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Rodríguez enjoys going mainstream for ‘The Last Stand’

by Kiko Martinez
in Insomnia
— 02:20 PM

Génesis Rodríguez da vida a la agente Ellen Richards en “The Last Stand”. Foto de cortesía

In “The Last Stand,” actress Genesis Rodríguez (“Casa de mi padre”), 25, stars as Ellen Richards, a special agent caught up in the escape of a dangerous drug dealer who is trying to escape to Mexico. The film marks action star Arnold Schwarzenegger’s’ first lead role since the 2003 sequel “Terminator 3.” During an interview with EXTRA, Rodríguez, who is Cuban and Venezuelan, talked about earning roles based on her heritage and Schwarzenegger comeback to the big screen.

EXTRA: How did you get involved in “The Last Stand?”

Genesis Rodríguez: Luckily, I had worked before with one of the producers on “Man on a Ledge,” so it was an easier process. I went in knowing they knew what I could do. The audition was pressure free. I felt really comfortable and got the part.

What did you like about your character Agent Ellen Richards?

What drew me to the part was I loved the fact that she was a mainstream character with an American name. She didn’t have a López or Rodríguez attached to her.

Why is it important to you to play characters that are not necessarily Latina?

I’m bicultural and everyone sees me as a Latina, but in my head I see myself as both Latina and American. It’s very important to me that people see I am an American and I was born in the states. I love my [Latino] roots and customs, but I’m here to represent a new generation of Latinos who were born in the states, are bilingual and consider themselves as mainstream as anyone else.

How did Arnold do in his first lead role since 2003?

He is so awesome, man! I’m a huge fan of Arnold. This is a high-octane, stunt-driven movie. There is a lot of action and brilliant camerawork by [director] Kim Jee-woon. It’s an action movie for everyone. It’s not just for the boys. This is exactly the way I want to see Arnold come back to films. It was very exciting to be a part of it.

At 65, do you still see Arnold as an action star or does there have to be an evolution that comes with his roles now?

Well, I know in “The Last Stand” he is kind of poking fun at himself. I find that humor so sweet and endearing. Obviously, he’s in a different stage in his life so he’s going to come out with an action film that is in a different light. But he’s still a badass. n

por Kiko Martínez

trad. Víctor Flores

En “The Last Stand”, la actriz Génesis Rodríguez (“Casa de mi Padre”), de 25, da vida a Ellen Rodríguez, una agente especial atrapada en el escape de un peligroso zar de la droga que trata de huir a México. La película de acción marca el primer papel fílmico de Arnold Schwarzenegger desde la secuela “Terminator 3” de 2003. Durante una entrevista con EXTRA, Rodríguez, quien es cubana-venezolana, habló de obtener papeles basados en su herencia y el gran regreso de Schwarzenegger a la gran pantalla.

EXTRA: ¿Cómo te involucraste en “The Last Stand?”

Génesis Rodríguez: Por suerte hube trabajado antes con uno de los productores en “Man on a Ledge”, así que fue un proceso más fácil. Después supe que ellos sabían que yo podía hacerlo. La audición fue libre de presión. Me sentí de verdad cómoda y obtuve el papel.

¿Qué te gustó de tu personaje Ellen Richards?

Lo que me atrajo fue que me encantó el hecho de que ella era un personaje popular con nombre estadunidense. No tenía a un López o Rodríguez atado a ella.

¿Por qué te es importante dar vida a personajes no necesariamente latinos?

Soy bicultural y todos me ven como latina, pero en mi cabeza me veo como latina y estadunidense. Me es muy importante que la gente me vea como estadunidense y que nací en E.E.U.U. Me encantan mis raíces y costumbres [latinas], pero estoy aquí para representar una nueva generación de latinos nacidos en E.E.U.U., que son bilingües y se consideran populares como los demás.

¿Cómo le fue a Arnold en su primer papel desde 2003?

Hombre, ¡él es sorprendente! Soy gran fanática de Arnold. Ésta es una película de alto octanaje con dobles. Hay mucha acción y brillante labor de cámara de [el director] Kim Jee-Woon. Es una película de acción para todos. No es sólo para hombres. Ésta es exactamente la forma en que deseo ver a Arnold regresar al cine. Fue muy emocionante ser parte de la misma.

A los 65, ¿aún ves a Arnold como estrella de acción o debe haber una evolución llegada con papeles ahora?

