Welcome to April 2020. Welcome to Negromancer 2.0. This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 22nd to 31st, 2020 - Update #32
by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
Support Leroy on Patreon:
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 and Hollywood and Beyond:
From YahooNews: Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.
From Deadline: The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.
From TheNewYorker: The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.
From YahooSports: The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been moved to 2021 due to COVID-19 and will take place form July 23, 2021 to August 8, 2021
From Variety: Grammy Award-winner and country music recording artist, Joe Diffe, has died of COVID-19-related complications. Diffe was known for his string of 1990s country song hits, including "Pickup Man" and "John Deere Green." Diffe was 61.
From CBSNews: CBS has announced that former CBS executive and journalist, Maria Mercader, has died of COVID-related complications.
From YahooSports: Former NFL wide receiver (Denver Broncos) and collegiate football and track and field star (LSU), Orlando McDaniel, has died of COVID-19.
From NYDailyNews: The Fox Business News network has parted ways with Trish Regan, host of "Trish Regan Primetime." Regan was one reportedly one of Fox's most aggressive coronavirus conspiracy theorists.
From YahooNews: The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for COVID-19.
From TheDailyBeast: Iconic rapper, Scarface, of the iconic rap group, "Geto Boys," says that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
From YahooEntertainment: Veteran character actor, Mark Blum (the TV series "You"), has died at the age of 69 from complications of COVID-19.
From YahooEntertainment: Josh Wallwork, a 45-year-old crew member on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," has died from COVID-19-related complications.
From YahooNews: Britain's Prince Charles has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
From YahooSports: Pro basketball player, Karl-Anthony Towns (the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves) has revealed that his mother has been placed in a medically induced coma because of "lung problems" due to COVID-19.
From Deadline: Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died of complications due to COVID-19.
From Variety: David Bryan, the keyboardist for and founding member of the Grammy-winning rock band, "Bon Jovi," has tested positive for COVID-19. Bryan is also a Tony Award-winning composer for his work on the musical, "Memphis" (2003).
From BleacherReport: Thursday morning (March 19th), NFL coach, Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints, told ESPN that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He gave NBC Sports' Peter King an update on his condition.
From NiagaraGazette: Oscar-winning film producer and newly minted convict, Harvey Weinstein, is one of two prisoners at Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York state who has tested positive COVID-19.
From THR: Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo has said that he has tested positive for COVID-16.
From YahooNews: Senator Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, becomes the first known U.S. senator to test positive for COVID-19.
MOVIE NEWS:
From Deadline: MGM is all over the film rights to the science fiction novel, "The Hail Mary," from author Andy Weir ("The Martian"). Ryan Gosling is set to star in and produce the film.
From Variety: Sony will give its recent smash hit, "Bad Boys for Life," an early digital release, March 31st, with a Blu-ray/DVD release of April 21st.
From Variety: Woody Allen's memoir, "Apropos of Nothing," was released today (Monday, March 23rd) by a new publisher, Arcade Publishing, with little fanfare. The books previous publisher, Hachette Book Group, after some of its employees staged a walkout.
TELEVISION NEWS:
From Deadline: The U.S. Supreme Court sides with Comcast over Byron Allen in Allen's lawsuit against the cable gaint. In a unanimous decision, the court send the case back to a lower court where Allen must prove "but for." According to the courts ruling, “a plaintiff must initially plead and ultimately prove that, but for race, it would not have suffered the loss of a legally protected right.”
STREAMING NEWS:
From Variety: Netflix and director Ava DuVernay have won a dismissal of a defamation lawsuit brought against them over their "Central Park Five" TV series, "When They See Us."
From YahooEntertainment: Oscar-nominated actor Jonah Hill says that no one has seen his best performance ever, in a film entitled "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot."
OBITS:
From NBCNews: Civil Rights icon and leader, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, has died at the age of 98, Friday, March 27, 2020. Lowery founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Dr. Martin Luther King. A dean of the Civil Rights movement, Rev. Lowery delivered the benediction at the President Barack Obama's inaugaration in 2009, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama later that same year.
