HBO Released First Teaser for the Upcoming Series “Westworld”

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HBO has released a first look at “Westworld” and we have it for you below!

The story revolves around two guests at a high-tech amusement park go on a wild west adventure. The park is peopled by robots and is designed to provide a 100% life like experience simulating Roman times, cowboy times, and medieval times. When the park’s central computer breaks down, the robots start to run amok and our two guests find themselves stalked by a robot gunslinger.

The cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Rodrigo Santoro, Shannon Woodward, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Ben Barnes, Jimmi Simpson, Clifton Collins, Jr., Simon Quarterman and Angela Sarafyan.

“Westworld” will debut in 2016

 

Zac Efron will co-star with Dwayne Johnson in the ‘Baywatch’ movie

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The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Zac Efron will co-star opposite Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming TV show adaptation Baywatch for Paramount Pictures.

Based on one of the most popular shows of all time, globally, the film will be directed by  by Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) and will star Johnson as a by-the-book lifeguard who is forced to team up with a young rule-flouting hothead (Efron) in order to save their beach from environmental destruction at the hands of an oil tycoon. Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (Friday the 13th) have provided the latest script.

The Baywatch movie is scheduled for release in 2017

‘The Devil in the White City’ Coming with Scorsese and DiCaprio

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The big screen adaptation of Erik Larson’s best-selling true crime tale The Devil in the White City is on its way! Deadline is reporting that Paramount Pictures has picked up the rights to the novel with the plan being for a big screen adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese. This would be the sixth movie that DiCaprio and Scorsese have made together. Academy Award nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips) will adapted the screenplay.

Published in 2003, The Devil in the White City is officially described by Crown Publishing as follows:

Their fates were linked by the magical Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, nicknamed the “White City” for its majestic beauty. Architect Daniel Burnham built it; serial killer Dr. H. H. Holmes used it to lure victims to his World’s Fair Hotel, designed for murder. Both men left behind them a powerful legacy, one of brilliance and energy, the other of sorrow and darkness.

Here, then, is your ticket to the greatest fair in history—a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares.

DiCaprio will play the part of the serial killer Mr. Holmes.

No word on release date as of yet but stay tuned for more updates.

Back to the Future Documentary ‘Back in Time’ Coming This October

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Gravitas Ventures has announced the acquisition of all North American rights to Back in Time, directed by Jason Aron, featuring interviews with Michael J. Fox, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Bob Gale, Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd. Back in Time looks at both the making of the original film and the fan culture that has developed over the years. It will be available on VOD, DVD/Bluray and select theaters on the very day Marty McFly (Fox) arrived in Back to the Future 2 – on “Future Day,” October 21, 2015.

In Back in Time, cast, crew, and fans explore the classic time-travel trilogy’s resonance throughout pop culture. As the project evolved it took them from the joyous nostalgia at a massive London fan event to the living rooms of Michael J. Fox, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Bob Gale, Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd as well as Huey Lewis, James Tolkan (“Mr. Strickland”) Claudia Wells (“Jennifer Parker”) and more. Nothing is overlooked as they explore everything from Eric Stoltz’s casting to the invention of the hoverboard. Travelling throughout the world and leaving no stone unturned brings unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to the “BTTF” lexicon.

“Iconic documentaries, like a bolt of lightning, only come around so often,” said Nolan Gallagher, Founder and CEO of Gravitas Ventures, “we are honored to be a part of the ‘Back to the Future’ mythology and bring this must-have film to the millions of fans who have loved the trilogy all these years.”

Filmmakers Jason Aron and Lee Leshen add:

“As both fans of the trilogy and filmmakers, it was extremely important for us to have this documentary seen by as many people as possible. We knew within minutes of meeting Nolan that the team at Gravitas would make that dream a possibility.”

In addition to original cast and crew support, Back in Time was directed by Jason Aron, who also served as Executive Producer with Louis Krubich, Akrum Sheikh and Ronald Ferguson. Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs”) served as Co-Executive Producer. Lee Leshen produced.

Tom Cruise Has an Idea for an ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Sequel

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One of the best films of 2014, Edge of Tomorrow, might be getting the sequel treatment if Tom Cruise has anything to say about it, and we assume he does. Speaking to Uproxx while on the press trail for this summer smash hit  Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote Edge of Tomorrow, had some interesting things to say about a recent meeting with Cruise. Here is what he had to say:

“Edge of Tomorrow was so hard and was so draining. When we went out to dinner when we were making Mission and Tom said, ‘I have an idea for the sequel to Edge,’ and I said, ‘I don’t want to f***ing hear it. I do not want to know!’ And he pitched the idea to me and he finished pitching it, I was like, ‘Why did you do that?’”

So, what are the chances we might see this “interesting” idea become a real sequel? McQuarrie goes on to say”

“It all comes down to Warner Bros. and Doug Liman and Emily Blunt saying yes. The idea is there. At worst, it’s the kernel of an idea – which is, on one hand, great, but on the other hand, I know what a nightmare that is. I know that I’ll be in the void trying to figure that out. And even then when it came out in the press after Tom had mentioned it, right away, there were people on social media saying, ‘Don’t do it, it should never have a sequel, etc., etc.’ And I’m just laughing because I’m like, ‘You guys don’t even know what we are talking about! You have no idea!’ Look, that was one of the best creative teams I’ve ever worked with as far as a team of rivals: Emily is one facet of that; Doug Liman is a completely different and opposing force; Tom Cruise is another. And there I am in the middle, just playing to these three really strong, really smart people.”

We went on to joke about what might the title be if a sequel does come to fruition:

“God help us figuring out what the title of the sequel is. The Edge of the Day After Tomorrow? I don’t know.”

Only time will tell if a sequel happens, but I for one, would love to see it

Universal Pictures through 2018 – The good, the bad & 15 sequels

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Universal announced their slate through 2018 and there’s lots to chat about. I’ll sum up each year, then give a more detailed view after.

2015 RELEASES

For the rest of this year, I’m pretty excited about the lineup, save for one. Can you guess which?

  • Straight Outta Compton – Not really my jam, but I’ve heard good things.
  • The Visit – M. Night, you’ll probably disappoint me, but I can’t help but give you another shot.
  • Everest – Epic mountain climbing and adventure. I’m in.
  • Legend – Tom Hardy times two? Yes, please.
  • Steve Jobs – YES, please erase Ashton Kutcher from my mind.
  • Crimson Peak – I’m not a horror fan in general, but Guillermo del Toro & Tom Hiddleston will put my but in the seat.
  • Jem and the Holograms – No. NO. If you’re gonna do this, do it right. Jem was a business woman by day and a rock star by night. This is just WRONG.
  • By the Sea – Jolie-Pitt will always get my vote.
  • Krampus – Horror Comedy with Adam Scott & Toni Collette
  • Sisters – Tina Fey & Amy Poehler. That’s it.

2016 RELEASES

Of the 21 movies announced, 7 are sequels or continuation of a series. Only one of them has real potential, then there’s 4 more that really could be great.

