It's May 2017. Welcome to Negromancer 2.0. This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.
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Monday, May 1, 2017
Review: Wahlberg and Berg Drive "Lone Survivor"
Lone Survivor (2013)
Running time: 121 minutes (2 hours, 1 minute)
MPAA – R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language
DIRECTOR: Peter Berg
WRITER: Peter Berg (based on the book by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson)
PRODUCERS: Sarah Aubrey, Peter Berg, Randall Emmett, Akiva Goldsman, Vitaly Grigoriants, Norton Herrick, Stephen Levinson, Barry Spikings, and Mark Wahlberg
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Tobias Schliessler (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Colby Parker Jr.
COMPOSERS: Explosions in the Sky and Steve Jablonsky
Academy Award nominee
WAR/ACTON/DRAMA/BIOPIC
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Yousuf Azami, Ali Suliman, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig, Jerry Ferrar, and Rohan Chand
Lone Survivor is a 2013 war film written and directed by Peter Berg. The film is an adaptation of the 2007 nonfiction book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, written Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson. The film is a dramatization of a failed 2005 mission to kill a Taliban leader in Afghanistan and also of Luttrell and his teammates fight to survive after the mission goes bad.
Lone Survivor opens in Afghanistan at the Bagram Air Base. There is an Afghan Taliban leader named Ahmad Shah (Yousuf Azami), who is responsible for killing over twenty United States Marines, as well as villagers and refugees who were aiding American forces. The Navy SEALs are ordered to capture or kill Shah, and as part of the mission, a four-man SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team gets the task of tracking down Shah and killing him.
That SEAL team: leader Michael P. “Murph” Murphy (Taylor Kitsch); snipers Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg) and Matthew "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster); and communications specialist, Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch), are inserted into a mountainous region near Shah's base of operations. The team finds Shah, but the mission inadvertently goes awry. The SEALs attempt to leave the area, but are forced to battle Taliban forces. Injured, outnumbered, and at a tactical disadvantage, the SEALs begin a valiant struggle to survive.
Lone Survivor has visceral power, which it reveals in the way it brings the Navy SEALs mission to kill Shah to life. Director Peter Berg and film editor Colby Parker Jr. bring the viewers deep into the action, so much so that I started to believe that the Taliban was also hunting me.
However, the film's first 34 minutes are largely about military jargon and also about forcing heavy-handed jingoism about the United States' military mission and presence in Afghanistan on the viewer. Truthfully, Lone Survivor avoids any examination about the U.S. presence in that country. The movie is strictly about (1) the mission, (2) military courage, (3) the band-of-brothers ethos in the U.S. military, (4) how great the SEALs are, and (5) survival. Lone Survivor is not so much a story as it is the depiction of a moment or perhaps, of a particularly memorable sequence of events in the history of the “War on Terror” in Afghanistan.
I think that writer/director Peter Berg attempts to dazzle his audience with muscular, physical film making and with a story of a grueling struggle to survive. I think this makes the film light on characterization, but heavy on stereotypes and assumptions. By the time the film presented friendly natives, it was hard for me to believe they were friendly because, except for a child character, everyone seemed like a dangerous brown person.
Still, I am impressed by Mark Wahlberg's performance. Unable to show a deeper side of Marcus Luttrell, Wahlberg turns himself into a battered-and-bruised wounded warrior in order to make us like Luttrell. It's like Wahlberg is channeling Mel Gibson in Braveheart (1995). Peter Berg slyly sets us up for cathartic release when the cavalry shows up to rescue the lone survivor. It's a cheat, but I guess you do what you have to in order to make a shallow script into a good movie. And Lone Survivor, in its own way, is indeed a good movie.
7 of 10
B+
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA: 2 nominations: “Best Achievement in Sound Mixing” (Andy Koyama, Beau Borders, and David Brownlow) and “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Wylie Stateman)
The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Sunday, April 30, 2017
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 23rd to 30th, 2017 - Update #26
Support Leroy on Patreon.
