Filming is Underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ New Adventure, Based on the Classic The Jungle Book
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Blending live action and performance capture, the film features an impressive roster of stars, including Oscar winners Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett and Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.
The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.
The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”) as the tiger, Shere Khan; Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Cinderella”) as Kaa, the snake; Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy) as Baloo, the bear; Peter Mullan (“Hercules,” “War Horse”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “Pride & Prejudice”) as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “Skyfall”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “Sherlock Holmes”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Lone Survivor”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.
The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films, and Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”), with Nikki Penny (“Gravity”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.
Among those collaborating with Serkis behind the scenes are production designer Gary Freeman (“Cinderella”), Oscar-winning editor Mark Sanger (“Gravity”) and Oscar-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”).
The film is slated for release on October 6, 2017.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
Bluewater Productions Announces George Lucas Biographical Comic Book
Bluewater Productions is proud to announce the release of a comic book featuring the life of filmmaker and geek icon George Lucas. “Orbit: George Lucas: Rise of an Empire” is available in print and digital this week.
A creative force whose pioneering efforts in the area of sound production and special affects forever changed the way we view movies, George Lucas found fame in 1977 with the release of his magnum opus, “Star Wars.” In that moment, the master filmmaker shaped geek culture for generations.
The 26-page graphic novel was written by John Michael Helmer and Brian Smith and features art by Smith. Smith and Chris Fischer illustrated the comic book’s variant covers.
"Bluewater receives a lot of requests from fans and famous people to tell the stories of the famous and the infamous using this unique medium, and George Lucas has been at the top of that list for a long time,” says publisher Darren G. Davis. “With interest in his creative work swelling, now was the time to tell his amazing story.”
Bluewater has focused on other personalities such as Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, Carrie Fisher, Ray Harryhausen, and Stephen King. All are available on Amazon as well as Nook, Kindle, and ITunes. Bluewater’s biographies have hit the top ten books on Amazon as well drawn the attention of hundreds of news outlets, including New York Magazine, People Magazine, Forbes, MTV, CNN, and The Today Show
“Orbit: George Lucas: Rise of an Empire” is available for your e-reader from iTunes (to order the book on iTunes: http://apple.co/1zSWYwQ , Kindle, Wowio, ComiXology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, Madefire, My Digital Comics, Overdrive, Iverse, Biblioboard, Flipkart, Axis360, Epic!, Blio, Entitle, Comicblender.com, Indie Comic Tracker, Wheeler, Scoop, Nook, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold. The print version of the book is available only at Comic Flea Market at www.comicfleamarket.com
About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers 10th Muse and The Legend of Isis. Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (TekWar Chronicles), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (Wrath of the Titans, Sinbad: Rogue of Mars, Jason and the Argonauts) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (Vincent Price Presents). Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles Female Force and Political Power. Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.
For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com
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American Sniper is the Highest-Grossing Domestic Film Release in 2014
“American Sniper” is the Highest-Grossing Film of 2014
The Clint Eastwood-directed drama, starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, has also crossed $500 million worldwide and counting
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “American Sniper” has surpassed two more major milestones, emerging as the top-grossing domestic release of 2014. The film has also surpassed half a billion dollars worldwide, and still climbing. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, and Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”
To date, the film has grossed an estimated $337.2 million at the domestic box office, and still counting, making it the highest-grossing film in director Clint Eastwood’s long and illustrious career. Among its many other records, “American Sniper” is also the number one war movie of all time and the top-grossing film in the career of Bradley Cooper, who earned his third consecutive Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of the film’s title character, Chris Kyle.
In addition to its domestic success, “American Sniper” is drawing large numbers of moviegoers overseas, where it is currently in release in 57 markets. The film, to date, has earned an estimated $163 million at the international box office, for an extraordinary worldwide total of $500.2 million and rising.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “From its record-breaking Christmas opening, 'American Sniper' has been a box office phenomenon. The film’s A+ CinemaScore in every category has translated into enthusiastic word-of-mouth that continues to generate both first-time and repeat business. We could not be happier for Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and everyone on the incredible filmmaking team on this remarkable achievement.”
