‘Dare’ (2009): Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer Star in ‘Challengers’ for Theater Kids
On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Discovering the Power of a Dick… Ahead of Its Time
Non-monogamy became a common topic of conversation this spring as Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” made any mention of pro tennis the conversational equivalent of a three-way sex invite.
On dating apps, searches for “open relationships” continued to rise in popularity just as reality television embraced multi-partnered dynamics through shows like Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple.” Even in 2024, polyamory isn’t outright “mainstream” by any stretch of the imagination(s). But as far as contemporary relationships are concerned, the “three’s...
- 5/11/2024
- by Alison Foreman and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Mitchell Lichtenstein’s cult classic “Teeth” sure still has bite. As “Teeth” celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, it’s only fitting to look back on the legacy of the “vagina dentata” origin story. Written and directed by Lichtenstein, “Teeth” stars Jess Weixler as Dawn, a high school student who has committed her body to the Promise, an abstinence group that preaches on the unlawful act of sex.
The at-times outrageously campy film has a foreboding score reminiscent of “The Room” crossed with a misplaced fever dream ode to John Carpenter, framing Dawn’s dedication to keeping herself pure like a character trait one of the many victims of a slasher may have. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed virgin has a distinct memory of being digitally penetrated by her creepy step-brother as a child…and let’s just say, neither of them forget it.
Is Dawn our final girl? Not quite.
As a high schooler,...
The at-times outrageously campy film has a foreboding score reminiscent of “The Room” crossed with a misplaced fever dream ode to John Carpenter, framing Dawn’s dedication to keeping herself pure like a character trait one of the many victims of a slasher may have. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed virgin has a distinct memory of being digitally penetrated by her creepy step-brother as a child…and let’s just say, neither of them forget it.
Is Dawn our final girl? Not quite.
As a high schooler,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Some web series are impossible not to like. Whether through their charming characters or original scripts, they exude charm and transmit good vibrations to the viewer.
The Impossibilities is one of those series. Anna Kerrigan’s eight-episode series about the friendship between a magician and a yoga instructor hits plenty of appealing notes and gives its viewers ample reason to keep watching.
The stars of The Impossibilities are Ashley Springer, who plays Harry the magician, and Kati Rediger, who plays Willa the yogi. Both actors have professional experience with the jobs they are performing, and The Impossibilities uses that fact to its advantage. At the beginning of each episode, for example, Springer performs a magic trick, which serves as an amusing appetizer for the episode to come.
At its core, The Impossibilities is the story of a friendship between a man and woman who are both trying to find their way in the world.
The Impossibilities is one of those series. Anna Kerrigan’s eight-episode series about the friendship between a magician and a yoga instructor hits plenty of appealing notes and gives its viewers ample reason to keep watching.
The stars of The Impossibilities are Ashley Springer, who plays Harry the magician, and Kati Rediger, who plays Willa the yogi. Both actors have professional experience with the jobs they are performing, and The Impossibilities uses that fact to its advantage. At the beginning of each episode, for example, Springer performs a magic trick, which serves as an amusing appetizer for the episode to come.
At its core, The Impossibilities is the story of a friendship between a man and woman who are both trying to find their way in the world.
- 6/5/2015
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
In the winter of 2014, during the polar vortex in NYC, I walked into a restaurant called Freeman's on the Lower East Side. A friend of mine was late for lunch, and as I sat there waiting, I struck up a conversation with the very tall, friendly hostess who I swore I recognized from somewhere. It was Kati Rediger, a brilliant actress, whom I had almost cast as the lead in my play "The Talls" a few years earlier. I don't believe in fate but…well, okay, maybe I do. That chance meeting set one of my favorite creative collaborations in motion. Read More: 'High Maintenance' Creators on Short Filmmaking Opportunities Online Kati and her then fiancée, now husband, Ashley Springer, wanted to make a short film that showcased Ashley's magic abilities. (Ashley has acted in a bunch of indies as an adult, but as a kid he was a straight-up magician prodigy.
- 5/13/2015
- by Anna Kerrigan
- Indiewire
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Don't get me wrong... guys can be hellish too, but anyone who has ever had a run-in with a vengeful loony with a vagina can attest to this fact. Case in point: the latest "devilish noir" flick to head our way, A Wife Alone.
The film will be available through major cable/satellite and On Demand enabled platforms across the United States on June 10th.
From the Press Release
A feature film by Justin Reichman, A Wife Alone is a dark psychological thriller about an ill-fated marriage in the suburbs of upstate New York. The plot centers around Jane, an attractive young bride who marries a naive investment banker named Park, desperate to marry before his 30th birthday.
