"Avengers: Age of Ultron" Reveals its "Vision"

Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Patricia Whitcher, Stan Lee and Jon Favreau serve as executive producers. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015.

More on Marvel.com: http://marvel.com/news/movies/24410/witness_vision_in_new_marvels_avengers_age_of_ultron_poster#ixzz3X6SlMfek

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"Gotham's" Penguin Champions Free Comic Book Day 2015

Comic book fan and actor Robin Lord Taylor, a.k.a the Penguin from the TV show "Gotham" wants everyone to celebrate Free Comic Book Day.

You can see Robin’s video about Free Comic Book Day here:  http://bit.ly/RobinLordTaylor_FCBD2015

·    On May 2nd, over 2,300 participating comic shop across the US, Canada and worldwide will be giving away free comic books

·  There are 50 designated FCBD titles available to choose from

·  Over 5.6 million comic books will be given away for free making this year’s event the biggest yet!

·  During FCBD, comic shops host special events such as costume contests, guest signings with comic book writers and artists, raffles, giveaways, store-wide sales, games and more for the whole community to enjoy

·  To find a participating comic shop, enter your zip code into the store locator at www.freecomicbookday.com.

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Review: "Top Five" is Chris Rock's Woody Allen Thing

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 15 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Top Five (2014)
Running time:  102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Chris Rock
PRODUCERS:  Eli Bush, Barry Diller, and Scott Rudin
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Manuel Alberto Claro
EDITOR:  Anne McCabe
COMPOSERS:  Ludwig Göransson and Ahmir-Khalib “Questlove” Thompson
Black Reel Award winner

COMEDY/DRAMA/ROMANCE   

Starring:  Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, Cedric the Entertainer, Ben Vereen, Sherri Shepherd, Jay Pharoah, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Hassan Johnson, Tichina Arnold, Luis Guzman, Kevin Hart, Olga Merediz, Laurissa Romain, Miriam Colon, Charlie Rose, Bruce Bruce, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, DMX, Jim Norton, and Jerry Seinfeld

Top Five is a 2014 comedy-drama and romance from writer-director Chris Rock.  Rock stars as a comedian who is trying to make it as a serious actor, while his fiancée is turning their upcoming wedding into a reality-television event.  Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Jay-Z, is a co-producer on this film.

Top Five focuses on Andre Allen (Chris Rock).  He had a successful career as a stand-up comedian, and later became a box office star with his hit movie franchise, Hammy The Bear, which yielded three films.  Now, Allen is trying to become a serious actor with a new film, Uprize, in which he portrays Dutty Boukman, a prominent figure in the Haitian Revolution.

Allen is also engaged to marry reality-TV star, Erica Long (Gabrielle Union).  The wedding planning, the bachelor party, the wedding itself, and even the honeymoon are going to be reality-television programming on the cable network, Bravo.  While dealing with the headache of a big wedding, Allen is also busy promoting Uprize, so he grudgingly agrees to a probing interview with The New York Times.  Allen is surprised to find himself opening up to Times reporter, Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), but Brown isn't quite being upfront about her intentions.

In Top Five, Chris Rock has delivered a film that recalls the films of Woody Allen.  Like Allen, Rock uses comedy to probe the inner recesses of the lead character's mind, faults, shortcomings, and foibles.  Also like Allen, Rock uses romance to bring together two conflicted people, whose motivations and yearnings are similar to one another, but are also in conflict with one another.

The drama comes into Top Five because, even with the crazy scenarios and embarrassing moments and revelations, the story takes everything seriously.  The sublime and the ridiculous cannot exist without each other, and stupidity does not absolve one of being honest with oneself.

Rock delivers a solid performance, and he only plays himself half the time in the film.  Rosario Dawson shows both dramatic and romance-comedy chops.  Wow, she is good, and I can't help but think that if she were a white girl that she would have headlined big-time romantic comedies ages ago.  Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson aren't better than Dawson.

J.B. Smoove is smooth, and Cedric the Entertainer kills it and then some in a cameo role.  Whoopi Goldberg, Adam Sandler, and Jerry Seinfeld appear together near the end of the film and are a treat, especially Seinfeld, who is a riot.  In fact, a number of comic actors and comedians (including Tracy Morgan) make cameo appearances or have bit parts in this movie, and they do their best to make Top Five a must-see movie.

The Hollywood trade press is reporting that producer Scott Rudin wants Chris Rock to quickly make a non-sequel follow-up to Top Five, bringing back some of the cast of this film.  This movie is going to be a hard act to follow.  Top Five is Rock's best directorial effort to date, and it is one of the best films of 2014.  Rock should have received an Oscar nomination for Top Five's screenplay.

