Tag: Film

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Film was a breath of fresh air….

Finally, an adult romantic comedy which examines the state of modern male/female relationships, through the male perspective. In Alex Ranarivelo’s film, Knuckle Draggers starring Ross McCall, Paul J. Alessi, Cuba Gooding Jr., Danielle Nicolet, Jennifer Alden and Amie Barksy, we see what couples actually want versus what they need, and how their needs may not have evolved much from those of our caveman ancestors.

This indie film was a breath of fresh air, especially watching each characters “evolve” throughout the movie. It works outside of mainstream but still has the… READ MORE

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A film that is very mainstream and mature in its sensibilities

Greg Wright’s (Past The Popcorn) Knuckle Draggers Movie Review

The spirit of Barry Levinson is apparently alive and well… and living in L.A.

A cadre filmmakers led by east coast expatriates has been working together on low-budget projects for a number of years and has now turned out a romantic comedy as engaging (and still relatively wholesome and endearing!) as anything I’ve seen since, frankly, Diner. The ensemble cast is led by producers Paul J. Alessi (raised in Queens) and Amie Barksy (New Jersey); crewmembers Reuben Steinberg (cinematography) and writer/director Alex Ranarivelo are veterans of several Alessi/Barksy-produced films; and also along for more than their first ride with the producers are supporting players Brandon Olive, Karrie MacLaine, James D. Owens… and others, I’m sure.

To date, Alessi and Barsky’s oeuvre has been shorts; but clearly, they’ve not only been learning the ropes as they’ve worked their way up to their first feature-length production, they’ve also been having fun and building up a solid core of professionals with whom to work consistently. That investment has paid off, and the newcomers to the crew blend in seamlessly. I wouldn’t mind working with these folks, either, if I were in the biz—and I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing a lot more of these characters.

I also expect I’ll be watching Knuckle Draggers a few more times over the years. Hopefully, you’ll be able to as well!

At the … READ MORE

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Knuckle Draggers Review by Hey U Guys…

Setting up stall in the crowded rom-com market is a difficult task.

The problem facing writer/director Alex Ranarivelo is how to make your commentary on relationships speak to the audience; to make your voice heard above the myriad other groups of pretty, commitment phobic thirty-somethings trying to work their lives out.

Ranarivelo’s answer is simple: character. And this is how he, and the film, succeeds.

Knuckle Draggers is a 2009 film from Partners in Crime Films and it is an excellent way to spend an evening. Do not give in to your preconceptions of Indie Romance(TM) and let this charming film work its spell. It is surprising because it succeeds in building up the prejudices and stereotypes inherent in the genre before pulling the rug from under our feet. Don’t get me wrong – the … READ MORE

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Exclusive Interview: Star/Producer Paul Alessi Talks KNUCKLE DRAGGERS…

By Ramas Screen

Last week I got to interview actor/producer Paul Alessi about his new movie KNUCKLE DRAGGERS. It’s a hilarious comedy that Rama’s SCREEN has been telling all of you to go check it tout. I reviewed it a while back and the the story is about Ethan, who gets dumped because he wasn’t able to provide his fiancée with the stable life her friends were living. Desperate to get her back, he seeks help from his older brother Kyle, a tough talking sexist who seems to have a way with the ladies. Paul and I talked about the casting, production, the characters, his upcoming projects and Comic-Con. Thanks to Wendy for making this possible. Check out the full interview after the jump..

RS: So explain how you and director Alex Ranarivelo got this project up and running? What’s the story behind the movie KNUCKLE DRAGGERS?… READ MORE