  • Ride Along 2 – The first was successful, people loved it. Alright, whatever.
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 – Seriously? Let it go.
  • The Huntsman – Can it survive without Snow White? Totally could.
  • Neighbors 2 – I just don’t understand.
  • The Purge 3 – Eh. Another horror sequel. Not a surprise.
  • Untitled Next Bourne Chapter – Matt Damon is back. THANK GOD.
  • Ouija 2 – Again with the horror sequel. Blah.

Now for the good stuff.

  • Hail, Caesar! – Coen Brothers. COEN BROTHERS.
  • The Huntsman – Prequel with the Charlize Theron & Chris Hemsworth with Emily Blunt. I’ll watch anything with Emily Blunt.
  • Top Secret Untitled Lonely Island Movie – Andy Samberg movie. YES.
  • Warcraft – Didn’t have an interest until I saw it was going to be directed by Duncan Jones, the director of Moon and Source Code.
  • The Secret Lives of Pets – Adorable. Adorable adorable adorable.

2017 RELEASES

Over half of the 2017 are sequels/series continuation and only 1 peaks my interest.

  • Fifty Shades Darker – The first wasn’t actually that bad. Not good, mind you, but not what all the hype was about.
  • The Mummy – No, not another Brenden Fraser, but it is being produced by a guy who worked on it. Is it a sequel? Who cares?
  • New Chapter in Fast & Furious Saga – IT WILL NEVER END.
  • Despicable 3 – So, Minons wasn’t Despicable 3? Could have fooled me.
  • Kong: Skull Island – Sequel? Kinda. With Tom Hiddleston? I’ll allow it.
  • Pitch Perfect 3 – Not really for me, but more power to them.
  • Pacific Rim 2 – Let’s hope there’s a story this time.

2018 RELEASES

Sequels, what else?

  • Fifty Shades Freed – There’s only 3 books. Whew.
  • Jurassic World Sequel – Alright, I suppose I’ll watch it. 🙂

 

straightouttacompton0006Straight Outta Compton
August 14, 2015

In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Taking us back to where it all began, Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels—armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent—stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

Straight Outta Compton stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job).  The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Adam Merims, David Engel, Bill Straus, Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni. www.straightouttacompton.com

The Visit posterThe Visit
September 11, 2015

Writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and producer Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, The Purge and Insidious series) welcome you to Universal Pictures’ The Visit.  Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparents’ remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong trip.  Once the children discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day.

Shyamalan produces The Visit through his Blinding Edge Pictures, while Blum produces through his Blumhouse Productions alongside Marc Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal).  Steven Schneider (Insidious) and Ashwin Rajan (Devil) executive produce the thriller. www.stayinyourroom.com

Everest posterEverest
 (IMAX) September 18, 2015 / (2D/3D) September 25, 2015

Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind.  Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.  The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Everest is directed by Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Contraband) and produced by Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, as well as Nicky Kentish Barnes and Kormákur.

Universal Pictures and Cross Creek Pictures’ presentation of Everest—in association with Walden Media—is adapted for the screen by William Nicholson (Gladiator) and Oscar® winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire).

The film was shot on location in Nepal on the foothills of Everest, the Italian Alps and at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and Pinewood Studios in the U.K.  Universal will distribute Everest worldwide.

Legend posterLegend
October 2, 2015

From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an amazing double performance. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray twins.

Written and directed by Helgeland, the Studiocanal, Working Title and Cross Creek film co-stars Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston, Chazz Palminteri, Tara Fitzgerald and Taron Egerton. Working Title Film’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produce Legend alongside Chris Clark, Quentin Curtis and Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver. Universal will release the thriller in the U.S., and Studiocanal will distribute in the U.K., France, Germany and Australia/New Zealand.

Steve Jobs
October 9, 2015

From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an amazing double performance. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray twins.

Written and directed by Helgeland, the Studiocanal, Working Title and Cross Creek film co-stars Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston, Chazz Palminteri, Tara Fitzgerald and Taron Egerton. Working Title Film’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produce Legend alongside Chris Clark, Quentin Curtis and Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver. Universal will release the thriller in the U.S., and Studiocanal will distribute in the U.K., France, Germany and Australia/New Zealand.

Crimson Peak posterCrimson Peak
October 16, 2015

When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.

From the imagination of director Guillermo del Toro comes a supernatural mystery starring Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam. www.crimsonpeakmovie.com

Jem & the Holograms postserJem and the Holograms
October 23, 2015

As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. In Universal Pictures’ Jem and the Holograms, four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see that the key to creating your own destiny lies in finding your own voice.

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Step Up series, G.I. Joe: Retaliation), the musical adventure stars Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Aurora Perrineau, Hayley Kiyoko, Ryan Guzman, Molly Ringwald and Juliette Lewis. Jem and the Holograms, based on the iconic Hasbro animated TV series, is written by Ryan Landels and produced by Chu, Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions, Scooter Braun for SB Projects, Bennett Schneir, and Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis of Hasbro Studios. www.jemthemovie.com

By the Sea
November 13, 2015

In her directorial follow-up to the Universal Pictures’ epic Unbroken, Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie Pitt writes, directs and produces By the Sea. The dramatic film stars Brad Pitt and Jolie Pitt, who are supported by an international ensemble led by Mélanie Laurent, Niels Arestrup, Melvil Poupaud and Richard Bohringer.

By the Sea follows an American writer named Roland (Pitt) and his wife, Vanessa (Jolie Pitt), who arrive in a tranquil and picturesque seaside resort in 1970s France, their marriage in apparent crisis. As they spend time with fellow travelers, including young newlyweds Lea (Laurent) and François (Poupaud), and village locals Michel (Arestrup) and Patrice (Bohringer), the couple begins to come to terms with unresolved issues in their own lives.

In its style, and its treatment of themes of the human experience, By the Sea is inspired by European cinema and theater of the ’60s and ’70s.

Jolie Pitt is joined behind the scenes by a key crew that includes cinematographer Christian Berger (The White Ribbon), who used his Cine Reflect Lighting System to shoot the film; production designer Jon Hutman (Unbroken); editor Patricia Rommel (The Lives of Others); and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps). Pitt joins her in production duties, while Chris Brigham (Inception), Holly Goline (Unbroken) and Michael Vieira (Unbroken) serve as executive producers.

Krampus posterKrampus
December 4, 2015

Legendary Pictures’ Krampus, a darkly festive tale of a yuletide ghoul, reveals an irreverently twisted side to the holiday. The horror-comedy tells the story of young Max (Emjay Anthony), who turns his back on Christmas as his dysfunctional family comes together and comically clashes over the holidays.

When they accidentally unleash the wrath of Krampus—an ancient entity from European folklore—all hell breaks loose and beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own. Now, the fractured family is forced to unite if they hope to survive.

Krampus and his mischievous underlings are being created by the combined efforts of Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, both renowned for their epic work on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and King Kong, among many others.

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ’r Treat), Krampus is co-written by Zach Shields and Todd Casey and produced by Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia and Dougherty. The film will be released by Universal Pictures.

Sisters
December 18, 2015

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite for Sisters, a new film from Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore about two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.

