Friday, January 24, 2025

Cinemark Theaters to Screen Acclaimed Films During "Oscar Movie Week"

Hollywood’s Elite Films Shine at Cinemark’s Nationwide Oscar® Movie Week Festival

Exhibitor to offer fan-favorite all-inclusive festival passes alongside individual tickets for moviegoers to see Oscar® film nominees in the immersive, cinematic environment.

This year’s program is presented by Focus Features’ upcoming film “Black Bag,” a spy drama from acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh which hits theaters on March 14, 2025.

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinemark Holdings, Inc., one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world, is bringing the most prestigious Hollywood films of 2024 to big screens across the nation with the return of its annual Oscar® Movie Week festival.

In theaters from Monday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, March 2, 2025, Oscar® Movie Week offers movie buffs the chance to experience Best Picture as well as Live Action and Animated Short Film nominees in the incomparable immersive, cinematic environment only a movie theater can provide.

This year’s festival is presented by Focus Features’ upcoming film, "Black Bag," and will offer a convenient, all-inclusive festival pass that will include all participating nominees, as well as single showtime tickets for those interested in select titles. The festival is being held at more than 120 participating Cinemark theaters nationwide in advance of the 97th Oscars®, which airs March 2, 2025 on ABC and will be streamed live on Hulu. Festival passes are on sale now at Cinemark.com/movieweek with individual showtime tickets going on sale Jan. 29.

“The Oscars® are about celebrating the art of cinema, and there's no better way to experience the year’s most accoladed Hollywood content than alongside other fans in one of our auditoriums with sight and sound technology that cannot be replicated at home”

"The Oscars® are about celebrating the art of cinema, and there's no better way to experience the year’s most accoladed Hollywood content than alongside other fans in one of our auditoriums with sight and sound technology that cannot be replicated at home,” said Cinemark Chief Marketing and Content Officer Wanda Gierhart Fearing. “We’re thrilled to bring Oscar® Movie Week back to Cinemark with our highly sought after festival passes, offering moviegoers the chance to catch these prestigious films on the big screen before the must-see awards ceremony.”

In addition to the festival pass, which is on sale now, individual tickets will go on sale for each title beginning Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Tickets for the feature-length Best Picture nominees are available at standard pricing, with showtimes beginning on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. All Live Action and Animated Short Film nominees are bundled into one $10 viewing, available Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2, 2025. Oscar® Movie Week attendees can get star-studded savings with 50 percent off any size popcorn at participating Cinemark theaters during the run of the program.

Those wanting to have a red carpet-worthy watch party at home for Hollywood’s biggest night, Cinemark’s nationwide delivery partnerships with DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats will ensure you have the best in movie snacks to go alongside the best in entertainment. Visit https://www.cinemark.com/food-drink/delivery for more information on available options and participating locations.

For more details on Oscar® Movie Week, including participating theaters, showtimes and how to purchase tickets, visit Cinemark.com/movieweek.


About Black Bag:
From Director Steven Soderbergh, Black Bag is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn. When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke, and Pierce Brosnan.

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.:
Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) provides extraordinary out-of-home entertainment experiences as one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world. Based in Plano, Texas, Cinemark makes every day cinematic for moviegoers across nearly 500 theaters and more than 5,500 screens, operating in 42 states in the U.S. (306 theaters; 4,282 screens) and 13 South and Central American countries (193 theaters; 1,398 screens). Cinemark offers guests superior sight and sound technology, including Barco laser projection and Cinemark XD, the world’s No. 1 exhibitor-branded premium large format; industry-leading penetration of upscale amenities such as expanded food and beverage offerings, Luxury Lounger recliners and D-BOX motion seats; top-notch guest service; and award-winning loyalty programs such as Cinemark Movie Club. All of this creates an immersive environment for a shared, entertaining escape, underscoring that there is no place more cinematic than Cinemark. For more information, visit https://ir.cinemark.com.

-------------------


USC Libraries Announces Finalists for the 2025 Scripter Awards

USC Libraries Name Finalists for 37th-Annual Scripter Awards

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The USC Libraries named the finalists for the 37th-annual USC Libraries Scripter Awards, which honor the writers of the year’s most accomplished film and episodic series adaptations, as well as the writers of the works on which they are based.

