‘Deepwater Horizon’ Arriving on Digital HD December 20th and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD January 10th

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Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg re-teams with director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor) in the tense, moving action drama Deepwater Horizon, arriving on Digital HD December 20th from Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE Company. Filled with powerful performances and “white-knuckle tension” (USA Today) Deepwater Horizon will be available on 4K Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand January 10. Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh, Deepwater Horizon honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change all of their lives forever. This epic story of survival also stars Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight), Academy Award® nominee John Malkovich (Best Supporting Actor, In the Line of Fire, 1993), Gina Rodriguez (TV’s “Jane the Virgin”), Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner franchise), and Academy Award® nominee Kate Hudson (Best Supporting Actress, Almost Famous, 2000).

Mark Wahlberg leads an all-star cast in this unforgettably powerful film inspired by a thrilling story of real-life heroes. For the one hundred and twenty-six people aboard the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig, April 20, 2010, began like any normal day. Before day’s end, the world would bear witness to one of the greatest man-made disasters in U.S. history. Deepwater Horizon reveals the brave acts of the men and women who rose to the challenge—and risked everything to lead others to safety.

The Deepwater Horizon 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital HD releases have over two hours of special features including an hour-long five-part series “Beyond the Horizon,” – in which Mark Wahlberg and the cast meet the real-life heroes and discuss their experiences from Deepwater Horizon –  three all-new featurettes looking at Peter Berg’s directing of the film and the incredible work involved in bringing the Deepwater Horizon rig and explosive stunts to life, and behind-the-scenes footage of how some of the most difficult scenes were shot. These releases also include tributes to America’s blue-collar workers in “Work Like an American,” featuring profiles of a real-life Deepwater Horizon firefighter, an ironworker, a longshoreman and many more hardworking Americans.  The Blu-ray of Deepwater Horizon will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Before you start your Huntsville home theater project, consult the experts at Home Theater Pros.

The Deepwater Horizon DVD release includes two featurettes looking behind the scenes of the film and the “Work Like an American” tributes. Deepwater Horizon will be available on 4K Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

Deepwater Horizon’s screen story by Matthew Sand with screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand.

 

4K ULTRA HD/BLU-RAY/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • “Beyond the Horizon” Hour-Long Five-Part Series
  • “Captain of the Rig: Peter Berg” Featurette
  • “The Fury of the Rig” Featurette
  • “Deepwater Surveillance” Featurette
  • “Work Like An American” Tributes

 

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • “The Fury of the Rig” Featurette
  • “Deepwater Surveillance” Featurette
  • “Work Like an American” Tributes

Trailer: https://youtu.be/uaia6FB4qu0

Website: owndeepwaterhorizon.com

Facebook: facebook.com/deepwaterhorizonmovie

Instagram: @DeewaterHorizonMovie

Twitter: @DWHmovie

#DeepwaterHorizonMovie

DOC NYC Review: ‘SWIM TEAM’ challenges our idea of winners and losers.

SWIM TEAM

To level the playing field, they had to get into the water.

Official Selection
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 
*Winner – Best  Sports Documentary *
New Hampshire Film Festival
Heartland Film Festival 

Napa Valley Film Festival 
DOC NYC

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Synopsis
Demonstrating the power of inclusion to transcend disability, Lara Stolman’s triumphant film profiles members of the Jersey Hammerheads, a competitive swim team made up of a diverse group of teens on the autism spectrum, based in the state with the highest rate of autism in the country. Through training and competition, star athletes Mikey, Robbie and Kelvin gain self-confidence and social skills that serve them both in and out of the pool.

SWIM TEAM was selected for the Independent Filmmaker Project’s Project Forum in 2015 and in 2016 was selected to participate in the IFP Documentary Completion Lab. During production, filmmaking team received grants from New York Women in Film and Television, the Loreen Arbus Foundation and the Karma Foundation.

swim team pool still

SWIM TEAM is one of many recent forays into the challenging world of raising children on the autism spectrum. Films like Autism is Love and Life Animated visually bring us mostly into the the subjects’ present lives as adults. Swim Team follows 3 high school boys on their journey for acceptance and self actualization through a team sport. As a society, we must make sure that we aren’t lumping these children together. Broadly labeling them “on the spectrum” has become such a blanket term that it’s easy to categorize and limit them. If you listen to only “the experts” you might be hindering the individual growth and abilities of each child. Mikey, Kelvin, and Robbie are three completely different kids. Swimming for them is the continuation of learning discipline, self control, leadership, self esteem and a massive lot of life skills often overlooked in a school environment, so parents teach their son and daughters to swim from young age, there are even female swimming teams, so parents get Swimwear for Baby Girls and start teaching their girls from young age. We can all learn from director Lara Stolman‘s work. We need more insight as parents, teachers, administration on ways that we can help level the proverbial playing field at all times. Showing other children through our actions and words that we can all be more patient, loving, and understanding. Swim Team, through their journey to the Special Olympic games, will give you hope that kindness and heart can be a guiding light for families from all backgrounds. Autism doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care about race or socioeconomic background. The Hammerheads of New Jersey are a team of extraordinary kids, parents, and coaches trying to make a difference in the world one stroke at a time.

