Category Archives: News

The ‘Sinister 2’ Poster and Trailer are Here!

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During their WonderCon panel this past weekend, Blumhouse Productions revealed the first poster for their upcoming horror sequel Sinister 2, which you can view above, but today comes the debut of the trailer for the film! You can view that below!

The film follows a young mother (Shannyn Sossamon) and her twin sons move into a rural house that’s marked for death by the evil spirit of Bughuul.

Directed by Ciaran Foy (Citadel) also stars James Ransone and is scripted by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, the duo behind the original film.

Sinister 2 will arrive in theaters on August 21st

Trailer for ‘Orange is the New Black’ Season 3 is Here!

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Netflix has released the trailer for Orange is the New Black Season 3 which you can view below!

The show stars  Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Kate Mugrew, Danielle Brooks, Uzo Aduba, Natasha Lyonne, Taryn Manning, Laverne Cox, Michael Harney, Samira Wiley, and Yael Stone.

Season 3 will debut on Netflix June 12th

Daredevil’s Red Suit Revealed!

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Marvel Entertainment and Netflix have finally revealed The Man Without Fear’s red suit for the upcoming series, which debuts this Friday on Netflix. The full 13-episode season will be made available at that time wherever Netflix is available.

Marvel’s Daredevil follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with extraordinary senses, who fights against injustice by day as a lawyer, and by night as the super hero Daredevil in modern day Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.

The show stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, Bob Gunton as Leland Owlsely aka The Owl, Vondie Curtis Hall as Ben Urich, Toby Leonard Moore as Wesley, Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk.

Lionsgate Partners with Comic-Con International to Launches Subscription On Demand Service

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Lionsgate has partnered with Comic-Con International to launch a subscription video-on-demand service designed to bring the Comic-Con experience to fans all year long via an online experience. The service should launch later this year..

The new service will launch with a broad portfolio of content including original short-form content created exclusively for the channel’s subscribers, films and television series from Lionsgate and other studios designed to appeal to the diverse interests of Comic-Con’s fan base as well as exclusive archived footage from Comic-Con’s 45-year history. As part of the new channel, the two companies will also work closely to make the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI-IFF) a 365-day-a-year online event.

Last year 17 of the top 20 North American box office blockbusters had a presence at the Comic-Con Convention along with iconic television series such as The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. Comic-Con International has grown from 300 attendees in the basement of San Diego’s U.S. Grant Hotel in 1970 to well over 130,000 fans from around the world last year, marking its evolution into a staple of popular culture and the longest-running comics and popular arts convention in America. Badges for this year’s Comic-Con sold out in 60 minutes.

“We’re thrilled that the biggest pop culture event of the year will become a year-round digital channel for Comic-Con fans and audiences around the world,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Jim Packer. “The fan base for the kind of films and television series showcased at Comic-Con has grown exponentially, and a subscription video-on-demand service is the ideal platform to capture the magic and excitement of the Comic-Con experience year-round as well as the perfect vehicle for Comic-Con fans to discover new content.”

Reflecting the tremendous interest in the diverse roster of comics, films and television series showcased at Comic-Con International each year, the two companies plan to roll out the new service beginning with the U.S. later this year.

“From the beginning of our discussions, nearly two years ago, we have been extremely impressed with Lionsgate’s embracing and understanding of fan culture,” said Comic-Con’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations David Glanzer. “Working with our Lionsgate partners has been an exciting exercise in finding great ways to expand our horizons to deliver the unique magic of Comic-Con and the celebration of comics and popular art to our fans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and around the world.”

“As a next generation studio, Lionsgate has grown up with Comic-Con, and their fans are our audiences,” said Lionsgate President of Interactive Ventures & Games Peter Levin. “We’re excited by the opportunity to expand and enrich the world of Comic-Con for existing fans and extend it to a whole new global audience with a channel distinguished by its imaginative curation, depth and diversity of content and fierce loyalty to the Comic-Con brand.”

Originally showcasing comic books, film and fantasy literature, Comic-Con has grown to also encompass science fiction, horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectibles, video games, interactive multimedia, webcomics, fantasy novels and other aspects of pop culture. In addition to San Diego Comic-Con International, the new subscription video-on-demand service will also have exclusive access to the archives of sister convention WonderCon.

The new Comic-Con International channel is the third streaming service to be launched or announced by Lionsgate as the Company continues to build its suite of online platforms to deliver content directly to consumers. Lionsgate also recently launched the Lionsgate Entertainment World platform with the Alibaba Group in China and has announced the planned launch this summer of Tribeca Shortlist, a subscription video-on-demand service for film aficionados in partnership with Tribeca Enterprises.

