Interview: Xenia LeBlanc

lcome to another episode of “You’re Watching A Movie With Silas Lindenstein”! This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Xenia LeBlanc, the talented writer and director of the short film “The Exposed.” Xenia takes us through her fascinating journey from studying acting around the world to creating her gripping horror short film.

In this interview, we delve into the unique dynamics of her filmmaking partnership with her husband, Nicholas Acosta, and how they navigate their creative projects together. Xenia reveals the challenges and creative process behind “The Exposed,” a film crafted without CGI or visual effects, and the inspiration she drew from her Russian childhood, including a chilling episode of “Rescue 911.”

Watch and Listen Below:

VIDEO INTERVIEW

AUDIO-ONLY PODCAST

Highlights of the Interview:

  • Filmmaking Couple Dynamics: Insights into working and creating films with her husband, Nicholas Acosta.
  • Creating “The Exposed”: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and overcoming challenges without CGI.
  • Inspirations and Horror Genre Insights: How Xenia’s childhood experiences and love for horror influenced her storytelling.
  • Cultural Influences: Discussions about the impact of her Russian background on her creative process.

Links:

Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation with Xenia LeBlanc, filled with personal anecdotes, filmmaking tips, and a closer look at her latest project. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share your thoughts on the film!

Enjoy the episode and make sure to subscribe for more exciting interviews and movie reviews!

Reviews: Challengers

Review: Challengers

Challengers (2024)
R  ‧ Sports/Romance ‧ 2 Hours 11 Minutes
Written by Justin Kuritzkes
Directed by Luca Guadagnino

THE CAST

Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist.

THE STORY

(In their own words). Tashi, a tennis player turned coach, has transformed her husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a challenger event — close to the lowest level of tournament on the pro tour. Tensions soon run high when he finds himself standing across the net from the once-promising, now burnt-out Patrick, his former best friend, and Tashi’s former boyfriend.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

1. Narrative Structure: The non-linear storytelling approach is one of the film’s strongest aspects. This method isn’t just for show—it crafts a more intricate and engaging viewer experience, allowing the audience to piece together the characters’ pasts and present, thereby deepening the emotional and psychological complexity of the narrative. It helps frame the personal histories and motivations in a way that a linear narrative might not manage as effectively.

2. Cinematography and Visual Style: The film employs bold and experimental cinematography that sets it apart. Particularly notable is the use of the tennis ball POV shots during match scenes, which not only intensify the gameplay but also metaphorically represent the back-and-forth dynamics of the characters’ relationships. This creative decision enhances the immersive quality of the film, making the tennis matches not just a sport to be watched but a lens through which interpersonal conflicts are explored.

3. Acting: Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist deliver phenomenal performances. Zendaya, in particular, should be praised for her nuanced portrayal of Tashi, who transitions from a tennis prodigy to a coach, grappling with her own past glories and current challenges. Her ability to convey deep emotional undercurrents—her passion for tennis, her complex relationships, and her own regrets and aspirations—anchors the film. O’Connor and Faist also deliver compelling performances, adding to the film’s emotional depth.

4. Engagement and Pacing: Despite its runtime of over two hours, the film does not feel its length, indicating effective pacing and engagement. This aspect is crucial in maintaining audience interest and speaks to the director’s skill in crafting a narrative that is both absorbing and brisk, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

1. Frustrating Character Choices: Some characters in the film make decisions that could potentially frustrate or perplex viewers. While integral to the plot and character development, these choices might not align with what the audience feels would be the ‘right’ or expected decisions. This can lead to dissatisfaction or disconnect with the characters, potentially impacting the viewer’s overall engagement with the story. However, it’s important to note that these choices also add to the realism and complexity of the narrative, as real-life decisions and relationships are often messy and challenging.

2. Polarizing Cinematography: The film employs innovative cinematography techniques, including very close-up shots and slow-motion sequences that might not appeal to everyone. Specifically, using the camera point of view from a tennis ball, could be distracting or disorienting for some audience members. While these techniques are designed to enhance the immersive experience and reflect the characters’ psychological and emotional states, they risk being perceived as overly stylized or gimmicky, potentially pulling some viewers out of the narrative rather than drawing them deeper in.

3. Specific Taste Required: The narrative and visual style of “Challengers” demands a certain appreciation for artistic filmmaking and a tolerance for non-traditional storytelling methods. Audiences looking for a straightforward sports drama might find the film’s approach too unconventional or challenging, which could limit its appeal to a broader audience.

THE COMMENTS

The film employs a daring approach to its cinematography and narrative structure that sets it apart from typical sports dramas. It challenges traditional storytelling norms in the sports genre, making it a topic of interest for discussions on film technique and character development.

