotted and which TV shows were locally-lensed and feature local talent.

This week, catch up on the details of "Mena" with Tom Cruise (filming in Ballground); "Captain America: Civil War" with Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie (filming in Metro Atlanta); "The Founder" with Michael Keaton (filming in Canton); "The Do Over" with Adam Sandler and David Spade (filming in Savannah); "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" with Jennifer Lawrence (filming reshoots in Dawsonville); "Allegiant: Part 1" with Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort (filming in Rome and Metro Atlanta); and "Barbershop 3" with Ice Cube, Nicki Minaj and Anthony Anderson (filming in Atlanta).

Also, there are TV updates from HBO's "Confirmation" with Kerry Washington, Lifetime's "Devious Maids," AMC's "Halt and Catch Fire" and more! Stay tuned to the end to find out how you can win a free one-hour private coaching session from Atlanta acting studio Drama Inc.