Fans may visit http://comic-con.org/ondemand to become the first to learn details about the new service.

The New Trailer for Netflix Series ‘Grace & Frankie’ Starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Martin Sheen & Sam Waterson Is Even More Hilarious Than Expected!

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Sam Waterston, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Martin Sheen in the Netflix Original Series "Grace and Frankie". Photo by Melissa Moseley for Netflix.Ê

Sam Waterston, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Martin Sheen in the Netflix Original Series “Grace and Frankie”. Photo by Melissa Moseley for Netflix.Ê

From the co-creator of Friends, Netflix original comedy GRACE AND FRANKIE stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women who form an unlikely bond after their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other.

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All episodes May 8
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Free Screening of ‘Back to the Future’ and other Free Events of the Tribeca Film Festival

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Back to the Future

From the Oscar®-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes the original, groundbreaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! Join us for a FREE screening and pre- show program celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film, and featuring special appearances and an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming documentary Back In Time.

6:00 PM – SAT 4/25
BMCC TRIBECA PAC

The Tribeca Family Festival once again invites you to the ultimate street fair and family celebration, where a dazzling array of FREE activities, performances and experiences unfold downtown in Tribeca.

Step onto the Tribeca Studios Backlot and into a filmmaking experience, watch a live chef demonstration from a local restaurant on our Tribeca Food Feast Stage, fly a kite, play video games in the Games for Change Public Arcade, create life-size bubbles in the Bubble Garden, get creative in our Arts & Crafts pavilions, dance to live music and put a smile on your face. It’s time to take to the streets of the neighborhood, so join us for a special day of fun!

FREE – Saturday – April 25th

 

Prune Nourry: Immersion, 2012 (From the Holy River series), Print mounted on radiology negative viewer, Edition 2/3 + 2 AP, 18 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches

Prune Nourry: Immersion, 2012 (From the Holy River series), Print mounted on radiology negative viewer, Edition 2/3 + 2 AP, 18 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches

Monday, April 13 – Saturday, April 25

Tribeca Film Festival Artists Awards exhibition, sponsored by CHANEL Works from Daniel Arsham, Robert Bordo, Elizabeth Colomba, Stephen Hannock, Prune Nourry, Jean Pagliuso, Clifford Ross, and Piers Secunda.

Free and open to the public, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A free exhibition of the work will be open to the public from April 13-25 between the hours of 9am- 5pm (closed on April 23), at the Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios, TFF’s new destination for festivalgoers, located at 50 Varick Street in Manhattan. The artwork will be on view throughout the Festival before being presented to the award-winning filmmakers on April 23.

Following is a complete list of the artwork that will be contributed:

  • Daniel Arsham: Ash Eroded Film Reel, 2014, Volcanic ash, shattered glass, hydrostone,  unique, 14 x 14 inches
  • Robert Bordo: Caw (42), 2010, Tempera on paper, 11 1/4  x 15 3/4 inches
  • Elizabeth Colombo: Athena, 2015, Oil on canvas, gold leaf frame, 14 x 11 inches
  • Stephen Hannock: Rockets Over the Delta (Mass MoCA #218), 2015,Acrylic on panel, 8 1/8  x 6 3/4 inches
  • Prune Nourry: Immersion, 2012 (From the Holy River series), Print mounted on radiology negative viewer, Edition 2/3 + 2 AP, 18 5/8 x 29 1/2 inches
  • Jean Pagliuso: Black #19, 2009, Hand-applied silver gelatin on rice paper AP1, 23 ¾ x 19 ½ inches
  • Clifford Ross: Trees II, 2010, Archival Pigment Print on Wood Veneer, 22 ½ x 17 ½ inches
  • Piers Secunda: Taliban Relief Painting, 2013, Industrial floor paint, 48.2 x 49.6 x 1.6cm

The art exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information on the other programs at the Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios at 50 Varick Street and to purchase a Spring pass that provides full access to the space and events, visit www.tribecafilm.com.

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Tribeca StoryscapesThursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 19

Storyscapes presented in collaboration with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin – A juried section at the Festival showcasing groundbreaking exhibits in technology and interactive storytelling.

Free, reservation required; reservations accepted starting April 13 at tribecafilm.com, 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.