9 of 10
A+

Saturday, April 11, 2015

NOTES:
2015 Black Reel Awards:  1 win: “Outstanding Screenplay (Original or Adapted), Motion Picture” (Chris Rock);  6 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Scott Rudin and Eli Bush), “Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture” (Chris Rock), “Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture” (Rosario Dawson), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Chris Rock), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Victoria Thomas), and “Outstanding Original Song (Ahmir-Khalib Thompson-performer and writer and Eliza Colby-performer and writer for the song, “It Ain't Easy”)

2015 Image Awards:  2 nominations: “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (Cedric the Entertainer) and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture” (Chris Rock)


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Academy Announces Oscar Presentation Dates for Next Three Years

ACADEMY SELECTS SHOW DATES FOR 2016, 2017, 2018

The Academy and the ABC Television Network today announced the dates for the 88th, 89th and 90th Oscar® presentations.  The Academy Awards® will air live on ABC on Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016, February 26, 2017, and March 4, 2018, respectively.   

Academy key dates for the 2015 Awards season are:

Saturday, November 14, 2015 - The Governors Awards

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 - Nominations voting opens 8 a.m. PT

Friday, January 8, 2016 - Nominations voting closes 5 p.m. PT

Thursday, January 14, 2016 - Oscar Nominations Announcement

Monday, February 8, 2016 - Oscar Nominees Luncheon

Friday, February 12, 2016 - Final voting opens 8 a.m. PT

Saturday, February 13, 2016 - Scientific and Technical Awards

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 - Final voting closes 5 p.m. PT

Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 88th Academy Awards begins 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT

The 88th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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Starz Sets "Flesh and Bone" for November 2015

STARZ Limited Series “Flesh and Bone” to Premiere November 8, 2015

From Emmy® Award-Winning "Breaking Bad" Writer and Executive Producer Moira Walley-Beckett

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz today announced that “Flesh and Bone,” the eight-hour limited series created by Emmy® award-winning "Breaking Bad" Writer and Executive Producer Moira Walley-Beckett, will premiere on Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Starz also released the key art for the limited series shot by photographer, James Minchin.

“Flesh and Bone” follows a young dancer with a distinctly troubled past as she joins a prestigious ballet company in New York. The dark, gritty, complex series unflinchingly explores New York City through the eyes of Claire, played by Sarah Hay (“Black Swan”), an emotionally wounded but transcendent ballerina navigating the dysfunction and glamour of the ballet world. Claire's self-destructive tendencies amid her vaulting ambitions drive her in compelling, unforeseeable ways, especially when she is confronted with the machinations of the company’s mercurial Artistic Director, played by Ben Daniels (“House of Cards,” “Law & Order UK”) and an unwelcome visitor from her past.

"Flesh and Bone,” was created by Emmy award-winning "Breaking Bad" Writer and Executive Producer, Moira Walley-Beckett. John Melfi (“House of Cards,” “Sex and the City”), Lawrence Bender (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Good Will Hunting”) and Kevin Brown ("Roswell”) are Executive Producers. Australian filmmaker David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom,” “Rover”) directed the first episode.

To ensure authenticity, the Executive Producers cast a company of 22 accomplished ballet dancers including former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko (Kiira), former American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky (Ross), Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner (Daphne) and Emily Tyra (Mia) from “Boardwalk Empire.” Ethan Stiefel, former artistic director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and a former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, served as consultant and choreographer. He created a 13-minute original ballet for “Flesh and Bone.” Other cast members include Josh Helman (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”), Damon Herriman (“Justified”), Tina Benko (“The Good Wife”) and Tovah Feldshuh (“The Walking Dead”).

The production was shot entirely in New York City, using soundstages at Steiner Studios, Kaufman Astoria Studios and locations around the city.

For more information, follow @FleshandBoneSTZ on Twitter. Join the conversation with #FleshandBone and #STARZ.


About Starz
Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks), global content distribution (Starz Distribution) and animated television and movie production (Starz Animation), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of December 31, 2014, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 57.3 million subscribers, including 23.3 million at STARZ, and 34.0 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties. Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

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Dark Horse Comics Returns "Planetes" Manga to America

DARK HORSE COMICS BRINGS AWARD-WINNING MANGA ‘PLANETES’ BACK TO SHELVES

MILWAUKIE, OR—For the first time since 2005, Makoto Yukimura’s Planetes is coming back to bookshelves this December, courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.

