Sarah Wright is definitely one up and coming young actress that you want to keep an eye on! She began her career as a cast member on two different short-lived TV series, Quintuplets, and The Loop, before making her jump to the big screen in a string of successful comedies including Made of Honor, and The House Bunny. She has also appeared in the independent dramas Touchback, and Celeste and Jessie Forever, as well as having a recurring role on the beloved NBC series Parks and Recreation. But her big break came earlier this year with her role in the popular college comedy 21 & Over, which will be available on Blu-ray and DVD beginning June 18th. 

The film, which was written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (The Hangover), centers on Casey (Skylar Astin) and Miller (Miles Teller), best friends from high school who reunite at their buddy Jeff’s (Justin Chon) university to take him out for his 21st birthday. Jeff is reluctant because he has a big test the next day but eventually agrees. The trouble begins when Jeff gets too intoxicated to respond and is unable to tell his friends where he lives on campus. In a quest to get their friend home in time to rest for his exam, Casey and Miller begin an all-night journey that includes breaking into a sorority house, disrupting a pep rally, being chased by a bull, and a multi-floor contest of fraternity drinking games. Along the way Casey meets Nicole (Wright), a sure-of-herself young co-ed who will soon be leaving college to travel abroad. While Nicole has a boyfriend when they first meet, Casey is determined to earn her affection and continues to run into her throughout his wild night. 

I recently had a chance to speak with the lovely Sarah Wright about her work on 21 & Over, as well as her upcoming film Walk of Shame. The beautiful young actress discussed her recent movie, how if felt to go back to college, her own lack of collegiate experience, filming the movie’s party scenes, the Gorge, working with directors Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, and the lead actors on-screen chemistry, as well as her upcoming movie Walk of Shame with Elizabeth Banks. 

Opening in theaters on June 21st is the new thriller Rushlights from director Antoni Stutz (You're Killing Me...). The film was co-written by Stutz and Ashley Scott Meyers and stars Beau Bridges (The Descendants), Aidan Quinn (Allegiance), Josh Henderson (Step Up), and Haley Webb (The Final Destination). 

IAR is proud to present an exclusive clip from Rushlights featuring Beau Bridges, Josh Henderson, and Haley Webb. 

The term “visionary” is thrown around quite a bit when discussing filmmakers, but it’s never been more fitting than when referring to director Zack Snyder.

Snyder began his career directing music videos for the likes of Morrissey, and Paul Westerberg, but his big break came when he helmed the remake of George A. Romero’s horror classic Dawn of the Dead. However, it was Snyder’s adaption of acclaimed comic book writer Frank Miller’s 300 that made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors. He followed up that success by adapting what many consider to be the greatest graphic novel of all-time, legendary comic book scribe Alan Moore’s Watchmen. The film went on to gross over $185 million worldwide and is considered by many to be an unappreciated masterpiece of filmmaking. 

Snyder’s next two films would prove to be departures for him, the computer-animated family film Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, which was adapted from Kathryn Lasky’s children’s book, and Sucker Punch. The latter of the two is the director’s only completely original film to date, based on his own story idea, but also his least critically and financially successful film as well. Snyder has also written and produced the upcoming sequel to 300, 300: Rise of an Empire, and has had his name attached to such highly anticipated projects as a remake of The illustrated Man, the long in progress Justice League movie, and a Star Wars spin-off film inspired by Seven Samurai. But first, Snyder takes on arguably the most popular super hero of all-time with his latest film, Man of Steel, which is a reboot/reimagining of the Superman franchise that flies into theaters on June 14th.

The new film retells the classic Superman mythos about a Smallville boy name Clark Kent (Henry Cavill), who comes to learn that he is actually Kal-El, a humanoid alien that was transported to Earth by his father Jor-El (Russell Crowe) from the dying planet of Krypton. Adopted as a child by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent (Kevin Costner and Diane Lane), he is raised with the values of his adoptive parents but feels alienated because of his unique super powers and struggles to find his own place in the world. When a traitor from Krypton named General Zod (Michael Shannon) attacks Earth, Clark becomes the hero Superman to protect the planet, its people, his mother, and the women he loves - Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams). The film’s excellent cast also includes Laurence Fishburne (Contagion), Antje Traue (5 Days of War), Ayelet Zurer (Darling Companion), Henry Lennix (The Matrix Revolutions), Christopher Meloni (42), and Richard Schiff (TV’s West Wing). Man of Steel was written by David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), and based on a story by Goyer and producer Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight).

