Christoph Waltz Returns To Present At The Oscars®
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Two-time Oscar® winner Christoph Waltz will present at this year’s Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2, live on ABC.
Last year Waltz won his second Oscar for his supporting performance in “Django Unchained.” He received his first in 2009 for his supporting role in “Inglourious Basterds.” Waltz’s other feature credits include “Carnage,” “The Green Hornet” and “Water for Elephants.” Waltz will next be seen in “Big Eyes“ and “Horrible Bosses 2.”
Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
"The Lego Movie" Builds Past $200 Million in Global Box Office
“The Lego® Movie” Assembles More Than $200 Million in Global Box Office
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Audiences are connecting with “The LEGO® Movie” in a big way, driving the first-ever full-length theatrical LEGO adventure past $200 million in worldwide box office, less than two weeks after its record-breaking release. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“The LEGO Movie,” from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, made its North American debut on Friday, February 7. It took in an opening weekend gross of $69.1 million, making it the largest February opening for any animated film and the largest opening for an animated Warner Bros. release. It has since gone on to earn a total of $146.3 million at the domestic box office, and still building.
The film has also launched its international engagements in a number of European, Asian, and Latin American markets, including the UK, Spain, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, Korea, Brazil and Mexico, earning $60.4 million to date, for a combined worldwide box office total of $206.7 million, and climbing.
Many major territories have yet to open, including Germany, Russia, France, Italy, Australia and Japan.
Stated Fellman, “‘The LEGO Movie’ is everything we hoped it would be, and then some: a big, fun, moviegoing experience for the whole family. Congratulations to the phenomenal voice cast and to directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and producers Dan Lin and Roy Lee for their unwavering commitment to bringing this ambitious project to the screen. We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and early word-of-mouth that has made this movie a must-see, and we have every expectation that this is just the beginning of a long and successful run.”
Kwan Vandenberg added, “In addition to congratulating the talented filmmakers and cast, we also want to thank The LEGO Group and our partners at Village Roadshow for helping to make ‘The LEGO Movie’ such a tremendous success. The LEGO brand has captivated generations with a focus on discovery and imagination. By bringing those ideals to the big screen in such a fun and exciting way, ‘The LEGO Movie’ speaks to kids and adults the world over, and we believe enthusiasm will remain high as the film continues its international roll-out.”
“The LEGO Movie” tells an original 3D computer animated story about Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.
Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, “The LEGO Movie” stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. Lord & Miller also wrote the screenplay, from a story by Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. “The LEGO Movie” is produced by Dan Lin and Roy Lee. Executive producers are Jill Wilfert, Matthew Ashton, Kathleen Fleming, Allison Abbate, Zareh Nalbandian, Jon Burton, Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Seanne Winslow, Matt Skiena and Bruce Berman; and co-producer is John Powers Middleton. The filmmaking team includes cinematographer Pablo Plaisted, production designer Grant Freckelton, editors David Burrows and Chris McKay, and composer Mark Mothersbaugh. Chris McKay also serves as animation co-director.
“The LEGO Movie” is a Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures Production. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. www.thelegomovie.com
This film is rated PG for “mild action and rude humor.”
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Audiences are connecting with “The LEGO® Movie” in a big way, driving the first-ever full-length theatrical LEGO adventure past $200 million in worldwide box office, less than two weeks after its record-breaking release. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“The LEGO Movie,” from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, made its North American debut on Friday, February 7. It took in an opening weekend gross of $69.1 million, making it the largest February opening for any animated film and the largest opening for an animated Warner Bros. release. It has since gone on to earn a total of $146.3 million at the domestic box office, and still building.
The film has also launched its international engagements in a number of European, Asian, and Latin American markets, including the UK, Spain, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, Korea, Brazil and Mexico, earning $60.4 million to date, for a combined worldwide box office total of $206.7 million, and climbing.
Many major territories have yet to open, including Germany, Russia, France, Italy, Australia and Japan.
Stated Fellman, “‘The LEGO Movie’ is everything we hoped it would be, and then some: a big, fun, moviegoing experience for the whole family. Congratulations to the phenomenal voice cast and to directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and producers Dan Lin and Roy Lee for their unwavering commitment to bringing this ambitious project to the screen. We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and early word-of-mouth that has made this movie a must-see, and we have every expectation that this is just the beginning of a long and successful run.”
