"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" Arrives in Homes December 15th

Tom Cruise Returns in the Explosive $650m+ Worldwide Blockbuster MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION, Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack December 15 and Digital HD November 17

“The best Mission: Impossible yet.”— Scott Mantz, “Access Hollywood”

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hailed as “relentlessly thrilling” (Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly) and filled with “jaw-dropping stunts” (Scott Mendelson, Forbes), the global hit MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION takes off on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand December 15, 2015 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The critically acclaimed action-thriller will also be available as part of the Mission: Impossible 5-movie Blu-ray collection, the perfect gift for the holiday season. The film arrives four weeks early on Digital HD November 17, 2015.

Loaded with “killer action and tight suspense” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media’s MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION was directed and written for the screen by Christopher McQuarrie. Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames return to their iconic roles and the movie also stars Alec Baldwin and newcomer Rebecca Ferguson in a “star-turning role” (Brian Viner, Daily Mail) as a mysterious double agent.

With his elite organization shut down by the CIA, agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team (Renner, Pegg, Rhames) race against time to stop the rise of a new global threat, The Syndicate, a dangerous network of rogue operatives turned traitors. To stop them, Ethan must join forces with an elusive, disavowed agent (Ferguson) who may or may not be on his side as he faces his most impossible mission yet.

The MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION Blu-ray Combo Pack with Digital HD is loaded with cast and crew interviews and a commentary by Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie. Plus, get an inside look at the movie’s incredible stunts, including the jaw-dropping Airbus stunt, the nail-biting underwater sequence and the riveting Moroccan car and motorcycle chase, and much more.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack also features a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack*, which delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION Blu-ray Combo Pack
The MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos* (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatible), French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The combo pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray

    Feature film in high definition
        Commentary by Tom Cruise and director/screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie
    Lighting the Fuse
    Cruise Control
    Heroes
    Cruising Altitude
    Mission: Immersible
    Sand Theft Auto
    The Missions Continue

DVD

    Feature film in standard definition

The Blu-ray Combo Pack available for purchase includes a Digital HD Version of the film that can be accessed through UltraViolet™, a way to collect, access and enjoy movies. With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them—reliably and securely—to a variety of devices.

*To experience Dolby Atmos at home, Dolby Atmos enabled AV receivers and additional speakers are required; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE Blu-ray Collection

The MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5-Movie Collection includes access to a Digital HD copy of each film as well as the following special features:

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE

    Feature film in high definition

    Mission: Remarkable - 40 Years of Creating the Impossible
    Mission: Explosive Exploits
    Mission: Spies Among Us
    Mission: Catching the Train
    And Much More!

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2

    Feature film in high definition
        Commentary by director John Woo
    Behind the Mission
    Mission Incredible
    Impossible Shots
    And Much More!

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 3

    Feature film in high definition
        Commentary by Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL

    Feature film in high definition
    Mission Accepted: On-set action with Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams & director Brad Bird
    Impossible Missions: The sandstorm brought to life and the secrets behind the gadgets
    Deleted scenes and alternate opening

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION

    Feature film in high definition
        Commentary by Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie
    Lighting the Fuse
    Cruise Control
    Heroes…
    Cruising Altitude
    Mission: Immersible
    Sand Theft Auto
    The Missions Continue

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION Single-Disc DVD

The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The disc includes the feature film in standard definition.

http://www.MissionImpossible.com/

Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media present a Tom Cruise/Bad Robot Production: Tom Cruise “Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation.” Starring Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris and Alec Baldwin. Music by Joe Kraemer. Executive producer Jake Myers. Produced by Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger. Based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. Story by Christopher McQuarrie and Drew Pearce. Screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie.


About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), home to premier media brands that create television programs, motion pictures, consumer products, and digital content for audiences in 180 countries and territories. The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

About Skydance Media
Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create elevated, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across platforms, including feature film, television, gaming and digital. Among Skydance Media’s commercially and critically successful feature films are Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Jack Reacher, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness and True Grit. Its 2015 feature films, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Terminator Genisys have together grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance’s future feature film slate includes Star Trek Beyond, the follow-up to Jack Reacher and Geostorm. The Company’s Emmy-nominated television series are Grace and Frankie on Netflix and Manhattan on WGN America.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—ROGUE NATION
Street Date:
December 15, 2015 (Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand)
November 17, 2015 (Digital HD)
SRP:    $39.99 U.S. (Blu-ray Combo Pack)
            $29.99 U.S. (DVD)
            $64.99 U.S (5-Pack Movie Collection)

U.S. Rating:             PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, and brief partial nudity
Canadian Rating:             PG for violence; not recommended for young children

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"Ash vs. Evil Dead" Gets Second Season Ahead of Halloween 2015 Debut

Starz Greenlights Second Season of Original Series “Ash vs Evil Dead” in Advance of Series Premiere on October 31

"HOT DAMN" – Deadline Hollywood
"IT’S FREAKIN’ GREAT" – IGN
“FEROCIOUSLY IN YOUR FACE” – TV Guide

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ahead of its Halloween premiere, STARZ Original series “Ash vs Evil Dead” has earned an early renewal for a second season from Starz. Strong fan, affiliate and distributor demand for the highly-anticipated premiere of “Ash vs Evil Dead” has generated the early pickup of the series which is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film The Evil Dead.

    “The early fan and press support, along with the international broadcaster demand for more story have made it clear that the adventures of Ash Williams can’t end with season one.”

Executive producers and The Evil Dead original filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell will return for the second season with executive producer and showrunner Craig DiGregorio. Campbell will continue in his role as Ash Williams, the aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter. Lucy Lawless (“Salem,” “Spartacus”) is also returning as Ruby, a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks.

“One season isn’t enough to satisfy the fans’ two decade-long appetite for more Ash,” said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz. “The early fan and press support, along with the international broadcaster demand for more story have made it clear that the adventures of Ash Williams can’t end with season one.”

Starz recently announced global licensing deals with broadcasters and digital platforms in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide allowing “Ash vs Evil Dead” to premiere simultaneously with its network premiere in the U.S. on October 31. Broadcasters and digital providers offering “Ash vs Evil Dead” on October 31 include Amedia (Russia/CIS), C More (Scandinavia), Fox Action on Fox+ Premium service/Fox Latin America Channels (Latin America/Brazil), Sky TV (New Zealand), Stan (Australia), Starz Play Arabia (Middle East/North Africa) and Super Channel (Canada).

