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Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Review: "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" is Magical and Imaginative
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence and some language
DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro
WRITERS: Guillermo del Toro; from a story by Guillermo del Toro and Mike Mignola (based upon the comic book by Mike Mignola)
PRODUCERS: Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, Mike Richardson, and Joe Roth
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Guillermo Navarro
EDITOR: Bernat Vilaplana
COMPOSER: Danny Elfman
Academy Award nominee
FANTASY/ACTION/HORROR with elements of comedy and drama
Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Luke Goss, Anna Walton, Jeffrey Tambor, John Hurt, Roy Dotrice and Seth MacFarlane (voice)
In Hellboy II: The Golden Army, the breaking of an ancient truce between humankind and the denizens of the invisible realm means Hellboy, the big, red, horned hero, will have to face his toughest challenges to date – save the world and save his relationship with his favorite flammable chick.
In distant, ancient times, there was a war between humans and mythical creatures. A Goblin built an unstoppable clockwork army for Balor, King of the Elves (Roy Dotrice), but Balor grieved when he saw the carnage inflicted upon humanity by this “Golden Army” of 4900 mechanical fighters. Balor called for a truce that would allow humans to live in their cities and that would allow the mythical creatures to keep to the forests. The Golden Army was locked away in a secret location.
Cut to present day, Balor’s son, Prince Nuada (Luke Goss), has returned from exile. Having never agreed with the original truce between humanity and his father, Nuada sets about reuniting the three pieces of King Balor’s crown, the device that will allow him to raise the Golden Army. This time, Prince Nuada will not stop the Golden Army until it has destroyed humanity.
Meanwhile, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) is having relationship issues with his girlfriend, Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), and chafing under a government order that the existence of Hellboy and the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development (BPRD) must remain a secret. When Prince Nuada launches his first attack on the human world, Hellboy, Liz, and their BPRD comrade, Ape Sapien (Doug Jones), a fish-man, must put aside their domestic issues. Joined by Prince Nuada’s twin sister, Princess Nuala (Anna Walton), Hellboy and company take on the fight of their lives, but find their job complicated by a strange new special agent, Johann Krauss (voice of Seth MacFarlane), a gaseous being living in a containment suit.
Some filmmakers make movies that seem right out of a dream, one of them being Guillermo del Toro, the brilliant creator of such films as The Devil’s Backbone and Pan’s Labyrinth. Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a sequel to del Toro’s 2004 movie Hellboy; both films are based upon the Hellboy comic books from creator Mike Mignola (who co-wrote this film’s story). Hellboy II is a daydream, nightmare, hallucination and reverie right out of the deepest parts of minds, which still holds onto the fear of mythical creatures. Del Toro mixes the gossamer-spun enchantment of a fairytales, the elegant gothic mood of old-school monster movies (especially from Universal Studios), and the kooky, but grand comic book monsters of Jack Kirby to create probably the most vivid and imaginative fantasy film since Lord of the Rings.
Hellboy II certainly has fanboy wit, the kind that will bring in fans of the Hellboy comic books, of comic books in general, and of fantasy and horror films. Hellboy II, however, is an exercise in old-fashioned monster movie style; even the CGI creatures move like they were created by Ray Harryhausen. And imagination: this film has imagination to burn. Every nook and cranny, seemingly every frame of film, and every scene is occupied by fantastical creatures, weird people, bizarre beings. Del Toro’s film doesn’t just claim that there is a shadowy other world next to ours, existing mostly unseen; Hellboy II brings that world to life. From a “goblin market” under the Brooklyn Bridge to a giant, green forest god with tentacles and a mantis’ face stomping through New York City, the fantastic is made flesh. And Hellboy II: The Golden Army is made great.
This film isn’t just another big budget special effects bonanza. The heart of the film’s narrative is a tale of misfits that can’t hide what makes them bizarre-looking, outsider oddballs. The public might initially embrace their fantastic looks, but the novelty soon wears off. Does it make sense to save a world that doesn’t want you in it? Because it asks this question and because of the way it tries to find answers, Hellboy II takes its place next to such magnificent fairy tale-based fantasy films as The Wizard of Oz and La belle et la bête. Hellboy II is certainly among this year’s very best.
