#Michael Sparaga

[awesomefridayca]

Podcast: Fallout & Humane

Greetings, programs! Join us this week for reviews of the new Amazon Prime adaptation of Fallout and then the new Canadian dystopian black comedy horror movie Humane, Caitlin Cronenberg’s feature directorial debut.   Continue reading Podcast: Fallout & Humane

[tinyreviews]

Tiny Review: Humane 2024. Intriguing mix of human psychology and environmental message.

I went into this with low expectations. I don’t particularly enjoy horror. But this pretty good, at least up until the end. And it isn’t really that horrible, more Purge-like.

Great characterizations. Intriguing premise. Good setups, tension, and turns. Recommended.

Humane is a 2024 horror thriller film directed by Caitlin Cronenberg, and written and produced by Michael Sparaga. It stars Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, Sebastian Chacon, Alanna Bale, Sirena Gulamgaus, Uni Park, Enrico Colantoni, and Peter Gallagher.

[themovieblogonline]

Humane Review: An Undercooked Horror Outing

Humane, a film blending the harrowing depths of horror with the emotive stirrings of family drama, arrives with a weighty premise tucked beneath its belt. Directed by Caitlin Cronenberg in what marks her debut in the arena of feature filmmaking, and penned by Michael Sparaga, this cinematic venture ambitiously tackles the globe’s looming nightmare: the climate crisis. Through a narrative scaffold that unfolds over the course of a singular, tension-filled day, the film ambitively peers into a near-future, mere months post a catastrophic ecological collapse. A premise that is ripe with potential yet, regrettably, it's the film's execution, not its concept, that stumbles and ultimately undermines its promising setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4b-OMLNWE0 Set against the backdrop of a world on the brink, Humane introduces us to Jared (played by Jay Baruchel), a recently retired newsman who, in the face of Earth’s desperate pleas, decides to enlist in the nation's newly instituted euthanasia program. This grave decision serves as the narrative fulcrum around which the film's thematic explorations pivot. Alongside Baruchel, the ensemble cast featuring Emily Hampshire as Rachel, Peter Gallagher as Charles, Enrico Colantoni as Bob, and Sebastian Chacon as Noah brings a blend of experience and fresh talent to the screen. Yet, despite these promising ingredients, the film’s flavor falls regrettably flat. One of Humane’s most palpable flaws lies in its narrative pacing. The storyline, although conceptually profound, meanders through its one-day timeline with an inconsistency that jars. Moments intended as climactic come across as underdeveloped or excessively rushed. They leave the audience adrift in a sea of unanswered questions and unexploited tension. For a film that aims to interweave the complexities of a family drama with the pulse-racing urgency of a horror thriller, Humane remarkably manages to dilute the impact of both genres. The film's attempt to address the climate crisis is commendable but heavy-handed, lacking emotional depth. The narrative becomes didactic instead of exploring characters' motivations and moral quagmires surrounding euthanasia. Despite the film’s thematic and narrative missteps, its technical execution—namely, Cronenberg’s direction and the cinematography—exhibits flashes of promise. The director skillfully uses close-ups and landscapes to emphasize isolation and despair. The visual choices show directorial sensitivity but would have been better with a tighter script and coherent narrative vision. Performance-wise, Jay Baruchel delivers a commendably restrained portrayal of Jared, a man teetering on the edge of despair and resolve. However, the script doesn't provide sufficient depth to fully leverage Baruchel’s capabilities, rendering Jared's emotional journey somewhat superficial. Emily Hampshire’s Rachel, while showing flashes of complexity, ultimately falls victim to the same fate. A character whose potential depth is skimmed rather than explored. The supporting cast brings gravitas to the screen. However, their characters similarly suffer from underdevelopment and a lack of substantive narrative arcs. Humane aims to echo the thematic resonance and socio-political commentary of classics in the horror-thriller genre. But, it lacks the narrative cohesion and emotional intelligence to fully realize its ambition. The film lightly touches on poignant themes but fails to explore ethical conundrums, resulting in an unsatisfying viewing experience. The movie’s score and sound design are, however, worthy of note. It manages to evoke a sense of impending doom and atmospheric tension that the narrative itself struggles to sustain. These elements are effective, but cannot save the film's broader issues. Humane is a film burdened by its ambitions. It's a project that, despite its promising premise and the urgent relevance of its thematic concerns, fails to deliver a coherent and compelling narrative experience. Caitlin Cronenberg shows potential for distinctive visual style and directorial flair. Humane, however, remains a testament to the challenges of translating high-concept thematic ambition into engaging, emotionally resonant cinema. Read the full article