THE LESSON

  1. The Importance of Passion for Success: The film illustrates how essential genuine passion and love for what you do are for achieving success. This theme is evident in the portrayal of Tashi’s character, whose deep love for tennis drives her and highlights the contrast with characters who may lack the same level of dedication. This passion is shown to be a crucial factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional goals.
  2. The Complexity of Relationships and Growth: “Challengers” delves into how personal relationships can profoundly impact an individual’s growth and success. The characters’ interactions and history demonstrate that our connections with others can both challenge and propel us forward. The film suggests that navigating these relationships with honesty and resilience is key to personal development and fulfillment.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes, “Challengers” is rewatchable. The layered narrative and intricate character dynamics make it a film that could offer new insights on subsequent viewings. The technical aspects of the film, like its cinematography, also make it worth revisiting to appreciate the artistic choices more fully.

THE FINAL WORD

“Challengers” delivers a potent mix of intense sports action and deep personal drama, elevated by standout performances from Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Luca Guadagnino’s daring narrative techniques and bold cinematography turn this tennis story into a compelling exploration of ambition, love, and the personal costs of greatness. Engaging, emotionally charged, and visually inventive, it’s a film that redefines the boundaries of sports cinema.

THE VERDICT 

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

For “Challengers,” I definitely “Love It.” It’s a film that entertains and engages on an intellectual and emotional level, prompting reflection and discussion.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

VIDEO REVIEW

AUDIO-ONLY REVIEW

Episode #214: Chantel Riley – 7 Questions

Interview with the star of the new film Colorblind, Chantel Riley. She discusses how she got into acting and answers the world-famous seven questions. 

Available in video and audio-only podcast.

VIDEO



AUDIO ONLY PODCAST

Review: Renfield

Renfield (2023)


R  ‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 33 Minutes

Written by Ryan Ridley from a story by Robert Kirkman

Directed by Chris McKay

THE CAST

  • Nicolas Cage as Dracula, a legendary Transylvanian vampire
  • Nicholas Hoult as R. M. Renfield, the long-suffering servant of Dracula
  • Awkwafina as Rebecca Quincy, an aggressive traffic cop 
  • Ben Schwartz as Teddy Lobo, a mob enforcer
  • Shohreh Aghdashloo as Ella, a mob boss and Teddy’s mother
  • Adrian Martinez as Chris Marcos, a traffic cop and Quincy’s co-worker
  • Brandon Scott Jones as Mark, a support group leader
  • Jenna Kanell as Carol, a support group member
  • Bess Rous as Caitlyn, a support group member
  • James Moses Black as Captain J. Browning
  • Caroline Williams as Vanessa

THE STORY

(In their own words) Renfield, the tortured aide to his narcissistic boss, Dracula, is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding. However, after centuries of servitude, he’s ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of the Prince of Darkness.

THE BEST


The BEST things about the film

  1. The comedy – this isn’t just a horror/comedy, it’s more of a slapstick horror.  It is outrageous and campy and it really works well.
  2. Excellent story – It’s a fun story that I haven’t seen before. I’ve enjoyed films and plays within the Dracula lore that give good time to the character of Renfield, but I’ve never seen anything fully focus on the servant character. So, it gives us a unique point of view for film, which is exceptionally wonderful considering how many Dracula films there have been. 
  3. Great Ensemble – The entire cast really worked well together and there wasn’t really a bad actor in the group. 
  4. Nicolas Cage – He was clearly having fun playing Dracula, my understanding is that it is a dream role of his and it shows in this. He’s having fun, so we are having fun. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. The Gore – It is comical gore, but is still gore. There’s a lot of blood. Lots of body parts and dismemberments. This won’t be for everyone. And That’s okay.  But it is definitely rated R for a reason. The trailer doesn’t really express how gross it gets at times. 
  2. The Camp – I won’t deny that this film gets campy. But I won’t deduct any points for that either because I had a great time. 

THE COMMENTS

This film is definitely more comedy than horror. If you are looking for a film that will legitimately scare you, this isn’t for you. But if you want something that makes you laugh at overly exaggerated “gorey” over-the-top decapitation scenes, this might be the film for you. 

This film is ludacris in all the right ways. 

THE LESSON

Toxic relationships are even worse when you are immortal. 

Don’t let other people take your power. 

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes. 

WHAT MY FRIENDS SAID

My Guests for this film were two comedians; Emmett Montgomery and Laura Lyons.

Emmett said: “Cage at his best. Real good. That was fun!”

Laura said: “Powerful message delivered in a fun way. “

THE FINAL WORD

Nicholas Cage is outstanding as the source of Renfield’s anxiety, depression, and all around toxicity, Count Dracula. This slapstick horror-comedy is as full of laughter as it is gore. Highlighted by a fresh and fun story, Renfield may not change how you see the world, but it makes living in it a lot more fun. Sure, deep inside of the film are some messages about fighting the monsters in your life who bring you more pain than pleasure and how finding the power inside you will help you slay life’s demons….but I think it’s a really fun film. 

