Three Georgia Films Nominated for 2017 Academy Awards

While Georgia’s film industry continues to expand in all directions, it is only natural that we see an increase in the presence of Georgia productions on end-of-the-year lists and in award presentations.

With the nominations for the 89th Academy Awards announced this morning, it comes as no surprise that three films made in Georgia showed up. Theodore Melfi’s “Hidden Figures,” Morten Tyldum’s “Passengers” and Clint Eastwood’s “Sully” all received nominations. No two Georgia films were nominated in the same category.

Atlanta's 100-Year-Old Rialto to host Inaugural Be Downtown Film Festival, July 22-23

Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts, the Atlanta Film Society and Central Atlanta Progress are pleased to announce the first ever Be Downtown Film Festival on July 22 and 23, 2016.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Rialto opening as a movie theater in 1916. Built as the largest cinema in the Southeastern United States, the Rialto closed its doors to the public in 1989 before being acquired by Georgia State University years later. In addition to the centennial anniversary, the Rialto is also celebrating 20 years as GSU’s signature Center for the Arts as well as the Atlanta Film Society celebrating 40 years since its founding in 1976. The Be Downtown Film Festival will pay homage to the Rialto’s roots with a two-day festival celebrating films from the 1960s, 1970s and 1990s.

Two Takes: "American Sniper" Review

In our new review column, Cameron and Ali have a conversation and give both of their takes on Clint Eastwood's latest film, which just earned six Academy Award nominations.

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper."

Cameron: After three weeks in tremendously successful limited release, earning six Oscar nominations and a perfect storm of buzz and press interest, Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” opened up nationwide this weekend. I loved the film on many levels. What was your overall impression?

Ali: Overall impression? I’d say this is a very heavy film. And I loved it, too. I really did, I wish I wasn’t in such a rush after the movie. That way, I could really soak in the feeling I was left with after this film. Particularly with regard to what it means to be a war hero, I felt the entire time Clint Eastwood was playing like a devil’s advocate of sorts. I didn’t know if he was glorifying or horrifying it.

Review: "Trouble with the Curve" (****)

John Goodman, Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood star in "Trouble with the Curve"

Some of the productions that I report on here may shoot in several different states; some using Georgia to double as wherever else they need it to. I delight in the fact that "Trouble with the Curve" is set in and was shot exclusively in my state. Georgia dutifully plays the part of Western North Carolina for some of the story's elements, but without a doubt, this is a Georgia film. Athens, Atlanta, Dawsonville, Decatur, Dunwoody, Jasper, Macon and Young Harris all serve as backdrops for this charming father-daughter tale set in the world of baseball recruiting.

"Trouble With the Curve" trailer

Amy Adams and Clint Eastwood star in "Trouble With the Curve"

One of the most Georgia-centric productions in recent memory, "Trouble With the Curve," is set to be released next month and the trailer has just hit the web. Starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman, the film centers around an aging baseball scout (Eastwood) and his daughter (Adams).

Eastwood's filmmaking protégé, Robert Lorenz, is directing the legend this time around. Judging from the trailer, the film looks to be in keeping with Eastwood's visual aesthetic with a bit more lively of a story than his recent efforts. The film could easily become an Oscar contender, especially in the acting categories. You might remember filming updates throughout the spring, when the production moved all over the state. Shooting took place in Atlanta, Decatur, Dawsonville, Dunwoody, Jasper and Macon.

I can't wait for this film. Check out the trailer after the jump!

04/11 Star spotting: Meg Ryan, Kevin Bacon, Justin Timberlake, Gabrielle Union

"Trouble with the Curve" is still filming throughout Georgia, with production taking place in Jasper tomorrow and Friday. The film stars Clint Eastwood, Justin Timberlake, Amy Adams, John Goodman and Matthew Lillard. Shooting has previously taken place in Athens, Atlanta, Conyers, Dawsonville, Dunwoody and Macon. Matthew Lillard recently spent a day at the Atlanta Film Festival during a break.

"The Walking Dead" will start filming season three in Senoia at the end of May. Set construction is underway at Raleigh Studios, where most filming will take place. Downtown Senoia will also be featured in the show. Lifetime show "Drop Dead Diva" has also recently been filming in Senoia.

"A.C.O.D." (aka "Adult Children of Divorce") has been filming all over Atlanta recently, including locations at Castleberry Hill, Decatur and Piedmont Park. Stars Amy Poehler, Adam Scott and Jessica Alba have been out enjoying Atlanta during breaks from filming.