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with director Zack Snyder, along with several other members of the press, at the Man of Steel press conference on Soundstage #23 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. The “visionary” filmmaker discussed his new movie, adapting the iconic character, choosing General Zod for the film’s antagonist, the absence of Lex Luthor, the way in which the movie unfolds, and composer Hans Zimmer’s beautiful score.

Opening in theaters on June 14th is the highly anticipated reboot of the Superman franchise entitled Man of Steel, which was helmed by Visionary director Zack Snyder (Watchmen). The new film was produced by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight), and based on a story he developed with screenwriter David S. Goyer (Batman Begins), who wrote the script. The new movie features an all-star cast that includes Henry Cavill (Immortals) as Clark Kent/Superman, Academy Award-nominees Amy Adams (The Fighter) as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne (What’s Love Got to Do With It) as Perry White, Diane Lane (Unfaithful) as Martha Kent, and Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) as General Zod, as well as Emmy Award-winner Richard Schiff (TV’s The West Wing) as Dr. Emil Hamilton, and Academy Award-winners Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves) as Jonathan Kent, and Russell Crowe (Gladiator) as Jor-El.

Over the past two years, IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick has had the opportunity to speak with actors Henry Cavill and Michael Shannon, as well as screenwriter David S. Goyer, about their work on Man of Steel while they were promoting other projects. Goyer discussed the highly anticipated new film, his challenges in rebooting the popular comic book franchise, how he made the character more accessible to modern audiences, what source material he used for inspiration, the first time he saw Cavill in the Superman costume and whether or not Lex Luthor is included in the movie. Shannon talked about his approach to playing General Zod, why he didn't portray him as a villain, and comparisons between his character and General Patton. Finally, Cavill discussed which Superman comics he read while preparing for the role, and if he feels that he is ready to play the iconic character. 

Currently available on digital download and available on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and DVD beginning June 11th is action-horror dark fantasy Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters from writer/director Tommy Wirkola (Kill Buljo). The film is a retelling of the classic fairy tale and stars Jeremy Renner (The Avengers) as Hansel, and Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) as Gretel, as well as Famke Janssen (X-Men), Derek Mears (Predators), Peter Stormare (The Last Stand), and Zoe Bell (Django Unchained). 

IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick recently had the pleasure of visiting Spectral Motion VFX in Glendale, California and sitting down Spectral Motion's founder Mike Elizalde, as well as actor Derek Mears to talk about their work on Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Mears discussed playing the role of Edward the Troll, putting on the costume and make-up, and how it helped him to perform the role, while Elizalde talked about creating the look for Edward, how many people it takes to operate the costume, why director Tommy Wirkola wanted to use practical effects instead of CGI, and some of the other projects his company has worked on including Hellboy and director Guillermo del Toro's upcoming Pacific Rim. 

Currently playing in theaters in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, and opening nationally on June 14th is Before Midnight from director Richard Linklater (Bernie). The film is the third in a franchise that also features Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, and was co-written by Linklater and the film's stars Ethan Hawke (Sinister) and July Delpy (Broken Flowers). 

IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ethan Hawke and July Delpy to talk about their work on Before Midnight. The accomplished actors discussed the new film, the appeal of the trilogy, what they like about their characters, how they have grown throughout the series, co-writing the screenplay with director Richard Linklater, if their own lives are an influence on the script, and how Linklater has changed as a filmmaker since making the first movie almost 20-years ago. 

Currently available on digital download and available on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and DVD beginning June 11th is action-horror dark fantasy Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters from writer/director Tommy Wirkola (Kill Buljo). The film is a retelling of the classic fairy tale and stars Jeremy Renner (The Avengers) as Hansel, and Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) as Gretel, as well as Famke Janssen (X-Men), Derek Mears (Predators), Peter Stormare (The Last Stand), and Zoe Bell (Django Unchained). 

IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick recently had the pleasure of visiting Spectral Motion VFX in Glendale, California and sitting down with director/writer Tommy Wirkola to talk about his work on Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, as well as the upcoming Blu-ray/DVD release and a possible sequel. The accomplished filmmaker discussed the film, adapting the classic fairy tale for a modern audience, casting Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton in the title roles, the rest of the cast, using Spectral Motion's practical effects over CGI, what fans can expect from the Blu-ray/DVD, and an update on the proposed sequel. 