10 of 10
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Revised: Friday, June 12, 2020
2009 Academy Awards, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Achievement in Makeup” (Mike Elizalde and Thomas Floutz)
The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
----------------------------
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 7th to 13th, 2020 - Update #27
by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
Support Leroy on Patreon:
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
MOVIES - From Deadline: Warner Bros. has moved the release of Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" from July 10th to July 31st.
TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment: The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has said that TV writer Jas Waters ("This is Us"), who was found dead Tues., June 9th died by suicide.
POLITICS - From YahooSports: Basketball superstar and legend and NBA champion, LeBron James, has joined other Black athletes and celebrities to form a voting rights group, "More Than a Vote." The group will be organized as a "501(c)(4) nonprofit."
BLM - From ProPublica: The Police Have Been Spying on Black Reporters and Activists for Years. I Know Because I’m One of Them. by Wendi C. Thomas
BLM - From YahooNews: In May 2019, when the late Derrick Scott told Oklahoma City police officers that he could not breath, one of them, Jarred Tipton, said, "I don't care." Scott was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
CELEBRITY-NFL - From YahooEntertainment: "How can I do better as a white man," asks Matthew McConaughey.
BLM - From YahooNews: Basketball legend and NBA and NCAA champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not surprised by the NFL's apology to Black NFL players, nor is he surprised by President Donald's reaction to it.
OLD-TIMEY RACISM - From Deadline: HBOMax is removed the classic film, "Gone with the Wind," from its streaming library. The film will return to with a "discussion of its historical context."
From YahooEntertainment: By the way, the Walt Disney Company is not making it controversial live-action/animation film, "Song of the South," available on Disney+.
----------
MOVIES - From LATimes: Once upon a time, the FBI destroyed the career and life of a young actress (Jean Seberg) because of her association with the Black Panther Party.
BLM - From YahooEntertainment: Actress Niecy Nash (TNT's "Claws") says that her 28-year-old son, Dominic, had a scary run in with cops after he rolled past a "Stop" sign.
TRAILER - From THR: "Bill & Ted Face the Music" drops its first trailer. The film is due August 21st.
BLM - From WashPost: Newly released video shows N.J. trooper, Sgt. Randall Wetzel, fatally shooting unarmed black man, Maurice Gordon, during traffic stop tussle
PRINCE - From YahooEntertainment: The estate of the late recording artist, Prince, shares a note from him concerning intolerance.
CULTURE - From NYMag: Frank Rich: America’s Eternal Battle With Itself - there is no rock bottom.
TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment: Marta Kaufman, who created NBC's beloved sitcom, "Friends" (with David Crane), apologizes for the series' lack of diversity.
BLACK ACTOR - From Deadline: British actor Noel Clarke ("Bulletproof," "Star Trek Into Darkness") reveals that a "high-profile agent" recently mistook him for another Black actor.
---------------------
GRADUATION 2020 - From Variety: Michelle Obama’s Graduation Speech Encourages Activism Beyond Hashtags and Posts.
From Variety: Barack Obama Urges Graduates to Fight Conspiracy Theories, Use "Fact-Based Debate."
---------------------
COVID-19 From Deadline: California Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Guidelines For Restarting Film & TV Production On June 12, If Local Conditions Permit
TELEVISION - From Deadline: Arsenio Hall Looks Back On Hosting A Talk Show During 1992 L.A. Riots, Details Run-Ins With Police & Donald Trump
POLITICS - From THR: Vice-President Joe Biden formerly clinches the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, Friday, June 5th.
OSCARS-RACE - From People: Director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo said that their film, "Selma" was snubbed at the 87th Academy Award because cast and crew wore "I can't breathe" T-shirts at the film's 2014 premiere.