Starz will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights including television, home entertainment and digital.


About “Ash vs Evil Dead”
The 10-episode first season of the half-hour series features Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) as Ash Williams; Lucy Lawless (“Salem,” “Spartacus”) as Ruby, a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks; Ray Santiago (“Touch,” Meet the Fockers) as Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ash’s loyal sidekick; Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas) as Kelly Maxwell, a moody wild child trying to outrun her past; and Jill Marie Jones (“Sleepy Hollow”) as Amanda Fisher, a disgraced Michigan State Trooper set to find our anti-hero Ash and prove his responsibility in the grisly murder of her partner.

About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks), global content distribution (Starz Distribution) and animated television and movie production (Starz Animation), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of June 30, 2015, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 56.8 million subscribers, including 23.5 million at STARZ, and 33.3 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties. Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

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"Saga" Comic Book Begins New Story Arc with Issue #31

SAGA sets sail on new story arc

Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (PRIVATE EYE, WE STAND ON GUARD) and artist Fiona Staples (Archie, North 40) will launch a new story arc in their three-time Eisner Award-winning sci-fi/fantasy series SAGA this November.

Previously in SAGA, the gang of heroes and anti-heroes was further scattered as uneasy alliances were forged and broken. The Will was revived, though at great cost. Marko and Alana were reunited, but Hazel remained out of their reach.

In SAGA #31, after a dramatic time-jump, Hazel is on the brink of her most exciting adventure yet—kindergarten!

“Hazel is growing up fast, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what she learns about the universe this arc,” said Vaughan. “If you just finished Saga Volume 5 and are thinking about joining us for our monthly adventures, November’s Chapter 31 is the perfect jumping-on point, especially because it's the only place where you’ll be able to learn about the next Saga Costume Contest, as well as some other cool surprises exclusively for our monthly readers.”

SAGA #31 (Diamond code: SEP150597) hits stores Wednesday, November 25th, 2015. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, November 2nd, 2015.

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VIZ Media Has Two Manga Samples for Halloween Comicfest 2015

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES TWO FREE MANGA SAMPLERS FOR HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2015

Fans Are Invited To Visit Their Local Participating Comic Shop For Special Samplers Featuring Excerpts From FRAGMENTS OF HORROR And YO-KAI WATCH Manga

VIZ Media invites readers to celebrate Halloween – manga style – as the company announces its participation in Halloween ComicFest 2015 with two special FREE samplers featuring an excerpt from Junji Ito’s critically acclaimed manga short story anthology, FRAGMENTS OF HORROR, and a preview of the just-released new All-Ages supernatural adventure series, YO-KAI WATCH.

Held each year, Halloween ComicFest is celebrated at scores of comic shops and retailers nationwide on the Saturday before Halloween. On this day, participating shops offer fans and visitors FREE Halloween ComicFest samplers filled with previews of exciting upcoming titles. For additional information and a list of participating retailers, please visit: www.halloweencomicfest.com.

FRAGMENTS OF HORROR (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) contains a unique collection of delightfully macabre tales from the master of horror manga. An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito’s long-awaited return to the world of horror.

YO-KAI WATCH (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) is a supernatural comedy adventure series is inspired by the explosively popular YOKAI WATCH video game created by LEVEL-5 for the Nintendo 3DS. The YO-KAI WATCH manga is published under the company’s Perfect Square imprint, written and drawn by Noriyuki Konishi under the guidance of the LEVEL-5 team. In the series, Nate Adams is just an average kid until the mysterious Whisper gives him a device that allows him to see what others cannot, Yo-kai of all shapes and forms!  Now, armed with the Yo-kai Watch, Nate, Whisper and their new invisible friends embark on an all new supernatural adventure!

For more information on FRAGMENTS OF HORROR, YO-KAI WATCH, or other manga and/or anime titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 25th to 31st, 2015 - Update #20

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Thompson:  Ben Affleck starts filming "Live By Night."

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From TheIntercept:  On the new film, "Truth," and Dan Rather's real-life stumble.

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From Variety:  Rihanna joins Luc Besson's "Valerian."

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From Variety:  Elizabeth Banks will direct "Pitch Perfect 3."

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From Indiewire:  Common is the villain in "John Wick 2."

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From Variety:  Idris Elba and Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer added to the voice cast of Disney's animated "Zootopia."

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From TheWrap:  Danai Gurira (Michonne of "The Walking Dead") wrote a play, "Eclipsed."  It is headed to Broadway with Lupita Nyong'o.

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From TheWrap:  Quentin Tarantino leads NYC really against police brutality.

From TheWrap:  Now New York City's police union want to boycott his films because of his statement “When I see murders, I do not stand by . . . I have to call a murder a murder, and I have to call the murderers the murderers.”

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From BleedingCool:  Re: "The Walking Dead" - is he dead?

From TheWrap:  5 fan theories about Glenn.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "The Martian" returns to the #1 spot for the 10/23 to 10/25/2015 weekend box office with an estimated take of $15.9 million.

From YahooMovies:  Four new movies; four flops.

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From SlashFilm:  "Super Troopers 2" has begun filming.

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From EntertaimentWeekly:  NBC will reboot Steve Spielberg's 1980s anthology series, "Amazing Stories," which was originally broadcast on NBC.


COMICS - Books and Films:

From Indiewire:  Terry Gilliam's mixed reaction to "Ant-Man."

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From FlickeringMyth:  "Captain America: Civil War" trailer next week or maybe not.

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From YahooMovies:  Jared Leto's ridiculous take on Joker makes the cover of Empire mag.

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From YahooTV:  Beyonce cosplayed as "Storm" of the X-Men at singer Ciara's 30th birthday party.


TRAILERS and REVIEWS:

From YouTube:  New trailer for "Daddy's Home" with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.  It's really funny; hopeful the movie is, too.

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From ComicBookBin:  This website, for which I write, has a short review of "Spectre" posted by one of the writers who apparently recently saw the film.


HARD NEWS:

From BETNews:  "Office Slam" is fired in South Carolina.

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From YahooPolitics:  It's true.  Somebody had to say it, even if it is Trump.