New York Premiere at DOC NYC in the Jock Docs Section
Thursday, November 17th at 7:30pm
SVA Theater: 333 West 23rd street, between 8th and 9th Avenues


Directed and Produced by: Lara Stolman (Portraits of Survival)
Co-Produced and Edited by: Ann Collins (Academy Award-nominated Sound and Fury)
Director of Photography: Laela Kilbourn (Twenty Feet From Stardom, American Teen, Emmy-nominated Word Wars)
Original Score by: Mark Suozzo (Metropolitan, Barcelona, Last Days of Disco, Love & Friendship, Sound and Fury)
Produced by: Shanna BelottFor more information, please visit: http://www.swimteamthefilm.com
Doc NYC Website: http://www.docnyc.net/film/swim-team
RT: 100 Minutes

Social Media:
Twitter: @SwimTeamTheFilm
Facebook: @SwimTeamTheFilm
#swimteamthefilm

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Focus Features brings us the first trailer for ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’ starring Jessica Chastain

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Focus Features has released the first trailer for The Zookeeper’s Wife, directed by Niki Caro (McFarland, USA) and we have it for you below!

The real-life story of one working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during World War II. In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska (portrayed by two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh of The Broken Circle Breakdown), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care. When their country is invaded by the Nazis, Jan and Antonina are stunned – and forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl of Captain America: Civil War). To fight back on their own terms, Antonina and Jan covertly begin working with the Resistance – and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.

The Zookeeper’s Wife arrives in theaters on March 31, 2017

Review: ‘BLOOD ON THE MOUNTAIN’ runs deep into the West Virginia soil.

abramorama logopresentsbotm-high-resCoal Country, West Virginia is filled with workers whose way of life has been ingrained for generation after generation. It proves to put food on the table but at what cost to personal health and the destruction of the environment in what is most definitely a dying industry. In this tumultuous election season, we saw a lot of promises. Locals voted to make their lives better, and we all cross our fingers that it doesn’t end up being against their own self-interest in the end.

Synopsis:

From the filmmakers behind The Appalachians and Coal Country, Blood on the Mountain is a searing investigation into the economic and environmental injustices that have resulted from industrial control in West Virginia. This feature documentary details the struggles of a hard-working, misunderstood people, who have historically faced limited choices and have never benefited fairly from the rich, natural resources of their land. Blood On The Mountain delivers a striking portrait of a fractured population, exploited and besieged by corporate interests, and abandoned by the powers elected to represent them.

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Directed by Mari-Lynn Evans and Jordan Freeman, and produced by Deborah Wallace, Mari-Lynn Evans and Jordan Freeman, BLOOD ON THE MOUNTAIN gives the rest of the country a taste of the poverty and feeling of isolationism in the region. It’s a constant struggle between the big money the industry rakes in and the plight of the little guy. With a mix of historical footage and sit down interviews, the doc takes the viewer into the very lives adversely affected by their everyday circumstances and the individuals formerly responsible for their safety (who are ripe with conflict of interest).  Abandoned by the very corporations that come in to use the workers until the mountains are all blown to hell and the mines are empty. The almighty dollar is far more important than the life of the people. It’s nothing but economic exploitation over and over. It’s easy to judge from the outside.Blood on the mountain workers still Much like the Detroit, someone who cares and wants to give these folks a real new beginning, has a wonderful opportunity to come in and set up shop. Bring hope to these threatened lives. With renewable energy costing less and less each year, we as a people are moving away from destruction and towards the future. Riddled with corruption by the local government since the start of the industry, why would any local vote for a candidate being touted as “elite” and “Washington insider”, regardless of a record of working her entire life for the betterment of families? I have a hard time believing that a man, whose entire life has revolved around himself and making money off the backs of hard-working people, a man high in his towering glass highrise, is going to keep the promises he made. Maybe this will finally be the hard lesson coal country needs to learn, but what an awful loss that’s coming along the way.

 BLOOD ON THE MOUNTAIN, opens in NY & LA theaters November 18th.