From SoapOperaDigest: The soap opera actor, John Callahan, has died at the age of 66, Saturday, March 28, 2020. He appeared in several daytime soaps, but is best known for the role of "Edmund Grey" on "All My Children" (ABC) from 1992 to 2005
From THR: Harlem Globetrotters legend, Fred "Curly" Neal, has died at the age of 77, Thursday, March 26, 2020. Neal, known as a wizard of dribbling the basketball, was a member of the Globetrotters during their "golden age" in the 1970s and 1980s. With the Globetrotters, Neal appeared on several TV series. Curly was animated character in two Globetrotter Saturday morning cartoon series, as well as appearing on three episodes of animated "The New Scooby-Doo Movies."
From Variety: Writer-director, Stuart Gordon, has died at the age of 72, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Gordon's best known films were "Re-Animator" (1985) and "From Beyond" (1985), which were both adapted from stories by the great horror writer, H.P. Lovecraft. Gordon was one of the creators of Disney's "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" franchise, and he was also a writer and director of live theatre.
From THR: Playwright Terrence McNally has died at the age of 81, March 24, 2020. McNally won four Tony Awards and also a Tony Lifetime Achievement Award. He is known for writing plays such as "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune" (1982), "Love! Valour! Compassion!" (1994), and "Master Class" (1995). His work in musical theatre includes "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1992) and "Ragtime" (1996).
From Variety: The singer and musician, Eric Weissberg, has died at the age of 80, Sunday, March 22, 2020. Weissberg was best known as a banjo player, and his most commercially successful recording was his banjo solo in "Dueling Banjos," which was used as the theme of the infamous 1972 film, "Deliverance."
From CNN: Pop and country music singer and actor, Kenny Rogers, has died at the age of 81, Friday, March 20, 2020. He was one of the best-selling recording artists and his career spanned several genres. Hew was a three-time Grammy Award winner and had numerous hits, including his signature song, "The Gambler" (1978). The song inspired a series of hit films starring Rogers, beginning with 1980s' "Kenny Rogers as The Gambler."
From RollingStone: Rob Sheffield lists what he thinks are the late Kenny Rogers' best moments, with video links included.
Support Leroy on Patreon:
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 and Hollywood and Beyond:
From YahooNews: Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.
From Deadline: The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.
From TheNewYorker: The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.
From YahooSports: The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been moved to 2021 due to COVID-19 and will take place form July 23, 2021 to August 8, 2021
From Variety: Grammy Award-winner and country music recording artist, Joe Diffe, has died of COVID-19-related complications. Diffe was known for his string of 1990s country song hits, including "Pickup Man" and "John Deere Green." Diffe was 61.
From CBSNews: CBS has announced that former CBS executive and journalist, Maria Mercader, has died of COVID-related complications.
From YahooSports: Former NFL wide receiver (Denver Broncos) and collegiate football and track and field star (LSU), Orlando McDaniel, has died of COVID-19.
From NYDailyNews: The Fox Business News network has parted ways with Trish Regan, host of "Trish Regan Primetime." Regan was one reportedly one of Fox's most aggressive coronavirus conspiracy theorists.
From YahooNews: The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has tested positive for COVID-19.
From TheDailyBeast: Iconic rapper, Scarface, of the iconic rap group, "Geto Boys," says that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
From YahooEntertainment: Veteran character actor, Mark Blum (the TV series "You"), has died at the age of 69 from complications of COVID-19.
From YahooEntertainment: Josh Wallwork, a 45-year-old crew member on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," has died from COVID-19-related complications.
From YahooNews: Britain's Prince Charles has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
From YahooSports: Pro basketball player, Karl-Anthony Towns (the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves) has revealed that his mother has been placed in a medically induced coma because of "lung problems" due to COVID-19.
From Deadline: Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died of complications due to COVID-19.
