Title: Cherry Directed By: Jeffrey Fine Starring: Kyle Gallner, Laura Allen, Brittany Robertson, Esai Morales, D.C. Pierson, Matt Walsh, Zosia Mamet When you’re doused in big budget, effect-heavy features week after week, it winds up being the simplest productions that really blow you away. Writer-director Jeffrey Fine’s newest film, Cherry, is just about as minimalistic as they come, but the results are huge. Cherry achieves a degree of empathy, entertainment and pleasure that most grander scale films never even come close to earning. Aaron (Kyle Gallner) always plays by his parents’ rules. From the day he was born, they bred him to become an Ivy League student and the time [...]...
- 10/29/2010
- by Perri Nemiroff
- ShockYa
Kyle Gallner is busy!
Not only is he starring in the new film Cherry but he’s got 4 films already finished – one of them is the new version of A Nightmare On Elm Street.
You’ve probably seen him in Jennifer’s Body or as the young Flash in Smallville, CSI:ny or even Veronica Mars.
I interviewed Kyle at SXSW for, Cherry. Its is about a college student named Aaron, Kyle’s character. He gets involved with an older woman who’s gone back to school to straighten her life out. Things start to get complicated when Aaron meets the woman’s daughter, Beth (Brittany Robertson) who starts to fall for him.
Kyle is great in the film and I can’t wait to see him in his upcoming films. We talk about how he got his start in Philadelphia, his first big job and working with some great actors.
Not only is he starring in the new film Cherry but he’s got 4 films already finished – one of them is the new version of A Nightmare On Elm Street.
You’ve probably seen him in Jennifer’s Body or as the young Flash in Smallville, CSI:ny or even Veronica Mars.
I interviewed Kyle at SXSW for, Cherry. Its is about a college student named Aaron, Kyle’s character. He gets involved with an older woman who’s gone back to school to straighten her life out. Things start to get complicated when Aaron meets the woman’s daughter, Beth (Brittany Robertson) who starts to fall for him.
Kyle is great in the film and I can’t wait to see him in his upcoming films. We talk about how he got his start in Philadelphia, his first big job and working with some great actors.
- 4/22/2010
- by Lance Carter
- DailyActorMedia
The independent movie Cherry had its premier at this year’s SXSW and I had the opportunity to speak with the writer/director Jeffrey Fine, as well as the two young leads, Kyle Gallner and Brittany Robertson, about making the film, which was inspired by some real-life events in Jeff’s life.
Read more on SXSW 2010 Interview: Writer/Director Jeffrey Fine and Actors Kyle Gallner and Brittany Robertson (Cherry)…...
Read more on SXSW 2010 Interview: Writer/Director Jeffrey Fine and Actors Kyle Gallner and Brittany Robertson (Cherry)…...
- 4/5/2010
- by Wilhem Oliva
- GordonandtheWhale
As the pierced and volatile teenager stealing scenes in Jeffrey Fine's SXSW drama Cherry, 19-year-old Britt Robertson gives one of the finest performances yet in a fast-developing career that's seen her evolve from child actor to mature young actress in the span of a few years. One of two women who come crashing into the life of college freshman Aaron (Kyle Gallner), Robertson's Beth is part Juno, part Hot Topic Lolita, an emotionally guarded girl who's lived through more in her 14 years of life than any teen should.
Robertson herself couldn't be farther from the confused, capricious Goth teen she plays in Cherry, which is based in part on a pair of women writer-director Fine knew as a young man. After drawing notice in films like Dan in Real Life, CBS's "Swingtown," and her new CW show, "Life Unexpected," the fresh-faced and uncommonly poised actress seems determined to carve...
Robertson herself couldn't be farther from the confused, capricious Goth teen she plays in Cherry, which is based in part on a pair of women writer-director Fine knew as a young man. After drawing notice in films like Dan in Real Life, CBS's "Swingtown," and her new CW show, "Life Unexpected," the fresh-faced and uncommonly poised actress seems determined to carve...
- 3/26/2010
- by Jen Yamato
- Cinematical
When Katherine Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker won for “Best Picture,” many believed that James Cameron’s Avatar had been robbed. Speculation focused on Oscar politics and the directors’ ill-fated marriage. But noted psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Fine says the reason is simpler: Avatar didn’t win because the Academy missed the movie’s deeper meaning and chose a “real life” film instead.