Kroll stated, “‘American Sniper’ has become a cultural touchstone that people want to share, discuss and remember. We are thrilled that the movie is still filling theatres, not only in the United States but around the globe, as filmgoers everywhere experience the power of the story of Chris and Taya Kyle.”
“We are all so proud of ‘American Sniper,’” Silverman added. “Its box office success is not only a testament to the talents of Clint, Bradley and all those involved in the film, but also a measure of our appreciation for the sacrifices of all veterans and their families. Congratulations to our partners at Village Roadshow and Ratpac-Dune and everyone behind ‘American Sniper’ on reaching another momentous benchmark.”
Kwan Vandenberg noted, “Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”
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 is being 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
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The Clint Eastwood-directed drama, starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, has also crossed $500 million worldwide and counting
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “American Sniper” has surpassed two more major milestones, emerging as the top-grossing domestic release of 2014. The film has also surpassed half a billion dollars worldwide, and still climbing. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, and Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”
To date, the film has grossed an estimated $337.2 million at the domestic box office, and still counting, making it the highest-grossing film in director Clint Eastwood’s long and illustrious career. Among its many other records, “American Sniper” is also the number one war movie of all time and the top-grossing film in the career of Bradley Cooper, who earned his third consecutive Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of the film’s title character, Chris Kyle.
In addition to its domestic success, “American Sniper” is drawing large numbers of moviegoers overseas, where it is currently in release in 57 markets. The film, to date, has earned an estimated $163 million at the international box office, for an extraordinary worldwide total of $500.2 million and rising.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “From its record-breaking Christmas opening, 'American Sniper' has been a box office phenomenon. The film’s A+ CinemaScore in every category has translated into enthusiastic word-of-mouth that continues to generate both first-time and repeat business. We could not be happier for Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and everyone on the incredible filmmaking team on this remarkable achievement.”
Kroll stated, “‘American Sniper’ has become a cultural touchstone that people want to share, discuss and remember. We are thrilled that the movie is still filling theatres, not only in the United States but around the globe, as filmgoers everywhere experience the power of the story of Chris and Taya Kyle.”
“We are all so proud of ‘American Sniper,’” Silverman added. “Its box office success is not only a testament to the talents of Clint, Bradley and all those involved in the film, but also a measure of our appreciation for the sacrifices of all veterans and their families. Congratulations to our partners at Village Roadshow and Ratpac-Dune and everyone behind ‘American Sniper’ on reaching another momentous benchmark.”
Kwan Vandenberg noted, “Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”
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 is being 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
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Sunday, March 8, 2015
Review: "12 Years a Slave" is the Best of Its Year and Among the Best of All Years
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Running time: 134 minutes (2 hours, 14 minutes)
MPAA - R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality
DIRECTOR: Steve McQueen
WRITER: John Ridley
PRODUCERS: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen, Anthony Katagas, Arnon Milchan, and Bill Pohlad
CINEMATOGRAPER: Sean Bobbitt (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Joe Walke
COMPOSER: Hans Zimmer
Academy Award winner
DRAMA/HISTORICAL/BIOPIC
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodard, Adepero Oduye, Garret Dillahunt, Scoot McNairy, Taran Killam, Chris Chalk, Michael Kenneth Williams, Liza J. Bennett, Devyn A. Tyler, Kelsey Scott, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Zeigler, Dwight Henry, and John McConnell
12 Years a Slave is a 2013 historical drama and period film from director Steve McQueen. The film is based on the 1853 memoir and slave narrative, Twelve Years a Slave. At the 86th Oscars, 12 Years a Slave became the first film directed and produced by a black filmmaker (Steve McQueen) and also the first film to be written by an African-American (John Ridley) to win the Academy Award for “Best Motion Picture of the Year” (for the year 2013). 12 Years a Slave the movie is the story of a free black man from upstate New York, who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in antebellum Louisiana.
