The Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) is the statewide group of professional film critics. OFCC members are Oklahoma-based movie critics who write for print, broadcast and online outlets that publish or post reviews of current film releases.
The OFCC announced its 9th annual awards list in early January of 2015.
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle 2014 Winners:
Best Picture: “Boyhood.”
Best Actor: Michael Keaton, “Birdman.”
Best Actress: Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl.”
Best Animated Film: “The LEGO Movie.”
Best Body of Work: Christopher Miller and Phil Lord “The Lego Movie” and “22 Jump Street.”
Best Director: Richard Linklater, “Boyhood.”
Best Documentary: “Life Itself.”
Best First Feature: “Nightcrawler.”
Best Foreign Language Film: “Force Majeure.”
Best Guilty Pleasure: “Edge of Tomorrow.”
Not So Obviously Worst Film: “Monuments Men.”
Obviously Worst Film: “Transformers: Age of Extinction.”
Best Original Screenplay: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Best Adapted Screenplay: Gillian Flynn, “Gone Girl.”
Best Supporting Actor: Edward Norton, “Birdman.”
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood.”
-------------------------
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Happy Birthday, Ed
I hope you had a great day. I won't go there on the age thing, except to say that you predate the Kennedy administration. Happy Birthday and many, many, many more... "Dad."
"Terminator Genisys" Super Bowl Commerical Debuts
NEW MISSION. NEW THREAT. NEW FATE.
WATCH THE TERMINATOR GENISYS "BIG GAME" TV SPOT
Watch: http://youtu.be/N4zhBQfqVCc
PARAMOUNT PICTURES and SKYDANCE PRODUCTIONS Present “TERMINATOR GENISYS”
Executive Producers: Bill Carraro, Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier, Megan Ellison, Robert Cort
Produced: David Ellison, p.g.a. Dana Goldberg, p.g.a.
Written: Laeta Kalogridis & Patrick Lussier
Directed: Alan Taylor
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J. K. Simmons, Dayo Okeniyi, Matthew Smith, Courtney B. Vance and Byung-Hun Lee
Synopsis: When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger), dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: To reset the future…
Official Site: http://www.terminatormovie.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerminatorGenisys
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/terminator
Official Instagram: http://instagram.com/TerminatorGenisys
#TERMINATOR
-----------------------
Negromancer's Fave Poli-Reads - January 2015 Edition - Updated #27
From TheNewYorker: By Andy Borowitz - 6 weeks leave opposed by people who get 33 weeks paid leave.
From TheVox: Even FOX News is ripping on the John Beohner plot to invite Benjamin Netanyahu (Throw -A-Net-Over-That Yahoo) to speak before Congress.
From TheDailyDot: Blogger who outed Congressman Steve Scalise for his connection to Louisiana Klansman and Nazi, David Duke, had his home Internet connections cut.
From TheGuardian: Eric Garner prosecutor has gall - I'll give him that. His campaign for Congress should go through hell. Hopefully, the activists will give him hell.
From Time: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on what terrorists attacks are about.
From BuzzFlash: The American Sambo Right (black conservative) manga Dr. King's message.
From YahooNews: Steve Scalise voted "No" to MLK holiday while in the Louisiana legislature. We're not surprised.
From TheDailyBeast: This may be irony when it comes to cops and open-carry activist.
From TheDailyBeast: Steve Scalise's Louisiana Nazis.
From RollingStone: They are not exactly Charlie by Matt Taibbi.
From ReaderSupportedNews: Senator Elizabeth Warren announces her support for California Attorney General Kamala Harris in her bid to replace retiring Senator Barbara Boxer.
From WashingtonPost: The Dept. of Justice curbs civil asset forfeiture. I think the Washington Post's article last September helped this decision come to be.
From WashingtonPost: The legacy of Bill Moyers.
From YahooNews: Republicans can't condemn Klan-boy, Steve Scalise, but they'll compare President Obama to Hitler.
From CenLaMar: The story that originally busted Steve Scalise as a Duker - a supporter of David Duke. OK, that's not what the article said...
From TheIntercept: David Cameron marches in Paris, while at home in the U.K., brown people are prosecuted for speech that offends white people
From HuffingtonPost: A list of Charlie Hebdo cartoons that made the magazine a target.
From the NYT: President Obama orders full restoration of relations with Cuba.
From USAToday: Pope Francis plays role in Obama's Cuba plan.
From YahooNews: The U.S. Supreme Court rejects a new challenge to the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), although it is currently hearing one.
From RollingStone: 6 ideas for a cop-free world.
From TheIntercept: In case you hadn't heard, Cuba is not returning Assata Shakur.
From CounterPunch: I am a 20th century escaped slave.
From CounterPunch: Raul Castro speaks.
From YahooAutos: President Obama warns Americans not to get to comfortable with falling gas prices.
From RSN: Yeah, this makes sense.
From NYT: Ask Congressman Steve Scalise if he ever voted for David Duke. For a lot of white men who were eligible to vote in the late 1980s and early 1990s, that will be their political kryptonite.
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of January 25th to 31st, 2015 - Updated #19
NEWS:
From DenofGeek: The simple reason why there was no "Tangled 2."
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From YahooNews: First Lady Michelle Obama defends American Sniper at launch of "6 Certified."
-------------------
From YahooBeauty: Disney introduces first Latina Disney Princess.
-------------------
From Grantland: A really fine article about retired actor, Oscar-winner Gene Hackman.
-------------------
From Vulture: Liam Hemsworth reportedly has been offered the lead in the Independence Day follow-up.
------------------
From People: Alex Gibney, a great director of great documentary films, has a shocking new film about Scientology.
------------------
From Vulture: Guardians of the Galaxy star, Chris Pratt, is rumored to be the new Indiana Jones.
------------------
From ThePlaylist: The leads in Paul Feig's Ghostbusters reboot are Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon & Leslie Jones. Or these are the four who are in contract talks to star in the film.
-------------------
From Alternet: Seven things about Chris Kyle not in American Sniper.
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From YahooMovies: The winner of the box office for the weekend of 1/23 to 1/25/2015 is American Sniper with an estimated take of $64.4 million. The film is a repeat winner, and this is one of the best second weekends ever.
--------------------
From Variety: Kaya Scodelario has been named as the female lead in "Pirates of the Caribbean 5."
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From YahooMovies: Oscar winner Dianne Wiest is struggling to pay her rent.
COMICS BOOKS:
From NerdReactor: Jason Momoa likes the idea of a brown-skinned Aquaman.
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From YahooGames: An article about TV shows based on comic books.
-------------------
From Variety: Melissa Benoist is CBS' Supergirl.
From Variety: Mehcad Brooks is the love interest of CBS' Supergirl.
-------------------
From Newsarama: 10 things worth noticing in the Fantastic Four trailer.
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From YahooTV: The first teaser for the Fantastic Four reboot, and I think it looks great. Now, will the movie be good...
--------------------
From CinemaBlend: How the costumes in the Fantastic Four reboot film might look.
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From IGN: Fox wants to develop a live action X-Men television series.
TRAILERS:
From 20th Century Fox: The first teaser trailer for this year's Fantastic Four reboot.
MISC.:
From YahooSports: Serena Williams wins her 6th Australian open title. It is also her 19th major title (Grand Slam tournament) win, which is second all-time behind Stefi Graf's 22 (in the Open era).
Friday, January 30, 2015
Nevada Film Critics Society Name "Gone Girl" as Best Film of 2014
The Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) is apparently a society of film critics who reside in Nevada and produce film reviews for print, broadcast, radio, and online.
