Review: Is ‘Bushwick’ a new normal just around the corner?

SYNOPSIS: When Lucy (Brittany Snow) steps off the subway, she walks into an utter bloodbath on the streets of Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Texas is attempting to secede from the Union, and militia forces have descended upon New York City to claim it as an East Coast base of operations and negotiation tool. Faced with a flurry of whizzing bullets and total destruction around every corner, Lucy takes shelter in the basement of Stupe (Dave Bautista), a burly war veteran who reluctantly helps her traverse the treacherous five-block stretch of Bushwhack to reach her destination—assuming it’s still there.

BUSHWICK stars Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, Spectre), Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect franchise, Hairspray), Angelic Zambrana (Precious, Fighting), Jeremie Harris (FX’s “Legion,” The Angriest Man in Brooklyn, Pariah), and Christian Navarro (Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why,” Amazon’s “The Tick”).

The film is directed by the filmmaking team of Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott (Cooties), and written by Nick Damici (We Are What We Are, Stake Land) and Graham Reznick (Chilling Visions: 5 States of Fear).

BUSHWICK is unrelenting from its opening shots until the final frame. The audience experiences the story in real time just as the main characters do. With the use of what feels like a single camera, lengthy POV takes (as if the viewer were the unseen third character), add to the heightened pace and overall menace of the film’s plot. Bushwick pulls no punches with its realism. There are small lulls but you might imagine that to be the case if the scenario presented were actually occurring. Overall, the action is non-stop and scary. Both Snow and Bautista deliver down-to-earth performances and give us two very different backgrounds from which to relate to. There are moments that seem unscripted they are so natural and out of the blue. Without spoiling anything, you’ll have to watch to understand what I mean by that. The timing of the film’s release is eerie considering our present political climate. It’s almost like a creepy omen of things yet to come. Don’t be fooled by the trailer. You are in for a much darker ride than you might expect. You can watch BUSHWICK now in theaters, on VOD and Digital HD.

TITLE: BUSHWICK

IN THEATERS AND AVAILABLE ON VOD AND DIGITAL HD: August 25, 2017

DIRECTOR: Cary Murnion, Jonathan Milott

WRITERS: Nick Damici, Graham Reznick

CAST: Dave Bautista, Brittany Snow, Angelic Zambrana, Jeremie Harris

GENRE: Action

DISTRIBUTOR: RLJ Entertainment

Netflix News: Jerry cannot not be funny in trailer for ‘Jerry Before Seinfeld’

Jerry Before Seinfeld, a Netflix Original Stand-Up Special Launching Globally on September 19

Jerry Before Seinfeld: Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip for an intimate stand-up set at the club that helped launch his career. Interspersed with never-before-seen material — including a library of legal pads with every joke he’s written since 1975, childhood videos, and more — Jerry performs the jokes that put him on the comedy map in an hour-long stand-up special, only on Netflix.

Will You Find the Force? – Star Wars launches Force Friday II

http://www.starwars.com/findtheforce

Following the global phenomenon of Force Friday in 2015, Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Find the Force, a global augmented reality (AR) event rolling out on Force Friday II (September 1) to commemorate the worldwide launch of new products inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The pop-up AR treasure hunt aims to unite fans around the world in the battle against the dark side in a unique three-day event at over 20,000 retail locations across 30 countries. As fans turn up to take home new The Last Jedi products, they will have the opportunity to activate a unique augmented reality experience featuring Star Wars characters, including fan-favorites and new surprise additions from the film.

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Star Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way,” says Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm.

From September 1-3, retailers around the world will invite fans to Find the Force by taking part in an AR treasure hunt.

To celebrate Force Friday II, fans can reveal new and favorite characters from Star Wars: The Last Jedi in augmented reality, and help the Resistance find information about key personnel:

  1. Download the Star Wars app (for iPhone® and Android™) and launch the “Find The Force” feature.
  2. Starting September 1, look for Star Wars graphics with the “Find The Force” logo at participating retail locations and websites. Click here for full list.
  3. Scan these graphics using the “Find The Force” feature to reveal AR character experiences.
  4. A data chip will be unlocked each time a new AR character experience is revealed. Unlock digital rewards as you collect more data chips!
  5. Each graphic reveals a different AR character experience every day from September 1-3. 

Try it now! Download the Star Wars app, launch “Find The Force” and scan the image below to unlock an AR character early:

(15 in total across the program’s three-day run). Click here for more information:www.starwars.com/findtheforce.