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/28 to 4/30/2017 weekend box office is "The Fate of the Furious" with an estimated take of $19.3 million.
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FILM FESTIVALS - From Variety: 2017 Tribeca Film Festival announces "Audience Award" winners.
----------
FILM FESTIVALS - From TheWrap: Roman Polanski's film "Based on a True Story," has been added to the Cannes 2017 lineup where it will screen out-of-competition.
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POLITICS - From Truthout: White Nationalists are setting immigration policy for the administration of President Trump.
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OBIT - From YahooMovies: The actor Michael Mantenuto has died at the age of 35, Monday, April 24, 2017. He starred in Disney's hit film, "Miracle," about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.
CRIME - From RSN: Rich-bitch accused murderess out on bail, while poor Black man accused of welfare fraud rots in jail.
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CULTURE - From Truthout: Monuments to White Supremacy are finally falling in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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MOVIES - Variety: Paramount Pictures is looking at David Fincher to director "World War Z 2."
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MOVIES - From Variety: Joe Johnston, director of "Captain America: The First Avenger," will direct "The Chronicles of Narnia" revival, "The Silver Chair."
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MOVIES - From Deadline: M. Night Shyamalan has announced a film that will be a sequel to both his recent hit, "Split" and his 2000 film, "Unbreakable," which are apparently connected.
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OBIT - From IndieWire: Film director, Jonathan Demme, has died at the age of 73. The versatile filmmaker won an Oscar for directing 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs." He also directed film such as "Melvin and Howard," "Philadelphia," and Married to the Mob (one of my favorites), among many. RIP, Mr. Demme.
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DISNEY - From THR: Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner are in talks to voice "Timon" and "Pumbaa" in "The Lion King" reboot.
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DISNEY - From Variety: Disney announces release dates and release date changes for its upcoming film slate, including "Frozen 2," new Indiana Jones, and "Lion King."
----------
FILMS - From Variety: Wes Anderson makes announcements concerning his next film, the stop-motion animation "Isle of Dogs," including cast and a poster reveal.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From CinemaBlend: The live-action Teen Titans TV series will appear on a new DC Comics digital streaming service.
----------
SPORTS - From BET: Did the late NFL/New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez (who recently committed suicide in prison) commit murder to hide his bisexuality.
----------
COMICS - From YahooNews: Marvel Comics announces big comic book event, "Legacy," on "Good Morning America" and it will break the Internet says Marvel Comics EiC Axel Alonso.
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/21 to 4/23/2017 weekend box office is "The Fate of the Furious" with an estimated total of $38.6 million.
From YahooMovies: New releases, "Unforgettable" and "The Promise," crash at the box office. "The Promise," a historical drama about the Armenian genocide, cost about $90 to $100 mil to make and only grossed $4.1 million at the domestic box office.
----------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: NFL-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu unknowingly impresses a family during an airline flight.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Gamespot: The Marvel Cinematic Universe could be a very different thing after 2019.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Steven Spielberg is working on a drama about the "Pentagon Papers," starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. The film will received a limited release on December 22, 2017 in order to qualify for the Oscars.
----------
POLITICS - From RSN: Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone writes about President Trump and the U.S. war machine.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety: Fox sets "Deadpool 2" for June 1, 2018, with Ryan Reynolds returning as Deadpool and Josh Brolin coming on as Cable.
----------
ERIN MORAN:
OBIT - From YahooTV: The actress Erin Moran has died at the age of 56, Saturday, April 22, 2017. Moran was best known for playing the role of Joanie Cunningham on the ABC sitcom, "Happy Days" (1974 to 1984). Moran also played the character on the short-lived ABC comedy, "Joanie Loves Chachi" (1982 to 1983).
From YahooTV: Scott Baio, the "Chachi" in "Joanie Loves Chachi" mourns Erin Moran, "Joanie."