OBITS:
From Deadline: The television series writer and journalist, Jas Waters, has died at the age of 39, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Waters worked on the second season of NBC's "This is Us" and recently on Showtime's "Kidding." As a journalist, Waters worked for "Vibe" magazines.
From THR: R&B and pop singer, Bonnie Pointer, has died at the age of 69, Monday, June 8, 2020. She was a founding member of the vocal group, "The Pointer Sisters." She was with the group from its founding in 1969 to 1977 when she departed for a solo career. With her sisters, Bonnie won a Grammy for the song, "Fairytale," but she only managed a few moderate hits in her solo career.
From CNN: The contemporary artist, Christo, has died at the age of 84, Sunday, May 31, 2020. Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (2009), were known for their monumental environmental artworks which often involved massive installations made of fabrics.
GEORGE FLOYD AND PROTESTS:
From RSN: George Floyd buried today, June 9th, 2020.
From YahooEntertainment: Spike Lee has released a new short film that connects the dots from his iconic film, "Do The Right Thing" to the police killings of Eric Garner and George Floyd.
From NBCNews: (5/26) - A Minneapolis black man, George Floyd, dies after pleading with a police officer that he could not breathe.
From BET: - George Floyd died of asphyxiation says autopsy.
From LATimes: Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge.
From Medium: President Barack Obama tells young people "How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change."
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS:
From CDC: The Centers for Disease Control has a "COVID Data Tracker."
From YahooNews: Why does COVID-19 kill some people and hardly affects others?
From YahooNews: Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.
From Deadline: The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.
From TheNewYorker: The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.
From YahooNews: Re: the federal government's response to COVID-19: What if the most important election of our lifetime was the last one - 2016?
From YahooLife: What is "happy hypoxia?" And do you have this COVID-19 symptom?
From JuanCole: Remeber when President Donald went crazy and suggested that we ingest household cleaning supplies and UV light to fight COVID-19. Here is the video and commentary from Juan Cole.
From TheIntercept: The federal government has ramped up security and police-related spending in response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, including issuing contracts for riot gear, disclosures show. The purchase orders include requests for disposable cuffs, gas masks, ballistic helmets, and riot gloves...
From NPR: A sad milestone: over 100,000 American have died due to COVID-19.
From TheAtlantic: The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying. The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.
-------------------
Support Leroy on Patreon:
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
MOVIES - From Deadline: Warner Bros. has moved the release of Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" from July 10th to July 31st.
TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment: The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has said that TV writer Jas Waters ("This is Us"), who was found dead Tues., June 9th died by suicide.
POLITICS - From YahooSports: Basketball superstar and legend and NBA champion, LeBron James, has joined other Black athletes and celebrities to form a voting rights group, "More Than a Vote." The group will be organized as a "501(c)(4) nonprofit."
BLM - From ProPublica: The Police Have Been Spying on Black Reporters and Activists for Years. I Know Because I’m One of Them. by Wendi C. Thomas
BLM - From YahooNews: In May 2019, when the late Derrick Scott told Oklahoma City police officers that he could not breath, one of them, Jarred Tipton, said, "I don't care." Scott was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
CELEBRITY-NFL - From YahooEntertainment: "How can I do better as a white man," asks Matthew McConaughey.
BLM - From YahooNews: Basketball legend and NBA and NCAA champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not surprised by the NFL's apology to Black NFL players, nor is he surprised by President Donald's reaction to it.
OLD-TIMEY RACISM - From Deadline: HBOMax is removed the classic film, "Gone with the Wind," from its streaming library. The film will return to with a "discussion of its historical context."
From YahooEntertainment: By the way, the Walt Disney Company is not making it controversial live-action/animation film, "Song of the South," available on Disney+.
----------
MOVIES - From LATimes: Once upon a time, the FBI destroyed the career and life of a young actress (Jean Seberg) because of her association with the Black Panther Party.