Those who’ve argued that Avatar mimics Dances With Wolves or Pocahontas prove Dr. Fine’s point.
“The message in Avatar is not a simplistic return to nature or to a previous evolutionary stage,” he argues, adding, “It may be the next leap in the evolution of consciousness, and the only one that may hold the promise of survival.”
Pointing to the greed and cynicism that not only mark much of American culture but have hardened American hearts, he says that unless we wake up to Avatar’s message,...
Those who’ve argued that Avatar mimics Dances With Wolves or Pocahontas prove Dr. Fine’s point.
“The message in Avatar is not a simplistic return to nature or to a previous evolutionary stage,” he argues, adding, “It may be the next leap in the evolution of consciousness, and the only one that may hold the promise of survival.”
Pointing to the greed and cynicism that not only mark much of American culture but have hardened American hearts, he says that unless we wake up to Avatar’s message,...
- 3/13/2010
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
As you read earlier this morning, MTV News is down at South By Southwest right now. There are some great movies playing there, including this one from writer/director Jeffrey Fine. "Cherry," which has its world premiere tonight, follows nerdy college freshman Aaron (Kyle Gallner) who meets and subsequently falls for Linda (Laura Allen), 34-year-old fellow student who is returning to school following a misspent youth. As the two become closer, Aaron meets Linda's daughter, 14-year-old Beth (Britt Robertson), who in turn falls for Aaron.
You'll need that context to truly grasp the awkward tension that Aaron must be feeling as events unfold in the exclusive clip below.
You'll need that context to truly grasp the awkward tension that Aaron must be feeling as events unfold in the exclusive clip below.
- 3/12/2010
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
Guess who's at South By Southwest right now? MTV's Josh Horowitz! And he'll be bringing you updates and breaking news throughout the weekend as the movies side of the annual entertainment festival kicks off. In addition to hosting a panel for "Kick-Ass," which will kick off this year's SXSW festivities, Josh will be speaking with a dizzying list of talent while he's on the ground in Austin. People like Edward Norton, Jonah Hill, Nimrod Antal, David Gordon Green, Michel Gondry, Ashley Greene, Ryan Phillipe Kristen Wiig and just about everyone associated with "Kick-Ass."
You can also expect coverage of that costumed superhero flick, along with "Saturday Night Live' character spin-off "MacGruber," Sundance favorite "Cyrus," sci-fi franchise revival "Predators," and Alice Cullen (that's Ashley Greene, for you non-Twilighters)-starring period drama "Skateland." We'll also be bringing you an exclusive look later today at director Jeffrey Fine's "Cherry," which premieres at the festival tonight!
You can also expect coverage of that costumed superhero flick, along with "Saturday Night Live' character spin-off "MacGruber," Sundance favorite "Cyrus," sci-fi franchise revival "Predators," and Alice Cullen (that's Ashley Greene, for you non-Twilighters)-starring period drama "Skateland." We'll also be bringing you an exclusive look later today at director Jeffrey Fine's "Cherry," which premieres at the festival tonight!
- 3/12/2010
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
Less than a week worth of recovering from the Sundance Film Festival, and we are already looking forward to our next, big film fest coverage. That would be the South by Southwest Film Festival held annually in Austin, Texas. Last year, Scott and I brought you all kinds of coverage from the Lone Star State, and this year doesn’t look to be much different.
With that, the announcement came last night of the feature films that will be playing at the SXSW Film Festival. Previous announcement were already made about films like Cold Weather, Electra Luxx, Hubble 3D, Lemmy, Saturday Night, and The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights making their debut. Kick-ass was recently announced as the opening night film, as well.
Among the other films being presented this year are some Sundance darlings, a few, highly anticipated premieres, and MacGruber.
Check out the full list...
With that, the announcement came last night of the feature films that will be playing at the SXSW Film Festival. Previous announcement were already made about films like Cold Weather, Electra Luxx, Hubble 3D, Lemmy, Saturday Night, and The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights making their debut. Kick-ass was recently announced as the opening night film, as well.
Among the other films being presented this year are some Sundance darlings, a few, highly anticipated premieres, and MacGruber.
