Synopsis: "Brooklyn Castle" tells the stories of five members of the chess team at a below-the-poverty-line inner city junior high school that has won more national championships than any other in the country. The film follows the challenges these kids face in their personal lives as well as on the chessboard, and is as much about the sting of their losses as it is about the anticipation of their victories. Ironically, the biggest obstacle thrust upon them arises not from other competitors but from recessionary budget cuts to all the extracurricular activities at their school. BROOKLYN CASTLE shows how these kids’ dedication to chess magnifies their belief in what is possible for their lives. After all, if they can master the world’s most difficult game, what can’t they do? [Synopsis courtesy of official Facebook]
First off: big thanks to Katie for taking over last week! In that spirit of camaraderie, we suggest you round up a few friends and head out to the multiplex (or art house; we're not picky). You’re in for a round of scares, laughs, tears, and karate chops to the face. Also, Tyler Perry appears on scr...
Read More »While sports might rule school elsewhere in New York City, in the borough of Brooklyn at I.S. 318, chess is the game that all the cool kids play. Home to a program that has put together teams who have won numerous championships and developed some of the best players the country has seen, the upcomin...
Read More »It's hard to emphasize just how important after school programs are in keeping kids off the streets, being productive and in an environment where they can continue to learn, flourish and grow with their peers. And while for the most part these programs tend to put the focus on the arts and sport...
Read More »It seems producer Scott Rudin has had a thing for documentaries lately. Back in January at Sundance, the acclaimed, Oscar winning producer picked up the remake rights to the buzzed about video game documentary "Indie Game: The Movie," and now at SXSW, he's swooped in on another doc hop...
Read More »This weekend, you can see Tyler Perry's attempt at movie-stardom (sans the Medea drag getup) in "Alex Cross," which is being slaughtered by critics...
Read More »This weekly column is intended to provide reviews of nearly every new indie release (and, in certain cases, studio films). Specific release dates and distributor information follow each review.
Read More »It is often said that soccer is the world's game, because all you need is a ball, and anybody -- of any race or class or social standing -- can play. But if there was a close second, chess could arguably fill that slot. All you need is a board and someone to play with and you're good to go, and ther...
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