The finalist writers for film adaptation are, in alphabetical order by film title:

-- James Mangold and Jay Cocks for “A Complete Unknown” based on the nonfiction book “Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties” by Elijah Wald
Peter Straughan for “Conclave” based on the novel by Robert Harris

-- RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes for “Nickel Boys” based on the book “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead

-- Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (screenplay and story) and Clarence Maclin and John “Divine G” Whitfield (story) for “Sing Sing” based on the “Esquire” magazine article “The Sing Sing Follies” by John H. Richardson

--  Screenwriter Chris Sanders and novelist Peter Brown for “The Wild Robot

The finalist writers for episodic series are, in alphabetical order by series title:

-- Richard Gadd for the sixth episode of “Baby Reindeer,” based on his stage play of the same name

-- Steven Zaillian for “V Lucio,” the fifth episode of “Ripley,” based on “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith

-- Joshua Zetumer for the episode “The People in the Dirt” from “Say Nothing,” based on the nonfiction book “Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland” by Patrick Radden Keefe

-- Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks for “Anjin,” the first episode of “Shōgun,” based on the novel by James Clavell

-- Will Smith for the episode “Hello Goodbye,” from “Slow Horses,” based on the novel “Spook Street” by Mick Herron

The 2025 Scripter selection committee selected the finalists from a field of 42 film and 66 episodic series adaptations. Howard Rodman, USC professor and Vice President/Secretary of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, chairs the 2025 committee.

The studios distributing the finalist films and current publishers of the printed works are:

“A Complete Unknown”—Searchlight Pictures and Dey Street Books
“Conclave”—Focus Features and Vintage Books
“Nickel Boys”—Amazon MGM Studios and Vintage Books
“Sing Sing”—A24 and Esquire
“The Wild Robot”—Universal Pictures and Little, Brown and Company

The networks and streaming platforms broadcasting the finalist episodic series and current publishers of the works are:

“Baby Reindeer”—Netflix and Methuen Drama
“Ripley”—Netflix and Vintage Books
“Say Nothing”—FX/Hulu and Vintage Books
“Shōgun”—FX/Hulu and Blackstone Publishing
“Slow Horses”—Apple TV+ and Soho Crime

The USC Libraries will announce the winning authors and screenwriters at a black-tie ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in the Town & Gown ballroom at the University of Southern California.

Since 1988, Scripter has honored the authors of original works alongside the screenwriters who adapt their stories. For more information about Scripter, including ticket availability, please email scripter@usc.edu or visit scripter.usc.edu.

-----------------


Thursday, January 23, 2025

Comics Review: "THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #4" Breaks the Hell Outta Hell

THE MAGIC ORDER 5 #4 (OF 6)
DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Matteo Buffagni
COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Laura Ciondolini
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Daniel Chabon
EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin
COVER: Matteo Buffagni with Giovanna Niro
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Buffagni
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Rating: 18+

The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix

“The Death of Cordelia Moonstone”

The Magic Order 5 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Matteo Buffagni.  This is the fifth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel.  The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family and its leader, Cordelia Moonstone – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night.  Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.

The Magic Order 5 finds Cordelia preparing for her death – the punishment for using black magic (back in Volume 1).  However, a new case has dropped itself in front of her, but it all may be a front for some really bad people trying to collect the price on Cordelia's head.  Cordelia Moonstone is going to die soon... and there's nothing she can do about it.  The end is coming in a matter of days.

The Magic Order 5 #4 opens on a lonely, rural Texas road in 1978.  This is the story of how Clyde Bailey ended up with three demons inside him.  He eventually tamed the demons and tried to make up for the wrong he did because they controlled him.  Now, doing good means saving Cordelia.  But there are so many magical denizens after her – from “Skin-Walker Sam” the magical hit-man to the magical world's most attractive bounty hunter, who has been sent by Sister Moon.

Meanwhile, after kidnapping and killing boys for years, Grandmaster Samuel Mott and his splinter group, “the Fellowship of the Bell,” believe that they have finally found the boy with the “bell” inside his small body.  It is the bell that will summon the Fellowship's ancient gods.

THE LOWDOWN:  This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics.  The latest received is The Magic Order 5 #4.

It is possible for each issue of The Magic Order 5 to be crazier than the previous issue, and I know that because issue #4 is nuttier than issue #3.  And that's a good thing.  However, The Magic Order has always been slickly produced, no matter how dark the narrative became, but now, the darkness seems paramount to drama, which scares me as much as it attracts me.