OBITS:

From CinemaBlend:  The actress Maureen O'Hara has died at the age of 95 (Saturday, October 24, 2015).  The ginger-haired actress was best known for John Ford's 1952 film, "The Quiet Man," in which she co-starred along with friend, John Wayne.  They co-starred together several time, including in one of my favorite film, 1971's "Big Jake."

New "Daddy's Home" Poster and Trailer, Starring Ferrell and Wahlberg

PARAMOUNT PICTURES and RED GRANITE PICTURES Present

DADDY’S HOME

See the trailer: https://youtu.be/GaE49iAZW-M

Directed By Sean Anders

“DADDY’S HOME” follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

https://www.facebook.com/DaddysHomeMovie
https://twitter.com/DaddysHome
https://instagram.com/DaddysHomeMovie

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Review: "Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest" is Good Jonny Quest

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 41 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2014) – straight-to-video
Running time:  73 minutes (1 hour, 13 minutes)
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITERS:  James Krieg and Heath Corson; from a story by James Krieg
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER: Michael Tavera
ANIMATION STUDIO:  Yearim Productions Co., LTD

ANIMATION/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE and FAMILY

Starring:  (voices) Reese Hartwig, Arnie Pantoja, James Hong, Eric Bauza, Michael Hanks, Tia Carrere, and Tim Matheson, Joe Alaskey, Spike Brandt, Grey Griffin, Jess Harnell, Richard McGonagle, and Jonny Rees

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest is a 2015 direct-to-video animated film starring the famous cartoon cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry.  Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Spy Quest is a crossover film that teams Tom and Jerry with the characters from the mid-1960s animated series, “Jonny Quest.”

Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, “Jonny Quest” was an animated science fiction adventure television series that was originally broadcast on ABC in prime time.  Created and designed by Doug Wildey, the series lasted one season (1964-1965) for a total of 26 episodes.  “Jonny Quest” focused on Jonathan “Jonny” Quest, an 11-year-old boy who accompanies his genius scientist father on extraordinary adventures.

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest opens on a beach in “sunny South Florida.”  Tom and Jerry are having a relaxing day at the beach, which means they are harassing each other.  Then, the duo encounters Jonny Quest (Reese Hartwig) and his best pal, Hadji (Arnie Pantoja), accompanied by their canine companion, Bandit, of course.  It seems that a trio of cyborg cats are trying to kidnap the trio, until Tom inadvertently saves them.

Jonny and Hadji take their new friends, Tom and Jerry, to Quest Key, the location of their home and also of Quest Labs.  Tom and Jerry are introduced to Jonny's father, Dr. Benton Quest (Eric Bauza), and Jonny's bodyguard, Race Bannon (Michael Hanks).  Why does Jonny need a bodyguard?  Dr. Quest is a world-renowned genius scientist and inventor, and bad people try to kidnap Jonny to use him as leverage to force Dr. Quest to give them his inventions.

In fact, longtime Quest family nemesis, Dr. Zin (James Hong), wants Dr. Quest's latest invention, the “Q Sphere,” a device that will solve the world's energy problems.  After Zin kidnaps Dr. Quest and Race, Tom and Jerry join Jonny, Hadji, and Bandit on a trip to “Zin Automated Battle Island,” on a rescue mission, where an evil cat army and powerful robots await them.

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest can be described as “The Adventures of Jonny Quest” with Tom and Jerry as, at best, supporting characters, or, in actuality, guest stars.  That is not a bad thing.  James Krieg and Heath Corson have written a Jonny Quest story that recalls the classic, original 1960s series, while maintaining the general wackiness that is Tom and Jerry.

Yeah, the appearance of Jonny Quest recurring character, Jezebel Jade (Tia Carrere), seems obligatory, but the appearance of the bumbling Tom and Jerry adversaries, Tin, Pan, and Alley, balances that.  Corson and especially Krieg seem to know what made classic Hanna-Barbera animated series successful and also have a knack for reviving those elements that made them classics.

Kudos to the art direction.  Quest Key, the Quest Lab interiors, and the island location of Dr. Zin's base of operations, including its interiors, recall Hanna-Barbera's animated science fiction adventure television series of the 1960s and 1970s.

Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone, the producing and directing team behind the Tom and Jerry direct-to-DVD films, always seem to have a way to keep this series going.  Just when I think that it is time to stop, they produce an entry that leaves me awaiting the next.  And with Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest, they also made a good Jonny Quest direct-to-DVD film.

8 of 10
A

Friday, October 23, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Storm Collectibles Transform Mike Tyson and Dennis Rodman into Toys

BLUEFIN WELCOMES NEW PARTNER STORM COLLECTIBLES AND ANNOUNCES HYPER DETAILED 1/6 FIGURES FOR MIKE TYSON AND DENNIS RODMAN

New Dennis Rodman “Bad Boy” Special Edition Available Now; Mike Tyson “Olympic” Figure Debuts Early Next Year!!

Irvine, CA – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, is proud to welcome its newest partner – Hong Kong-based Storm Collectibles – and the debut of a pair of new, realistic 1/6 scale collectible figures.

New from Storm Collectibles and available now for purchase and Bluefin pre-order are realistic 1/6 scale pose-able figures of basketball legend and pop culture provocateur, Dennis Rodman, depicted in his “Bad Boy” wrestling attire, and heavyweight boxing champ, Mike Tyson, depicted in his early years when he fought for the U.S. Junior Olympic team. The Mike Tyson “Olympic” figure will be a limited edition product and a Bluefin exclusive.

Each Storm Collectibles 1/6 figure features a lifelike, extremely accurate facial design, capturing all the nuances and expressions of these legendary pop culture personalities. The figures are also fully articulated with moveable arms and legs and each set comes with a variety of alternate hands, feet and other accessories to create endless posing possibilities.

Dennis Rodman is available now with Mike Tyson coming out in February of 2016. They can be purchased through various retailers.

Mike Tyson 1/6 “Olympic” Edition
Height: Approx. 12 inches · MSRP: $255.00 · Available: February 2016

Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles at the age of 20. Tyson won gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympics and holds the Junior Olympic record for the fastest knockout ever (8 seconds). Tyson also won every bout at the Junior Olympics by knockout. This new exclusive figure captures Tyson’s outfit from the Junior Olympics, just as he was ready to explode onto the international stage, and comes with a variety accessories to recreate all of his iconic moments.