The Nevada Film Critics Society's 2014 Awards for Achievement in Film:
Best Film - Gone Girl'
Best Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal for Nightcrawler'
Best Actress - Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl'
Best Supporting Actor - JK Simmons for Whiplash'
Best Supporting Actress - Tie:
Jessica Chastain for A Most Violent Year'
Patricia Arquette for 'Boyhood'
Best Youth Performance - Ellar Coltrane for Boyhood'
Best Director - Dan Gilroy for Nightcrawler'
Best Screenplay - Dan Gilroy for Nightcrawler'
Best Ensemble Cast - 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
Best Documentary - 'Citizenfour'
Best Animated Movie - 'Big Hero 6'
Best Production Design - Adam Stockhausen for The Grand Budapest Hotel'
Best Cinematography - Hoyte van hoytema for Interstellar'
Best Visual Effects - 'Interstellar'
-------------------------------------------
The Nevada Film Critics Society's 2014 Awards for Achievement in Film:
Best Film - Gone Girl'
Best Actor - Jake Gyllenhaal for Nightcrawler'
Best Actress - Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl'
Best Supporting Actor - JK Simmons for Whiplash'
Best Supporting Actress - Tie:
Jessica Chastain for A Most Violent Year'
Patricia Arquette for 'Boyhood'
Best Youth Performance - Ellar Coltrane for Boyhood'
Best Director - Dan Gilroy for Nightcrawler'
Best Screenplay - Dan Gilroy for Nightcrawler'
Best Ensemble Cast - 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
Best Documentary - 'Citizenfour'
Best Animated Movie - 'Big Hero 6'
Best Production Design - Adam Stockhausen for The Grand Budapest Hotel'
Best Cinematography - Hoyte van hoytema for Interstellar'
Best Visual Effects - 'Interstellar'
-------------------------------------------
#SelmaForStudents Expands to Indianapolis and West Palm Beach
INDIANAPOLIS AND WEST PALM BEACH JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO BRING “SELMA” TO STUDENTS
MORE THAN 320,000 STUDENTS IN 34 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
ATLANTA, BOSTON, DETROIT, MIAMI, NEW YORK, NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, RALEIGH, DURHAM AND CHAPEL HILL, ST. LOUIS AND WASHINGTON D.C.ARE SOLD OUT
Indianapolis and West Palm Beach have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 34 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The Selma for Students program has grown steadily since its launch in New York City on January 8th. To date, African-American business leaders across the U.S. have raised funds for free admission for middle and high school students to see “SELMA.” More than 320,000 students nationwide will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
Due to the program’s popularity and the ongoing efforts of the organizers, student tickets in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Miami, New York, Northern New Jersey, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, St. Louis and Washington D.C. are sold out. Philadelphia expanded its program and added 3,000 more tickets to meet the overwhelming demand, while the business leaders in Northern New Jersey raised additional funds to send 1,000 students in Trenton, NJ to see the film.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Derrick Burks, Indianapolis Office, Managing Partner, E&Y; Lacy Johnson Esq., Partner Ice Miller LLP; Kristin Mays-Corbitt, President, Mays Chemical Company, Inc; Alan Mills, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg; Woodrow A. Myers Jr., M.D., CEO, Corizon Correctional Healthcare; Sam Odle, Senior Policy Advisor, Bose Public Affairs, Retired CEO of Methodist and University Hospitals; Derica Rice, CFO, EVP of Global Services, Eli Lilly & Co; and John T. Thompson, CEO, Thompson Distribution Co. in Indianapolis
“Consistent with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s journey from Selma to Montgomery and across this country for freedom and justice for all, we are pleased to join the journey with so many leaders in the U.S. in providing an opportunity for Indianapolis students to be inspired by ‘Selma.’ This continues the legacy of the late William G. (Bill) Mays as a nationally recognized business leader and philanthropist,” said Thompson.
· Edrick Barnes, Sire Archon (President) Epsilon Lambda Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Euclid Walker, Managing Partner, Parkway Investment Management, in West Palm Beach
“The men of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity are excited to support our local community by providing students in West Palm Beach the opportunity to see ‘Selma.’ The fraternity hopes that viewing the movie will serve as an educational opportunity to foster a greater appreciation of the rights and privileges that were born from the sacrifices of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Barnes.
“The film ‘Selma’ has ignited a national movement of business leaders supporting our youth to see a film which can be used as a teaching tool about the civil rights movement,” said Walker. “We’ve been delighted to work with national leaders and Paramount to ensure that Palm Beach County's youth benefit from this experience!”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Northern New Jersey, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Diego, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Stockton, CA, Trenton, NJ, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
--------------------
MORE THAN 320,000 STUDENTS IN 34 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
ATLANTA, BOSTON, DETROIT, MIAMI, NEW YORK, NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, RALEIGH, DURHAM AND CHAPEL HILL, ST. LOUIS AND WASHINGTON D.C.ARE SOLD OUT
Indianapolis and West Palm Beach have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 34 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The Selma for Students program has grown steadily since its launch in New York City on January 8th. To date, African-American business leaders across the U.S. have raised funds for free admission for middle and high school students to see “SELMA.” More than 320,000 students nationwide will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
Due to the program’s popularity and the ongoing efforts of the organizers, student tickets in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Miami, New York, Northern New Jersey, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, St. Louis and Washington D.C. are sold out. Philadelphia expanded its program and added 3,000 more tickets to meet the overwhelming demand, while the business leaders in Northern New Jersey raised additional funds to send 1,000 students in Trenton, NJ to see the film.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Derrick Burks, Indianapolis Office, Managing Partner, E&Y; Lacy Johnson Esq., Partner Ice Miller LLP; Kristin Mays-Corbitt, President, Mays Chemical Company, Inc; Alan Mills, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg; Woodrow A. Myers Jr., M.D., CEO, Corizon Correctional Healthcare; Sam Odle, Senior Policy Advisor, Bose Public Affairs, Retired CEO of Methodist and University Hospitals; Derica Rice, CFO, EVP of Global Services, Eli Lilly & Co; and John T. Thompson, CEO, Thompson Distribution Co. in Indianapolis
“Consistent with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s journey from Selma to Montgomery and across this country for freedom and justice for all, we are pleased to join the journey with so many leaders in the U.S. in providing an opportunity for Indianapolis students to be inspired by ‘Selma.’ This continues the legacy of the late William G. (Bill) Mays as a nationally recognized business leader and philanthropist,” said Thompson.
· Edrick Barnes, Sire Archon (President) Epsilon Lambda Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Euclid Walker, Managing Partner, Parkway Investment Management, in West Palm Beach
“The men of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity are excited to support our local community by providing students in West Palm Beach the opportunity to see ‘Selma.’ The fraternity hopes that viewing the movie will serve as an educational opportunity to foster a greater appreciation of the rights and privileges that were born from the sacrifices of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Barnes.
“The film ‘Selma’ has ignited a national movement of business leaders supporting our youth to see a film which can be used as a teaching tool about the civil rights movement,” said Walker. “We’ve been delighted to work with national leaders and Paramount to ensure that Palm Beach County's youth benefit from this experience!”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Northern New Jersey, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Diego, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Stockton, CA, Trenton, NJ, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
--------------------
Thursday, January 29, 2015
'Project Almanac" in Theatres Tomorrow, Friday, January 30th
IF YOU COULD GO BACK WHAT WOULD YOU REDO
Tell us at ProjectAlmanac.com/Redo and your Redo could be seen on theater screens and billboards across the US!
Synopsis: A brilliant high school student and his friends uncover blueprints for a mysterious device with limitless potential, inadvertently putting lives in danger.
Starring: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Sam Lerner, Allen Evangelista, Ginny Gardner
Executive Producers: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Vicki Dee Rock
Produced: Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller
Written: Jason Harry Pagan & Andrew Deutschman
Directed: Dean Israelite
Trailer: http://youtu.be/xsgKpmIZWr0
In theaters January 30th
Official Site: http://www.projectalmanac.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectAlmanacMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/almanacmovie
#ProjectAlmanac
The Killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson - January 2015 Edition - Update #20
From YahooNews: Brawl erupts at meeting to find peace between black people and St. Louis cops. White cop antagonizes until brawl erupts.
From DetroitFreePress: After two hung juries, Joseph Weekley, the white Detroit cop who fatally shot a seven year old black girl during a raid, will not face a third trial. The shooting happened during a raid that was filmed by the show, "The First 48."
From NYT: The Justice Department will not bring charges against Darren Wilson, the man who killed Michael Brown. Mike is dead. Wilson is now a millionaire because of donations he received for killing a black man and the $500,000 ABC News gave him for exclusive, softball interview. The victim is dead. The killer is rich. Yep, doesn't sound like a civil rights violation.
From NYT: New Mexico killer cops charged with killing homeless man.
From RSN: The cops who killed Tamir Rice tackled his sister to the ground when she tried to help her dying baby brother.
From FireDogLake: Activists move to remove St. Louis County Prosecutor, Robert McCulloch, from office.
From TPM and News9: White man shoots black police chief and will apparently get away with it. Chief was not killed because he was wearing a bulletproof vest.
From StLouisDispatch: A member of the Mike Brown grand jury wants to speak, and is suing district attorney, Bob McCulloch, to do so.
From Esquire: Mike Brown, Sr. and the agony of the black father.
From YahooNews: Trayvon Martin's killer ordered to turn in his weapons after this third arrest for domestic violence.
From TheDailyKos: This Montana police officer specializes in killing unarmed men during routine traffic stops. He's never been charged.
From RSN: Over $300 million paid to settle misconduct suits and claims against the NYPD from 2006 to 2012.
From RSN: The Justice Dept.'s report on the Cleveland Police Department.
From YahooNews: #EndWhiteSilence - Pittsburgh's new police chief has more balls than the Steelers showed Saturday night. 15 points on offense? Really?
From YahooNews: The "Black brunch" protests take off in NYC and Oakland.
From BuzzFlash: Darren Wilson was likely paid for his ABC interview. To date he may have received $1.5 million is fees and donations. Consider that a bounty for killing a black man.
From AlJazeeraAmerica: Decision reversed; "I Can't Breathe" T-shirts can be worn.
From People: President Obama praises athletes for "I Can't Breathe" stance.
From CrooksandLiars: Of course, the bastard did, and it is apparently not the first time.
From RSN: The abuse of Mayor Bill de Blasio by the NYPD and related unions.
From TheGuardian: Dear Fellow White People...