RT: 90 Minutes

Facebook@BloodontheMountain

Twitter: @BOTMFilm

Websitehttp://www.bloodonthemountain.com

“Sing Saturday” to be the biggest advanced screening program in Universal’s history!

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First 200 Moviegoers in Line at 200 AMC Theatres Nationwide Can Enjoy

Biggest Advance-Screening Program in Universal’s History

 “Sing Saturday” Launches Event Film Starring Oscar® Winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, as Well as Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly

Illumination Entertainment, Universal Pictures and AMC Theatres today announced a Thanksgiving weekend event for audiences of all ages: “Sing Saturday,” a celebration of free screenings of the new event film from Illumination at 200 AMC Theatres nationwide, on November 26.  From the creators of Despicable Me, Sing—in which Academy Award® winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon lead an all-star cast—arrives nationwide on December 21, 2016.

Tickets for “Sing Saturday” screenings are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 200 moviegoers in line at participating AMC Theatres on Saturday, November 26 (10 a.m. local time).  Audiences are encouraged to bring their family and friends of all ages and experience the film Variety calls “a game changer.”  Moviegoers must be in line to receive a ticket for the screening.

“We are so proud that ‘Sing Saturday’ marks the biggest advance-screening program in the history of Universal Pictures and are honored to join AMC as we kick off the holiday season with Illumination’s gift for moviegoers of every generation,” said Nick Carpou, President of Distribution, Universal.

“For the past several years, Sing has been a labor of love for everyone at Illumination, as well as the tireless performers who have poured their hearts into this movie,” said Chris Meledandri, Founder and CEO of Illumination.  “We know audiences of all ages will embrace the heart and the humor of this extraordinary film and can’t wait for movie lovers to experience Sing over Thanksgiving weekend, throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

“For AMC movie-loving audiences of all ages who have cooked through Thanksgiving Thursday and shopped through Black Friday, AMC is thrilled to offer a holiday-entertainment treat with Sing Saturday,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP and Chief Content and Programming Officer, AMC Theatres.

For more information and a list of AMC Theatres participating in “Sing Saturday,” please visit www.SingSaturday.com.

 

Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’- A Trip into the Wizarding World Worth Waiting For

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When Warner Bros released the spectacular Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011, many believed this to be the conclusion of the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, but here we are just five years later and we’re heading back into the Harry Potter universe with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,  a prequel of sorts which expands the magical realm to 1920’s New York City. David Yates continues his tenure as director as he did for the final four films in the Harry Potter franchise and is tasked with helming all five films in this new series. Can this new wizarding tale hold up to the high standards of the boy who lived epic? Let’s begin…accio review!

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is your normal run of the mill Hufflepuff, hard working, friendly and loyal to a fault. Passionate about magical creatures from an early age, he traveled the world observing beasts and their behavior in the wild, which is what brings him to New York City. After a niffler escapes his suitcase, Newt searches for the pesky creature in a local bank where he encounters Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) a “no maj”, or non wizard folk, who witnesses Newt’s magical powers and fantastic creatures. Unbeknownst to Newt, another wizard, Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) has spotted the young wizard and witnesses his reckless actions. As an employee of the Magical Congress of the United States of America, Porpentina must report Newt to the authorities for carrying his magical creatures into the city; only one problem…the suitcase has been mistakenly switched! Faced with the notion that a no maj is in possession of a suitcase full of magical creatures, Tina and Newt head out to find Jacob in hopes to stop him from accidentally setting the creatures free.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

But the creatures aren’t the only thing threatening the wizards. Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), a high-ranking Auror and the Director of Magical Security for MACUSA, is in charge of the protection of wizards and set with the task of tracking down Newt. There is also the growing concern of The New Salem Philanthropic Society, an extremist group lead by Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) who is trying to rally the citizens of New York behind her cause to “out” the members of the wizarding community and rid the world of their unusual powers. She is aided by her adopted son Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) and a legion of young children looking to assemble an army to their cause. If that wasn’t enough, there’s Gellert Grindelwald, a dark wizard who has caused growing concern after recent attacks on the wizarding community and could reappear at any moment. Newt and Tina must rush against friend and foe to complete their mission before time runs out.

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The mind of J.K. Rowling will never cease to amaze me. To take a companion text book about magical creatures that she wrote under the pseudonym of the fictitious author Newt Scamander and turn it into a new film franchise that is exciting and carefully connected to the Harry Potter universe is an exceptional feat.  David Yates has become an integral part of the creative process of the wizarding world and his dedication to J.K. Rowling’s source material cannot be duplicated. After successfully navigated the dark storylines of the final books in the Harry Potter series, Yates now brings  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and these new wonderful characters to audiences that are faced with uncharted waters, a film series with no source material to reference! But the film plays out like an old, trusted, well read novel that we, of course, have known all along thanks to both Rowling and Yates.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Eddie Redmayne is outstanding as Newt Scamander, a role he most certainly was destined to play. Accompanied by the lovely and talented actresses Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol and the lovable no maj Dan Fogler, this team of unlikely heroes is perfectly cast and are the cornerstones in this new tale. Their story is just beginning and fans will be eager to see where the adventures takes them.