Fey produces the comedy alongside Jay Roach (Meet the Parents series) and John Lyons (Austin Powers in Goldmember), and Poehler executive produces alongside Jeff Richmond and Brian Bell from a script by Paula Pell (TV’s Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock). www.sistersfilm.com

2016 RELEASES

Untitled Blumhouse Horror* (working title)
January 8, 2016

Ride Along 2
January 15, 2016

Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup of Ride Along 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year’s most popular comedy duo.  Joining Hart and Cube for the next chapter of the series are director Tim Story, as well as Cube’s fellow producers—Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner—who will produce alongside Cube.

Hail, Caesar!
February 5, 2016

Four-time Oscar®-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, True Grit, Fargo) write and direct HAIL, CAESAR!, an all-star comedy set during the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age.  Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and Jonah Hill, HAIL, CAESAR! follows a single day in the life of a studio fixer who is presented with plenty of problems to fix.  The comedy is produced by the Coen brothers under their Mike Zoss Productions banner, with Working Title Films and Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
March 25, 2016

Gold Circle Entertainment and HBO present a Playtone production of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time.  Written by Academy Award® nominee Nia Vardalos, who stars alongside the entire returning cast of favorites, the film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.

Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned Devine) directs the next chapter of the film that will be once again produced by Rita Wilson and Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.  Paul Brooks and Steven Shareshian return to executive produce alongside Vardalos and Scott Niemeyer.  Universal Pictures will distribute the comedy domestically and in select international territories.

Michelle Darnell
April 8, 2016

Academy Award®-nominated star Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat, Tammy) headlines MICHELLE DARNELL as a titan of industry who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading.  When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.  Based on an original character created by McCarthy, the comedy will be directed by Ben Falcone (Tammy) and is written by McCarthy and Falcone alongside their Groundlings collaborator, Steve Mallory.  MICHELLE DARNELL will be produced by McCarthy and Falcone through their On the Day Productions and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions.

The Best Man Wedding
April 15, 2016

The cast of THE BEST MAN series returns to celebrate the group’s most unexpected wedding to date.  Malcolm D. Lee again writes and directs the third film in his signature hit series, and Sean Daniel (The Best Man Holiday) returns to produce THE BEST MAN WEDDING alongside Lee.

The Huntsman
April 22, 2016

The fantastical world of 2012’s global hit SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN expands to reveal how the fates of two characters, The Huntsman Eric and Ravenna, intersected before they met Snow White.  Chris Hemsworth and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron return to their roles in a new epic action-adventure, THE HUNTSMAN.  Cedric Nicolas-Troyas-directs and Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain also star.  Producer Joe Roth (Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland) once again leads the team in a breathtaking new tale from the legendary saga.

Neighbors 2
May 20, 2016

Returning stars Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne are joined by Chloë Grace Moretz for NEIGHBORS 2, the follow-up to 2014’s most popular original comedy.  Also back in the same duties are director Nicholas Stoller and series producers Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Rogen, who produce under their Point Grey Pictures banner.  Andrew Jay Cohen and Brendan O’Brien serve as executive producers alongside Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake.  The comedy’s writers include Rogen, Stoller, Goldberg, Cohen and O’Brien.

Top Secret Untitled Lonely Island Movie*
June 3, 2016

Set in the world of music, Universal Pictures’ TOP SECRET UNTITLED LONELY ISLAND MOVIE stars digital-shorts superstars Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, who are collectively known as The Lonely Island.  Co-directed by Schaffer and Taccone, the comedy from blockbuster producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Bridesmaids, Trainwreck) will also be produced by Rodney Rothman (producer of Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall; co-writer of 22 Jump Street), as well as producers Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer.

Warcraft
June 10, 2016

Set in the world of music, Universal Pictures’ TOP SECRET UNTITLED LONELY ISLAND MOVIE stars digital-shorts superstars Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, who are collectively known as The Lonely Island.  Co-directed by Schaffer and Taccone, the comedy from blockbuster producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Bridesmaids, Trainwreck) will also be produced by Rodney Rothman (producer of Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall; co-writer of 22 Jump Street), as well as producers Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer.

The Purge 3
July 1, 2016

The Secret Life of Pets
July 8, 2016

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announce THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration.  Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart will voice characters, and all three performers will make their animated feature-film debuts in the 3D comedy-adventure.  Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy will produce the film directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2), co-directed by Yarrow Cheney and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio.

For one bustling Manhattan apartment building, the real day starts after the folks on two legs leave for work and school.  That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners, or auditioning adorable looks to get better snacks.  The building’s top dog, Max (voiced by Louis C.K.), a quick-witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, finds his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills.  When this reluctant canine duo finds themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet-cunning bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who’s building an army of Ex-Pets abandoned by their owners and out to turn the tables on humanity…all before dinnertime.

Untitled Next Bourne Chapter
July 29, 2016

Global superstar Matt Damon returns to his most iconic role as Jason Bourne in the fifth installment of Universal Pictures’ BOURNE franchise.  Acclaimed director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Legacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips) also returns for this much-anticipated chapter, and Frank Marshall again produces alongside Jeffrey Weiner for Captivate Entertainment.  Greengrass, Damon and Greg Goodman also produce.  The action-thriller is written by Greengrass, Damon and Christopher Rouse.

Spectral
August 12, 2016

Legendary Pictures’ SPECTRAL, a 3D action thriller that tracks an elite Spec Ops team on a mission to take down an aggressive phantom threat that cannot be explained, will be directed by Nic Mathieu and star James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Max Martini and Bruce Greenwood.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce the film from writers Ian Fried, George Nolfi and John Gatins that is executive produced by Jillian Share and Guy Riedel.  SPECTRAL will be released by Universal Pictures.

Monster High
October 7, 2016

Surviving high school’s tough enough when your parents aren’t the most legendary monsters in history.  Finding your real identity while figuring out what to do with your secret one is just part of what the teenagers who attend super-secret academy MONSTER HIGH go through every day—and night.  Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (TV’s Gossip Girl and The O.C., Endless Love) wrote the screenplay based on the hugely successful Mattel franchise.  Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Hairspray, Chicago) will produce under their Storyline Entertainment banner, and Schwartz and Savage will produce for Fake Empire.

Kevin Hart: What Now?
October 14, 2016

In Universal Pictures’ KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW?, comedic rock-star Kevin Hart follows up his 2013 hit stand-up concert movie LET ME EXPLAIN, which grossed $32 million domestically and became the third-highest live stand-up comedy movie of all time.  Hart takes center stage in this groundbreaking, record-setting, sold-out performance of “What Now?”—filmed outdoors in front of 50,000 people at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field—marking the first time a comedian has ever performed to an at-capacity football stadium.

Ouija 2
October 21, 2016

In OUIJA 2, the sequel to fall 2014’s sleeper hit that opened to No. 1 at the box office, a group of unsuspecting friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they unleash an evil from the other side that only they can send back.  The next chapter of the supernatural thriller series inspired by the ancient spirit board is once again produced by Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Purge series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum (The Purge and Insidious series, upcoming Jem and the Holograms), alongside Hasbro’s Brian Goldner (Transformers and G.I. Joe series, upcoming Jem and the Holograms) and Stephen Davis (Jem and the Holograms).  Mike Flanagan & Jeff Howard (Oculus) wrote the screenplay, and Universal will distribute the film worldwide.

