Miranda Lambert, Sam Smith, Usher, and Pharrell Williams to Perform on the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards®
Common and John Legend Will Perform the Award-Winning Song "Glory" from the Film Selma
Watch What Happens On Music's Biggest Night®, Live On CBS, Feb. 8, 2015
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The latest performers for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards® telecast were announced today: GRAMMY® winners Common and John Legend, who will perform "Glory" from the film Selma; country singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert; eight-time GRAMMY winner Usher; and two of this year's leading nominees, Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams, who are tied with six nominations each. They join previously announced performers AC/DC, Eric Church, Ariana Grande, Madonna, and Ed Sheeran. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Two-time GRAMMY winner Common is up for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Blak Majik" Featuring Jhené Aiko and Best Rap Album for Nobody's Smiling.
GRAMMY winner Miranda Lambert has four nominations: Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for "Automatic," Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Somethin' Bad" with Carrie Underwood, and Best Country Album for Platinum.
Nine-time GRAMMY winner John Legend has two nominations: Best Pop Solo Performance for "All Of Me" (Live) and Best Rap Song for "Bound 2."
Making his GRAMMY stage debut will be Sam Smith, one of this year's top nominees, who is up for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)"; Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for In The Lonely Hour; and Best New Artist.
Also performing is seven-time GRAMMY winner and fellow top nominee Pharrell Williams. Williams holds six nominations: Album Of The Year for his own Girl, and as producer on Beyoncé's Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran's X; Best Pop Solo Performance for "Happy (Live)"; Best Music Video for "Happy"; and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Girl.
GRAMMY winner Usher is up for four awards this year: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for "New Flame" (with Chris Brown & Rick Ross); and Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for "Good Kisser."
The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.
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Thursday, January 22, 2015
LL Cool J to Host the 57th Annual Grammy Awards
Two-Time GRAMMY® Winner LL COOL J Returns to Host the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards®
Watch What Happens on Music's Biggest Night®, Live on CBS, Feb. 8, 2015
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY® winner LL COOL J is set to return as host of the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards® marking his fourth consecutive year as MC. Over the years, the dynamic host has presided over 10 GRAMMY shows, tributes, and specials, and served as a producer for "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®" and "A Very GRAMMY Christmas" holiday special.
“As both a GRAMMY-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL COOL J's wide range of talent, dynamic personality, and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the GRAMMY Awards”
"As both a GRAMMY-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL COOL J's wide range of talent, dynamic personality, and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the GRAMMY Awards," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His unique expertise allows him to set the right tone for the show and connect with everyone — from his musical peers to fans at home. We are honored to have him back."
"I'm thrilled to again be part of Music's Biggest Night," said LL COOL J. "The performances and moments you see on the GRAMMY stage are nothing less than amazing throughout the years and this year's show is shaping up to be one you will never forget."
The lineup for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards currently includes previously announced performers AC/DC, Eric Church, Common, Ariana Grande, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Usher, and Pharrell Williams. The eclectic lineup sets the stage for what's sure to be an incredible night for music. Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.
About The Recording Academy®
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.
About LL COOL J:
LL COOL J is an entertainment icon who has found great success crossing into multiple mediums. A two-time GRAMMY winner, recording artist, talented actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur and philanthropist, LL continues to display his wide range of talents with every project. First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rap artist to amass 10 consecutive platinum-plus selling albums. The multi-platinum artist and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper. As an actor, LL COOL J has successfully transitioned to one of the consistently highest rated shows on television. He currently stars in the CBS hit primetime drama series, "NCIS: LOS ANGELES," and his performance on the show garnered him a NAACP Image Award four years in a row for his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna. Continuing his musical expedition three decades after he first released music, LL most recently released his critically acclaimed album Authentic, which scored him his 13th Top 10 Album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart.
------------------------
Watch What Happens on Music's Biggest Night®, Live on CBS, Feb. 8, 2015
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY® winner LL COOL J is set to return as host of the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards® marking his fourth consecutive year as MC. Over the years, the dynamic host has presided over 10 GRAMMY shows, tributes, and specials, and served as a producer for "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night®" and "A Very GRAMMY Christmas" holiday special.
“As both a GRAMMY-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL COOL J's wide range of talent, dynamic personality, and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the GRAMMY Awards”
"As both a GRAMMY-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL COOL J's wide range of talent, dynamic personality, and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the GRAMMY Awards," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "His unique expertise allows him to set the right tone for the show and connect with everyone — from his musical peers to fans at home. We are honored to have him back."
"I'm thrilled to again be part of Music's Biggest Night," said LL COOL J. "The performances and moments you see on the GRAMMY stage are nothing less than amazing throughout the years and this year's show is shaping up to be one you will never forget."