From Variety: David Bryan, the keyboardist for and founding member of the Grammy-winning rock band, "Bon Jovi," has tested positive for COVID-19. Bryan is also a Tony Award-winning composer for his work on the musical, "Memphis" (2003).
From BleacherReport: Thursday morning (March 19th), NFL coach, Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints, told ESPN that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He gave NBC Sports' Peter King an update on his condition.
From NiagaraGazette: Oscar-winning film producer and newly minted convict, Harvey Weinstein, is one of two prisoners at Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York state who has tested positive COVID-19.
From THR: Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo has said that he has tested positive for COVID-16.
From YahooNews: Senator Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, becomes the first known U.S. senator to test positive for COVID-19.
MOVIE NEWS:
From Deadline: MGM is all over the film rights to the science fiction novel, "The Hail Mary," from author Andy Weir ("The Martian"). Ryan Gosling is set to star in and produce the film.
From Variety: Sony will give its recent smash hit, "Bad Boys for Life," an early digital release, March 31st, with a Blu-ray/DVD release of April 21st.
From Variety: Woody Allen's memoir, "Apropos of Nothing," was released today (Monday, March 23rd) by a new publisher, Arcade Publishing, with little fanfare. The books previous publisher, Hachette Book Group, after some of its employees staged a walkout.
TELEVISION NEWS:
From Deadline: The U.S. Supreme Court sides with Comcast over Byron Allen in Allen's lawsuit against the cable gaint. In a unanimous decision, the court send the case back to a lower court where Allen must prove "but for." According to the courts ruling, “a plaintiff must initially plead and ultimately prove that, but for race, it would not have suffered the loss of a legally protected right.”
STREAMING NEWS:
From Variety: Netflix and director Ava DuVernay have won a dismissal of a defamation lawsuit brought against them over their "Central Park Five" TV series, "When They See Us."
From YahooEntertainment: Oscar-nominated actor Jonah Hill says that no one has seen his best performance ever, in a film entitled "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot."
OBITS:
From NBCNews: Civil Rights icon and leader, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, has died at the age of 98, Friday, March 27, 2020. Lowery founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Dr. Martin Luther King. A dean of the Civil Rights movement, Rev. Lowery delivered the benediction at the President Barack Obama's inaugaration in 2009, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama later that same year.
From SoapOperaDigest: The soap opera actor, John Callahan, has died at the age of 66, Saturday, March 28, 2020. He appeared in several daytime soaps, but is best known for the role of "Edmund Grey" on "All My Children" (ABC) from 1992 to 2005
From THR: Harlem Globetrotters legend, Fred "Curly" Neal, has died at the age of 77, Thursday, March 26, 2020. Neal, known as a wizard of dribbling the basketball, was a member of the Globetrotters during their "golden age" in the 1970s and 1980s. With the Globetrotters, Neal appeared on several TV series. Curly was animated character in two Globetrotter Saturday morning cartoon series, as well as appearing on three episodes of animated "The New Scooby-Doo Movies."
From Variety: Writer-director, Stuart Gordon, has died at the age of 72, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Gordon's best known films were "Re-Animator" (1985) and "From Beyond" (1985), which were both adapted from stories by the great horror writer, H.P. Lovecraft. Gordon was one of the creators of Disney's "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" franchise, and he was also a writer and director of live theatre.
From THR: Playwright Terrence McNally has died at the age of 81, March 24, 2020. McNally won four Tony Awards and also a Tony Lifetime Achievement Award. He is known for writing plays such as "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune" (1982), "Love! Valour! Compassion!" (1994), and "Master Class" (1995). His work in musical theatre includes "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1992) and "Ragtime" (1996).
From Variety: The singer and musician, Eric Weissberg, has died at the age of 80, Sunday, March 22, 2020. Weissberg was best known as a banjo player, and his most commercially successful recording was his banjo solo in "Dueling Banjos," which was used as the theme of the infamous 1972 film, "Deliverance."