12 Years a Slave introduces Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man. In 1841, Solomon lives in New York with his wife, the former Anne Hampton (Kelsey Scott), and his children, Alonzo (Cameron Zeigler) and Margaret (Quvenzhané Wallis). Solomon works as violinist, and that is what gets him the offer of a two-week job as a musician in Washington D.C. What Solomon does not realize is that this job offer is a trap. His erstwhile employers drug and abduct him, and later sell Solomon to a slave trader in New Orleans.
The slave trader gives Solomon a new name, “Platt.” He is sold first, to sugar cane plantation owner, William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch), and then, to cotton plantation owner, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). It is on Epps' plantation that Solomon meets Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o), a young female slave. Through her, Solomon learns the true depravity of slavery and falls into despair, believing that he may never see his family again.
12 Years a Slave is not only the best film of 2013, it may also be the best film of the 21st century. Everything about it is magnificent. Steve McQueen's directing is a work of art – truthfully. McQueen stages and composes this film with a painter's attention to detail, dedication to story (both narrative and message), and an artist's quest for the sublime and for even the divine.
McQueen creates a sense of intimacy between his characters – master/slave, oppressor/oppressed, abuser/abused – so that the action and emotions between characters feels like the interactions between real people. This is a masterstroke in film-making, with the film drama having the power and immediacy of stage drama. Hans Zimmer's evocative and heartbreaking score has uncannily perfect timing and tone in emphasizing story, setting, and mood, and also in embellishing and strengthening McQueen's choices.
12 Years a Slave is buttressed by three incredible and dumbfounding performances that are also works of art. Damn, you could take the performances given by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o, individually, in pairs, or as a trio, and hang them on a museum wall.
Fassbender could become the most honored actor of the next quarter-century the way that Daniel Day-Lewis has been the most honored of the last quarter-century or so. As Edwin Epps, Fassbender personifies both the banality of evil of slavery and also of the institution's naked lust for money (as in the need to recoup costs and to make even more money). Fassbender received an Oscar nomination as best supporting actor in 2014, but lost to Jared Leto as the cartoonish stereotype, Rayon (in Dallas Buyers Club). That's a shame and maybe even a tragedy. For real, it should have been Fassbender's.
On the other side, as Patsey, Lupita Nyong'o becomes the face of the slaves, especially the face of black female slaves, surviving brutality and enduring degradation even while wishing for the sweet freedom that death might bring. The depth, the poignancy, and the prowess of Nyong'o as an actor defy description, but at least she won her Oscar as best supporting actress for her supernaturally good acting.
Chiwetel Ejiofor lost the best actor Oscar to Matthew McConaughey who played Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey did deliver an exceptional performance, but the reason film award voters were so impressed with McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club was because they did not know that he had a Ron Woodroof in him. Up to that point, McConaughey had spent much of his career playing shallow pussy-hounds, grown-ass men in a state of pathetic arrested development, and leading roles that required him to do little more than give good face. Being a white man also gave McConaughey an advantage with Oscar voters.
On the other hand, it is easy to take Ejiofor for granted; he is always good. In film, he has perhaps never been better than he is in 12 Years a Slave. He carries this movie because it is his character's story, a personal and hellish travelogue into the darkest and cruelest countries of mankind's nature. Ejiofor opens up his heart, his mind, his personality, his emotions – his very being – to the audience. Through him, we experience the suffering and dehumanization of Solomon Northup.
I think this movie is, in large measure, about how people will make others suffer for their own material gain and how some humans degrade others for their own satisfaction and pleasure. Few films have depicted that as well as 12 Years a Slave does. Maybe, it is indeed too hard for some to watch, but 12 Years a Slave is a great film (one of the greatest of all time), and it is a necessary one – more necessary than some of us will admit.
