On The Red Carpet
Issue 03 - November 2023
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Family comes
FIRST
K3 Sisters Band
Madmann’s Playground
At The Gates 11
AT THE GATES In Theaters Now
Table of Contents Entertainment Mayhem Artist Profile K3 Sisters Band
Album Review
Flash Back “Drip so Slow”
Album Releases November releases
YouTube.com/ThisFunktional Latest interviews
Movies of the Month November releases
Feature Story AT THE GATES
Things of Interest Disney Gift Guide
Event Review
VAN HELSING’S DRACULA
On The Red Carpet “Not Another Church Movie”
Staying In Is The New Going Out Halloween Movie Month
Letter From The Editor Dear Reader,
K3 Sisters Band multi-genre Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional With positive attitudes and high energy, the K3 Sisters Band maneuvers through genres to bring inclusivity to their music. Kaylen, 24-years old, Kelsey, 22-years old, and Kristen, 19years old, the sisters that make up K3SB produce their music in Texas and live stream a new set list weekly on their social media channels. K3SB bring a different playlist of their music, from power ballads to their fan favorite Harry Potter Rap, there’s always a theme that the live streams take and fans have an exciting time trying to guess which song will come up next. “As far as the original songs go in the set list, we try to evenly spread out our songs. We try to never do the same song the next week, as we did the week before,” Kaylen said. “It’s kind of a vibe. We go through and we are like okay we have to have some songs where we are each singing a solo, and we have to have some with a fiddle, and we have to have some with the mandolin, we try to have a very diverse set of songs each time.” Each live stream comes with many surprises, from revealing new music to many giveaways/contests to win K3SB merchandise. The true passion of this band comes out with not just having their live streams, but they also choose when they put out music, plus they interact as much as they can with fans. The set lists have become somewhat of a game fans, which the K3 Sisters Band call the K3SB Fam, as the fans
finds comfort in music style on the weekly live stream try to guess the song that is coming up based on the instrument each sister is playing. “Because we are each multi-instrumentalists, we try at times to play songs where we are each playing the same instruments,” Kelsey said. “It’s kind of hard because we are switching constantly within our shows. But, we like to create our set lists kind of like a puzzle and we can piece them together in a way where we can even do transitions.” With more than 120 songs on their website k3sistersband.com, it can be difficult to choose the correct song. The K3 Sisters Band do not stick to a single genre as the create music everyone can enjoy. Having so many songs it is difficult to imagine hearing something that has not been tried out, but the band says they have found something for their upcoming release “Jet Black Heart,” coming in December. “With our recent album coming out this December, ‘Jet Black Hearts,’ we really wanted this album to be unlike anything we have ever done,” Kristen said. “This one we are experimenting with my hybrid drum set, the acoustic and electric drums. When you listen to it K3SB Fam, it’s going to have a flavor unlike anything you have ever heard of, that classic rock ’n roll and some modern mixed in.” With a variety of music for fans of different genres to enjoy, K3 Sisters Band has garnered more than 1 million views on Tic Tok and attracted fans from around the world. Creating such a fan base has given the K3 Sisters Band a great platform which they use to spread positivity with
Flash Back tackles dark Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional Nu metal with serene DJ elements enthrall throughout Flash Back’s debut album DRIP SO SLOW, available now. As someone who listens to music for the majority of the day, and even throughout the night while sleeping, staying away from music for a bit before putting on Flash Back’s DRIP SO SLOW made for a greater appreciation to the lyrics and intense feelings. Canadian Nu Metal outfit Flash Back consists of vocalist Nathan Daschuk, guitarist-vocalist Riley Mclennan, DJ-vocalist Emma New, guitarist Tristan Libke, and drummer Ross Bart. “Know My Name” begins the musical tracks with high energy vocals and heavy metal instrumentals. The mixture of female vocals and male vocals create a rhythm which sets the tone for the entire album. The raw powerful dark emotions of this early track get echoed throughout the tracks which follow. The DJ mixing which flow between the instrumentals provide transitions to connect instrumental sections. Emma New’s vocals lead this track as it provides the connections the vocal need to propel this track to being a phenomenal start to a well rounded album. “Push The Pain,” featuring Frankie Palmeri of Emmure has a
sound reminiscent of late 1990s/ early 2000s metal fusion albums. The inclusion of Palmeri does a fantastic job of making this track stand out with a familiar sound. Along with the album release of this track, a music video is available at https://youtu.be/ fvfb7jCDZJo. The music video is a brutal bloody video that puts the feeling of pain out in a visual manner. The video does not let down as it depicts just what the track needs as visual to further intensify the lyrical brutality of the track. Title track “Drip So Slow” highlights more of the band’s hip hop element, but continues to use the metal sound to create a unique track. Much like the entire album, the lyrics seem to be the driving force of this track as they convey harsh emotions. As the tempo wavers from fast to slow the listener is captured in a heart-pounding track that keeps intensifying. Having two guitarists and a fast heavy drum instrumental background, the missing bass is hardly missed. The high tempo, energetic sound of Flash Back brings glimpses of the captivating sound of early rap metal bands of the late 90s and early 2000s, but still include DJ elements which bring a modernized sound to the genre of Nu Metal. Flash Back’s DRIP SO SLOW
DRIP SO SLOW emotions album is a satisfying listen straight through. After having the album on repeat for several times, the album holds up time and time again. DROP SO SLOW is available now on digital plat forms. Keep up with Flash Back and follow on social media at instagram.com/flash.back.nu and twitter.com/flash_back_nu.