The young, ostensibly happy couple buys a quaint house in a nice neighborhood and settles into the suburban dream before a visit to Park's godparents,...
The film will be available through major cable/satellite and On Demand enabled platforms across the United States on June 10th.
From the Press Release
A feature film by Justin Reichman, A Wife Alone is a dark psychological thriller about an ill-fated marriage in the suburbs of upstate New York. The plot centers around Jane, an attractive young bride who marries a naive investment banker named Park, desperate to marry before his 30th birthday.
The young, ostensibly happy couple buys a quaint house in a nice neighborhood and settles into the suburban dream before a visit to Park's godparents,...
- 5/15/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Title: Downtown Express Director: David Grubin Starring: Philippe Quint, Nellie McKay, Michael Cumpsty, Ashley Springer, Carolyn McCormick An old-fashioned, squarely sentimental immigrants’ tale that marries a familiar story of generational rebellion to the New York hipster fusion music scene, director David Grubin’s “Downtown Express” is a wide-eyed if not particularly adroit charmer. If its awkward cycling through various stodgy subplots and general lack of a more starkly defined contrast and stakes mark it as somewhat lazy and functional on a narrative level, its relative freshness of setting — as well as the fact that its music absolutely sings — makes the movie a marginal recommendation for those with an interest in musically-focused cinema. The [ Read More ]...
- 8/24/2012
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
It’s amazing to think what a difference 5 years and an extra 76 minutes can make. Adam Salky's Dare (2009) originally began life as a 16 minute short before evolving into its final feature form. It tells the tale of awkward drama wannabe Alexa (Emmy Rossum), closet gay lighting technician Ben (Ashley Springer) and standard "hottie" (Zach Gilford) who, while working on a school production of A Street Car Named Desire, fall into a bizarre love triangle that tests the boundaries of friendship, lust and forbidden love.
Described as a “John Hughes-esque story”, Dare is unfortunately devoid of engaging characters, clever and believable dialogue and/or a narrative that draws an audience in on any sort of emotional level. The film we get instead is boring, badly written, and so self indulgent that it doesn’t seem to know where the line between social commentary and plain pomposity lies.
None of Dare's characters are engaging.
Described as a “John Hughes-esque story”, Dare is unfortunately devoid of engaging characters, clever and believable dialogue and/or a narrative that draws an audience in on any sort of emotional level. The film we get instead is boring, badly written, and so self indulgent that it doesn’t seem to know where the line between social commentary and plain pomposity lies.
None of Dare's characters are engaging.
- 2/1/2011
- by Cine-Vue
- CineVue
Allison Strong, Union City, N.J.Constant pouting, spastic crying spells, and the occasional desire to croon to “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter. If you're under 20 and suffering from these symptoms, you may be experiencing a midteen crisis: the heartbreaking realization that you've hit puberty and still aren't starring in your own Disney show. You may feel like you've been hit by a speeding double-decker bus, but you're really just moping on the couch surrounded by empty chocolate wrappers. I know this because I've been there. I had my first catastrophe at 14 years old: An agent came to my high school production of “Once on This Island” and requested an appointment with me. Hopeful that this was my big break into the industry, I walked into the agent's office, enthusiastically performed a song from “Wicked,” did my best reading of the sides provided, and didn't get signed. She explained that...
- 7/4/2010
- backstage.com
"Friday Night Lights'" Zach Gilford has been making incremental progress in his effort to jump from the small screen to the big, starting (more or less) with last year's fairly terrible Post-Grad opposite Alexis Bledel. My guess is that he's also trying to shed his stammering Cusackian persona, too. In Adam Salky's tepid Dare (out on DVD today), Gilford plays Johnny, a high-school bad boy who gets caught in a love triangle with one male and one female classmate.
Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon) has her own child-actor reputation to work off, too. In Dare, she plays Alexa, a nerdy drama student with virginity to spare, who -- after a brief conversation with a real actor (a one-scene turn from Alan Cumming, which is the highlight of the movie) -- decides to undergo her own She's All That fuck-me-boot-girl transformation, achieving her ultimate Blanche DuBoisian goal...
Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon) has her own child-actor reputation to work off, too. In Dare, she plays Alexa, a nerdy drama student with virginity to spare, who -- after a brief conversation with a real actor (a one-scene turn from Alan Cumming, which is the highlight of the movie) -- decides to undergo her own She's All That fuck-me-boot-girl transformation, achieving her ultimate Blanche DuBoisian goal...