The lineup for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards currently includes previously announced performers AC/DC, Eric Church, Common, Ariana Grande, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Usher, and Pharrell Williams. The eclectic lineup sets the stage for what's sure to be an incredible night for music. Additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.
About The Recording Academy®
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.
About LL COOL J:
LL COOL J is an entertainment icon who has found great success crossing into multiple mediums. A two-time GRAMMY winner, recording artist, talented actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur and philanthropist, LL continues to display his wide range of talents with every project. First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rap artist to amass 10 consecutive platinum-plus selling albums. The multi-platinum artist and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper. As an actor, LL COOL J has successfully transitioned to one of the consistently highest rated shows on television. He currently stars in the CBS hit primetime drama series, "NCIS: LOS ANGELES," and his performance on the show garnered him a NAACP Image Award four years in a row for his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna. Continuing his musical expedition three decades after he first released music, LL most recently released his critically acclaimed album Authentic, which scored him his 13th Top 10 Album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart.
------------------------
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
"American Sniper" Bags and Tags Several Box Office Records
“American Sniper” Widens the Scope, Shattering Multiple Records as It Storms the Nationwide Box Office
The Oscar-nominated film, starring Bradley Cooper, made history—becoming the best-ever opening for director Clint Eastwood, winning both the weekend and the hearts of audiences with an A+ Cinemascore
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surpassing all targets, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ multiple Oscar-nominated drama “American Sniper” smashed virtually every available record as it opened nationwide on the heels of its already record-breaking limited release. Easily topping the box office, the film took in an estimated $105.3 million for the four-day holiday weekend and has grossed $108.7 million to date and counting. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, and Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“We are so proud of this movie”
The film’s spectacular opening marks an all-time high over the course of director Clint Eastwood’s illustrious career. Among its many other milestones, “American Sniper” also broke records for a January weekend opening, including both three- and four-day weekends; the highest single day ever in January; the best four-day weekend for an R-rated film; and the biggest opening for any drama in cinema history.
The film also broke records in IMAX theatres nationwide, earning more than $10.6 million at 332 locations, making it the top-grossing January weekend ever for the large-format venues.
The overwhelmingly positive response to “American Sniper” is not only measured at the box office. It also earned a rare A+ Cinemascore rating, becoming one of only 11 films in history to receive an A+ in every category.
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “‘American Sniper’ has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, offering a personal view of not only Chris Kyle’s life but also of the hurdles faced by many veterans, as well as their families. We congratulate Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper and everyone involved in the film on this enormous success, and we expect strong reviews and word of mouth to continue to fuel the box office in the coming weeks.”
“We are so proud of this movie,” said Kroll. “We had a visceral reaction to it when we saw it and immediately made room for it in the year. We certainly couldn’t have known the level at which the film would resonate, but we knew it was special—providing a different look at war and its emotional impact on those who fight and those at home, which has struck a deep chord with filmgoers everywhere. From the first trailer, we designed this campaign to convey the different facets of the film and showcase its appeal to both men and women. The response from critics, audiences and, now, the Academy, has been hugely gratifying and we could not be more thrilled.”
Silverman added, “We knew this was a story that could transcend any divide with its compelling character study of a man who deserves to be remembered for his sacrifices on and off the battlefield. Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper have truly done the story of Chris Kyle justice and, in doing so, have also paid homage to the service of all men and women in uniform. We congratulate them and our partners at Village Roadshow on this extraordinary start to our worldwide run.”
“American Sniper” has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honored by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honors include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references.
americansnipermovie.com
---------------
The Oscar-nominated film, starring Bradley Cooper, made history—becoming the best-ever opening for director Clint Eastwood, winning both the weekend and the hearts of audiences with an A+ Cinemascore
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surpassing all targets, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ multiple Oscar-nominated drama “American Sniper” smashed virtually every available record as it opened nationwide on the heels of its already record-breaking limited release. Easily topping the box office, the film took in an estimated $105.3 million for the four-day holiday weekend and has grossed $108.7 million to date and counting. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, and Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“We are so proud of this movie”
The film’s spectacular opening marks an all-time high over the course of director Clint Eastwood’s illustrious career. Among its many other milestones, “American Sniper” also broke records for a January weekend opening, including both three- and four-day weekends; the highest single day ever in January; the best four-day weekend for an R-rated film; and the biggest opening for any drama in cinema history.
The film also broke records in IMAX theatres nationwide, earning more than $10.6 million at 332 locations, making it the top-grossing January weekend ever for the large-format venues.
The overwhelmingly positive response to “American Sniper” is not only measured at the box office. It also earned a rare A+ Cinemascore rating, becoming one of only 11 films in history to receive an A+ in every category.