“Force Friday II puts fans right at the center of the action using augmented reality to bring our characters to life like never before. The technology theme continues in the Star Wars: The Last Jediproduct line, which is our most innovative yet – we can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store.” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

Fans can download the latest version of the Star Wars App (v. 2.3 or higher) beginning Aug. 24 for an early look at the new Porg characters in AR before the AR treasure hunt goes live at retail.

By sharing photos or videos featuring the in-store AR characters on Twitter or Instagram using #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes throughout Force Friday II weekend, fans in select global markets can participate in a sweepstakes for the chance to win the ultimate fan experience: tickets to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere in December.

No Purchase Necessary. Enter sweepstakes between August 31, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”)/3:00 p.m. British Summer Time (“BST”) and September 4, 2017 at 2:59 a.m. PT/10:59 a.m. BST. Open to legal residents in 50 U.S. + D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), Australia, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France, South Korea and Chile who are 18+ or the age of majority in their place of residence, whichever is older. Limit 15 entries per person. There is 1 Grand Prize available to be won (ARV: US $4,500). Grand Prize winner must travel to Los Angeles, California USA on or about December 12, 2017. Visit starwars.com/findtheforce. for Official Rules including details on how to enter, additional eligibility requirements, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: The Walt Disney Company (Australia) Pty. Limited, Level 5, Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia.

More information about Find the Force and a how-to video is available atwww.starwars.com/findtheforce.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in U.S. theaters on December 15, 2017.

Netflix News: ‘Jerry Before Seinfeld’ first look photos & release date

What was he like before the show about nothing? 
 
Find out September 19 when Jerry Seinfeld makes his Netflix debut with the original stand-up special Jerry Before Seinfeld
 
In the hour-long special, Jerry Seinfeld returns to The Comic Strip in New York City for an intimate stand-upset at the club that helped launch his career. Interspersed with never-before-seen material — including a library of legal pads with every joke he’s written since 1975, childhood videos, and more — Jerry performs the jokes that put him on the comedy map.

Visit Jerry Before Seinfeld on Netflix.

Review: ‘DAVE MADE A MAZE’ is a wild and wacky journey.

presents

When I was a senior in high school, I took a psych elective. My best friends and I built a life sized maze for our classmates to run through. It was an exact replica of one we had built for mice. While we did not subject the mice to rock music and darkness, we did get a kick out of watching our friends get insanely lost and disoriented while we very scientifically studied and recorded their panic and need to beat their own times a second time through. In films like Labyrinth and The Shining, a maze can be a thing of life and death. In a quirky new film by Bill Watterson, you will find that and much. much more. Welcome to the wonder that is Dave Made A Maze.

DAVE MADE A MAZE tells the story of an unaccomplished and frustrated artist (Thune) who builds a cardboard box fort in his living room and winds up trapped with a gang of oddball explorers in a fantasy world of his own creation, threatened by booby traps and a bloodthirsty Minotaur.

Dave Made A Maze features Nick Thune (Knocked Up), Meera Rohit Kumbhani (“The Mindy Project”), James Urbaniak (“Difficult People”), Stephanie Allynne (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates), Kirsten Vangsness (“Criminal Minds”), Scott Krinsky (Jobs), Frank Caeti (Stranger Than Fiction), Timothy Nordwind  (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) and WWE Star John Hennigan; along with Scott Narver (Monday Morning), Rick Overton (Groundhog Day), and Adam Busch (Sugar & Spice).

Steven Sears (Take Back the Couch) co-wrote the film with Bill Watterson (Jersey Boys), who makes his directorial debut.

This film is nothing short of awesome’/hilarious/bizarre/fantastic. I can only imagine that this must have been one of the most fun sets to work on. The hours it must have taken to construct, with each room completely different than the last. With nods to past adventure films around each corner, the tongue in cheek dialogue and perfect suspension of disbelief from the cast is pure genius. Speaking of the cast, you will easily think that this cast regularly hangs out with one another, as their chemistry is so chill and comfortable. The witty banter is endless. Mixing stop-motion animation, puppetry, and on camera optical illusions, you cannot help but enjoy Dave Made A Maze.  You’ll wish there were a replica of the maze (for the most part… no spoilers from this lady) for you to romp around in. Huge props to the artists that made big kid dreams come true. But don’t  just take the film at face value, there is a deeper message underneath all the fun. You can catch the film in theaters and on VOD this Friday! Check out the trailer below for a sneak peek at what waits beyond the “Enter” sign. 

DAVE MADE A MAZE -(8/18) release in theaters and on VOD.