- 2/9/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
Writer/Director team David Brind and Adam Salky were the belles of the ball at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah last year. The team who met at Columbia Film School brought their prized possession, Dare (2009) starring Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer to the event. The film was hailed as of the greats of Sundance and fans were dying to get a chance to see the challenging, daring, and heartwarming film that Sundance fell in love with. Dare (2009) opens November 13th and it is not your typical high school film; it is a film about three students who have eye-opening, self-exploration through their adolescence. PopStar spoke with star Zach Gilford about getting involved in the project, how sterotypes affected his own life, and of course we had to squeeze some Friday Night Lights (TV) info out of him. This is such a great story, can you...
- 11/14/2009
- by cjoyce@corp.popstar.com (Colleen Joyce)
- ScreenStar
Three typical high school students come together in a timeless story about overcoming stereotypes, self exploration and sexual boundaries in the new film Dare (2009). The funny new film, stars, The amazingly talented The Phantom of the Opera (2004) songstress Emmy Rossum, Friday Night Lights (TV) stud Zach Gilford and newcomer Ashley Springer. The tag line for this Dare is "Do Something You're Afraid Of." Together the bookish Alexa (Rossum), loner Ben (Springer) and handsome Johnny (Gilford) embark on a journey through the darkest, the funniest and the most awkward parts of adolescence. Opening November 13th, Dare (2009) pushes viewers to open their minds in a remarkable tale of self-examination. PopStar spoke with leading lady Emmy Rossum who educated us on the back story of this film, spilled the beans when it came to her love scenes, and of course talks Twitter. Your new film Dare is more than just a film; it brings to life the issues,...
- 11/14/2009
- by cjoyce@corp.popstar.com (Colleen Joyce)
- ScreenStar
Why, hello, folks! Another week means another week closer to December, which means it’s another week closer to Oscar bait movies. Aren’t you curious? I know you are, so let’s begin!
First up, we have 2012. It’s one of those natural disaster movies, but this time, on a global scale. The whole thing is based on the end of the world that in turn is based on the Mayan calendar. Expect super visual effects in the likes of things blowing up, giant tsunamis, raining meteors, skyscrapers collapsing, and Godzilla. Oh wait, scratch that last one.
Okay, sure this isn’t Oscar bait. But still, if you’re feeling like July in November, go for it! Oh, yeah, 2012 stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oliver Platt, and Amanda Peet.
The second of the two wide releases this week is Pirate Radio. In the 1960s, a bunch of DJs went on a boat,...
First up, we have 2012. It’s one of those natural disaster movies, but this time, on a global scale. The whole thing is based on the end of the world that in turn is based on the Mayan calendar. Expect super visual effects in the likes of things blowing up, giant tsunamis, raining meteors, skyscrapers collapsing, and Godzilla. Oh wait, scratch that last one.
Okay, sure this isn’t Oscar bait. But still, if you’re feeling like July in November, go for it! Oh, yeah, 2012 stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oliver Platt, and Amanda Peet.
The second of the two wide releases this week is Pirate Radio. In the 1960s, a bunch of DJs went on a boat,...
- 11/12/2009
- by Raiden251
- The Backlot
After a slot in competition at Sundance and a closing night screening at Outfest, Image Entertainment is bringing Adam Salky’s “Dare” to Us theaters in limited release this week. The high school drama stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer as last-semester seniors who experiment with each other and their own identities. Rossum is the theater geek; Gilford, the jock, and Springer the gay teen investigating his sexuality. The film …...
- 11/12/2009
- Indiewire
There are two new clips in from Image Entertainment's "Dare," starring Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Check out the new clips here. Also, visit our "Dare" group for more clips we've added previously. "Dare" follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults. Director Adam Salky and writer David Brind takes us into some uncharted territory...
- 11/12/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
How could I possibly missed this? You should watch the trailer for Dare - Emmy Rossum (The Phantom of the Opera, Day After Tomorrow) is awesome! Also watch out for Rooney Mara, she's also in Tanner Hall and Youth in Revolt.
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- 11/12/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
How could I possibly missed this? You should watch the trailer for Dare - Emmy Rossum (The Phantom of the Opera, Day After Tomorrow) is awesome! Also watch out for Rooney Mara, she's also in Tanner Hall and Youth in Revolt.
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- 11/12/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
How could I possibly missed this? You should watch the trailer for Dare - Emmy Rossum (The Phantom of the Opera, Day After Tomorrow) is awesome! Also watch out for Rooney Mara, she's also in Tanner Hall and Youth in Revolt.
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- 11/12/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
How could I possibly missed this? You should watch the trailer for Dare - Emmy Rossum (The Phantom of the Opera, Day After Tomorrow) is awesome! Also watch out for Rooney Mara, she's also in Tanner Hall and Youth in Revolt.