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “‘American Sniper’ has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, offering a personal view of not only Chris Kyle’s life but also of the hurdles faced by many veterans, as well as their families. We congratulate Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper and everyone involved in the film on this enormous success, and we expect strong reviews and word of mouth to continue to fuel the box office in the coming weeks.”
“We are so proud of this movie,” said Kroll. “We had a visceral reaction to it when we saw it and immediately made room for it in the year. We certainly couldn’t have known the level at which the film would resonate, but we knew it was special—providing a different look at war and its emotional impact on those who fight and those at home, which has struck a deep chord with filmgoers everywhere. From the first trailer, we designed this campaign to convey the different facets of the film and showcase its appeal to both men and women. The response from critics, audiences and, now, the Academy, has been hugely gratifying and we could not be more thrilled.”
Silverman added, “We knew this was a story that could transcend any divide with its compelling character study of a man who deserves to be remembered for his sacrifices on and off the battlefield. Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper have truly done the story of Chris Kyle justice and, in doing so, have also paid homage to the service of all men and women in uniform. We congratulate them and our partners at Village Roadshow on this extraordinary start to our worldwide run.”
“American Sniper” has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honored by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honors include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references.
americansnipermovie.com
---------------
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Third "Hobbit" Film Has Grossed Over $800 Million in Worldwide Box Office
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” Surpasses $800 Million and Counting
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), has crossed the $800 million mark at the worldwide box office in its fifth week in global release, now standing at more than $803 million and still climbing. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The conclusion to Peter Jackson’s acclaimed “The Hobbit” Trilogy, based on the timeless classic by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” has earned an estimated $244.5 million domestically to date and held the top spot at the box office for its first three weekends. Jackson now has the distinction of having all three films in both his “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy and “The Hobbit” Trilogy be number one at the box office for at least three consecutive weekends, which is a record for any film series.
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” dominated the international box office for its first four weekends in a row, and has grossed $558.6 million to date. The juggernaut China opens the film on January 23, 2015.
Moviegoers who want to enjoy “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” on the largest possible canvas have filled IMAX® theatres worldwide. The film has grossed $35.3 million domestically, and $31.8 million for a global total of $67.1 million.
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is also led by Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch, Billy Connolly, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Stephen Fry, and Ryan Gage. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom, Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Adam Brown, John Bell, Manu Bennett and John Tui.
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers. The associate producers are Matthew Dravitzki and Amanda Walker.
New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” As with the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the final film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM. Like the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” was released in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select theaters, other 2D and 3D formats, and IMAX®. www.thehobbit.com #OneLastTime
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BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), has crossed the $800 million mark at the worldwide box office in its fifth week in global release, now standing at more than $803 million and still climbing. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The conclusion to Peter Jackson’s acclaimed “The Hobbit” Trilogy, based on the timeless classic by J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” has earned an estimated $244.5 million domestically to date and held the top spot at the box office for its first three weekends. Jackson now has the distinction of having all three films in both his “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy and “The Hobbit” Trilogy be number one at the box office for at least three consecutive weekends, which is a record for any film series.
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” dominated the international box office for its first four weekends in a row, and has grossed $558.6 million to date. The juggernaut China opens the film on January 23, 2015.
Moviegoers who want to enjoy “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” on the largest possible canvas have filled IMAX® theatres worldwide. The film has grossed $35.3 million domestically, and $31.8 million for a global total of $67.1 million.
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is also led by Evangeline Lilly, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Benedict Cumberbatch, Billy Connolly, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Stephen Fry, and Ryan Gage. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom, Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Adam Brown, John Bell, Manu Bennett and John Tui.
The screenplay for “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers. The associate producers are Matthew Dravitzki and Amanda Walker.
New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a Wingnut Films Production, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” As with the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the final film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM. Like the first two films in the Trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” was released in High Frame Rate 3D (HFR 3D) in select theaters, other 2D and 3D formats, and IMAX®. www.thehobbit.com #OneLastTime
--------------------
Review: "Wolves" Has Surprisingly Sharp Teeth
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 3 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux
Wolves (2014)
Running time: 91 minutes (1 hour, 31 minutes)
MPAA - R for bloody violence throughout, and some sexuality
WRITER/DIRECTOR: David Hayter
PRODUCER: Steven Hoban
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Gavin Smith
EDITOR: Geoff Ashenhurst
COMPOSERS: Ilya Kaplan and Alex Khaskin
FANTASY/HORROR/DRAMA with elements of action and romance
Starring: Lucas Till, Jason Momoa, Merritt Patterson, Stephen McHattie, Melanie Scrofano, and John Pyper-Ferguson
Wolves is a 2014 Canadian fantasy drama and werewolf film written and directed by David Hayter. The film's creature effects were created by Oscar winner Dave Elsey (The Wolfman) and Lou Elsey. Wolves focuses on a high school student who goes on the run and discovers a strange small town that may hold secrets about his family history.