BLM - From YahooEntertainment: Actress Niecy Nash (TNT's "Claws") says that her 28-year-old son, Dominic, had a scary run in with cops after he rolled past a "Stop" sign.
TRAILER - From THR: "Bill & Ted Face the Music" drops its first trailer. The film is due August 21st.
BLM - From WashPost: Newly released video shows N.J. trooper, Sgt. Randall Wetzel, fatally shooting unarmed black man, Maurice Gordon, during traffic stop tussle
PRINCE - From YahooEntertainment: The estate of the late recording artist, Prince, shares a note from him concerning intolerance.
CULTURE - From NYMag: Frank Rich: America’s Eternal Battle With Itself - there is no rock bottom.
TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment: Marta Kaufman, who created NBC's beloved sitcom, "Friends" (with David Crane), apologizes for the series' lack of diversity.
BLACK ACTOR - From Deadline: British actor Noel Clarke ("Bulletproof," "Star Trek Into Darkness") reveals that a "high-profile agent" recently mistook him for another Black actor.
---------------------
GRADUATION 2020 - From Variety: Michelle Obama’s Graduation Speech Encourages Activism Beyond Hashtags and Posts.
From Variety: Barack Obama Urges Graduates to Fight Conspiracy Theories, Use "Fact-Based Debate."
---------------------
COVID-19 From Deadline: California Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Guidelines For Restarting Film & TV Production On June 12, If Local Conditions Permit
TELEVISION - From Deadline: Arsenio Hall Looks Back On Hosting A Talk Show During 1992 L.A. Riots, Details Run-Ins With Police & Donald Trump
POLITICS - From THR: Vice-President Joe Biden formerly clinches the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, Friday, June 5th.
OSCARS-RACE - From People: Director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo said that their film, "Selma" was snubbed at the 87th Academy Award because cast and crew wore "I can't breathe" T-shirts at the film's 2014 premiere.
OBITS:
From Deadline: The television series writer and journalist, Jas Waters, has died at the age of 39, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Waters worked on the second season of NBC's "This is Us" and recently on Showtime's "Kidding." As a journalist, Waters worked for "Vibe" magazines.
From THR: R&B and pop singer, Bonnie Pointer, has died at the age of 69, Monday, June 8, 2020. She was a founding member of the vocal group, "The Pointer Sisters." She was with the group from its founding in 1969 to 1977 when she departed for a solo career. With her sisters, Bonnie won a Grammy for the song, "Fairytale," but she only managed a few moderate hits in her solo career.
From CNN: The contemporary artist, Christo, has died at the age of 84, Sunday, May 31, 2020. Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (2009), were known for their monumental environmental artworks which often involved massive installations made of fabrics.
GEORGE FLOYD AND PROTESTS:
From RSN: George Floyd buried today, June 9th, 2020.
From YahooEntertainment: Spike Lee has released a new short film that connects the dots from his iconic film, "Do The Right Thing" to the police killings of Eric Garner and George Floyd.
From NBCNews: (5/26) - A Minneapolis black man, George Floyd, dies after pleading with a police officer that he could not breathe.
From BET: - George Floyd died of asphyxiation says autopsy.
From LATimes: Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge.
From Medium: President Barack Obama tells young people "How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change."
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS:
From CDC: The Centers for Disease Control has a "COVID Data Tracker."
From YahooNews: Why does COVID-19 kill some people and hardly affects others?
From YahooNews: Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.
From Deadline: The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.
From TheNewYorker: The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.
From YahooNews: Re: the federal government's response to COVID-19: What if the most important election of our lifetime was the last one - 2016?
From YahooLife: What is "happy hypoxia?" And do you have this COVID-19 symptom?
From JuanCole: Remeber when President Donald went crazy and suggested that we ingest household cleaning supplies and UV light to fight COVID-19. Here is the video and commentary from Juan Cole.
From TheIntercept: The federal government has ramped up security and police-related spending in response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, including issuing contracts for riot gear, disclosures show. The purchase orders include requests for disposable cuffs, gas masks, ballistic helmets, and riot gloves...
