While we at the Apple are disappointed at the lackluster reception this film released, we’re thrilled that Adam fans everywhere will finally get to see his nuanced and compelling performance soon. It’s been a long ride.   

Thanks to MCODB Mariah Carey for the heads up.

The long-anticipated theatrical debut of Tennessee, Adam’s star turn, is finally upon us. As noted below, the film’s website has a list of venues, so check it out and check the film out. It’s a must-see for all Adam fans.

Adam fans will also want to check out this new interview in the Jewish Exponent, where he talks, all too briefly, about his recent projects, his past projects and even the Apple. The writer notes of Adam’s work in Tennessee that “Carter’s complexity is crafted so elegantly by the actor that no seams show,” and we heartily agree.

Tennessee

Two brothers. Three paths. One destination.

Carter (Adam Rothenberg) and his younger brother Ellis (Ethan Peck) embark on a journey from New Mexico to Tennessee to find their estranged father — a trip which might hold Ellis’s life in the balance. Along the way they meet Krystal (Mariah Carey), an aspiring singer who flees her controlling husband (Lance Reddick) to join them on their journey.

Cast: Mariah Carey, Ethan Peck, Adam Rothenberg, Lance Reddick, Bill Sage
Director: Aaron Woodley
Producer: Lee Daniels
Writer: Russell Schaumberg

“… you utterly believe the bond between the siblings, and Rothenberg excels in his role of a protective older bro who also happens to be a haunted binge drinker.”
– Clark Collis, Entertainment Weekly

“Rothenberg gives a touching and perfectly nuanced performance as a man who clearly knows he gave up a future for the sake of family, only to have deep regrets about the road not taken.”
– Pete Hammond, Hollywood.com

“… the naked pain of (Rothenberg is) quite affecting.”
– Carrie Rickey, The Philadelphia Inquirer

We’re totally the bestest Adam Rothenberg fansite ever! (Click on the “Links” menu option on the official Tennessee website.)

The long-awaited theatrical debut of Tennessee is in sight and we couldn’t be more excited here at the Apple.

As long-time commenter Jeane noted, the official website has a list of venues for this limited release (click the “Theatres” link in the menu). We assume it’s complete, but you might want to check your local listings anyway. Right now, it appears to be confined to a few New York-area theatres, one option each in Dallas and Philadelphia, and a whole bunch in Tennessee, natch.

We’re keeping a sharp eye out for any Adam press as we head on in to Friday, so keep checking in as the big day approaches and check out the trailer to get ready. Woooo!

On a technical note, we’re having some issues with the site, but we’re working our little fingers off to resolve the problem with the archives and comment pages. We apologize for any inconvenience.

We’ve got a new date for the limited release of Tennessee, June 5, and a new trailer. 39 days and counting.

UPDATE (02/04/2009): A little blurb about producer Lee Daniels notes that Tennessee is due out “next month,” so, in spite of the vague Vivendi report noted by Jeane in comments, it’s looking moderately positive for that release on March 6th.

The Apple just wants to give y’all a heads up about this week’s super sweet screenings of HORSEFINGERS 3: STARFUCKER at the Slamdance festival.

Is anyone in Utah right now? Maybe for that “other” festival? If so, peep the details below. It’s the CITIZEN KANE of movies about women with hoofs for hands.

And I can verify that the platters of spaghetti and meatballs you see being consumed on screen are indeed meatless.

So… That’s been cleared up….

"Horsefingers 3: Starfucker"

Emma, dressed as the mythological Horsefingers, bumps into Lem, a minor movie star, at a local bar. He doesn’t remember having met her before, but he does like the cut of her hoof. No one is what they appear to be in this disquieting tale of animal attraction. Maria Thayer (Tamela from “Strangers With Candy”) and Adam Rothenberg are right on target, playing it utterly straight as this strange and sexy story gets increasingly surreal. Thayer’s increasing discomfort as Rothenberg pressures her to play horsey in a restaurant is painfully raw. (Paul Sbrizzi, Gallery Host, Co-Chair Shorts Programming)

Director: Kristin Kearse

Showtimes:
     Monday, January 19th at 8:30 PM
     Thursday, January 22nd at 12:30 PM

Location:
     Treasure Mountain Inn – Main
     255 Main Street
     Park City, UT 84060

"Horsefingers 3: Starfucker" is a 13-minute short film playing with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead. Advance sale tickets are available at the Slamdance site.

For more information:
     official website, featuring additional stills
     trailer
     Slamdance page, featuring trailer and additional stills

Oscar hopeful “Right to Dream” from Tennessee is now available as a single on iTunes and at Amazon. The above video for the Mariah Carey number features clips from the movie, which is tentatively scheduled to open in theaters in March.

“Find You,” Karmina’s theme song for the late and still lamented Ex List is now available on iTunes. It can also be previewed in the October 25th posting on the band website.

Question: Why, oh, why did The Ex List get canceled? — Lily

Ausiello: Elizabeth Reaser is asking herself the same question. “I don’t quite know what went wrong,” she lamented at Monday’s Twilight premiere. “Not enough people watched it, I guess, is the simplest reason. I was having a good time on the show. I liked the idea of the show. I never quite understand how ratings work or time slots or how they make the decisions to cancel a show. It is very hard for a new show to survive these days unless they are a blockbuster hit from the pilot. But I really don’t know what went wrong. I am at a loss and disappointed and I think everyone on the show and involved in it felt the same way. But we aren’t alone. A lot of shows have already been canceled.” The good news? Ex List will complete its 13-episode order with an eye towards international sales and a DVD release. “I’m still shooting the show, which is odd,” she admitted. “The scripts have been rewritten to give [fans] some closure. [Bella] will figure out which ex is the one. I do find the guy, and it’s someone we met in an earlier episode.”

Former showrunner Diane Ruggiero’s plan for the end of the first season was noted in a previous post, two posts down. No spoilers have yet emerged on what the actual ending noted here by Reaser will be.