A Meyers Christmas
November 11, 2016

A new comedy from producer Will Packer (Ride Along and Think Like a Man series) and writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim), A MEYERS CHRISTMAS is the unlikely story of an estranged family that must reunite for their first Christmas since the death of the beloved family matriarch.

Untitled Great Wall Project
November 23, 2016

Directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT tells the story of an elite force making a last stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. Matt Damon, Willem Dafoe and Pedro Pascal star alongside notable Chinese actors Andy Lau, Jing Tian, Zhang Hanyu, Eddie Peng, Lu Han, Lin Gengxin, Zheng Kai, Chen Xuedong, Huang Xuan and Wang Junkai The first English language production for Yimou is also set to be the largest film ever shot entirely in China.  Production is set to begin in Spring 2015.  UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT will be released in the U.S. in 3D by Universal Pictures with the goal of being released in China in early December 2016.

Let It Snow
December 9, 2016

Weaving together three unexpected romances that take place over the course of one Christmas Eve, Universal Pictures’ LET IT SNOW is based on the beloved short story collection written by John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), Maureen Johnson (“13 Little Blue Envelopes”) and Lauren Myracle (“Internet Girls” series).  Bluegrass Films’ Scott Stuber (Ted series, Identity Thief) and Dylan Clark (Planet of the Apes series, Oblivion) will produce the holiday film from a script by Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect series).

Untitled Illumination Entertainment 2016 Project 2
December 21, 2016

2017 RELEASES

Mena
January 6, 2017

In Universal Pictures’ MENA, TOM CRUISE reunites with his Edge of Tomorrow director, Doug Liman, to portray a pilot recruited by the CIA who finds himself in charge of the one of the biggest covert operations in the history of the United States. Cross Creek Pictures will fully finance the thriller that is based on a true story.  MENA is produced by Cross Creek’s Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Kim Roth, and Quadrant Pictures’ Doug Davison.

Untitled Blumhouse Horror
January 27, 2017

Fifty Shades Darker
February 10, 2017

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in FIFTY SHADES DARKER, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon.  Expanding upon the events set in motion in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, which has grossed more than $560 million globally, the films will again become the motion-picture events for Valentine’s Day 2017.  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, alongside E L James, the creator of the series, also return to produce.

Kong: Skull Island
March 10, 2017

In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with KONG: SKULL ISLAND, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series).  Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins (Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), KONG: SKULL ISLAND will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.  Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline.  Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, upcoming Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce.  The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.

The Mummy
March 24, 2017

A legend that has endured since the dawn of man is reborn in THE MUMMY, Universal Pictures’ all-new epic action-adventure.  THE MUMMY is conceived with dramatic intensity by an imaginative creative team led by director/producer Alex Kurtzman and producers Roberto Orci, Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious series, Wanted) and Sean Daniel (The Mummy trilogy, The Best Man series).  Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) wrote the screenplay, and Bobby Cohen executive produces.

New Chapter in Fast & Furious Saga
April 14, 2017

On the heels of FURIOUS 7, the fastest movie to reach $1 billion worldwide in box-office history, comes the new chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time.  Vin Diesel leads the returning cast forward in the next film of Universal Pictures’ FAST & FURIOUS saga, which will be released on April 14, 2017.  Neal H. Moritz and Diesel return as producers.

Despicable Me 3
June 30, 2017

The team who brought you DESPICABLE ME and the biggest animated hit of 2013, DESPICABLE ME 2, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions.  Get happy on June 30, 2017.

Pitch Perfect 3
July 21, 2017

Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson headline the returning cast of PITCH PERFECT 3, the follow-up to summer 2015’s blockbuster hit.  The film that took the honor of highest-grossing movie-musical opening of all time will be produced by series fixtures Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment and Max Handelman & Elizabeth Banks of Brownstone Productions.

Pacific Rim 2
August 4, 2017

Guillermo del Toro returns to direct Legendary Pictures’ PACIFIC RIM 2, the next chapter of the epic action-adventure he created with 2013’s hit original film.  Zak Penn will write the script with del Toro.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni once again produce alongside del Toro, Mary Parent and Callum Greene.  Jillian Share will executive produce.  Universal Pictures will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX 3D.

Untitled Blumhouse Horror*
October 20, 2017

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas 
November 17, 2017

Guillermo del Toro returns to direct Legendary Pictures’ PACIFIC RIM 2, the next chapter of the epic action-adventure he created with 2013’s hit original film.  Zak Penn will write the script with del Toro.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni once again produce alongside del Toro, Mary Parent and Callum Greene.  Jillian Share will executive produce.  Universal Pictures will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX 3D.

2018 RELEASES 

Fifty Shades Freed
February 9, 2018

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in FIFTY SHADES FREED, the third chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon.  Expanding upon the events set in motion in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, which has grossed more than $560 million globally, the films will again become the motion-picture events for Valentine’s Day 2018.  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, alongside E L James, the creator of the series, also return to produce.

Untitled Universal Monster Franchise Film*
March 30, 2018

A new epic action-adventure in a series produced and overseen by the creative team of Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek series) and Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious series), the UNTITLED UNIVERSAL MONSTER FRANCHISE FILM will follow The Mummy in their new initiative to revive and reimagine Universal’s classic monsters for a modern audience.

Jurassic World Sequel
June 22, 2018

Executive producer Steven Spielberg and stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD SEQUEL, a follow-up to one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of cinema.  Producer Frank Marshall once again joins Spielberg in leading the team of filmmakers for the next chapter in the franchise.  The film will be written by Jurassic World’s director, Colin Trevorrow, and Derek Connolly.  Spielberg will be joined by Trevorrow as executive producer.

Battle of The Actors Round 2 Match-Ups! Actors Round of 32! Girls Rule!

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Untitled-1Last Week Christopher Lee, Daniel Day-Lewis, Johnny Depp, and Edward Norton advanced into the Sweet 16 with Robin Williams beating Denzel Washington to move on. This week is the last matchups of the round of 32…ladies! You’re up

Brad’s Bracket:

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Jeremy’s Bracket:

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Liz’s Bracket:

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Melissa’s Bracket:

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Michael’s Bracket:

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My 5 Favorite Jason Bateman Roles You May Have Missed – p.s. Go See ‘The Gift’ This Weekend

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JASON BATEMAN and REBECCA HALL star in THE GIFT. FACEBOOK.COM/GIFTMOVIE TWITTER@GIFTMOVIE INSTAGRAM@GIFTMOVIE #GIFT MOVIE

JASON BATEMAN and REBECCA HALL star in THE GIFT.
FACEBOOK.COM/GIFTMOVIE TWITTER@GIFTMOVIE INSTAGRAM@GIFTMOVIE #GIFT MOVIE

Jason Bateman stole young hearts in “Silver Spoons” with Ricky Schroder and as young David Hogan in the TV show that changed it’s name, not once, but twice. (First “Valerie,” then “Valerie’s Family,” then finally, “The Hogan Family.”) ANYWAY, his new movie, The Gift was unexpected and twisted in a good way.