From YahooCelebrity: Erin Moran likely died from Stage 4 cancer.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Watch "The Crossing," the prologue short to "Alien: Covenant,"
From YouTube: The new trailer for "Kingsman: The Golden Circle."
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/28 to 4/30/2017 weekend box office is "The Fate of the Furious" with an estimated take of $19.3 million.
----------
FILM FESTIVALS - From Variety: 2017 Tribeca Film Festival announces "Audience Award" winners.
----------
FILM FESTIVALS - From TheWrap: Roman Polanski's film "Based on a True Story," has been added to the Cannes 2017 lineup where it will screen out-of-competition.
----------
POLITICS - From Truthout: White Nationalists are setting immigration policy for the administration of President Trump.
----------
OBIT - From YahooMovies: The actor Michael Mantenuto has died at the age of 35, Monday, April 24, 2017. He starred in Disney's hit film, "Miracle," about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.
CRIME - From RSN: Rich-bitch accused murderess out on bail, while poor Black man accused of welfare fraud rots in jail.
----------
CULTURE - From Truthout: Monuments to White Supremacy are finally falling in New Orleans, Louisiana.
----------
MOVIES - Variety: Paramount Pictures is looking at David Fincher to director "World War Z 2."
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Joe Johnston, director of "Captain America: The First Avenger," will direct "The Chronicles of Narnia" revival, "The Silver Chair."
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: M. Night Shyamalan has announced a film that will be a sequel to both his recent hit, "Split" and his 2000 film, "Unbreakable," which are apparently connected.
----------
OBIT - From IndieWire: Film director, Jonathan Demme, has died at the age of 73. The versatile filmmaker won an Oscar for directing 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs." He also directed film such as "Melvin and Howard," "Philadelphia," and Married to the Mob (one of my favorites), among many. RIP, Mr. Demme.
----------
DISNEY - From THR: Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner are in talks to voice "Timon" and "Pumbaa" in "The Lion King" reboot.
----------
DISNEY - From Variety: Disney announces release dates and release date changes for its upcoming film slate, including "Frozen 2," new Indiana Jones, and "Lion King."
----------
FILMS - From Variety: Wes Anderson makes announcements concerning his next film, the stop-motion animation "Isle of Dogs," including cast and a poster reveal.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From CinemaBlend: The live-action Teen Titans TV series will appear on a new DC Comics digital streaming service.
----------
SPORTS - From BET: Did the late NFL/New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez (who recently committed suicide in prison) commit murder to hide his bisexuality.
----------
COMICS - From YahooNews: Marvel Comics announces big comic book event, "Legacy," on "Good Morning America" and it will break the Internet says Marvel Comics EiC Axel Alonso.
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/21 to 4/23/2017 weekend box office is "The Fate of the Furious" with an estimated total of $38.6 million.
From YahooMovies: New releases, "Unforgettable" and "The Promise," crash at the box office. "The Promise," a historical drama about the Armenian genocide, cost about $90 to $100 mil to make and only grossed $4.1 million at the domestic box office.
----------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: NFL-Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu unknowingly impresses a family during an airline flight.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Gamespot: The Marvel Cinematic Universe could be a very different thing after 2019.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Steven Spielberg is working on a drama about the "Pentagon Papers," starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. The film will received a limited release on December 22, 2017 in order to qualify for the Oscars.
----------
POLITICS - From RSN: Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone writes about President Trump and the U.S. war machine.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From Variety: Fox sets "Deadpool 2" for June 1, 2018, with Ryan Reynolds returning as Deadpool and Josh Brolin coming on as Cable.
----------
ERIN MORAN:
OBIT - From YahooTV: The actress Erin Moran has died at the age of 56, Saturday, April 22, 2017. Moran was best known for playing the role of Joanie Cunningham on the ABC sitcom, "Happy Days" (1974 to 1984). Moran also played the character on the short-lived ABC comedy, "Joanie Loves Chachi" (1982 to 1983).
From YahooTV: Scott Baio, the "Chachi" in "Joanie Loves Chachi" mourns Erin Moran, "Joanie."