Also enjoying Atlanta during filming breaks is Kevin Bacon, who is still filming an untitled Kevin Williamson pilot all over metro Atlanta. Appropriately enough, he recently stopped by BaconFest.

"42," the upcoming Jackie Robinson biopic, will start filming in Atlanta and Macon soon, as well as Birmingham and Chattanooga. The film stars Harrison Ford, Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni and Jon Bernthal. Casting for extras is currently underway. Nicole Beharie recently spoke a little bit about the project when she attended the Atlanta Film Festival.

Meg Ryan and John Mellancamp are in town for the premiere of his play "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" at the Alliance Theatre at Woodruff Arts Center. Mellancamp collaborated with T Bone Burnett and Stephen King on the musical. Ryan has been enjoying several of Midtown's finest restaurants during her stay.

"Think Like a Man" had a red carpet premiere at Atlantic Station last Wednesday evening. Film stars Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey and Michael Ealy were in attendance.

J.J. Abrams television pilot "Revolution" is currently filming at the Georgia Capitol building in Atlanta.

Georgia-filmed "American Reunion" opened in theaters last weekend, while another Atlanta production hits screens this week. "Three Stooges" opens Friday. Next month, "What to Expect When You're Expecting" will open nationwide. I wouldn't be surprised if there is an Atlanta red carpet premiere for the film.

03/21 Star spotting: Amy Poehler, Clint Eastwood, Justin Timberlake, Melissa McCarthy

Clint Eastwood star vehicle "Trouble with the Curve" is still filming here in Georgia. Currently being shot at the Amicalola Falls Lodge in Dawsonville, the film also stars Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. Previous filming has taken place in Athens, Atlanta, Conyers and Macon.

Jason Bateman and recent Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy will begin filming a comedy titled "Identity Thief" in Atlanta next month. The film is currently searching for extras.

"A.C.O.D." ("Adult Children of Divorce") is on its second week of filming in Atlanta. Starting out in Castleberry Hill, the comedy starring Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Jane Lynch, Jessica Alba, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Catherine O'Hara has since moved the set to Decatur. Stu Zicherman will make his directorial debut with the film. Two Q&As with Adam Scott have taken place at Atlanta's Midtown Art Cinema recently after screenings of his film "Friends With Kids."

Kevin Bacon has been in Smyrna for the past couple of weeks filming an untitled pilot by Kevin Williamson. Not much more information has been released on the project.

USA Network show "Necessary Roughness" is filming in Macon this week. The show films mostly in Atlanta. Also on USA, "Royal Pains" is currently filming in coastal Georgia for a couple of weeks before moving the set back up to New York. They are shooting in St. Marys and Jekyll Island through the end of March.

MTV's "Teen Wolf" is currently shooting on location between Decatur and Avondale Estates.

Spotted any celebrities around the state? Email us at reelga@gmail.com with the details and we'll post it here.

02/23 Star spotting: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Robert De Niro

Clint Eastwood is coming to Georgia soon to film "Trouble With the Curve." The baseball themed film will also star Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. Filming will take place at Luther Williams Field in Macon on March 8th. Filming in Dawsonville and other locations around Metro Atlanta are set to take place following the shoot in Macon. Longtime Eastwood collaborator Robert Lorenz is directing.

After filming in north Georgia at locations such as Tallulah Gorge State Park and Black Rock Mountain State Park, Robert De Niro and John Travolta have been filming Mark Steven Johnson's "Killing Season" at Cochran Mill Nature Center in Palmetto.

Tyler Perry is currently filming "Madea's Witness Protection" around Atlanta. Tyler Perry Studios and the Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead are among the locations chosen so far. Denise Richards and Eugene Levy costar.

Perennially Georgia-shot television shows "Teen Wolf" and "The Vampire Diaries" are currently in production around Atlanta. "Teen Wolf" is shooting in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood, while "The Vampire Diaries" has been filming around Decatur.

Spotted any celebrities around the state? Email us at reelga@gmail.com with the details and we'll post it here.

Review Bundle: "Like Crazy" (****), "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (****1/2), "J. Edgar" (***)

Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones star in "Like Crazy"

"Like Crazy" is one of those rare movies where the chemistry between the two leads seemingly forms a separate entity, overshadowing either character by themselves. Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones both give up fantastic performances in this Sundance winner. Considering several scenes were improvised, the chemistry is all the more impressive when you see how it carries them without any scripted lines. Jennifer Lawrence (my soulmate) is a breath of fresh air even when the air is still very fresh. "Like Crazy" is a lively, realistic portrayal of a difficult love. 4 out of 5 stars.

"Martha Marcy May Marlene" and "J. Edgar" after the jump.