EW Reveals ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Covers

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avengers age of ultron

EW has revealed the covers for their upcoming summer movie preview which hits newstands April 10th. There are four different covers that when put together reveal the cast of Avengers: Age of Ultron, including the first real good look at Paul Bettany’s Vision! Check them out below.

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America,Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow andJeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Also starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, James Spader as Ultron as well as Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, Aaron Taylor-Johnsonas Quicksilver and Paul Bettany as Vision. Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige.

Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters on May 1, 2015.

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Kathy Bates Returning for ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’

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Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates has joined the cast of American Horror Story: Hotel, marking her third stint on the hit FX show. Hotel, Ryan Murphy’s fifth incarnation of the show, has previously announced that Lady Gaga, Matt Bomer, Cheyenne Jackson, Wes Bentley and Chloë Sevigny were cast in yet to be announced roles.

No details on the plot are available at this time. Production on  the 13-episode season will begin in Los Angeles in late summer, and will air on FX in October.

Stay tuned for more updates

Warner Bros Hires Writer for the Upcoming ‘Gremlins’ Reboot

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Gremlins

Deadline is reporting that Warner Bros. has hired screenwriter Carl Ellsworth (Disturbia) to pen the reboot of 80’s hit movie Gremlins. Ellsworth is currently writing the upcoming Goosebumps adaptation for Columbia Pictures.

Talks of a reboot have been floating around Hollywood for years with many writers, including Seth Grahame-Smith (Abrahama Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), taking a shot at writing the script, but nothing that has sparked real interest from the studio. Deadline also notes that Chris Columbus was in talks to direct the reboot, but has opted to produce the film instead along with the original film’s executive producer Steven Spielberg.

The original Gremlins was a huge success when it was released in 1984 taking in $153 million dollars domestically. A sequel was made Gremlins 2: The New Batch, but was ultimately panned and ended any further films in the franchise until now.

‘BROKEN HORSES’ takes your heart strings on an extraordinary ride.

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Your parents teach us right from wrong. What if your parents aren’t around? What if we’re molded from something evil instead? In Vidhu Vinod Chopra‘s new film BROKEN HORSES we meet two very different brothers at a pinnacle time in their life. When a manipulative man strolls into their lives, each brother takes a path of his own. 15 years down the road, simple minded and gentle soul Buddy works and does a little too well for himself, while younger brother Jake, now living in the city, is the successful music prodigy from his youth. Buddy reaches out to the newly engaged Jake to give him his wedding gift. Jake is hesitant to return to his desolate, Mexican border hometown, but understands that the love of his brother wills him to do so. Upon arrival, he learns that Buddy is being used as a deadly pawn in a drug lord’s chess match. Jake has no choice but to dedicate himself to saving his brother. 
BrokenHorsesAntonStillThe script takes some truly unexpected turns. I was constantly on my toes, especially emotionally. This engrossing story is only amplified by the stunning character development by Chopra’s writing and the outstanding and moving performances by Anton Yelchin and Chris Marquette as Jake and Buddy. Yelchin, in yet another film in a long line for 2015, plays a caring and protective role. It’s slightly more challenging than his usual boyish, all American vibe. Vincent D’Onofrio is manic in the role of evil puppeteer, Julius. There is very carefully crafted back story that we only get a glimpse of, and frankly it’s just enough.BroeknHorsesChrisVincentStillThe profoundly magnificent acting award, hands down, goes to Chris Marquette. There is a fine line when portraying a person that is not of average cognitive function . It can so easily read disingenuous and forced. Marquette gives us a performance of a career as Buddy. Every beat is perfection. This is one that must not be overlooked. Even if the film were not as great as is, Marquette blows everything out of the water. BrokenHoresesStillBroken Horses is enchanting and thrilling all in one. A game of sick manipulation is slowly built into a war for the soul. The acting is top notch and the scenery is breathtaking. Heart-pounding and gut-wrenching, Broken Horses is a story of undying love and devotion that will resonate with everyone.

Synopsis: Having left town as a child after the death of his father, young music prodigy, Jacob Heckum (Anton Yelchin), returns to his desolate hometown after years only to discover that Buddy (Chris Marquette), the child-like brother he left behind now works for a drug gang. The gang’s ruthless leader (Vincent  has twisted his simple mind and manipulated him into a killer… a surrogate son who blindly does as he is told. He is unable to convince Buddy to leave his new fraternity. Drowned in guilt for having abandoned him, Jacob quickly realizes the only way to save Buddy is from the inside out.

BROKEN HORSES comes to theaters in limited release Friday, April 10th

HBO NOW Available to Apple and Optimum Online Customers Today! Find out how to sign up!