In the 2070s, increased interplanetary travel has led to crisis-level amounts of dangerous space debris, and someone has to clean it up. Planetes follows the space-garbage crew of aspiring explorer Hachimaki, mourning Yuri, and secretive Fee. A two-time recipient of the Seiun Award, Japan’s highest honor for science fiction, Planetes grants a whole new generation a chance to journey to the far reaches of the universe.

“Planetes is one of the series that made me a manga fan, at once startlingly realistic in its scientific detail, moving in its relatable human drama, and hilarious in the personalities of its diverse cast of astronauts,” said Planetes editor Brendan Wright. “I was saddened to think it might fade from American comics shops after Tokyopop’s demise, so it’s a joy and an honor to reintroduce it at Dark Horse in the edition I’d want as a fan, with superior source materials and all the color pages included.”

The entire story is collected in two omnibus editions from the original files, complete with bonus color pages, with over 500 pages for only $19.99. Preorder Planetes Volume 1 today from Amazon.com or your local comic shop.

Planetes Omnibus Volume 1
Makoto Yukimura (W/A/Cover)
$19.99, 978-1-61655-921-2
On sale December 9, 2015

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2015 J-Pop Summit Announces First Guests of Honor; Tickets Go on Sale

2015 J-POP SUMMIT TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY FIRST OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR ANNOUNCED

General Admission And V.I.P. Passes To The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event At Fort Mason Go On Sale Today!! Pop Singer Eir Aoi And All-Girl Rock Band Gacharic Spin To Perform

San Francisco, CA – The J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that tickets to attend the 2015 edition of the festival go on sale on TODAY, Friday, April 10th, 2015. General admission as well as V.I.P. passes are now available.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will begin with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre, and also take place Saturday and Sunday August 8th and 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Additional details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also announces its first two Guests of Honor – pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin. Both artists will perform live for fans and attendees on the Fort Mason Center main stage.

Passes for 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/#tile_registration_anchor

ONE DAY J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes One-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center either on Saturday, 8/8 or Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $20.00     Advance: $25.00    At The Door $30.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

WEEKEND J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes full Two-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $35.00     Advance: $40.00    At The Door $45.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

KIDS WEEKEND PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Ages 6-12: $15.00   Ages 0-5: FREE   *No One-day Pass for kids.

V.I.P. J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both on Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $90.00     Advance: $100.00   
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

J-POP SUMMIT V.I.P Passes include: A ticket to the Opening Special Premiere Event at The Castro Theatre on Friday, 8/7; a Weekend Pass to Fort Mason Center for Saturday, 8/8 & Sunday 8/9; Access to Priority Line to the film screenings at the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco at NEW PEOPLE Cinema from Sat. 8/8 to Sun. 8/16 (NOTE: Film tickets are NOT included, sold separately); Access to Priority Line to SAKE SUMMIT at UNION SQUARE on Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9. (NOTE: Admission to SAKE SUMMIT is NOT included, sold separately); Access to VIP Check-In at The Castro Theatre and Fort Mason Center; Access to premium viewing areas at the Fort Mason Center Stage; Exclusive J-POP SUMMIT Gift Bag.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT is proud to announce pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin as its first two featured performers and official Guests of Honor. Both artists’ appearances are made possible with the support of PROMIC (Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture) and RAIJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan).

Pop singer Eir Aoi is widely known for performing the theme songs to a variety of popular anime series including Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online and Kill la Kill. She has released 3 full albums since her debut in 2012. In Japan, Eir Aoi is signed to SME Records (Sony Music Entertainment). Additional artist information is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/eir-aoi.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also welcomes Gacharic Spin, one of the strongest, most aggressive, most flamboyant, all-female bands from Japan. Gacharic Spin has performed in the U.S., Korea, China, Hong Kong, France and Luxemburg and will make their first-ever San Francisco appearance at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT. Additional information on Gacharic Spin is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/gacharic-spin.

“We are extremely honored to kick off our music programming for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT by announcing Eir Aoi and Gacharic Spin,” says Takeshi Yoshida, Executive Producer of the J-POP SUMMIT. “With the assistance and support of the Japanese Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture and the Recording Industry Association of Japan we look forward to presenting a dynamic roster of top pop and rock artists that showcase the tremendous music scene happening in Japan. Spreading the fun and excitement of Japanese pop culture, fashion, film and music has always been the mission of the J-POP SUMMIT and we will make this summer event one that people won’t soon forget!”


About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. In 2014, the two-day event attracted 125,000 attendees. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

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