Greetings!  There are two new films in theatres this weekend plus calls for entries that should excite local filmmakers.  Please subscribe to this and the Vintage Vinyl page.  It's free to have both emailed directly into your life and your comments are always welcome.  SPECIAL NOTE:  The entire photographs are not being shown as the new format for examiner.com is being perfected.  The over-worked but much appreciated staff at examiner.com is correcting this and your patience is appreciated more than you know.  All good things take time and the results will be spectacular.  Thank you!

NEW IN THEATRES, FRI., AUG. 27, 2010:

1)  "THE LAST EXORCISM": from Lionsgate.  Director: Daniel Stamm.  Screenwriters: Huck Botko, Andrew Garland.  Stars: Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell.

Horror: PG 13 (disturbing content, terror, sexual references, thematic material)

The Rev. Cotton Marcus is a bit of a shakedown artist whose conscience is coming to life.  He is hired to perform an exorcism in rural Louisiana which he intends to film as his 'last exorcism'.  It's all supposed to be very routine but you know what they say about the best laid plans.  Apparently, Satan and/or one of his minions is being Mr. Crankypants and the Rev. and his film crew have a very bad day.  Depending on what you consider scary these days, this might be interesting...or just another reason for you to be Mr. Crankypants having spent ten bucks for more rubbish.

2)  "TAKERS":  from Screen Gems (Sony).  Director: John Luessenhop.  Screenwriters: Peter Allen, Gabriel Casseus, Avery Duff, John Luessenhop.  Stars: Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez, Tip Harris, Michael Ealy, Hayden Christensen.

Action: PG 13 (intense violence, a sexual situation/partial nudity, language).

Matt Dillon plays a hardened detective on the trail of a group of criminals who pull off perfect heists.  This is Luessenhop's first feature film.  Matt Dillon is always entertaining.  He's not quite as over-the-top as Johnny Depp but he always brings something unique to his characters.  Like Depp, Dillon is not afraid to try something new or be a bit unusual-a very cool approach to acting.  At the very least, there are no overly-made-up zombies, pretentious vampires or 3D effects so it's already that much better.

NEW ON DVD, TUES., AUG. 31:

1) "MARMADUKE".  This is just plain old fun-a classic one-panel comic brought to life.  It will be available cheap just about everywhere.  Try not to spend more than twelve bucks for it.

CALLS FOR ENTRIES: FILMANTHROPIST PROJECT: DEADLINE-DEC. 1.  Co-sponsored by IFP MN for its 3rd year, this event highlights positive stories in our communities.  Local filmmakers, all skill levels, are invited to create 3-5 minute shorts.  They must document positive or philanthropic people, organizations or events while focusing on one individual's work.  Cash and prizes for the top 3 entries; top 10 entries to be screened at family-friendly awards event in Dec.  Visit the website linked below for fees, details and downloadable forms.  www.filmanthropistproject.org

CALLS FOR ENTRIES: REMINDER: SHAMROCK FILM FESTIVAL.  Early bird submission deadline is Sept. 5.  Final deadline is Sept. 27.  Event opens on Oct. 7.  Please visit their very entertaining website for all the info and a chance to view previous entries.  This will be a good time for local filmmakers.  www.shamrockfilmfest.com