Netflix News: ‘Arrested Development’ gets a 5th season in 2018!

The Bluths are back. Again!!! Netflix today announced series creator Mitchell Hurwitz and the entire series regular cast, including: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Will Arnett, Tony Hale, Portia de Rossi, David Cross and Alia Shawkat will return for a fifth season to premiere exclusively for Netflix members worldwide in 2018.

“In talks with Netflix we all felt that stories about a narcissistic, erratically behaving family in the building business — and their desperate abuses of power — are really underrepresented on TV these days,” said series creator Mitchell Hurwitz. He added, “I am so grateful to them and to 20th TV for making this dream of mine come true in bringing  the Bluths, George Sr., Lucille and the kids;  Michael, Ivanka, Don Jr., Eric, George-Michael, and who am I forgetting, oh Tiffany.  Did I say Tiffany? — back to the glorious stream of life.”

“Arrested Development brings us structures, outerwear and choreography like no other comedy in history,” mused Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, leafing through photos of the banana stand, never nudes and Chicken Dances. “Season Four marked the first foray by Netflix into original comedy programming and this time, the Bluths will collectively be spending more quality time with their millions of fans around the world”

“Arrested Development remains one of the iconic franchises we, Ron and Brian are asked about most,” commented Fox Television Group Chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman. “It’s a testament to the brilliance of Mitch’s creation, the passion of his audience, and the love his cast holds in their hearts for his writing and characters that we have been able to ‘get the band back together ‘ not once but twice since the Emmy-winning original run. Get ready, America. The Bluths are coming back.”

“I love working with Mitch. He is a genius and the rarest of original thinkers. He brings a richness to the characters and the storylines that makes the series memorably fun,” said executive producer Brian Grazer.

“Whew! I can finally answer the question… Hell yes! Warming up my uncredited narrator vocal chords. Now the only thing I will have to be coy about is all the craziness the Bluths are going to face this season,” said executive producer Ron Howard.

Arrested Development centers around Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his eccentric family comprised of his son George Michael (Michael Cera), his father George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), his mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), his brothers George Oscar Bluth II (Will Arnett), Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) and sister Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi), and Lindsay’s husband Tobias (David Cross) and their daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat).

Mitchell Hurwitz, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Jim Vallely and Richie Rosenstock are executive producers on Arrested Development, and it is produced by Imagine TV and 20th Century Fox Television for Netflix. Arrested Development has garnered accolades from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy®), AFI, the Golden Globes, Producer’s Guild Awards, Screen Actor’s Guild, the Television Critics Association and the Writer’s Guild, among others.

netflix.com/arresteddevelopment

Review: ‘Inferno’- An unfaithful adaptation but the best film of the trilogy

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A decade has past since Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) hit the screen for his first adventure in the Da Vinci Code and he now returns for another go in the adaptation Inferno. From director Ron Howard based on the Dan Brown novel, “Inferno”, the fourth book in the series (yes, they skipped “The Lost Symbol”), is an exciting and intricate race against time that kept you intrigued throughout the pages, question is, can the movie adaptation match the cleverness?

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Robert Langdon awakens in a hospital room in Florence, Italy, with no memory of what has transpired over the last few days and unexplained visions of human suffering. Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), the attending physician, tells him that he is suffering from amnesia as a result of a bullet wound to his head and asks if he can remember anything that might help them understand what happened. Langdon has little time to process his thoughts as an assassin arrives to complete her mission. Sienna helps Langdon escape and the chase begins. The two arrive in Sienna’s apartment where they find Faraday pointer among Langdon’s personal belongings with projection of Botticelli’s Map of Hell.

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They discover that the map is part of a mystery left by billionaire geneticist Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster), who believes that the world is destined for over population and the extinction of the human race. Discovering that Zobrist had recently killed himself, Langdon concludes that there is a reason for this map to be in his possession and the two find a hidden message within. Langdon’s knowledge of Dante’s work allows the two to follow clues thru Florence and Venice, while evading the assassin and the authorities, including the WHO, whom have a keen interest in Langdon. Sienna and Langdon have less than 24 hours to decipher friend from foe and collect all the information they need to help them stop a global event that will change the human race forever.

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Inferno is a fun movie with beautiful cinematography, but the film version falls short of the excitement that made the book so enjoyable, opting for unimaginative plot changes which will leave fans shaking their heads. Tom Hanks isn’t as crisp and confident in his portrayal of Langdon this go around, but the added vulnerability to the character allows Hanks to explore a more emotional side to his character which keeps this version of Langdon from feeling like a retread of the previous films. Felicity Jones’ Sienna Brooks is a far cry from the book version which had so many wonderful layers to her. Jones isn’t to blame for this, but what she is provided isn’t very interesting nor is her chemistry with Hanks. Most of the blame for the character development falls strictly on screenwriter David Koepp and director Ron Howard who ultimately opted for this watered down version of a film.