10 of 10
Saturday, March 7, 2015
NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA: 3 wins: “Best Motion Picture of the Year” (Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen, and Anthony Katagas), “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” (Lupita Nyong'o), and “Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay” (John Ridley); 6 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Chiwetel Ejiofor), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role” (Michael Fassbender), “Best Achievement in Costume Design” (Patricia Norris), “Best Achievement in Directing” (Steve McQueen), “Best Achievement in Film Editing” (Joe Walker), and “Best Achievement in Production Design” (Adam Stockhausen-production design and Alice Baker-set decoration)
2014 BAFTA Awards: 2 wins: “Best Film” (Anthony Katagas, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Steve McQueen) and “Best Leading Actor” (Chiwetel Ejiofor); 8 nominations: “Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music” (Hans Zimmer); “Best Adapted Screenplay” (John Ridley), “Best Supporting Actor” (Michael Fassbender), “Best Supporting Actress” (Lupita Nyong'o), “Best Cinematography” (Sean Bobbitt), “Best Editing” (Joe Walker), “Best Production Design” (Adam Stockhausen and Alice Baker), and “David Lean Award for Direction” (Steve McQueen)
2014 Golden Globes, USA: 1 win: “Best Motion Picture – Drama;” 6 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Chiwetel Ejiofor), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Michael Fassbender), “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Lupita Nyong'o), “Best Director - Motion Picture” (Steve McQueen), “Best Screenplay - Motion Picture” (John Ridley), and “Best Original Score - Motion Picture” (Hans Zimmer)
2014 Black Reel Awards 2014: 8 wins: “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Brad Pitt, Steve McQueen, Anthony Katagas, Jeremy Kleiner, Bill Pohlad, and Arnon Milchan – Fox Searchlight Pictures), “Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture” (Chiwetel Ejiofor), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Lupita Nyong'o), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Steve McQueen), “Outstanding Screenplay (Adapted or Original), Motion Picture” (John Ridley), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Francine Maisler (Casting Director), “Outstanding Score” (Hans Zimmer), and “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female” (Lupita Nyong'o); 1 nomination: “Outstanding Song” (Alicia Keys: Performer & Writer for the song "Queen of the Field (Patsey's Song))
2014 Image Awards: 4 wins: “Outstanding Motion Picture,” “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Lupita Nyong'o), “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture - (Theatrical or Television)” (John Ridley), and “Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture” (Steve McQueen); 2 nominations: “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Alfre Woodard)
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
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Saturday, March 7, 2015
Review: Imaginative "Guardians of the Galaxy" is Charming and Fun
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Running time: 121 minutes (2 hours, 1 minute)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language
DIRECTOR: James Gunn
WRITERS: James Gunn and Nicole Perlman (based on the comic book created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning)
PRODUCER: Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ben Davis
EDITORS: Fred Raskin, Hughes Winborne, and Craig Wood
COMPOSER: Tyler Bates
Academy Award nominee
SCI-FI/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Peter Serafinowicz, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Haddock, Sean Gunn, Wyatt Oleff, Gregg Henry, Christopher Fairbank, Stan Lee, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel with Josh Brolin
Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 science fiction action film and adventure comedy from director James Gunn and is produced by Marvel Studios. The film is based on the comic book, Guardians of the Galaxy (2008), which was created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. The film focuses on a human and a ragtag band of aliens who take on a warlord bent on galactic destruction.
Guardians of the Galaxy opens in 1988 where a young boy named Peter waits in a hospital where his mother is dying. Shortly after she passes, the boy is abducted by the Ravagers, a group of space pirates. 26 years later, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is Star-Lord, and he is also a wanted man. He arrives on the planet Morag, where he steals a mysterious orb that he is supposed to give to the leader of the Ravagers, Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker).
However, the orb holds incredible power, and a fanatical alien named Ronan (Lee Pace) wants to use the orb's power to destroy the planet Xandar. Ronan sends an assassin to get the orb from Quill. On the run, Quill unites a ragtag band of oddballs: the assassin, Gamora (Zoe Saldana); the genetically-engineered raccoon, Rocket (Bradley Cooper); the tree-like humanoid, Groot (voice of Vin Diesel); and the revenge-seeking Drax (Dave Bautista). They may be the only ones who can save the galaxy and maybe even the universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the surprise hits of the year, if not the surprise hit of the year. It was the highest grossing film at the North American box office during the calendar year of 2014. Some people joked that if Marvel Studios could make a hit of Guardians of the Galaxy, it could make a hit of anything. That may be true.