Meanwhile, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Jason Bateman roles that perhaps you haven’t seen or totally forgot about.

What’s your favorite Jason Bateman movie?


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Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the comic relief of the commentary. Surprising and hilarious.

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Almost unrecognizable, he’s disgusting and fantastic.

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This didn’t get a lot of play (see what I did there?), but it’s a really solid flick, you should check it out.

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This was the perfect role as it epitomizes his on-screen persona. Unbelievably rewatchable.

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A timely and poignant story of communicating in our time. A must see.

JASON BATEMAN stars in THE GIFT. FACEBOOK.COM/GIFTMOVIE TWITTER@GIFTMOVIE INSTAGRAM@GIFTMOVIE #GIFT MOVIE

JASON BATEMAN stars in THE GIFT.
FACEBOOK.COM/GIFTMOVIE TWITTER@GIFTMOVIE INSTAGRAM@GIFTMOVIE #GIFT MOVIE

Retro Review: Martha Coolidge’s ‘Real Genius’ Was Released 30 Years Ago Today and Remains one of the Great 80s Comedic Cinematic Treasures

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real genius poster

When most people think of Val Kilmer‘s greatest performance, they usually default to his portrayal of of Doc Holliday in the uneven Tombstone. Don’t get me wrong, his performance as the gunslinger is impressive, but to me he has never been and never will be finer than he was as Chris Knight in Martha Coolidge‘s incredibly humorous and wonderful Real Genius.

real genius - ice is niceReal Genius is centered at Pacific Tech (loosely based on CalTech) where under the direction of Dr. Jerry Hathaway (the always bastard-y William Atherton), geniuses hone their skills, bringing fortune on both them and Dr. Hathaway. The narrative focuses mostly on two characters: Knight, resident brainiac who is about to graduate, and his new protégé, Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret), who happens to be a 15-year old and the first student ever admitted to Pacific Tech for the mid-Winter term.

real genius - mitchWhy was Mitch admitted to the university early, you ask? Well, it seems Dr. Hathaway is working in league with the military on a top secret project, one which employs a high-powered laser to vaporize single targets/people from outer space. Of course, the students aren’t privy to what Hathaway has been up to. When the military decides they need the project complete in 4 months, not 18, Hathaway brings in Mitch, his ace in the hole.

real genius - gangKnight doesn’t act like what most would expect from a genius. He is insubordinate, he is wild and all-together unpredictable. He and Mitch couldn’t be more opposite. A perfect example:

So it takes a while for them finally find a good footing, but they do and for the most part prosper. Like any good 80s movie, one villain isn’t enough. Not only do they have to deal with Hathaway, but also his toadie, Kent (Robert Prescott), who is jealous that Knight and Mitch get all of Hathaway’s attention despite the fact the he has done everything Hathaway has ever asked him to do. He’s the typical brown-nosing asshole that we all hated when we were in school.

real genius - kentIn keeping with a certain weirdness that crept over 80s teen comedies (a la Better Off Dead), this film wouldn’t be complete without the crazy genius recluse who lives in a closet, right? And that would be Lazlo Hollyfeld (the incredible Jon Gries), the gentle-souled former BMOC from Pacific Tech, who went underground after finding out that a product he invented was killing people. He also lives in Mitch and Chris’ closet. But never fear, he’s not some nut – he ends up being the last cog in the wheel that helps set everything straight in the end.

real genius - lazloWhen Kent sabotages the project finally tipping Knight over the edge, he has an epiphany and is able to solve the problem with the laser:

When Hollyfeld finds Knight, Mitch and their merry band of misfit geniuses including Jordan (Michelle Meyrink) and Ick (Mark Kamiyama) celebrating, and tells them what they’ve done, they band together to stop the military from testing the weapon all while exacting revenge on Kent and Hathaway.

Despite being every bit an 80s film, Real Genius was strangely prophetic. When you look at the Crossbow Project, which is the weapon that the guys build, it is basically a different version of the now famous and widely reviled drone program employed by our government and military. The Crossbow was undoubtedly born out of of Ronald Reagan‘s delusional Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) unveiled in 1983. So go figure, right?

This is one movie that I truly believe still stands tall given its age. The humor is as fresh and biting as when this film was released nearly 30 years ago (for the most part). Val Kilmer had just come off of a strong comedic performance in the Zucker Bros.’ Top Secret! and really shines in this film. From his delivery:

to his reactions:

to the offbeat:

…it’s just a a top notch performance. It’s a real shame he abandoned the more comedic roles and instead went for fare like Top Gun. Literally broke my heart when he was in that one.

And how can we ever forget probably the best line in the entire film delivered by Dr. Hathaway?:

PRICELESS and applicable on so many occasions in real life.

And like all 80s movies, the soundtrack is very important contributing immensely to the film. The usage of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” over the ending and credits is an absolutely perfect complement to the premise and the actions of Dr. Hathaway and the US government. Add to that the two incredible montages set to “I’m Falling” by The Comsat Angels and “Number One” by Chaz Jenkel and you have yet another example of the effective use of music to convey the feelings of the characters and add to the story. I just think that 80s movies had a better grasp of this concept. There was no equivalent of Rick Ross playing over a western like in Django Unchained and for the better.

While there are mediocre performances (Mitch?), the whole of the film is strong. Getting a rare glimpse inside the world of the young genius is quite fun and this film is positioned differently than other films like it from the same time, i.e. War Games and The Manhattan Project. While the pall of the Cold War is cast over the three of them, only Real Genius is able to make light of the situation and really empower the kids in the film. I tribute that to a great script from Neal Israel and Pat Proft (who co-wrote Tom Hanks’ Bachelor Party and Police Academy) and Peter Torokvei with really adept direction by Martha Coolidge. A winner on really every level. If you haven’t caught this one, do so at your leisure. It’s one that is not to be missed.

It’s a shame that this one has been relatively forgotten amidst so many of great 80s films. This one still resides at the top of my list.

Here’s the trailer:

 

Liz’s Review: Kevin Bacon brings the unexpected in ‘COP CAR’.