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- - -
- - - More about the movie and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - - About the Movie: Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Zach Gilford (TV's Friday Night Lights) and Ashley Springer (Teeth) head up a stellar cast including Ana Gasteyer (Mean Girls), Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street), comedienne Sandra Bernhard (TV's Roseanne) and Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United) in this captivating story of high school seniors at the crossroads of their adult lives.
When a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Gilford). Envious,...
- 11/12/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
(L to r) Ashley Springer, Emmy Rossum and Zach Gilford in Dare
One of the great lessons of adulthood is that adolescence sucks for pretty much everyone. Whether you’re the nerd working the lights for the drama club, the golden boy with the big house and the often-absent parents or the Type-a, hard-working good girl, the teen years are a nightmare of self-doubt, identity confusion and hormonal imbalances.
Writer David Brind and director Adam Salky don’t sugarcoat adolescent anxiety in Dare, their new feature based on their short film of the same name, even though the action plays out in a leafy suburb populated with spacious, well-appointed homes.
The film’s central triangle involves Alexa (Emmy Rossum), who’s got aspirations of being an actress; nerdy Ben (Ashley Springer), her lifelong pal who’s otherwise a friendless loner; and handsome Johnny (Zach Gilford, Friday Night Lights), whose encounter...
One of the great lessons of adulthood is that adolescence sucks for pretty much everyone. Whether you’re the nerd working the lights for the drama club, the golden boy with the big house and the often-absent parents or the Type-a, hard-working good girl, the teen years are a nightmare of self-doubt, identity confusion and hormonal imbalances.
Writer David Brind and director Adam Salky don’t sugarcoat adolescent anxiety in Dare, their new feature based on their short film of the same name, even though the action plays out in a leafy suburb populated with spacious, well-appointed homes.
The film’s central triangle involves Alexa (Emmy Rossum), who’s got aspirations of being an actress; nerdy Ben (Ashley Springer), her lifelong pal who’s otherwise a friendless loner; and handsome Johnny (Zach Gilford, Friday Night Lights), whose encounter...
- 11/11/2009
- by alonsoduralde
- The Backlot
Richard Curtis sets out to the high seas to rock our world, Roland Emmerich just obliterates it and Wes Anderson reenvisions it in stop-motion animation, while as a group of documentaries ponder real world issues of war, God, poverty and Glenn Gould.
Download this in audio form (MP3: 16:59 minutes, 15.6 Mb)
Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"2012"
On behalf of moviegoers everywhere, we here at IFC would like to thank that schoolyard bully who must have so traumatized a young Roland Emmerich that he has spent his recent career ritualistically laying waste to our world one famous landmark at a time. Having previous employed such excuses for mass destruction as alien invasions and global warming, this time cinema's most destructive director turns to an ancient Mayan prophecy that foretells the end of all mankind, and once again batters humanity -- specifically John Cusack and assorted stragglers -- like the...
Download this in audio form (MP3: 16:59 minutes, 15.6 Mb)
Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"2012"
On behalf of moviegoers everywhere, we here at IFC would like to thank that schoolyard bully who must have so traumatized a young Roland Emmerich that he has spent his recent career ritualistically laying waste to our world one famous landmark at a time. Having previous employed such excuses for mass destruction as alien invasions and global warming, this time cinema's most destructive director turns to an ancient Mayan prophecy that foretells the end of all mankind, and once again batters humanity -- specifically John Cusack and assorted stragglers -- like the...
- 11/9/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
When Hollywood casting directors have to cast the school nerd, they'll usually pick an actor who was the jock in real life and slap a pair of glasses on him. Ashley Springer is much closer to the real deal: though initially shy and self-effacing, he's thoughtful, quick, and possessed of an interesting backstory once you get to know him (as a teen, he was a professional magician). Springer first gained notice as one of Jess Weixler's victims in the Sundance-minted horror comedy Teeth, but he has his largest role to date in the new film Dare, where his geeky Ben comes alive when both he and best friend Alexa (Emmy Rossum) pursue the sexually confused Johnny (Zach Gilford).
On the verge of Dare's release this week, I talked to Springer about the film's adventurous nature, the unique way he snagged the role, and his magical past.
On the verge of Dare's release this week, I talked to Springer about the film's adventurous nature, the unique way he snagged the role, and his magical past.
- 11/9/2009
- Movieline
Have you heard about "Dare," directed by Adam Salky? It follows three high school pals -- played by Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford and Ashley Springer -- from very different social circles and their complicated relationship with one another. In the clip below, Rossum's character Alexa, an aspiring actress, is told she doesn't have what it takes by Grant Matson (Alan Cumming), who appears to be the school's drama instructor.