Guardians of the Galaxy's production values rival and even exceed (in some cases) most recent science and space fantasy films, including the Star Wars prequels. The artists behind this film's production design and art direction build an entire new galaxy filled with amazing worlds and places from the ground up, with eye-popping and dazzling results. The costumes are as creative as what is worn in the kind of costume dramas that usually earn Oscar nods for their costume design. The make-up, both effects and hair-styling, is probably the best ever seen in a film based on a comic book.
Visually, Guardians of the Galaxy is a most unusual and imaginative film, but it is also familiar. It is thoroughly infused with the spirit of Star Wars (1977). Like the original Star Wars film, Guardians of the Galaxy is a lavish sci-fi movie spectacle with elements of Western and pirate adventure films. It is fun to watch, and by the end of it, I was eager for a sequel.
Maybe co-writer and director James Gunn has created Star Wars for a new generation. He has a fine cast of actors; a cool universe populated with awesome beings, places, and things. Gunn also has what seems like an imagination full of ideas that want to get out and sparkle on the big screen. Gunn can do really good things with this film as the start of a new franchise. In the meantime, we can enjoy this first film. Like Men in Black and Independence Day, Guardians of the Galaxy is a sci-fi blast that thrills every viewer who can enjoy the wonder of a great space adventure.
7 of 10
A-
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
NOTES:
2015 Academy Awards, USA: 2 nominations: “Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling” (Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White) and “Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Stephane Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner, and Paul Corbould)
2015 BAFTA Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Make Up/Hair” (Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White) and “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Stephane Ceretti, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, and Nicolas Aithadi)
2015 Black Reel Awards: 2 nominations: “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Zoe Saldana) and “Outstanding Voice Performance” (Vin Diesel for playing "Groot")
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Amazon Studios Announces Guest Stars for Upcoming "Hand of God"
Erykah Badu (Black Dynamite), Lance Bass (Hell & Back), Hunter Parrish (The Good Wife), Jon Tenney (Scandal) and Jacob Vargas (Sons of Anarchy) to Guest Star in Amazon Original Series Hand of God
Series was created by Ben Watkins (Burn Notice), with select episodes directed by Marc Forster (World War Z), and stars Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) and Dana Delany (Body of Proof)
Hand of God will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Instant Video
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon announced Erykah Badu (Black Dynamite), Lance Bass (Hell & Back), Hunter Parrish (The Good Wife), Jon Tenney (Scandal) and Jacob Vargas (Sons of Anarchy) will guest star in the highly-anticipated dramatic series Hand of God. The series is currently shooting in the Los Angeles area and will premiere exclusively on Prime Instant Video this fall.
“We are thrilled to be adding such unique and talented performers to the Hand of God cast”
Created by Ben Watkins (Burn Notice), and marking the television debut of renowned filmmaker Marc Forster (World War Z), Hand of God stars Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) as the honorable justice Pernell Harris. The show centers on Judge Harris, a hard-living, law-bending married man with a high-end call girl on the side, who suffers a mental breakdown and goes on a vigilante quest to find the rapist who tore his family apart. With no real evidence to go on, Pernell begins to rely on “visions” and “messages” he believes are being sent by God through Pernell's ventilator-bound son. Hand of God also stars Dana Delany (Body of Proof) as the Judge’s protective wife Crystal Harris, Garret Dillahunt (Justified) as KD, the born-again sociopath whose violent tendencies are exploited by Pernell, Andre Royo (The Wire) as the slick, smart, gregarious, and greedy mayor Robert ‘Bobo’ Boston, Alona Tal (Burn Notice) as Pernell’s grieving daughter-in-law Jocelyn Harris, Julian Morris (Pretty Little Liars) as the questionable preacher Paul Curtis, Elizabeth McLaughlin (Betrayal) as the preacher’s sultry girlfriend Alicia, and Emayatzy Corinealdi (Middle of Nowhere) as Pernell’s call girl and confidante Tessie. Watkins, Forster, Perlman, Brian Wilkins (Lost in America) and Jeff King (White Collar) are Executive Producers, and Jillian Kugler (World War Z) is co-Executive Producer. The pilot episode of Hand of God is rated 9.1/10 on IMDb and available to watch anytime at www.amazon.com/primeinstantvideo.