Bueno, sé que en “The Last Stand” él es un poco cómico. Hallo ese humor muy dulce y venturoso. Obviamente, él está en una etapa diferente de su vida; así que é; vendrá con una película de acción bajo una luz diferente. Pero él es aún un tipo malo. n

EXTRA Best Films of 2012

by EXTRA Newspaper
in Film/Cinema
— 02:49 PM

1. The Master

Demanding and dreamlike, this intelligent and alienating film by auteur director/writer Paul Thomas Anderson is filled with lofty concepts. Anderson’s unconventional craftsmanship is precise, which makes the film such a devastating one to shake.

2. Amour

This harrowing love story between two octogenarians is heart-wrenching. It’s undeniably tragic without being sentimental and easily the best non-American film of the year.

3. Zero Dark Thirty

Filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow follows her Oscar-winning Hurt Locker with another wartime thriller, this one centered on the intense decade-long manhunt for former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The final mission is mesmerizing.

4. Django Unchained
One of two films on this list about slavery, director/writer Quentin Tarantino takes a no-holds-barred approach and delivers another well-written, ultra-violent spectacle masked as a spaghetti western.

5. Life of Pi
Martel’s novel about a young boy and a tiger lost at sea and make it sing visually and narratively.

6. Moonrise
Using his distinctly unique storytelling style and direction, director/writer Wes Anderson explores young love through the sentiments of two 12 year olds during the summer of 1965.

7. Lincoln
Even more than a historical drama about the 13th Amendment, filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s biopic is an actor’s showcase led by the always formidable Daniel-Day Lewis as Honest Abe. It’s congressional theater at its most fascinating.

8. Beasts of the Southern Wild
“I see that I am a little piece of a big, big universe, and that makes it right.” The same line 6-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) expresses can also be used to describe just how this indie fits into the grand scheme of cinema.

9. The Imposter & Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry – (tie)
The most intriguing documentary subjects of the year were French serial imposter Frédéric Bourdin, whose detached personality is spine-chilling and fearless Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwei, whose invigorating spirit gives him the strength to stand up against an oppressive government.

10. Killing Them Softly
Criminals feel the effects of the 2008 financial crisis in this cynical and dialogue-heavy film by director Andrew Dominik. It’s a bit heavy-handed, but also viciously funny.

Holiday gift guide for everyone on your list

by Deysi Cuevas
in Blog
— 12:15 PM

Did you put your holiday shopping on hold until the last moment? Extra has you covered with our holiday gift guide for everyone on your list that will make you look good and won’t put a dent on your wallet.
For the teen:
Texting gloves – Your teens can keep their fingers warm while they text and update their Facebook status. The gloves are available in many stylish colors.
Headphone earmuffs – You no longer have to expose your ears just to listen to music. These headphones come equipped with ear buds, an input jack and speakers. They’re warm, cozy and hip!
For the kids:
Art set – Who doesn’t love a collection of ready – to – use drawing and painting supplies? Just remember to give your toddlers the washable paint and non-permanent markers.
For mom and dad:
Weekend getaway – They’ve always been there for you! Why don’t you do something extra special this year by giving them a gift certificate to a weekend getaway? Have your siblings or relatives chip in so they can get more out of their trip.
For the picky person on your list:
Gift cards – Many people are hard to shop for. Cross them off your list with a gift card to their favorite store or online games.
For the film enthusiast:
Stop by your local movie theater and give your loved ones what they love best: a night at the movies. This also works well for new parents.
For the sentimental person:
Made-to-order mugs – Plain white mugs + porcelain pens = a gift someone will treasure for a long time. Just write a personal message and put it in the oven at 300 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes. Your loved ones will think of you when they’re drinking their morning coffee.
Happy holiday shopping everyone!

Ladd reinvents classic Christmas character in ‘Santa Paws 2

by EXTRA Newspaper
in Insomnia
— 03:07 PM

Best known for replacing the late Farrah Fawcett on the hit 70s show “Charlie’s Angels,” actress Cheryl Ladd has continued to stay busy in the Hollywood industry for over 40 years. In the new holiday film “Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups,” Ladd, 61, stars as Mrs. Clause who, along with a litter of puppies, goes on an adventure to save Christmas. “Santa Paws 2” was recently released on DVD Nov. 20.