From TheGuardian: Another "I Can't Breathe" t-shirt controversy. The truth hurts, doesn't it.
From YahooNews: There was hell to pay for the callous comments about the Mike Brown memorial in Ferguson.
From Yahoo News via RSN: Hundreds of cop killings of civilians not reported to the FBI.
From Reuters via RSN: Hillary Clinton backs federal probes of Mike Brown and Eric Garner killings. Already she has more balls then so-called Democratic governors in Missouri and New York.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Schwarzenegger to Be Inducted into Celebrity Wing of WWE Hall of Fame
Arnold Schwarzenegger to Be Inducted Into WWE® Hall of Fame
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WWE announced today that pop-culture icon Arnold Schwarzenegger will be inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA as part of WrestleMania® Week.
“We are honored to induct Arnold Schwarzenegger into the WWE Hall of Fame”
Former Governor of California from 2003-2011 and the star of such blockbuster films as Predator, True Lies, Kindergarten Cop and the wildly successful Terminator franchise, Schwarzenegger is a longtime WWE fan dating back to the 1970s, appearing at many Monday Night Raw® and SmackDown® events through the years. A seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, he is the founder of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival, the world’s largest annual sports weekend, which hosts 200,000 attendees and more than 18,000 of the world's top athletes. He also appeared at the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony at Madison Square Garden, inducting his friend Bruno Sammartino. Most recently, Schwarzenegger guest starred on the March 24, 2014 episode of Monday Night Raw opposite WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan® and WWE Superstar The Miz®. Schwarzenegger's decades-long health and fitness crusade is a perfect fit with WWE.
“We are honored to induct Arnold Schwarzenegger into the WWE Hall of Fame,” said WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “His larger-than-life on- and off-screen presence translated perfectly into the world of WWE, resulting in many memorable moments.”
Tickets for the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at SAP Center are currently available through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.
WrestleMania 31 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 7pm ET live on WWE Network and pay-per-view.
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to entering into, maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming and our new network distribution agreements; risks relating to the launch and maintenance of our new network; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive and fragmented nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to new businesses and strategic investments; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to general economic conditions and our exposure to bad debt risk; risks relating to litigation; risks relating to market expectations for our financial performance; risks relating to our revolving credit facility specifically and capital markets more generally; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.
-------------------
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WWE announced today that pop-culture icon Arnold Schwarzenegger will be inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA as part of WrestleMania® Week.
“We are honored to induct Arnold Schwarzenegger into the WWE Hall of Fame”
Former Governor of California from 2003-2011 and the star of such blockbuster films as Predator, True Lies, Kindergarten Cop and the wildly successful Terminator franchise, Schwarzenegger is a longtime WWE fan dating back to the 1970s, appearing at many Monday Night Raw® and SmackDown® events through the years. A seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, he is the founder of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival, the world’s largest annual sports weekend, which hosts 200,000 attendees and more than 18,000 of the world's top athletes. He also appeared at the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony at Madison Square Garden, inducting his friend Bruno Sammartino. Most recently, Schwarzenegger guest starred on the March 24, 2014 episode of Monday Night Raw opposite WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan® and WWE Superstar The Miz®. Schwarzenegger's decades-long health and fitness crusade is a perfect fit with WWE.
“We are honored to induct Arnold Schwarzenegger into the WWE Hall of Fame,” said WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “His larger-than-life on- and off-screen presence translated perfectly into the world of WWE, resulting in many memorable moments.”
Tickets for the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at SAP Center are currently available through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.
WrestleMania 31 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 7pm ET live on WWE Network and pay-per-view.
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 170 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to entering into, maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming and our new network distribution agreements; risks relating to the launch and maintenance of our new network; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive and fragmented nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to new businesses and strategic investments; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to general economic conditions and our exposure to bad debt risk; risks relating to litigation; risks relating to market expectations for our financial performance; risks relating to our revolving credit facility specifically and capital markets more generally; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.
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"Selma," "Still Alice" Win "Best Movie" Awards from Women Film Critics Circle
Editor's Note: I forgot to post these a few weeks ago:
The Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) is an association of women film critics, who are involved in print, radio, online and TV broadcast media. Founded in 2004, this group is the first women critics’ organization in the United States.
The 2014 Women Film Critics Circle Award winners were announced December 13, 2014.
Women Film Critics Circle Awards 2014:
BEST MOVIE ABOUT WOMEN
Still Alice
BEST MOVIE BY A WOMAN
Selma: Ava Duvernay
BEST WOMAN STORYTELLER [Screenwriting Award]
Ida: Rebecca Lenkiewicz [Co-screenwriter]
BEST ACTRESS
Julianne Moore: Still Alice
BEST ACTOR
Eddie Redmayne: The Theory Of Everything
BEST YOUNG ACTRESS
Mira Grosin: We Are The Best
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS
Jenny Slate: Obvious Child
BEST FOREIGN FILM BY OR ABOUT WOMEN
Two Days, One Night
BEST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
WORST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
Horrible Bosses 2
BEST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
Love Is Strange
WORST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE
Dumb And Dumber To
BEST DOCUMENTARY BY OR ABOUT WOMEN
Citizenfour
BEST SCREEN COUPLE
The Skeleton Twins
BEST THEATRICALLY UNRELEASED MOVIE BY OR ABOUT WOMEN
Girlhood
BEST EQUALITY OF THE SEXES
TIE: Life Itself, The Skeleton Twins
BEST ANIMATED FEMALE
Winnie: Boxtrolls
BEST FAMILY FILM
Big Hero 6
WOMEN'S WORK/BEST ENSEMBLE
The Homesman
*SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS*
COURAGE IN FILMMAKING:
LAURA POITRAS: For bringing the Edward Snowden NSA revelations to light in Citizenfour, and driven into exile in Germany for doing so.
*ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD: A film that most passionately opposes violence against women:
Frontera
Private Violence
*JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: For best expressing the woman of color experience in America:
Anita: Speaking Truth To Power
*KAREN MORLEY AWARD: For best exemplifying a woman’s place in history or society, and a courageous search for identity:
Belle
ACTING AND ACTIVISM AWARD: Rosario Dawson
For her work with The Lower East Side Girls Club; the environmental group Global Cool; the ONE Campaign; Oxfam; Amnesty International; Voto Latino; V-Day, a global non-profit movement that raises funds for women's anti-violence groups; RESPECT! Campaign, a movement aimed at preventing domestic violence; and countless other organizations.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Oprah Winfrey
COURAGE IN ACTING: [Taking on unconventional roles that radically redefine the images of women on screen]:
Julianne Moore: Still Alice
BEST FEMALE ACTION STAR:
Oprah Winfrey: Selma
THE INVISIBLE WOMAN AWARD: [Performance by a woman whose exceptional impact on the film dramatically, socially or historically, has been ignored]:
Felicity Jones: The Theory Of Everything
WOMAN'S RIGHT TO MALES ROLES IN MOVIES:
Jessica Chastain: Interstellar
MOMMIE DEAREST WORST SCREEN MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD:
*TIE
Charlotte Gainsbourg: Nymphomaniac
Uma Thurman: Nymphomaniac
JUST KIDDING AWARDS
*Best Female Images: Nymphomaniac
*Forty-Plus Female Empowerment Award: For the producers who give women over forty meaningful roles in movies on a regular basis, in an industry where forty is the new ninety-five - and as other than maniacs and witches.
*Merry Macho Award: Seth Rogen and James Franco: For advancing the cause of world peace with their presidential assassination comedy, The Interview. And who knows, while possibly mulling the Interview II sequel comedy, the assassination of US President Obama. And for further extending Hollywood as a wing of the US military and CIA, following leaked email revelations that the US State Department advocated Sony to use the film to help bring down the DPRK government.
BEST LINE IN A MOVIE:
Big Hero 6: 'Stop Whining. Woman Up!'
About the Special Mention Awards:
**ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD: Adrienne Shelly was a promising actress and filmmaker who was brutally strangled in her apartment in 2006 at the age of forty by a construction worker in the building, after she complained about noise. Her killer tried to cover up his crime by hanging her from a shower rack in her bathroom, to make it look like a suicide. He later confessed that he was having a “bad day.” Shelly, who left behind a baby daughter, had just completed her film, Waitress, which she also starred in, and which was honored at Sundance after her death.
**JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: The daughter of a laundress and a musician, Baker overcame being born black, female and poor, and marriage at age fifteen, to become an internationally acclaimed legendary performer, starring in the films Princess Tam Tam, Moulin Rouge and Zou Zou. She also survived the race riots in East St. Louis, Illinois as a child, and later expatriated to France to escape US racism. After participating heroically in the underground French Resistance during WWII, Baker returned to the US where she was a crusader for racial equality. Her activism led to attacks against her by reporter Walter Winchell who denounced her as a communist, leading her to wage a battle against him. Baker was instrumental in ending segregation in many theaters and clubs, where she refused to perform unless integration was implemented.