The movie, which hits theaters on November 13, is based on Salky's same-titled short film. Enjoy the clip!
The movie, which hits theaters on November 13, is based on Salky's same-titled short film. Enjoy the clip!
- 11/4/2009
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
Image Entertainment's "Dare" has five new clips in as well as new images. The drama is helmed by Adam Salky ("Recruiter") from the writing by David Brind. Opens In New York City & Los Angeles November 13th and In Philadelphia December 4. Starring are Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Dare follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults.
- 10/22/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Omg Matt Saracen what is going on!? The trailer for Dare, starring Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, and Alan Cumming, is now online, and as far as teen-sexuality-coming-of-age stories go, it looks good! (But seriously, Matt Saracen, go back to Julie.) I don't know if I can wrap my brain around Gilford as a bad boy, but I am willing to try. What do you think, PopWatchers? Truth or Dare?...
- 9/30/2009
- by Margaret Lyons
- EW.com - PopWatch
Image Entertainment have debuted the trailer and poster for “Dare,” Adam Salky’s feature directorial debut.
Dare poster
Alexa (Emmy Rossum) starts up a romance with Johnny (Zach Gilford), while Ben (Ashley Springer) – “best friend” feels dumped. That is, until Ben has his first kiss with Johnny and a confusing triangle forms that takes Threesome into the realms of high school. It’s got that slightly gritty indie feel, and brings up John Hughes nostalgia whilst making modern comments on high school that aren’t steeped in Hannah Montana.
“Dare” is coming out of 2009 Sundance Film Festival and hitting select theaters starting November 13th.
Download “Dare” Trailer:
HD-Quality 1080p [1920 px] − 152 Мb (QuickTime)...
Dare poster
Alexa (Emmy Rossum) starts up a romance with Johnny (Zach Gilford), while Ben (Ashley Springer) – “best friend” feels dumped. That is, until Ben has his first kiss with Johnny and a confusing triangle forms that takes Threesome into the realms of high school. It’s got that slightly gritty indie feel, and brings up John Hughes nostalgia whilst making modern comments on high school that aren’t steeped in Hannah Montana.
“Dare” is coming out of 2009 Sundance Film Festival and hitting select theaters starting November 13th.
Download “Dare” Trailer:
HD-Quality 1080p [1920 px] − 152 Мb (QuickTime)...
- 9/30/2009
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
In Adam Salky's Dare, Emmy Rossum is Alexa, a good girl who's told she needs to break out of her shell by "living a little." This involves hooking up with a local .bad boy. (ironically "Friday Night Lights" boy scout Zach Gilford) who also happens to catch the eye of her best friend, played by Ashley Springer. And Ashley Springer is a guy, making things all the more complicated. The film is coming out of Sundance and is based on a short film Salky did in 2005. It.ll be...
- 9/30/2009
- by Paul Tassi
- JoBlo.com
What would the Pretty in Pink love triangle between Andie, Duckie, and Blane look like if it was jettisoned forward in time a good 20+ years? Well, this should give you an indication: Imagine the trio in current times with Alan Cumming and Sandra Bernhard as the co-stars with clout. Has it made your imagination soar?
There's this Sundance comedy called Dare that was picked up by Image Entertainment back in August. Now that the film is gearing up for its November 13 release, Apple has scored a trailer (watch it over there or after the jump). There's Alexa, the "good girl" (Emmy Rossum), Ben, the "best friend" (Ashley Springer), and Johnny, the "bad boy" (Zach Gilford). Alexa starts up a romance with Johnny, while Ben feels dumped. That is, until Ben has his first kiss with Johnny and a confusing triangle forms that takes Threesome into the realms of high school.
There's this Sundance comedy called Dare that was picked up by Image Entertainment back in August. Now that the film is gearing up for its November 13 release, Apple has scored a trailer (watch it over there or after the jump). There's Alexa, the "good girl" (Emmy Rossum), Ben, the "best friend" (Ashley Springer), and Johnny, the "bad boy" (Zach Gilford). Alexa starts up a romance with Johnny, while Ben feels dumped. That is, until Ben has his first kiss with Johnny and a confusing triangle forms that takes Threesome into the realms of high school.
- 9/30/2009
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
Adam Salky's feature directorial debut Dare premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The movie is based on Salky's 2005 short film which was met with acclaim at film festivals. The feature length version stars Emmy Rossum in a story about what happens when "a pompous actor tells good girl Alexa (Rossum) that she hasn't lived, she embarks on a bold journey that takes her to mysterious bad boy Johnny (Zach Gilford). Envious, her shy best friend Ben (Ashley Springer) also dares to pursue Johnny, complicating Alexa's romance and pushing the boundaries among the three friends." Watch the trailer embedded after the jump. Dare hits theaters on November 13th 2009.