EXTRA: When you started in this industry, did you have a romantic idea about what acting was all about?
Cheryl Ladd: Yes, coming from South Dakota I didn’t have any idea about the film industry. I had stars in my eyes and really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But you learn very quickly. My ability to sing, dance and act – to get work in three different avenues – really served me well.
What’s important to you as an actress today?
Finding projects where I can play my age and be myself. That’s very important to me. I love this particular film, “Santa Paws 2,” because I get to play a character that is reinvented a bit. I play a modern Mrs. Clause. She takes over and helps solve the issues. I think a lot of people will really relate to this Mrs. Santa Clause. I had a lot of fun playing her.
Is it also important to you to find roles that are family friendly?
I think so because being a grandmother you really have a different view of life.
What do you tell your grandkids when they grow up and want to know more about grandma’s career in the 70s?
I’ll tell them I was a young woman with lots of energy. I’ll tell them I had a wonderful opportunity come my way and that the show was a big deal in its time.
Are you looking forward to sitting down and watching “Santa Paws 2” with the grandkids this Christmas?
Yes, we’re going to have a big family reunion in Texas. I absolutely can’t wait to show them the movie. I can’t wait to see them watching it.
I know you have a dog yourself, so what was it like working on a set with a big group of them?
Yes, I have a big Labra-doodle named Crockett. It was a joy every day to be on the set. That joy comes out in the movie. I think this is a movie people will watch every Christmas.

In the thick of it: Making it happen in Chicago

by Picaro Media
in Blog · Current Events · Digital · Media
— 04:29 PM

By: Christina Elizabeth Rodriguez

It seems like now that the presidential elections are over, people are starting to realize the power of the 50.5 million people in the United States. Well, politically, 24 million were eligible to vote, and there are problems emerging from that situation as I write this out. Either way, the country is now convinced that we have some say in how things are run and in the media marketing and entertainment business, we find a lot more people pulling from their deep pockets to spend where the big spenders lie: The Latino market.

Chicago has a very large Latino market with approximately 1.8 million Latinos. In fact, we’re taking over in a series of different areas from comedy, theater and production to entrepreneurial spirit, technological start-ups and digital strategy. Don’t believe what’s being written, just take a look around.

To tell you the truth, the majority of Pícaro Media traveled to Chicago to make it big in the improvisation world. Improv comedy, better said. Word was getting out that Chicago was developing its comedic arm and folks were being pulled from this emerging hub to do bigger and better things.

Production within city limits has increased immensely with just this season alone. The Mob Doctor, Chicago Fire, Boss and Underemployed are all being filmed in Chicago and folks are getting involved (in case you didn’t catch Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s cameo on the pilot of Chicago Fire). This not only brings in direct jobs and money for the city, but it also brings exposure to Chicago like never before.

Now, here’s the burning question: how many of these shows feature, play on or expose Latinos?

We’ve all been to the Mikey O Show, right? Well, get on it if you haven’t. It’s some of the best Latino comedy around. And guess what; Sal Velez, Jr., working actor, native Chicagoan and a friend of Pícaro is bringing a movie to Chicago in 2014. More and more producers, directors and filmmakers of all types are seeing the light and the opportunity in Chicago. In terms of media progression and advancement, Chicago is climbing the charts.

Things are happening and we’re in the thick of it. Pícaro Media is here to cater to the same Latino audiences that big brands are hitting on and hitting hard. Procter & Gamble are at the top of the top 10 brands gearing toward the Latino market list with $225.6 million. Second on the list is Bancorp with $193 million, then Dish Network with $161 million and McDonald’s comes in fourth with $132 million. Big money is going into the Latino market, especially since Forbes put Sophia Vergara on the cover stating that the Latino demographic is the trillion dollar market. Which it is, of course, on track to being the $1.3 trillion market in 2015.

People are looking for us and they’re trying to figure out how to talk to us, how to use us properly. It’s not a language thing. It’s an authentic thing. And who better to talk to the community than people in the community?

Christina Elizabeth Rodríguez is the business development director at Pícaro Media, a content production house geared toward creating content for the New Generation Latino across all screens. Ponte listo. Ponte Pícaro.

Dalton moved by positive message in ‘Secret of the Wings’

by Kiko Martinez
in Insomnia
— 10:44 AM

Best known for playing secret agent James Bond on the big screen from 1987 to 1989, actor Timothy Dalton has made a noteworthy career for himself with his British charm and accent. His voice has served him best when he portrays animated characters, including Mr. Pricklepants in “Toy Story 3.” In the animated straight-to-DVD movie “Secret of the Wings,” Dalton, 68, plays Lord Milori, the Lord of the Winter Woods. During an interview with EXTRA, Dalton discussed his new animated film and what he thinks about “Skyfall,” the next James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. “Secret of the Wings” is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray.