“We are thrilled to be adding such unique and talented performers to the Hand of God cast,” said Ben Watkins. “It’s a testament to the work of Marc, Ron and our whole cast and crew. The amazing creative environment that Amazon Studios fosters gives us an opportunity to attract top caliber talent such as Erykah, Lance, Hunter, Jon and Jacob to our mix. Naturally, we’re also stoked to have lead vocals covered for the Hand of God touring band.”
Erykah Badu as April—A bohemian weed dealer who calls herself the “blend master,” April has been Crystal’s personal dealer for years and becomes a close confidante. Crystal recruits April to join the Hand of God chapel as an informant so she can be Crystal’s eyes and ears in this new religious world with which Pernell has become obsessed. (Recurring)
Lance Bass as Exotic Jerry—An eccentric and irrepressibly enthusiastic face of Jerry’s Exotic Fish Store, Exotic Jerry sings an annoyingly catchy jingle in a low budget commercial. The song gets stuck in Pernell’s head and sparks a temporary fixation on fish.
Hunter Parrish as Josh—PJ’s best friend and former business partner, Josh is solid, trusting, and attractive. Despite his bookish demeanor, Josh’s emotional insightfulness and strength of character are exactly what Jocelyn needs to anchor herself when she starts spinning out of control. (Recurring)
Jon Tenney as Nick Tramble—Magnetic, intense, and charming, Nick is Jocelyn’s high-powered, expensively dressed attorney who represents her in the case to pull the plug on PJ. He takes the case because he truly believes that pulling the plug is what PJ would have wanted and that it will help Jocelyn move on from this tragedy. He’s been in an intense rivalry with Pernell for years, due in no small part to Nick and Crystal’s former romantic connection. Nick knows that the most important court to win in is the court of public opinion, which is why his opening arguments are always in front of news cameras. (Recurring)
Jacob Vargas as Julio—A grifter/graffiti artist who went through the police academy with Shane Caldwell, Julio left the force before making it through probation. Since then, he often finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Along with his best friend Shane, Julio has been doing dirty side jobs to earn cash. He isn’t a bad guy at heart; he’s become hardened and opportunistic over time, and increasingly finds himself in flirting with trouble. Pernell learns Julio was involved with what went down the night of Jocelyn’s rape, and may be the key to finding out who ordered the crime. (Recurring)
About Amazon Studios
Hand of God will join other Amazon Original Series that include Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, Mozart in the Jungle, from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Paul Weitz, Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent, along with the second season of the Garry Trudeau political comedy Alpha House. The studio has also launched its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and three additional children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning and Annie Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela C. Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced eight additional, original series will premiere in 2015 and early 2016 exclusively on Prime Instant Video including Mad Dogs, The Man in the High Castle, docu-series The New Yorker Presents, Red Oaks, a second season of Transparent, as well as kids series Wishenpoof!, Just Add Magic, and The Stinky & Dirty Show.
In 2015 Amazon Studios will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release, followed by early window distribution on Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available on Prime Instant Video at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/AIV. With the Amazon Instant Video app Prime members can enjoy offline viewing of movies and TV shows—on a plane, on vacation, in the car, and anywhere else where they may not have Wi-Fi.