[moviesandmania]

HUMANE Caitlin Cronenberg's dystopian satire - trailer and release news

Humane is a 2024 dystopian satire film that takes place months after a global ecological collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. The movie was directed by Caitlin Cronenberg from a screenplay by Michael Sparaga. The Canadian Victory Man Productions-Prospero Pictures production stars Jay Baruchel (This Is The End), Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s…

[andersonvision]

IFC Films, in collaboration with Shudder, AMC Networks’ premiere service for horror, thriller, and supernatural genres, is excited to announce the acquisition of U.S. rights for "Humane," the debut feature from Caitlin Cronenberg. This dystopian satire, poised to challenge and entertain, is set for an exclusive theatrical release on April 26, 2024, before becoming available for streaming later in the year. Canadian audiences can look forward to Elevation Pictures distributing the film within Canada. A Glimpse into "Humane" Shot in Hamilton, Ontario, "Humane" marks Cronenberg's directorial debut, with a screenplay produced by Victory Man Productions’ Michael Sparaga. The film stars Jay Baruchel ("Blackberry"), Emily Hampshire ("Schitt’s Creek"), and Peter Gallagher ("Grace and Frankie") and unfolds over one tumultuous day in the aftermath of a global ecological collapse. The narrative centers around a wealthy enclave where a retired newsman reveals his plans to his children about joining the nation’s new euthanasia program, a decision that spirals into unexpected chaos. Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks’ Film Group, expressed his enthusiasm for Cronenberg’s directorial debut, highlighting its timely and thought-provoking social critique. Emily Gotto, Shudder’s VP of Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions, also praised "Humane" for its intelligent humor and societal relevance, emphasizing the film’s exceptional performances. Caitlin Cronenberg shared her excitement about the collaboration with IFC Films and Shudder, noting their fearless support and deep understanding of the horror genre as key to bringing this unique, genre-bending film to a wider audience. Humane brings it to the screen "Humane" boasts a strong production team, including executive producers Martin Katz and Karen Wookey of Prospero Pictures, Todd Brown and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films, and Adrian Love and Laurie May of Elevation Pictures, with Noah Segal serving as the production supervisor. The film received support from Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and equity financiers Red Jar Capital, and was produced in association with Crave, a division of Bell Media. As the release date approaches, both film enthusiasts and critics alike eagerly await this daring exploration of a world on the brink of collapse and the extreme measures taken in the name of survival. "Humane" promises not only to captivate with its dark humor and thrilling narrative but also to spark conversation about our ecological future and the value of life itself. Don't miss the chance to experience Caitlin Cronenberg’s "Humane," a film that challenges conventions and invites viewers to ponder the costs of human progress.

[vivian-bell]

Kayak to Klemtu (2017)

Directed by Zoe Leigh Hopkins

Written by Scooter Corkle, Zoe Leigh Hopkins, and Michael Sparaga

Cinematography by Vince Arvidson

[blind-rats]

Who among us hasn’t watched a TV series and felt as if we had gotten to intimately know our favorite characters? Certain shows barely get the opportunity to “jump the shark” despite rabid, passionate fans like Dorothy Swanson, founder of Viewers for Quality Television, a grassroots nonprofit that organize advocacy efforts for shows the group collectively votes on.

Directed by Michael Sparaga, United We Fan is an energetic and interesting look at the culture of fandom from the grassroots efforts to save shows like Star Trek in the late 60s to modern activism taking place on Twitter and crowdfunding platforms that gave a second life to shows like Veronica Mars. United We Fan entertainingly cuts between fifty or so years of pop culture history informed by those that were there, from activists like Bjo and John Trimble (whose letter-writing campaign saved Star Trek) to showrunners who grapple with creative instincts that may be at odds with the wishes of fans.