Dennis Rodman 1/6 “Bad Boy” Special Edition
Height: Approx. 13 inches · MSRP: $250.00 · Available Now

The Dennis Rodman “Bad Boy” Special Edition captures Dennis Rodman in his “baddest” look yet, as seen when he took to professional wrestling! During this period he teamed up with Hollywood Hogan to create one of the most memorable and wildest tag team moments in pro wrestling history and shocked the world!


About Storm Collectibles:
Storm Collectibles, a Hong Kong based company, was established in 2007 as a one-stop-source for action figures – we design, produce and distribute high quality, collectible 1/12th, 1/6th and 1/4th scale action figures and statues. We have a great passion for collectibles and our vision is focused on creating authentic, fully realized likenesses for each collectible figure. Storm Collectibles's official licensing partners are; Warner Bros., Capcom USA / Japan, Bruce Lee Enterprise, Mike Tyson, and Hulk Hogan. We simply give collectors what they’re looking for. Additional information is available at: www.stormco.com.hk

About Bluefin:
Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Beast Kingdom, Comicave, Mr. Hobby, Groove’s Pullip dolls, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

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Arina Tanemura's "Idol Dreams" Arrives on American Shores November 3rd

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FAMED SHOJO MANGA CREATOR ARINA TANEMURA’S NEW SERIES IDOL DREAMS

An Ordinary Office Worker Gets A Shot At Stardom In An Unexpected Way In The New Manga Series By The Creator Of FULL MOON And THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings Arina Tanemura’s newest manga (graphic novel) series to fans and readers with the launch of IDOL DREAMS on November 3rd, 2015.

IDOL DREAMS is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published in print under the Shojo Beat imprint with an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally on November 3rd via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores.

Shojo manga creator Arina Tanemura has drawn wide acclaim for her prior works, which include FULL MOON, THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †, and SAKURA HIME: THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS SAKURA (all available from VIZ Media). In IDOL DREAMS, a career woman radically transforms her physical appearance into her teenage self with the aid of an experimental drug to seize the missed chances of her youth. VIZ Media will publish future volumes of the series, which is continuing in Japan, on a quarterly basis.

At age 31, office worker Chikage Deguchi feels she missed her chances at love and success. When word gets out that she’s a virgin, Chikage is humiliated and wishes she could turn back time to when she was still young and popular. She takes an experimental drug that changes her appearance back to when she was 15. Now Chikage is determined to pursue everything she missed out on all those years ago – including becoming a star!

“Arina Tanemura has enthralled manga readers across North America with her unique stories, memorable characters and beautiful artwork. IDOL DREAMS is sure to delight new and existing fans alike,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “This is Tanemura’s first series featuring an adult heroine. Will Chikage choose youth and stardom, or will she embark on a romance as her 31-year-old self with an old friend? Find out in Idol Dreams!”

Manga creator Arina Tanemura began her manga career in 1996 when her short stories debuted in Ribon magazine. She gained fame with the 1997 publication of I•O•N, and ever since her debut Tanemura has been a major force in shojo manga with popular series such as PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE, TIME STRANGER KYOKO, FULL MOON, SAKURA HIME: THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS SAKURA and THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †. Both PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE and FULL MOON were adapted into popular anime TV series. I•O•N, TIME STRANGER KYOKO, FULL MOON, SAKURA HIME: THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS SAKURA, PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE and THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † are published in English by VIZ Media.

For more information on IDOL DREAMS or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Oscar Nominee, Nia Vardalos, Joins EPIX's "Graves"

Nia Vardalos Joins the Cast of the Epix Original Series Graves Starring Nick Nolte and Sela Ward

Series Created by Joshua Michael Stern and Produced by Lionsgate to Debut Fall 2016

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that Academy Award® and Golden Globe ®-nominee, Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), has been cast in a recurring role on Graves, a single-camera half-hour political satire starring Nick Nolte and Sela Ward, and produced by Lionsgate. Vardalos will play Annie Novak, a top political consultant with a killer instinct, who is hired to manage Margaret's (Sela Ward) potential Senate campaign. She and Margaret go way back; in fact, Margaret gave Annie her first job, and their old bond is still strong. However, Annie has to understand that Margaret's first loyalty is to her husband (Nick Nolte).

Vardalos, an alumna of the famed Chicago-based Second City sketch comedy company, is the screenwriter and lead actress of the sleeper hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding which earned her an Oscar® nomination for Best Writing and a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Actress. She has just completed acting in her screenplay My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, which she also produced. Her acting credits include the films My Life In Ruins, Connie and Carla (which she also wrote), as well as numerous guest appearances on television shows such as “Jane the Virgin,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Vardalos directed and starred in the feature film I Hate Valentine’s Day and co-wrote Larry Crowne starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. She is also a New York Times Bestselling Author for her 2013 memoir, Instant Mom, and donates all book proceeds to adoption groups.

The “Graves” cast includes:

•     Three-time Academy Award® Nominee Nick Nolte (A Walk in The Woods, The Thin Red Line) as Richard Graves;
•     Golden Globe® and two-time Emmy® Award-winning actress Sela Ward (Gone Girl, “Sisters”) as Margaret Graves;
•     Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as Isaiah Miller;
•     Heléne Yorke (“Masters of Sex”) as Olivia Graves;
•     Chris Lowell (The Help) as Jeremy Graves;
•     Callie Hernandez (“From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series”) as Samantha; along with
•     Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) as Jacob Mann;
•     Roger Bart (“Desperate Housewives”) as Lawrence Mills and
•     Angélica Maria ("Qué Bonito Amor") as Ramona Alvarez.

Created and written by Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Jobs), Graves is executive produced by Stern and Oscar®-winning producer Greg Shapiro (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) and produced by Bill Hill (“Veep,” “Eastbound & Down”). The series is currently filming in New Mexico. Graves will premiere on EPIX in Fall 2016.

Vardalos is represented by APA and Untitled Entertainment.