From CNN: Pop and country music singer and actor, Kenny Rogers, has died at the age of 81, Friday, March 20, 2020. He was one of the best-selling recording artists and his career spanned several genres. Hew was a three-time Grammy Award winner and had numerous hits, including his signature song, "The Gambler" (1978). The song inspired a series of hit films starring Rogers, beginning with 1980s' "Kenny Rogers as The Gambler."
From RollingStone: Rob Sheffield lists what he thinks are the late Kenny Rogers' best moments, with video links included.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
New Film Studio, Camel Rock Studios, Opens in New Mexico
First Film Studio in Hollywood History Founded by Native American Tribe Unveiled
Innovative New Camel Rock Studios Delivers Confluence of Cultures
SANTA FE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first movie studio owned by a Native American tribe in the history of Hollywood is set to open its gates in the soft, reddish-brown foothills of New Mexico’s majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and will be targeting the rapidly increasing production of movies, television and mobile entertainment platforms throughout the world.
“It’s a bit of a back-to-the-future facility”
The storied Tesuque Pueblo’s Camel Rock Studios backlot movie ranch will initially include standing sets, panoramic vistas and planned shooting stages unparalleled in the world. “It’s a bit of a back-to-the-future facility,” said Timothy J. Brown, president and CEO, Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation. “Camel Rock was conceived to follow the tradition of the historic Hollywood studios—like Warner Bros. and Paramount—with their off-site film ranches.” Though the legendary Warner Ranch, nestled in the San Fernando Valley after WWII, is now the site of a giant mall and a Costco, and the Paramount Movie Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains is now federal parkland, the need for such facilities has never been stronger.
Camel Rock Studios is not your typical purpose-built urban sound stage. To meet the growing demand, the remarkable new production facility is a confluence of cultures, capturing the magic of film and television production, the mystique of Santa Fe, and the centuries-old Native American culture—delivering an environmentally conscious and restorative environment for production.
Tesuque Pueblo has initiated a unique approach to film and television production that has major Hollywood studios taking notice … offering community support that provides tribal knowledge of northern New Mexico. “It’s certainly an important milestone for our pueblo to launch the first studio of its kind. The pueblo has a storied history of movies shot on location at Camel Rock and represents a wonderful opportunity for the Hollywood community to share in the benefits of one of the most amazing places on Earth, featuring a studio nestled in terrain of mythical seminal beauty in the heart of Pueblo country," said Pueblo of Tesuque Governor Robert Mora, Sr.
With the support of New Mexico and the Santa Fe Film Office, Tesuque Pueblo has reimagined a former casino into a vibrant production space. The 75,000-square-foot multi-use production facility and film studio features standing sets, along with 100 acres of breathtaking open space on the pueblo. The appeal of the studio is its diverse landscape that mimics locales around the world. Additionally, the pueblo serves as a gateway to northern New Mexico, with access to iconic locations including Ghost Ranch, Taos and El Santuario de Chimayo.
New Mexico has emerged as a rich and expansive resource for worldwide film and television production, and the studio’s diverse locations and production assets are expected to play an invaluable role in meeting the rising demand from Hollywood producers.
The movie ranch soft-opened in 2019 with a major feature film from Universal Pictures starring Tom Hanks: “News of the World,” based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles and directed by Paul Greengrass (The “Bourne” films). The film will arrive in theaters this Christmas. Producer Gregory Goodman said, “We recently wrapped our first major production at Camel Rock Studios and couldn’t have been more pleased with our experience. The studio anticipated and met all of our needs, and their attention to detail made for a seamless production. We certainly intend to bring more films to Camel Rock in the future.”
Native American Chris Eyre, an internationally recognized film and television director and producer whose work has been awarded with a Peabody, Emmy and Sundance Audience Award, is a Camel Rock Studios advisor. “In the past, Native Americans have been misrepresented and marginalized both in front of and behind the camera,” said Eyre. “In 2020 the Tesuque tribe of New Mexico is changing this narrative, and I am honored to be part of this groundbreaking new endeavor.”