Amazon Prime members have exclusive access to popular TV series at no additional cost to their membership. Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series’ airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and Tumble Leaf, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon's IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
------------------
Series was created by Ben Watkins (Burn Notice), with select episodes directed by Marc Forster (World War Z), and stars Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) and Dana Delany (Body of Proof)
Hand of God will premiere later this year exclusively on Prime Instant Video
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon announced Erykah Badu (Black Dynamite), Lance Bass (Hell & Back), Hunter Parrish (The Good Wife), Jon Tenney (Scandal) and Jacob Vargas (Sons of Anarchy) will guest star in the highly-anticipated dramatic series Hand of God. The series is currently shooting in the Los Angeles area and will premiere exclusively on Prime Instant Video this fall.
“We are thrilled to be adding such unique and talented performers to the Hand of God cast”
Created by Ben Watkins (Burn Notice), and marking the television debut of renowned filmmaker Marc Forster (World War Z), Hand of God stars Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy) as the honorable justice Pernell Harris. The show centers on Judge Harris, a hard-living, law-bending married man with a high-end call girl on the side, who suffers a mental breakdown and goes on a vigilante quest to find the rapist who tore his family apart. With no real evidence to go on, Pernell begins to rely on “visions” and “messages” he believes are being sent by God through Pernell's ventilator-bound son. Hand of God also stars Dana Delany (Body of Proof) as the Judge’s protective wife Crystal Harris, Garret Dillahunt (Justified) as KD, the born-again sociopath whose violent tendencies are exploited by Pernell, Andre Royo (The Wire) as the slick, smart, gregarious, and greedy mayor Robert ‘Bobo’ Boston, Alona Tal (Burn Notice) as Pernell’s grieving daughter-in-law Jocelyn Harris, Julian Morris (Pretty Little Liars) as the questionable preacher Paul Curtis, Elizabeth McLaughlin (Betrayal) as the preacher’s sultry girlfriend Alicia, and Emayatzy Corinealdi (Middle of Nowhere) as Pernell’s call girl and confidante Tessie. Watkins, Forster, Perlman, Brian Wilkins (Lost in America) and Jeff King (White Collar) are Executive Producers, and Jillian Kugler (World War Z) is co-Executive Producer. The pilot episode of Hand of God is rated 9.1/10 on IMDb and available to watch anytime at www.amazon.com/primeinstantvideo.
“We are thrilled to be adding such unique and talented performers to the Hand of God cast,” said Ben Watkins. “It’s a testament to the work of Marc, Ron and our whole cast and crew. The amazing creative environment that Amazon Studios fosters gives us an opportunity to attract top caliber talent such as Erykah, Lance, Hunter, Jon and Jacob to our mix. Naturally, we’re also stoked to have lead vocals covered for the Hand of God touring band.”
Erykah Badu as April—A bohemian weed dealer who calls herself the “blend master,” April has been Crystal’s personal dealer for years and becomes a close confidante. Crystal recruits April to join the Hand of God chapel as an informant so she can be Crystal’s eyes and ears in this new religious world with which Pernell has become obsessed. (Recurring)
Lance Bass as Exotic Jerry—An eccentric and irrepressibly enthusiastic face of Jerry’s Exotic Fish Store, Exotic Jerry sings an annoyingly catchy jingle in a low budget commercial. The song gets stuck in Pernell’s head and sparks a temporary fixation on fish.