EXTRA: You were great as Mr. Pricklepants in “Toy Story 3.” What brings you to another animated film?

Timothy Dalton: I don’t know if I’ve moved toward it or it has moved towards me, but I’ve been very lucky. I seized them with joy.

It could be argued that Tinker Bell is one of those Disney characters that will never be able to find cross-over appeal with little boys. Do you think that’s true?

It might well be true. I was always interested in the pirates and crocodiles and Capt. Hook in “Peter Pan.” But the movie certainly works for adults. When I saw the movie the other day I was very moved by it. It’s a story about love and trying to overcome differences. This movie is so pure. It touches on love at the most basic level.

Going back to “Toy Story 3,” what did you see in Mr. Pricklepants that reminded you of yourself?

Nothing! (Laughs) I don’t often feel like a hedgehog in lederhosen. I never quite understood why a hedgehog would be wearing lederhosen in the first place. But he was definitely a lovely character to play.

Are you looking forward to “Skyfall?” Do you still keep up with the James Bond franchise?

Well, the producers remain some of my best friends. I think “Skyfall” is going to be fabulous. I know it’s going to be great. I love the fact I was part of a film franchise that has lasted at least half the entire time of modern moviemaking.

Riggle steps into great outdoors for role in ‘Nature Calls’

by Kiko Martinez
in Insomnia
— 09:43 AM

He never made it to the Boy Scouts as a kid, but comedian Rob Riggle (“Step Brothers”) is a natural outdoorsman, especially since he spent a few years in the Marines. Riggle’s military experience comes in handy for his new comedy, “Nature Calls.” In the film, Riggle, 42, plays Gentry, a security guard who joins in for some madcap camping alongside actors Patton Oswalt (“Young Adult”) and Johnny Knoxville (“Jackass”) who play troop leaders.

“Nature Calls” is currently available On Demand.

EXTRA: You were in the Marines, so I’m assuming being outdoors was natural for you?

Rob Riggle: I’ve been outside quite a bit. I’ve slept under the stars many a night. It was awesome shooting this film outdoors.

What was it like shooting a film with Johnny Knoxville? He didn’t try to electrocute you with a cattle prod or anything like that?

(Laughs) No, he’s a true professional. I was always cautious, though; just to be safe. I wanted to make sure I knew what was happening around me.

What attracted you to this specific role?

I thought it was really funny. [Director] Todd [Rohal] was so passionate about the project. I met with him and I really liked his energy. When you get that from your director, it gives you confidence.

In the film, all the adult characters cuss a lot in front of kids. Was that hard to do?

We were very good about that. We tried to be as respectful as we could and tried to keep that to a minimum. We did what we had to do for the script. If [the kids] didn’t have to be on the set, we would take them off for a while.

Has any of your Marine training helped you with your acting career?

There’s no real direct link between them. There are intangibles. You have to have a thick skin in both the Marines and as an actor. You have to have the work ethic.

You have to have thick skin to be an actor because of the rejection?

Yeah, you get told no a lot in Hollywood – a lot more than you get told yes. It can take its toll on your self-esteem and your confidence.

What kind of comedy did you like growing up?

“Caddyshack.” I’ve probably seen that movie 1,000 times. Bill Murray was a big influence. I used to listen to George Carlin and Eddie Murphy albums.

Hernández considers role a dream come true

by Kiko Martinez
in Film/Cinema · Insomnia
— 11:37 AM

In the short film “Item 47,” actor Maximiliano Hernández plays Jasper Sitwell, a S.H.I.E.L.D agent who tracks down a couple who discover an extraterrestrial weapon and decide to use it to rob a few banks. “Item 47” can be found in the special features of “The Avengers” Blue-ray. It is the third short film created as a supplementary story for Marvel blockbusters such as “Thor” and “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

EXTRA: How does it feel to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe at this point of your career?

Maximiliano Hernández: It feels really good to be working with Marvel and Disney. Everyone is on board and behind us. It’s feels like a family. I’ve been reading comic books all my life, so for me this is a dream come true as a comic-book geek.

In the comic books, your character looks nothing like you. Were you surprised when they cast you in this role?

Yeah, it’s bizarre. In the comics [Agent Sitwell] is a six-foot tall white guy with blonde hair. In my mind I was thinking, “I’m not that dude.” But [director] Kenneth Branagh really liked what I did [in my audition for “Thor”] and he pulled the trigger. The next day I got a phone call.