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HBONow_iOS_1024Home Box Office announced today that HBO NOWSM – the network’s highly anticipated standalone premium streaming service – is available starting today, providing audiences with instant access to HBO’s acclaimed programming. To subscribe, consumers only need the internet. HBO NOW is available directly through Apple or Optimum Online for a monthly subscription of $14.99. Customers who sign up for HBO NOW in April will enjoy a 30 day introductory free trial period.

Just in time for the premiere of the fifth season of Game of Thrones on Sunday, April 12, HBO NOW subscribers will have access to every episode of every season of the best series programming, more of the biggest and latest Hollywood hit movies, original HBO Films, groundbreaking documentaries, sports, and comedy and music specials.

Similar to HBO GO, HBO NOW will offer more than 2,000 titles online. This includes current critically acclaimed series like Game of Thrones®, True Detective®, Silicon Valley®, Girls®, Veep®, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver®, and The Leftovers®, as well as classics like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, True Blood®, The Wire® and Deadwood®.  In addition, HBO NOW subscribers will have instant access to more Hollywood hits like Divergent, X-MEN: Days of Future Past, Neighbors, Godzilla and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. HBO continues to be in discussions with its existing network of distributors and new digital partners to offer HBO NOW.

Subscribing to HBO NOW Through Apple

STEP 1: Apple customers can subscribe to HBO NOW by downloading the app on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch or directly on Apple TV using their iTunes account.

STEP 2: Customers purchase an HBO NOW subscription directly in-app through Apple for $14.99 per month, following the limited time, introductory 30 day free trial period.

STEP 3: Upon registering with Apple, subscribers will set up HBO NOW login credentials, enabling them to watch their favorite HBO programming on their iOS devices as well as on HBONOW.com via PC or Mac.

Subscribing to HBO NOW Through Optimum Online

STEP 1: Cablevision’s Optimum Online customers can purchase an HBO NOW subscription by ordering the service online atOptimum.net/HBONOW or by calling 866-262-9329 for $14.99 per month, following the limited time, introductory 30 day free trial period.

STEP 2: After purchasing their HBO NOW subscription, Optimum Online customers can access the service by downloading the HBO NOW app on their Apple TV or iOS device or by going to HBONOW.com. Customers then select “Optimum” from the drop down menu of providers and sign in using their Optimum username and password.

STEP 3: Upon registering with Optimum, subscribers will set up HBO NOW login credentials, enabling them to watch their favorite HBO programming on their Apple TV or iOS devices as well as on HBONOW.com via PC or Mac.

CW Releases ‘The Flash’ WonderCon Sizzle Reel

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Get ready for a rush cause the CW has unleashed the adrenaline laced sizzle reel for the remaining episodes of The Flash. I warn you, this will cause heart palpitations. Oh…and you may recognize a few faces popping up.

The Flash returns next Tuesday at 8pm EST on the CW

Get 2 Free Tickets for the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday April 24th – Courtesy of AT&T’s Film For All Friday

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The trick is that you have to physically go into an AT&T store. Find a store in the NYC area here: https://tribecafilm.com/filmforall

FILM FOR ALL FRIDAY

AT&T is making screening tickets free on Friday, April 24.
From Monday April 6 to Thursday April 9 reserve your free tickets at participating company-owned AT&T stores in all five boroughs.

To reserve tickets at AT&T retail stores: 
1. Visit an AT&T retail store (see list of participating stores below)
2. Select your film using the device provided
3. Enter your email
4. Click to reserve your tickets

Remaining Film For All tickets will be make available online beginning Friday, April 10 right here on tribecafilm.com

 

New Netflix Series ‘Special Correspondents’ Written & Directed by Ricky Gervais Starring Eric Bana

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Special Correspondents, a new original feature film written and directed by Ricky Gervais and starring Eric Bana (Deliver Us From Evil, Lone Survivor) and Gervais (Muppets Most Wanted, Derek), will debut worldwide on Netflix next year. Read More →

3 Ways to View ‘Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck’ – Tribeca Film Festival, Lincoln Center or HBO

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Kurt CobainKURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK is the first fully-authorized documentary made with the cooperation of Kurt Cobain’s family. It is a raw and visceral journey through Cobain’s life and provides no-holds-barred access to Kurt Cobain’s archives, home to his never-before-seen home movies, recordings, artwork, photography, journals, demos, personal archives, family archives and songbooks. The film features dozens of Nirvana songs and performances as well as previously unheard Cobain originals. Read More →

Final Trailer for ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ is Released

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avengers age of ultron

Marvel has released their final trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron and you can view it below!