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Cop Car posterAs a kid, curiosity probably should have gotten me killed a slew of times. Running away wasn’t really my thing, but playing with the boys in the woods, rough housing and climbing things I probably shouldn’t have went hand in hand with ballet lessons and dressing up as Princess Leia. In the new film COP CAR, two young boys come upon what appears to be an abandoned sheriff’s vehicle in the middle of nowhere. Coming to the naive conclusion that no one is coming back for the car, they take it upon themselves to claim the vehicle as their own and go on one hell of a joyride. Unbeknownst to them, it’s shady owner has secrets hiding within the vehicle. An innocent coming of age tale spins wildly out of control as the boys decide between right and wrong and the threats of grownups with their own agenda.Cop Car-00005Kevin Bacon gives an outstanding performance as the infamous Sheriff Kretzer. This man is a master as manipulation. Watching his character get in and out of dangerous scenarios is fascinating and frightening. Bacon never disappoints me with his uncanny ability to be both charming and smarmy all in one. (He was totally booked for sit down interviews this time. I was disappointed as I dream of being able to say that “I am 0 degrees from Kevin Bacon.” Next time, sir. Next time.) Cop Car-00008The young boys that we want so desperately to get away are played heroically by James Freedson-Jackson and Hays Wellford. Both performances should be lauded as total success stories. These two young boys have careers ahead of them, for sure. Freedson-Jackson plays the more dominant of the pair  with gusto and complete ownership. Wellford, as the meeker young man, is heartfelt and thoughtful. It makes me wonder the amount of time these kids spent  together prior to and during filming. Their chemistry is organic and beyond solid. Camryn Manheim plays a concerned local woman, putting the boys on blast to the authorities. I love Manheim in everything from Ghost Whisperer to her innumerable guest appearances on what feels like every television series since the mid-90’s. Shea Whigman, one of my favorite actors from Boardwalk Empire, makes a phenomenal appearance in this film. Setting the bar high is the name of his game and he blows us away.Cop Car-00007The film’s pace starts out free and easy, throwing you into a false sense of stability. Ramping up and never stopping until the final frame, Cop Car really took me by surprise. It was a purely intriguing script and I was never bored. Fare warning: it is quite violent but totally worth it. Great performances, fantastic story, completely unexpected, I really dug this film. It is crystal clear why director Jon Watts was brought on to helm the UNTITLED SPIDER-MAN REBOOT for 2017. This gives me so much hope for the franchise. Beyond looking forward to more from this talented man.Cop Car-00009COP CAR opens in theaters today, August 7th.

Kevin Bacon (THE FOLLOWING, HBO’s TAKING CHANCE, MYSTIC RIVER) stars in director Jon Watts’ delightful throwback thriller COP CAR.   When two good-natured but rebellious young boys (Hays Wellford of INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE and James Freedson-Jackson) stumble across an abandoned cop car hidden in a secluded glade they decide to take it for a quick joyride.  Their bad decision unleashes the ire of the county sheriff (Kevin Bacon) and leads to brutal consequences.  COP CAR  firmly establishes Jon Watts as a master of minimalist suspense and a directing force that will soon extend well beyond the independent landscape—Watts has just signed on to helm the UNTITLED SPIDER-MAN REBOOT for 2017.

Liz’s Review: ‘HOMME LESS’ is worth far more than 1000 words.

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hommelessposter

From his dapper appearance and his suave sensibilities, you’d never guess that Mark Reay is homeless in NYC. Using a YMCA locker room as his bathroom and personal storage system, Mark is able to blend seamlessly into the upper echelon of New York’s fashion and film business. As a former model, he hustles the streets of Manhattan as a photographer and smooth talker. Genuinely talented and extremely good looking, Mark’s adaptability to his circumstances is astounding and certainly commendable. He lives in secret on a friend’s rooftop, enduring the changing weather and fearing, each night, that he may be found out and forced to find somewhere else to survive the nights. He lives off his extraordinary photography skills, acting residuals, and his uncanny ability to cold approach beautiful women, for both personal and professional rewards.

Mark Reay BY GREG SCAFFIDI

Mark Reay BY GREG SCAFFIDI

HOMME LESS follows Mark’s ventures as he narrowly eludes the total collapse of the very existence he has built for himself. His emotional highs and lows drive the heart of this doc. As New Yorkers, we most definitely have a built up image of what it  means to look homeless. It’s the man in the subway station that wreaks of urine, is dirty, and oftentimes muttering to himself, or yelling incoherently on a street corner. Mark is the penultimate opposite of these images. Clean cut, eloquent, genuine, resourceful. You route for him at each turn as we tag along on his day to day routine, using every networking trick known to man. I would hang out with Mark in a heartbeat. He is optimistic, as much as any one man can be facing his current situation. I admire the hell out of him.

HOMME LESS_03

Director, Thomas Wirthensohn, has been friends with Mark for 20 years, since their modeling days back in Europe. When the two reconnected over drinks, Thomas had no idea that Mark was homeless. The two decided to take a new journey together in making this fascinating documentary. Wirthensohn is very careful to stay at arm’s length, which must have been extra difficult already being so emotionally invested in his subject. One of the toughest things you hear from documentary filmmakers is the challenge they face in trying to stay objective. There are quite a few moments in the film that directly address this issue and I commend Wirthensohn for his efforts.

HOMME LESS_10

HOMME LESS is a beautifully shot portrait of one man’s journey to not only survive, but thrive, in this big city. As someone who has lived here on and off since college, I can only imagine having to do what Mark does on the daily. Living paycheck to paycheck takes on a whole new meaning in this film. I highly recommend you catch this documentary this weekend. It will rattle around in your brain and, if you happen to live in NYC, make you wonder if you’ll run into Mark any day soon. It would be my pleasure to buy him dinner and a drink… and then book him for new headshots.

HOMME LESS Trailer from Thomas Wirthensohn on Vimeo.

Synopsis: HOMME LESS is about the underbelly of the American Dream, the hidden backyard of our society. Mark’s life stands as a metaphor for the struggle of the vanishing middle class in America. But it’s also a film about the relationship between New York City and one of its residents. New York is not simply a beautiful backdrop for this story. She’s the antagonist that dictates the direction Mark’s life is going in. The joy and pain, the love and hate, the success and denial New York is teasing him with, the hardship he is going through in order to stay in her grace and the inventiveness he comes up with to be with her are all unique.

HOMME LESS captures a raw and unfiltered moment in time, our time, and raises the question of how far are we from losing everything, even our homes? How often do we have to pretend that everything is fine in order to keep up the facade of being a well-off member of society? And how far do we go to take the financial pressure off our shoulders to live a more carefree life, a life we aspire to live?

What went wrong in Mark’s life? How is he able to keep up his facade of success and fool everyone?  What keeps him from going under? What motivates him to put up with this rather unthinkable situation?  What were and are his hopes and desires in life?

Mark stands lost and alone in the midst of eight million dreams, balanced between the glamorous surfaces of this vibrant and inspiring city and its far from glamorous hidden backyard. He is the HOMME LESS. 

Opening at the IFC Center on August 7th

‘Ready Player One’ Set for December 2017 Release

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ReadyPlayerOneBookArt

The game is on in 2017. Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures’ Ready Player One—the already much-anticipated sci-fi action adventure, to be directed by Steven Spielberg—has been slated for release on December 15, 2017. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution; Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

A three-time Academy Award winner, Spielberg (Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan) is directing Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film is being produced by Spielberg; Donald De Line, under his De Line Pictures banner; Dan Farah; and Spielberg’s longtime colleague Kristie Macosko Krieger; with Bruce Berman serving as executive producer. De Line and Farah originally brought the project to Warner Bros.

Ready Player One marks a return to Warner Bros. for Spielberg, who previously directed the studio’s Empire of the Sun, The Color Purple and A.I. Artificial Intelligence, in addition to producing the hits Gremlins and The Goonies.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Any film from Steven Spielberg is an event film, so it felt right to date this thrilling new project from one of our greatest filmmakers for the holiday season.”