**KAREN MORLEY AWARD: Karen Morley was a promising Hollywood star in the 1930s, in such films as Mata Hari and Our Daily Bread. She was driven out of Hollywood for her leftist political convictions by the Blacklist and for refusing to testify against other actors, while Robert Taylor and Sterling Hayden were informants against her. And also for daring to have a child and become a mother, unacceptable for female stars in those days. Morley maintained her militant political activism for the rest of her life, running for Lieutenant Governor on the American Labor Party ticket in 1954. She passed away in 2003, unrepentant to the end, at the age of 93.
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Happy Birthday, Miss Anna
Granny and Uncle Leroy wish Miss Anna a Happy Birthday... and many, many, many more!
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Common and John Legend to Perform "Glory" at 87th Oscars
Oscar® Nominees Common And John Legend To Perform Together At The Oscars®
Musical artists Common and John Legend will perform their Oscar®-nominated song “Glory” at the 87th Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.
“Common and John Legend are artists who have always lifted our spirits and made us think,” said Zadan and Meron. “The Oscar stage is that much more profound because of their presence and we welcome them.”
“Glory,” written by John Stephens (a.k.a. John Legend) and Lonnie Lynn (a.k.a. Common) for the film “Selma,” is nominated for Original Song. The four other nominated songs are “Everything Is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie,” “Grateful” from “Beyond the Lights,” “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from “Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me” and “Lost Stars” from “Begin Again.”
Common won a Grammy® in 2002 for Best R&B Song for “Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop),” and in 2007 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Southside,” with Kanye West. His many acting credits include the films “American Gangster,” “Wanted,” “Date Night” and “Selma,” in which he plays the role of Civil Rights leader James Bevel.
Legend is a nine time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. His critically acclaimed debut album, “Get Lifted,”scored multiple Grammy Awards in 2006, including Best R&B Album, Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The follow up was the platinum-selling “Once Again,” which garnered a Best Male R&B Performance nod. Legend’s most recent highly acclaimed fourth studio album, “Love in the Future,” scored two Grammy nominations and features his break out hit, “All of Me,” which is his highest selling and charting song to date and also earned a 2015 Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Musical artists Common and John Legend will perform their Oscar®-nominated song “Glory” at the 87th Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.
“Common and John Legend are artists who have always lifted our spirits and made us think,” said Zadan and Meron. “The Oscar stage is that much more profound because of their presence and we welcome them.”
“Glory,” written by John Stephens (a.k.a. John Legend) and Lonnie Lynn (a.k.a. Common) for the film “Selma,” is nominated for Original Song. The four other nominated songs are “Everything Is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie,” “Grateful” from “Beyond the Lights,” “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from “Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me” and “Lost Stars” from “Begin Again.”
Common won a Grammy® in 2002 for Best R&B Song for “Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop),” and in 2007 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Southside,” with Kanye West. His many acting credits include the films “American Gangster,” “Wanted,” “Date Night” and “Selma,” in which he plays the role of Civil Rights leader James Bevel.
Legend is a nine time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. His critically acclaimed debut album, “Get Lifted,”scored multiple Grammy Awards in 2006, including Best R&B Album, Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The follow up was the platinum-selling “Once Again,” which garnered a Best Male R&B Performance nod. Legend’s most recent highly acclaimed fourth studio album, “Love in the Future,” scored two Grammy nominations and features his break out hit, “All of Me,” which is his highest selling and charting song to date and also earned a 2015 Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Review: "The Purge: Anarchy" is Equal to its Predecessor
The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
Running time: 103 minutes (1 hour, 43 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong disturbing violence, and for language
DIRECTOR: James DeMonaco
WRITER: James DeMonaco (based on characters created by James DeMonaco)
PRODUCERS: Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Andrew Form, Bradley Fuller, and Sebastien Lemercier
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Jacques Jouffret (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Vince Filippone and Todd E. Miller
COMPOSER: Nathan Whitehead
SCI-FI/CRIME/THRILLER
Starring: Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford, Kiele Sanchez, Zoe Soul, Justina Machado, John Beasley, Jack Conley, Noel G., Michael K. Williams, Castulo Guerra, Roberta Valderrama, Niko Nicotera, and Edwin Hodge
The Purge: Anarchy is a 2014 science fiction film and crime thriller from writer-director James DeMonaco. The film is a sequel to the 2013 film, The Purge. Set in the near-future, The Purge: Anarchy focuses on a small band of people who are stranded on the night when violent crimes like murder and rape are legal and sanctioned by the American government.
The Purge: Anarchy is set in the United States of America in the year 2023. Unemployment is below one percent. Crime is virtually non-existent, and the number of people living below the poverty line is shrinking all the time. How did this come to pass? The powers-that-be would have people believe that this prosperity is the result of the event called “The Annual Purge,” when practically all criminal activity is legal. Over a 12-hour period, Americans can rob, assault, rape, and murder each other and they will not face legal consequences. This event, started by America’s “New Founding Fathers,” allows Americans to purge or vent negative emotions and repressed/violent urges.
The Purge: Anarchy opens on March 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, just hours before the Purge begins. Eva (Carmen Ejogo) and her daughter, Cali (Zoe Soul), prepare for the chaos, as her terminally ill father, Papa Rico (John Beasley), decides to deal with the Purge in a different way. Meanwhile, Shane (Zach Gilford) and Liz (Kiele Sanchez), a young couple, travel by car, headed for Shane's sister, but they encounter car trouble along the way. Meanwhile, the mysterious Sergeant (Frank Grillo) has his own unique plans for the Purge. Soon, some of these people will find their fates intertwined, as they are left stranded and hunted as they try to find safe harbor.
Like its predecessor, The Purge: Anarchy is one of the most politically astute and socially relevant science fiction films to come around in years. Also like the original, Anarchy is a thriller that makes goose flesh when it isn't causing breaths to catch. The small band that the film follows are not exactly “the fellowship of the Purge,” but writer-director James DeMonaco offers such distinctive personalities. Each character clearly has a goal or motivation that likely veers from the mutual cause of group safety, so someone doing something on his or her own is as much a threat to the group as are the people who are “purging.”
Anarchy is also a little subversive. DeMonaco takes his criticism of the one-percent, the wealthy, and powerful to the next level. In this new film, taking all the money isn't enough. Now, the wealthy and powerful believe the poor owe them their very lives, as if the destitute and homeless exist to be devoured or at least exist to be playthings that the rich can destroy without concern of consequence.
The Purge: Anarchy is a sequel that not only does not disappoint, but it also meets the promise offered by the original film. To the filmmakers, I say, “Let's keeping going!”
8 of 10
A
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Review: "You're Next" is Shocking and Shockingly Good
You're Next (2011)
Running time: 95 minutes (1 hour, 35 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexuality/nudity
EDITOR/DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard
WRITERS: Simon Barrett
PRODUCERS: Simon Barrett, Keith Calder, Kim Sherman, and Jessica Wu
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew D. Palermo (D.o.P.)
COMPOSERS: Mads Heldtberg, Jasper Justice Lee, and Kyle McKinnon
HORROR/THRILLER/CRIME
Starring: Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, Wendy Glenn, AJ Bowen, Joe Swanberg, Sarah Myers, Amy Seimetz, Ti West, Rob Moran, Barbara Crampton, L.C. Holt, Simon Barrett, and Lane Hughes
You're Next is a 2011 crime thriller and horror film from director Adam Wingard. The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011, but did not receive a wide theatrical release until 2013. You're Next focuses on a family reunion that comes under assault by a gang of masked intruders that attacks family members until someone starts fighting back.
You're Next takes place in a secluded wooded area that might be located in Missouri. At a large, rustic estate on 5 Edelweiss Drive, Aubrey (Barbara Crampton) and Paul (Rob Moran) gather their four children (three sons and a daughter) for a wedding anniversary party. Shy Erin (Sharni Vinson) accompanies her boyfriend, Crispian (AJ Bowen), to the reunion. Also, present are Crispian's brothers, Drake (Joe Swanberg), with his wife, Kelly (Sarah Myers); and Felix (Nicholas Tucci) with his girlfriend, Zee (Wendy Glenn). Also present is Crispian's sister, Aimee (Amy Seimetz), and her boyfriend, Tariq (Ti West).
That evening, everyone gathers around a large table for a meal. During a family argument, mainly caused by Crispian and Drake, one of the guests is shockingly murdered. Soon, the family (whose last name may be “Davison,” although it is not used in the film) is under attack by a unknown number of mysterious killers. As family and friends die or are gravely wounded, we discover that one of the victims has a secret talent for fighting back and for surviving.
You're Next is like an action movie version of the 2008 film, The Strangers, but even better. Cast and crew come together and deliver a fan-freaking-tastic film that looks bigger than its paltry budget of one million dollars. There are thrillers that cost 50 to 100 times more than this “little” film that do not deliver the heart-stopping scares and riveting, hair-trigger drama that You're Next does. I don't like You're Next. I frickin' love You're Next. Encore! Encore!
