United States
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Sell it or...sell it! Those are the only options for Larry (Kevin Spacey) and Phil (Danny DeVito), if they want to stay employed with their firm. It's the night of their big reception, and along with ushering the fresh-faced Bob (Pete Facinelli) into their less-than-glamorous life of salesmanship, the biggest client of their careers is about to pass through their door.
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"You talkin' to me?" Johnny DeMartino is a solid actor who's made a living being typecast as a "goombah." As his frustration reaches new levels, his life takes a drastic turn when he is secretly recruited for an audition to be the lead in Martin Scorsese's new film, as long as he keeps it just that - a secret. A dream come true for Johnny, but he didn't count on the fact that it is also the dream of all his best friends.
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It's not a wonder that Wilbur Falls garnered the Best Drama and Best First Feature Award at the Las Vegas International Film Festival. It's also no wonder that the film has become the favorite at many festivals. Even more impressive than Danny Aiello's or Sally Kirkland's performance in Wilbur Falls is the fact that writer/director Juliane Glantz was just 21 when she completed the film. At the heart of this story is Renata, a shy and awkward young woman who becomes the victim of a cruel high school prank.
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An outstanding ensemble cast highlights this powerful and thought-provoking film as part of our tribute to Jennifer Beals. Suzanne (Beals) and her husband Rob (Tenney) are happily expecting their first baby. Rob, a dedicated geneticist, is working on the cutting edge of prenatal tests for various diseases. He believes in the good his work can bring, so he agrees to have his unborn baby tested for everything his work can determine. But now that science can discover virtually everything about their baby, the young couple and their families are faced with having to deal with what they learn.
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"After I'd seen The Searchers a few times, it was completely fixed in my mind. The film was such a seminal and primal experience that I was absolutely convinced I had dreamed it, which was just right, because that's in keeping with the movie. It almost should be dreamed." - John Milius Have you ever passed up an opportunity to be involved with something great and kicked yourself for not doing it? If you miss this one, you may find yourself with a long-lasting bruise.
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Director Kurt Kuenne first appeared at Cinequest in 1996, with his award-winning short film, Remembrances. It is fitting that IMAGE and Cinequest should present his feature film debut, Scrapbook. Scrapbook is the story of Curt Martin, a high school sophomore struggling to find his place in the world. Curt has a close relationship with his older brother, Andy, a popular senior who tries to help him out with his school and social life. Most of Andy's help turns out to be futile, but on one occasion, it is disastrous. A war ensues between the brothers.
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There have been many fine film documentaries about the World War II internment of Japanese Americans. This one is different in the sense that while it, too, documents the losses of the internees, it also clearly shows the residue of bitterness felt by their children today and, very interestingly, the inter-generational divisions of those in the camps. The split between the Issei (Japanese-born) and the Nisei (American-born) prisoners and the active resistance by small numbers of people has not been clearly shown in other documentaries.
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Sol Nazerman (Rod Steiger) is a Jewish pawnbroker in New York's Spanish Harlem who lives in a sheltered world with haunting memories of Nazi prison camps. That he remained alive is a source of bewilderment and pain for him, and he has lost faith in everything. It is only through the help from his friend and assistant, Jesus, that Sol learns what it is to be human again. The Pawnbroker marked Steiger's first starring role in a major film. His role in the film garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. From the moment it was released, controversy surrounded the film.
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It's a happening party! You'll be glad you came. Over there's the ex-jock - you know, whatzizname, the guy who used to be someone - til he blew it - with drugs and gambling. There's that famous female ice skater, looking very slinky. The record company exec in shades. The handsome, down-on-his-luck gigolo. The spoiled but oddly likable heiress to a publishing empire. And, oh yeah - three guys with guns. They're the party crashers. Their plan is simple: Take everyone hostage, call up "big daddy" publisher, and demand five million dollars.
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Arriving with her leather jacket, Marlboros and attitude firmly in place, Micki Silva is little prepared to care for her dying uncle or to fall in love with the striking Roberta. Micki, brilliantly played by Broadway's Carol Monda, has abandoned yet another relationship and seeks solace at her uncle's house in a small beach community during the off season. Her gruff exterior belies not the typical soft heart, but a damaged soul yearning to find life again and unwilling to admit her need for companionship.