Review: ‘PILGRIMAGE’ takes blind faith on a journey against greed.

presents

PILGRIMAGE features an all star cast of Tom Holland (Spiderman: Homecoming, Captain America: Civil War), Jon Bernthal (Baby Driver, Marvel’s “The Punisher”), Richard Armitage (Capitan America: The First Avenger, The Hobbit) and was directed by Brendan Muldowney (Love Eternal, Savage).

In Ireland, 1209, a small group of monks begin a reluctant pilgrimage across an island torn between centuries of tribal warfare and the growing power of Norman invaders.  As they escort their monastery’s holiest relic to Rome, the true value of the bejeweled relic becomes dangerously apparent and their path becomes increasingly fraught with danger.
Religion, faith, mysticism, belief; all of these things have caused heartbreak, wars, saving grace, and death. In Pilgrimage, Tom Holland plays a young monk who is essentially forced to protect and carry a relic to Rome. Alongside his mysterious protector, played by John Bernthal, he and an eclectic crew of soldiers and men of faith must battle hidden agendas and a higher power to achieve their mission. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the film, besides the fact that each actor must deliver lines in at least 2 languages, is the fact that Bernthal’s character has zero dialogue. He is able to pull off a fully fleshed out character whose background leads to many questions along the way. The fight sequences are nothing less than brutal, so be prepared. That being said, they are pretty awesome to witness.The chemistry between the cast is palpable. Holland certainly holds his own among some seasoned players. His vulnerability on screen grounds the film. Overall, Pilgrimage has a Lord of the Rings meets Willow kind of vibe with a thought-provoking final scene. You can catch the film in theaters today, as well as on VOD and Digital HD.

TITLE: PILGRIMAGE
IN THEATERS AND AVAILABLE ON VOD AND DIGITAL HD: August 11, 2017
DIRECTOR: Brendan Muldowney
WRITER: Jamie Hannigan
CAST: Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Richard Armitage
GENRE: Action
DISTRIBUTOR: RLJ Entertainment

The trailer for Darren Aronofsky’s ‘mother!’ is here!

Paramount Pictures has released the new trailer for mother! starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by Darren Aronofsky and we have it for you below!

A young woman’s (Jennifer Lawrence) tranquil life with her husband (Javier Bardem) at their remote country home is challenged by a mysterious couple (Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer) who arrive and lodge with them.

mother! is in theaters on September 15th

Netflix News: ‘Narcos’ Season 3 trailer premieres at the coffee & donut truck near Grand Central

https://youtu.be/Ory6b2EJ3Bk

Netflix unveiled the trailer for Narcos season 3 today in New York City, where this season was partially filmed, and the trailer will be shown at various locations around Manhattan today via a Narcos truck, which will also be serving white powdered donuts and Colombian coffee to passersby throughout the day. For those seeking a sugar high today, follow @NarcosNetflix for the latest truck location.

Narcos premieres globally on Netflix on September 1st.

I went to the truck this morning and it was so amazing!

They both are delicious! Check out that cash straw too!

****************************************************************

“Narcos” Season Three Synopsis:

Now that the bloody hunt for Pablo Escobar has ended, the DEA turns its attention to the richest drug trafficking organization in the world: the Cali Cartel. Led by four powerful godfathers, this cartel operates much differently than Escobar’s, preferring to bribe government officials and keep its violent actions out of the headlines.

For more information on Narcos visit Netflix.com/narcos

Follow #Narcos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Meet the Kings:

  • Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela (Damian Alcazar)- leader of Cali Cartel, “boss of bosses”
  • Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela (Francisco Denis)- the brains behind the rise of the of Cali Cartel and Gilberto’s brother
  • Pacho Herrera (Alberto Ammann)- the on-the-low hitman, runs the Mexican connection and international distribution
  • Chepe Santacruz Londono (Pepe Rapazote)–  runs the satellite NYC empire of the Colombian drug network

Just as Gilberto announces a bold plan to walk away from the business, DEA agent Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) enlists the help of American and Colombian law enforcement to take it down. This season opens up a complex and ruthless world of new figures.

Other new players include:

  • Jorge Salcedo (Matias Varela)- Cali’s head of security who prioritizes his wife and kids’ protection over his bosses
  • DEA agents Chris Feistl (Michael Stahl-David) and Daniel Van Ness (Matt Whelan), who enter the operation with enthusiasm and inexperience
  • Franklin Jurado (Miguel Angel Silvestre)- the cartel’s money launderer who unknowingly puts his wife, Christina (Kerry Bishe) in mortal danger
  • David Rodriguez (Arturo Castro)- Miguel’s oldest son, who is reluctant at first to take a leading role in the cartel structure

 

This time around, all rules have changed for the narcos and their opponents – a fact many won’t realize until it’s too late.

