BitCoin First Comes To Comics
Titanium Comics now process BitCoin and various other Digital Crypto Currencies
Titanium Comics announced that they are the first comic publisher that processes BitCoin on their all new revamped website (www.titaniumcomics.com) and Facebook store www.facebook.com/ti.comics. In addition, Titanium is now working with BitPay to handle receiving cryptocurrencies. Titanium is a growing line that offers comics for all genres as well as companion merchandise.
Business Manager Dion Wilson comments “Our fourth quarter releases had to be a bit delayed, but considering the growth potential we gained in the delay we are ok with it! Cryptoocurrencies allow anyone anywhere quiet literally to gain access to our line and we are excited to see the results.”
Arcane #2 is the next release and due to the new time table will hit stores June of 2015.
Written by J.Dominguez
Penciled and Inked by Paolo D' Antonio.
Colors by M. Pagnotta
Created by Don McLiam
Description: Phelan and the Books are now in the hands of the Demon Riders. Quinn is devastated. The Brothers realize they must get the boy back-not only out of love, but because his powers are growing daily and Lucifer's minions will turn him into a servant of darkness. The Arcane Brothers have now got a fight on their hands they never wanted, but definitely aren't prepared for.
Stay up to date on all Titanium Comics via social media links below
www.facebook.com/ti.comics
www.twitter.com/titaniumcomics
www.facegram.io/titaniumcomics
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Valiant Entertainment Enters Deal to Take its Superheroes Worldwide
The Nine-Figure Deal Establishes an Unprecedented Partnership for Feature Film Financing, Distribution and Licensing in China and Beyond
NEW YORK & BEIJING, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valiant Entertainment – the award-winning comic book publisher with a library of more than 2,000 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong, and more – and DMG Entertainment, the Beijing-based leader in global entertainment, today announced a new partnership to span motion pictures, television, publishing, and licensing that will culminate in the big screen debut of Valiant’s universe of characters in theaters around the world.
“We are excited by the opportunity to bring these incredibly engaging characters and their stories to the big screen.”
In conjunction with this new partnership, DMG has made an eight-figure (USD) series C round of equity investment into Valiant, which the company will use to further its efforts in international publishing, film, television, licensing and beyond. DMG has dedicated an additional nine-figures (USD) of film financing capital toward the production of theatrical films and television programs based on Valiant's library of iconic superhero characters.
In total, the new agreement is the first deal of its kind brokered between an internationally based entertainment company and a leading independent publisher of comic books and graphic novels. Utilizing DMG’s expertise in international film development, production, and distribution, Valiant will begin to establish its cinematic universe in the United States, China and beyond. Current Valiant feature films in development include the previously announced BLOODSHOT from Sony Pictures in partnership with Original Film; SHADOWMAN in partnership with the Sean Daniel Company from a script by J. Michael Straczynski; and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, also with the Sean Daniel Company from a script by BenDavid Grabinski; among others. Valiant has also already begun development on several television projects.
The unprecedented partnership between Valiant and DMG offers both companies the ability to develop and co-produce tent-pole theatrical films for distribution and release simultaneously in the United States, China – the world’s fastest growing film market with more than $4.8 billion in box office receipts in 2014 – and the rest of the world.
“Global markets, like China, offer the greatest opportunities for monetization from merchandising, licensing, as well as revenues from film and television properties. Comic superheroes are the most lucrative and sought after IP for movie franchises, so taking a stake in the last independent massive comic universe is a strategic investment for DMG that will produce movies and TV that are both appealing and relevant to a global audience,” said DMG CEO Dan Mintz. “We are excited by the opportunity to bring these incredibly engaging characters and their stories to the big screen.”
Beyond film alone, DMG and Valiant will work in concert to form China-focused licensing partnerships for Valiant's stable of characters in areas such as Chinese language publishing, animation, online gaming, toys, apparel, live events, theme parks, and more, with a focus on bringing Valiant’s iconic heroes to new audiences in China and Asia-Pacific.