About EPIX
EPIX is a premium movie and original programming entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, classic film franchises, original documentaries, comedy and music events on TV, on demand, online and on digital devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms, video games and international distribution and sales. Lionsgate currently has more than 30 television shows on over 20 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black, the multiple Emmy Award-winning drama Mad Men, the hit broadcast network series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the acclaimed drama Manhattan and the breakoutseries The Royals.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such successes as the blockbuster first three installments of The Hunger Games franchise, the first two installments of the Divergent franchise, The Age of Adaline, CBS/Lionsgate’s The DUFF, John Wick, Now You See Me, Roadside Attractions' Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Lionsgate/Codeblack Films’ Addicted and Pantelion Films' Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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VIZ Media Announces Next Arc of "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure"

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PRINT LAUNCH OF JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 — BATTLE TENDENCY

Second Story Arc Of Celebrated Shonen Jump Advanced Manga Series In Hardcover 2-In-1 Deluxe Print Editions; Complete BATTLE TENDENCY Story Arc Also Available Digitally

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor, publisher and licensor of anime and manga in North America, announces the release of the electrifying next chapter of the acclaimed multi-generational paranormal action manga (graphic novel) series – JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE – with the release of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 — BATTLE TENDENCY, Vol. 1 on November 3rd, 2015.

The opening volume of the second story arc of the long-running series, JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 —­­­ BATTLE TENDENCY is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will be published in print with an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN. The series is presented in lavish 2-in-1 hardbound deluxe collector’s editions.

Digital versions of the complete 3-volume JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 – BATTLE TENDENCY story arc are available now for $10.99 each (US/CAN) across all platforms serviced by VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores.

As the BATTLE TENDENCY story arc opens, the Joestar family is called upon to do battle against evil again! This time, it’s Joseph Joestar, the grandson of Jonathan Joestar! And his enemies are more powerful and diabolical than ever! Behold! The terror of the Pillar Men!

"With its hyper-stylized art work and mind-melting action sequences, wonderfully outlandish characters and sprawling storyline, JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is a series as unique as it is compelling," says Urian Brown, Editor. "This new story arc, BATTLE TENDENCY, comes in gorgeous hardcover editions that old school fans will be proud to display on their bookshelves."

Also catch JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 1 — PHANTOM BLOOD, Vols. 1-3 available now in print and digitally from VIZ Media and its Shonen Jump Advanced imprint.

JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE creator Hirohiko Araki made his manga debut in 1981 with the Wild West story, Busô Poker. He experimented with several genres, including mystery (Mashonen B.T.) and action-horror (Baoh), before beginning JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE in 1986. Propelled by imaginative storylines, weird imagery and individualistic artwork, JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is one of the longest-running and most popular shonen manga in Japan. Araki’s current works also include a new series set in the JOJO’s universe, JoJolion.

Additional information on JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE and other manga series from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 18th to 24th, 2015 - Update #16

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From HitFix:  The movies Spielberg wishes he'd made.

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From ChicagoMagazine: Spike Lee: Rahm Emanuel tried to bully me.

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From Deadline:  George Clooney set to direct a script by Joel and Ethan Coen.

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From Variety:  R.J. Cyler of "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" is the "Blue Ranger" in the Lionsgate reboot.

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From GoldDerby:  An article about best animated feature dark horse, Anomalisa.

From Variety:  Fox is apparently re-imagining "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as a TV special.  Laverne Cox of "Orange in the New Black" has been cast as "Frank-N-Furter."

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From Variety:  Chris Rock may host the 88th Oscar ceremony.

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From CinemaBlend:  Fox may have found a director for its future box office disappointment, Gambit, an X-Men film starring Channing Tatum.  That might be Doug Liman.

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From TheWrap:  Oscar and multiple-Grammy winner Adele teases new music? First album in five years supposed to hit in November

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "Goosebumps" wins the 10/16 to 10/18/2015 weekend box office with an estimated take of $23.5 million.


COMICS: Titles and Films:

From CinemaBlend:  Marvel's next wide idea.

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From TheWrap:  David Goyer is developing a TV show about Superman's home planet, Krypton, for the Syfy Channel.

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From Empire:  "Ant-Man" director, Peyton Reed, is in negotiations to return for the 2018 film, "Ant-man and the Wasp."

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From CinemaBlend:  "Ant-Man" is a big hit in China.


STAR WARS:

From YahooNews:  112 views in 24 hours.

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From CinemaBlend:  The final trailer is here.


TRAILERS and PREVIEWS:

From YouTube:  See the new trailer for David O. Russell's "Joy" starring Jennifer Lawrence.

124 Films Vie for 5 "Best Documentary" Nominations at 88th Oscars

124 DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SUBMITTED FOR 2015 OSCAR® RACE

One hundred twenty-four features have been submitted for consideration in the Documentary Feature category for the 88th Academy Awards®.

The submitted features, listed in alphabetical order, are:

“Above and Beyond”
“All Things Must Pass”
“Amy”
“The Armor of Light”
“Ballet 422”
“Batkid Begins”
“Becoming Bulletproof”
“Being Evel”
“Beltracchi – The Art of Forgery”
“Best of Enemies”
“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution”
“Bolshoi Babylon”
“Brand: A Second Coming”
“A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story”
“Call Me Lucky”
“Cartel Land”
“Censored Voices”
“Champs”
“CodeGirl”
“Coming Home”
“Dark Horse”
“Deli Man”
“Dior and I”
“The Diplomat”
“(Dis)Honesty – The Truth about Lies”
“Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll”
“Dreamcatcher”
“dream/killer”
“Drunk, Stoned, Brilliant, Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon”
“Eating Happiness”
“Every Last Child”
“Evidence of Harm”
“Farewell to Hollywood”
“Finders Keepers”
“The Forecaster”
“Frame by Frame”
“Gardeners of Eden”
“A Gay Girl in Damascus: The Amina Profile”
“Godspeed: The Story of Page Jones”
“Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief”
“He Named Me Malala”
“Heart of a Dog”
“Hitchcock/Truffaut”
“How to Change the World”
“Human”
“The Hunting Ground”
“I Am Chris Farley”
“In Jackson Heights”
“In My Father’s House”
“India’s Daughter”
“Ingrid Bergman – In Her Own Words”
“Iraqi Odyssey”
“Iris”
“Janis: Little Girl Blue”
“Karski & the Lords of Humanity”
“Killing Them Safely”
“Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck”
“Lambert & Stamp”
“A Lego Brickumentary”
“Listen to Me Marlon”
“Live from New York!”
“The Look of Silence”
“Meet the Patels”
“Meru”
“The Mind of Mark DeFriest”
“Misery Loves Comedy”
“Monkey Kingdom”
“A Murder in the Park”
“My Italian Secret”
“My Voice, My Life”
“1971”
“Of Men and War”
“One Cut, One Life”
“Only the Dead See the End of War”
“The Outrageous Sophie Tucker”
“Peace Officer”
“The Pearl Button”
“Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer”
“Poached”
“Polyfaces”
“The Prime Ministers: Soldiers and Peacemakers”
“Prophet’s Prey”
“Racing Extinction”
“The Resurrection of Jake the Snake”
“Ride the Thunder – A Vietnam War Story of Victory & Betrayal”
“Rosenwald”
“The Russian Woodpecker”
“Searching for Home: Coming Back from War”
“Seeds of Time”
“Sembene!”
“The Seven Five”
“Seymour: An Introduction”
“Sherpa”
“A Sinner in Mecca”
“Something Better to Come”
“Song from the Forest”
“Song of Lahore”
“Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine”
“Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans”
“Stray Dog”
“Sunshine Superman”
“Sweet Micky for President”
“Tab Hunter Confidential”
“The Tainted Veil”
“Tap World”
“(T)error”
“Thao’s Library”
“Those Who Feel the Fire Burning”
“3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets”
“The Touch of an Angel”
“TransFatty Lives”
“The True Cost”
“Twinsters”
“Very Semi-Serious: A Partially Thorough Portrait of New Yorker Cartoonists”
“The Wanted 18”
“We Are Many”
“We Come as Friends”
“We Were Not Just…Bicycle Thieves. Neorealism”
“Welcome to Leith”
“What Happened, Miss Simone?”
“What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi Legacy”
“Where to Invade Next”
“Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom”
“The Wolfpack”