‘Narcos’ donut & coffee truck coming to Midtown Manhattan August 3rd (Oh, I’m totally going)

On Wednesday, August 3rd, a Narcos truck will be making some drops around the city – powdered donuts and Colombian coffee (hot or iced!). Come pick yours up while you check out the new trailer for season three of Narcos, which premieres September 1, only on Netflix.

New Yorkers can chase that sugar high at the below locations. Follow @NarcosNetflix on Twitter to find out when!

    • East 42nd Street, between Park & Madison (beginning at 8am, across from Grand Central Station); then traveling to:
    • 48th Street & Sixth Avenue
    • 57th Street & 8th Avenue
    • Albany Street between S. End Avenue and West Street
    • Union Square West between 16th and 17th Streets

About “Narcos” Season Three:

Now that the bloody hunt for Pablo Escobar has ended, the DEA turns its attention to the richest drug trafficking organization in the world: the Cali Cartel. Led by four powerful godfathers, this cartel operates much differently than Escobar’s, preferring to bribe government officials and keep its violent actions out of the headlines.

Review: Dan Aykroyd narrates ‘Good Fortune’ about entrepreneur/philanthropist John Paul DeJoria

Ten years ago, I worked for a hair care distributor in the midwest where we sold Paul Mitchell products. At the time, the company had three hair care brands and Paul Mitchell, was, by far, the most organized, had the best attitude and the best marketing thanks to paraphernalia like that Digital Business Card.

In Good Fortune, Dan Aykroyd (yes, THE Dan Aykroyd), narrates a well-produced biography of John Paul DeJoria, the man who started John Paul Mitchell Systems with hair stylist, Paul Mitchell, as well as Patron Spirits Company.

Told through interviews and some funny movie clips (I’m talking about you, Clint Eastwood), you’ll be fascinated by the cast of friends that DeJoria as accumulated. From Danny Trejo to Michelle Phillips, there’s no end to the stories they can tell. Immerse yourself in the excitement of live casino games on คาสิโนสด UFABET where you can interact with real dealers and other players in real-time. Those who love playing slot online games at the comfort of their homes may visit a casino website. Hopandcleaver.com is the best site for slot gacor games.

What I liked most about this story is the philanthropic attitude that DeJoria embodies. This guy cares about people and cares about people who care about people. You can see this all over the Paul Mitchell brand. I witnessed first hand how Paul Mitchell takes care of their stylists and salon owners and it makes those people very loyal and empowered.

John Paul DeJoria & Paul Mitchell

One thing I didn’t like was Dan Aykroyd’s narration. Perhaps he’s too close, as his delivery was a little too silly and forced. However, it depends on how you view. If I was watching this on a network, with commercials, I think it would have been a lot more enjoyable. All in all, it’s a well put together biography of a man who seems to have it all figured out.

Available now on iTunes and Amazon video!

HBO announced a bunch of stuff – Find out when ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ finally returns

  • Curb Your Enthusiasm – New Season October 1st
  • Jon Stewart to headline 2 comedy specials
  • Drama series The Deuce, starring James Franco (x 2) and Maggie Gyllenhaal, debuts Sept. 10
  • Documentary lineup for second half of 2017

 


Curb Your Enthusiasm – New Season October 1st

The Emmy®– and Golden Globe-winning comedy series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, starring Larry David, returns for its ten-episode ninth season SUNDAY, OCT. 1 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO. The show stars “Seinfeld” co-creator David as an over-the-top version of himself in an unsparing but tongue-in-cheek depiction of his life.

The new season brings back cast favorites Cheryl Hines as Cheryl, Jeff Garlin as Jeff, Susie Essman as Susie and J.B. Smoove as Leon, as well as series veterans Richard Lewis, Bob Einstein, Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.

Also appearing on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM this season are Elizabeth Banks, Ed Begley, Jr., Carrie Brownstein, Bryan Cranston, Lauren Graham, Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Offerman, Nasim Pedrad and Elizabeth Perkins.

Season nine directors include Jeff Schaffer, Larry Charles, Robert B. Weide, Jessie Nelson and Bryan Gordon.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM was created by Larry David; executive produced by Larry David, Jeff Garlin and Jeff Schaffer.


Jon Stewart to headline 2 comedy specials

Jon Stewart is set to headline two HBO comedy specials, it was announced today by Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming. He will return to HBO for his first stand-up special since the 1996 HBO presentation “Jon Stewart: Unleavened,” with the date and location to be announced as they are confirmed.