I won't spoil it, but the actor that plays the character that fights back delivers a star-making performance. Director Adam Wingard impresses with his editing work on this film more than he does with his directing, which is also quite good. Wingard's work here suggests the Coen Bros., with a touch of David Fincher. Some might describe Simon Barrett's screenplay as implausible, but my cynical worldview considers this Hitchcockian fable damn near a documentary.
If you want thrills, chills, and scares, do yourself a favor and see one of the best horror movies of the decade, You're Next.
9 of 10
A+
Friday, January 2, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Review: "Batman: Assault on Arkham" One of Best Batman Films
Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014) – Video
Running time: 76 minutes (1 hour, 16 minutes)
Rated: MPAA – PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language
DIRECTORS: Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding
WRITER: Heath Corson
COMPOSER: Robert J. Kral
EDITOR: Christopher D. Lozinsk
ANIMATION STUDIO: Moi Animation Studios
ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/CRIME
Starring: (voices) Kevin Conroy, Neal McDonough, Hynden Walch, Matthew Gray Gubler, CCH Pounder, Troy Baker, Chris Cox, John DiMaggio, Greg Ellis, Giancarlo Esposito, Jennifer Hale, Christian Lanz, Nolan North, Martin Jarvis, and Andrea Romano
Batman: Assault on Arkham is a 2014 straight-to-video animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation. It is the 20th film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies. This film is set in the universe of the Batman: Arkham video game franchise, and occurs after the events depicted in Batman: Arkham Origins (2013).
Batman: Assault on Arkham, of course, features classic DC Comics character, Batman, but here, he is really a supporting character. Assault on Arkham focuses on a new version of the Suicide Squad, in particular, squad members, Deadshot and Harley Quinn, who are Batman villains. In Batman: Assault on Arkham the film, a team of six villains breaks into an infamous prison to recover vital information, but find the mission complicated by the inmates and Batman.
As Batman: Assault on Arkham opens, shadowy U.S. government operative, Amanda Waller (CCH Pounder), sends a black ops team to kill Batman villain, The Riddler ( Matthew Gray Gubler). Batman (Kevin Conroy) rescues his old adversary and returns him to Arkham Asylum. Determined to kill The Riddler and to recover the dangerous information he stole, Waller reforms “Task Force X” (also known as the Suicide Squad).
She kidnaps the super-criminals: Deadshot (Neal McDonough), Harley Quinn (Hynden Walch), Black Spider (Giancarlo Esposito), Captain Boomerang (Greg Ellis), Killer Frost (Jennifer Hale), King Shark (John DiMaggio), and KGBeast (Nolan North). Waller presses them into her service, even having bombs surgically implanted into their necks to force them to serve her in Suicide Squad. The survivors of Waller's training sneak into Gotham City, where they will infiltrate Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, Batman races across Gotham to find a dirty bomb planted by The Joker (Troy Baker), who is currently imprisoned at Arkham, which will soon be the sight of a lot of action.
I think that if the team of directors Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding and also writer Heath Corson had been the brain trust behind some of the Batman live-action movies, those movies would have been much better than they were, that includes Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Batman: Assault on Arkham is one of the best original DC Comics animated movies to date and one of the best Batman media adaptations to date.
It is not a bad thing that the Suicide Squad are the stars of this movie, because the team is presented in a way that makes them perfectly capable of carrying a good movie. It's starts with the writing. Heath Corson's script summons forth a group of engaging characters that are every bit as interesting as Batman, and Corson imagines a scenario that allows each character to show his or her colorful side, both in words and in deeds.
Directors Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding build tension through the Arkham mission, forcing the characters to reveal much of themselves to the audience, as they try to survive and win. The big action and fight scenes build naturally; they don't seem like bunches of conflict badly sewn together to evoke de facto titillation in the audience. Of course, as a work of fiction, this is contrived. However, there is a sequence that begins on a helicopter and moves from Arkham to Gotham, and includes the “Batplane.” This sequence seems like a logical extension of the drama and does not come across as something forced for the sake of creating a big chase scene.
The voice acting is truly good; these are fine performances. Kevin Conroy, the classic Batman voice actor since “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992), reminds us why it is a special occasion to hear him as the Dark Knight and why many fans always want him to be Batman's voice. However, in this film, Neal McDonough is the standout as Deadshot, and with a powerful deliver, full of character colors, he is the actual lead in this movie.
Hynden Walch is slinky goodness as Harley Quinn, and Troy Baker is pitch-perfect as the Joker. CCH Pounder is a noted character actor and supporting actress, and she has also done some fine voice-over acting, which shows in her delicious and thugged-out turn as Amanda Waller.
Wow! Can a brother get a sequel – from the same team? If not, at least, we have Batman: Assault on Arkham. It is an assault on any mediocre Batman media.
9 of 10
A+
Monday, January 26, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Number One Film, American Sniper, Passes $200 Million at Box Office
“American Sniper” Hits $200 Million at the Domestic Box Office
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Oscar-nominated mega hit “American Sniper” has surpassed $200 million worldwide at the domestic box office on only its tenth day in wide release. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution.
Following its record-breaking first weekend in wide release, the Clint Eastwood-directed film has continued to fill conventional and IMAX theatres nationwide. “American Sniper” took in an estimated $64.4 million this past weekend, representing the smallest percentage drop ever for a film that opened at more than $85 million, including both three- and four-day weekends, and bringing the domestic gross to $200.1 million and climbing. “American Sniper” is now, domestically, the highest-grossing film in Eastwood’s long career, and it is on track to become his top-grossing film worldwide.
Fellman stated, “The filmmakers, led by Clint Eastwood, and cast, led by Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, have created a gripping drama with a rare insight into the toll of war that has resonated with audiences in almost every demographic. We congratulate them not only on the film’s box office success but on generating one of the most talked about films of this or any year.”
Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
“American Sniper” has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honored by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honors include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. americansnipermovie.com
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BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Oscar-nominated mega hit “American Sniper” has surpassed $200 million worldwide at the domestic box office on only its tenth day in wide release. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution.
Following its record-breaking first weekend in wide release, the Clint Eastwood-directed film has continued to fill conventional and IMAX theatres nationwide. “American Sniper” took in an estimated $64.4 million this past weekend, representing the smallest percentage drop ever for a film that opened at more than $85 million, including both three- and four-day weekends, and bringing the domestic gross to $200.1 million and climbing. “American Sniper” is now, domestically, the highest-grossing film in Eastwood’s long career, and it is on track to become his top-grossing film worldwide.
Fellman stated, “The filmmakers, led by Clint Eastwood, and cast, led by Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, have created a gripping drama with a rare insight into the toll of war that has resonated with audiences in almost every demographic. We congratulate them not only on the film’s box office success but on generating one of the most talked about films of this or any year.”
Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
“American Sniper” has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honored by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honors include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. americansnipermovie.com
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"Birdman" Leads 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards - Complete List of Winners
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is an American labor union that represents film and television performers worldwide. Most people probably know SAG for the various actors’ strikes or for the Screen Actors Guild Award, which SAG uses to honor outstanding performances by its members. The first SAG Awards ceremony was held in February 1995 (for films released in 1994).
The 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards were revealed during the Sunday, January 25, 2015 awards ceremony that was simultaneously telecast on TBS and TNT.
The “Ensemble” categories are SAG's equivalent of a “Best Picture” or “Best Television Series” award.
2015/21st Screen Actors Guild Awards winners:
THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
EDDIE REDMAYNE / Stephen Hawking – "THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING" (Focus Features)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
JULIANNE MOORE / Alice Howland – "STILL ALICE" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
J.K. SIMMONS / Fletcher – "WHIPLASH" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
PATRICIA ARQUETTE / Olivia – "BOYHOOD" (IFC Films)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:
BIRDMAN (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS / Jake
MICHAEL KEATON / Riggan
EDWARD NORTON / Mike
ANDREA RISEBOROUGH / Laura
AMY RYAN / Sylvia
EMMA STONE / Sam
NAOMI WATTS / Lesley
SAG AWARDS® HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
“UNBROKEN” (Universal Pictures)
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Screen Actors Guild 51st Annual Life Achievement Award
DEBBIE REYNOLDS
TELEVISION PROGRAMS
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
MARK RUFFALO / Ned Weeks – "THE NORMAL HEART" (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
FRANCES McDORMAND / Olive Kitteridge – "OLIVE KITTERIDGE" (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
KEVIN SPACEY / Francis Underwood – “HOUSE OF CARDS” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series [There were 6 nominees in this category.]
