Review: Wild, Uneven "BULLET TRAIN" Has a Killer Last Act

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 66 of 2022 (No. 1878) by Leroy Douresseaux

Bullet Train (2022)
Running time: 127 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes)
MPA – R for strong and bloody violence, pervasive language, and brief sexuality
DIRECTOR:  David Leitch
WRITER:  Zak Olkewicz (based on the novel by Kotaro Isaka)
PRODUCERS:  Antoine Fuqua, David Leitch, and Kelly McCormick
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jonathan Sela (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Elisabet Ronaldsdottir
COMPOSER:  Dominic Lewis

ACTION

Starring:  Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Sandra Bullock, Benito A Martinez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Logan Lerman, Zazie Beetz, Masi Oka, Kevin Akiyoshi Ching, Johanna White, and Karen Fukuhara with Channing Tatum and Ryan Reynolds

Bullet Train is a 2022 action movie from director David Leitch.  The film is based on the 2010 novel from author Kōtarō Isaka, Maria Beetle (which was titled Bullet Train for its U.S. and U.K. Editions).  Bullet Train the movie takes place aboard a swiftly-moving bullet train where five assassins gradually discover that they have several things in common.

Bullet Train opens in Japan and introduces “Ladybug” (Brad Pitt), an assassin turned “snatch-and-grab man.”  In Tokyo, he enters a bullet train bound for Kyoto.  He is initially wary of accepting this job from his handler, Maria (Sandra Bullock), which involves him retrieving a briefcase that contains ten million dollars.  Also on the train is a young woman known as “Prince” (Joey King); the assassin brothers, “Lemon” (Brian Tyree Henry) and “Tangerine” (Aaron Taylor-Johnson); and the revenge-seeking Yuichi Kimura (Andrew Koji).

They are all passengers on this particular bullet train, directly and indirectly, because of “The Son” (Logan Lerman), the kidnapped son of the Russian-born Yakuza boss known as the “White Death” (Michael Shannon).  Ladybug, who is begrudgingly working this job, believes that it is bringing out the worst of the bad luck that he believes plagues him.  Gradually, he finds himself fighting off an ever-growing gathering of killers and miscreants.  And waiting for everyone at their final stop in Kyoto – at least for those that survive – is an ultimate showdown with the White Death and his hired killers.

Directly or indirectly, Bullet Train is a movie influenced by the films of Oscar-winning filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino.  The dialogue – full of chatter, threats, and banter – is supposed to come across as cool, but it is merely blather from a third or fourth or fifth generation take on a Tarantino screenplay.  The characters are also Tarantino retreads, and so are their actions and inaction.  Still, I must admit that I like some of them, especially Brad Pitt's Ladybug.

So is Bullet Train any good, you might ask?

Well, two-thirds of it is uneven and moves in fits and starts of violence and murder.  I was mostly uninterested, but there are some surprising cameos that captured my interest.  For instance, Zazie Beetz is the assassin, “The Hornet,” and recording artist, Bad Bunny, is the Mexican assassin, “The Wolf.”  Both, however, are barely in the film.  I think they would have improved Bullet Train a good bit had their roles been enlarged.

However, the first 80 or so mediocre minutes of this movie are worth it for the last 40 minutes.  It is as if Bullet Train suddenly explodes in its last act to reveal a much better movie that had been hiding inside the fairly awful movie.  Everything is better, even Brad Pitt, who keeps this movie from being an absolute disaster.  Sometimes, it is worth having a genuine movie star, like a Brad Pitt, star in a genre movie.  The first two-thirds of this movie deserves a grade of “C-” at best, but the last third deserves an “A.”  So I'll average that out to a “B,” and I will recommend Bullet Train because of its last act.  It really is spectacular, and it is a pay off for your patience.

6 out of 10
B
★★★ out of 4 stars

Saturday, October 29, 2022


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 9th to 15th, 2019 - Update #21

Support Leroy on Patreon:

MOVIES - From Variety:  Bradley Cooper is in early talks to appear in Guillermo del Toro's next film, "Nightmare Alley."

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SCANDAL - From YahooEntertainment:  Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. was booked for misdemeanor forcible touching and sexual abuse in the third degree by the NYPD and he was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and released without bail on Thursday night.  TMZ claims to have video of Gooding groping a woman at a New York bar.

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STREAMING-ANIMATION - From Newsarama:  DreamWorksTV has released a teaser trailer for Netflix's "Fast & Furious: Spy Racer" animated series.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  The Toronto Raptors are the 2019 NBA Champions, their first.  Kawhi Leonard is named MVP of the Championship Series.

----------
SCANDAL - From TheDailyBeast:  So bestselling author Nicholas Sparks may be a racist, homophobic, Christian bigot.  This article reprints damning emails from Sparks.

From TheGuardian:  This is an article from four and a half years ago about a lawsuit against Nicholas Sparks, who has had many of his bestselling novels turned into films.  The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in August of this year.

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SPORTS - From YahooSports:  The St. Louis Blues are the National Hockey League champions, winning the 2019 Stanley Cup, 4 games to 3 games against the Boston Bruins.  This Blues won their first Stanley Cup championship by beating the Bruins 4 to 1 in Game 7 in Boston.

----------
ANIMATION - From Newsarama:  There is a new "Looney Tunes Cartoons" short with Bugs Bunny, "Dynamite Dance."  See it here.

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MUSIC - From GetPocket:  The story of Prince Nico Mbarga, the man who recorded the most popular son in African history, "Sweet Mother."

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STAR TREK - From ThePlaylist:  Regarding the "Star Trek" movie in which Quentin Tarantino is supposed to be involved, Tarantino says that a script has been written and it is awaiting his notes.  He says the film will definitely be rated "R."

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ANIMATION - From Variety:  Classic animated Disney characters, "Chip 'n Dale" are getting a reboot for the streaming service, Disney+.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Sandra Bullock, Akiva Goldsman, and John Legend are executive producing a dance-flavored, 1980s, drama-comedy inspired by Bullock's college years.  This project is headed to Amazon.

----------
AWARDS - From USWeekly:  A complete list of winners and nominees at the 2019 Tony Awards.

----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 6/7 to 6/9/2019 weekend box office is "The Secret Life of Pets 2" with an estimated haul of 47.1 million dollars.

From Deadline:  "Dark Phoenix" has the worst opening weekend at the domestic box office of any "X-Men" film at 33 million dollars.  It may well lose over 100 million dollars.  This article also talks about the film's troubles.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Steven Spielberg is writing a "creepy" and "super scary" series for the "Quibi" digital platform overseen by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman.

----------
LGBTQ - From Slate:  "Before Stonewall, if You Were Attacked for Being Gay, You Were the Criminal" by James Polchin

----------
CULTURE - From Politico:  "How Legal Weed Is Killing America’s Most Famous Marijuana Farmers" by Natalie Fertig

----------
MOVIES - From FlickeringMyth:  Pro wrestler turned actor John Cena is either close to joining the "Fast & Furious 9" or has officially joined, according to Vin Diesel.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Kevin Hart is developing a remake of the 1988 Bill Murray, Christmas dark comedy film, "Scrooged."

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MUSIC - From YahooEntertainment:  Madonna is quite upset about a "New York Times" profile of her.


OBITS:

From NFL:  Longtime NFL owner of the Denver Broncos, Pat Bowlen, has died at the age of 75, Thursday, June 13, 2019.  Bowlen and his siblings bought the Broncos in 1984.  The Broncos won three Super Bowl titles during his ownership.