Additionally, this fall Stewart will host the latest “Night of Too Many Stars” all-star benefit for NEXT For AUTISM, to be presented live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Nov. 18. The special will feature stand-up performances, sketches and short films. The comedy event was created by comedy writer and performer Robert Smigel to support autism schools, programs and services. NEXT for AUTISM (formerly New York Collaborates for Autism) is a non-profit organization that strategically designs, launches and supports innovative programs to improve the lives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We’re excited to bring Jon to the network with this pair of specials,” said Bloys. “We’ve all missed his uniquely thoughtful brand of humor.”

“I’m really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO,” adds Stewart. ”They’ve always set the standard for great stand-up specials. Plus, I can finally use up the last of the Saddam Hussein jokes left over from my first special.”

Jon Stewart became the host of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” in 1999, stepping down from the show in 2015. The series received 23 Primetime Emmys® and two Peabody Awards. Stewart hosted the Academy Awards® twice, in 2006 and 2008, and wrote the New York Times bestselling books “Earth (The Book): A Visitor’s Guide to the Human Race” and “America (The Book): A Guide to Democracy Inaction,” which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 18 consecutive weeks. He also wrote and directed the 2014 feature film “Rosewater.”

In addition to “Jon Stewart: Unleavened,” his first HBO stand-up special, his previous HBO credits include hosting the special “George Carlin: 40 Years of Comedy,” “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and a recurring role on “The Larry Sanders Show.”


Drama series The Deuce, starring James Franco (x 2) and Maggie Gyllenhaal, debuts Sept. 10

THE DEUCE chronicles that moment in time when sex went from being a back-alley, brown-paper-bag commodity to a billion-dollar universal in American life, a moment when ground zero for the earliest pioneers in the flesh trade was the midtown heart of the nation’s largest city, New York’s Times Square.

Titled after the local slang for New York’s fabled 42nd Street and starring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, THE DEUCE begins its eight-episode season SUNDAY, SEPT. 10 (9:00-10:20 p.m. ET/PT), followed by other episodes subsequent Sundays at the same time. The show was created by George Pelecanos and David Simon; George Pelecanos, David Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco executive produce.

THE DEUCE follows the rise of the porn culture in New York from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, exploring the rough-and-tumble world of the sex trade from the moment when both a liberalizing cultural revolution in American sexuality and new legal definitions of obscenity created a billion-dollar industry that is now an elemental component of the American cultural landscape, with sites where you can see naked girls online all the time. Beginning in 1971, the show follows a cast of barkeeps, prostitutes, pimps, police and nightlife denizens as they swirl through a world of sex, crime, high times and violence and the porn business begins its climb from Mafia-backed massage parlors and film labs to legitimacy and cultural permanence.


Documentary lineup for second half of 2017

Upcoming HBO documentaries include (in chronological order):

BRILLO BOX  (3¢ OFF) (Aug. 7) blends a humorous family narrative with Pop Art history, following an iconic Andy Warhol work as it makes its way from a New York family’s living room to the contemporary global art market. Exploring the ephemeral nature of art and value and the decisions that shape a family’s history, the film debuts the week of Warhol’s 89th birthday. An official selection of the 54th New York Film Festival.  Directed by Lisanne Skyler.

CLINICA DE MIGRANTES (Sept. 25) is an affecting portrait of a volunteer-run health clinic that treats uninsured, undocumented immigrants, many of whom have left their families behind to come to America and perform physically exhausting labor for meager wages. With extraordinary access and moving vérité footage, it highlights these admirable doctors and the patients who have nowhere else to turn for health care. Directed by Max Pozdorovkin (HBO’s “Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer”).

SPIELBERG (Oct. 7) pulls back the curtain on the remarkable career of Steven Spielberg, one of the most famous filmmakers in the world.  Producer-director Susan Lacy conducted nearly 30 hours of interviews with the director for the documentary, as well as interviewing members of Spielberg’s family, close friends and A-list colleagues. The result is a remarkably intimate portrait, combining personal narrative with an in-depth exploration of Spielberg’s creative process and craftsmanship. Directed by Susan Lacy.

ROLLING STONE DOCUMENTARY (untitled) (Nov.) chronicles the last 50 years of American music, politics and popular culture through the story of the magazine that understood rock‘n’roll was more than music – it was a cultural force that re-shaped America. Drawing on previously unheard recordings provided by some of Rolling Stone’s greatest writers, as well as original interviews, rare photos and footage, this two-part special is an inside look at how the magazine helped define the zeitgeist and has endured for a half-century. Directed by Alex Gibney and Blair Foster.