DMG Entertainment has a proven track record of introducing celebrated superheroes to the Chinese/international marketplace. In 2013, the Beijing-based studio and production company co-produced and co-financed Marvel Studios' IRON MAN 3 – the highest grossing foreign film of 2013 and sixth highest of all time in China. DMG is currently co-producing high-octane thriller AUTOBAHN, starring Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley, Felicity Jones and Nicholas Hoult; and the extreme actioner POINT BREAK, directed by Ericson Core; both films will hit screens worldwide in 2015.
“Audiences in China and the rest of the world are hungry for heroic stories that they can more easily relate to…and with the international box office accounting for the biggest piece of the total gross, the time is right for a truly international superhero franchise. DMG will bring its unique global perspective to the task of transforming the Valiant Universe into the first international comic-movie universe,” said DMG President Wu Bing.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, Valiant is one of the most successful comic book publishing companies in the history of the medium with more than 81 million comics sold and a library of more than 2,000 distinct characters. Established by a brain trust of legendary comics creators – including former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter; seminal Iron Man writer and artist, Bob Layton; and the visionary writer and illustrator of Wolverine: Weapon X, Barry Windsor-Smith – Valiant's heroes and villains inhabit the largest independently owned superhero universe anywhere in comics.
Re-established in 2005 as Valiant Entertainment with a best-in-class management team that includes Chairman Peter Cuneo, CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani, COO & CFO Gavin Cuneo, President of Licensing, Promotions & Ad Sales Russell A. Brown, Publisher Fred Pierce and Vice Chairman Jason Kothari, the company returned to great commercial and critical success in 2012, winning a Diamond Gem Award for Publisher of the Year and numerous industry awards and accolades. To date, Valiant’s titles consistently rate among the best reviewed in comics.
"Today marks one of Valiant’s biggest milestones yet with a huge step towards bringing the Valiant characters to the big screen and forging the foundation of the first truly international cinematic universe,” said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. “By bringing Valiant’s biggest heroes to theaters around the world in concert with our new partners at DMG, we look forward to making Valiant not only an iconic name in comics, but global entertainment as well.”
About DMG
DMG is a global entertainment and media company with diverse international holdings across motion pictures, television, music, gaming, creative management and entertainment-themed properties, as well as offering advertising, marketing and brand communications services. DMG Entertainment, the company’s entertainment division, makes movies and television shows, along with music promotion, licensing and merchandising, cinemas and gaming with a focus on telling stories that appeal to global audiences with operations in North America/Hollywood and Asia/China. DMG Entertainment’s films include the record-setting blockbuster IRON MAN 3, the critically acclaimed sci-fi hit LOOPER, and the techno-thriller TRANSCENDENCE; along with some of China’s highest-grossing films including NO MAN’S LAND, FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC and GO LALA GO!. DMG Entertainment is currently working on the high-speed thriller AUTOBAHN, starring Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley and Nicholas Hoult; and Point Break, directed by Ericson Core, for release in 2015.
DMG Entertainment China [SHZ: 002143] publicly traded on the Shenzhen stock exchange.
About Valiant Entertainment
Valiant is a leading character-based entertainment company with a library of over 2,000 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, Archer & Armstrong and many more. Established in 1989, Valiant has sold over 81 million comic books, and today its characters continue to be forged in publishing, licensing, film, video games, and beyond. Since its summer 2012 relaunch, Valiant has returned to the fore as one of the most highly regarded publishers in comics, winning a 2012 Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher of the Year. Visit them online at ValiantUniverse.com.
Additional Executive Quotes
“DMG is a force in China. This partnership will bring Valiant’s iconic characters to the Chinese marketplace in a fashion unprecedented in the world of superheroes and comics to date. DMG will introduce Valiant’s universe to Chinese audiences and, in the process, enhance the appeal and relevance of our characters to the fastest growing marketplace for entertainment in the world,” said Gavin Cuneo, COO & CFO for Valiant Entertainment.
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Warner Bros.' New "Jungle Book" Movie Begins Filming
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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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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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.
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