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Also starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, James Spader as Ultron as well as Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver and Paul Bettany as Vision. Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige.

Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1.

David Lynch Leaves ‘Twin Peaks’ Revival on Showtime

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twin peaks

A quiet Easter Sunday turned to breaking television news as David Lynch announced that he is leaving the “Twin Peaks” revival, scheduled to premiere on Showtime in 2016. A lot of conflicting news began to surface early Sunday as Twin Peaks Festival broke the rumor that Showtime had altogether cancelled the would be third season of the show, which was being written by co-creators Lynch and Mark Frost, but Lynch himself took to Facebook to clarify the situation:

“Dear Facebook Friends, Showtime did not pull the plug on Twin Peaks. After 1 year and 4 months of negotiations, I left because not enough money was offered to do the script the way I felt it needed to be done. This weekend I started to call actors to let them know I would not be directing. Twin Peaks may still be very much alive at Showtime. I love the world of Twin Peaks and wish things could have worked out differently.”

Showtime has since responded with the following:

“We were saddened to read David Lynch’s statement today since we believed we were working towards solutions with David and his reps on the few remaining deal points. SHOWTIME also loves the world of Twin Peaks and we continue to hold out hope that we can bring it back in all its glory with both of its extraordinary creators, David Lynch and Mark Frost, at its helm.”

Scripts for the third season have been written by Frost and Lynch, but without Lynch directing, would anyone really be interested in the outcome? Only time will tell what will ultimately transpire with this situation, but one things for sure, if this is really all about money then I guess art truly has lost to the almighty dollar.

We will be monitoring this situation very closely, so keep it here for all your upcoming news

First Look at Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda in the Netflix Series ‘Grace and Frankie’

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Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the Netflix Original Series "Grace and Frankie". Photo by Melissa Moseley for Netflix.Ê

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the Netflix Original Series “Grace and Frankie”. Photo by Melissa Moseley for Netflix.Ê

Netflix logoTake a look at 12 First Look images from the Netflix original series, Grace and Frankie. The series premieres on Friday, May 8 exclusively on Netflix in all territories where the service is available.

In Grace and Frankie, Jane Fonda (“Grace”) and Lily Tomlin (“Frankie”) star as two women whose lives are suddenly turned upside down when their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other. Both sparring partners and partners-in-crime, they form an unlikely bond to face an uncertain future together and discover a new definition of “family,” with laughter, tears and plenty of mood enhancers along the way.

From executive producers Marta Kauffman (“Friends”) and Howard J. Morris (“Home Improvement”), the hilarious and heartbreaking comedy takes on aging with gusto – from joint pain to joint rolling and blind dates to night blindness – and offers a poignant look at how life’s turning points show us who we really are. The series also stars Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, along with Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn and June Diane Raphael.

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Victor Levin’s ‘5 to 7’ brings Parisian romance to New York City.

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5 to 7 poster There is something about the French that evokes whimsy and passion. Paris is touted as the romance capital of the world. The language is oozing with lust and the men and women who reside there, are to be envied and adored. But give me NYC, anyday. There are so many stories just waiting to happen. In 5 to 7, we meet Brian, (ANTON YELCHIN) a 24 year old, down and out writer who won’t quit following his passion. He wallpapers his apartment with rejection letters but never stops creating. One day, by sheer chance or perhaps by fate, he looks across the street to find a stunning, French brunette smoking a cigarette. This moment is the catalyst for the entire story. Arielle (BÉRÉNICE MARLOHE) is a married 33 year old woman with two children and a unique understanding with her husband. The two and affair but with rules in place; only from 5-7pm. Arielle’s husband has a mistress, as well. She is Jane (OLIVIA THIRLBY), a 25 year old editor, who has followed the rules for a year already. Brian is welcomed into the “family” with open arms, everything is out in the open, and as unusual as it seems, somehow it works… for the while at least. At some point, sharing the woman of his dreams is too much for Brian to bare and an ultimatum is presented.5 to 7 AntonBereniceThe angst in this film is palpable. The heaviness of the situation and the excitement is wrought from the very beginning. There is something so wrong with this arrangement and yet you cannot help but root for them, and for everyone. The struggle between happiness and traditional thinking is constantly challenged in the script, crafted carefully by Victor Levin who does double duty as Director. As a New Yorker, this film is also a love story with the City itself. Peering into locations like The Guggenheim, Central Park, The St. Regis, and neighborhoods all over Manhattan is a love affair no city dweller can overlook. We are also treated to diverse cultural experiences between young downtown and sophisticated wealthy uptown. “Beer Vs. Wine”, if you will, but all New York City at heart.5 to 7 GlennFrankYelchin, who is in quite a few feature this year alone, is wonderful, charming and insightful as ever.  Marlohe is enchanting and effortless. Rounding out the amazing cast is Glenn Close and Frank Langella as Brian’s parents, Arlene and Sam Bloom. These two pros come into their scenes as if they were married for 30 years. Funny and honest and keeping us on our toes, they are a delight as a foil to Brian and Arielle. 5 to 7 has a built in audience. This film is for anyone who has ever had stars in their eyes and hope in their hearts. It’s a story of choices and finding out how far you’ll go for your happy ending.Victor Levin 5 to 7