Drip So Slow Tracklist: 1. (prologue) 2. Know My Name 3. Drip So Slow 4. Push The Pain 5. Seed Of Decay 6. Face The Fear 7. Sporting Secrets 8. Dopamine Delusions 9. Born A Freak (Now I See) 10. Rabid In The Aether 11. The Lies
Album
November
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YouTube Interviews Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional Throughout October there were a few interviews that were fun and entertaining. From musicians, actors, directors, and film festival directors, every person has a story and each one is important to listen to. Each person is doing something they are passionate about and it would be of benefit to take inspiration from each story and learn to chase your own dreams with the same passion each one of these incredible people do. Watch, share, like, and subscribe.
Writer-Director Scott Slone shares his long journey to making this unique found footage movie, MALIBU HORROR STORY, available now.
Director Daniel Alexander talks about the transition to narrative film with short film GALE and the opportunity the Chilling App has given him.
Film festival Juan Escobedo talks about the inspiration for the Quinceañera celebration for the East LA Film Festival and about some of the films to screen.
Actress Sarah Jorge León chats about creating a complex strong character in CANDELA. She talks about being able to create an ínstense character.
Editor Nick Pezzillo chats about his busy schedule having films premiere two weeks in a row. Pezzillo chats about the differences in each film.
In October 2023
The K3 Sisters Band share their passion of music, their moral journey, and how they try to use their platform to connect and inspire with their fans.
Director Erica Eng talks about Disney LAUNCHPAD and the valuable experience that provides as well as how it helped her grow through making THE GHOST.
Filmmaker Orson Oblowitz talks about making this incredible movie with such high caliber actors. He shares his inspiration for making this film.
Actress Jessica Garza and Director Daniel Brown chat about the intensity of YOUR NEXT DAY and the filming process they went through to create the film.
Director Nicolasa Paone chats about working with veteran actors and then also having the debut acting role for WWE wrestler Liv Morgan.
Movies Of AT THE GATES
PROJECT Z
RUMBLE THROUGH THE DARK
THE MARVELS
The Month YOUR LUCKY DAY
SHOULDER DANCE
DO NOT DISTURB
PIG KILLER
Anxiety provoking comes to the big screen
Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional The issue of immigration and the lingering terror that comes with undocumented status is captured in AT THE GATES, now in theaters. The film starts with what seems will be a drama about a first generation child learning to appreciate the struggles and sacrifices of of his parents. It is difficult to explain, to those who are not undocumented, the fear that undocumented people live daily. The feeling of being hunted, shunned, and at times being dehumanized. With growing tension over the rhetoric about detention and deportation growing, the dehumanization of undocumented people continues. There is a stress that comes along with being an undocumented person in the United States of America. These feelings are all about the things that may or may not happen if there was some sort of encounter with authorities. Much of this is fueled by the political climate and the rhetoric that continues to get more and more fearful. Then AT THE GATES has scenes of encounters with authority figures. The authorities in the movie treat the gentle
immigration story in AT THE GATES
undocumented characters as if they were dangerous criminals that are a threat. This treatment goes further onto the family which try to help, treating them horribly. The entire situation is treated delicately, scenes are more intense and have a suspense which will have audiences on the edge of their seats. AT THE GATES does a good job of portraying those emotions in a short time. On the opposite end, it also captures the manner in which people try to help, but at times feel helpless. It is easy to do the right thing when the right thing seems simple, but once a sense of preservation or survival comes into play it can be a daunting task. When one’s own safety and comfort gets entwined in being of support to others then situations change. Capturing the transition or instance which that happens can be difficult, but AT THE GATES does it so well and so delicately. There is a transition in the attitudes of those trying to help where it becomes almost menacing in the manner they treat the undocumented characters. Then at the same time the anger and confusion of the undocumented characters mimics that of real life. Two relatable characters become tragic character whom the audience get worried for. This movie came out just after October.