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Reinfield gets a Love it.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Comedian Ken Hamlett

Comedian Ken Hamlett drops by to answer the seven questions and to learn why Silas may have to move. 

Available in video only on our audio only podcast or on our Youtube Channel. Pick whichever one below

Audio Only Podcast

Video

Review: Prey (2022)

Prey  (2022)
R ‧ Scifi/Action – 1 hour 39 Minutes


Written by Patrick Aison

Directed by ‎Dan Trachtenberg

THE CAST

  • Amber Midthunder as Naru, a young Comanche warrior who protects her tribe against a Predator
  • Dakota Beavers as Taabe
  • Dane DiLiegro as the Predator
  • Stormee Kipp
  • Michelle Thrush
  • Julian Black Antelope

THE STORY

(In their own words) In the Comanche Nation in 1717, a fierce and highly skilled warrior named Naru learns the prey she is stalking is a highly evolved alien with a technologically advanced arsenal

(L-R): Amber Midthunder as Naru and Dane DeLiegro as the Predator in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

THE BEST


The BEST things about the film

  1. It’s a really cool addition to the franchise. Love the setting in the Native American world. 
  2. They are releasing the film in a full Comanche language dubbing. This is the first time ever for a feature film. 
  3. Love seeing an action film with a really strong female lead. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. The special effects of a bear are really bad. For a movie with this kind of budget….come on. Really?
  2. The lack of consistency with using Native American language and “English” and accent or no accent.  
  3. Unlike the original, there doesn’t seem to be much of a deeper underlying message to the film. It’s just there for fun. 
Amber Midthunder as Naru in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

THE REVIEW

I will admit, I rolled my eyes when I heard they were coming out with a fifth installment of the Predator franchise called Prey. Like, haven’t we mined this franchise for enough material yet? However, once I learned about the premise I became intrigued.  This installment is technically a prequel to the others, set long ago in Native American land in 1717. From the trailer it was unclear if the Predator was the one hunting the members of the Comanche Nation or if it was the other way around. Which actually is kind of an accurate question even during the film. 

The story centers around a young female warrior, Naru (Amber Midthunder)  who’s trying to earn the respect of her fellow tribemates, when suddenly The Predator shows up.  Seemingly, the Predator seems like he’s just there to find prey to hunt. To her, it’s a sign from the gods that she’s ready to be a hunter and she’s ready to capture him. But things don’t go as easily as she hoped. 

Midhunter does a wonderful job in the lead role, showing herself to be a formidable opponent of the predator and someone who deserves the respect of it and her peers. 

At this point, the success of the film and to an extent. really comes down to whether the story they tell with the Predator is a good one. We aren’t expecting surprises, we know what the Predator’s people can do…so it is really about did they come up with a good story and execute it well. I feel like they did on both counts.

The film was full of captivating drama and action, it gave us enough of a sense to not really know how it would end throughout. We didn’t know how these folks with less technology would stand a chance against the predator. 

Dane DiLiegro as the Predator in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

I enjoyed this film a lot. I’m not entirely in love with it, but it is probably the best entry into the Predator franchise since the original. I really enjoyed seeing the intersection of scifi/fantasy and the old technology living of the Comanche Nation. 

This is a great popcorn film. 

THE LESSON

Never underestimate your opponent. 

If you won’t fight back, you may not be worth it.

THE FINAL WORD

The fifth installment of the Predator franchise is probably the best one in decades. Intense, action packed, and a creative 1717 Comanche Nation setting.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Prey gets a Like It

WHERE TO WATCH

Prey will be streaming on Hulu in the U.S. on Friday, August 5.

THE TRAILER

Review: Cha Cha Real Smooth

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
R ‧ Comedy/Drama ‧1 Hour 47 Minutes


Written by Cooper Raiff

Directed by ‎Cooper Raiff

THE CAST

Cooper Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Raúl Castillo, Odeya Rush, Evan Assante, Vanessa Burghardt, Brad Garrett, and Leslie Mann

THE STORY

(In their own words) A man who works as a bar mitzvah party host strikes up a unique friendship with a young woman and her teenage daughter.

THE REAL STORY

A young man who can’t help falling in too quickly gets caught up being a nice guy to a (slightly) older woman and tests his own boundaries and hers in this “coming of love” story. 