Australian native Teresa Palmer is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young actresses in Hollywood. 

After beginning her career in Australian movies, Palmer first gained attention in Hollywood when she was cast as Batman villain Talia al Ghul in director George Miller’s DC Comics super hero film Justice League of America, which unfortunately was never made. She went on to appear in a string of American films including Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice with Nicolas Cage, the sci-fi movie I Am Number Four, and the ‘80s comedy Take Me Home Tonight opposite Topher Grace. But the actress’ big break came earlier this year when she co-starred in the extremely popular zombie film Warm Bodies, which also featured Nicholas Hoult and Rob Corddry. Now, Palmer has returned to the Australian cinema with her latest movie Wish You Were Here, which opens in U.S. theaters on June 7th. 

The Australian film, which was written by actors Kieran Darcy-Smith (Animal Kingdom) and Felicity Price (TV’s Farscape), and directed by Smith, focuses on four friends who travel to South-East Asia for a fun-filled vacation. However, the trouble begins when one of the friends (Anthony Starr) does not return. Palmer plays Steph, a carefree young girl who reveals to her sister and brother-in-law (Price and Joel Edgerton) a nasty secret about the night her boyfriend went missing, which may only be the first of many. 

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with actress Teresa Palmer about her work on Wish You Were Here, as well as a few of her upcoming projects and the possibility of a sequel to Warm Bodies. The talented young actress discussed her new film, returning to Australian cinema, collaborating with filmmakers Kieran Darcy-Smith and Felicity Price, what attracted her to the role, the limitations of American movies, making her own films with actor Mark Webber, their upcoming project - The Ever After, what she looks for when choosing projects, working with legendary director Terrence Malick on Knight of Cups, what she learned from being on his set, and if she would be interested in returning for a possible sequel to Warm Bodies. 

42-year old actor Ethan Hawke has been performing in front of a camera for more than half his life. 

Hawke first gained attention for his work as Robin William’s student in Peter Weir’s now classic film Dead Poets Society, but his breakthrough role came when he starred in Ben Stiller’s directorial debut Reality Bites. He went on to appear in such popular films as Gattaca, Great Expectations, and Snow Falling on Cedars before receiving an Academy Award-nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Training Day opposite Denzel Washington. In 2004 Hawke was once again nominated for an Academy Award, this time for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), for his work on Before Sunset, which was a sequel to Before Sunrise that he co-wrote with actress July Delpy, director Richard Linklater, and Kim Krizan. 

Recently the actor has appeared in a string of action films including Assault on Precinct 13, Lord of War, Daybreakers, Brooklyn’s Finest, and Total Recall, as well as the horror film Sinister. Hawke now has new two movies opening in the next few weeks including the third film in director Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy, Before Midnight, which is currently playing in New York, Los Angeles, and Austin, and opens in theaters nationwide on June 14th. But first, the Oscar-nominated actor can be seen in the new horror-thriller The Purge, which opens in theaters on June 7th. 

In the film, the United States has legalized all crimes for a 12-hour period once a year, which is referred to as the Purge. In theory, this has lowered the overall crime rate and allows citizens to release their inner “beast” every year on this one specific day. Hawke plays James Sandin, a home security salesmen living in a gated community with his wife (Lena Headey) and two teenage kids, who has become quite wealthy from selling security systems to his neighbors to protect themselves during the annual event. But after his youngest son harbors a homeless man who is the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, the family is held hostage in their own home with no choice but to fight for their lives against their own community. 

I recently had a chance to attend a private press conference, along with a few other members of the press, and speak with Ethan Hawke about The Purge, as well as his long and distinguished career. 

Opening in theaters and on VOD June 7th is the new post-apocalyptic comedy Rapture-Palooza from director Paul Middleditch (Separation City). The film stars an impressive cast of comedians including Craig Robinson (Peeples), Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect), Rob Corddry (Warm Bodies), Ken Jeong (The Hangover Part III), Thomas Lennon (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas), Rob Huebel (The Descendants), and Paul Scheer (TV's NTSF:SD:SUV).

IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Rob Corddry to talk about their work on Rapture-Palooza. The popular comedian discussed his new film, how it is his third movie he has appeared in over the last year that is centered on the apocalypse following Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Warm Bodies, why that makes a good topic for a film, poking fun at religion, if anything is off limits in comedy, working with friends like Craig Robinson, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer, improvising within the parameters of the script, and his character's sweet stache.