VIOLA DAVIS / Annalise Keating – "HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER" (ABC)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
WILLIAM H. MACY / Frank Gallagher – "SHAMELESS" (Showtime)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren – "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK" (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:
DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
HUGH BONNEVILLE / Robert, Earl of Grantham
LAURA CARMICHAEL / Lady Edith Crawley
JIM CARTER / Mr. Carson
BRENDAN COYLE / Mr. Bates
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley
KEVIN DOYLE / Mr. Molesley
JOANNE FROGGATT / Anna Bates
LILY JAMES / Lady Rose
ROBERT JAMES-COLLIER / Thomas Barrow
ALLEN LEECH / Tom Branson
PHYLLIS LOGAN / Mrs. Hughes
ELIZABETH McGOVERN / Cora, Countess of Grantham
SOPHIE McSHERA / Daisy
MATT MILNE / Alfred
LESLEY NICOL / Mrs. Patmore
DAVID ROBB / Dr. Clarkson
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
ED SPELEERS / Jimmy Kent
CARA THEOBOLD / Ivy
PENELOPE WILTON / Isobel Crawley
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (NETFLIX)
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren
JASON BIGGS / Larry Bloom
DANIELLE BROOKS / Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson
LAVERNE COX / Sophia Burset
JACKIE CRUZ / Flaca
CATHERINE CURTIN / Wanda Bell
LEA DELARIA / Carrie "Big Boo" Black
BETH FOWLER / Sister Ingalls
YVETTE FREEMAN / Irma
GERMAR TERRELL GARDNER / Charles Ford
KIMIKO GLENN / Brook Soso
ANNIE GOLDEN / Norma Romano
DIANE GUERRERO / Maritza Ramos
MICHAEL J. HARNEY / Ofc. Sam Healy
VICKY JEUDY / Janae Watson
JULIE LAKE / Angie Rice
LAUREN LAPKUS / Susan Fischer
SELENIS LEYVA / Gloria Mendoza
NATASHA LYONNE / Nicky Nichols
TARYN MANNING / Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett
JOEL MARSH GARLAND / Scott O'Neill
MATT McGORRY / Ofc. John Bennett
ADRIENNE C. MOORE / Black Cindy
KATE MULGREW / Galina "Red" Reznikov
EMMA MYLES / Leanne Taylor
JESSICA PIMENTEL / Maria Ruiz
DASCHA POLANCO / Dayanara Diaz
ALYSIA REINER / Natalie "Fig" Figueroa
JUDITH ROBERTS / Taslitz
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ / Aleida Diaz
BARBARA ROSENBLAT / Miss Rosa
NICK SANDOW / Joe Caputo
ABIGAIL SAVAGE / Gina
TAYLOR SCHILLING / Piper Chapman
CONSTANCE SHULMAN / Yoga Jones
DALE SOULES / Frieda
YAEL STONE / Lorna Morello
LORRAINE TOUSSAINT / Yvonne "Vee" Parker
LIN TUCCI / Anita DeMarco
SAMIRA WILEY / Poussey Washington
SAG AWARDS® HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series (6 nominees)
“GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
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The 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards were revealed during the Sunday, January 25, 2015 awards ceremony that was simultaneously telecast on TBS and TNT.
The “Ensemble” categories are SAG's equivalent of a “Best Picture” or “Best Television Series” award.
2015/21st Screen Actors Guild Awards winners:
THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
EDDIE REDMAYNE / Stephen Hawking – "THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING" (Focus Features)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
JULIANNE MOORE / Alice Howland – "STILL ALICE" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
J.K. SIMMONS / Fletcher – "WHIPLASH" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
PATRICIA ARQUETTE / Olivia – "BOYHOOD" (IFC Films)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:
BIRDMAN (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS / Jake
MICHAEL KEATON / Riggan
EDWARD NORTON / Mike
ANDREA RISEBOROUGH / Laura
AMY RYAN / Sylvia
EMMA STONE / Sam
NAOMI WATTS / Lesley
SAG AWARDS® HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
“UNBROKEN” (Universal Pictures)
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Screen Actors Guild 51st Annual Life Achievement Award
DEBBIE REYNOLDS
TELEVISION PROGRAMS
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
MARK RUFFALO / Ned Weeks – "THE NORMAL HEART" (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
FRANCES McDORMAND / Olive Kitteridge – "OLIVE KITTERIDGE" (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
KEVIN SPACEY / Francis Underwood – “HOUSE OF CARDS” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series [There were 6 nominees in this category.]
VIOLA DAVIS / Annalise Keating – "HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER" (ABC)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
WILLIAM H. MACY / Frank Gallagher – "SHAMELESS" (Showtime)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren – "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK" (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:
DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
HUGH BONNEVILLE / Robert, Earl of Grantham
LAURA CARMICHAEL / Lady Edith Crawley
JIM CARTER / Mr. Carson
BRENDAN COYLE / Mr. Bates
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley
KEVIN DOYLE / Mr. Molesley
JOANNE FROGGATT / Anna Bates
LILY JAMES / Lady Rose
ROBERT JAMES-COLLIER / Thomas Barrow
ALLEN LEECH / Tom Branson
PHYLLIS LOGAN / Mrs. Hughes
ELIZABETH McGOVERN / Cora, Countess of Grantham
SOPHIE McSHERA / Daisy
MATT MILNE / Alfred
LESLEY NICOL / Mrs. Patmore
DAVID ROBB / Dr. Clarkson
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
ED SPELEERS / Jimmy Kent
CARA THEOBOLD / Ivy
PENELOPE WILTON / Isobel Crawley
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (NETFLIX)
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren
JASON BIGGS / Larry Bloom
DANIELLE BROOKS / Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson
LAVERNE COX / Sophia Burset
JACKIE CRUZ / Flaca
CATHERINE CURTIN / Wanda Bell
LEA DELARIA / Carrie "Big Boo" Black
BETH FOWLER / Sister Ingalls
YVETTE FREEMAN / Irma
GERMAR TERRELL GARDNER / Charles Ford
KIMIKO GLENN / Brook Soso
ANNIE GOLDEN / Norma Romano
DIANE GUERRERO / Maritza Ramos
MICHAEL J. HARNEY / Ofc. Sam Healy
VICKY JEUDY / Janae Watson
JULIE LAKE / Angie Rice
LAUREN LAPKUS / Susan Fischer
SELENIS LEYVA / Gloria Mendoza
NATASHA LYONNE / Nicky Nichols
TARYN MANNING / Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett
JOEL MARSH GARLAND / Scott O'Neill
MATT McGORRY / Ofc. John Bennett
ADRIENNE C. MOORE / Black Cindy
KATE MULGREW / Galina "Red" Reznikov
EMMA MYLES / Leanne Taylor
JESSICA PIMENTEL / Maria Ruiz
DASCHA POLANCO / Dayanara Diaz
ALYSIA REINER / Natalie "Fig" Figueroa
JUDITH ROBERTS / Taslitz
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ / Aleida Diaz
BARBARA ROSENBLAT / Miss Rosa
NICK SANDOW / Joe Caputo
ABIGAIL SAVAGE / Gina
TAYLOR SCHILLING / Piper Chapman
CONSTANCE SHULMAN / Yoga Jones
DALE SOULES / Frieda
YAEL STONE / Lorna Morello
LORRAINE TOUSSAINT / Yvonne "Vee" Parker
LIN TUCCI / Anita DeMarco
SAMIRA WILEY / Poussey Washington
SAG AWARDS® HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series (6 nominees)
“GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
-------------------------
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Producers Guild Names "Birdman" Best Motion Picture of 2014
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) describes itself as “the non-profit trade group that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and new media.” Film fans know the organization because of its annual PGA Awards.
The 2015 Producers Guild Award winners were announced on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. This year, the Producers Guild also presented special honors to the following: Jon Feltheimer (Milestone Award); Mark Gordon (Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television); Gale Anne Hurd (David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures); the HBO television motion picture, The Normal Heart (Stanley Kramer Award); and production company Plan B Entertainment (Visionary Award).
2015 (26th Annual) Producers Guild Award winners:
The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures:
Birdman (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Producers: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:
The LEGO Movie (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Producer: Dan Lin, p.g.a.
The David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television:
(The Long-Form Television category encompasses both movies of the week and mini-series.)
"Fargo" (FX)
Producers: Adam Bernstein, John Cameron, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Michael Frislev, Noah Hawley, Warren Littlefield, Chad Oakes, Kim Todd
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:
Life Itself (Magnolia Pictures)
Producers: Garrett Basch, Steve James, Zak Piper
The Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama:
"Breaking Bad" (AMC)
Producers: Melissa Bernstein, Sam Catlin, Bryan Cranston, Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Mark Johnson, Stewart Lyons, Michelle MacLaren, George Mastras, Diane Mercer, Thomas Schnauz, Moira Walley-Beckett
The Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy:
"Orange Is The New Black" (Netflix)
Producers: Mark A. Burley, Sara Hess, Jenji Kohan, Gary Lennon, Neri Tannenbaum, Michael Trim, Lisa I. Vinnecour
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television:
"COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey" (FOX/NatGeo)
Producers: Brannon Braga, Mitchell Cannold, Jason Clark, Ann Druyan, Livia Hanich, Steve Holtzman, Seth MacFarlane
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Competition Television:
"The Voice" (NBC)
Producers: Stijn Bakkers, Mark Burnett, John De Mol, Chad Hines, Lee Metzger, Audrey Morrissey, Jim Roush, Kyra Thompson, Mike Yurchuk, Amanda Zucker
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television:
"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (NBC)
Producers: Rob Crabbe, Jamie Granet Bederman, Katie Hockmeyer, Jim Juvonen, Josh Lieb, Brian McDonald, Lorne Michaels, Gavin Purcell
The Award for Outstanding Sports Program:
"Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" (HBO)
The Award for Outstanding Children’s Program:
"Sesame Street" (PBS)
The Award for Outstanding Digital Series:
"Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee" (http://www.crackle.com/c/comedians-in-cars-getting-coffee)
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The 2015 Producers Guild Award winners were announced on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. This year, the Producers Guild also presented special honors to the following: Jon Feltheimer (Milestone Award); Mark Gordon (Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television); Gale Anne Hurd (David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures); the HBO television motion picture, The Normal Heart (Stanley Kramer Award); and production company Plan B Entertainment (Visionary Award).