Ezekiel Pacheco (Nico Ibarra)
Vanessa Benavente (Ana Ibarra)
Throughout the month of October, ThisFunktional marathoned so many gory, thrilling, suspenseful, and down right grotesque movies that many would not be shocked by much after. AT THE GATES felt like it captured a real situation which is complex and full of emotions. Throughout the story, different emotions are triggered and the audience hearts will start racing when intense situations present themselves. Even with AT THE GATES being a fictional movie, the story hits all the right cues and details all the right parts of the story. The hard work of Ana, played by Vanessa Benavente, is clear from the moment the film starts, and the carefree attitude and at times joking attitude of her son Nico, played by Ezekiel Pacheco, show a familial relationship which is light-hearted and fun. Benayente is fascinating as her character’s fear is apparent, even as she tries to stay collected and unaffected
for the sake of her son who is going through this stressful situation with her. The character of Ana needed to be played entirely honest and emotional, which was well done by Benavente. There is a warmth and care ing nature to this charter which will capture the hearts of viewers. Pacheco, playing the youthful undocumented Nico who is works to have a better life, has a brilliant arc where he starts off playful, gets to be angry and confused, and ends up having to be a completely different Nico by the end of the story. These characters give voices to many real people who go through these situations for years. The Brilliance of Ana and Nico, is that the story is so well written and well told that even with the short run time, this story gets to have those transitions which make it impactful and heart-felt. This is a story which gives a small glimpse into a reality which is hard to take, hard to conceive, and extremely
Noah Wyle (Peter Barris)
Miranda Otto (Marianne Barris)
difficult to believe that humanity can be this way. While Marianne, played by Miranda Otto, Petter, played by Noah Wyle, and Lauren, played by Sadie Stanley, are a family who struggle with the morality of trying to help while also protecting themselves from legal implications, which is a dilemma many feel. Otto is wonderful and gets to create an extremely complex character which at times feels torn by decisions which need to be made. Stanley playing a youthful character gives a performance which can be taken as a highly
self-centered character, but has a part of her character that does not understands the severity of the situation her family has taken on. The moral dilemmas of the situation cause much change throughout the movie for Stanley’s character and viewers can empathize with the difficult situation that character finds herself in. Wyle gives a well rounded performance as at times the lack of emotion can seem off, but that false bravado is more a testament to playing the father who is trying to protect his family and their lifestyle
Sadie Stanley (Lauren Barris)
while dealing with not only the situation the find themselves in but the situation his character is dealing with. The unity of these two families makes for a highly captivating story filled with thought provoking scenes that are sure to seep into a viewers mind and live there long after the movie is over. The topics may be controversial, for some it can be themes that are too harsh to be true. For others this may mimic a situation that is all to familiar. As the movie wraps up, the emotional aspect gets turned up as the movie climaxes with tense situations and tough
choices that the characters have to make. It is a tough thing to say that the ending is satisfying, but this story comes to an end in a manner which brings all the issues and fears together along with intersecting the parallel stories which are playing out. The characters come to grow and evolve in an instance which tests the morality of each character. AT THE GATES is available now in theaters. The film is a complete story for every character and a great telling of an intense situations many undocumented people have to live in fear of.