From NPR: A sad milestone: over 100,000 American have died due to COVID-19.
From TheAtlantic: The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying. The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.
-------------------
Friday, June 12, 2020
Review: "Hellboy: Sword of Storms" Animates Hellboy
Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms (2006) – TV
Running time: 78 minutes
DIRECTORS: Phil Weinstein and Tad Stones
WRITERS: Matt Wayne and Tad Stones; from a story by Tad Stones and Mike Mignola (based upon characters created by Mike Mignola)
PRODUCERS: Scott D. Greenberg and Sidney Clifton
EDITORS: John Hoyos and Jeffrey Perlmutter
COMPOSER: Christopher Drake
ANIMATION/FANTASY/ACTION/HORROR
Starring: (voices) Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, John Hurt, Peri Gilpin, and Yuriana Kim
Born a little, red demon with a giant hand, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) grew up to become a hero, saving the world from supernatural horrors and apocalypse. In his latest adventure, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (the BPRD) sends him to Japan to investigate the disappearance of a college folklore professor. However, an ancient, enchanted samurai sword transports Hellboy to a spirit world of specters and assorted bogeymen from Japanese folklore.
It seems two storm demons defeated by the sword’s owner and subsequently imprisoned in the sword want to escape to the physical world. Once there, they’ll open up the floodgates and allow their demonic brethren into our world. In order to escape from the sword, the storm demons need Hellboy to shatter the sword. While Hellboy fights in the spirit world, his partners Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) and Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) are stranded off the coast of Japan with their own hands quite full.
Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms was originally broadcast on the Cartoon Network (October 28, 2006) before being released on DVD in February 2007. Like 2004’s Hellboy, this animated film is based on the comic books and characters created by veteran comic book artist, Mike Mignola. The animation for Sword of Storms is as good if not a little better than Marvel and Lionsgate’s Ultimate Avengers direct to DVD films. Hellboy has several nice action sequences, and the character design is quite nice.
In fact, the script is not only imaginative in its use of Japanese folklore, but the writing here is much better than in the 2004 Hellboy live action film. As far as taking viewers to exotic locales and creating imaginative supernatural scares, Hellboy Animated is similar to an Indiana Jones movie, but the character writing isn’t as good. The voice acting is mixed – some good and some average. Ron Perlman and Selma Blair were average to good as the live action Hellboy and Liz Sherman, respectively, and their voice performances here are the same.
Still, Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms is really fun to watch, and I’d like to see it again. Although this isn’t Disney level animation when it comes to creating all things magic and supernatural, this is as good as TV action/fantasy animated features get, and that’s pretty good.
7 of 10
B+
Friday, February 23, 2007
Revised: Friday, June 12, 2020
The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
-----------------------------
Yen Press Announces New Manga for October 2020
Acquisition Announcement – Yen Press Acquires Three New Manga Series for October 2020
NEW YORK, NY – Yen Press, LLC announced its latest manga acquisitions today, which include Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle, Heterogenia Linguistico and My Broken Mariko. All three will release in October 2020.
Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle
Story by Reki Kawahara
Art by Shiomi Miyoshi
Original Illustration by abec
Though the fourth floor of Aincrad was supposed to be only a dreary, dried up riverbed, it’s been transformed into a lattice of countless canals! Kirito and Asuna will need a gondola if they want to continue forward...
Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle is a continuation of the manga adaptation of Sword Art Online Progressive, a spin-off of the original light novels that tell the untold stories taking place in the first two years of the characters’ time trapped in the game world.
Heterogenia Linguistico
Story and Art by Salt Seno
After his professor is injured, rookie linguist Hakaba is entrusted with his work, a research trip to study the language of monsters. Travelling together with his guide Susuki, he dives into the complex world of interspecies communication!
Heterogenia Linguistico is a fantasy manga with slice-of-life elements, a unique series that focuses on how various creatures such as werewolves and slimes communicate. Heterogenia Linguistico is part of a rising trend in manga with unconventional twists on fantasy storytelling such as Delicious in Dungeon and A Witch’s Printing Office.