Cherokee American actor, film producer and Oscar honoree Wes Studi, critically acclaimed for his work in Academy Award-winning films “Dances with Wolves” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” shared his support for Camel Rock. “Tesuque Tribe’s production facility has already proven itself with the film ‘News of the World.’ They are a great new addition to the film and television world of New Mexico,” he said.
The early success of Camel Rock has positioned the studio for future development; and in the coming years the facility is expected to include a studio backlot, new sound stages, a production facility and wide-ranging production services. “We have an aggressive five-year plan to expand our business and our footprint,” said Brown. “As we grow our studio, we are striving to make this a comprehensive production facility that will support global productions across multiple platforms, including film and television, digital streaming, music, and gaming.”
For additional information, visit camelrockstudios.com.
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Innovative New Camel Rock Studios Delivers Confluence of Cultures
SANTA FE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The first movie studio owned by a Native American tribe in the history of Hollywood is set to open its gates in the soft, reddish-brown foothills of New Mexico’s majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and will be targeting the rapidly increasing production of movies, television and mobile entertainment platforms throughout the world.
“It’s a bit of a back-to-the-future facility”
The storied Tesuque Pueblo’s Camel Rock Studios backlot movie ranch will initially include standing sets, panoramic vistas and planned shooting stages unparalleled in the world. “It’s a bit of a back-to-the-future facility,” said Timothy J. Brown, president and CEO, Pueblo of Tesuque Development Corporation. “Camel Rock was conceived to follow the tradition of the historic Hollywood studios—like Warner Bros. and Paramount—with their off-site film ranches.” Though the legendary Warner Ranch, nestled in the San Fernando Valley after WWII, is now the site of a giant mall and a Costco, and the Paramount Movie Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains is now federal parkland, the need for such facilities has never been stronger.
Camel Rock Studios is not your typical purpose-built urban sound stage. To meet the growing demand, the remarkable new production facility is a confluence of cultures, capturing the magic of film and television production, the mystique of Santa Fe, and the centuries-old Native American culture—delivering an environmentally conscious and restorative environment for production.
Tesuque Pueblo has initiated a unique approach to film and television production that has major Hollywood studios taking notice … offering community support that provides tribal knowledge of northern New Mexico. “It’s certainly an important milestone for our pueblo to launch the first studio of its kind. The pueblo has a storied history of movies shot on location at Camel Rock and represents a wonderful opportunity for the Hollywood community to share in the benefits of one of the most amazing places on Earth, featuring a studio nestled in terrain of mythical seminal beauty in the heart of Pueblo country," said Pueblo of Tesuque Governor Robert Mora, Sr.
With the support of New Mexico and the Santa Fe Film Office, Tesuque Pueblo has reimagined a former casino into a vibrant production space. The 75,000-square-foot multi-use production facility and film studio features standing sets, along with 100 acres of breathtaking open space on the pueblo. The appeal of the studio is its diverse landscape that mimics locales around the world. Additionally, the pueblo serves as a gateway to northern New Mexico, with access to iconic locations including Ghost Ranch, Taos and El Santuario de Chimayo.
New Mexico has emerged as a rich and expansive resource for worldwide film and television production, and the studio’s diverse locations and production assets are expected to play an invaluable role in meeting the rising demand from Hollywood producers.
The movie ranch soft-opened in 2019 with a major feature film from Universal Pictures starring Tom Hanks: “News of the World,” based on the best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles and directed by Paul Greengrass (The “Bourne” films). The film will arrive in theaters this Christmas. Producer Gregory Goodman said, “We recently wrapped our first major production at Camel Rock Studios and couldn’t have been more pleased with our experience. The studio anticipated and met all of our needs, and their attention to detail made for a seamless production. We certainly intend to bring more films to Camel Rock in the future.”
