Battle In Seattle Release Date: September 19, 2008
In 1999, five days rocked the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Environmentalists, consumer advocates, labor unions, students, anarchists and pacifists all converged, bringing attention to how the WTO’s policies were affecting democracy around the world. The upcoming presidential election has now reinvigorated the debate over global trade policy.
Django (Andre Benjamin), Sam (Jennifer Carpenter), Lou (Michelle Rodriguez) and Jay (Martin Henderson) are united in their desire to be heard and to make a difference, for these protesters, this is very personal and the stakes are higher than mere politics. A peaceful demonstration to stop the WTO talks quickly escalates into a full-scale riot and an eventual State of Emergency results. The streets are mayhem, the WTO is paralyzed. Caught in the crossfire are Seattle residents, including its beleaguered mayor (Ray Liotta), a riot cop on the streets (Woody Harrelson) and his pregnant wife (Charlize Theron). The choices they make will change their lives forever and prove, ultimately, that ordinary people can change the world.
With his ensemble cast writer/director Stuart Townsend intertwines different points of view from a cross section of society – from protestors and police to delegates and doctors – who intentionally or accidentally find themselves on the streets of Seattle in those last days of the millennium. Townsend merges footage of the real event with his fictional narrative and, ultimately, Battle in Seattle illustrates that, even against incredible odds, ordinary people can change the world.
A moment of random violence erupts in an ordinary Los Angeles diner. The survivors (Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce, Forest Whitaker, Josh Hutcherson) find that the meanings of their lives have changed. No matter how much their families and friends (Jennifer Hudson, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Embeth Davidtz) attempt to understand, these individuals must follow their own paths to recovery seeking to regain trust in a world that now seems chaotic.
The documentary RELIGULOUS follows political humorist and author Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher,” “Politically Incorrect”) as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion. Known for his astute analytical skills, irreverent wit and commitment to never pulling a punch, Maher brings his characteristic honesty to an unusual spiritual journey. Directed by Larry Charles (BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), RELIGULOUS will mark Charles’ first feature project since the critically acclaimed, wildly successful BORAT. Jonah Smith and Palmer West of Thousand Words (A SCANNER DARKLY, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) and Bill Maher are producing. According to Maher, the title of the film is a portmanteau derived from the words “religion” and “ridiculous,” implying the satirical nature of the documentary that is meant to mock the concept of religion and the problems it brings about.[1]
Bigger, Stronger, Faster Release Date: May 30, 2008
In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. We reward speed, size and above all else: winning - at sport, at business and at war. Metaphorically we are a nation on steroids. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? From the producers of Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 comes a new film that unflinchingly explores our win-at-all-cost culture through the lens of a personal journey. Blending comedy and pathos, BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER* is a collision of pop culture, animated sequences and first-person narrative, with a diverse cast including US Congressmen, professional athletes, medical experts and everyday gym rats. At its heart, this is the story of director Christopher Bell and his two brothers, who grew up idolizing muscular giants like Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and who went on to become members of the steroid-subculture in an effort to realize their American dream. When you discover that your heroes have all broken the rules, do you follow the rules, or do you follow your heroes?
Movie Quotes
Top Gun (1986) Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood: Excuse me, Lieutenant. Is there something wrong? Pete "Maverick" Mitchell: Yes ma'am, the data on the MiG is inaccurate. Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood: How's that, Lieutenant? Pete "Maverick" Mitchell: Well, I just happened to see a MiG 28 do a... Nick "Goose" Bradshaw: We! Pete "Maverick" Mitchell: Uh, sorry Goose. WE happened to see a MiG 28 do a 4g negative dive. Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood: Where did you see this? Pete "Maverick" Mitchell: Uh, that's classified. Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood: It's what? Pete "Maverick" Mitchell: It's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.