Several of the films have not yet had their required Los Angeles and New York qualifying releases.  Submitted features must fulfill the theatrical release requirements and comply with all of the category’s other qualifying rules in order to advance in the voting process.  A shortlist of 15 films will be announced in December.

Films submitted in the Documentary Feature category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture, provided they meet the requirements for those categories.

The 88th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 5:30 a.m. PT at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

The 88th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Review: "Ex Machina" More Proof of Alex Garland's Talents

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 40 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

[A version of this review first appeared on Patreon.]

Ex Machina (2015)
COUNTRY OF  ORIGIN: UK
Running time:108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes]
MPAA – R for graphic nudity, language, sexual references and some violence
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Alex Garland    
PRODUCERS:  Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, and Ben Salisbury
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Rob Hardy
EDITOR:  Mark Day
COMPOSER:  Geoff Barrow

SCI-FI/DRAMA with elements of a thriller

Starring:  Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Sonoya Mizuno, and Oscar Isaac

Ex Machina is a 2015 science film from writer-director Alex Garland.  The film focuses on a young programmer chosen to evaluate a female A.I. on her human qualities.  Oscar-winning producer Scott Rudin is one of this film's executive producers.

Ex Machina introduces Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson),  a programmer working for Bluebook, the world's most popular search engine.  Caleb wins a company-wide contest to visit the company's CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), at his secluded home and research facility.

Shortly after he arrives, Caleb learns that Nathan has built a humanoid robot (or android) named Ava (Alicia Vikander) that possesses artificial intelligence (A.I.)  Nathan wants Caleb to administer “the Turing test” to Ava.  This test is designed to measure an A.I.'s ability to persuade the tester that it is human.  Ava is breath-taking in appearance, and Nathan discovers that he can relate to her despite knowing that she is artificial.  Ava may be an android, but her feminine wiles prove to be more formidable than Caleb could ever imagine.

Alex Garland has proved to be a talented novelist and filmmaker.  His wrote the screenplay for the film, Dredd, one of the best film adaptations of a comic book to be released this decade.  In Ex Machina, he makes use of special effects in subtle ways, and that serves to make this film seem both plausible and tangible.  Like Spike Jonze's Her, Ex Machina seems to be set in some near-future, a decade or so from now.  The manner in which Garland presents Ava makes it seem as if a sentient android A.I. is just a few years from appearing.  In fact, this movie makes me believe that somewhere in our world, in a hideaway compound, nestled in the mountains, a billionaire tech genius is probably halfway to making his own Ava.

Ex Machina is stylish, but substantive, but where it is spare, beauty comes through.  It is as if Garland uses an eye-candy aesthetic to spin his ideas and theories.  He shrewdly intertwines romance, character melodrama, dramatic conflict, and pulp thrills while composer Geoff Barrow's score enhances everything to great affect.  In fact, Barrow has invented a “soundscape” that makes Ex Machina less ethereal and speculative, but more vivid and life-like.

This shrewd, speculative science fiction film could not work without high-quality performances from its actors.  It should be no surprise that Oscar Isaac delivers a complex man who is maddeningly fascinating and repulsive in Nathan.  Isaac's presence is so strong that it is hard to believe that Nathan is apparently a “supporting character.”  Isaac is about to blast off into wider fame in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and so is his costar, Domhnall Gleeson, who is also appearing in the seventh installment of the Star Wars film franchise.

Gleeson delivers a complicated character in Caleb.  Other than realizing that he is smitten with Ava, the viewer might find Caleb hard to figure out.  The character is well written, and Gleeson translates that into a character that, like a real person, hides so much behind the facade of his face.

Alicia Vikander also seems to be close to being a breakout actress, but perhaps she will prove to be a fine dramatic actress instead of merely being a pretty face who is cast in splashy Hollywood flicks for a few years.  Her layered, textured performance makes Ava seem spare, aloof, mysterious, and even cold.  However, Vikander makes you believe that there is so much more to Ava, more than anyone, even her creator, can ever know.

With its themes that recall Frankenstein, Ex Machina is a sleek film with both Gothic and futuristic sensibilities.  As much as I like it, I find the last 10 minutes of the film to be flimsy because the ending seems tacked on more than it seems predictable (which it is).  Despite that, I still think that Ex Machina is an exceptional science fiction film that is worth watching.  Consider it a cautionary tale about our future or perhaps, consider it a sign post along the road to the Twilight Zone.

8 of 10
A

Tuesday, August 18, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Erykah Badu to Host 2015 Soul Train Awards

Erykah Badu Announced as Host of the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds to Receive the Legend Award while Jill Scott to be Honored with First-Ever Lady of Soul Award at Soul Music’s Annual Event

Soul Train Awards to Air on Centric and BET, November 29th at 8PM ET

#SoulTrainAwards
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CENTRIC today announced that the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 will be hosted by the incomparable singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. The hippest trip led by the illest chick will celebrate soul music’s R&B legends alongside the next wave of talented artists. Filmed November 6, 2015 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will air on CENTRIC and BET on November 29th, 2015 at 8PM ET.