Check out the full list...
- 2/4/2010
- by Kirk
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
I was so excited at seeing the SXSW line up last night that I completely forgot to post it and started searching the interwebs for cool content to go with it. Oops. Yes, I wish I was there but alas, it wasn’t mean to be (though don’t despair. We’ll be bringing you wicked awesome coverage).
But enough rambling, you want to know what’s all playing. Well, for a start there’s the much anticipated McGruber (trailer), the Duplass’ semi-mainstream comedy Cyrus, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs (trailer, review), Daniel Stamm’s horror flick Cotton and that’s on top of the previously announced titles which include Electra Luxx (Carla Gugino as a pregnant porn star? Bring. It. On.) and Kick-Ass (trailer). That’s already a great line-up but dear me, some of the other titles are pretty awesome too.
There’s Clay Liford scifi drama Earthling (trailer...
But enough rambling, you want to know what’s all playing. Well, for a start there’s the much anticipated McGruber (trailer), the Duplass’ semi-mainstream comedy Cyrus, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs (trailer, review), Daniel Stamm’s horror flick Cotton and that’s on top of the previously announced titles which include Electra Luxx (Carla Gugino as a pregnant porn star? Bring. It. On.) and Kick-Ass (trailer). That’s already a great line-up but dear me, some of the other titles are pretty awesome too.
There’s Clay Liford scifi drama Earthling (trailer...
- 2/4/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Late yesterday the SXSW Fim Festival, which runs from March 12-20 in Austin, TX, announced the full lineup of films that will be screening at this year’s event. And baby, it’s quite a list. Mixing big name films with intimate indie gems, the sheer number of films and the vast array of talented filmmakers is sure to be a hit with attendees and critics alike.
This lineup includes premieres of studio films such as Universal’s MacGruber, Lionsgate’s teen superhero actioneer Kick-Ass and smaller films like Tim Blake Nelson’s Leaves of Grass, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs, Michel Gondry’s The Thorn in the Heart and Steven Soderbergh’s And Everything Is Going Fine. With so many films to watch, it will be very difficult to find time to seem them all during the events nine days. But hell, we’re going to try.
For more on...
This lineup includes premieres of studio films such as Universal’s MacGruber, Lionsgate’s teen superhero actioneer Kick-Ass and smaller films like Tim Blake Nelson’s Leaves of Grass, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs, Michel Gondry’s The Thorn in the Heart and Steven Soderbergh’s And Everything Is Going Fine. With so many films to watch, it will be very difficult to find time to seem them all during the events nine days. But hell, we’re going to try.
For more on...
- 2/4/2010
- by Chris Ullrich
- The Flickcast
Receiving an award at the Heartland International Film Festival this weekend in Indianapolis, the interracial romantic drama "No Easy Way" is a gutsy independent with a promising setup that comes up short in the uneasy follow-through.
In director Jeffrey Fine's feature debut, Matthew (Alan Boyce) is in deep denial about his deteriorating health. A concert pianist with no friends and a scolding doctor (Michael Tomlinson), Matthew seems determined to conquer AIDS with help from no one or perish in the attempt.
With such an obvious death wish, Matthew is not ready for the intrusion of South Central welfare mother Diana (Khandi Alexander), who pegs him as doomed-but-redeemable the first time he comes to her rescue. From the start, it's a friendly clash of the races and classes, with his loneliness and her romantic interest eventually bringing them together.
Unfortunately, there is not much chemistry between the leads, and the complications in Diana's life are predictably dire. Her youngest son (Brandon Hammond) thinks Mom's new friend is cool, but eldest punk Carl (Jermaine Montell) is openly hostile to Diana when he's in gangsta mode.
When Diana declares her desire to escape to Seattle, Matthew has a cause to get behind, but the wish-fulfillment turn of events that makes this possible severely hampers the film's final act. Meanwhile, one is supposed to get behind aggressive Diana and mopey Matthew, who starts to show more serious signs of his illness.
Alexander ("ER") and Boyce (who played the suicidal student in 1988's well-received "Permanent Record") provide their characters with some depth, but they both stumble on many of the cliched lines in Patrick Tobin's screenplay. The film as a whole grows repetitive as Matthew starts to accept his mortality and Diana is robbed and terrorized by Carl and his posse.