2015 (26th Annual) Producers Guild Award winners:
The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures:
Birdman (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Producers: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:
The LEGO Movie (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Producer: Dan Lin, p.g.a.
The David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Long-Form Television:
(The Long-Form Television category encompasses both movies of the week and mini-series.)
"Fargo" (FX)
Producers: Adam Bernstein, John Cameron, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Michael Frislev, Noah Hawley, Warren Littlefield, Chad Oakes, Kim Todd
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:
Life Itself (Magnolia Pictures)
Producers: Garrett Basch, Steve James, Zak Piper
The Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama:
"Breaking Bad" (AMC)
Producers: Melissa Bernstein, Sam Catlin, Bryan Cranston, Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Mark Johnson, Stewart Lyons, Michelle MacLaren, George Mastras, Diane Mercer, Thomas Schnauz, Moira Walley-Beckett
The Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy:
"Orange Is The New Black" (Netflix)
Producers: Mark A. Burley, Sara Hess, Jenji Kohan, Gary Lennon, Neri Tannenbaum, Michael Trim, Lisa I. Vinnecour
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television:
"COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey" (FOX/NatGeo)
Producers: Brannon Braga, Mitchell Cannold, Jason Clark, Ann Druyan, Livia Hanich, Steve Holtzman, Seth MacFarlane
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Competition Television:
"The Voice" (NBC)
Producers: Stijn Bakkers, Mark Burnett, John De Mol, Chad Hines, Lee Metzger, Audrey Morrissey, Jim Roush, Kyra Thompson, Mike Yurchuk, Amanda Zucker
The Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television:
"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (NBC)
Producers: Rob Crabbe, Jamie Granet Bederman, Katie Hockmeyer, Jim Juvonen, Josh Lieb, Brian McDonald, Lorne Michaels, Gavin Purcell
The Award for Outstanding Sports Program:
"Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" (HBO)
The Award for Outstanding Children’s Program:
"Sesame Street" (PBS)
The Award for Outstanding Digital Series:
"Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee" (http://www.crackle.com/c/comedians-in-cars-getting-coffee)
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Saturday, January 24, 2015
Negromancer News Bits and Bites: January 18th to 24th, 2015 - Updated #15
NEWS:
From Variety: Quentin Tarantino begins shooting "The Hateful Eight."
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From YahooTV: Seth Rogen responds exclusively to the outrage about his American Sniper comments.
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From TheGuardian: J.K. Rowling slapped back at Rupert Murdoch's bigotry.
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From YahooNews: Free Mark Wahlberg!
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From YahooNews: Michael Moore speaks on American Sniper - He says that he was taught that snipers were cowards, because his uncle was killed in WWII by a sniper.
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From YahooNews: Seth Rogen also has thoughts on American Sniper, referencing Inglourious Basterds.
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From TPM: The Oakland Tribune's front page headline read, "And the Oscar for best Caucasian goes to...
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From Variety via YahooMovies: In its first full week of release, American Sniper wins the January 16th to 18th, 2015 weekend box office with an estimated take of $90.2 million. This is also the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, so totals will go up.
From YahooMovies: Taya Kyle, the widow of American Sniper SEAL, Chris Kyle, struggled with the idea of someone playing her late husband on screen.
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From HuffingtonPost: Star Trek's troubling 50th anniversary.
COMIC BOOKS:
From TheVox: Bryan Singer announces the new actors who will play Storm, (Alexandra Shipp), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), and Cyclops (Tye Sheridan).
STAR WARS:
From CinemaBlend: Disney ditches George Lucas' ideas for Star Wars 7.
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From CinemaBlend: Actress hunt for Star Wars spin-off films.
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From CinemaBlend: George Lucas' at one time predicted the future for Star Wars.
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From YahooMovies: George Lucas has finally seen the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
MISC:
From ComcastSportsnet: Now you know what it feels like to be Kobe.
#SelmaForStudents Rolls into Birmingham, San Diego, and Trenton
BIRMINGHAM, SAN DIEGO AND TRENTON, NJ, JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO BRING “SELMA” TO STUDENTS
MORE THAN 300,000 STUDENTS IN 32 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
BOSTON, DETROIT, NEW YORK AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY ARE SOLD OUT
Birmingham, San Diego and Trenton, NJ, have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 32 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The Selma for Students program has grown steadily since its launch in New York City on January 8th. To date, African-American business leaders in 32 locations across the U.S. have raised funds for free admission for middle and high school students to see “SELMA.” More than 300,000 students nationwide will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
Due to the program’s popularity and the ongoing efforts of the organizers, student tickets in Boston, Detroit, New York and Northern New Jersey are sold out. Philadelphia expanded its program and added 3,000 more tickets to meet the overwhelming demand, while the business leaders in Northern New Jersey raised additional funds to send 1,000 students in Trenton to see the film.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Roy S. Johnson, Director of Sports, Alabama Media Group; Staci Brown Brooks, Manager of Special Projects, Alabama Media Group; and Terri Gardner in Birmingham
“Having only moved to Birmingham in recent months, it was a particular honor to work with and meet long-time Alabamians who were eager to support Selma for Students in recognition of this state's historic role in the civil rights movement. For us, this effort was truly close to home,” said Johnson.
· Lee Wills-Irvine, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Qualcomm, in San Diego
“Qualcomm recognizes the historical importance and current relevance of the movie ‘Selma.’ So we are excited to partner with companies like Sony Electronics, community based organizations like the San Diego African-America Museum of Fine Arts, and local Executive Leadership Council Members to provide this opportunity to students in San Diego,” said Wills-Irvine. “Thank you to the Qualcomm leadership team, local businesses and community leaders who have so generously supported such a meaningful movement.”
· David R. Jones, President and CEO, CastleOak Securities, L.P., in Trenton, NJ
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Northern New Jersey, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Stockton, CA, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last. Tickets will be available in Trenton beginning Monday, January 26th.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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Book Review: BECOMING RICHARD PRYOR
HARPCOLLINS – @HarperCollins
AUTHOR: Scott Saul
ISBN: 978-0-06-212330-5; hardcover (December 9, 2014)
608pp, B&W, $27.99 U.S.
Richard Pryor (1940 to 2005) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. He was best known for his work as a stage comic or stand-up comedian. Actor and comedian Bob Newhart once called Pryor “the seminal comedian of the last 50 years.”
Becoming Richard Pryor is a biography of Pryor, written by Scott Saul. Saul, an associate professor of English at the University of California–Berkeley, is the author of Freedom Is, Freedom Ain't: Jazz and the Making of the Sixties. Saul has also written for Harper's Magazine, the New York Times, and the Nation, among other publications.
In the “Author's Note” to his book, Saul says that “Pryor revolutionized American comedy with his improvisational approach, his frank talk about sex and race, and the new psychological depth that he brought to the stage.” One of the groundbreaking things about Pryor's comedy was that it was often autobiographical; the genius and complexities of his act was born from the story of his life.
Saul says that “For all his openness about his life onstage, he [Pryor] was guarded about the facts of it offstage.” Pryor was standoffish with reporters, and, according to Saul, both Pryor and his elder relatives did what they could to make things difficult for people seeking to write biographies of Pryor.
Saul also describes how Becoming Richard Pryor is different from previous biographies and biographical efforts concerning Pryor. First, Richard and the elder Pryor were dead by the time Saul began his research for this book in 2007. [Pyror died in 2006.] Also, the younger Pryor relatives were willing to share memories, pictures, papers, and other documentations with Saul. Secondly, Saul says that he approached Pryor as a “historical figure,” so he used a “historian's tools” like research paperwork, and official documents to reconstruct Pryor's life so that he could “unpack its meaning.” Saul writes that by working like a historian, he was able to follow Pryor's life from month to month, and, in some instances, even day to day.
Thirdly, and finally, Saul says Becoming Richard Pryor is different because its aim is to “... trace, meticulously, Pryor's evolution as an artist.” Saul traces this evolution up to the point of the release of Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979), which may be the most celebrated, if not greatest stand-up comedy performance and comedy concert film of all time. Saul is right: Live in Concert (by influence, inspiration, and homage) may have created more stand-up comics (both good and bad) than any other film in history.