Hunter Parrish as Josh—PJ’s best friend and former business partner, Josh is solid, trusting, and attractive. Despite his bookish demeanor, Josh’s emotional insightfulness and strength of character are exactly what Jocelyn needs to anchor herself when she starts spinning out of control. (Recurring)
Jon Tenney as Nick Tramble—Magnetic, intense, and charming, Nick is Jocelyn’s high-powered, expensively dressed attorney who represents her in the case to pull the plug on PJ. He takes the case because he truly believes that pulling the plug is what PJ would have wanted and that it will help Jocelyn move on from this tragedy. He’s been in an intense rivalry with Pernell for years, due in no small part to Nick and Crystal’s former romantic connection. Nick knows that the most important court to win in is the court of public opinion, which is why his opening arguments are always in front of news cameras. (Recurring)
Jacob Vargas as Julio—A grifter/graffiti artist who went through the police academy with Shane Caldwell, Julio left the force before making it through probation. Since then, he often finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Along with his best friend Shane, Julio has been doing dirty side jobs to earn cash. He isn’t a bad guy at heart; he’s become hardened and opportunistic over time, and increasingly finds himself in flirting with trouble. Pernell learns Julio was involved with what went down the night of Jocelyn’s rape, and may be the key to finding out who ordered the crime. (Recurring)
About Amazon Studios
Hand of God will join other Amazon Original Series that include Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, Mozart in the Jungle, from Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Paul Weitz, Jill Soloway’s multi-Golden Globe Award-winning dark comedy Transparent, along with the second season of the Garry Trudeau political comedy Alpha House. The studio has also launched its first live-action series for kids 6-11, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and three additional children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning and Annie Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment; Creative Galaxy from Angela C. Santomero and Out of the Blue Enterprises, the creators of Blue’s Clues; and Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Amazon Studios has also announced eight additional, original series will premiere in 2015 and early 2016 exclusively on Prime Instant Video including Mad Dogs, The Man in the High Castle, docu-series The New Yorker Presents, Red Oaks, a second season of Transparent, as well as kids series Wishenpoof!, Just Add Magic, and The Stinky & Dirty Show.
In 2015 Amazon Studios will begin to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release, followed by early window distribution on Prime Instant Video.
Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.
About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available on Prime Instant Video at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/AIV. With the Amazon Instant Video app Prime members can enjoy offline viewing of movies and TV shows—on a plane, on vacation, in the car, and anywhere else where they may not have Wi-Fi.
Amazon Prime members have exclusive access to popular TV series at no additional cost to their membership. Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series’ airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and Tumble Leaf, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.
Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon's IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.
About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
------------------
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of March 1st to March 7th, 2015 - Update #13
NEWS:
From YahooMovies: Why should Sean Penn apologize for a joke aimed at a close friend, even if it was at the Oscars?
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From HuffPost: Neill Blomkamp reveals concept art for his in-development "Alien" film, and says what he does not want to happen to that film.
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From THR: Disney is producing a live-action Beauty and the Beast... running out of ideas.
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From YahooMovies: Chris Rock is highly critical of the 2013 Jackie Robinson biopic, 42.
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From TheHollywoodReporter: The winner of the Feb. 27th to March 1st, 2015 box office is Focus, starring Will Smith, with an estimated take of $19.1 million.
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From TheHollywoodReporter: Leonardo DiCaprio moves ahead with "The Crowded Room." This is an old project. I remember when the late Premiere magazine described it as James Cameron's "next project" back in the 1990s.
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From TheHollywoodReporter: Michelle Rodriguez doesn't know better, since she has been one of the more privileged Latina actresses. I wonder if she was also drunk when she made this statement.
COMIC BOOKS:
From YahooTV: Jada Pinkett Smith is leaving "Gotham."
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From YahooTV: CBS's Supergirl's costume is revealed.
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From CinemaBlend: CBS keeps adding to cast of its "Supergirl" show.
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From Comicvine: A new trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron.
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From YahooGames: Drew Goddard will writer and direct Spider-Man reboot... or not.
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From IGN: Josh Trank explains casting Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm and the darker tone of his Fantastic Four movie.
STAR WARS:
From ScreenRant: Rumors about the second Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer.
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From io9: What Ahsoka's appearance in Star Wars Rebels means.
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From FlickeringMyth: New rumors about Luke Skywalker's role in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
OBITS:
From THR: The actress, Lynn Borden, had died at the age of 77. Borden was known for playing the young wife and mother, Barbara Baxter, on the fifth and final season of the 1960s sitcom, "Hazel." We send our condolences to her family.
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From THR: The actor, Daniel von Bargen, died at the age of 64. He was best known for his role as Mr. Kruger, George Costanza's imbecile of a boss, on the last season of "Seinfeld." I remember him for his role as the super-scary, Nix, in Clive Barker's Lord of Illusionx.
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