From YahooCelebrity: Erin Moran likely died from Stage 4 cancer.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Watch "The Crossing," the prologue short to "Alien: Covenant,"
From YouTube: The new trailer for "Kingsman: The Golden Circle."
Sony Pictures Classics to Distribute "Based on a True Story" in North America
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES ROMAN POLANSKI'S BASED ON A TRUE STORY
NEW YORK (February 14, 2017) – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired all rights in North America to Academy Award-winner Roman Polanski's BASED ON A TRUE STORY. The French-language film recently wrapped production in Paris and stars Emmanuelle Seigner and Eva Green.
A tense psychological thriller, BASED ON A TRUE STORY follows Delphine (Seigner), a best-selling author in Paris who has developed writer's block. When a mysterious woman (Green) enters her life at a book signing, Delphine's life and all that she had come to rely on becomes a rollercoaster resulting in unexpected consequences.
Based on Delphine de Vigan's novel of the same title, the film is written by Cannes award-winner Olivier Assayas (Best Director, PERSONAL SHOPPER) and Roman Polanski. The film is produced by Wassim Beji of WY Productions. RatPac Entertainment will partner with SPC on the distribution.
Sony Pictures Classics previously worked with Polanski on CARNAGE.
"I am very pleased that Sony Pictures Classics will be distributing BASED ON A TRUE STORY in North America. Sony Classics is a company that has long tradition in supporting European cinema. I am looking forward to working again with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard," said Roman Polanski.
Stated Sony Pictures Classics, "BASED ON A TRUE STORY is the kind of thriller audiences are hungering for, as exceptional and fresh as REPULSION and THE TENANT were in their day. Polanski's new film promises to be his very best."
The deal was negotiated by Sony Pictures Classics and Jeff Berg of Northside Services.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 37 Academy Awards® (33 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 159 Academy Award® nominations (137 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
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NEW YORK (February 14, 2017) – Sony Pictures Classics announced that they have acquired all rights in North America to Academy Award-winner Roman Polanski's BASED ON A TRUE STORY. The French-language film recently wrapped production in Paris and stars Emmanuelle Seigner and Eva Green.
A tense psychological thriller, BASED ON A TRUE STORY follows Delphine (Seigner), a best-selling author in Paris who has developed writer's block. When a mysterious woman (Green) enters her life at a book signing, Delphine's life and all that she had come to rely on becomes a rollercoaster resulting in unexpected consequences.
Based on Delphine de Vigan's novel of the same title, the film is written by Cannes award-winner Olivier Assayas (Best Director, PERSONAL SHOPPER) and Roman Polanski. The film is produced by Wassim Beji of WY Productions. RatPac Entertainment will partner with SPC on the distribution.
Sony Pictures Classics previously worked with Polanski on CARNAGE.
"I am very pleased that Sony Pictures Classics will be distributing BASED ON A TRUE STORY in North America. Sony Classics is a company that has long tradition in supporting European cinema. I am looking forward to working again with Michael Barker and Tom Bernard," said Roman Polanski.
Stated Sony Pictures Classics, "BASED ON A TRUE STORY is the kind of thriller audiences are hungering for, as exceptional and fresh as REPULSION and THE TENANT were in their day. Polanski's new film promises to be his very best."
The deal was negotiated by Sony Pictures Classics and Jeff Berg of Northside Services.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992, which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 37 Academy Awards® (33 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 159 Academy Award® nominations (137 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
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Friday, April 28, 2017
"Crazy Rich Asians" Begins Filming in Singapore and Malaysia
Filming Commences on “Crazy Rich Asians”
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filming began today on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Crazy Rich Asians,” based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan.
Jon M. Chu (“Now You See Me 2”) is directing the contemporary romantic comedy, which features an entirely Asian international cast. The film stars Constance Wu (“Fresh Off the Boat”); Henry Golding, making his feature film debut; Gemma Chan (“Humans”); Awkwafina (upcoming “Ocean’s 8,” “Neighbors 2”); and Michelle Yeoh (upcoming “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”).