Overall, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an exceptional introduction into this new expansion of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. Keep your eyes and ears peeled to the screen for easter eggs and references to the Harry Potter universe and enjoy the adventure, it is worth the trip.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer

Review: ‘THE SIMILARS’ (LOS PARECIDOS) is one effed up Twilight Zone tribute.

the-similars-poster04The Twilight Zone is still one of my favorite shows in television history. Each episode has an unpredictable storyline and a twist ending. The new film THE SIMILARS (LOS PARECIDOS) might be using the beloved series as a blueprint for its overwhelmingly creepy premise. Director Isaac Ezban gives us a glorious gift is shock and awe in this homage to one of the greats. the-similars-irene-old-woman-bus-interior-still The film opens with a visual precision that is truly impressive. It is set in 1968, in a bus station, 5 hours outside of Mexico City. A massive rain storm has stranded an eclectic group of strangers. No buses are arriving at the station and vague messages are streaming from a radio connected to the speaker system. The singular phone is connecting sporadically and everyone is on edge. The mood gets more tense when the group begins experiencing odd symptoms, one by one. Why is this happening? Can it be stopped? the-similars-martin-stillFrom the lighting to the costumes and the superb writing, the story zooms into action from opening to end credits. Constantly making you guess and jaw drop, The Similars is one hell of a ride into the unbelievable. The cast is a director’s dream and their chemistry and delivery is both period appropriate and fantastic. There is not one single moment in its entire run that bored me or lost my attention. I was impressed at the level of weird and wanted desperately to know how it would all end. Writer/Director Isaac Ezban has given us a real gift with this film and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

XLrator Media will be releasing THE SIMILARS (“Los Parecidos”) on Cable VOD on Nov. 15, 2016 and on iTunes and Digital on Nov. 22, 2016.  It will also have one-night screenings in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

THE SIMILARS (“LOS PARECIDOS”) – XLrator Media
DIRECTED BY: Isaac Ezban
CAST: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Fernando Becerril, Humberto Busto
SYNOPSIS: On the rainy night of October 2, 1968, eight people waiting in a remote bus station for a bus heading to Mexico City start experiencing a strange phenomenon. Threatened by paranoia and fear, the strangers show the best and worst of themselves as they try to unravel the mysterious condition that is invading each of them like a virus.
GENRE: Sci-Fi
DISTRIBUTOR: XLrator Media

Search for Hidden Figures – Scholarship Opportunity for Women in STEM!

hidden-figures-contestPepsico and 21ST Century Fox have partnered to search for this generations HIDDEN FIGURES! Inspired by the upcoming film HIDDEN FIGURES, emerging women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are being given the opportunity to be discovered and can win access to the New York Academy of Sciences STEM skills training materials and programs, up to $200,000 in scholarships and grants, and a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida. The partnership between Pepsico and 21ST Century Fox to discover and support emerging women in STEM fields reflects a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity, which are principles closely aligned with Kamau Bobb‘s advocacy for a more diverse and equitable STEM landscape.
HIDDEN FIGURES hits theaters everywhere on January 13, 2017!
 
Head to SearchForHiddenFigures.com for a chance at $200,000 in scholarships and more!
HIDDEN FIGURES
Release: January 13, 2017
Director:  Theodore Melfi
Screenplay by:  Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi (writing credits not final), based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly
Producers:  Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Pharrell Williams, Theodore Melfi
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell
 
SYNOPSIS
HIDDEN FIGURES is the incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe)-brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world.  The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
 
HIDDEN FIGURES Official Channels
#HiddenFigures

HBO Renews Westworld, Divorce and Insecure

westworld

HBO has renewed WESTWORLD, DIVORCE and INSECURE for second seasons, it was announced today by Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming.

            “I am thrilled to announce the pickup of our three fall series, all of which have distinctive, original voices,” said Bloys. “Critics and viewers alike have welcomed WESTWORLD and INSECURE, as well as the return of Sarah Jessica Parker to the network after 12 years with DIVORCE.”