Sue Kroll added, “From the success of the book, Ready Player One already has a devoted following, and we’re excited for its fans and moviegoers everywhere to see this fantastically innovative story come to life. We know it couldn’t be in better hands, and look forward to working with Steven and the producers to bring it to the big screen.”

Kwan Vandenberg said, “There are few directors with the global stature of Steven Spielberg, so we are thrilled to be delivering his latest adventure to audiences worldwide.”

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures, “Ready Player One” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

More Details on the ‘Prison Break’ Event Series at Fox

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Prison-Break-1

Fox bosses Dana Walden and Gary Newman officially confirmed they’re developing a “Prison Break” event series that will feature both Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller.

“I would describe it as a bit of a sequel, it picks up the characters several years after we left them in the last season of the show,” Fox Chairman and CEO Walden told reporters at the Television Critics Association’s semi-annual press tour. “The brothers will be back. Some of the iconic characters from that show will be back. It definitely will address some questions that were set up at the end of the series and for a new audience… It’ll start after where we left the Scofields in the final season.”

Interesting to note is that *SPOILERS* Wentworth Miller’s Michael Scofield died in the direct-to-video follow-up “The Final Break”, so how will they bring his character back? Fox Chairman and CEO Newman answers that question as well:

“I don’t think he’s going to completely ignore what happened in that episode, but what he pitched to us was a very logical and believable explanation in the world of Prison Break for why are character’s alive and still moving around the world.”

Walden also went on to add:

“Paul was not a part of the final seasons of Prison Break. He had some other ideas about where these characters were headed, but it will connect to that episode. He’s not going to disregard it. You will get a satisfying answer to why these characters are still alive.”

Fair enough…but will the new event series actually feature a prison break? Walden was hesitant to offer up actual spoilers, but noted, “It’s just the title,” she said.

More as it becomes available

‘The Last Witch Hunter’ Trailer Debuts

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WitchHunter

Lionsgate has released the new trailer for Vin Diesel’s The Last Witch Hunter and we have it for you below!

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including Kaulder (Diesel), a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful Queen Witch, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the Queen curses Kaulder with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today Kaulder is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to Kaulder, the Queen Witch is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

The film is directed by Breck Eisner (The Crazies) and co stars Elijah Wood and Michael Caine.

The Last Witch Hunter arrives in theaters on October 23rd

 

 

Weight Loss

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One of the most common questions that exercisers ask is: “how long should I work out?” The answer to this question depends on your goals and current health status. While following minimum guidelines for physical activity can help to maintain health and combat the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle, it takes more effort to lose weight and get fit. In addition, an individual’s current level of fitness will also determine how much they should exercise each day. Read more about prostadine.

When people wonder how long they should be exercising they may hope the answer is less versus more. In fact, the recent health and fitness trend is to do shorter workouts for weight loss.1 But this fad might not always be effective for everyone—whether you’re trying to lose weight or improve your level of fitness.

The best method to determine how long you should work out shouldn’t be based on fitness trends. Of course, you can (and should) still include short workouts on rotation in your schedule. But you will also have to do some cardiovascular workouts that are a little bit longer if you want to lose weight and stay healthy.

 

Weight Loss

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), you should exercise for 150–250 minutes per week to lose weight. The organization also suggests that more exercise provides better results.2

If you want to keep the weight off for good, the ACSM prescribes a minimum of 250 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise per week. Check these Alpilean reviews.

To meet the ACSM guideline, you could simply exercise for 40 minutes every day. But that workout schedule could get boring, which may cause you to quit your program. In addition, to lose weight effectively you need to exercise at different intensity levels. This requires that you adjust your workout duration to accommodate the various workloads. It’s also helpful to keep track of your daily calorie needs for weight loss. This calculator can provide you with an estimate.

Set Your Calorie Goal and Get a Free Meal Plan

 

Build Strength

Muscle mass decreases with age, which stresses the importance of regular resistance training. Strength training builds stronger muscles and bones to support the joints and prevent fractures and can even be beneficial for managing arthritis.3

In addition to cultivating a regular strength training regimen, it’s important to make sure that you’re still incorporating enough cardiovascular activity to maintain or improve your current level of aerobic fitness. These are the best legal steroids.

Switching up your workout routines and workout lengths can help stave off boredom and help you stay motivated. But be sure to carve out time for rest and recovery days to avoid injury or burnout.4

A 2016 review and meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine suggests that strength training at least two days a week can effectively build and strengthen muscle.5 Some experts recommend three days or more, however.

 

Stay Healthy

The American Heart Association (AHA) has physical activity recommendations for basic health maintenance for adults and children in the United States. Here’s a close look at some of the AHA’s advice.6

  • Adults: Americans aged 18 and older should get at least 150 minutes of heart-pumping moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of higher-intensity cardiovascular activity (or some combination of both) each week. The AHA also recommends incorporating strength and resistance training at least two days per week.
  • Children: For kids aged 3–5, the AHA states that this group should be very active throughout the day. Children aged 6-17 are advised to get at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity cardiovascular exercise per day, with vigorous intensity at least three days per week. Strength-training activities for this age group should be at least three days a week, gradually increasing with frequency and intensity over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only around 22.9% of U.S. adults aged 18–64 meet the minimum guidelines for physical activity each week.

To reap the health benefits of regular exercise, the AHA suggests that adults gradually increase the amount and intensity of exercise to reach a goal of 300 minutes (5 hours) of physical activity per week.

To incorporate more heart-pumping physical activity into your daily life, the AHA recommends first and foremost being less sedentary whenever possible. Even light activity such as getting up and going for a short walk or performing gentle stretching can help offset the risks associated with too much sitting, according to the AHA. In addition, the AHA suggests the following activities:6

Moderate-Intensity Exercise

  • Ballroom or social dancing
  • Brisk walking (at least 2.5 miles per hour)
  • Biking slower than 10 mph
  • Doubles tennis
  • Gardening
  • Water aerobics

Vigorous-Intensity Exercise

  • Aerobic dancing
  • Cycling 10 mph or faster
  • Jumping rope
  • Hiking (uphill or with a heavy backpack)
  • Singles tennis
  • Swimming laps
  • Rigorous yardwork
  • Running

While getting enough exercise is crucial for maintaining and improving health, staying hydrated and getting proper nutrition is just as important. For advice on following a healthy, balanced diet, refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

 

How Long Should You Work Out Each Day

How long you should exercise every day depends on the specific workouts you choose and your personal health and fitness goals. If you are healthy enough for vigorous exercise, your workout program should include hard, high-intensity days (20 to 30 minutes), easy days to recover (30 to 45 minutes), and moderate days when you build endurance, improve heart health, and burn fat (45 to 90 minutes). Each of these workout goals requires a different exercise duration. In general, you’ll want to incorporate a mix of the following each week.

Sony Pictures Targets 16 New Films Through 2019

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Sony Pictures Entertainment has unveiled the release dates for 16 films slate to hit theaters through 2019.