Musical luminaries being honored at the show include Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who will receive the Legend Award and Jill Scott who will accept the first-ever Lady of Soul Award. These icons are being recognized for their longstanding presence in the industry and influence on the world of music past and present. R&B legend and record producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds has won 11 Grammy Awards and written and produced 26 No. 1 R&B hits. His new album, Return of the Tender Lover, will be released December 4th. A torchbearer of R&B music, Jill is a 3x Grammy Award-winner who has also established herself as a critically acclaimed actress as well as a New York Times bestselling poet.

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances and viewers can expect special appearances by some of the brightest stars in entertainment. The event annually showcases Soul Train’s influence on the history of music and dance from the 70s to today.

Another fun addition for visitors to look forward to is the full SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND November 5-7. Packages are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com, starting at $800. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Centric Presents Soul Train Awards at Orleans Arena (orleansarena.com) and the Soul Train Weekend Concert featuring R. Kelly with special guest Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Ticketmaster.com). General admission tickets to the Soul Train Weekend Late Night Party at LIGHT nightclub will be available at a later date to be announced. Additional information and ticketing can be found at SoulTrainWeekend.com.

The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Executive Producers of the network telecast are as follows: Debra Lee, Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and Lynne Harris Taylor from BET; and Jesse Collins from Jesse Collins Entertainment. Erykah Badu is an Associate Producer.

For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015. To apply for media credentials to cover the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 red carpet, please visit: www.betpressroom.com


About CENTRIC
Centric is the only multi-platform lifestyle brand designed to boldly celebrate the diverse and beautiful world of Black women. A 24-hour music and entertainment channel, Centric has its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat and delivers compelling content that reflects, inspires and addresses the unique perspectives of Black women.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

About Soul Train Holdings
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.

About the Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena).

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Chris Rock to Host 88th Academy Awards Ceremony in Feb. 2016

Chris Rock Returns To Host The Oscars®

Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars® for a second time, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today.  The 88th Academy Awards® will be broadcast live on Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network.  Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all.  He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”

“I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It's great to be back.”

“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.  “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”

“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.  “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”

"Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” which premiered this month on HBO.  In 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature “Top Five,” and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of “Good Hair.”

Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.  His feature acting credits include “I Think I Love My Wife,” which he also wrote and directed, “Head of State” (writer, producer and director), “Death at a Funeral” (also producer), and the first three films in the blockbuster “Madagascar” series, as the voice of Marty.  His other acting credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Nurse Betty,” “2 Days in New York” and “Lethal Weapon 4.”  In 2011 Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards®, including Best Play.  In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood.  He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993.

Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has won four Emmy® Awards for his comedy series and specials, including “Chris Rock – Kill the Messenger,” “The Chris Rock Show” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain,” and has achieved record audience numbers around the world.  He also has earned three Grammy® Awards for his comedy albums Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker and Roll with the New.

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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November 2015 Opens with Two New Naruto Related Books

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS THE NARUTO CATALOG WITH UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS ART BOOK AND NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY NOVEL

NARUTO Manga Creator Masashi Kishimoto’s Artwork Depicted In Vivid New Oversized Book And In NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, The First Book In New Series Of Novels

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, gives NARUTO fans the opportunity to expand their personal collections with the release in November of UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS, a new, full-color art book featuring works from the NARUTO series by its acclaimed creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Original NARUTO ninja adventures in fiction form are also set for release in early November as VIZ Media announces NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, the first of a new series of NARUTO prose novels focusing on key characters from the series and complemented by original cover art by Masashi Kishimoto.

Masashi Kishimoto made his first-ever international professional appearance as an exclusive Guest of Honor at New York Comic Con 2015 this past month. The NARUTO manga series finale, Volume 72, was released in print and also digitally on October 6th, 2015, bringing the long-running ninja action adventure to its thrilling conclusion.

UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN · Available November 3rd!

The third full-color art book from the hit manga series NARUTO! Experience Masashi Kishimoto's artwork in all of its colorful glory in this collection of images from the finale of the best-selling Naruto manga! Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and all your favorite characters appear in nearly a hundred pages of gorgeous full-color images. The book also features commentary from Masashi Kishimoto, a beautiful double-sided poster and a sticker sheet!

NARUTO: KAKASHI’s story MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available November 3rd!

In the first in a new series of prose novels straight from the worldwide smash hit franchise, Naruto’s allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures, with each volume focusing on a particular series character.

In NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, a year has passed since the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Kakashi’s appointment to Hokage looms. But first he heads to the Land of Waves for a dangerous mission rescuing hostages from a top secret airship. There he confronts a ninja whose heart is frozen by tragedy. Having lost both his friend’s eye and his greatest abilities, can Kakashi really protect anyone? What is the true meaning of the will of fire gained in the distant heavens? Kakashi finds these answers and more as he opens the door to a new ninja era.

Manga author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Like many kids, he was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read Dragon Ball. After spending time in art school, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story, Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, Kishimoto decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series would also spawn multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy this year with the side story, Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, and writing the story for the latest NARUTO movie, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.

VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for NARUTO and publishes the bestselling NARUTO manga series in print and digitally and also distributes the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films. Additional information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Begins Principal Photography

PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND SKYDANCE MEDIA ANNOUNCE START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON "JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK"

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media today announced that principal photography has commenced on "JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK," starring Tom Cruise (the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise, "EDGE OF TOMORROW") and directed by Edward Zwick ("THE LAST SAMURAI," "BLOOD DIAMOND").

Production will take place in New Orleans. The film is set for release on October 21, 2016.

The new film, a sequel to 2012’s "JACK REACHER," is based on author Lee Child’s 18th book in the bestselling Jack Reacher series, Never Go Back. The film is written by Richard Wenk ("THE EXPENDABLES 2," "THE EQUALIZER"), Marshall Herskovitz ("LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS," "THE LAST SAMURAI") & Zwick.