My Broken Mariko
Story and Art by Waka Hirako
Shiino is an ill-tempered office assistant, but when her friend Mariko dies unexpectedly, she becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. Portraying the soulful connection between girls, this is a striking story of sisterhood and romance.
My Broken Mariko is an intense and emotional josei manga that addresses suicide and abuse. An utterly impressive work that is sure to appeal to the passionate josei fanbase, My Broken Mariko will be published in a deluxe hardcover format.
About Yen Press, LLC
Yen Press, LLC is a joint venture between Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group. Founded in 2006, Yen Press has quickly risen to become one of the largest and most prolific publishers of manga and original graphic novels in the North American marketplace and a driving force in the introduction of light novels and Japanese literature to new readers through its Yen On imprint. For more information, visit www.yenpress.com
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NEW YORK, NY – Yen Press, LLC announced its latest manga acquisitions today, which include Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle, Heterogenia Linguistico and My Broken Mariko. All three will release in October 2020.
Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle
Story by Reki Kawahara
Art by Shiomi Miyoshi
Original Illustration by abec
Though the fourth floor of Aincrad was supposed to be only a dreary, dried up riverbed, it’s been transformed into a lattice of countless canals! Kirito and Asuna will need a gondola if they want to continue forward...
Sword Art Online Progressive Transient Barcarolle is a continuation of the manga adaptation of Sword Art Online Progressive, a spin-off of the original light novels that tell the untold stories taking place in the first two years of the characters’ time trapped in the game world.
Heterogenia Linguistico
Story and Art by Salt Seno
After his professor is injured, rookie linguist Hakaba is entrusted with his work, a research trip to study the language of monsters. Travelling together with his guide Susuki, he dives into the complex world of interspecies communication!
Heterogenia Linguistico is a fantasy manga with slice-of-life elements, a unique series that focuses on how various creatures such as werewolves and slimes communicate. Heterogenia Linguistico is part of a rising trend in manga with unconventional twists on fantasy storytelling such as Delicious in Dungeon and A Witch’s Printing Office.
My Broken Mariko
Story and Art by Waka Hirako
Shiino is an ill-tempered office assistant, but when her friend Mariko dies unexpectedly, she becomes determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. Portraying the soulful connection between girls, this is a striking story of sisterhood and romance.
My Broken Mariko is an intense and emotional josei manga that addresses suicide and abuse. An utterly impressive work that is sure to appeal to the passionate josei fanbase, My Broken Mariko will be published in a deluxe hardcover format.
About Yen Press, LLC
Yen Press, LLC is a joint venture between Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group. Founded in 2006, Yen Press has quickly risen to become one of the largest and most prolific publishers of manga and original graphic novels in the North American marketplace and a driving force in the introduction of light novels and Japanese literature to new readers through its Yen On imprint. For more information, visit www.yenpress.com
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Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Sony Pictures to Release "The Broken Hearts Gallery" to Theaters July 10th
Sony Pictures Announces First Major Studio Wide Release Of The Summer
The Studio Has Acquired Natalie Krinsky’s Directorial Debut, ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’, For Theatrical Release July 10, 2020
The Romantic Comedy Stars Geraldine Viswanathan And Dacre Montgomery, From Producers No Trace Camping And Executive Producer Selena Gomez
Culver City, CA – Sony Pictures will roll out the first major studio wide release of the summer beginning July 10, 2020 -- in theaters only -- as cinemas in the U.S. begin to safely reopen. In a competitive situation, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions’ Stage 6 Films acquired worldwide rights to writer/director Natalie Krinsky’s directorial debut, The Broken Hearts Gallery, from producer and financier No Trace Camping. Elevation Pictures will distribute the film in Canada.
The romantic comedy stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Molly Gordon, Phillipa Soo, Suki Waterhouse, Arturo Castro, Ego Nwodim, Taylor Hill and Bernadette Peters.