USC film school alumnus Fine is after one of those tearful but inspiring love stories in which the principals are kept physically apart, while one of them must make a noble sacrifice so that the other has a better life. The brief intrusion by Matthew's mother (Christina Pickles) adds to the scenario's most frustrating aspect -- Matthew's character is underdrawn. We see him suffer but wonder why he is so independent and emotionally damaged.
What clues there are don't amount to much, while Fine has to resort to violence as a means to up the already high stakes. The first USC-produced feature, "No Easy Way" tends to preach rather than teach us about alienation as it shakily constructs a racial-cultural common ground.
NO EASY WAY
PGFW Prods.
Director:Jeffrey Fine
Producers:Douglas Ludwig, Eileen M. Chambers
Screenwriter:Patrick Tobin
Director of photography:S. Douglas Smith
Production designer:Brooks Rawlins
Costume designer:Eddie Bledsoe
Editor:Pamela Raymer
Music:Mark Eitzel, Bruce Kaphan
Casting:Lynnn Stalmaster
Color/stereo
Cast:
Matthew Livingston:Alan Boyce
Diana Campbell:Khandi Alexander
Tommy Campbell:Brandon Hammond
Carl Campbell:Jermaine Montell
Mrs. Livingston:Christina Pickles
Dr. Thomas:Michael Tomlinson
Running time -- 108 minutes
No MPAA rating...
In director Jeffrey Fine's feature debut, Matthew (Alan Boyce) is in deep denial about his deteriorating health. A concert pianist with no friends and a scolding doctor (Michael Tomlinson), Matthew seems determined to conquer AIDS with help from no one or perish in the attempt.
With such an obvious death wish, Matthew is not ready for the intrusion of South Central welfare mother Diana (Khandi Alexander), who pegs him as doomed-but-redeemable the first time he comes to her rescue. From the start, it's a friendly clash of the races and classes, with his loneliness and her romantic interest eventually bringing them together.
Unfortunately, there is not much chemistry between the leads, and the complications in Diana's life are predictably dire. Her youngest son (Brandon Hammond) thinks Mom's new friend is cool, but eldest punk Carl (Jermaine Montell) is openly hostile to Diana when he's in gangsta mode.
When Diana declares her desire to escape to Seattle, Matthew has a cause to get behind, but the wish-fulfillment turn of events that makes this possible severely hampers the film's final act. Meanwhile, one is supposed to get behind aggressive Diana and mopey Matthew, who starts to show more serious signs of his illness.
Alexander ("ER") and Boyce (who played the suicidal student in 1988's well-received "Permanent Record") provide their characters with some depth, but they both stumble on many of the cliched lines in Patrick Tobin's screenplay. The film as a whole grows repetitive as Matthew starts to accept his mortality and Diana is robbed and terrorized by Carl and his posse.
USC film school alumnus Fine is after one of those tearful but inspiring love stories in which the principals are kept physically apart, while one of them must make a noble sacrifice so that the other has a better life. The brief intrusion by Matthew's mother (Christina Pickles) adds to the scenario's most frustrating aspect -- Matthew's character is underdrawn. We see him suffer but wonder why he is so independent and emotionally damaged.
What clues there are don't amount to much, while Fine has to resort to violence as a means to up the already high stakes. The first USC-produced feature, "No Easy Way" tends to preach rather than teach us about alienation as it shakily constructs a racial-cultural common ground.
NO EASY WAY
PGFW Prods.
Director:Jeffrey Fine
Producers:Douglas Ludwig, Eileen M. Chambers
Screenwriter:Patrick Tobin
Director of photography:S. Douglas Smith
Production designer:Brooks Rawlins
Costume designer:Eddie Bledsoe
Editor:Pamela Raymer
Music:Mark Eitzel, Bruce Kaphan
Casting:Lynnn Stalmaster
Color/stereo
Cast:
Matthew Livingston:Alan Boyce
Diana Campbell:Khandi Alexander
Tommy Campbell:Brandon Hammond
Carl Campbell:Jermaine Montell
Mrs. Livingston:Christina Pickles
Dr. Thomas:Michael Tomlinson
Running time -- 108 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 11/11/1996
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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