Noah Wyle (Peter Barris), Vanessa Benavente (Ana Ibarra), Ezekiel Pacheco (Nico Ibarra), Sadie Stanley (Lauren Barris) and Miranda Otto (Marianne Barris) on set of At The Gates, Written, Directed, and produced by Augustus Maleo Bernstein. All photos courtesy of Beacon Pictures 2022
Now In Theaters
Disney Gift Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Collector's Box Coffee Bones Coffee $39.99
Funko Pop! Train: Disney 100 - Darth Vader on Tie Fighter Funko $15.00
Funko Pop! & Pin: The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes - 60th Anniversary, Black Widow with Pin Funko $20.99
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Oogie Boogie Gift Set with Sound Build-a-bear $46.00
Guide 2023 ThisFunktional was part of a presentation for products from Disney that would make amazing gifts this Holiday season. Here are some goodies which we thought would be of interest to ThisFunktional readers. Products chosen by DarkPokeWill, 13-years-old, Ngoat10, 10. The Avengers 60th Anniversary Baseball Cap for Adults by Heroes & Villains shopDisney $29.99
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar Funko $49.00
LEGO® Marvel Advent Calendar
Avengers
The LEGO Group $44.99
Disney and Pixar's Toy Story Black & White Woody's Roundup Pack Mattel $44.99
Disney 100 Celebration Ready to Play Train Set Lionel $73.99
Marvel MLB New Era 59FIFTY Infinity Stones Collection Lids $75.00 Each
Ray-Ban Mega Wayfarers Luxottica Prices Vary
Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Bitty Boomers Speaker Fabrique Innovations $19.99
Thank you to Disney Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing for a box of goodies which they sent for the nephews to enjoy. All the goodies were incredible and shall be put to good use. All the extra products chosen are just a few of all the products available this holiday season from Disney
Madmann’s Playground creates a captivating circus dining Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional
Madmann’s Playground’s VAN HELSING’S DRACULA immersive circus dinner theater experience captivates audiences with a spectacular performance and delicious Romanian dinner. Producer-director Sarah Mann brings an all female cast to a beautifully decorated Vatican Banquet hall in Van Nuys. With one more performances, November 18, the show is a cannot miss performance. Hosted by Abrianna Van Helsing, played by Katie Rediger, VAN HELSING’S DRACULA is not the Dracula story attendees may be accustomed to. Even the ticket comes with a message from Abrianna Van Helsing welcoming the audience and making sure to advice to be on-time because dinner and the show will start right on time. The story is narrated by Abrianna as she and her Lover, played by Lala Araki, accept a mysterious invitation from Countess
Dracula, played by Frankie Tan. Greeted by Dracula’s Harem; played by Rachele Donofrio, Taylor Marie, Alicia Salvadori, Carolina Saverni, and understudy Jennifer Harrison; the night with Dracula turns into something unexpected. The performers roam around the banquet hall interacting with the audience between each performance. Abrinna and her lover also roam around a bit and talk with the audience. The aerial performances are a highlight as the story unfolds. Single performer acts as well as duet aerial performances bring the entire show to a higher level. Beautiful aerial performances captivate the audience as dinner is served. The apparatus which is used for each aerial performance is adapted for each different act. Each dancer and performer brings a different unique aspect for the show. The show in its entirety is about two hours and a half with three breaks between to enjoy some Romanian dishes which are spectacularly prepared. The show alone is a cannot miss event, but on top of the show is a wonderful
meal to complete the evening. A Harvest Salad starts the meal with a sweet and tangy start. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks can also be ordered through Liquid Catering and delivered to guest’s seats. An entree of either Dracula’s Char-grilled Steak-on-a-Stake Skewer or Romanian Roast Chicken over Mamaliga or Vegan Hungarian Hot and Sweet Paprika Hendl is the second course. The entree is fantastically cooked. A savory taste with their sides to enhance the flavor of the main course. Each guest is finished with a with Red Wine Poached Pear and Dracula’s Goblet for dessert. The poached pear is a good consistency as it is not mush like a pear sauce and perfectly sweet and tangy. The poached pear is served with a coconut crème anglaise that is milky and sweet along with some raspberries. Madmann’s Playground’s VAN HELSING’S DRACULA is a unique immersive circus dinner experience that can be enjoyed as a night out alone, or with friends, or a wonderful date night that is sure to wow a partner.
For more information or to purchase tickets:
MadmannsPlayground.com
On The Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional
La Femme Film Festival hosted a special presentation of “Not Another Church Movie,” with some of the cast and crew walking the red carpet. “Not Another Church Movie” is a parody movie with many talented cast members showcasing some funny comedic acting. Some cast members for the film include Kevin Daniels, Jamie Foxx, Mickey Rourke, and Kyla Pratt.
Actor Kevin Daniels chats on the red carpet about the making of “Not Another Church Movie,” the collaborative nature on set, and about the hot temperatures while shooting in Georgia.
Actor Jaden Lucas Miller talks about “Not Another Church Movie” being his first feature film role and about working with the talented Kyla Pratt who also was very encouraging and gave him much advice.
Red Carpet Actor Xaveria Baird chats on the red carpet about the fun he had on set playing his character and hoping the audiences laugh a lot at all the silliness of the film.
Co-director and producer James Michael Cummings chats about the thrill it was to work with veteran actors and talented debuting actors.
Actors Jey Reynolds and Evan J. Mackey discuss being brought into the movie by Kevin Daniels and the collaborative nature on set which allows for improve.
Staying in Is The New
Going Out
Written by Jesus Figueroa @ThisFunktional For the month of October, Spooky Season, Horror movies are a must. In 2023, ThisFunktional decided to continue with watching a scary movie a month while switching sub-genres every week.
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