From NOLA:  Noted Louisiana blues and Zydeco musician, Paul "Lil Buck" Sinegal, has died at the age of 75, Monday, June 10, 2019.  The Lafayette, Louisiana-born guitarist recorded with Lil Bob, and Rockin' Dopsie, to name a few, and he was a member of the late Clifton Chenier's Band.

From RollingStone:  Rock musician and songwriter, Roky Erickson, died at the age of 71, Friday, May 31, 2019.  Erickson was a pioneer of psychedelic rock and a cult figure.  He spent several years in a Texas mental institution and battled mental illness for most of his life.  He is best known for his association with the band, "The 13th Floor Elevators."  The 2000s saw a revival of his career and also him gaining control of his health.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 20th to 26th, 2019 - Update #26

Support Leroy on Patreon:

DISNEY - From SideshowToys:  10 Disney movies for 2019, including "Captain Marvel," "Dumbo," and "Avengers: Endgame."

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CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  The cause of death of comedian, Kevin Barnett, who died Tuesday, Jan. 22nd, 2019 in Mexico, is "Non Traumatic Hemorrhage, caused by pancreatitis."  The stand-up comedian was the co-creator of FOX Network's sitcom, "Rel."

From YahooEntertainment:  The cause of the death of Kim Porter, the actress and model who had three kids with Sean "Diddy" Combs, is "lobar pneumonia."  Porter died Nov. 15th, 2018, and she was 47 years old at the time.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Netflix and Constantin Film are developing a "Resident Evil" TV series.  That series will apparently expand the "existing mythology ."

From Deadline:  Netflix has obtained Ron Howard's film, "Hillbilly Elegy" (based on J.D. Vance's bestselling book).

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MOVIE - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has scheduled Christopher Nolan's next film for releases July 17, 2020.  The subject matter of the unnamed film is not known.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Actor Matt Smith of "Doctor Who" has reportedly joined Sony's "Morbius" film, starring Jared Leto.  Morbius is a vampire and a Spider-Man villian.

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MOVIES-SCANDAL - From Newsarama:  Despite new sexual abuse of underage boys allegations levied against him, Bryan Singer is still scheduled to direct Millennium Film's "Red Sonja" film.

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MOVIES - From Collider:  Nicolas Cage will star in an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's story, "Color Out of Space."

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SCANDAL - From Deadline:  In expose by "The Atlantic" magazines, director Bryan Singer ("Bohemian Rhapsody," "X-Men") is hit with more sexual abuse allegations involving underage boys.

From Deadline:  Director Bryan singer responds to "The Atlantic," calling it a "homophic smear piece..."

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COMICS-STREAMING - From Deadline:  Sandra Bullock is part of the team developing Mark Millar and Greg Capullo's comic book, "Reborn," for Netflix.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Actor Michael Gandolfini will play a young Tony Soprano in David Chase's in "The Many Saints of Newark," a prequel to Chase's "The Sopranos" TV series.  Michael's late father, James Gandolfini, played Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos."

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OSCARS - From Deadline:  The 2019 / 91st Academy Award nominations have been announced.  "Roma" and "The Favourite" lead with 10 nominations each.  "Black Panther" received 7 nominations, including a "best picture" nod.

From TheNewYorker:  "The Dismaying 2019 Oscar Nominations—and Who Should Have Made the List" by Richard Brody

From BleedingCool:  Concerning his first Oscar nomination (in the "best supporting actor" category) after 50 years of acting, Sam Elliot ("A Star is Born") says, "It's about fucking time!"

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 1/18 - 1/20/2019 weekend box office is "Glass" with an estimated take of $40.58 million.

From Variety:  "Glass" leads the international box office with an estimated take of $48.5 million.

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POLITICS - From Deadline:  U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (Democrat-California) announces that she is running for President of the United States.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:   Edgar Wright says that a first draft of a screenplay for "Baby Driver 6" exists.

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COMICS-FILM - From CNBC:   Superhero movies are in for a major shakeup in 2019

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  "The X-Files'" Gillian Anderson is joining Netflix's "The Crown" in the role of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

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OSCARS - From GoldDerby:  Paul Sheehan offers his Oscar predictions ahead of the nominations announcement Tuesday morning, Jan 22nd.

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AWARDS - From Deadline:  "Green Book" tops the 2019 Producers Guild Awards, winning the Producers Guild version of a "best picture" prize.

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OSCARS - From Deadline:  "BlackKklansman" producer Jason Blue says that it is "Spike Lee's time" if Oscar voters do the right thing.

OBIT:

From THR:  Veteran film and television director, James Frawley, has died at the age of 82, Tuesday, January 22, 2019.  Over his five-decade career, Frawley directed episodes of "Perry Mason," "The Outer Limits," and "Gunsmoke," and he directed "The Muppet Movie" (1979).  Frawley is probably best known for being a key figure in the development of "The Monkees" TV series.  Frawley also directed 28 of the series' 58 episodes.

From TheWrap:  The comedy writer and stand-up comedian, Kevin Barnett, has died at the age of 32, Tuesday, January 22, 2019.  Barnett co-created the Fox sitcom, "Rel."

From Variety:  Film producer Andrew Vajna has died at the age of 74, Sunday, January 20, 2019.  In 1976, he co-founded Carolco with Mario Kassar.  Vajna produced such films as "Nixon" and "Evita," but he was known for the numerous film on which he was an executive producer.  Among the best known are the first three "Rambo" films (including 1982's "First Blood"); "Angel Heart," "Total Recall," "Tombstone," and "Judge Dredd," to name a few.

"Ocean's 8" Surpasses $100 Million in Domestic Box Office

“Ocean’s 8” Hits $100 Million at the Domestic Box Office

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Ocean’s 8” crossed $100 million at the domestic box office this past weekend. The film now stands as the 10th-highest-grossing film of the year domestically, it was announced today by Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Since its opening, ‘Ocean’s 8’ has been delighting moviegoers, resulting in strong word of mouth that is driving the box office. We congratulate the amazing ensemble cast and the filmmakers, as well as our partners at Village Roadshow, on this success.”

Goldstein stated, “Since its opening, ‘Ocean’s 8’ has been delighting moviegoers, resulting in strong word of mouth that is driving the box office. We congratulate the amazing ensemble cast and the filmmakers, as well as our partners at Village Roadshow, on this success.”

The latest installment of the successful “Ocean’s” franchise, “Ocean’s 8” stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Five years, eight months, 12 days...and counting. That’s how long Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock)—just released from prison—has been concocting the greatest heist of her storied career. She knows what it’s going to take—a team of the best in their field, starting with her former partner-in-crime Lou (Cate Blanchett). Together, they recruit a crew of specialists: jeweler Amita (Kaling); street con Constance (Awkwafina); expert fence Tammy (Paulson); hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna); and fashion designer Rose Weil (Bonham Carter). The target is $150 million in diamonds—diamonds that will adorn the neck of world-famous actress Daphne Kluger (Hathaway), who will be center stage at the event of the year, The Met Gala. Their plan appears rock solid, but it will need to be flawless if the team is to get in and get away—all in plain sight.

“Ocean’s 8” also stars Richard Armitage as Claude Becker, Kluger’s unwitting date at the Gala, and James Corden as John Frazier, an insurance investigator trying to put the pieces together.

Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit,” “The Hunger Games,” “Pleasantville”) directed “Ocean’s 8” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Olivia Milch, original story by Ross. Steven Soderbergh and Susan Ekins produced the film. Michael Tadross, Diana Alvarez, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman served as executive producers, with Milch co-producing.