Overall, Inferno is a struggle for fans of the novel, but a fun movie that will entertain. If nothing else, the film will allow fans of the franchise to see their favorite professor in action one more time, which is worth the price of admission.

Stars:

3 out of 5

Trailer:

Join the “Inferno Journey Through Hell” Experience and match wits against “The Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown by solving a series of puzzles

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Beginning today, moviegoers highly anticipating the release of Inferno starring Tom Hanks can play the part of Robert Langdon himself.  In a three-week race against time, fans can decipher clues and solve a series of complex and challenging riddles created in collaboration with Dan Brown in Sony Pictures’ Inferno Journey Through Hell” interactive experience.  Built with technology from Google, audiences who solve the puzzles will have the chance to win a grand prize trip to Italy* befitting of Langdon himself.  Inferno, the highly anticipated suspense thriller from Columbia Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, will be released in theaters nationwide on October 28.
Each week, users go to Inferno movie to find three new puzzles themed to the circles of hell as depicted in Dante’s Inferno.  Finding clues hidden throughout Google products (Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search, Google Play, Google Docs, Google Cultural Institute and YouTube), and the world’s most popular social platforms, players will complete up to three puzzles each week and will have the opportunity to win weekly prizes, culminating in one grand prize – an Italian getaway with stops in Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice.  As each new set of puzzles are unveiled week-to-week, the experience will become increasingly difficult to solve as the “Inferno Journey Through Hell” progresses to its ultimate mind-bending final challenge.
“Dan Brown is a master of creating suspenseful and intellectual mysteries that are known for interweaving classic references to art and history while also using hidden codes and symbols. For the first time, Dan has collaborated with the studio and our partners at Google to develop an online puzzle-based challenge that is filled with his signature brand of entertainment. The ‘Inferno Journey Through Hell’ will lead fans through many fun twists and turns while also giving them the chance to win some pretty spectacular prizes,” said Elias Plishner, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital Marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
“I’m excited to bring together the technology of Google and the code-breaking elements of the Robert Langdon series. The experience allows audiences to bring Robert Langdon’s world to life by deciphering puzzles and utilizing online tools at their fingertips,” said Dan Brown, author of the Robert Langdon series.
Ron Howard added, “One of the reasons why the Robert Langdon books and movies are so much fun is that the audience has the chance to solve the puzzles as he does.  That’s why I’m so excited about this promotion – it brings Inferno to life.  With the puzzles that the studio and Dan have created, powered by Google, you have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be Robert Langdon.”
“We are always glad to see our products being used in clever, compelling and engaging ways,” said Alex Angeledes, Industry Director for Media & Entertainment at Google. “Sony Pictures has given fans unique ways of discovering the depth and complexity of this film in ways that appeal to modern moviegoers.”
*NO PURCHASE/CHALLENGE COMPLETION NECESSARY. Starts 8:00:01 am PT 10/3/16. Ends 12:00 pm PT 10/24/16 online & 10/25/16 for mail entry postmark.  Consists of 3 weekly & 1 GP drawing. Open to legal residents of 50 US & DC & Canada (except Quebec Prov.) 18+. See Official Rules at www.InfernoSweepsRules.com  for complete details incl. entry periods and how to enter by mail. Void where prohibited.

Advance Screening: ‘In The Heart of the Sea’ *AMC Stubs Members Only*

in-the-heart-of-the-sea-posterAMC Stubs has your passes for an advanced screening of Ron Howard’s In The Heart of the Sea. The film stars Chris Hemsworth (“The Avengers,” “Rush”) as the vessel’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw (“Skyfall”) as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.

Tom Holland (“The Impossible”) also stars as young seaman Tom Nickerson, and Brendan Gleeson (“Edge of Tomorrow”) as the same man, 30 years later. Spanish actor Jordi Mollà (“Riddick”) is the captain of another ship, the Archimedes, who tries to warn the Essex of what may lie ahead.