Season-to-date, WESTWORLD is averaging a gross audience of 11.7 million viewers, outperforming “Game of Thrones” and “True Detective” during similar times in their first seasons. DIVORCE and INSECURE are averaging 4.4 million and 3.2 million viewers, respectively, on par with other HBO half-hours like “VEEP” and “Girls.” Divorce has become a common trend for all couples who hate their present life and need a change for a happy future. However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of marrying a divorced man, such as potential emotional baggage or legal complexities from previous relationships, to make informed decisions about your future. Some lawyers offer help with handling a divorce before they file it and face it in court. They try their best to sort issues out by talking to them both personally and together. After they refuse a change of heart and are firm in divorce, they will ensure that their need is satisfied. For the best divorce attorneys, people can get in touch with divorce in Newport Beach.

Set at the intersection of the near future and the re-imagined past, the drama series WESTWORLD is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin, exploring a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged.

WESTWORLD kicked off its ten-episode first season Oct. 2 on HBO, debuting hour-long episodes Sundays at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Created for television by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy, both of whom executive produce and write, with Nolan directing, the series is based on the 1973 film “Westworld,” written by Michael Crichton.

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

Vanity Fair called the show “a rare kind of truly transporting television,” while People hailed it as “ingenious.” TIME said WESTWORLD is “Fall’s most promising drama,” and USA Today praised the “compelling stellar performances.”

Season one credits: WESTWORLD was created for television by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy, based on the film written by Michael Crichton. Production companies, Kilter Films, Bad Robot Productions and Jerry Weintraub Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Executive producers, Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy, J.J. Abrams, Jerry Weintraub, Bryan Burk.

The comedy series DIVORCE follows Frances, who has suddenly begun to reassess her life and her strained relationship with her husband after more than a decade of marriage and two children. But she soon discovers that making a clean break and a fresh start is harder than she thought. Serving as an executive producer, Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Frances in the series, which is created by Sharon Horgan. Thomas Haden Church stars as Frances’ husband, who is struggling to cope with their marriage falling apart. The Yaffa Family Law Group divorce attorneys are known to deal with such cases.

DIVORCE kicked off its ten-episode first season Oct. 9 on HBO, debuting half-hour episodes Sundays at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Newsweek said the show is “funny, heartening and chockful of strong performances,” while the Washington Post noted, “Sarah Jessica Parker is terrifically on point.”

Season one credits: DIVORCE was created by Sharon Horgan, with Paul Simms serving as a showrunner; executive produced by Paul Simms, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Horgan, Alison Benson and Aaron Kaplan.

Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, the comedy series INSECURE explores the contemporary black female experience in an unclichéd and authentic way. Rae and Yvonne Orji stars as best friends who must deal with their own real-life flaws as they attempt to navigate different worlds and cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. The family law attorneys practicing in the Tri-Cities area is whom you can get in touch with to get legal aid regarding family matters.

INSECURE launched its eight-episode first season Oct. 9 on HBO, debuting half-hour episodes Sundays at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

USA Today praised the show as “bright, cutting, funny,” and Entertainment Weekly called it “smart, funny and unfailingly real.”

Season one credits: INSECURE was created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore; executive produced by Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry. Larry Wilmore serves as a consultant.

 

Review: Hope for peace exists in the documentary ‘Disturbing the Peace’

www.reconsider.org
www.disturbingthepeacefilm.com
Country of Origin: United States, Israel, Palestine,
Languages: English, Arabic and Hebrew w/ English subtitles

***2016 Hampton International Film Festival Winner – Conflict & Resolution***
***2016 Traverse City Film Festival Winner – Best Foreign Language Documentary***
***2016 Traverse City Film Festival Winner – Audience Award Foreign Language Documentary***
***2016 Ebert Fest Winner – Roger Ebert Humanitarian Award***
***Official Selection 2016 Jerusalem Film Festival***
***Official Selection 2016 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival***
***Official Selection 2016 Boston Jewish Film Festival***

sulaimanandcfpatpeacemarchWith the election still fresh in our minds, it’s hard to get perspective. Disturbing the Peace is hopeful, inspiring yet tragic and reminds me that there are many conflicts happening the world and even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope.

Disturbing the Peace is not a history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, nor does it try to explain it. Instead, the directors, Stephen Apkon and Andrew L. Young focus on the people living on each side and their search for peace.

Through interviews with people on both sides, a pattern emerges and you stop seeing separation and begin to see people just trying to live and raise families. Archival footage is terrifying and brutal. The visualizations and re-enactments are extremely effective and help to underscore the stories of the subjects.

One especially moving scene is a discussion with a man and his wife over whether he should attend a peaceful demonstration. She does not see the point, and he feels he must do something, not matter how seemingly insignificant. Their two daughters watch and it really captures the heart of the issue.