Ross’s behind-the-scenes team included director of photography Eigil Bryld, production designer Alex DiGerlando, Oscar-nominated editor Juliette Welfling (“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”), costume designer Sarah Edwards, and composer Daniel Pemberton. “Ocean’s 8” is based on characters created by George Clayton Johnson & Jack Golden Russell.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Rahway Road production, “Ocean’s 8.” The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. This film has been rated PG-13.

www.Oceans8movie.com

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Warner Bros. Announces Kroll & Co. Entertainment

Industry Veteran Sue Kroll Launches Kroll & Co. Entertainment at Warner Bros.

The widely respected movie executive kicks off an impressive development and production slate

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Having made her mark as one of the industry’s top studio executives for more than two decades, Sue Kroll is now hanging her own production shingle, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, based on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank.

Under her new banner, Kroll is already involved in the production and development of a wide range of feature film projects, teaming her with some of the noted filmmakers and actors with whom she has collaborated over the course of her illustrious career. Kroll will also look to develop television, digital and other content.

“My passion for film and television and for telling great stories is not only the cornerstone of my wonderful career, but has also been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl enthralled by the moving image,” stated Kroll. “I am excited to be collaborating in this new capacity with amazing, visionary filmmakers, many of whom I have known and worked with, and to also champion new and unique voices. This is just the beginning and I am thrilled about our slate of films and our incredible filmmaking partners.”

Kroll is attached as an executive producer to a number of films currently scheduled for release through the studio, and has expanded her slate to include new projects in various stages of development joining esteemed filmmakers and producing teams. As a producer, Kroll’s upcoming projects include the sci-fi action thriller “Nemesis,” with producers Ridley Scott and Jules Daly; the YA drama “The Selection,” with producers Denise Di Novi and Pouya Shahbazian; an untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock, who will also produce with Michael Bostick; and the action thriller “The Six Billion Dollar Man,” soon going into production starring Mark Wahlberg, who also produces alongside Stephen Levinson, Bill Gerber, Scott Faye and Karen Lauder.

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg stated, “Over the years, I have seen Sue in action as one of the most inspired marketing minds in the industry, most recently on the campaign for ‘Ready Player one.’ I trust her instincts, appreciate her unflagging devotion to her work, and admire her knowledge of film. I am looking forward to collaborating with her in her new capacity as a producer in the very near future.”

Kroll is also an executive producer on the drama “A Star is Born,” directed, produced and co-written by Bradley Cooper, who also stars in the film opposite Lady Gaga, and slated for release on October 5, 2018. Cooper noted, “I have been fortunate to know and work with Sue Kroll for more than 10 years, and have appreciated her friendship as well as her counsel. She has a personal investment in everything she does, and I have no doubt she will bring that same level of care, commitment and creativity to producing. Simply put, Sue is the gold standard.” Kroll joins producers Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Cooper, Todd Phillips and Lynette Howell Taylor, and executive producers Ravi Mehta, Basil Iwanyk, Niija Kuykendall, Michael Rapino and Heather Parry.

In addition, Kroll serves as an executive producer on Edward Norton’s “Motherless Brooklyn,” inspired by Jonathan Lethem’s award-winning book, which Norton adapted for the screen. Kroll is teaming with producers Norton, William Migliore, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane, and executive producers Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth and Daniel Nader. Currently in production, the film stars Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Willem Dafoe and Alec Baldwin.

Norton stated, “Sue Kroll is universally loved by the filmmakers that have been lucky enough to work with her and has both great taste and real wisdom about how to engage audiences. It’s wonderful news that she’ll be producing films and she’s already brought important long lead strategy and foresight to our production. I feel like we’ve won the lottery to have our film be one of the first she’ll collaborate with in this role.”

In addition, Kroll is an executive producer on “The Goldfinch,” the film version of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, being directed by John Crowley, and starring Ansel Elgort and Nicole Kidman. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing, and Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda is also serving as an executive producer.

Rounding out Kroll & Co. Entertainment, are SVP of Development and Production Jennifer Malloy, Creative Executive Olivia Heighten, longtime Kroll staffer Chelsea Bradshaw as Operations / Production Executive, and administrative assistant Nicole Kraft.

Throughout her Studio career, Kroll has worked closely with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Clint Eastwood, Christopher Nolan, Patty Jenkins, Steven Spielberg, Ben Affleck, David Yates, Alfonso Cuarón, Zack Snyder, Todd Phillips, Peter Jackson, George Miller, the Wachowskis, Nancy Meyers, Robert Zemeckis and Guillermo del Toro.

Kroll most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures’ President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. First joining the Studio in 1994, she rose up to be one of the film division’s top executives for nearly 20 years.

During her tenure, Warner Bros. consistently ranked as one of the industry’s most creatively and financially successful film studios. Last year was the biggest year in the Studio’s history, with $5.13 billion in global box office—the second time it has passed the $5 billion mark. The film division crossed the $1 billion mark domestically and internationally in each of the last 18 years, an industry record.

Under her marketing leadership, the Studio won a Best Picture Oscar for “Argo,” as well as a Best Animated Feature Oscar for “Happy Feet,” in addition to Best Picture nominations for “Dunkirk,” “The Blind Side,” “Inception,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “American Sniper,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Letters from Iwo Jima.” Other films on which she oversaw marketing include some of the most popular and profitable of the last two decades, including “Wonder Woman”; “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”; “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”; all eight “Harry Potter” films; “Suicide Squad”; “Sully”; “The Accountant”; “Interstellar”; “The LEGO® Movie”; “The Hobbit” Trilogy; “The Dark Knight” Trilogy; “Inception”; “Sherlock Holmes” and its sequel; “The Hangover” Trilogy; “I Am Legend”; “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”; “300”; the “Ocean’s” movies; “Beowulf”; “Constantine”; “The Polar Express”; “Troy”; “The Last Samurai”; “The Matrix” Trilogy; and “Flags of Our Fathers.”

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 1st to 7th, 2015 - Update #18

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From NPR:  Harry Potter's Emma Watson inspires Malala Yousafzai to call herself a "feminist."

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From CinemaBlend:  Police groups threatening Quentin Tarantino.

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From CinemaBlend:  Alicia Vikander may replace Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" sequel.

From Movies.com:  Meanwhile, the original Lisbeth Salander, Noomi Rapace, will take the lead in the Amy Winehouse biopic.

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From EOnline:  An all-female "Ocean's Eleven," with Sandra Bullock...

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From Indiewire:  Plans are afoot for a new "Star Trek" television series, but only the first episode would be shown on CBS; the rest would be shown on CBS's streaming service.

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From THR:  Jamie Foxx tells Quentin Tarantino to keep telling the truth in regards to Tarantino's comments about police brutality.

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From THR:  The award season kicks off with the Hollywood Film Awards.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "The Martian" is the #1 movie at the 10/30 to 11/01/2015 weekend box office with an estimated take of $11.4 million.

From Deadline:  James Bond "Spectre" setting some opening day and week records.

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From Deadline:  Spielberg teases "Indiana Jones 5."

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From TheWrap:  After working together on "Fruitvale Station" and on the upcoming boxing drama, "Creed," director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan will re-team for the education scandal movie, "Wrong Answer."

From Variety:  Brad Pitt's "World War Z" sequel, scheduled for 2017, gets a new screenwriter.


COMICS: Books and Films:

From Indiewire:  Nicole Kidman has apparently joined the cast of the "Wonder Woman" movie.

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From YahooNews:  Marvel's Netflix plans may change.


TRAILERS:

From Variety:  First trailer for Spike Lee's "Chi-raq," from Amazon.


HARD NEWS:

From Truthout:  "Robin Hood Tax" movement.


OBITS:

From Variety:  The screenwriter, Melissa Mathison, has died (Wednesday, November 4, 2015).  She earned an Oscar nomination for her original screenplay for "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial."  She was also married to Harrison Ford for a time and had two children with Ford.  Mathison was 65.