- 9/29/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Image Entertainment has debuted the trailer on Apple for Adam Salky's Dare, a coming-of-age teenage drama from Sundance earlier this year. Dare stars the always beautiful Emmy Rossum (seen above right), Zach Gilford (seen above left), and Ashley Springer as three high school friends who all take things a bit too far. It's a kinky and quirky dramedy (and I'm using those words accurately this time) that I don't think is for everyone, but it is a good indie film. I saw it at Sundance and just started thinking about it again recently because its grown on me quite a bit over the last 9 months. If you're curious, then check it out below. Watch the official trailer for Adam Salky's Dare: [flv:http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/dare-official-trailer.flv http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/dare-official-trailer.jpg 598 338] You can also watch the official trailer for Dare in High Definition on Apple When an actor tells good girl Alexa that she hasn't lived, she...
- 9/29/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Zach Gilford graduated from Northwestern University in 2004 and decided that he wanted to act, so he packed up his bags and left the comfort of his surroundings in pursuit for his name in bright lights in the Big Apple. The charismatic actor who dominates as Qb 1 Matt Saracen on Friday Night Lights is about to make his leading role debut alongside Alexis Bledel in the romantic comedy Post Grad. Gilford plays the laid back best friend who admittedly harbors romantic feeling for Ryden (Alexis Bledel) who only sees him as a friend. Adam Davies (Zach Gilford) has been best friends with Ryden Malby since freshman year, and as their futures hang in the balance, decisions need to be made. Always having a passion for music, Adam must decide whether to pursue his dream or attend Columbia Law School per his father's request. In the midst of his own personal quarter life crisis,...
- 8/21/2009
- by cjoyce@corp.popstar.com (Colleen Joyce)
- PopStar
The new Alexis Bledel comedy Post Grad explores that tricky period when a young person is on the precipice of major change, and it couldn't be a more timely subject matter for Bledel's costar, Zach Gilford. He'll soon be heading to Austin to shoot his final season of Friday Night Lights, after which he hopes to graduate to a big-screen career. Post Grad's release this Friday represents the opening salvo of Gilford's senior year, but he'll also be seen in the upcoming Dare, where he plays a confused jock pulled into the sexual orbit of a drama student (Emmy Rossum) and her male best friend (Ashley Springer).
Movieline talked to the 27-year-old about his upcoming projects, the novel experience of shooting Post-Grad during the writer's strike, and his burning to desire to substitute teach.
Movieline talked to the 27-year-old about his upcoming projects, the novel experience of shooting Post-Grad during the writer's strike, and his burning to desire to substitute teach.
- 8/17/2009
- Movieline
Indie Roundup reviews the past week of news from the independent film community and provides a peek at what's coming soon.
Festivals. Its official name is the Traverse City Film Festival, but unofficially it's "the Michael Moore fest," thanks to the filmmaker's role as founding father. Good reports on the fifth edition, which wrapped last weekend, can be found at Spout (by Karina Longworth) and indieWIRE (by Thom Powers).
Deals. Image Entertainment acquired Adam Salky's Dare, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year. Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer star as "high school students that enter into an unusual triangle of friendship and love." Tim Grierson of Screen wrote: "As refreshing as it is legitimately sexy." Release plans have not yet been announced. [Per indieWIRE.]
Online / On-Demand Viewing. If you hurry, you can still watch the acclaimed documentary 45365 at SnagFilms for free. it's available through tomorrow (Thursday, August 6) as part of their SummerFest preview series.
Festivals. Its official name is the Traverse City Film Festival, but unofficially it's "the Michael Moore fest," thanks to the filmmaker's role as founding father. Good reports on the fifth edition, which wrapped last weekend, can be found at Spout (by Karina Longworth) and indieWIRE (by Thom Powers).
Deals. Image Entertainment acquired Adam Salky's Dare, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year. Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, and Ashley Springer star as "high school students that enter into an unusual triangle of friendship and love." Tim Grierson of Screen wrote: "As refreshing as it is legitimately sexy." Release plans have not yet been announced. [Per indieWIRE.]
Online / On-Demand Viewing. If you hurry, you can still watch the acclaimed documentary 45365 at SnagFilms for free. it's available through tomorrow (Thursday, August 6) as part of their SummerFest preview series.