“Hearing from more female writers and directors is very much needed. Natalie is a wonderful talent and I am happy to be a part of her debut film. I understand people’s concerns regarding returning to activities we all loved prior to COVID-19. I hope everyone will listen to scientists’ recommendations and consider others’ health and safety while enjoying the movie theater experience,” said Executive Producer Selena Gomez.
“Now more than ever, The Broken Hearts Gallery will resonate with audiences ready for a feel-good moviegoing experience this summer,” said Josh Greenstein, Motion Picture Group President. “We have faith in a theatrical rebound, and we look forward to being there right out of the gate with our exhibition partners’ anticipated reemergence, as -- and when -- state-by-state safety guidelines are met.”
“I am beyond thrilled Sony has defined our relationship by bringing The Broken Hearts Gallery into the world,” said writer/director Natalie Krinsky. “Getting a film made -- especially your first -- is like finding a soulmate: years of heartbreak and (maybe) ultimate triumph. In this moment of distance it feels good to fall in love. I can't wait for audiences to (safely) see it in theatres.”
What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? The Broken Hearts Gallery follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself.
The film is produced and financed by No Trace Camping’s David Gross and executive produced by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, Jesse Shapira, Jeff Arkuss, Josh Clay Phillips, Mason Novick and Michelle Knudsen. Produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates.
Endeavor Content and Jamie Feldman of LGNAFC negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html
About No Trace Camping
No Trace Camping is an independent feature film financier and production company based in Toronto and Los Angeles. Its principals are Jesse Shapira, David Gross and Jeff Arkuss. Founded in 2008, the company produced the Academy Award®-winning Room, as well as the films Goon, Goon: Last of the Enforcers, What If and Kin.
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The Studio Has Acquired Natalie Krinsky’s Directorial Debut, ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’, For Theatrical Release July 10, 2020
The Romantic Comedy Stars Geraldine Viswanathan And Dacre Montgomery, From Producers No Trace Camping And Executive Producer Selena Gomez
Culver City, CA – Sony Pictures will roll out the first major studio wide release of the summer beginning July 10, 2020 -- in theaters only -- as cinemas in the U.S. begin to safely reopen. In a competitive situation, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions’ Stage 6 Films acquired worldwide rights to writer/director Natalie Krinsky’s directorial debut, The Broken Hearts Gallery, from producer and financier No Trace Camping. Elevation Pictures will distribute the film in Canada.
The romantic comedy stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Molly Gordon, Phillipa Soo, Suki Waterhouse, Arturo Castro, Ego Nwodim, Taylor Hill and Bernadette Peters.
“Hearing from more female writers and directors is very much needed. Natalie is a wonderful talent and I am happy to be a part of her debut film. I understand people’s concerns regarding returning to activities we all loved prior to COVID-19. I hope everyone will listen to scientists’ recommendations and consider others’ health and safety while enjoying the movie theater experience,” said Executive Producer Selena Gomez.
“Now more than ever, The Broken Hearts Gallery will resonate with audiences ready for a feel-good moviegoing experience this summer,” said Josh Greenstein, Motion Picture Group President. “We have faith in a theatrical rebound, and we look forward to being there right out of the gate with our exhibition partners’ anticipated reemergence, as -- and when -- state-by-state safety guidelines are met.”
“I am beyond thrilled Sony has defined our relationship by bringing The Broken Hearts Gallery into the world,” said writer/director Natalie Krinsky. “Getting a film made -- especially your first -- is like finding a soulmate: years of heartbreak and (maybe) ultimate triumph. In this moment of distance it feels good to fall in love. I can't wait for audiences to (safely) see it in theatres.”
What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? The Broken Hearts Gallery follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself.
The film is produced and financed by No Trace Camping’s David Gross and executive produced by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, Jesse Shapira, Jeff Arkuss, Josh Clay Phillips, Mason Novick and Michelle Knudsen. Produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates.