Native American Chris Eyre, an internationally recognized film and television director and producer whose work has been awarded with a Peabody, Emmy and Sundance Audience Award, is a Camel Rock Studios advisor. “In the past, Native Americans have been misrepresented and marginalized both in front of and behind the camera,” said Eyre. “In 2020 the Tesuque tribe of New Mexico is changing this narrative, and I am honored to be part of this groundbreaking new endeavor.”
Cherokee American actor, film producer and Oscar honoree Wes Studi, critically acclaimed for his work in Academy Award-winning films “Dances with Wolves” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” shared his support for Camel Rock. “Tesuque Tribe’s production facility has already proven itself with the film ‘News of the World.’ They are a great new addition to the film and television world of New Mexico,” he said.
The early success of Camel Rock has positioned the studio for future development; and in the coming years the facility is expected to include a studio backlot, new sound stages, a production facility and wide-ranging production services. “We have an aggressive five-year plan to expand our business and our footprint,” said Brown. “As we grow our studio, we are striving to make this a comprehensive production facility that will support global productions across multiple platforms, including film and television, digital streaming, music, and gaming.”
For additional information, visit camelrockstudios.com.
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Thursday, March 26, 2020
Recent Release, "Bloodshot," Now Available on Digital
Columbia Pictures’ Bloodshot To Be Available For Digital Purchase Starting March 24
CULVER CITY, CA — Given unprecedented theater closures nationwide, Columbia Pictures has set the sale date of Bloodshot on EST (electronic sell through) for March 24, 2020. The Valiant comic-book property will be available for digital purchase for a suggested retail price of $19.99 in the U.S. with all leading digital retailers. International digital sale dates will be solidified in the days ahead with territory-specific COVID-19 impact considerations.
“Sony Pictures is firmly committed to theatrical exhibition and we support windowing,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. “This is a unique and exceedingly rare circumstance where theaters have been required to close nationwide for the greater good and Bloodshot is abruptly unavailable in any medium. Audiences will now have the chance to own Bloodshot right away and see it at home, where we are all spending more time. We are confident that -- like other businesses hit hard by the virus -- movie theaters will bounce back strongly, and we will be there to support them.”
Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation. With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.
Bloodshot is presented by Columbia Pictures in association with Bona Film Group Co., Ltd. and Annabell Pictures & The Hideaway Entertainment. Directed by David S. F. Wilson. Screenplay by Jeff Wadlow and Eric Heisserer. Story by Jeff Wadlow. Based on The Valiant Comic Book. Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani and Vin Diesel. Executive Producers are Dan Mintz, Louis G. Friedman, YU Dong, Jeffrey Chan, Rita LeBlanc, Buddy Patrick and Matthew Vaughn. The film stars Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell and Guy Pearce.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.
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CULVER CITY, CA — Given unprecedented theater closures nationwide, Columbia Pictures has set the sale date of Bloodshot on EST (electronic sell through) for March 24, 2020. The Valiant comic-book property will be available for digital purchase for a suggested retail price of $19.99 in the U.S. with all leading digital retailers. International digital sale dates will be solidified in the days ahead with territory-specific COVID-19 impact considerations.
“Sony Pictures is firmly committed to theatrical exhibition and we support windowing,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. “This is a unique and exceedingly rare circumstance where theaters have been required to close nationwide for the greater good and Bloodshot is abruptly unavailable in any medium. Audiences will now have the chance to own Bloodshot right away and see it at home, where we are all spending more time. We are confident that -- like other businesses hit hard by the virus -- movie theaters will bounce back strongly, and we will be there to support them.”
Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation. With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.