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From Deadline:  The Oscar-winning screenwriter, Colin Welland ("Chariots of Fire") has died at the age of 81 (Monday, November 2, 2015).

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From Variety:  The actor Fred Thompson has died at the age of 73, Sunday, November 1, 2015.  He appeared in "Law & Order" from 2002 to 2007.  He was also a U.S. Senator from Tennessee, a Watergate attorney, and a presidential candidate in 2008.

"Our Brand is Crisis" Begins Shooting in New Orleans

Cameras Roll on “Our Brand is Crisis”

Principal photography begins on “Our Brand is Crisis,” starring Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton under the direction of David Gordon Green

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filming is underway in New Orleans on director David Gordon Green’s (“Pineapple Express,” “George Washington”) feature adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2005 documentary “Our Brand is Crisis,” starring Oscar winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and Billy Bob Thornton (“Sling Blade”).

When a group of American consultants accept the challenge of getting an unpopular Bolivian president re-elected, they realize they need help. Tracking down retired maverick political consultant Jane Bodine (Bullock) to her cabin in the woods, they persuade her to lead the team—a decision they quickly come to regret, as “Calamity” Jane begins to live up to her nickname, unleashing her very own brand of chaos on the campaign.

Just as all seems lost, the loathsome Pat Candy (Thornton), Jane’s worst enemy, arrives in town to work for the opposition. Suddenly things become personal and as the battle begins the consultants get to see Jane the legend in action.

The film also stars Anthony Mackie (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”), Scoot McNairy (“Gone Girl,” “Argo”), Zoe Kazan (“Ruby Sparks”), Ann Dowd (“Side Effects,” HBO’s “The Leftovers”), Reynaldo Pacheco (“Beginners”), Dominic Flores (“Rampart”), Louis Arcella (NBC’s “The Blacklist”), Octavio Gómez Berríos (“Che: Part One”) and Joaquim de Almeida (“Fast Five”).

Green directs from a screenplay by Oscar nominee Peter Straughan (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), based on the documentary by Rachel Boynton, which outlined the American political campaign marketing tactics employed in the real-life 2002 Bolivian presidential election.

The film is being produced by Oscar-winning Smokehouse Pictures’ principals George Clooney and Grant Heslov (“Argo”), with Bullock, Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, and Stuart Besser serving as executive producers. Participant Media is a co-financier on the film.

Green’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes frequent collaborators director of photography Tim Orr, editor Colin Patton and production designer Richard A. Wright (“Manglehorn”), as well as costume designer Jenny Eagan (“Now You See Me”).

“Our Brand is Crisis” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Cate Blanchett Wins 2014 "Best Actress" Oscar

Performance by an actress in a leading role:

 Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” WINNER

Nominees:
Amy Adams in “American Hustle”
Sandra Bullock in “Gravity”
Judi Dench in “Philomena”
Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County”

2013 Women Film Critics Circle Awards - Complete List

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.

2013 Women Film Critics Circle Awards:

BEST MOVIE ABOUT WOMEN: Philomena
RUNNER UP: Mother Of George

BEST MOVIE BY A WOMAN: Enough Said, Nicole Holofcener
RUNNER UP: Inch' Allah, Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette

BEST WOMAN STORYTELLER [Screenwriting Award]: Julie Delpy: Before Midnight
RUNNER UP: Nicole Holofcener, Enough Said

BEST ACTRESS: Judi Dench: Philomena
RUNNER UP: Barbara Sukowa: Hannah Arendt

BEST ACTOR: Chiwetel Ejiofor: 12 Years A Slave
RUNNER UP: Michael B. Jordan: Fruitvale Station

BEST YOUNG ACTRESS: Onata Aprile: What Maisie Knew
RUNNER UP: Waad Mohammed: Wadjda

BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS: Melissa McCarthy: The Heat
RUNNER UP: Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha

BEST FOREIGN FILM BY OR ABOUT WOMEN: Wadjda
RUNNER UP: Inch' Allah

BEST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE: Philomena
RUNNER UP: Girls In The Band

WORST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE: The Bling Ring
RUNNER UP: Machete Kills

BEST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE: 12 years A Slave: Chiwetel Ejiofor
RUNNER UP: Enough Said: James Gandolfini

WORST MALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE: Only God Forgives
RUNNER UP: Out Of The Furnace

BEST DOCUMENTARY BY OR ABOUT WOMEN: Stories We Tell
RUNNER UP: Girls In The Band

BEST SCREEN COUPLE: Before Midnight: Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke

BEST THEATRICALLY UNRELEASED MOVIE BY OR ABOUT WOMEN: Hellen Mirren in Phil Spector
RUNNER UP: Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer

BEST EQUALITY OF THE SEXES: Before Midnight
RUNNER UP: Enough Said

BEST ANIMATED FEMALES: Frozen
RUNNER UP: The Croods

BEST FAMILY FILM: The Wind Rises
RUNNER UP: Black Nativity

WOMEN'S WORK/BEST ENSEMBLE: Ginger & Rosa
RUNNER UP TIE: Winnie Mandela and August: Osage County

*SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS*

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
EMMA THOMPSON: For her eclecticism in switching from period films to fantasy genre, to contemporary settings. And embodying all kinds of women with raw and pure interpretations.

ACTING AND ACTIVISM AWARD
CHARLIZE THERON: For her work for The Global Fund, and for starting the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. Which educates young people about HIV/AIDS

COURAGE IN FILMMAKING
LAURA POITRAS: For bringing the Edward Snowden NSA revelations to light, driven into exile in Germany for doing so, and currently making a documentary about it.

*ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD: (A film that most passionately opposes violence against women): Augustine
RUNNER UP: Lovelace

*JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: For best expressing the woman of color experience in America: 12 Years A Slave
RUNNER UP: Go For Sisters

*KAREN MORLEY AWARD: For best exemplifying a woman’s place in history or society, and a courageous search for identity: Winnie Mandela
RUNNER UP: Wadjda

COURAGE IN ACTING: [Taking on unconventional roles that radically redefine the images of women on screen]: Soko: Augustine

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN AWARD [Performance by a woman whose exceptional impact on the film dramatically, socially or historically, has been ignored]
Sandra Bullock: Gravity

BEST SONG: “Would You Bleed For Love” Jennifer Hudson, Winnie Mandela

MOMMIE DEAREST WORST SCREEN MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD:
*Kristin Scott Thomas - Only God Forgives

JUST KIDDING AWARD: Best Male Images In A Movie: Last Vegas

*WFCC HALL OF SHAME*

Blue is the Warmest Color: I went in knowing almost nothing except general buzz but I hated the sex scenes which were way too long and midway thru I couldn’t wait to flee the theater. Coming out I read how many takes Kechiche required and I was thoroughly repulsed. Who was this for? Then I read the graphic novel and discovered that critical plot points were deleted. Like the fact that Adele’s parents find her in bed with Emma which is why she has to move out — and I was enraged. A three hour movie, and Kechiche is so busy salivating over his actresses that he can’t bother telling a coherent story. Hype for this film makes me nauseous!

Blue is the Warmest Color: It's so obvious a dude with a fetish directed this, it's not only unappealing, it's creepy. His overcompensating hubris isn't worth the praise this is receiving.

The Canyons: Women depicted as powerless and manipulative. Plus, the acting is horrid.

Captain Phillips: The whole might of the USA coming down on 3 starving Somalis?! Repulsive. When the obscenely beefy SEALS arrived and the audience started to cheer, I felt I was watching a “macho” director brainwash audience members into blindly accepting the worst stereotypes of jingoistic male behavior.

