Interviews
BRIAN – Has an Underdog Spirit with the Unbeatable Heart of a Champion
Directed by Will Ropp and written by Mike Scollins created a well-blended comedy featuring a lovable neurotic character Brian (Ben Wang), a high school student trying to establish social ties while trying to manage his social anxiety. To make the situation more complex, he develops a fondness for his teacher. The pressure to fit in, navigating the social maze is often faced with apprehension over not finding a comfortable place to belong. A theme that is relatable in today’s culture.
Mike Scollins, a staff writer for the tv show Late Night with Seth Meyers, developed a well scripted story that features a kaleidoscope of characters – multiethnic family, gay best friend, and common high school cliques. He handled a vulnerable subject with humility and brilliantly carried it out with good-natured humor, relaying the message that laughter can be used as a tool to overcome the daily strains of life.
As for Will Ropp’s first full feature film directing, he made an ideal selection on the backdrop that effectively anchors an honest perspective of the adolescent lifestyle in the suburbs, emphasizing a naturalistic flow of reactions. The talented cast impeccably stayed grounded to maintain focus on Brian’s struggles and hysterical awkward moments that Ropp radiantly captured in every scene.
Up-and-comer Ben Wang had an outstanding performance that brought a profoundness to his character. I was especially impressed with the emotional outbursts followed by quirky satire. Ben authentically gave Brian the underdog spirit with the unbeatable heart of a champion. The supporting cast has some big names: William H. Macy, Natalie Morales, Randall Park and Edi Patterson. However, these iconic comedians took a step back empowering the young cast to showcase their vibrant talent – Sophia Macy, Joshua Colley, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Thomas Barbusca, Jacob Moskovitz, and Sam Song Li. This energetic and affectionate group lifted the film alongside Ben Wang and made me feel like one of the family, making Brian one of my favorites by far during the SXSW 2026 festival.
Watch my interview with the cast members of Brian – Sam Song Li, Sophia Macy, and Jacob Moskovitz:
The Countdown City Geeks hit the Fantastic Fest film festival for a red-carpet interview with actress Heather Graham at the World Premiere of her latest film, ‘What Happened to Doris?’.
Graham talks about the new film, her experience working on the project with co-star Island Austin, and what it was like bringing the story and her character to life. She also shares her excitement about premiering the Prime Video ‘Carrie’ series written by Mike Flanagan.
Lastly, we take a short dive into her filmography to reminisce about her time on Austin Powers, Lost in Space and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Boogie Nights.
Interviews
Rising Scream Queen Cameron Dawson Gray takes audiences inside the chilling world of ‘Family’
Actress Cameron Dawson Gray sits down with Countdown City Geeks to discuss her new horror film, ‘Family’, and her experience bringing the chilling story to life. In this exclusive interview, Gray talks about her character, the filmmaking experience, working with writer/director Benjamin Finkel, and what audiences can expect from this unsettling new horror movie.
Gray also shares insights into the challenges and excitement of working on ‘Family’, the film’s themes, and what drew her to the project.
Ten-year-old Johanna and her parents Naomi (Ruth Wilson) and Harry (Ben Chaplin) have moved back to Naomi’s childhood home in the suburbs of Philadelphia. When Johanna hangs a magic birdhouse to protect her ailing father, his illness worsens, dark visions creep in, and her beloved dog vanishes without a trace. Convinced a sinister spirit is to blame, Johanna spirals into a haunting fantasy world that mirrors her deepest fears.
Writer and director Benjamin Finkel sits down with Countdown City Geeks to discuss his new film, ‘Family’, and the inspiration behind this terrifying new movie. In this exclusive interview, Finkel takes us behind the scenes of ‘Family’, sharing details about the story, filmmaking process, characters, and his creative vision for the film.
Finkel discusses the challenges of bringing ‘Family’ to the screen, the themes explored throughout the movie, and what audiences can expect from his latest directorial project.
Ten-year-old Johanna and her parents Naomi (Ruth Wilson) and Harry (Ben Chaplin) have moved back to Naomi’s childhood home in the suburbs of Philadelphia. When Johanna hangs a magic birdhouse to protect her ailing father, his illness worsens, dark visions creep in, and her beloved dog vanishes without a trace. Convinced a sinister spirit is to blame, Johanna spirals into a haunting fantasy world that mirrors her deepest fears.
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