Another particularly eye-opening scene was when a man, describes watching Schindler’s List in prison with other Palestinians. For the first time, they saw another perspective and how Jews had been treated. Suddenly the other side, even the jailers were people. Slowly he and others became enlightened and when released from prison, became part of the moment, Combatants for Peace.

Although the conflict is far from over, there are people on both sides who have hope that there will be peace. This film fully illustrates that and gives hope to everyone who sees it. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

DOC NYC Review: ‘AFTER FIRE’ proves that women in the military are not equal.

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Synopsis: Set in the military outpost of San Antonio, Texas, AFTER FIRE highlights the challenges faced by the fastest-growing group of American veterans: women, who now account for one in five new recruits to the U.S. Armed Forces. Demonstrating courage during their military service and resilience in its aftermath, Brittany Huckabee’s subjects candidly confront the fallout of their experiences on their personal lives as they adjust to the civilian world. The film throws a spotlight on the human toll of rape in the military, combat injuriesand bureaucratic dysfunction, telling a universal story about strength in the aftermath of trauma.
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Considering we have an individual heading into the highest office in the land that has repeatedly admitted on and off camera how much he disrespects women, how can we expect our female military personnel to feel any safer than they do now? With a long history of unreported sexual assault in the military, where 1 in 5 women reports PTSD, and 1 in 5 reports rape and MST or military sexual Trauma, how do we, as a country, ensure these brave people that we stand up for them? AFTER FIRE takes a peek into the lives of a few women living with the emotional and physical wounds of MST. The film addresses the gender inequality in an already broken V.A. system. The likelihood of a PTSD claim based on rape only has a 40% chance of being approved since the victims are held to a much higher standard of proof. How do these women survive after something so heinous? Mostly by putting on a brave face. One of the subjects explains that in the military you are, “trained to respond and react, and not to show any emotion about it.” So what happens in an environment dominated by men when only half of all assaults get reported to begin with, what can we do to change the system? We talk by listening. We start by believing. We start by standing up for one another. In this volatile moment in our American history, we need to start caring more about one another, come out into the light, and take action. AFTER FIRE shows us the slow torturous burn of keeping secrets and wearing emotionally scars on our sleeves. These women fight to protect us, the least we can do is protect them.2_after-fire_roberta-anthem

 RT: 90 Minutes
A Transform Films Inc. Production
World Premiere at DOC NYC in American Perspectives Section
Friday, November 11th at 7:00pm (IFC Center) – Premiere Screening
Monday, November 14th at 10:15am (IFC Center)
Film Subjects Expected to Attend Premiere: Valerie Sullivan, Roberta Castaneda, Laly Cholak, Kevin Sullivan

EuropaCorp has released a brand new teaser trailer for ‘Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets’

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EuropaCorp has released a brand new teaser trailer for Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets and we have it for you below!

Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline– visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.

Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

The movie also stars Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John GoodmanHerbie Hancock and Kris Wu.

Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets will be in theaters on July 21, 2017

Review: ‘Arrival’

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Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s must see directors, with his unique vision of storytelling and character portrayal, Villeneuve is revolutionizing how we watch films. Based on the short story “Story of Your Life” by author Ted Chiang and written for the screen by Eric Heisserer, Arrival explores extraterrestrial contact in a fresh, new way which pays homage to Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind and other greats from the past by taking aspects of those films and using them to enhance this lively new experience. This is a film to be cherished for many decades to come.

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Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is approached by the military to help decipher an alien language upon the arrival of multiple mysterious extraterrestrial spacecraft around the globe. Assisting Banks are mathematician Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) and US Army Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) each pressured with the task of making contact with the new visitors and understanding their language and their intent. Tensions around the globe are running high as China and other foreign governments discuss the possibility of first strike if contact can’t be made. Banks and Donnelly head a team to enter the ship and use their expertise to find a common ground between our language and theirs to properly interpret the meaning of their arrival and stop global war, but the answer they receive may change everything they’ve come to know forever.

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The cinematography by Bradford Young is exceptional and sets the tone for the film. Director Denis Villeneuve uses these visuals as a supporting cast member as the camera work encapsulates you within the story and keeps you engaged throughout the duration of the film. Amy Adams‘s performance is crucial to the payoff and she is exceptional. Every step throughout this journey is commanded by Adams and, along with co-star Jeremy Renner, provide the human emotional element that drives each character to do whatever they must to complete their mission. Forest Whitaker stands strong as the moral center trying to keep the team on mission and the fate of the world in the front of his mind. The three are a perfect triangle of acting that play off one another to drive home the message.