Cruise is producing alongside Don Granger ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," "JACK REACHER"), Skydance Media’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ EOSTORM"), and Christopher McQuarrie ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ ALKYRIE"). The executive producers are Paula Wagner ("WAR OF THE WORLDS,” "THE OTHERS") and Herb Gains ("THE JUDGE," "NON-STOP").

"JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK" also stars Cobie Smulders ("How I Met Your Mother," "AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON"), Danika Yarosh ("Heroes Reborn," “ hameless"), Austin Hebert ("Bonnie and Clyde"), Patrick Heusinger ("QUANTUM BREAK," "GIRLFRIEND’S GUIDE TO DIVORCE"), Aldis Hodge ("STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON," "A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD"), and Holt McCallany ("Blue Bloods," "GANGSTER SQUAD").

Tom Cruise is a global cultural icon who has made an immeasurable impact on cinema by creating some of the most memorable characters of all time in legendary films such as "TOP GUN," "JERRY MAGUIRE," "RISKY BUSINESS," "MINORITY REPORT," "INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE," "A FEW GOOD MEN," "THE FIRM," "RAIN MAN," “ OLLATERAL," "THE LAST SAMURAI," "EDGE OF TOMORROW," "THE COLOR OF MONEY," and the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise among many others.

A consummate filmmaker involved in all aspects of film production, Cruise has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer, and philanthropist in a career spanning over three decades. A three-time Academy Award® nominee and three-time Golden Globe Award winner his films have earned over eight billion dollars in worldwide box office alone— an incomparable accomplishment.


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.

About Skydance Media
Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create elevated, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across platforms, including feature film, television, gaming and digital. Among Skydance Media’s commercially and critically successful feature films are Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Jack Reacher, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness and True Grit. Its 2015 feature films, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Terminator Genisys, together grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance’s future feature film slate includes Star Trek Beyond, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Geostorm. The Company’s current television series are the Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix and the Emmy-winning Manhattan on WGN America.

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"The Big Short" Teaser Poster Debuts

THE BIG SHORT
In Theaters December 11, 2015
The film will premier at the AFI Festival on November 12, 2015

PARAMOUNT PICTURES and REGENCY ENTERPRISES Present
A PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT Production of
AN ADAM MCKAY  Film
“THE BIG SHORT”
Executive Producers Louise Rosner-Meyer  Kevin Messick
Produced By Brad Pitt  Dede Gardner  Jeremy Kleiner  Arnon Milchan
Based Upon the book  by Michael Lewis
Screenplay By  Charles Randolph and Adam McKay
Directed By Adam McKay

When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea:  The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.    Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind Side, Moneyball),  and directed by Adam Mckay (Anchorman, Step Brothers) The Big Short stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.

http//thebigshortmovie.com

SOCIAL
https://www.facebook.com/TheBigShortMovie
https://twitter.com/TheBigShort
https://instagram.com/TheBigShortMovie
https://www.youtube.com/user/Paramount
#TheBigShort



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New "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Poster - Oct. 18th, 2015

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Emmy-Winner Sela Ward Joins EPIX's Original Series, "Graves"

Sela Ward Joins Nick Nolte to Star in EPIX Original Series Graves

Production Has Commenced in New Mexico

Series Created by Joshua Michael Stern and Produced by Lionsgate to Debut Fall 2016

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that the Golden Globe® and two-time Emmy® award-winning actress Sela Ward has been cast to star with Nick Nolte in Graves, a single-camera, half-hour, political satire produced by Lionsgate. Ward will play Margaret Graves, the wife of former U.S. President Richard Graves (Nolte), who decides to follow her own political ambitions just as her husband embarks on a Don Quixote-like journey to right the wrongs of his administration. Ms. Ward replaces Susan Sarandon who departed the series due to artistic differences. Production has commenced in New Mexico.

    “Known for playing characters with strength, humor and grace, Sela will be a formidable political player and wife to Nick Nolte’s former President in one of EPIX’s first original series.”

“Sela Ward is a gifted talent who has the presence and attitude to bring the character of Margaret and her story to life,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “I am delighted that she has joined Graves and I’m confident that the show’s sense of style, storytelling and wit will resonate with premium viewers across all platforms.”

“We are thrilled to have award-winning actress Sela Ward join the cast of Graves,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman, Lionsgate Television Group. “Known for playing characters with strength, humor and grace, Sela will be a formidable political player and wife to Nick Nolte’s former President in one of EPIX’s first original series.”

Ward, a respected and well-recognized film and TV actor, recently completed filming Independence Day: Resurgence directed by Roland Emmerich. Her film credits include Gone Girl, The Stepfather, The Guardian, The Day After Tomorrow and The Fugitive. Ward won her first Emmy® for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1994 for her portrayal of ‘Teddy Reed’ in the acclaimed television series “Sisters.” She won her second Emmy® in 2001 in the same category for playing ‘Lily Manning’ in “Once and Again” which also earned her a Golden Globe® Award for that role. Recent television credits include “CSI: New York” and “House M.D.”

Graves cast includes: Nick Nolte as Richard Graves; Sela Ward as Margaret Graves; Skylar Astin as Isaiah Miller; Heléne Yorke as Olivia Graves; Chris Lowell as Jeremy Graves; Callie Hernandez as Samantha; Ernie Hudson as Jacob Mann; Roger Bart as Lawrence and Angélica Maria as Ramona Alvarez.

Created and written by Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Jobs), Graves is executive produced by Stern and Oscar®-winning producer Greg Shapiro (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) and produced by Bill Hill (“Veep,” “Eastbound & Down”). Production for the 10-episode series will take place in New Mexico. Graves will premiere on EPIX in Fall 2016. The half-hour political satire is produced by Lionsgate.

Ward is represented by The Gersh Agency.


About EPIX
EPIX is a premium movie and original programming entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, classic film franchises, original documentaries, comedy and music events on TV, on demand, online and on digital devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms, video games and international distribution and sales. Lionsgate currently has more than 30 television shows on over 20 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black, the multiple Emmy Award-winning drama Mad Men, the hit broadcast network series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the acclaimed drama Manhattan and the breakout series The Royals.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such successes as the blockbuster first three installments of The Hunger Games franchise, the first two installments of the Divergent franchise, The Age of Adaline, CBS/Lionsgate’s The DUFF, John Wick, Now You See Me, Roadside Attractions' Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Lionsgate/Codeblack Films’ Addicted and Pantelion Films' Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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