Dallas Buyers Club: Shame on Dallas Buyers Club for completely ignoring the LGBT as a group who drove the fight against AIDS to the forefront. The only time gays were mentioned was to let Matthew McConaughey's homophobic redneck character get a laugh at the expense of Jared Leto's transsexual character. The film made it seem as if the whole AIDS community stood on the shoulders of Ron Woodruff when in fact, groups like Act Up were starting the war for proper testing and more drugs way before Ron entered into the picture. It completely demeaned the backdrop Dallas Buyers Club was utilizing for their own characterizing "hero" agenda. Also the film took an extreme opinion against the AZT drug in favor for a plot line when in fact it was helping some patients. The only saving grace was Jared Leto's fantastic performance but unfortunately it wasn't enough.

Enough Already: Why is it that when actresses and even screen goddesses hit a certain age, they're all cast as nags, loons and shrews. No matter how accomplished any of these films may be, the tally of older actress shrewish nags on board is really high this year, as usual. Including Oprah Winfrey in The Butler, Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in August: Osage County, Cate Blanchett and Sally Hawkins in Blue Jasmine, June Squibb in Nebraska, Kristin Scott Thomas in Only God Forgives, and Julianne Moore in Carrie. Refreshing exceptions being Judi Dench in Philomena, Yolonda Ross in Go For Sisters, and Mary Steenburgen in Last Vegas.

Gravity: The women in this group make meaningful choices each year so they speak for me in these areas, the lone exception being Sandra Bullock's performance in Gravity. She's a fine actress, but I found the character to be whiny, cowardly, and full of the wrong stuff - a damsel in distress who needed a man (even if it was just her imagination) to pull her out of danger. I can hardly believe they'd send someone so panicky into space. Give me Sigourney Weaver any day.

Les Salauds [Bastards]: All of the women in this film are depicted as complicit in their own oppression and exploitation. Though it’s a patriarchal system that they exist within, they refuse to fight for themselves or each other, even when a minor is involved. The indictment then is not of the men but of the women. I found this problematic and disappointing from Denis.

Spring Breakers: No depth, little plot and a pitiful depiction of today's college kids. Gratuitous in nothing more than flesh and violence. A grossly and dangerously skewed depiction of young women and their values in today's America.

*Please Note: The WFCC Top Ten Hall Of Shame represents the ‘don’t tell me to shut up’ sidebar contribution of individual members, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Circle. Or may even dissent from an awarded nomination. Also, members may be objecting to particular characters in a film, and not the entire movie. Clarification: If an aspect of the movie is intentionally negative to make a point, rather than offensive, that is not under consideration for this category.

*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.

http://wfcc.wordpress.com/

-------------------------------------

Houston Film Critics Name "12 Years a Slave" Their Best Picture of 2013

The Houston Film Critics Society was founded in 2007.  It is a not-for-profit organization of print, broadcast and Internet film critics based in the Greater Metropolitan Houston area.

2013 Houston Film Critics Society winners (in bold) nominees:

Best Picture:
"All is Lost"
"American Hustle"
"Before Midnight"
"Dallas Buyers Club"
"Fruitvale Station"
"Gravity"
"Inside Llewyn Davis"
"Nebraska"
"Saving Mr. Banks"
"12 Years a Slave" WINNER

Best Director:
Joel and Ethan Coen, "Inside Llewyn Davis"
Alfonso Cuarón, "Gravity" WINNER
Paul Greengrass, "Captain Phillips"
Steve McQueen, "12 Years a Slave"
Alexander Payne, "Nebraska"

Best Actor:
Christian Bale, "American Hustle"
Bruce Dern, "Nebraska"
Chiwetel Ejiofor, "12 Years a Slave" WINNER
Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club"
Mads Mikkelsen, "The Hunt"
Robert Redford, "All is Lost"

Best Actress:
Sandra Bullock, "Gravity" WINNER
Judi Dench, "Philomena"
Brie Larson, "Short Term 12"
Meryl Streep, "August: Osage County"
Emma Thompson, "Saving Mr. Banks"

Best Supporting Actor:
Barkhad Abdi, "Captain Phillips"
Michael Fassbender, "12 Years A Slave"
James Gandolfini, "Enough Said"
Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club" WINNER
Matthew McConaughey, "Mud"

Best Supporting Actress:
Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"
Lupita Nyong’o, "12 Years A Slave" WINNER
Octavia Spencer, "Fruitvale Station"
June Squibb, "Nebraska"
Oprah Winfrey, "Lee Daniels’ The Butler"

Best Screenplay:
"American Hustle"
"Before Midnight"
"Her"
"Inside Llewyn Davis"
"12 Years A Slave" WINNER

Best Animated Film:
"The Croods"
"Despicable Me 2"
"Frozen" WINNER
"Monsters University"
"The Wind Rises"

Best Cinematography:
"All Is Lost
"Gravity" WINNER
"Inside Llewyn Davis"
"Prisoners"
"12 Years A Slave"

Best Documentary:
"The Act of Killing"
"Blackfish"
"Inequality for All"
"Stories We Tell"
"20 Feet from Stardom" WINNER

Best Foreign Language Film:
"Blue is the Warmest Color"
"The Grandmaster"
"The Hunt" WINNER
"Wadjda"
"The Wind Rises"

Best Original Score:
"Gravity" WINNER
"Her"
"Man of Steel"
"Saving Mr. Banks"
"12 Years a Slave"

Best Original Song:
"I See Fire” from "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
"Let It Go” from "Frozen"
"The Moon Song” from "Her"
"Please Mr. Kennedy" from Inside Llewyn Davis" (Written by Ed Rush, George Cromarty, T Bone Burnett, Justin Timberlake, Joel & Ethan Coen; sung by Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver) WINNER
"Young and Beautiful" from "The Great Gatsby"

----------------------------------------

"Gravity" Goes Nationwide - Again on January 17 2014

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Award-Winning Drama “Gravity” Returning to Wide Release on January 17

The acclaimed Alfonso Cuarón-directed worldwide hit, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, will be on more than 900 screens nationwide 

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following months of overwhelming critical and audience acclaim and numerous year-end awards, Warner Bros. Pictures is bringing Alfonso Cuarón’s cinematic achievement “Gravity” back to big screens nationwide. The film, which stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, will be re-released on more than 900 screens on January 17, 2014, it was announced today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Originally released on October 4, 2013, “Gravity” instantly became a favorite of both critics and audiences. It has since become one of the most honored films of the year, most recently bringing a Golden Globe Award for Best Director to Alfonso Cuarón. The film has also received 11 BAFTA Award nominations and 10 Critics’ Choice Award nominations, both including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress (Bullock)*. It has also won Best Picture awards from several prestigious critics organizations, including the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and has been included on 395 critics’ and critics groups’ top ten lists, as well as being named one of the AFI’s ten best films of the year. It was also announced as the year’s best reviewed film by the website Rotten Tomatoes.

In addition, the talents behind the film have been recognized by their peers, with a Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Cuarón; a Producers Guild of America Award nomination for David Heyman and Cuarón; a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Bullock; a American Society of Cinematographers Award nomination for Emmanuel Lubezki; an Art Directors Guild Award nomination for Andy Nicholson; and an American Cinema Editors’ Eddie Award nomination for Cuarón and Mark Sanger*.

“Gravity” has also been a smash hit at the box office, earning more than $670 million worldwide and counting, with most moviegoers opting to view it in 3D.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We are thrilled by the many accolades for ‘Gravity,’ which have generated renewed word-of-mouth and interest in seeing the film, whether for the first time or to experience it again. We wanted to give audiences everywhere another opportunity to see it the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen.”

Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).

Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers. The behind-the-scenes team included multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” Released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

gravitymovie.com

African-American Film Critics Crown "12 Years a Slave" Best of 2013

by Amos Semien

The African-American Film Critics Association named director Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave the "Best Film" of 2013, with McQueen also receiving the "Best Director" prize.  Many other critics organizations have named Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o of 12 Years a Slave best actor and best supporting actress, respectively.  However, the AAFCA went with two of the cast members of Lee Daniels: The Butler as "Best Actor" (Forest Whitaker) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Oprah Winfrey).  I've included the text of the press release with which the AAFCA announced its 2013 film awards at the bottom of this post.

The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is a group of African-American film critics that give various awards for excellence in film at the end of each year.  The association was founded in 2003 by Gil L. Robertson IV and Shawn Edwards.

2013 African-American Film Critics Association Awards winners:

Best Actor                               Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels: The Butler (TWC)

Best Actress                            Sandra Bullock, Gravity (Warner Bros.)

Best Supporting Actress         Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels: The Butler (TWC)

Best Supporting Actor            Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club (Focus Features)

Best World Cinema                Mother of George (Oscilloscope Laboratories)

Breakout Performance            Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight)

Best Director                           Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight)

Best Screenplay                      John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight)

Best Music                              Raphael Sadiq, Black Nativity (RCA Inspirational)

Best Independent Film           Fruitvale Station (TWC)

Best Animation                       Frozen (Walt Disney Pictures)

Best Documentary                  American Promise (Rada Film Group)

The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2013 are as follows in order of distinction:

1. 12 Years a Slave

2. Lee Daniels: The Butler

3. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

4. American Hustle

5. Gravity

6. Fruitvale Station

7.  Dallas Buyers Club

8. Saving Mr. Banks

9. Out of the Furnace

10. 42


---------------------------------------------------

Press Release:

AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION NAMES 12 YEARS A SLAVE AS TOP FILM OF 2013

Forest Whitaker, Sandra Bullock, Oprah Winfrey and Jared Leto Also Receive Wins from the Nation’s Premiere African American Critics Group

Los Angeles, CA (December 13, 2013) – The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named 12 Years a Slave as the Best Picture of 2013.  The Fox Searchlight film’s also earned Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Newcomer honors for Steve McQueen, John Ridley and Lupita Nyong’o. The organization, which represents the leading African-American film critics nationwide, will formally present its awards during a private ceremony on Friday, January 31, 2014 hosted by Orlando Jones at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, CA.

In the acting categories, Forest Whitaker won Best Actor for his performance in Lee Daniels: The Butler and Sandra Bullock was named Best Actress for Gravity. Oprah Winfrey received Best Supporting Actress 2013 for her role in The Butler and Jared Leto earned Best Supporting Actor 2013 for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club.

Rounding out the 2013 AAFCA Award winners are Fruitvale Station, for Best Independent Film, Frozen Best Animated Feature; Mother of George, for Best World Cinema and American Promise, from Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson.  Producer Raphael Saadiq won in the Best Music category for Black Nativity.

As previously announced, AAFCA’s Special Achievement honors will be awarded to AMPAS President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, TWC’s Bob and Harvey Weinstein, FOX SEARCHLIGHT’s Zola Mashariki and DGA’s President Paris Barclay. AAFCA’s Inaugural Roger Ebert Award will be given to Justin Chang of Variety.  “The film industry reached an incredibly high benchmark in 2013 in terms of the level of performance and diversity on screen,” says AAFCA President and Founder, Gil Robertson. “From the dramatic and heartwarming performances given by Whitaker and Winfrey, to Jared Leto’s incredible transformation as a transgender, the performances this year represented some of the finest examples of the acting craft.”

The organization’s Top Ten list of films includes 12 Years a Slave, Lee Daniels: The Butler, Gravity, American Hustle and Mandela.  “Hollywood did an excellent job in providing filmgoers with excellent examples of cinema that examine the core of the humanity. We hope this trend continues,” says AAFCA’s East Coast V.P. Daryle Lockhart, owner of Black Box Office.com.

About AAFCA
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the premiere organization of African-American film media professionals. Founded in 2003, AAFCA’s members represent a geographically diverse cross-section of media covering the cinematic arts. The organization honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the black experience and those produced written, directed and starring performers of African descent. The association actively reviews the quality and standard of black talent, content and media coverage. AAFCA also supports the development of future black film critics and filmmakers. AAFCA is based in Los Angeles.

END of release

Kansas City Film Critics Choose "12 Years a Slave" 2013's Best Film

by Amos Semien

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle named director Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave the "Best Film" of 2013.  McQueen shared the "Robert Altman Award for Best Director" with Alfonso Cuaron (for the film Gravity).  Cuaron has been a favorite of many critics groups this year.

Founded in 1967, The Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) says that it is the "second oldest professional film critics" association in the United States" (behind the New York Film Critics Circle).  The organization is composed of media film critics in the Kansas City metropolitan area.  The KCFCC’s awards are named for the group’s founder, James Loutzenhiser, who died in November 2001.

On Sunday, December 15th, 2013, the Kansas City Film Critics Circle announced the winners of its 47th annual awards.

2013 Loutzenhiser Awards:

Best Film: 12 Years a Slave

Robert Altman Award for Best Director – Tie: Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity & Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Best Supporting Actor: Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

Best Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze, Her

Best Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave

Best Animated Film – Tie: Despicable Me 2 & Frozen

Best Foreign Film: Blue Is the Warmest Color (France)

Best Documentary: The Act of Killing

Vince Koehler Award for Best Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror Film: Her

http://www.kcfcc.org/

END

Review: "The Heat" is Hot

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 83 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Heat (2013)
Running time:  117 minutes (1 hours, 57 minutes)
MPAA – R pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence
DIRECTOR:  Paul Feig
WRITER:  Katie Dippold
PRODUCERS:  Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Robert Yeoman (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Jay Deuby and Brent White
COMPOSER:  Mike Andrews

COMEDY/CRIME/ACTION

Starring:  Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Demian Bichir, Marlon Wayans, Michael Rapport, Jane Curtin, Spoken Reasons, Dan Bakkedahl, Taran Killam, Michael McDonald, Tom Wilson, Joey McIntyre, Michael Tucci, Bill Burr, and Nathan Corddry

The Heat is a 2013 crime comedy and buddy cop movie directed by Paul Feig.  The film stars Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy as (respectively) an uptight FBI Special Agent and a foul-mouthed Boston cop trying to take down a ruthless drug lord.

FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock) works in the New York FBI field office, where she is very effective and skilled.  She is also arrogant and condescending, which may cost her a promotion.  Her boss, Hale (Demian Bichir), sends her to Boston to investigate a powerful drug kingpin named Larkin that few people have actually seen.  However, Ashburn’s investigation crashes into an ongoing investigation being conducted by Detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) of the Boston Police Department.  Mullins is quite skilled, capable, and streetwise, but she is also crass, foulmouthed, and rebellious.  Ashburn and Mullins are forced to work together, but their clash of personalities threatens to derail both lives and careers.

What can I say?  The Heat is funny.  It is yet another comedy blockbuster starring the still-red-hot Melissa McCarthy.  She is good in this film, but her obnoxious-on-steroids turn as Shannon Mullins works best because she plays off Sandra Bullock’s turn as Ashburn.  Bullock, who practically always plays likable characters, makes even the anal and snobby Ashburn emphatically likable.