BALTIMORE RISING (Nov.) goes deep behind the scenes of a city on edge in the wake of the 2015 death of Freddie Gray in police custody, which sparked protests and destructive riots. Director Sonja Sohn, one of the stars of the HBO series “The Wire,” follows local activists, police officers, community leaders and gang affiliates, many of whom had previously only seen each other as adversaries, as they fight for change and struggle to hold Baltimore together. Directed by Sonja Sohn.

HAPPENING: A CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION (Dec.) follows filmmaker Jamie Redford on a colorful journey to discover the leading edge of clean energy across the U.S. Unlikely entrepreneurs in communities from Georgetown, Tex. to Buffalo, NY reveal pioneering clean energy solutions that are creating jobs, turning profits and making communities stronger and healthier. Reaching beyond a story of technology and innovation, his discoveries underscore issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future and finding hope for humanity’s survival. Directed by Jamie Redford.

Bounce TV launches streaming service ‘Brown Sugar’ on Apple TV featuring iconic African-American movies

photo via Shadow & Act

Brown Sugar, the new subscription-video-on-demand service featuring the biggest collection of the baddest African-American movies of all-time, is now available on Apple TV.

Apple TV viewers can now watch Brown Sugar‘s extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies, all un-edited and commercial-free as they were originally seen in theaters. Apple TV (Fourth generation) customers who purchase a Brown Sugar subscription will receive a seven-day free trial and then pay $3.99 per month thereafter.

Pam Grier (Left), Fred “The Hammer” Williamson (Right) and Rick Ross (Center) are official ambassadors for Brown Sugar (PRNewsFoto/Bounce TV)

Once subscribed to Brown Sugar through Apple, customers can also watch content online through iPads, iPhones or via www.BrownSugar.com with any Apple device. Existing Brown Sugar customers can also access their account and stream the entire Brown Sugar library through Apple TV.

Apple TV seamlessly integrates with iTunes® to wirelessly play a user’s favorite content from a PC or Mac® on their widescreen TV, including movies, TV shows, music, photos and podcasts.

Brown Sugar features such great movies as Dolemite, Jackie Brown, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Foxy Brown, Cooley High, Blacula, Pride, A Soldier’s Story, Black Caesar, Which Way Is Up?, Hammer, Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip, Car Wash and The Original Gangstas as well as acclaimed documentaries such as More Than a Game, chronicling the early days of LeBron James.

Brown Sugar also showcases original programming and features complete seasons of the hit Bounce television network series Saints & Sinners, Mann & Wife, Family TimeIn The Cut and Ed GordonFans can also go to Brown Sugar to watch all the exciting action of Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce.

Brown Sugar is available for mobile phones and tablets in the Amazon Appstore, Google Play Store and iTunes App Store and for computers at www.BrownSugar.comBrown Sugar is also available on Amazon Fire TV, the Amazon Fire Stick and has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices available for consumers with Android and iOS devices.

Brown Sugar is owned by Bounce, the fastest-growing African-American network on television.

Netflix News: New teaser for ‘Alias Grace’ – mini-series based on the award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood

Inspired by the historical true story of convicted murderer Grace Marks and based on the award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood, here’s a first look at the new six-hour miniseries Alias Grace:

The series will be broadcast in Canada on CBC and will stream everywhere else globally on Netflix on Friday, November 3.

The story of Alias Grace follows Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan), was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin), in 1843. James was hanged while Grace was sentenced to life imprisonment. Grace became one of the most enigmatic and notorious women of 1840s Canada for her supposed role in the sensational double murder, and was eventually exonerated after 30 years in jail. Her conviction was controversial, and sparked much debate about whether Grace was actually involved in the murder, or merely an unwitting accessory.

Alias Grace is written and produced by Sarah Polley (Looking for Alaska, Take this Waltz, Away from Her) and directed by Mary Harron (American Psycho, I Shot Andy Warhol). The series is a co-production with Halfire Entertainment, CBC and Netflix. The executive producers are Polley, Harron, and Noreen Halpern.

Fantasia International Film Festival 2017 Reviews: ‘Dead Shack’ and ‘Bitch’

DEAD SHACK

While staying at a run-down cabin in the woods during the weekend, three children must save their parents from the neighbor who intends to feed them to her un-dead family.