Color Force’s Nina Jacobson (“The Hunger Games” films) and Brad Simpson (“World War Z”), and Ivanhoe’s John Penotti (“Hell or High Water”) are producing the film, with Tim Coddington, Robert Friedland and Kwan serving as executive producers.
“Crazy Rich Asians” follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. It turns out that he is not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Yeoh) taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can’t buy love, it can definitely complicate things.
The film’s large ensemble cast also includes Chris Pang (“Marco Polo”), Sonoya Mizuno (“La La Land”), Jing Lusi (“Stan Lee’s Lucky Man”), and comedian Ronny Chieng (“The Daily Show”), as well as a number of Singaporean actors, including Pierre Png, Fiona Xie and Tan Kheng Hua.
The behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Vanja Cernjul (“Marco Polo”), production designer Nelson Coates (“Fifty Shades Darker”), costume designer Mary Vogt (“Kong: Skull Island”) and editor Myron Kerstein (“Going in Style”).
“Crazy Rich Asians” is being filmed entirely on location in Singapore and Malaysia.
The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.
--------------------------
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filming began today on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Crazy Rich Asians,” based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan.
Jon M. Chu (“Now You See Me 2”) is directing the contemporary romantic comedy, which features an entirely Asian international cast. The film stars Constance Wu (“Fresh Off the Boat”); Henry Golding, making his feature film debut; Gemma Chan (“Humans”); Awkwafina (upcoming “Ocean’s 8,” “Neighbors 2”); and Michelle Yeoh (upcoming “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”).
Color Force’s Nina Jacobson (“The Hunger Games” films) and Brad Simpson (“World War Z”), and Ivanhoe’s John Penotti (“Hell or High Water”) are producing the film, with Tim Coddington, Robert Friedland and Kwan serving as executive producers.
“Crazy Rich Asians” follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. It turns out that he is not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Yeoh) taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can’t buy love, it can definitely complicate things.
The film’s large ensemble cast also includes Chris Pang (“Marco Polo”), Sonoya Mizuno (“La La Land”), Jing Lusi (“Stan Lee’s Lucky Man”), and comedian Ronny Chieng (“The Daily Show”), as well as a number of Singaporean actors, including Pierre Png, Fiona Xie and Tan Kheng Hua.
The behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Vanja Cernjul (“Marco Polo”), production designer Nelson Coates (“Fifty Shades Darker”), costume designer Mary Vogt (“Kong: Skull Island”) and editor Myron Kerstein (“Going in Style”).
“Crazy Rich Asians” is being filmed entirely on location in Singapore and Malaysia.
The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.
--------------------------
Warner Bros, DC Comics Announce Live-Action Series, "Titans" and Return of "Young Justice"
Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment Announce All-New Live-Action Series “Titans,” from Executive Producers Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, to Debut in 2018
“Young Justice: Outsiders,” the Highly Anticipated Third Season of Warner Bros. Animation’s “Young Justice,” Also to Bow Next Year
Series Will Air Exclusively on Upcoming DC-Branded Direct-to-Consumer Digital Service
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment today announced that executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter are teaming up for the all-new live-action drama series “Titans,” which will debut in 2018. Additionally, Warner Bros. Animation’s “Young Justice: Outsiders,” the highly anticipated third season of the popular “Young Justice” series, is also ramping up for its first mission next year.
Both fan-driven series are in early stages of production and will air exclusively on a DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service in 2018. Operated by Warner Bros. Digital Networks Group, the new digital service will deliver an immersive experience designed just for DC fans.
“Titans” follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe. In this action-packed series, Dick Grayson emerges from the shadows to become the leader of a fearless band of new heroes, including Starfire, Raven and many others. “Titans” is a dramatic, live-action adventure series that will explore and celebrate one of the most popular comic book teams ever.