Kwan Vandenberg added, “In addition to congratulating the talented filmmakers and cast, we also want to thank The LEGO Group and our partners at Village Roadshow for helping to make ‘The LEGO Movie’ such a tremendous success. The LEGO brand has captivated generations with a focus on discovery and imagination. By bringing those ideals to the big screen in such a fun and exciting way, ‘The LEGO Movie’ speaks to kids and adults the world over, and we believe enthusiasm will remain high as the film continues its international roll-out.”
“The LEGO Movie” tells an original 3D computer animated story about Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.
Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, “The LEGO Movie” stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. Lord & Miller also wrote the screenplay, from a story by Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. “The LEGO Movie” is produced by Dan Lin and Roy Lee. Executive producers are Jill Wilfert, Matthew Ashton, Kathleen Fleming, Allison Abbate, Zareh Nalbandian, Jon Burton, Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Seanne Winslow, Matt Skiena and Bruce Berman; and co-producer is John Powers Middleton. The filmmaking team includes cinematographer Pablo Plaisted, production designer Grant Freckelton, editors David Burrows and Chris McKay, and composer Mark Mothersbaugh. Chris McKay also serves as animation co-director.
“The LEGO Movie” is a Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures Production. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. www.thelegomovie.com
This film is rated PG for “mild action and rude humor.”
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Oscar-Nominated Bette Midler Announced as 2014 Oscar Performer
Bette Midler To Perform On The Oscars®
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Two-time Oscar®-nominated actress and multiple Grammy Award®-winning singer Bette Midler will perform for the first time on the Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2, live on ABC.
“We are thrilled to have Bette perform on the Oscars for the very first time,” said Zadan and Meron. “We believe she will make our Oscar telecast an especially moving evening.”
Midler received Oscar nominations for Actress in a Leading Role for “For the Boys” and The Rose.” She has recorded 13 studio albums, the first of which, 1972’s “The Divine Miss M,” sold over a million copies and earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist. Midler has gone on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide and win two additional Grammys for the songs “The Rose” (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) and “Wind Beneath My Wings” (Record of the Year). She has been honored with three Emmy® Awards and a special Tony Award® in 1974 for her contribution to that year’s Broadway season. Her numerous starring film roles include “The First Wives Club,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Ruthless People,” Last year Midler portrayed the late Hollywood agent Sue Mengers in the hit Broadway production, “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers.”
Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Two-time Oscar®-nominated actress and multiple Grammy Award®-winning singer Bette Midler will perform for the first time on the Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2, live on ABC.
“We are thrilled to have Bette perform on the Oscars for the very first time,” said Zadan and Meron. “We believe she will make our Oscar telecast an especially moving evening.”
Midler received Oscar nominations for Actress in a Leading Role for “For the Boys” and The Rose.” She has recorded 13 studio albums, the first of which, 1972’s “The Divine Miss M,” sold over a million copies and earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist. Midler has gone on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide and win two additional Grammys for the songs “The Rose” (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) and “Wind Beneath My Wings” (Record of the Year). She has been honored with three Emmy® Awards and a special Tony Award® in 1974 for her contribution to that year’s Broadway season. Her numerous starring film roles include “The First Wives Club,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Ruthless People,” Last year Midler portrayed the late Hollywood agent Sue Mengers in the hit Broadway production, “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers.”
Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Review: "Riddick" Goes Back to Basics
Riddick (2013)
Running time: 119 minutes (1 hour, 59 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong violence, language and some sexual content/nudity
DIRECTOR: David Twohy
WRITER: David Twohy (based upon characters created by Jim Wheat and Ken Wheat)
PRODUCERS: Vin Diesel and Ted Field
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David Eggby
EDITOR: Tracy Adams
COMPOSER: Graeme Revell
SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER
Starring: Vin Diesel, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, Raoul Trujillo, Conrad Pla, Danny Blanco Hall, Noah Danby, Neil Napier, Nolan Gerard Funk, Andreas Apergis, Keri Lynn Hilson, and Karl Urban
Riddick is a 2013 British-American science fiction and action-thriller film from writer-director David Twohy. Starring Vin Diesel in the title role, this film is a sequel to the 2004 science fiction film, The Chronicles of Riddick, and is also the third feature film in The Chronicles of Riddick film franchise that began with 2000’s Pitch Black. In the new film, Riddick finds himself left for dead on a desolate planet and facing off against two bands of mercenaries and the planet’s predatory inhabitants.