For some, it is personal and political, like Kaily Russell, a devote of CBS’s Person of Interest, a cyber crime drama that unintentionally evolved to feature a lesbian duo when the two actresses and writers created a steamy scene full of innuendo. Russell laments the phenomena of “queer-baiting” that is roping viewers in with LGBTQ content only to have the rug pulled out with unauthentic stories that use gay characters as creative pawns.

Sparaga’s subjects document the dysfunction of grassroots advocacy as two housewives who’ve never met before, Donna Deen and Dorothy Swanson, formalize the organization VQT from a grassroots effort into a nonprofit with a membership structure and revenue stream. VQT becomes sought-after, launching a convention and awards ceremony offering A-listers, network executives, and couch potatoes the opportunity to mingle and learn from each other.

The relationship isn’t always so cozy as Quantum Leap creator Barry Rosenzweig first advised VQT’s early efforts later feels slighted by certain editorial decisions made by Swanson. Not every show can be a winner as Designing Woman’s Harry Thomason soon too finds out.

Exploring the relationship between the stars and their fans, United We Fan features many anecdotes about creative campaigns including letters, merchandise–featuring nuts, bottles of Tabasco, mini-footballs, and Mars Bars–and patronage of prominent sponsors as talent seeks to create a two-way street between fans and the shows on social media and even the occasional stunt.

United We Fan covers a tremendous amount of ground, from series that were saved like Star Trek that went on to become enormously loved pieces of IP for their fans and studios to those that were a bit more niche and found new homes on streaming platforms. Some, like the unusual case of Veronica Mars, live on as films with fans offering to offset the financial risk via Kickstarter.

The film offers perhaps one too many anecdotes, jumping between advocacy and cultural criticism. Where it is perhaps most interesting is in its exploration of what fans project onto these beloved characters. VQT’s origin story and Daily Russell’s feelings towards Person Of Interest make for the documentary’s most compelling parts as fans and creators seem to cross a line that’s becoming increasingly blurry thanks to social media hashtags. VQT also enjoyed a close relationship with certain creators they patronized and supported.

However, the tension United We Fan most fascinatingly documents are creative: if a showrunner gives in to fan requests do they cease creative control or has the story simply evolved as it does over multiple arcs? Russell and the show-runners of Person of Interest agree to disagree on this front.

[tvguidancecounselor]

(Ken Reid Comedian)

[themanwhoatethetown]

@RiverRun presents #TheMissingIngredient and this is my review.

I was given the opportunity to screen and review a film for the RiverRun International Film Festival. You may ask yourself, why am I reading a movie review on a food blog? Well, it’s because the film is about food, sort of. It’s about two restaurants in New York City; one that was an “institution” and well known with a large repeat clientele and one that is newer, still trying to find its place…

[themovieblogonline]