“Titans” will be written by Akiva Goldsman (“Star Trek: Discovery,” “Underground”), Geoff Johns (President & Chief Creative Officer, DC Entertainment; “The Flash,” “Arrow”) and Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”). Goldsman, Johns, Berlanti and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”) are executive producers of the series from Weed Road Pictures and Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
In “Young Justice: Outsiders,” the teenage Super Heroes of the DC Universe come of age in an animated world of super-powers, Super-Villains and super secrets. In the highly anticipated new season, the team faces its greatest challenge yet as it takes on meta-human trafficking and the terrifying threat it creates for a society caught in the crossfire of a genetic arms race spanning the globe and the galaxy. Equally praised by critics and viewers for its impressive visuals and rich storytelling, “Young Justice” reached more than 25 million unique viewers in each of its two seasons on Cartoon Network. This passionate fan support set the stage for the new third season.
Sam Register (“Teen Titans Go!,” “Justice League Action”) is executive producer of “Young Justice.” Brandon Vietti (“Batman: Under the Red Hood,” “Superman Doomsday”) and Greg Weisman (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Gargoyles”) are producers of the series, produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Emmy Award winner Phil Bourassa (“Young Justice,” “Justice League Dark,” “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract”) serves as the series’ art director.
For updates on these exciting new series and the upcoming DC digital service, visit www.DCFanUpdates.com.
---------------------------------
“Young Justice: Outsiders,” the Highly Anticipated Third Season of Warner Bros. Animation’s “Young Justice,” Also to Bow Next Year
Series Will Air Exclusively on Upcoming DC-Branded Direct-to-Consumer Digital Service
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment today announced that executive producers Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter are teaming up for the all-new live-action drama series “Titans,” which will debut in 2018. Additionally, Warner Bros. Animation’s “Young Justice: Outsiders,” the highly anticipated third season of the popular “Young Justice” series, is also ramping up for its first mission next year.
Both fan-driven series are in early stages of production and will air exclusively on a DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service in 2018. Operated by Warner Bros. Digital Networks Group, the new digital service will deliver an immersive experience designed just for DC fans.
“Titans” follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe. In this action-packed series, Dick Grayson emerges from the shadows to become the leader of a fearless band of new heroes, including Starfire, Raven and many others. “Titans” is a dramatic, live-action adventure series that will explore and celebrate one of the most popular comic book teams ever.
“Titans” will be written by Akiva Goldsman (“Star Trek: Discovery,” “Underground”), Geoff Johns (President & Chief Creative Officer, DC Entertainment; “The Flash,” “Arrow”) and Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”). Goldsman, Johns, Berlanti and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”) are executive producers of the series from Weed Road Pictures and Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
In “Young Justice: Outsiders,” the teenage Super Heroes of the DC Universe come of age in an animated world of super-powers, Super-Villains and super secrets. In the highly anticipated new season, the team faces its greatest challenge yet as it takes on meta-human trafficking and the terrifying threat it creates for a society caught in the crossfire of a genetic arms race spanning the globe and the galaxy. Equally praised by critics and viewers for its impressive visuals and rich storytelling, “Young Justice” reached more than 25 million unique viewers in each of its two seasons on Cartoon Network. This passionate fan support set the stage for the new third season.
Sam Register (“Teen Titans Go!,” “Justice League Action”) is executive producer of “Young Justice.” Brandon Vietti (“Batman: Under the Red Hood,” “Superman Doomsday”) and Greg Weisman (“Star Wars Rebels,” “Gargoyles”) are producers of the series, produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Emmy Award winner Phil Bourassa (“Young Justice,” “Justice League Dark,” “Teen Titans: The Judas Contract”) serves as the series’ art director.
For updates on these exciting new series and the upcoming DC digital service, visit www.DCFanUpdates.com.