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

  1. The Direction – this is really hard to describe to people who haven’t worked on making a film, if the film isn’t stylized toward a particular director like Wes Anderson or unless the director is really known for things like making giant explosion films like Michael Bay.  Sometimes excellent directing is just because the director really knows how to work with a wonderful script and knows how to create the gorgeous moments between actors. That’s what this film does. Some of the best moments in the film happen between the lines. The silences in this film are incredibly rewarding. This film’s moments are handled with incredible care. There’s a delicate touch to the film as it is guided.  The director, who was also the star, really understands how to craft a story and how to draw the viewer into the scene without visually trickery.  
  1. The writing – It’s just so damn well written.  It’s the kind of film that I watch as a filmmaker and go “why can’t I do this.” I’m simultaneously jealous and inspired and in awe. It’s not a complex story but it tells a lot.  I almost would calling it a coming of age story, but the lead is too old for that. So I call it a “coming of love” story.  This film reminds me of the saying “do a simple story, really well.” Accomplished.   Also, it has so many great lines that I’ll be quoting for years. 
  2. The pacing – I know the film is paced really well and incredibly tight because I was shocked to discover the runtime was an hour forty-five. It flew by.
  3. Dakota Johnson – Her performance was so nuanced, subtle and strong in this film. Mark my words, she is going to get a bunch of nominations at the end of the year for best actress at awards shows. As a testament to her acting, her character was crossing some lines that I really felt she shouldn’t and would normally upset me,  but she managed to drum up so much empathy, I could let it go. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. Acting – I don’t have a lot of bad things to say about. the film, there are few weeks spots. I will say that when I found out the star of it, Cooper Raiff was also the director, I wasn’t surprised. I did unfortunately feel like he had the weakest performance in the film. He relied too much on constantly smiling as a reaction to everything.  Maybe this was a choice, but I kept thinking “that’s an odd choice. Why is he still smiling like that?”  I don’t think choices should be distracting.
  2. Apple Streaming – This isn’t really a fault of the film but rather of Apple TV+. They list the film as a comedy, in reality it is definitely more of a drama/comedy. Calling this a comedy was a little misleading for what I was expecting, though perhaps it did get me ready to laugh, which it did at times, but it is at very least a mixed genre film.

THE LESSON

Love is hard. 

Finding your soulmate doesn’t mean it will be easy. 

THE FINAL WORD

Cha Cha Smooth is funny, charming, and exceptionally directed film. It’s the kind of film that I love; one that focuses on a good story and acting. It examines flawed characters and gives us a better insight into what it is to be human. 

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

I give Cha Cha Real Smooth a Love It. 

WHERE TO WATCH

Cha Cha Real Smooth is streaming exclusively on Apple TV+

THE TRAILER

THE REVIEWER

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Review: Elvis

Elvis  (2022)
PG-13 ‧ Musical/Drama ‧ 2 hours 39 Minutes

Written by Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner

Directed by ‎Baz Luhrmann

THE CAST

 Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett, David Wenham, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Samuel, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

THE STORY

(In their own words) Elvis Presley rises to fame in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

THE BEST


The BEST things about the film

  1. Loved that this is one of the first films to really show how much Black music influenced Elvis by him growing up in the culture. 
  2. This first ½ of the film is filmmaking at its best.
  3. Tom Hanks is brilliant in his role as Colonel Tom Parker. Hanks has this amazing ability to draw us in to watch him in a film and then let us forget that it is him. 
  4. Cinematography is fantastic in this, the editing is wonderful. It really does a great job telling this story.
  5. Despite having seen a lot of films about Elvis, I feel like this film actually showed us a new story. 
  6. The pacing is great. It’s a long film but it  didn’t feel like it. 
  7. The music. You have to like the Elvis music style a little bit to enjoy this. But even outside of his singing there is a lot of rhythm and blues music, showing us what Elvis was influenced by. 
  8. It actually made me care about Elvis again, which I didn’t think would happen since I was twelve years old. 
  9. Austin Butler’s performance is an amazing impersonation of Elvis.
  10. This film finally got me to understand why girls went crazy for Elvis. The cinematography really created this understanding. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. It really glosses over some really bad stuff about Elvis – like how old Priscilla was when he married her, and his cheating on her while on the road.
  2. Some of the music choices, like including rap during his walking around the Black neighborhoods, didn’t work for me because they didn’t continue throughout.
  3. It suffers a typical problem of biopics, this film struggles in the third act trying to include his whole life. It would work better to just be a section of his life. 
  4. At no point did the film seem relevant to today. I kept asking, why this film? Why now? I really didn’t need this. 
  5. The music wasn’t that memorable and I would expect the Moulin Rouge director to do better with a piece like this.

THE LESSON

It doesn’t matter what you accomplish, if you are unhappy with yourself, you’ll never feel like you’ve done anything.

THE FINAL WORD

The first ½ of the film is worth the ticket price. This is an interesting take on Elvis but not one that feels especially poignant for today. 

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Elvis gets a Like It.

THE TRAILER



THE REVIEWER

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.