- 8/6/2009
- by Peter Martin
- Cinematical
Image Entertainment, Inc. a leading independent licensee and distributor of entertainment programming in North America, announced today that it has acquired all North American rights to "Dare," starring Emmy Rossum ("The Phantom of the Opera"), Zach Gilford ("Friday Night Lights"), Ashley Springer ("Teeth"), Ana Gasteyer ("Mean Girls"), and Rooney Mara ("Nightmare on Elm Street"), along with Sandra Bernhard and Alan Cumming. Image will release the film in theaters this Fall, starting with New York and Los Angeles on November 13, 2009.
- 7/30/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
- Image Entertainment is taking on a Sundance title that, up until this point, had remained unwanted. Based on his short film of the same name, perhaps the reason why Adam Salky's feature debut might not have found any takers is because of the three separate structure segments that it works with and that it dares to include the vantage point of a gay sexual awakening. I can forsee how Dare, a film for teenagers might end up being restricted to another demographic - older audiences. Scripted by David Brind, the film is about three privileged high school seniors who decide they can no longer ignore their deepest needs and take the biggest risk of their lives. Emmy Rossum (who I once confused with Anna Hathaway), Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Ana Gasteyer, and Rooney Mara star with Sandra Bernhard and Alan Cumming. Screen Daily reports that Image plans a
- 7/30/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
See images from the Adam Salky film "Dare," a drama written by David Brind. The film was a nominee of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Dare follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults...
- 1/27/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See images from the Adam Salky film "Dare," a drama written by David Brind. The film was a nominee of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Dare follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults...
- 1/27/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See images from the Adam Salky film "Dare," a drama written by David Brind. The film was a nominee of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Check out all the images here. Dare follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults. Director Adam Salky and...
- 1/27/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See images from the Adam Salky film "Dare," a drama written by David Brind. The film was a nominee of the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and stars Emmy Rossum, Zach Gilford, Ashley Springer, Rooney Mara, Ana Gasteyer, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Cady Huffman. Dare follows three very different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider confused about his sexuality; and Johnny (Zach Gilford), the rich kid who has everything, including good looks, but hides behind his bad boy persona. This unlikely trio fall into each other's lives and each other’s arms, making a last ditch effort to shake things up before they actually have to start living as adults...
- 1/27/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Dare, for a movie about teenagers in their last semester of high school, is a deeper movie than you'd expect. The film, directed by Adam Salky, is broken up into three parts with each part focusing on one of three teens. Alexa (Emmy Rossum) is the overachieving good girl who's used to excelling at everything she does. Ben (Ashley Springer), Alexa's best friend, is on the verge of accepting his homosexuality. Johnny (Zach Gilford) is popular, rich, and puts on a show about being a bad boy but deep down he's just a lonely guy. The film starts out with Alexa's story. She's put on the pill because she's missing periods due to stress. As part of the drama club, she's trying to get her role down perfectly but something's not right. Her scene partner, Johnny is indifferent about the project and only doing drama because he was kicked off...
- 1/22/2009
- cinemablend.com
Editors Note: This is part of a series of interviews, conducted via email, profiling dramatic and documentary competition and American Spectrum directors who have films screening at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. From the Sundance catalog: “Dare follows three very-different teenagers through the last semester of high school. There are Alexa (Emmy Rossum), the overachieving good girl who longs to break out of her shell; Ben (Ashley Springer), the melancholy outsider …...
- 1/12/2009
- indieWIRE - People
The Sundance Film Festival officially announced the lineup for the films playing in competition next month. The 16 movies will compete for the Grand Jury Prize in Park City, Utah at the 25th anniversary of the largest independent film festival in the U.S. from January 15-25.
The list was announced by festival director Geoff Gilmore, who recently received the first annual Sydney Pollack Award.
At the bottom of the page is a full list with synopsis and partial cast lists, but I wanted to focus on a few of the titles that stand out. Alphabetical order with omissions of films I don’t care about yet:
Arlen Faber - A single mother and a man out of rehab intrude into the life of a reclusive author, played by Jeff Daniels. He’s my other favorite Jeff, but I also like young actresses Kat Dennings and Olivia Thirlby.
Big Fan -...
The list was announced by festival director Geoff Gilmore, who recently received the first annual Sydney Pollack Award.
At the bottom of the page is a full list with synopsis and partial cast lists, but I wanted to focus on a few of the titles that stand out. Alphabetical order with omissions of films I don’t care about yet:
Arlen Faber - A single mother and a man out of rehab intrude into the life of a reclusive author, played by Jeff Daniels. He’s my other favorite Jeff, but I also like young actresses Kat Dennings and Olivia Thirlby.
Big Fan -...