---------------------------------
"LA 92" Documentary Gets Companion Pieces On NatGeo and on Facebook
National Geographic Announces Companion Pieces to Bookend April 30 Network Premiere of Los Angeles Riots Feature Documentary LA 92
Special Program, RIOT, and Facebook Live Aftershow Provide Firsthand Accounts of the Los Angeles Riots as Well as Examine the History and Future of Human Rights Protests
Civil Rights Lawyer Connie Rice, Former LAPD Detective Tom Lange and Former Los Angeles Time Columnist Sandy Banks Among RIOT Interviewees
Soledad O’Brien to Moderate LA 92 Facebook Live Aftershow
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of the recent announcement that National Geographic Documentary Films’ television debut for LA 92 — an archival footage-focused look back at the controversial Rodney King trial and subsequent protests, violence and looting of Los Angeles — was set for Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 9/8c, National Geographic announced two companion pieces. RIOT, a one-hour special airing the day before LA 92 on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 9/8c, will provide firsthand accounts of the events in Los Angeles in April 1992 by those who lived it, helping also to shed light on the evolution and future of human protest. The LA 92 Facebook Live Aftershow, moderated by acclaimed journalist Soledad O’Brien and featuring key LA riot eyewitnesses, will take place Sunday, April 30, at 11/10c, on National Geographic Television’s Facebook page.
In 1992, Los Angeles erupted in turmoil. The frustration between African-American citizens and the Los Angeles Police Department reached a tipping point with the acquittal of four officers who had been caught on tape using what the public deemed excessive force. Riots that reflected this public outrage ensued. Although at their core these riots were a protest for equality, this meaning was lost in the destruction and chaos. RIOT will feature stories from and interviews with key eyewitnesses and spokespeople who can provide insight into the city’s race relations and how the city made it to the “point of no return”: from world-renowned graffiti artist Kelly Graval (aka RISK) and hip-hop star Rakaa from Dilated Peoples to former LAPD Detective Tom Lange, civil rights lawyer Connie Rice and LA Times columnist Sandy Banks.
Psychologist Abigail Marsh and sociologists Fran Buntman and Antwan Jones will use history and biology to examine why some people demonstrate their frustrations in the form of a riot while others use organized protest. With human rights issues consistently making headlines and social media giving every citizen public forums in which to share his or her opinions, these experts will attempt to answer the looming question: Are we on the precipice of more disastrous riots in the future?
Immediately following LA 92’s premiere, National Geographic will host a Facebook Live aftershow on National Geographic Channel’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/natgeotvUS). Moderated by O’Brien, the program will include such guests as Congresswoman Karen Ruth Bass of California’s 37th Congressional District; Najee Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope (a civil rights group based in south LA); Christafire Lundy, a resident of south LA; Hyepin Im, president & CEO of Faith and Community Empowerment; Karen Slade, Vice President/General Manager of KJLH Radio; and longtime Los Angeles journalist Bob Brill.
The Facebook Live will stream from multiple locations in south Los Angeles and Koreatown. Viewers will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, ask questions of the panelists and comment in real time.
LA 92 is produced by Lightbox’s two-time Academy Award winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (“American High”) with Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (“Undefeated”), and featuring original music from Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans (“OA,” “Enemy”).
For more information on LA 92, visit natgeotvpressroom.com or natgeotv.com/la92.
About National Geographic Documentary Films:
National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 129 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching over 730 million people around the world in 171 countries and 45 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Starfish Media Group:
STARFISH MEDIA GROUP (SMG) is a leading multi-platform media and content production and distribution company founded by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien in 2013. As newsroom-trained storytellers, the SMG team creates character-driven content that explores critical social issues like race, class, wealth, opportunity and poverty through the personal stories of people who faced these obstacles firsthand. SMG and O’Brien report and produce series, documentaries, digital content, live events and filmed entertainment including the highly acclaimed ‘Black in America’ and 'Latino in America' series, originated by O’Brien when she was an anchor at CNN. Currently, O’Brien also anchors the Heart TV political magazine show "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien," and reports for HBO’s ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,’ the PBS NewsHour and WebMD.