The best thing that director Paul Feig, who directed also McCarthy in Bridesmaids, did was just let these two lovable movie stars and talented actresses do what they do.  The result, of course, is fast food film product that goes does quick and easy like a “Big Mac” when you’re hungry.  Feig even gives some supporting actors a chance to shine.  As Levy, Marlon Wayans quietly shows that he can easily and convincingly perform a role that is nothing more than a generic white guy whose sole purpose is to assist the lead characters.  This simple part proves that Wayans can perform just about any role.

Somewhere in the middle of this film, I thought that it seemed familiar.  Then, I realized that The Heat is a 21st century, gender roles-reversed, version of producer Joel Silver’s 1980s and 1990s film franchise, Lethal Weapon.  I would indeed like The Heat to become a franchise.  In fact, The Heat could be the perfect replacement for Lethal Weapon.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, December 07, 2013

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Alliance of Women Film Journalists Chooses "12 Years a Slave"

by Amos Semien

The Alliance of Women Film Journalists, Inc. (AWFJ) present the annual EDA Awards “in recognition of outstanding accomplishments (the best and worst) by and about women in the movies.”

The AWFJ named director Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave the "Best Film" of 2013, for which McQueen also won "Best Director."  On the "women only" side of the awards, Nicole Holofcener won for directing and writing her film, Enough Said.

2013 EDA Award Winners
[ Statement from the AWFJ:  With sincerest appreciation for all the great work that’s been done in film this year, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 EDA Awards. Congrats to all!]

AWFJ EDA ‘BEST OF’ AWARDS

Best Film
•12 Years a Slave

Best Director (Female or Male)
•Steve McQueen - 12 Years a Slave

Best Screenplay, Original
•Her – Spike Jonze

Best Screenplay, Adapted
•John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave

Best Documentary
•Stories We Tell – Sarah Polley

Best Animated Film
•The Wind Rises - Hayao Miyazaki

Best Actress
•Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
•Lupita Nyong’o - 12 Years a Slave

Best Actor
•Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
•Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club

Best Ensemble Cast
•American Hustle

Best Editing
•Gravity - Alfonso Cuaron and Mark Sanger

Best Cinematography
•Gravity - Emmanuel Lubezki

Best Film Music Or Score
•Inside Llewyn Davis – T-Bone Burnett

Best Non-English-Language Film
•The Hunt – Thomas Vinterberg – Denmark

EDA FEMALE FOCUS AWARDS – These awards honor WOMEN only.

Best Woman Director
•Nicole Holofcener - Enough Said

Best Woman Screenwriter
•Nicole Holofcener - Enough Said

Kick Ass Award For Best Female Action Star
•Sandra Bullock – Gravity

Best Animated Female
•Anna (Kristen Bell) in Frozen

Best Breakthrough Performance
•Lupita Nyong’o - 12 Years A Slave

Actress Defying Age and Ageism
•Sandra Bullock – Gravity

AWFJ EDA Female Icon Award – (Presented to an actress for the portrayal of the most positive female role model, or for a role in which she takes personal and/or career risks to plumb the female psyche and therefore gives us courage to plumb our own, and/or for putting forth the image of a woman who is heroic, accomplished, persistent, demands her rights and/or the rights of others.)
•Angelina Jolie for continued commitments to humanitarian causes, and for promoting awareness about breast cancer.

This Year’s Outstanding Achievement By A Woman In The Film Industry – (Presented only when warranted to a female who has had a banner-making, record-breaking, industry-changing achievement during any given year.)
•Haaifa Al-Mansour for challenging the limitations placed on women within her culture by making the film Wadjda.

EDA SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS

AWFJ Hall Of Shame Award
•The Counselor – Ridley Scott

Actress Most in Need Of A New Agent
•Cameron Diaz for The Counselor

Movie You Wanted To Love But Just Couldn’t Award
•The Counselor

Unforgettable Moment Award
•12 Years A Slave – Solomon Northrup hanging

Best Depiction Of Nudity, Sexuality, or Seduction Award
•Her - Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix for their digital lovemaking.

Sequel or Remake That Shouldn’t Have Been Made Award (Tie)
•Carrie
•Oz, Great and Powerful

Most Egregious Age Difference Between The Leading Man and The Love Interest Award
•Last Vegas – Michael Douglas and Bre Blair

END

Sandra Bullock Among Stars to Appear at 2014 People's Choice Awards

Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, Sandra Bullock, Ellen DeGeneres, LL COOL J, Josh Holloway and Many More to Attend PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS 2014

People’s Choice Awards To Air Live on CBS Wednesday, January 8, 2014

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, Sandra Bullock, Kaley Cuoco, Ellen DeGeneres, Emily Deschanel, Roma Downey, Marg Helgenberger, Josh Holloway, LL COOL J, Chris O’Donnell, Michael Weatherly and many more are scheduled to attend PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS 2014, to be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 8 (9:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, hosted by Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls).

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2014, which is Executive Produced by Mark Burnett and Jane Mun, will feature performances of the Grammy-nominated song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and the chart-topping single “Counting Stars” from OneRepublic. The live show will also feature comedy pre-tapes starring the host and a series of special guests. All PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2014 winners will receive a Waterford Crystal trophy, individually handcrafted in Ireland by Waterford, the official trophy designer and manufacturer of the People’s Choice Awards.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2014 winners, nominees and categories are determined by the fans who thus far, have logged a record-breaking half a billion votes. The categories of “Favorite New TV Comedy,” “Favorite New TV Drama,” and “Favorite Music Fan Following” remain open for voting at http://www.PeoplesChoice.com/pca/vote/ until show night.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S CHOICE
Now in its 40th year, the People’s Choice Awards continues to be the only major awards show voted on entirely by the public for fan favorites in music, movies and television. The People’s Choice official website at www.PeoplesChoice.com houses the voting platform where fans determine the categories, nominees and winners for the annual awards show. Every year, potential nominees are determined by national ratings averages, box-office grosses, music sales, social media presence and PeoplesChoice.com data, then vetted through EPoll Market Research. Fred Nelson is the President of People’s Choice, Mark Burnett and Jane Mun are the Executive Producers and the awards show is produced by Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. [NYSE:PG].

CHEAT TWEET: Tune in to CBS on Jan 8 to see @jessicaalba @xtina @TheEllenShow @LLCoolJ and more! #PeoplesChoice

Website: http://www.PeoplesChoice.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/peopleschoice

People’s Choice Awards Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeoplesChoice

Twitter: @peopleschoice

Instagram: @peopleschoice

"Gravity" Now Past $500 Million in Worldwide Box Office

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” Soars over $500 Million Worldwide

Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed worldwide hit, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, continues to break box office records. 

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reaching another astronomical milestone, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” crossed $500 million at the worldwide box office on Saturday, November 16, 2013. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Gravity” has earned an astounding $240.6 million domestically and $274.3 million internationally, for an estimated worldwide total to date of $515 million, and still climbing. From the start, the film has enjoyed record-breaking domestic and international openings, most recently in the UK. It is now the highest-grossing movie ever (worldwide) for its Oscar®-winning stars, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

Box office results for IMAX® are also very strong, with an estimated $47.1 million domestically, and $24.2 million in 42 overseas markets, for a global total to date of $71.3 million.

In addition, 3D continues to be the format of choice for the vast majority of moviegoers who want to experience the story in the most immersive way possible. The 3D sales represent 81% of the box office domestically and have grown to 80% internationally.

The half-billion mark comes as “Gravity” prepares for two more major openings: in China on November 19, followed by Japan on December 13.

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “This is an outstanding achievement for Alfonso, Sandy and George, and the film’s extraordinary team of innovative artists. We congratulate all of those who brought to life a film that is not only creatively groundbreaking but also beloved by both critics and audiences worldwide.”