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Overall, Arrival is a giant step forward for film making and awe inspiring experience like no other I’ve witnessed this year. A film that turns the science fiction genre on it’s head with an ending so unexpected that it will leave you speechless. This is the film to beat for 2016.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

Trailer:

Review: Nicolas Cage & Willem Dafoe in the vibrant & violent ‘Dog Eat Dog’ from Paul Schrader, writer of ‘Taxi Driver’

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After it’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Dog Eat Dog, a bright, vibrant, loud, violent and silly crime caper is set for theaters in New York and Los Angeles November 4th, but available to stream as well!

Dog Eat Dog will be on VOD on all of the major cable/satellite/telco companies – Comcast, DirecTV, Dish, AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner/Spectrum, Charter, etc.

Check out the trailer to get a taste of what you’ll get:

Ex-cons, Troy (Nicolas Cage), Mad Dog (Willem Dafoe) and Diesel (Christopher Matthew Cook), are hired by an eccentric mob boss to kidnap a baby and hold it for a large ransom. When the abduction goes awry, the men find themselves on the run from the mob and the cops. Vowing to stay out of prison at all costs, getting away with the crime is a matter of life and death.

The stage is set from the very first scene of contrasting neon pink and blue, ending the only way it could. That same cinematography and style is carried throughout the rest of the film. Everything keeps moving just fast enough to keep you wanting to know what is coming next. The first two acts are backstory and although it’s not really “necessary” to the story, it’s really fun.

Nicolas Cage is no stranger to eccentric characters and was originally cast to be Willem Dafoe‘s character of Mad Dog. Instead, Nicolas Cage plays the straight man to the outlandish and unpredictable Mad Dog. Teaming up with Diesel (Christopher Matthew Cook), the three move from one mischievous act to another making for non-stop entertainment.

I liken the vibe of this film to Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, from 2009 from Werner Herzog starring Nicolas Cage. It’s only available to rent or buy, but totally worth it. It’s rough, violent, but so much character that it balances it all out.

Paul Schrader (who also plays a role) directs the screenplay by Matthew Wilder who adapted the novel by Edward Bunker. It’s non-stop entertainment but very violent and full of highly graphic language.

 

Review: ‘Doctor Strange’- A Mind-Blowing Journey into Marvel’s Multiverse

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The Sorcerer Supreme has arrived into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and everything you have come to know about comic book movies will be turned upside down. Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson (Deliver Us From Evil) is the fourteenth film in the MCU and the first to introduce audiences to Marvel’s multiverse, a collection of alternate universes that will open up storylines in future Marvel films to infinite heights. At the center of this is Doctor Stephen Strange, the protector of all universes within the multiverse, who takes center stage in this mind-bending story of self reflection and salvation that culminates into one of the most original films in recent memory.

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Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Doctor Strange, an acclaimed neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands in a tragic car accident. Distraught by the notion that he may never reclaim his previous life as a surgeon, Strange begins the search for alternative practices to help him heal. This journey leads him to Kamar-Taj and an audience with The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who reveals to him the the astral plane and the open possibilities of her teachings. Reluctant to accept the arrogant Strange, The Ancient One agrees with persuasion from another sorcerer, Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who sees promise in Strange. Soon Strange begins his training and learns to harness the power of the multiverse to manipulate energy is ways he never thought possible. As his knowledge continues to expand, the sorcerer Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his zealots arrive to  threaten the very existence of the reality world. Doctor Strange must rely on his abilities, and Karl Mordo, to help him protect the Earth from falling to the powerful Dormammu of the Dark Dimension.

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Director Scott Derrickson brings Doctor Strange, one of the most beloved comic book icons to screen like no other director could. His passion for the project and love for the source material shows in each cell of film and the screenplay, written together along with long time writing partner C. Robert Cargill, is smart and compelling. The visual effects are astonishing and add another level to the storytelling that is never overpowering and perfectly used to introduce the powers of this new expansion into the MCU. Benedict Cumberbatch embodies the Sorcerer Supreme like no other actor could. His acting style and presence bring the complicated Strange to life with his talent for expressing the exact emotional range the character needs throughout his journey.

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Overall, Doctor Strange is the most original comic book movie to date. It’s mind blowing visuals and detailed storytelling will keep you engaged and begging for the film to never end. This is the film to shake the Marvel universe to it’s core and change the landscape forever. The future is gonna be awesome and we have the Sorcerer Supreme to thank for it.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After credit scene?

Yes. 1 mid credit and 1 after credit

Trailer:

New trailer for ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ has arrived!

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In a Facebook first, Vin Diesel launched the new trailer simultaneously across more than 70 Facebook pages live! Other cast members joined the Facebook Live stream via “drop in” videos from around the world. Check out Vin Diesel’s  Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/VinDiesel/videos/10154779431193313/

The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments.

