The new movie HEART OF THE BEAST follows Special Forces officer James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his combat dog, Odin (an amazing dog named “Uber” in real life), who find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements. Directed by David Ayer (SUICIDE SQUAD, FURY), this movie really delivers and emotionally powerful experience for audiences, and is a strong contender for one of the year’s best. I’ve always liked David Ayer’s films, and I think his storytelling ability is incredibly diverse. Years ago I interviews Michael Pena and Natalie Martinez for his film END OF WATCH, but I very much wish David had been there too, as he’s been high on my list of desired interviews. I finally got a chance to sit down with him for HEART OF THE BEAST, and I’m glad it was this movie we chatted about, as I definitely think it’s one of his strongest efforts. Check out the interview below, and look for the movie in theaters this weekend. Big thanks to Grady May for editing this interview.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