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Special Program, RIOT, and Facebook Live Aftershow Provide Firsthand Accounts of the Los Angeles Riots as Well as Examine the History and Future of Human Rights Protests
Civil Rights Lawyer Connie Rice, Former LAPD Detective Tom Lange and Former Los Angeles Time Columnist Sandy Banks Among RIOT Interviewees
Soledad O’Brien to Moderate LA 92 Facebook Live Aftershow
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of the recent announcement that National Geographic Documentary Films’ television debut for LA 92 — an archival footage-focused look back at the controversial Rodney King trial and subsequent protests, violence and looting of Los Angeles — was set for Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 9/8c, National Geographic announced two companion pieces. RIOT, a one-hour special airing the day before LA 92 on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 9/8c, will provide firsthand accounts of the events in Los Angeles in April 1992 by those who lived it, helping also to shed light on the evolution and future of human protest. The LA 92 Facebook Live Aftershow, moderated by acclaimed journalist Soledad O’Brien and featuring key LA riot eyewitnesses, will take place Sunday, April 30, at 11/10c, on National Geographic Television’s Facebook page.
In 1992, Los Angeles erupted in turmoil. The frustration between African-American citizens and the Los Angeles Police Department reached a tipping point with the acquittal of four officers who had been caught on tape using what the public deemed excessive force. Riots that reflected this public outrage ensued. Although at their core these riots were a protest for equality, this meaning was lost in the destruction and chaos. RIOT will feature stories from and interviews with key eyewitnesses and spokespeople who can provide insight into the city’s race relations and how the city made it to the “point of no return”: from world-renowned graffiti artist Kelly Graval (aka RISK) and hip-hop star Rakaa from Dilated Peoples to former LAPD Detective Tom Lange, civil rights lawyer Connie Rice and LA Times columnist Sandy Banks.
Psychologist Abigail Marsh and sociologists Fran Buntman and Antwan Jones will use history and biology to examine why some people demonstrate their frustrations in the form of a riot while others use organized protest. With human rights issues consistently making headlines and social media giving every citizen public forums in which to share his or her opinions, these experts will attempt to answer the looming question: Are we on the precipice of more disastrous riots in the future?
Immediately following LA 92’s premiere, National Geographic will host a Facebook Live aftershow on National Geographic Channel’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/natgeotvUS). Moderated by O’Brien, the program will include such guests as Congresswoman Karen Ruth Bass of California’s 37th Congressional District; Najee Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope (a civil rights group based in south LA); Christafire Lundy, a resident of south LA; Hyepin Im, president & CEO of Faith and Community Empowerment; Karen Slade, Vice President/General Manager of KJLH Radio; and longtime Los Angeles journalist Bob Brill.
The Facebook Live will stream from multiple locations in south Los Angeles and Koreatown. Viewers will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, ask questions of the panelists and comment in real time.
LA 92 is produced by Lightbox’s two-time Academy Award winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (“American High”) with Academy Award-winning directors Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (“Undefeated”), and featuring original music from Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans (“OA,” “Enemy”).
For more information on LA 92, visit natgeotvpressroom.com or natgeotv.com/la92.
About National Geographic Documentary Films:
National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is a division of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 129 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching over 730 million people around the world in 171 countries and 45 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Starfish Media Group:
STARFISH MEDIA GROUP (SMG) is a leading multi-platform media and content production and distribution company founded by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien in 2013. As newsroom-trained storytellers, the SMG team creates character-driven content that explores critical social issues like race, class, wealth, opportunity and poverty through the personal stories of people who faced these obstacles firsthand. SMG and O’Brien report and produce series, documentaries, digital content, live events and filmed entertainment including the highly acclaimed ‘Black in America’ and 'Latino in America' series, originated by O’Brien when she was an anchor at CNN. Currently, O’Brien also anchors the Heart TV political magazine show "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien," and reports for HBO’s ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,’ the PBS NewsHour and WebMD.
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