The film also stars Deepika Padukone, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev, Rory McCann and Samuel L. Jackson. It is directed by D. J. Caruso.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is in theaters January 20, 2017

Review: ‘Hacksaw Ridge’- How far would you go to stand up for your convictions?

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How far would you go to stand up for your convictions? This is question to ponder as you watch Hacksaw Ridge, a story based around a young man of faith going off to war to do what’s right. Director Mel Gibson returns behind the camera to tell this incredible true story of heroism in the face of adversity and in the process brings us one of the most memorable stories of war ever brought to screen. img09

Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) is a young Virginian boy, whose life on the family farm has been plagued by a father distraught with guilt after coming home from WWI and a childhood accident that almost caused the death of his brother Hal. Desmond takes solace in a new belief that no man should take up arms and kill another man and devotes his life to the Lord. A chance meeting with Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), a young hospital nurse, leads the young boy to the conclusion that he is destined to one day marry her. After Hal joins the army to fight against the Japanese in WWII, Desmond begins to think he must also go off to war to protect all that he loves.

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Upon arrival to boot camp, it becomes abundantly clear to Doss that his beliefs will soon be tested. Sergeant Howell (Vincent Vaughn), isn’t amused by the revelation that Doss won’t fire a weapon and aims to make an example of him. Desmond makes every attempt to prove his worth in the company, but still refuses to yield to the pressure. Company Captain Glover (Sam Worthington) recommends that Doss be dishonorably discharged from the army, but Doss ultimately wins the right to fight the war on his terms, as a medical officer. The company ships off to Okinawa, where Doss will find out first hand what his choices have lead him to.

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This powerful film looks at war through the eyes of a young man who chooses to use his faith, not a gun, as a weapon to save lives instead of taking them. Andrew Garfield turns in the performance of a lifetime bringing Desmond Doss to life on the screen. Garfield is compelling and portrays Doss’ emotional journey from star crossed lover to war time hero with perfection. Each step thru the battle of Hacksaw Ridge provides a clear understanding what it means to believe in the power of faith and what it takes to trust that your every action is predetermined by a higher power. Doss left no doubt that he is one of the world’s greatest heroes, Garfield leaves no doubt that he is one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

Overall, Hacksaw Ridge is a marvelous film destined for a strong run into award season.

Stars:

4 out of 5

Trailer:

Following Nationwide Sell-Outs ‘OASIS: SUPERSONIC’ is Now Available on iTunes and On Demand!

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Audiences across the country fell in love with OASIS: SUPERSONIC this past Wednesday night, with numerous sold-out shows and incredible viewer response nationwide. The film is now available on iTunes and On Demand, and it will also be extending its theatrical run in many major markets including NY & LA due to popular demand!

From the Oscar® winning producers of Amy comes this essential and entertaining look at the meteoric rise of the seminal ’90s rock band Oasis.  The film immerses us in the raucous rock stars’ fast-paced world of electrifying music, wild debauchery, and epic fraternal feuding, weaving never-before-seen concert footage with candid interviews and an astonishing firsthand account of the backstage sibling rivalry that threatened to destroy the band.

Make sure to check out Michael’s review of the film here

Universal Pictures has just debuted the new trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

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Universal Pictures has just debuted the new trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s Split and we have it for you below!

Writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan returns to the captivating grip of The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs with Split, an original film that delves into the mysterious recesses of one man’s fractured, gifted mind.  Following last year’s breakout hit The Visit, Shyamalan reunites with producer Jason Blum (The Purge and Insidious series, The Gift) for the thriller being hailed as “Shyamalan’s most terrifying film to date.”

Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities—each with unique physical attributes—to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others.  Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch), Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him—as well as everyone around him—as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.

Split is in theaters January 20, 2017

The Trailer for ‘Growing Up Smith’ starring Jason Lee is here!

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Growing Up Smith is the feel-good, coming-of-age story of Smith, a 10-year-old boy from India growing up in Small Town, America in 1979. As the boy’s family tries to straddle the line between embracing the American Dream and persevering their Indian heritage, Smith sneaks out for a taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken, dons a “Saturday Night Fever” costume, and contends with his parents as they send him to school with a yellow squash instead of a pumpkin to carve for Halloween. And as Smith falls head over heels in love with Amy, the girl next door, he finds in Amy’s father, Butch, the all-American cowboy he wishes his own father could be.

The films stars Jason Lee, Anjul Nigam, Brighton Sharbino, Hilarie Burton, Roni Akurati and Poorna Jagannathan and is directed by Frank Lotito.

Growing Up Smith is in theatres February 3, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOXr6bOjpEY

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