Wolves introduces Cayden Richards (Lucas Till), a popular high school student and football player. His life, of late, has been complicated by horrifying nightmares and by the fact that Cayden has become unpredictable and wild. After the brutal murder of his parents, Cayden is forced to leave town, hoping to keep what he is seemingly becoming a secret.
At a bar, Cayden meets a talkative and rundown-looking fellow who goes by the name, “Wild Joe” (John Pyper-Ferguson). Joe points Cayden to an isolated, small town named Lupine Ridge, but upon arriving there, Cayden is initially not well-received by the townsfolk. John Tollerman (Stephen McHattie), a local farmer, gives him work and a place to stay. There, Cayden finds peace, but he is soon caught in a blood feud between rival clans of “wolves.” To save his life and that of his new friends, Cayden will have to face the alpha male of a gang of wolves, Connor Slaughter (Jason Momoa), who has a shocking connection to Cayden's past.
Wolves' writer-director, David Hayter, was one of the writers on the film, X-Men (2000). In that first X-Men movie, we are first introduced to the power of mutants, humans with extraordinary powers, when we witness young Rogue hurt a friend with a kiss. Later, Rogue meets Wolverine (or Logan), another mutant. It is through Wolverine that we enter the world of the X-Men, a secret band of mutants.
In Wolves, Hayter uses his lead character, Cayden, to both introduce his unique take on the werewolf and to also take the audience into the murky and secretive world of the “wolves.” Hayter's “wolves” are a unique take on the legends and folktales about werewolves and other lupine shape-shifters. Instead of deluging the audience with his new ideas and rules about werewolves, Hayter has us learn them as Cayden learns them, experiencing the ups-and-downs and the bumps and bruises that come with entering a new world or environment.
Wolves is not the werewolf film as an X-Men movie, nor is it Twilight. If anything, Wolves is closer to the oddball werewolf film, Skinwalkers. Classic werewolf movies, The Wolf Man (1941) and An American Werewolf in London (1981), treat their lead characters as cursed. Their werewolf affliction might be the result of fate or by a fated accident, but they are cursed and only death will end the curse.
Movies like Skinwalkers and Wolves treat the werewolf as part of a person's basic make-up. It is inheritance. It's in the blood, and it's a DNA thing, like being a mutant of the X-Men variety. After discovering that he is werewolf, Cayden can live by making the best of it, like John Tollerman, or become a killer and a man living like a wild animal, like Connor (who comes to life thanks to a spicy performance by actor, Jason Momoa). Cayden does not have to be “cursed.”
Another thing that I would like to point out is that Wolves exemplifies the professionalism of the “technical” artists, craftsmen, and people who build the backgrounds and environments of low or small-budget films. Wolves looks good, from the costumes to the sets. The werewolf creature effects by Dave Elsey and Lou Elsey are impressive and come close to matching Dave Elsey's work on The Wolfman (2010), for which he and Rick Baker won an Oscar.
Released to VOD (video on demand) before receiving a small theatrical release, Wolves did not get the attention of a big studio release. It is not a great movie, but, as a fan of werewolf movies, I found it to be quite enjoyable. Wolves actually has bite, so it should not disappear into some werewolf or horror movie ghetto where mediocre films reside.
6 of 10
B
Sunday, January 18, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Black Film Critics Circle Name "Selma" Best Picture of 2014
The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC) was founded in 2010 and is a membership organization. Its membership is comprised of film critics of color from daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, magazines, radio, and television and also from qualifying on-line publications.
2014 Black Film Critics Circle Awards:
Best Picture
"Selma"
Best Director
Ava Duvernay, "Selma"
Best Actor
David Oyelowo, "Selma"
Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"
Best Actress
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, "Belle"
Best Supporting Actress
Carmen Ejogo, "Selma"
Best Adapted Screenplay
"Gone Girl"
Best Original Screenplay
"Selma"
Best Cinematography
"Birdman"
Best Animated Movie
"The LEGO Movie"
Best Foreign Film
"Ida"
Best Documentary
"Keep On Keepin' On"
Best Ensemble
"Selma"
--------------------------------
2014 Black Film Critics Circle Awards:
Best Picture
"Selma"
Best Director
Ava Duvernay, "Selma"
Best Actor
David Oyelowo, "Selma"
Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"
Best Actress
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, "Belle"
Best Supporting Actress
Carmen Ejogo, "Selma"
Best Adapted Screenplay
"Gone Girl"
Best Original Screenplay
"Selma"
Best Cinematography
"Birdman"
Best Animated Movie
"The LEGO Movie"
Best Foreign Film
"Ida"
Best Documentary
"Keep On Keepin' On"
Best Ensemble
"Selma"
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