The full list of films and their release dates includes:

Money Monster – 4/8/16
The Shallows – 6/24/16
Ghostbusters – 7/15/16
Patient Zero – 9/2/16
The Magnificent Seven – 9/23/16
Underworld 5 – 10/21/16
Passengers – 12/21/16
Jumanji – 12/25/16
Stephen King’s The Dark Tower – 1/13/17
Resident Evil 6 – 1/27/17
Bad Boys 3 – 2/17/17
Baby Driver – 3/17/17
Barbie – 6/2/17
Uncharted – 6/30/17
The Lamb – 12/8/17
Bad Boys 4 – 7/3/19

Many established franchises will be extended (Underworld 5, Resident Evil 6 and Bad Boys) and the studio hopes to create new franchises with their new version of Ghostbusters as well as the hit video game Uncharted, along with Stephen King’s The Dark Tower,  Barbie, The Magnificent Seven and the upcoming Jumanji remake.

Upcoming releases not mentioned with this press release but previously announced are:

Spider-Man reboot (7/28/17)                                                                                                 The Equalizer 2 (9/29/17)                                                                                                        Dan Brown’s Inferno (10/14/16)                                                                                        Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk(11/11/16)                                                       Christopher Miller and Phil Lord’s animated Spider-Man film  (7/20/18).

How Long Should You Work Out Each Day

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Determining the ideal duration for your daily exercise routine is contingent upon various factors, including the nature of your chosen workouts and your individual health and fitness objectives. For those capable of engaging in vigorous exercise, it is advisable to integrate challenging, high-intensity sessions lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. To facilitate recovery, incorporate easier workout days ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. Additionally, include moderate-intensity sessions lasting 45 to 90 minutes to enhance endurance, promote heart health, and facilitate fat burning. Achieving these diverse workout goals necessitates a thoughtful balance in your weekly fitness regimen, encompassing a combination of the aforementioned durations. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs, consulting with a certified fitness professional, such as someone holding a master personal trainer certification, can provide valuable insights into optimizing your exercise routine. If you want to gain more muscles, you may consider taking a food supplement that enhances absorption with probiotics and enzymes.

Short-Workout Days (20-30 minutes)

High-intensity intervals (HIIT) workouts need to be short. Why? Because your body simply can’t work very hard for a long period of time. If you find that you can complete high-intensity drills for an hour or longer, you’re probably not working hard enough.

HIIT workouts should last 20–30 minutes and feel very hard. Keep in mind, however, that you burn more calories from EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), also known as “the afterburn,” if you structure high-intensity workouts properly. Read the best diet pills.

Measure workout intensity with a heart rate monitor and make sure you reach your target heart rate for the session. If you are well-rested going into the workout, you’ll find it easier to work hard enough to reach that goal.

We’ve tried, tested, and reviewed the best heart rate monitors. If you’re in the market for a heart rate monitor, explore which option may be best for you.

Easier Recovery Days (30-45 minutes)

The purpose of an easy day workout is to allow your body and your mind to rest. Of course, you could sit on the couch to recover as well. But an active recovery helps to increase your body’s range of motion, decreases your stress level, and increases your daily caloric burn. Check these alpilean reviews.

Active recovery is simply a low-intensity movement that increases the range of motion in your joints. For many people, an easy walk or a leisurely swim is a good active recovery exercise. Some yoga classes (restorative yoga, for example) are another smart option. An easy active recovery workout can last 30–45 minutes.

Long Moderate Workout Days (45-90 minutes)

Most of your workouts during the week will fall into the moderate category. These workouts burn more calories than a recovery day, but still allow your body to recover and prepare for high-intensity workout days.

However, because your body isn’t working as hard on moderate workout days, you need to exercise for a longer period of time to burn enough calories to lose weight. Try to make these sessions last 45 minutes or longer.

If possible, schedule one long workout, 75 minutes or more, during the week. This longer session challenges you mentally and builds cardiovascular endurance.

A Word From Verywell

If it seems overwhelming to try to schedule all of these workouts into your weekly routine, start by choosing 1-2 days per week for your harder activities. Then schedule the day after each hard day as an easy day. Finally, fill in the rest of the days with moderate sessions, and be sure to include a rest and recovery day as well.

You can design a plan on your own or use a sample workout schedule to help create your own exercise plan. You might also benefit from working with a personal trainer. Developing a personalized plan you can stick to for the long term can help you reach your goals.

The NSFW ‘Deadpool’ Trailer Has Arrived!!

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deadpool2120th Century Fox has debuted the NSFW trailer for the upcoming Deadpool movie and we have it for you below!

Based upon Marvel Comics most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Deadpool is scheduled for a release on February 12, 2016

Safe for work version

RLJ Entertainment Acquires the Kurt Russell Western ‘Bone Tomahawk’

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RLJ Entertainment, Inc. has acquired all U.S. & Canadian rights to the Caliber Media western Bone Tomahawk.  Written and Directed by S. Craig Zahler, Bone Tomahawk stars Kurt Russell (Tombstone, Hateful Eight), Patrick Wilson (Insidious, TV’s “Fargo”), Matthew Fox (Alex Cross, TV’S “Lost”), Lili Simmons (“True Detective”, “Banshee”), and Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Olive Kitteridge). Mark Ward, RLJ Entertainment’s Chief Acquisitions Officer, made the announcement today. Bone Tomahawk marks the first title acquired under the RLJ Entertainment brand. RLJ Entertainment, Inc. previously released its theatrical titles under the Image Entertainment brand, which RLJE purchased in 2012.

“We are proud to be bringing this thrilling film to US audiences this year,” said Ward.  “With S. Craig Zahler’s uncompromising vision and the raw performances from the incredible cast, there is no doubt that Bone Tomahawk will be an instant classic.”

When a group of cannibal savages kidnaps settlers from the small town of Bright Hope, an unlikely team of gunslingers, led by Sheriff Franklin Hunt (Russell), sets out to bring them home. But their enemy is more ruthless than anyone could have imagined, putting their mission – and survival itself – in serious jeopardy.

Produced by Dallas Sonnier, Jack Heller, and Gregory Zuk of Caliber Media (Dark Was the Night, Some Kind of Hate) and executive produced by the Fyzz Facility’s Wayne Marc Godfrey (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For), Robert Jones (The Usual Suspects) and David Gilbrey (Red vs. Dead).

Joel McHale Says ‘Community’ is No More *UPDATE*

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Speaking to Metro Weekly, actor Joel McHale was asked if we would see another season of “Community” on Yahoo Screen! and this is what he had to say:

No. They wanted to. But all of our contracts were up after six years. All the actors on the show, almost without exception — their stock has risen significantly and it’s out of the pay rate that is affordable to make the show. So you’re not going to be able to get Alison Brie or Gillian Jacobs at a normal television salary anymore. There is just not enough money to be able to pay for the show.

The fate of the show has yet to be determined by Sony, according to sources, but this sounds like the cast is ready to move on after six seasons. Let’s hope we can get that movie though!

***UPDATE***

Yahoo! has responded:

“We’ve seen tremendous value in our partnership with Sony and are continuing to discuss future opportunities for Community,”