- 12/4/2008
- by Jeff
- newsinfilm.com
I am heading out the door and have no time to really dig into this, but here is the line-up for next year's 2009 Sundance Film Festival as reported by Variety. Dramatic Competition Adam, directed and written by Max Mayer ("Better Living"), about a slightly dysfunctional man's attempt at a relationship with an alluring new neighbor. Stars Hugh Dancy, Rose Byrne, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, Frankie Faison. Amreeka, directed and written by Cherien Dabis, a drama examining the challenges faced by a divorced Palestinian woman and her teenage son upon moving to rural Illinois. With Nisreen Faour, Melkar Muallem. Arlen Faber, directed and written by John Hindman, about the intrusion of two strangers into the life of a famous reclusive author. With Jeff Daniels, Lauren Graham, Lou Pucci, Olivia Thirlby, Kat Dennings. Big Fan, directed and written by Robert Siegel (writer of "The Wrestler"), which hinges on the reaction of a...
- 12/3/2008
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
U.S. Dramatic Competition
This year's 16 films were selected from 1,026 submissions. Each film is a world premiere.
Adam (Director-screenwriter: Max Mayer)
A strange and lyrical love story between a somewhat socially dysfunctional young man and the woman of his dreams. Cast: Hugh Dancy, Rose Byrne, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, Frankie Faison.
Amreeka (Director-screenwriter: Cherien Dabis)
When a divorced Palestinian woman and her teenage son move to rural Illinois at the outset of the Iraq war, they find their new lives replete with challenges. Cast: Nisreen Faour, Melkar Muallem, Hiam Abbass, Yussuf Abu-Warda, Alia Shawkat.
Big Fan (Director-screenwriter: Robert Siegel)
The world of a parking garage attendant who happens to be the New York Giants' biggest fan is turned upside down after an altercation with his favorite player. Cast: Patton Oswalt, Michael Rapaport, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Matt Servitto.
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men (Director-screenwriter: John Krasinski)
When her boyfriend leaves with little explanation,...
This year's 16 films were selected from 1,026 submissions. Each film is a world premiere.
Adam (Director-screenwriter: Max Mayer)
A strange and lyrical love story between a somewhat socially dysfunctional young man and the woman of his dreams. Cast: Hugh Dancy, Rose Byrne, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, Frankie Faison.
Amreeka (Director-screenwriter: Cherien Dabis)
When a divorced Palestinian woman and her teenage son move to rural Illinois at the outset of the Iraq war, they find their new lives replete with challenges. Cast: Nisreen Faour, Melkar Muallem, Hiam Abbass, Yussuf Abu-Warda, Alia Shawkat.
Big Fan (Director-screenwriter: Robert Siegel)
The world of a parking garage attendant who happens to be the New York Giants' biggest fan is turned upside down after an altercation with his favorite player. Cast: Patton Oswalt, Michael Rapaport, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Matt Servitto.
Brief Interviews With Hideous Men (Director-screenwriter: John Krasinski)
When her boyfriend leaves with little explanation,...
- 12/3/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zach Gilford is continuing his push into film with two new projects.
The actor (NBC's Friday Night Lights) has inked a deal to star opposite Emmy Rossum in the indie drama Dare and is in final negotiations to star in The River Why.
Gilford's reps said that with the WGA strike, the actor had an "extra long hiatus" and was able to make three deals.
Dare, helmed by Adam Salky and penned by David Brind, is based on a short film and is filming in Philadelphia.
Gilford plays the bad boy in the film about three high school seniors who break their own rules and take the biggest risks of their lives. He joins a cast that includes Ashley Springer, Ana Gasteyer and Sandra Bernhard.
Meanwhile, Gilford is in final talks to play Gus Orviston in the film adaptation of David James Duncan's 1983 Sierra Club novel The River Why.
Matt Leutwyler is directing a script penned by Thomas A. Cohen and John Jay Osborn Jr.
The actor (NBC's Friday Night Lights) has inked a deal to star opposite Emmy Rossum in the indie drama Dare and is in final negotiations to star in The River Why.
Gilford's reps said that with the WGA strike, the actor had an "extra long hiatus" and was able to make three deals.
Dare, helmed by Adam Salky and penned by David Brind, is based on a short film and is filming in Philadelphia.
Gilford plays the bad boy in the film about three high school seniors who break their own rules and take the biggest risks of their lives. He joins a cast that includes Ashley Springer, Ana Gasteyer and Sandra Bernhard.
Meanwhile, Gilford is in final talks to play Gus Orviston in the film adaptation of David James Duncan's 1983 Sierra Club novel The River Why.
Matt Leutwyler is directing a script penned by Thomas A. Cohen and John Jay Osborn Jr.
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