Dead Shack is a gore filled, one-liner extravaganza. Starting off with a bang and never letting up, this film is an ode to nosey teens everywhere who have had to fend for themselves by growing a pair/ perhaps being a tad too brazen. You’ll laugh, you’ll squirm, you’ll be really impressed by the performances. With some stunningly sweeping cinematography and cool 80’s electronic score, Dead Shack should not be missed. Good thing for the masses, it’s being released later this year! If you’re not at Fantasia 2017 for this afternoon’s screening, for now, you can check out the trailer below.

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

SCREENING TIMES

CREDITS

  • Directed by: Peter Ricq
  • Written by: Philippe Ivanusic, Davila LeBlanc, Peter Ricq
  • Cast: Lizzie Boys, Lauren Holly, Gabriel LaBelle, Matthew Nelson-Mahood, Donavon Stinson
  • Company: Raven Banner Entertainment Inc.

BITCH

The provocative tale of a woman (Marianna Palka) who snaps under crushing life pressures and assumes the psyche of a vicious dog. Her philandering, absentee husband (Jason Ritter) is forced to become reacquainted with his four children and sister-in-law (Jaime King) as they attempt to keep the family together during this bizarre crisis.

Bitch thrusts you into the mind of a stay-at-home Mom’s breaking point. Creative editing and brilliant storytelling allow the audience to enter into Mom’s psyche and understand why the story happens in the first place. Ritter‘s loathsome performance (a complete compliment) is an awesome foil to Palka‘s brave portrayal of the film’s titular role. Virtual high fives to our leading lady for writing and directing this spectacular movie, as well. This film has way more heart than one might think. It speaks to connection and who is truly the alpha in the household. As with Dead Shack, if you missed Bitch‘s screening at the fest, you’re in luck. The film is getting a wide release later this year!

CANADIAN PREMIERE
  • USA
  • 2017
  • 96 mins
  • English

SCREENING TIMES

CREDITS

  • Directed by: Marianna Palka
  • Written by: Marianna Palka
  • Cast: Jason Ritter, Jaime King, Marianna Palka
  • Company: MPI Media

OFFICIAL SELECTION: SUNDANCE 2017, BAMCINEMAFEST 2017, CHICAGO CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL 2017

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Fantasia International Film Festival 2017 Review: ‘Le Manior’ (The Mansion) brings a the scares and the one liners.

LE MANOIR(“The Mansion”)When a group of 20 something friends plan a New Year’s Eve getaway at an old mansion, things get heated when accusations fly, drugs and alcohol are plenty, and there is no signal for phones or wifi. Oh, and did I mention they start dying one by one? While this may sound like you’ve already seen this movie a hundred times, don’t be fooled by the build up. Le Manoir is one hell of a unique dark comedy horror. This movie is what the Scary Movie franchise could have looked like if they were actually intending on genuinely scaring you. The dialogue is much less punny but seriously over the top. Think Evil Dead meets Scooby Doo in all the best ways possible (and you can add in Scream just for good measure). The cinematography is great and the impact of the music and sound editing is spot on. Not only that, but the cast is shockingly comprised of YouTube stars… and they’re fantastic! The chemistry is beyond and each holds their own and then some. I legitimately laughed out loud during the entire 96-minute run. I highly recommend you seek this film out at and after this year’s Fantasia Festival. Check out the trailer below.

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
  • France
  • 2017
  • 96 mins
  • French
  • English (subtitles)

SCREENING TIMES

CREDITS

  • Directed by: Tony T. Datis
  • Cast: Marc Jarousseau, Yvick Letexier, Nathalie Odzierejko, Ludovik Day, Jérôme Niel
  • Company: Gaumont

Review: ‘The Gracefield Incident’ has familiar feel but is still cleverly fresh.

SYNOPSIS: Matthew Donovan, a video game editor, embeds an iPhone camera into his prosthetic eye to secretly record and document a weekend with friends in a luxurious mountain top cabin. The weekend takes a terrifying turn when a meteorite crashes the party forcing everyone to face the darkest, screaming nightmare while somehow connecting life, love, and loss in a twist of fear.

The Gracefield Incident takes pages from some of the most iconic sci-fi and horror films of the last 15 years. If you take Paranormal Activity, Signs, and Cloverfield you’ll have the basic outline for major elements in Mathieu Ratthe’s feature film. Yet, the film has its own uniqueness. The adoption of a camera in our main character’s eye is creative, the use of another character’s professional camera, AND security footage at the main location, allows the story to be experienced from multiple angles in a smart way. My only gripe with the plot has to do with balloons. Balloons don’t float with your breath alone, that’s not how that works. Otherwise, the practical effects are pretty impressive and the endgame is worth the wait. The Gracefield Incident is interesting enough on its own when it comes to the heart of the story. You can check out the trailer below.