In speaking to Victor Levin this week, I got a whole new insight on his first feature. He was simply a gentleman and a scholar and I thank him for every minute of his time. Take a listen to our chat below.

 

5 to 7 opens in theaters today in NY and LA, with a nationwide release next Friday, April 10th. It is also available now on VOD.

 

 

‘EFFIE GRAY’ is a true story of a Victorian feminist.

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Effie_NDovePoster

Courting is essentially a thing of the past in today’s society. In the Victorian age, it was the norm. Women joined the family of their husband and were better seen and not heard. Effie Gray was a real life young women wed to infamous art critic, John Ruskin. With dreams of entering a love filled marriage, Effie was thrown into high society under an overbearing mother-in-law and a frigid husband. Parties and showing social grace in a world where she was an object for show became increasingly more smothering and confusing. Ruskin was a progressive and outspoken art critic, which is what attracted Effie as a child. Although once married, she was discouraged from speaking her views, sexually rejected, and labeled a harlot by the one person she sought affection from. This virgin bride suffered years of emotional abuse until encountering a helpful soul and patron of the arts, Lady Eastlake. Effie_NDove_1183Without giving too much away, this film actually becomes a wonderful example of the power of a determined woman. In an age where divorce was simply not an option, Effie Gray finds a loophole allowing her move forward with someone who loves her deeply. The film is artistically crafted by Emma Thompson with careful detail of Victorian society alongside the world of art. One of the loveliest aspects of the film, visually, is the juxtaposition of paintings that reflect where Effie is on her emotional journey through time. Effie_NDove_1659Dakota Fanning is elegant and vulnerable as Effie. She has just enough tenacity to pull off a role with an arc such as this. Greg Wise is a stifled tyrant as John Ruskin. His temperament grows increasingly more horrid and he is borderline frightening at moments. Julie Walters, as Mrs. Ruskin, is just about as serpentine as one comes. A far cry from her famed roles as Mrs. Weasley in the beloved Harry Potter films, Walters is a crazed woman who needs to “cut the cord” already. The handsome Tom Sturridge plays Pre-Raphaelite Painter, John Everett Millais and the eventual object of Miss Gray’s affection. Emma Thompson portrays Lady Eastlake with an ease known to few actresses of our time. I could think of no other woman to play this part. Her watchful eye and skilled hand play such a massive part in this historical drama.Effie_NDove_1892Shot on location in Scotland, London, and Venice, EFFIE GRAY is a beautiful portrait of a young woman’s inner strength and the world she so desperately tried to escape. With a haunting score and outstanding performances by a true ensemble cast, EFFIE GRAY will inspire those with passion for art and life.

In EFFIE GRAY, Emma Thompson peers boldly inside the forbidden realms of Victorian society through the true story of the marriage of Effie Gray and renowned art critic John Ruskin, courageously exposing a secret world of unrequited passion hidden behind the veil of an opulent public life. Set in an era when neither divorce, nor gay marriage were an option, EFFIE GRAY is the story of a beautiful young woman coming of age, and finding her own voice in a world where women were expected to be seen but not heard. Within the lush environs of a world brimming with art, painting and high society and feverishly bucolic scenes of the Scottish countryside, EFFIE GRAY explores the intricate relationship between sexual intolerance, repression and desire which continue to permeate society today. In this impeccably crafted period drama, Thompson delicately and incisively probes the marital politics of the Victorian Era, and beyond.

Cast: Emma Thompson, Dakota Fanning, Tom Sturridge, David Suchet, Sir Derek Jakobi, Julie Walters, Riccardo Scamarcio and the legendary Claudia Cardinale.

The film opens nationwide on April 3.