Kwan Vandenberg stated, “We are delighted that moviegoers everywhere have embraced 'Gravity' and made it into a global, cinematic event. With anticipation really high for the China and Japan openings, we are expecting even stronger international returns in the coming weeks.”

Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).

Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left.

But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes team includes multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” The film is being released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

gravitymovie.com

"Gravity" Still Soaring High in Worldwide Box Office

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” Rockets Past $300 Million Worldwide

Number one weekends and record-breaking international openings continue to fuel the acclaimed worldwide hit, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney under the direction of Alfonso Cuarón.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Showing no signs of coming back to Earth, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” flew past the $300 million mark on Wednesday, October 23, less than three weeks after its record-breaking opening. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

“We all congratulate the filmmakers and the cast on the world’s overwhelming response to ‘Gravity.’ The film’s success speaks not only to the awe-inspiring visuals but also to the universal appeal of the story’s emotional journey, a combination that continues to captivate audiences everywhere.”

One of the best reviewed movies of this or any year, the Alfonso Cuarón-directed dramatic thriller has topped the box office for three consecutive weekends in North America as well as internationally, holding the number one spot in every major market in which it has opened.

Strong word of mouth has made “Gravity” a must-see film that audiences and critics all agree is best experienced in 3D. Moviegoers around the globe have flocked in record numbers to see the film in the immersive 3D format, which has proven to be the overwhelming preference worldwide. 3D sales represent an astounding 81% of the total gross domestically and 77% internationally. IMAX numbers are equally impressive, with an estimated $40 million domestically, and more than $12 million in 32 overseas markets.

Internationally, the film has enjoyed stellar openings in a number of key territories, including Cuarón’s native Mexico, as well as Germany, Russia, Spain, Italy and Korea. “Gravity” is also yet to open in several major markets, including France (today), the UK (November 8th), Japan (December 13th) and, as just announced, China, where it will be released on November 20th.

Fellman stated, “Alfonso Cuarón, together with his collaborators on both sides of the camera, crafted a magnificent film that is a creative and technological feat. These terrific box office numbers are exceeding expectations every day as more and more people discover ‘Gravity’ for the first time or return to enjoy it again and again.”

Kwan Vandenberg said, “We all congratulate the filmmakers and the cast on the world’s overwhelming response to ‘Gravity.’ The film’s success speaks not only to the awe-inspiring visuals but also to the universal appeal of the story’s emotional journey, a combination that continues to captivate audiences everywhere.”

Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).

Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left.

But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes team includes multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” The film is being released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

gravitymovie.com

"Gravity" Soars Past $100 Mil in Worldwide Box Office

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” Has Fast Climb to $100 Million Worldwide

Alfonso Cuarón’s dramatic thriller, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, soars with critics and audiences around the world

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Only five days after its record-breaking launch, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Gravity” has flown past $100 million at the worldwide box office. The film has earned an estimated $68.5 million domestically and $35.8 internationally for a global total to date of $104.3 million. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Following weeks of enthusiastic critical acclaim and huge anticipation from moviegoers, the Alfonso Cuarón-directed dramatic thriller exceeded all expectations on its opening weekend. Taking in $55.8 million domestically, “Gravity” broke a number of box office records, including those for the biggest October opening for any film, the largest IMAX opening in October ($11.8 million), and the highest opening weekend ever for stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We are all thrilled by this start—from the tremendous critical acclaim to the fantastic response from audiences. Alfonso Cuarón and his brilliant collaborators crafted a groundbreaking film that succeeds on every level, both creatively and commercially. Word of mouth has been amazing and we expect it only to grow, keeping ‘Gravity’ strong at the box office in the weeks and months ahead.”

Kwan Vandenberg noted, “‘Gravity’ is a riveting and relatable human drama that has struck a chord with moviegoers in countries around the globe. We are excited by these numbers and know this is just the beginning, with much-anticipated openings coming up in major markets such as the UK, France, Japan, Korea, Brazil and Mexico.”

Sue Kroll, Warner Bros. Pictures President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, said, “The buzz on ‘Gravity’ began building when we unveiled the film at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals. Critical raves and screening audience reactions reinforced what we already knew—that the combination of thrilling drama, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances made this a film that had to be experienced on the big screen.” President of Worldwide Production Greg Silverman added, “Sue and I join everyone at Warner Bros. in congratulating Alfonso Cuarón, producer David Heyman, screenwriter Jonás Cuarón, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, and all the other talented artists who worked to make ‘Gravity’ an unequivocal cinematic achievement.”

Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”) and George Clooney (“Syriana”) star in “Gravity,” a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space. The film was directed by Oscar® nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).

Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney) in command. But on a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalski completely alone—tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left.

But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

“Gravity” was written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films). Chris deFaria, Nikki Penny and Stephen Jones served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes team includes multiple Oscar®-nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children of Men,” “The New World”); production designer Andy Nicholson (art director “Alice in Wonderland”); editors Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger (VFX editor “Children of Men”); and costume designer Jany Temime (the “Harry Potter” films). The visual effects were handled by Oscar®-nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”). The music was composed by Steven Price (“Attack the Block”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Esperanto Filmoj/Heyday Films Production, an Alfonso Cuarón Film, “Gravity.” The film will be released in 3D and 2D and IMAX®, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company. This film has been rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

gravitymovie.com

3D Society Celebrates Box Office Success of "Gravity"

‘Gravity’ Breaks 3D Box Office Records

Next up: ‘The Hobbit,’ ‘Frozen,’ ’47 Ronin’ and ‘Thor,’ According to The International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. hit 3D movie ‘Gravity’ broke several records this weekend, as millions of movie fans flooded 3D cinemas worldwide. It is the first of five major studio 3D movies scheduled for 4th quarter, according to the International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society.

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, ‘Gravity’ generated more than $80 million dollars in worldwide box office revenues this weekend. The movie set the record for having the biggest weekend ever for a movie released in October, according to the Society.

Fans flooded 3D theaters to see the movie; 80% of US revenues were for 3D tickets, 70% internationally. These figures exceeded ‘Avatar,’ which generated 72% of its revenues in 3D, and ‘Life of Pi,’ which generated 68%.

“’Gravity’ was brilliantly conceived, written, produced and marketed for 3D, and the critics and fans have been absolutely thrilled. It’s a movie people want to see in 3D,” said Society President, Jim Chabin. “With nine of the top ten movies this year being 3D titles and an incredible lineup scheduled for 4th quarter, 3D continues to be key to box office success this year,” he added.

3D movies scheduled for November include Marvel’s ‘Thor: The Dark World.’ The first edition of the ‘Thor’ franchise in 2011 generated over $449 million dollars in worldwide box office revenues. Walt Disney Pictures’ highly anticipated animated feature ‘Frozen’ debuts on November 27, and director Peter Jackson’s second installment of ‘The Hobbit’ franchise, ‘The Desolation of Smaug,’ hits screens in December. Last year’s ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ generated more than $1 billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales. ‘47 Ronin,’ starring Keanu Reeves, is also scheduled for December release.

“There are more than seventy 3D movies in the pipeline for 2014-15,” added Chabin. “3D technology is advancing rapidly and movie makers are becoming bolder. And as we’ve seen with ‘Gravity,’ the 3D art form has never been more powerful -- consumers love great 3D.”

About The International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society:
The International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society is a community of content creators and professionals whose mission is to develop the arts and technologies of 3D, advanced imaging and its innovators. With over 60 companies and 800 professional members in 20 countries, the Society is open to individuals and organizations active in moving 3D and advanced imaging to an exciting new era of creative achievement and consumer support. For more information please visit: www.International3DSociety.com.