Riddick takes place five years after the events of the movie, The Chronicles of Riddick. The universe’s most dangerous man, Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel), awakens on an unnamed, sun-scorched planet and finds himself severely injured. He realizes that he must go “back to zero” and awaken the savage inside himself. Eventually, Riddick discovers that although he has survived the planet’s harsh environment and native predators, he must still find a way off this world.
Riddick activates an emergency beacon at an abandoned mercenary station. Two ships promptly answer the beacon. The first carries a band of grungy mercenaries led by the violent and erratic, Santana (Jordi Molla). The second group of mercenaries is more professional and better equipped, but they are led by Boss John (Matt Nable), a man who has a connection to Riddick’s past. As the two groups fight to see which will capture Riddick, they are unaware of something that may be more dangerous than Riddick.
Riddick isn’t by any means a great movie, but, just like The Chronicles of Riddick, it is a rather entertaining movie. Riddick is very much the work of talented artists, craftsman, and photographers and CGI artists. Their best work is revealed in the long-distance views of the planet’s sun-scorched landscapes and turbulent sky.
However, director David Twohy and his star, Vin Diesel, don’t leave everything up to the techs and artisans. They go back to the basics, delivering a tense, brooding thriller that borrows heavily from the first film, Pitch Black, which is basically a template for this new movie. Riddick recaptures the stripped-down, indie-style science fiction that was the first film, while jettisoning the opulent sci-fi mode of the second film. If you like Pitch Black, you may like Riddick.
I wish the screenplay developed the characters better than it does. The Boss John subplot is wasted. There is potential for real conflict between Riddick, John, and the other mercs, but the other characters are mostly cannon fodder or are simply in the film to make Riddick look like such a stallion among nags.
Say what you will about his acting (and there may be little to say), Diesel, as a movie star, is a steed and a charger and a stallion, and his personality is a large object, large enough to cast a shadow over his co-stars. That can keep other characters from showing their best side. But what the hell – Riddick is back, and that’s more than good enough for me.
7 of 10
B+
Monday, February 17, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Oscar-Winner Anne Hathaway Announced as 2014 Oscar Presenter
Anne Hathaway To Present On Oscar® Sunday
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Oscar winner Anne Hathaway will present at this year’s Oscars®, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2, live on ABC.
Hathaway won last year’s Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in “Les Misérables.” She was previously nominated for her leading role in the 2008 film “Rachel Getting Married.” Hathaway, who made her feature film debut in 2001’s “The Princess Diaries,” has starred in films including “Ella Enchanted,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Oscar winner Anne Hathaway will present at this year’s Oscars®, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air on Sunday, March 2, live on ABC.
Hathaway won last year’s Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in “Les Misérables.” She was previously nominated for her leading role in the 2008 film “Rachel Getting Married.” Hathaway, who made her feature film debut in 2001’s “The Princess Diaries,” has starred in films including “Ella Enchanted,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Ooops - (Belated) Happy Birthday, David
Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law - Monday, February 17th. Have another good one and many, many, many more, David.
2014 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award Winners
by Amos Semien
The 2014 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards were held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the historic Paramount Theater on the Paramount Studios lot. Winners received “The Artisan” award (a statuette) for both outstanding makeup and hair styling achievements. Two special Lifetime Achievement Awards and a Distinguished Artisan award were also presented.
Academy Award-winning Make-Up Artist Dick Smith (Amadeus) received the “Make-Up Artists Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2014 MUAHS. Academy Award-winner Rick Baker, who was Smith’s apprentice, presented the award.
Academy Award-winning Hair Stylist Gail Ryan received the “Hair Stylists Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2014 MUAHS. Academy Award-winning actor Benicio Del Toro (Traffic) presented the award to Ryan. Ryan won an Oscar for her work on How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with make-up artist Rick Baker).
Johnny Depp received the “Distinguished Artisan Award.” The Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild explained the honor in the following statement:
"Johnny Depp is one of the most prominent and talented actors working today. The award-winning characters he consistently brings to life through film are uniquely enhanced with make-up and hair stylist artistry. Beginning with Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands in 1990, Depp repeatedly creates indelible characterizations, making it hard to imagine any other actor in these roles. His iconic performances in Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland; and, of course, the continuing Pirates of the Caribbean series, are among the 50 plus roles he has played, which have been brought to life in partnership with his gifted make-up artists and hair stylists."