Bloodshot is presented by Columbia Pictures in association with Bona Film Group Co., Ltd. and Annabell Pictures & The Hideaway Entertainment. Directed by David S. F. Wilson. Screenplay by Jeff Wadlow and Eric Heisserer. Story by Jeff Wadlow. Based on The Valiant Comic Book. Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani and Vin Diesel. Executive Producers are Dan Mintz, Louis G. Friedman, YU Dong, Jeffrey Chan, Rita LeBlanc, Buddy Patrick and Matthew Vaughn. The film stars Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell and Guy Pearce.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Review: "Birds of Prey" is Crazy, Sexy, Tarantino
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Birds of Prey (2020)
Running time: 109 minutes (1 hour, 49 minutes)
MPAA – R strong violence and language throughout, and some sexual and drug material
DIRECTOR: Cathy Yan
WRITER: Christina Hodson (based on characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics)
PRODUCERS: Sue Kroll, Margot Robbie, and Bryan Unkeless
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Matthew Libatique (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Jay Cassidy and Evan Schiff
COMPOSER: Daniel Pemberton
SUPERHERO/FANTASY/CRIME/COMEDY/ACTION
Starring: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor, Ella Jay Basco, Chris Messina, Dana Lee, and Steven Williams
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), or simply Birds of Prey, is a 2020 superhero fantasy film and crime comedy from director Cathy Yan. The movie is based on several characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Birds of Prey focuses on a group of women who find common cause in their struggle against a violent crime boss.
Birds of Prey opens after the events depicted in the film, Suicide Squad (2016). Psychiatrist turned crazed criminal, Dr. Harleen Quinzel a.k.a. Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), has returned to Gotham City with her criminal accomplice and boyfriend, The Joker. However, Joker breaks up with Harley and kicks her out of their house, so she moves into an apartment above a Chinese restaurant owned by a man named Doc (Dana Lee).
In Gotham City, Harley Quinn was virtually untouchable... because she was the Joker's girlfriend... which she isn't anymore. Now, it's open season on Harley, The man who most wants her dead is Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), a sadistic gangster who masquerades as a suave nightclub owner, but Harley earns a reprieve from Sionis. He covets something called “the Bertinelli diamond,” which is currently in the possession of a young pickpocket named Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).
However, the quest for Cain and the diamond will force Harley to unite with three other women: Dinah Lance a.k.a. “the Black Canary” (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a burlesque singer who works for Roman; Renee Montoya (Rose Perez), a police detective in the GCPD; and Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. “the Huntress” (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a vigilante that criminals call the “crossbow killer.” Now, Harley and these women will show Gotham's underworld that it is the criminal class that should be afraid... of these birds of prey.
Birds of Prey's paper-thin plot: retrieving a diamond; next, protecting a teen girl; and then, battling Roman Sionis, is not important. This is a movie about “bad girls” having fun at the expense of really bad men, and Birds of Prey is quite good at that. Director Cathy Yan makes the best of her ingredients: a zany mix of actors, fantastic costumes, and eclectic sets and delivers an inspired, madcap movie of brutal, comic violence. Birds of Prey is the kind of violent comedy that finds the wicked side of comic book stories and characters, the way the Deadpool films did.
Like the best comic books, Birds of Prey is over-the-top. Why have a pet dog when you can have a pet hyena? Why wear merely flashy costumes when you can wear the most fantabulous fashions? Why hit an adversary when you can maim the mutha? And what is a car chase without a chick on roller skates? The women of Birds of Prey: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and Ella Jay Basco take their performances seriously without taking their roles too seriously. Even Ewan McGregor adds just a touch of camp to his gleefully cruel creation, Roman Sionis.
I won't pretend that Birds of Prey is a great film, but it is the kind of inspired, R-rated comic book film that I wish we saw more. And besides the soundtrack is pretty damn good. So I am heartily recommending Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) to moviegoers who enjoy comic book films.
