The term “Fifth Estate” is used to describe any class or group in society other than The Clergy (First Estate), The Nobility (Second Estate), The Commoners (Third Estate), and The Press (Fourth Estate). Making reference to the medieval concept of “Three estates of the realm” (Clergy, Nobility and Commons) and to a more recently developed [...]

Joe Pendleton is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the Superbowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An over anxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn’t ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently murdered [...]

Jobs is a biographical drama film based on the life of the founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs. The film focuses on his life from 1974 while a student at Reed College (then dropping out) to the introduction of the iPod in 2001. This is the journey of how this legend became one of the [...]

Kristen Wiig stars as a failed New York playwright in GIRL MOST LIKELY. Forced to move home to New Jersey after her promising career stalls out, Imogene awkwardly navigates living with her irresponsible mother (Annette Bening), her mother’s much younger boyfriend (Matt Dillon), and a young boarder who moved into her childhood room (Glee’s Darren [...]

Sweetness that doesn’t turn saccharine is hard to find these days; Finding Neverland hits the mark. Johnny Depp applies his genius for sly whimsy in his portrayal of playwright J. M. Barrie, who finds inspiration for his greatest creation from four lively boys, the sons of widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies. Though the friendship threatens his [...]

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) is a modern woman on a quest to marvel at and travel the world while rediscovering and reconnecting with her true inner self in Eat Pray Love. At a crossroads after a divorce, Gilbert takes a year-long sabbatical from her job and steps uncharacteristically out of her comfort zone, risking everything [...]

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film, “Much Ado About Nothing”. Shot in just 12 days in Santa Monica (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. The film features [...]

This is an exhilarating epic of fathers, sons, and consequences. Interesting how the patterns of Fathers show up in their sons. Kind of a random movie…Great motorcycle scenes and the best acting is towards the end of the film with the two teenage sons. A mysterious and mythical motorcycle racer, Luke, (Ryan Gosling) drives out [...]

The USA Film Festival is a 43-year-old, Dallas-based, year-round organization dedicated to the recognition and promotion of excellence in the film and to bringing filmmakers and audiences together. Members receive free screenings every month. This month we had the opportunity to advance screen the hilarious film, The Stand Up Guys. Stand Up Guys stars Academy [...]