Endeavor Content and Jamie Feldman of LGNAFC negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html
About No Trace Camping
No Trace Camping is an independent feature film financier and production company based in Toronto and Los Angeles. Its principals are Jesse Shapira, David Gross and Jeff Arkuss. Founded in 2008, the company produced the Academy Award®-winning Room, as well as the films Goon, Goon: Last of the Enforcers, What If and Kin.
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Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Review: "Middle of Nowhere" Signaled an Important Arrival
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Middle of Nowhere (2012)
Running time: 142 minutes (2 hours, 22 minutes)
MPAA – R for some language
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Ava DuVernay
PRODUCERS: Howard Barish, Ava DuVernay, and Paul Garnes
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Bradford Young
EDITOR: Spencer Averick
COMPOSER: Kathryn Bostic
Black Reel Award winner
DRAMA
Starring: Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Toussaint, Edwina Findley, Nehemiah Sutton, Sharon Lawrence, Maya Gilbert, and Troy Curvey III
Middle of Nowhere is a 2012 drama from writer-director Ava DuVernay. The film centers on a medical student who supports her husband while he is in prison, but who also finds herself facing unforeseen pressures that threaten their relationship.
Roberta “Ruby” M. Murray (Emayatzy Corinealdi) is a young medical student, Her husband, Derek J. Murray (Omari Hardwick), was sentenced to several years in prison. Ruby dropped out of medical school in order to focus on her husband while he is incarcerated. He can be released on parole after about five years, and as that time approaches, Ruby focuses all her energy on working as a nurse and on monitoring Derek's legal situation. After unexpected complications involving Derek arise, Ruby finds herself curious about Brian (David Oyelowo), a bus driver who is interested in her.
Middle of Nowhere is a calm and measured drama. People rarely yell at one another; instead, they occasionally speak strongly and firmly. It depicts people with family members in prison without the theatrics, melodrama, and Christian themes that one would get in, say, Madea Goes to Jail. This is not a slight against Tyler Perry, as the aforementioned Madea film is one of my favorites.
I think writer-director Ava DuVernay tells her audience that there are no easy answers, absolutely none, and every decision and direction that seems straightforward is not really. Neither a prayer nor a good cry will resolve complex difficulties. I like that Middle of Nowhere suggests that some people are unhappy and/or ashamed of the lives they lead. They think that there is another way they should be living – even when they are not sure exactly what that better way should be. Where do you go when you don't know where to go? What do you do when you don't know what to do?
I think that so many people expect so much from DuVernay as a filmmaker because her two feature films, Middle of Nowhere and 2014's Selma, are radically different from just about all other current films. Her film narratives do not offer idealism, and she forces her characters to deal with existential realities and the truth, even if those are just about impossible to discern.
Middle of Nowhere is not perfect. DuVernay is vague or at least distant about the history and complications between Ruby and her mother, Ruth (Lorraine Toussaint), to say nothing of what is going on with Ruby's sister, Rosie (Edwina Findley). It is as if there is an entire side or chunk of this story left out of the film narrative.
Middle of Nowhere is important because it signals the arrival of a different filmmaking voice and of a new cinematic vision. The truth is that mainstream American film and Hollywood need that more than most people, inside and out of film, realize.
7 of 10
B+
Saturday, April 16, 2016
NOTES:
2013 Black Reel Awards: 2 wins: “Best Director” (Ava DuVernay) and “Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted” (Ava DuVernay); 7 nominations: “Best Film” (Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes, and Howard Barish); “Best Actress” (Emayatzy Corinealdi), “Best Supporting Actor” (David Oyelowo); “Best Supporting Actress” (Lorraine Toussaint), “Best Breakthrough Performance” (Emayatzy Corinealdi), “Best Original Score” (Kathryn Bostic), and “Best Ensemble” (Aisha Coley-Casting Director)
2013 Image Awards: 2 nominations: “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” (Emayatzy Corinealdi) and “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (David Oyelowo)
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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