7 of 10
B+
Saturday, February 8, 2020
The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Monday, March 23, 2020
BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for March 25, 2020
BOOM! STUDIOS
JAN201331 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN $3.99
JAN201332 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR B MELKINOV $3.99
JAN201333 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR C BUONCRISTIANO $3.99
JAN208725 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 FOC NOIR BARAHONA VAR $3.99
JAN201356 FOLKLORDS #5 (OF 5) $3.99
JAN208726 FOLKLORDS #5 (OF 5) FOC SMITH VAR $3.99
NOV191232 HEAVY VINYL TP VOL 02 Y2K-O $14.99
JAN201362 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 CVR A FINDEN $3.99
JAN201363 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 CVR B MATTHEWS $3.99
JAN208727 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 FOC NOLAN VAR $3.99
JAN201346 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 CVR A CAMPBELL $3.99
JAN208728 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 FOC MORA VAR $3.99
JAN201348 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 FOIL MONTES VAR $4.99
JAN201324 ONCE & FUTURE #7 $3.99
JAN208729 ONCE & FUTURE #7 FOC FRISON VAR $3.99
DEC191235 ONCE & FUTURE TP VOL 01 $16.99
JAN201331 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN $3.99
JAN201332 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR B MELKINOV $3.99
JAN201333 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 CVR C BUONCRISTIANO $3.99
JAN208725 ANGEL & SPIKE #10 FOC NOIR BARAHONA VAR $3.99
JAN201356 FOLKLORDS #5 (OF 5) $3.99
JAN208726 FOLKLORDS #5 (OF 5) FOC SMITH VAR $3.99
NOV191232 HEAVY VINYL TP VOL 02 Y2K-O $14.99
JAN201362 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 CVR A FINDEN $3.99
JAN201363 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 CVR B MATTHEWS $3.99
JAN208727 JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #7 FOC NOLAN VAR $3.99
JAN201346 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 CVR A CAMPBELL $3.99
JAN208728 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 FOC MORA VAR $3.99
JAN201348 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #49 FOIL MONTES VAR $4.99
JAN201324 ONCE & FUTURE #7 $3.99
JAN208729 ONCE & FUTURE #7 FOC FRISON VAR $3.99
DEC191235 ONCE & FUTURE TP VOL 01 $16.99
Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 25, 2020
DARK HORSE COMICS
NOV190284 ART OF DOOM ETERNAL HC $39.99
NOV190199 BLACK HAMMER JUSTICE LEAGUE HAMMER OF JUSTICE HC $29.99
NOV190288 COURAGEOUS PRINCESS TP VOL 02 UNREMEMBERED LANDS $14.99
JUL190415 DANGANRONPA 2 GOODBYE DESPAIR TP VOL 01 $12.99
JUN190368 DISNEY FROZEN (YA RETELLING) TP VOL 01 $12.99
JAN200323 HIDDEN SOCIETY #2 (OF 4) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE $3.99
JAN200324 HIDDEN SOCIETY #2 (OF 4) CVR B TOCCHINI $3.99
JAN200313 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR A KALACHEV $3.99
JAN200314 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR B GORHAM $3.99
JAN200315 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR C PEARSON $3.99
JAN200329 TOMORROW #2 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99
JAN200373 WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #5 (OF 5) $3.99
NOV190284 ART OF DOOM ETERNAL HC $39.99
NOV190199 BLACK HAMMER JUSTICE LEAGUE HAMMER OF JUSTICE HC $29.99
NOV190288 COURAGEOUS PRINCESS TP VOL 02 UNREMEMBERED LANDS $14.99
JUL190415 DANGANRONPA 2 GOODBYE DESPAIR TP VOL 01 $12.99
JUN190368 DISNEY FROZEN (YA RETELLING) TP VOL 01 $12.99
JAN200323 HIDDEN SOCIETY #2 (OF 4) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE $3.99
JAN200324 HIDDEN SOCIETY #2 (OF 4) CVR B TOCCHINI $3.99
JAN200313 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR A KALACHEV $3.99
JAN200314 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR B GORHAM $3.99
JAN200315 STRANGER THINGS INTO THE FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR C PEARSON $3.99
JAN200329 TOMORROW #2 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99
JAN200373 WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #5 (OF 5) $3.99
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