Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Charles Solomon, and Justin Chang review this week's new movie releases including "The Birth of a Nation;" Emily Blunt starring in "The Girl on the Train;" an epic IMAX film from Terrence Malick called "Voyage of Time;" some outstanding animated features, foreign films, indies, and more. We'll also hear from entertainment and film business reporters Ryan Faughnder and Matt Pressberg about a possible move for the feds to review foreign investments in American film and production companies as a threat to national security. TGI-FilmWeek!
FilmWeek: 'The Birth of a Nation,' 'The Girl on the Train' and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Amy Nicholson, Charles Solomon, and Justin Chang review this week's new movie releases including "The Birth of a Nation;" Emily Blunt starring in "The Girl on the Train;" an epic IMAX film from Terrence Malick called "Voyage of Time;" some outstanding animated features, foreign films, indies, and more.
TGI-FilmWeek!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrNn8tlvX6Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrZBHwOMUs
Justin's Hits
- " Under the Shadow "
- " The 13th "
- " Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience "
- " Sand Storm "
- " The Battle of Algiers "
- " As I Open My Eyes "
Amy's Hits
- " Under the Shadow "
- " Among the Believers "
- " The Greasy Strangler " ("...for certain tastes")
Mixed Reviews
- Charles: " Bilal: A New Breed of Hero " & " Shin Godzilla "
- Justin: " The Birth of a Nation "
- Amy: " The Girl on the Train "
This Week's Misses
- Justin: " The Girl on the Train "
- Amy: " The Birth of a Nation "
Guests:
Justin Chang , Film Critic for KPCC and the “Los Angeles Times;" he tweets
Charles Solomon , Film Critic for KPCC and Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
Amy Nicholson , Film Critic for KPCC and Chief Film Critic, MTV News; she tweets
Feds to review foreign influence and investment in Hollywood
In response to lawmakers warning of foreign influence, propaganda, and censorship in American filmmaking, the Government Accountability Office will look at whether the U.S. should review foreign investment in film studios and production companies, such as Dalian Wanda 's acquisitions.
The Chinese company is in final talks to acquire Dick Clark Productions in addition to its previous purchase of Legendary Entertainment, for a reported $3.5 billion (b), plus its majority control of AMC Entertainment, which now owns Carmike theaters, for a combined 11,500 movies screens, according to “The Hollywood Reporter.”
Because of the extent of Dalian Wanda’s investments in the media spheres, members of Congress are asking: Should the definition of national security be broadened to address concerns about propaganda and control of the media and ‘soft power’ institutions? Regardless of Wanda controlling some purse-strings in the movie business, the massive size of Chinese audiences means American filmmakers are catering to their tastes, such as eschewing Chinese villains in storylines.
In what ways could foreign investors, producers, and distributors impact American cinema? Should Congress impose limits to protect national security?
Guests:
Ryan Faughnder , Entertainment Business Reporter, Los Angeles Times; he tweets
Matt Pressman, Entertainment Business Reporter, The Wrap; he tweets