Do you think that says anything about how Latinos are perceived in the film industry? I mean, they could’ve easily gone out and found someone who looked exactly like the character, but they didn’t.

I certainly hope it changes people’s perceptions. We live in a multicultural world, so everything has to reflect that. I don’t think it’s honest when you see a TV show and there is one black guy and no Latinos or Asians. I’ve enjoyed playing roles that are labeled “unspecific ethnicity” because it doesn’t pigeonhole you to a cultural stereotype many Americans have in their heads.

Oliva explains duties as Pixar animator on ‘Partysaurus Rex’

by EXTRA Newspaper
in Film/Cinema
— 12:04 AM

He may have the tiniest arms of all the dinosaurs, but Rex, the worrisome Tyrannosaur from the “Toy Story” franchise, proves he can carry a movie on his own in the new animated short “Partysaurus Rex.” The 6-minute film, which will play prior to the re-release of “Finding Nemo” in 3D on Sept. 14, was created by Pixar Canada. Spanish animator Enrique Olivia, who joined Pixar Canada in 2010, spoke to EXTRA about what makes Rex such a great character and what his job as an animator entails.

EXTRA: As a character animator, what were your main responsibilities in making this short film?

Enrique Oliva: I do the motion for all the characters. We study what the character is thinking at that moment and represent it through movement. The biggest challenge was having all these character dancing on the dance floor with the same rhythm and the same spirit.

What do you like about Rex as an animated character?

He is very, very funny. Even though he is a character that is big and plastic and solid, he has a lot of expressions. He is very warm. You feel very close to him. He’s quite fun to animate.

What are some of your other favorite characters to animate from the film?

One of the characters is a small duck, which was very fun to animate. The captain was also very fun. Basically, all of them were fun to animate. There is one particular sequence I liked where these dolphins are dancing kind of sexy.

Is it a challenge to go into a project like this with a character like Rex who has already been animated many times before in other movies?

Yes, because he is a character everyone knows. They know how he reacts to everything. It was a challenge to create Rex and make sure everyone feels like they are watching the same character, but in a different way. Working on a main character from Pixar is something I always wanted to do.

How is Pixar Canada different from the company in the U.S.?

Mainly, Pixar Canada is a studio of 18 employees, which is very small compared to the other Pixar. We only make short movies. We don’t make features. But we have the same quality.

Are you someone who is always doodling?

Actually, no. I know that’s how it’s supposed to be with animators, but in my case I would rather just go straight to the computer and do everything there.

Radio host Ira Glass explains challenges of screenwriting

by EXTRA Newspaper
in Film/Cinema
— 11:47 PM

by Kiko Martinez

kiko.martinez@extranews.net

In the independent comedy “Sleepwalk with Me,” PRI host/producer Ira Glass of “This American Life” adapts comedian Mike Birbiglia’s personal story about trying to make it in the stand-up industry and having to cope with his real-life sleepwalking disorder in which he acts out his dreams.

“Sleepwalk with Me” is currently playing at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport).

EXTRA: Was there ever a time in your career where you though the radio industry wasn’t the right field for you kind of like Mike and his stand-up career in the movie?

Ira Glass: Yeah, that’s definitely one of the things I related to in the story. I spent a lot of time in my 20s wanting to be a reporter and to be on the air, but I wasn’t good at it at all. My parents would tell me to go to medical school. They wanted me to do anything other than this thing I didn’t seem to have too much talent for.

I know you don’t sleepwalk like Mike, but which one of your dreams do you think could be adapted into an interesting film?

What’s so sad is that all of the dreams I have that I remember are anxiety dreams. My subconscious is so unimaginative. My dreams fall into two variations. In the first one, I dream I need to finish the radio show and I’m on deadline and I’m not going to make it. The other dream is basically the same thing, but for some reason I don’t have any clothes on.

What have you learned about yourself now that you’ve added screenwriter to your credits?

One of the nice things about learning any new craft is that you really appreciate other people who do it. There are things I notice now in movies and TV shows that I never noticed before. I’ve always liked movies and TV, but now I feel there is a level of understanding I have for it.

As a radio guy, what were some of the challenges of writing a screenplay?

If you’re on the radio telling a story about your girlfriend, you can simply refer to her as “my girlfriend” with an affectionate tone in your voice and people will buy that you love each other. But in a film, you have to physically create an actual human being. You have to figure out how you’re going to communicate that love.