THE GRACEFIELD INCIDENT IN SELECT THEATERS AND ON DEMAND / DIGITAL HD:  July 21, 2017

DIRECTOR AND WRITER: Mathieu Ratthe
CAST: Mathieu Ratthe, Kimberly Laferriere, Victor Andres Turgeon-Trelles, Juliette Gosselin, Alexandre Nachi, Laurence Dauphinais
GENRE: Horror, Thriller
DISTRIBUTOR: Momentum Pictures

Netflix News: New trailer for ‘Bright’ with Will Smith, Joel Edgerton & Noomi Rapace from the director of ‘Suicide Squad’

Set in an alternate present-day, this action-thriller directed by David Ayer (Suicide Squad, End of Watch, writer of Training Day) follows two cops from very different backgrounds.  Ward, a human (Will Smith), and Jakoby, an orc (Joel Edgerton), embark on a routine night patrol that will alter the future of their world as they know it.  Battling both their own personal differences as well as an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a deadly, thought-to-be-forgotten relic, which in the wrong hands could destroy everything.

The Netflix original film stars Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry, Edgar Ramirez, Ike Barinholtz, Enrique Murciano, Jay Hernandez, Andrea Navedo, Veronica Ngo, Alex Meraz, Margaret Cho, Brad William Henke, Dawn Olivieri, and Kenneth Choi.  The film is directed by David Ayer and written by Max Landis.  David Ayer, Eric Newman, and Bryan Unkeless serve as producers. The Netflix original film will be released on Netflix on December 22, 2017.  www.netflix.com/bright

Prepare to enter the world of Bright: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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HBO News: New drama series ‘Confederate’ from creators/showrunners of ‘Game of Thrones’ announced

Series Will Be Executive Produced And Written By David Benioff And D.B. Weiss; Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Malcolm Spellman, Carolyn Strauss And Bernadette Caulfield Will Also Executive Produce

“Game of Thrones” creators/showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will return to HBO with their new original series CONFEDERATE, it was announced today by Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming. For more updated news, check out this blog post about Jimmy John Shark.

CONFEDERATE chronicles the events leading to the Third American Civil War. The series takes place in an alternate timeline, where the southern states have successfully seceded from the Union, giving rise to a nation in which slavery remains legal and has evolved into a modern institution. The story follows a broad swath of characters on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Demilitarized Zone — freedom fighters, slave hunters, politicians, abolitionists, journalists, the executives of a slave-holding conglomerate and the families of people in their thrall.

“As the brilliant ‘Game of Thrones’ winds down to its final season, we are thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Dan and David, knowing that any subject they take on will result in a unique and ambitious series,” said Bloys. “Their intelligent, wry and visually stunning approach to storytelling has a way of engaging an audience and taking them on an unforgettable journey. CONFEDERATE promises to be no exception, and we are honored to be adding the talented team of Nichelle and Malcolm Spellman to the mix.”

“We have discussed CONFEDERATE for years, originally as a concept for a feature film,” add Benioff and Weiss. “But our experience on ‘Thrones’ has convinced us that no one provides a bigger, better storytelling canvas than HBO. There won’t be dragons or White Walkers in this series, but we are creating a world, and we couldn’t imagine better partners in world-building than Nichelle and Malcolm, who have impressed us for a long time with their wit, their imagination and their Scrabble-playing skills.”

CONFEDERATE will be written and created by Benioff and Weiss, who will also serve as showrunners on the series. Partnering with them as executive producers and writers on the series will be Nichelle Tramble Spellman (“Justified,” “The Good Wife”) and Malcolm Spellman (“Empire,” the forthcoming “Foxy Brown). Carolyn Strauss (“Game of Thrones”) and Bernadette Caulfield (“Game of Thrones,” “Big Love”) will also join as executive producers.

Production will begin following the final season of “Game of Thrones.”

New trailer: There’s more than one – ‘Professor Martson & the Wonder Women’

Um, yes.

In a superhero origin tale unlike any other, the film is the incredible true story of what inspired Harvard psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston to create the iconic Wonder Woman character in the 1940’s. While Marston’s feminist superhero was criticized by censors for her ‘sexual perversity’, he was keeping a secret that could have destroyed him. Marston’s muses for the Wonder Woman character were his wife Elizabeth Marston and their lover Olive Byrne, two empowered women who defied convention: working with Marston on human behavior research — while building a hidden life with him that rivaled the greatest of superhero disguises.
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