2014 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards winners (for the year 2013):
FEATURE-LENGTH MOTION PICTURE
BEST CONTEMPORARY HAIR STYLING:
Lee Daniels’ The Butler - Candace Neal, Robert Stevenson
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP:
Prisoners - Donald Mowat, Pamela Westmore
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING::
American Hustle - Katherine Gordon, Michelle Johnson
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP:
Dallas Buyers Club - Evelyne Noraz, Rachel Geary
BEST SPECIAL MAKE-UP EFFECTS:
Bad Grandpa - Stephen Prouty
TELEVISION and NEW MEDIA SERIES
BEST CONTEMPORARY HAIRSTYLING:
The Voice - Shawn Finch, Jerilynn Stephens
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP:
Breaking Bad - Tarra Day, Sheila Trujillo Gomez
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING:
Vikings - Dee Corcoran
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP:
Boardwalk Empire - Michele Paris
BEST SPECIAL MAKEUP EFFECTS:
The Walking Dead - Greg Nicotero, Jake Garber
TELEVISION MOVIE or MINISERIES
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING:
Behind the Candelabra - Marie Larkin, Yvette Stone
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP
Behind the Candelabra - Kate Biscoe, Deborah Rutherford:
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS:
Magic Flute - Darren Jinks, Samantha Wooten, 3rd Petition Brandi Strona
COMMERCIALS
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP
Wash the Day Away (Kohler) - Tyson Fountaine, Brian Penikas
----------------------------------
The 2014 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards were held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the historic Paramount Theater on the Paramount Studios lot. Winners received “The Artisan” award (a statuette) for both outstanding makeup and hair styling achievements. Two special Lifetime Achievement Awards and a Distinguished Artisan award were also presented.
Academy Award-winning Make-Up Artist Dick Smith (Amadeus) received the “Make-Up Artists Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2014 MUAHS. Academy Award-winner Rick Baker, who was Smith’s apprentice, presented the award.
Academy Award-winning Hair Stylist Gail Ryan received the “Hair Stylists Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2014 MUAHS. Academy Award-winning actor Benicio Del Toro (Traffic) presented the award to Ryan. Ryan won an Oscar for her work on How the Grinch Stole Christmas (with make-up artist Rick Baker).
Johnny Depp received the “Distinguished Artisan Award.” The Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild explained the honor in the following statement:
"Johnny Depp is one of the most prominent and talented actors working today. The award-winning characters he consistently brings to life through film are uniquely enhanced with make-up and hair stylist artistry. Beginning with Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands in 1990, Depp repeatedly creates indelible characterizations, making it hard to imagine any other actor in these roles. His iconic performances in Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland; and, of course, the continuing Pirates of the Caribbean series, are among the 50 plus roles he has played, which have been brought to life in partnership with his gifted make-up artists and hair stylists."
2014 Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards winners (for the year 2013):
FEATURE-LENGTH MOTION PICTURE
BEST CONTEMPORARY HAIR STYLING:
Lee Daniels’ The Butler - Candace Neal, Robert Stevenson
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP:
Prisoners - Donald Mowat, Pamela Westmore
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING::
American Hustle - Katherine Gordon, Michelle Johnson
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP:
Dallas Buyers Club - Evelyne Noraz, Rachel Geary
BEST SPECIAL MAKE-UP EFFECTS:
Bad Grandpa - Stephen Prouty
TELEVISION and NEW MEDIA SERIES
BEST CONTEMPORARY HAIRSTYLING:
The Voice - Shawn Finch, Jerilynn Stephens
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP:
Breaking Bad - Tarra Day, Sheila Trujillo Gomez
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING:
Vikings - Dee Corcoran
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP:
Boardwalk Empire - Michele Paris
BEST SPECIAL MAKEUP EFFECTS:
The Walking Dead - Greg Nicotero, Jake Garber
TELEVISION MOVIE or MINISERIES
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER HAIRSTYLING:
Behind the Candelabra - Marie Larkin, Yvette Stone
BEST PERIOD AND/OR CHARACTER MAKEUP
Behind the Candelabra - Kate Biscoe, Deborah Rutherford:
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS:
Magic Flute - Darren Jinks, Samantha Wooten, 3rd Petition Brandi Strona
COMMERCIALS
BEST CONTEMPORARY MAKEUP
Wash the Day Away (Kohler) - Tyson Fountaine, Brian Penikas
----------------------------------
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