The screenings are on Tuesday November 1st in the following locations:

Lawrenceville, GA

Morrow, GA

Atlanta, GA

Cumming, GA

Kennesaw, GA

Austin, TX

Owings Mills, MD

Columbia, MD

Baltimore, MD

Baton Rouge, LA

Danvers, MA

Methuen, MA

Somerville, MA

Boston, MA

Framingham, MA

Amherst, NY

Dubuque, IA

Springfield, IL

Charlotte, NC

Concord, NC

Chicago, IL

Naperville, IL

South Barrington, IL

Lombard, IL

Vernon Hills, IL

Newport, KY

West Chester, OH

Columbia, SC

Columbus, OH

Dublin, OH

Columbus, OH

Grove City, OH

Mesquite, TX

Frisco, TX

Dallas, TX

Arlington, TX

Garland, TX

Grapevine, TX

Highland Village, TX

Aurora, CO

Westminster, CO

Littleton, CO

Brighton, CO

Broomfield, CO

Highlands Ranch, CO

Livonia, MI

Dearborn, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

Auburn Hills, MI

Evansville, IN

Fayetteville, AR

North Fort Myers, FL

Holland, MI

Plainville, CT

Houston, TX

Humble, TX

Sugar Land, TX

Houston, TX

Indianapolis, IN

Bloomington, IN

Jacksonville, FL

Orange Park, FL

Olathe, KS

Indepence, MO

Kansas City, MO

Las Vegas, NV

Marina del Rey, CA

Woodland Hills, CA

Ontario, CA

Orange, CA

Burbank, CA

Universal City, CA

Torrance, CA

Baraboo, WI

Fitchburg, WI

South Miami, FL

Aventura, FL

Wauwatosa, WI

Roseville, MN

Maple Grove, MN

Destin, FL

Montgomery, AL

Houma, LA

Harahan, LA

Harvey, LA

Middletown, NY

Stony Brook, NY

Eatontown, NJ

Port Chester, NY

New Brunswick, NJ

West Nyack, NY

Paramus, NJ

New York, NY

Danbury, CT

Virginia Beach, VA

Hampton, VA

Oklahoma City, OK

Omaha, NE

Council Bluffs, IA

Ocoee, FL

Carbondale, IL

Pekin, IL

Springfield, PA

Bensalem, PA

Plymouth Meeting, PA

Cherry Hill, NJ

Hamilton, NJ

Glendale, AZ

West Homestead, PA

North Dartmouth, MA

Quincy, IL

Durham, NC

Webster, NY

Rockford, IL

Layton, UT

San Antonio, TX

Chula Vista, CA

San Jose, CA

Emeryville, CA

Brentwood, CA

Cupertino, CA

Kent, WA

Tukwila, WA

Lynnwood, WA

Burlington, WA

Woodinville, WA

South Bend, IN

Spokane, WA

Chesterfield, MO

Creve Coeur, MO

Edwardsville, IL

Creve Coeur, MO

Tallahassee, FL

Sarasota, FL

Brandon, FL

Tampa, FL

Terre Haute, IN

Tucson, AZ

Tulsa, OK

Herndon, VA

Alexandria, VA

Vero Beach, FL

Tickets

Ben Foster Cast in Da Vinci Code Sequel ‘Inferno’

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Columbia Pictures has announced that Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) has been added to the all star cast of Ron Howard’s upcoming sequel Inferno, the third film in the Da Vinci Code franchise.

Tom Hanks will return to reprise his role as Robert Langdon opposite Felicity Jones as Dr. Sienna Brooks, Irrfan Khan (Life of Pi) as Harry Sims (aka The Provost), Omar Sy (The Intouchables) as Christoph Bruder and Sidse Babett Knudsen (Borgen) as Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey, the head of the World Health Organization. Foster’s role has not yet been revealed.

Ron Howard returns for another go in the continuing Robert Langdon adventures with principal photography beginning at the end of April. David Koepp wrote the screenplay based on the book by Dan Brown.

Inferno is actually the forth book in the Dan Brown book series and features a storyline which centers around a madman who intends on releasing a global plague connected to Dante’s immortal tome The third book, “The Lost Symbol”, has yet to be made into a feature.

The film will be released on October 14, 2016

Winners of the 20th Annual Critics Choice Movie Awards Have Been Announced

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The 20th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards took place last night at the Hollywood Palladium, hosted by Michael Strahan, broadcast live on A&E.

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood as well as Alejandro G. Iñarritu’s Birdman were among the top winners along with Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Read More →

Warner Brothers Delays Ron Howard’s ‘In the Heart of the Sea’

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Originally slated to open on March 13, 2015, Warner Bros. today decided to push back Ron Howard’s upcoming feature In the Heart of the Sea, starring Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), Cillian Murphy (Sunshine), Ben Wishaw (Cloud Atlas), Tom Holland (The Impossible), Brendan Gleeson (Edge of Tomorrow) and Jordi Molla (Riddick). The film will now open December 11, 2015. Moving into its March 13 spot is the companies newest action film Run All Night starring Liam Neeson which was previously set for an April 17 release. Read More →