Humane Review: An Undercooked Horror Outing

Humane, a film blending the harrowing depths of horror with the emotive stirrings of family drama, arrives with a weighty premise tucked beneath its belt. Directed by Caitlin Cronenberg in what marks her debut in the arena of feature filmmaking, and penned by Michael Sparaga, this cinematic venture ambitiously tackles the globe’s looming nightmare: the climate crisis. Through a narrative scaffold that unfolds over the course of a singular, tension-filled day, the film ambitively peers into a near-future, mere months post a catastrophic ecological collapse. A premise that is ripe with potential yet, regrettably, it's the film's execution, not its concept, that stumbles and ultimately undermines its promising setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4b-OMLNWE0 Set against the backdrop of a world on the brink, Humane introduces us to Jared (played by Jay Baruchel), a recently retired newsman who, in the face of Earth’s desperate pleas, decides to enlist in the nation's newly instituted euthanasia program. This grave decision serves as the narrative fulcrum around which the film's thematic explorations pivot. Alongside Baruchel, the ensemble cast featuring Emily Hampshire as Rachel, Peter Gallagher as Charles, Enrico Colantoni as Bob, and Sebastian Chacon as Noah brings a blend of experience and fresh talent to the screen. Yet, despite these promising ingredients, the film’s flavor falls regrettably flat. One of Humane’s most palpable flaws lies in its narrative pacing. The storyline, although conceptually profound, meanders through its one-day timeline with an inconsistency that jars. Moments intended as climactic come across as underdeveloped or excessively rushed. They leave the audience adrift in a sea of unanswered questions and unexploited tension. For a film that aims to interweave the complexities of a family drama with the pulse-racing urgency of a horror thriller, Humane remarkably manages to dilute the impact of both genres. The film's attempt to address the climate crisis is commendable but heavy-handed, lacking emotional depth. The narrative becomes didactic instead of exploring characters' motivations and moral quagmires surrounding euthanasia. Despite the film’s thematic and narrative missteps, its technical execution—namely, Cronenberg’s direction and the cinematography—exhibits flashes of promise. The director skillfully uses close-ups and landscapes to emphasize isolation and despair. The visual choices show directorial sensitivity but would have been better with a tighter script and coherent narrative vision. Performance-wise, Jay Baruchel delivers a commendably restrained portrayal of Jared, a man teetering on the edge of despair and resolve. However, the script doesn't provide sufficient depth to fully leverage Baruchel’s capabilities, rendering Jared's emotional journey somewhat superficial. Emily Hampshire’s Rachel, while showing flashes of complexity, ultimately falls victim to the same fate. A character whose potential depth is skimmed rather than explored. The supporting cast brings gravitas to the screen. However, their characters similarly suffer from underdevelopment and a lack of substantive narrative arcs. Humane aims to echo the thematic resonance and socio-political commentary of classics in the horror-thriller genre. But, it lacks the narrative cohesion and emotional intelligence to fully realize its ambition. The film lightly touches on poignant themes but fails to explore ethical conundrums, resulting in an unsatisfying viewing experience. The movie’s score and sound design are, however, worthy of note. It manages to evoke a sense of impending doom and atmospheric tension that the narrative itself struggles to sustain. These elements are effective, but cannot save the film's broader issues. Humane is a film burdened by its ambitions. It's a project that, despite its promising premise and the urgent relevance of its thematic concerns, fails to deliver a coherent and compelling narrative experience. Caitlin Cronenberg shows potential for distinctive visual style and directorial flair. Humane, however, remains a testament to the challenges of translating high-concept thematic ambition into engaging, emotionally resonant cinema. Read the full article

[tvguidancecounselor]

TV Guidance Counselor Episode 328.5: "United We Fan"'s Michael Sparaga & Dorothy Swanson

Today Ken welcomes the director of the new documentary "United We Fan" Michael Sparaga, as well as the star of the doc, Dorothy Swanson.

Ken Michael and Dorothy talk about grass roots movements, the importance of television, saving "Crime Story", Cagney and Lacey, hunting down TV contacts, watching things together alone, Niagara Falls Canada, The Story of Viewers For Quality Television, being a professional fan activist, Frank's Place, the importance of representation, DVRing Law and Order and Blue Bloods, Designing Women, The Q Awards, Person of Interest, Chuck fans, Star Trek, The Famous Teddy Z, Hugh Wilson, forgetting about your monthly subscriptions, TV Guide, educating yourself on ratings, learning the business of the business, having too much access, Rob Thomas, turning yourself off from access, fans not knowing what is best for them, Linda Ellerbee, saving shows that don't get saved, the changing world of niche audience, Netflix, losing the cast and crew if you wait too long, the lack of a true "TV Season", never revisiting shows, re-watching Fraiser, how binging kills fandom in some days, wishing you didn't save Beauty and the Beast, Ken's disappointment with the never made season 2s of My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks, the wonders of SuperChannel, SCTV, interviewing Scott Bakula and how big stars are incredibly grateful for Dorothy's work.

Check out this episode!

[themanwhoatethetown]

A Movie Review: The Missing Ingredient

@RiverRun shows #TheMissingIngredient. This is my foodie film review

I was given the opportunity to screen and review a film for the RiverRun International Film Festival. You may ask yourself, why am I reading a movie review on a food blog? Well, it’s because the film is about food, sort of. It’s about two restaurants in New York City; one that was an “institution” and well known with a large repeat clientele and one that is newer, still trying to find its place…