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Ben Banks (film)

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Wikipedia article




'Ben Banks' is a 2012 independent American comedy-drama and the directorial debut of Bryce Clark. The film stars Mischa Barton, Melora Hardin and Katharine Towne. The film is also being marketed as 'Beauty and the Least' in some international territories and for the US video release.[http://blog.benbanksthemovie.com/ DISTRIBUTION more] Ben Banks the blog. 1 February 2012 The film received a limited theatrical release in the United States on 7 December 2012.[http://blog.benbanksthemovie.com/ Ben Banks - U.S. Theatrical Release] Ben Banks - the movie. 31 October 2012

Plot



Ben Banks, the 28-year-old journalism student, is a stoner who constantly avoids responsibility and happens to be on the 12-year plan at the local two-year community college. Ben Banks, the movie, asks: What would it take to awaken ambition in this guy? The answer: A local conspiracy, a dead body, and a gorgeous woman (Mischa Barton) with a troubled past.[http://benbanksthemovie.com/#/page/2a36/about/ About] Ben Banks - the movie. Retrieved on 1 December 2012[http://m.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100815/LIFESTYLE/8150332/1024&template=wapart Filmmakers shooting 'Ben Banks' in St. George] Spectrum. Retrieved on 8 September 2010[http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2010/09/05/sundance-hopeful-filmed-in-st-george-2/ Sundance Hopeful Filmed in St. George] St. George Utah. 5 September 2010

Cast



*Mischa Barton as Amy

*Melora Hardin as Mary Andrews

*Katharine Towne as Erin Parker

*David Sullivan as Glenn Ambers

*Kim Huffman as Fran Banks

*Ben Banks as Ben Banks

*Sal Masekela as Hank Ashby

*Ben Lyons as Vernon

*Michael Hobert as Greg Timmons

*Alex Beh as Gunner Smith

*Cyle West as Ezra

Production



The film is based on a junior communication major at Dixie State College of Utah, Ben Banks,[http://www.dixiesunlink.com/a-e/dsc-student-stars-in-title-role-of-ben-banks-the-movie-1.1547693 DSC student stars in title role of 'Ben Banks: The Movie' ] Dixie Sun. 31 August 2010 a real-life acquaintance of Clark. They had worked together on a commercial and Banks made an impression on the filmmaker. Banks later shared stories of his life experience and Clark developed these into a fact and fiction based screenplay. Ben Banks plays himself in the movie.

The film has a subtle religious theme that reflects Clark's own experience of leaving and coming back to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and his struggle to find acceptance.

Along with Justin Lyon (producer), Jason deVilliers (editor), and Richard Bennett (designer), Clark is a partner in StoryLand Entertainment, a production company.

It was primarily filmed in St. George, Utah and the Las Vegas Valley. Scenes were also shot at Utah Tech University(formerly Dixie State). Filming completed at the end of August 2010.

Release

In October 2011, the producers revealed that they were seeking distribution and are exploring alternative models such as online streaming, VOD, iTunes, Netflix, Redbox and Hulu.[http://blog.benbanksthemovie.com/ Ben Banks distribution] 18 October 2011

On 31 October 2012, it was announced that the film would receive a limited release in the United States. It was released at Utah Multiplexes on 7 December 2012, in St. George, Cedar City and South Jordan.

Reception



The film has received a modest critical reception. 'The St. George Spectrum' gave it a "B" commending it for its moral boost at the end.[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ben_banks_2012/#contentReviews BEN BANKS] St. George Spectrum. 8 December 2012 'The Sun Independent,' another St George newspaper, gave the film 3 and a half stars and felt that the film works well as a comedy. The reviewer describes the film as an affectionate (and beautifully shot) comedy, and it represents the spirit of independent filmmaking in its purest form.[http://www.suindependent.com/article/Movies/4043/ BEN BANKS] The Sun Independent. 5 December 2012 'The Salt Lake Tribune' in an open letter to the director, Bryce Clark, encouraged Clark to continue filmmaking while praising his direction and Barton's charming performance, though ultimately giving the film a failing review, criticizing the disjointed script.[http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment2/55400882-223/ben-banks-bryce-barton.html.csp Movie review: Utah-made stoner comedy Ben Banks is too disjointed] The Salt Lake Tribune. 6 December 2012

References




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