So how is Becoming Richard Pryor? Is it any good. Is it interesting? I am reluctant to call Becoming Richard Pryor “fascinating,” as that word seems inadequate to describe either Saul's book or his subject, Richard Pryor. I know it sounds crazy considering that Becoming Richard Pryor is built on so many words – over 600 pages densely packed with words, but words don't really describe this book. Becoming Richard Pryor has to be experienced directly by a reader, to be read in order to truly understand the depth of detail by which Saul tells the story of Pryor.
In fact, the story begins decades before Pryor was born (as Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor on December 1, 1940), so that Saul can talk about Pryor's beloved paternal grandmother, His “Mama,” Maria Carter Bryant – later Maria Pryor. Saul also goes into details about Pyror's relatives' lives before Pryor was born in 1940. Later, Saul takes us through a journey of Pryor growing up and becoming a budding performer as a child. Then, he takes us through Pryor's travels as his learned, gathered, and constantly evolved.
It is a long journey to Richard Pryor: Live in Concert. As big as this book, it is shocking to consider that Saul does not follow Pyror's life and career into the 1980s, when he experienced his greatest financial success as a film actor and movie star. The 1980s also marked the beginning of Pryor's battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). That battle along with Pryor's death on December 20, 2005 are discussed in the book's epilogue.
I am glad Scott Saul used the epilogue to discuss that last quarter century of Pryor's life. What Saul presents is so grand in scope and so intimately and realistically detailed that I don't think I could read much more. Becoming Richard Pryor is a great Hollywood biography and a masterfully work of history about an important figure in American arts and culture.
Is Becoming Richard Pryor a must read? Well, as Pryor himself might say, “Hell yeah, m**********r! So fans and students of American comedy, of American film, and of African-American arts and entertainment must read Becoming Richard Pryor.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Amazon Makes "Transparent" Free Saturday, January 24, 2015
In Celebration of Golden Globe Wins, Amazon is Making All Ten Transparent Episodes Free to Watch This Saturday Only—No Membership Required
This Saturday, starting at 12:01 a.m. ET and concluding at 11:59 p.m. PT, everyone can watch Transparent using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/Transparent
Also in celebration of Transparent and the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, customers can sign up for Amazon Prime for just $72 this Saturday
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced that in celebration of two recent Golden Globe wins, it will make all ten episodes of Amazon Original Series "Transparent" available for free for everyone this Saturday. Transparent, which is typically available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, recently took home the Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy Series, while its star, Jeffrey Tambor, earned the coveted award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series. Anyone can watch Transparent at no cost on Saturday using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/Transparent. Also on Saturday and in celebration of the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, Amazon Prime will be available for just $72—a more than 25 percent savings. New members can sign up for this limited-time Prime offer at Amazon.com/TransparentPrime.
“Big kudos and congrats to Jill, Jeffrey, and all the cast and crew.”
“We’re incredibly proud of everyone involved in the making of Transparent—the team took a risk and it paid off,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “Big kudos and congrats to Jill, Jeffrey, and all the cast and crew.”
Written, directed and executive produced by Emmy-nominee and 2013 Sundance Best Director winner Jill Soloway, Transparent is a 10-episode, half-hour novelistic series that explores family, identity, sex, and love. The series stars Tambor as Maura, who has spent her life as Mort—the Pfefferman family patriarch. Also starring Judith Light (Dallas), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Amy Landecker (Louie) and Jay Duplass (Togetherness), Transparent is the no. 1 ranked series on Prime Instant Video since the show’s launch. Also proving popular among critics, the show clocked in a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes with a 98 percent critic rating, and a 91 Metascore on Metacritic. Due to the overwhelming success of the show, and the incredibly positive viewer response, Amazon has greenlit a second season of Transparent, to air later this year.
In 2013, Amazon introduced a unique process for selecting which shows it turns into Amazon Original Series. Amazon makes pilot episodes available for all customers to watch and provide feedback on, and then uses that feedback to help decide which shows to turn into full series. Through that process, customers helped to get Transparent greenlit for a full series last year, as the pilot received both critical and customer acclaim. Customers can now weigh in once again on the next pilots they want turned into new Amazon Original Series—13 original comedy, drama, docu-series and kids pilots are currently available at Amazon.com/PIV.
This Saturday, all Amazon customers can enjoy Transparent on their TVs using the Amazon Instant Video app on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and smart TVs. They can also use the Amazon Instant Video app to watch on mobile devices, including Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android phones, as well as hundreds of other connected devices.
Amazon Prime members enjoy unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including hit show Transparent, in addition to unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items, one million songs and hundreds of playlists through Prime Music, free unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, early access to select Lightning Deals and access to over 800,000 books to borrow through the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members can enjoy tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video, Amazon’s video subscription service, via the Amazon Instant Video app on Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and certain smart TVs. They can also use the Amazon Instant Video app to watch on mobile devices, including Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, as well as hundreds of other connected devices—or customers can visit Amazon.com/PIV to watch online.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios most recently debuted its dramatic comedy Mozart in the Jungle from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Weitz, John Strauss and Alex Timbers as well as Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent; its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street; and a second season of the Garry Trudeau political comedy Alpha House. The studio has also launched three additional children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning and Annie Award-nominated Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy-nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced four additional, original series to debut in 2015, including Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Hand of God from Marc Forster and Ben Watkins; Red Oaks from Steven Soderbergh, David Gordon Green, Greg Jacobs and Joe Gangemi; and kids series Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises; as well as a second season of Transparent.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon’s IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $99 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items across all categories, unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video, one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals and access to more than 800,000 books to borrow with the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
About Amazon
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
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This Saturday, starting at 12:01 a.m. ET and concluding at 11:59 p.m. PT, everyone can watch Transparent using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/Transparent
Also in celebration of Transparent and the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, customers can sign up for Amazon Prime for just $72 this Saturday
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced that in celebration of two recent Golden Globe wins, it will make all ten episodes of Amazon Original Series "Transparent" available for free for everyone this Saturday. Transparent, which is typically available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, recently took home the Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy Series, while its star, Jeffrey Tambor, earned the coveted award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series. Anyone can watch Transparent at no cost on Saturday using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/Transparent. Also on Saturday and in celebration of the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, Amazon Prime will be available for just $72—a more than 25 percent savings. New members can sign up for this limited-time Prime offer at Amazon.com/TransparentPrime.
“Big kudos and congrats to Jill, Jeffrey, and all the cast and crew.”
“We’re incredibly proud of everyone involved in the making of Transparent—the team took a risk and it paid off,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “Big kudos and congrats to Jill, Jeffrey, and all the cast and crew.”
Written, directed and executive produced by Emmy-nominee and 2013 Sundance Best Director winner Jill Soloway, Transparent is a 10-episode, half-hour novelistic series that explores family, identity, sex, and love. The series stars Tambor as Maura, who has spent her life as Mort—the Pfefferman family patriarch. Also starring Judith Light (Dallas), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Amy Landecker (Louie) and Jay Duplass (Togetherness), Transparent is the no. 1 ranked series on Prime Instant Video since the show’s launch. Also proving popular among critics, the show clocked in a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes with a 98 percent critic rating, and a 91 Metascore on Metacritic. Due to the overwhelming success of the show, and the incredibly positive viewer response, Amazon has greenlit a second season of Transparent, to air later this year.
In 2013, Amazon introduced a unique process for selecting which shows it turns into Amazon Original Series. Amazon makes pilot episodes available for all customers to watch and provide feedback on, and then uses that feedback to help decide which shows to turn into full series. Through that process, customers helped to get Transparent greenlit for a full series last year, as the pilot received both critical and customer acclaim. Customers can now weigh in once again on the next pilots they want turned into new Amazon Original Series—13 original comedy, drama, docu-series and kids pilots are currently available at Amazon.com/PIV.
This Saturday, all Amazon customers can enjoy Transparent on their TVs using the Amazon Instant Video app on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and smart TVs. They can also use the Amazon Instant Video app to watch on mobile devices, including Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android phones, as well as hundreds of other connected devices.
Amazon Prime members enjoy unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including hit show Transparent, in addition to unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items, one million songs and hundreds of playlists through Prime Music, free unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, early access to select Lightning Deals and access to over 800,000 books to borrow through the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members can enjoy tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video, Amazon’s video subscription service, via the Amazon Instant Video app on Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, and certain smart TVs. They can also use the Amazon Instant Video app to watch on mobile devices, including Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, as well as hundreds of other connected devices—or customers can visit Amazon.com/PIV to watch online.
About Amazon Studios
Amazon Studios most recently debuted its dramatic comedy Mozart in the Jungle from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Weitz, John Strauss and Alex Timbers as well as Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent; its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street; and a second season of the Garry Trudeau political comedy Alpha House. The studio has also launched three additional children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning and Annie Award-nominated Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy-nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced four additional, original series to debut in 2015, including Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Hand of God from Marc Forster and Ben Watkins; Red Oaks from Steven Soderbergh, David Gordon Green, Greg Jacobs and Joe Gangemi; and kids series Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises; as well as a second season of Transparent.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon’s IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $99 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items across all categories, unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video, one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals and access to more than 800,000 books to borrow with the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.
About Amazon
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
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