Millar certainly benefits from an artist who uses his favorite drawing implements to transform his scripts into glorious graphical storytelling (comic book storytelling).  Line by line, artist Matteo Buffagni creates a world of such fearsome darkness, treacherous magic, and magical treachery that mesmerizes the reader.  In the end, Buffagni makes The Magic Order 5 one of the best comic book series about magic ever published in North America.

The glorious hues of Giovanna Niro are a symphony of colors of light that accentuate the spellbinding aura of this narrative.  Finally, there is Clem Robins – reliable Clem Robins, and his lettering is the soundtrack of this deadly game of thrones and bones.

The Magic Order 5 is plotting something mind-bending; that I know, dear readers.  Don't miss the twenty-first century's best American comic book about wizards and sorcerers.  It's a shame that this is supposedly the final entry in the series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 5.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/
https://twitter.com/mrmarkmillar
https://twitter.com/netflix
https://twitter.com/themagicorder
http://www.millarworld.tv/
https://www.darkhorse.com/


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

John David Washington is the Face of New Tom Ford Fragance


TOM FORD Bois Pacifique Campaign starring John David Washington. Photo Credit: David Sims

TOM FORD Unveils New Bois Pacifique Fragrance Campaign Starring Actor John David Washington
 
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Introducing actor John David Washington for new TOM FORD Signature fragrance "Bois Pacifique" in a campaign that embodies the vitality and freedom of fearless self-expression.

As a SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Washington has written his own narrative through discipline, perseverance and a desire to consistently challenge himself and his craft. Washington pivoted his career path to pursue a longstanding but denied passion for acting. Committed to carving out a new identity for himself, he first found his footing in HBO’s hit series “Ballers” in 2015, followed by an explosively star-making lead role in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned him Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award nominations. Catching the eye of the industry’s most prominent auteur directors, he went on to star in Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” Sam Levinson’s “Malcolm & Marie,” David O. Russell’s “Amsterdam,” and Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator.” He currently stars in the film adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” for Netflix, after first inhabiting the role of ‘Boy Willie’ in the celebrated 2022 Broadway revival. These transformative roles have cemented Washington as an actor leading a modern Hollywood conversation.

The campaign is lensed by David Sims, a cinematic vignette of a writer on a journey. Launching on January 21, 2025, the campaign images and video show Washington immersing himself in the grandeur of Big Sur in Northern California. A curiosity and the promise of unbridled creative freedom pulling him closer to a destination of awe-inspiring light and transcendence. The pursuit for inner peace takes Washington on an epic journey to a place where profound beauty and self-discovery converge—a place where he finds himself within the power of the ancient redwoods.

Available in January, Bois Pacifique explores an infinite freedom found amidst the majestic elements of nature. Sandalwood, cedar and oakwood facets comprise the forest of Bois Pacifique. Essence of cardamom, brilliant akigalawood™ and aromatic turmeric conjure a radiant sensuality that emanates from the earthy woods. Bois Pacifique is a woody spicy creation that has a presence truly befitting of its inspiration.

---------------------



Monday, January 20, 2025

BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 22, 2025

BOOM! STUDIOS

SEP240078 BLOW AWAY TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV240075 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #29 CVR A FORNES $3.99
NOV240076 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #29 CVR B DELL EDERA $3.99
NOV240077 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #29 CVR C CARDSTOCK VAR LEE $5.99
NOV240078 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #29 CVR D ANNIVERSARY VAR LEE $3.99
NOV240072 IN BLOOM #2 (OF 5) CVR A PEARSON $4.99
NOV240073 IN BLOOM #2 (OF 5) CVR B OLIVETTI $4.99
NOV240089 LAWFUL #7 (OF 8) CVR A KHALIDAH $4.99
NOV240090 LAWFUL #7 (OF 8) CVR B MERCADO $4.99
SEP248265 POWER RANGERS PRIME #1 3RD PTG YG (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
OCT248406 POWER RANGERS PRIME #2 2ND PTG SIMEONE (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240053 POWER RANGERS PRIME #3 CVR A MORA (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240054 POWER RANGERS PRIME #3 CVR B EARLS (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240055 POWER RANGERS PRIME #3 CVR C ANNIVERSARY VAR LEE (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240062 POWER RANGERS PRIME #3 CVR J FOC REVEAL (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240085 VICARIOUS #4 (OF 5) CVR A PANOSIAN $4.99
NOV240086 VICARIOUS #4 (OF 5) CVR B LLOVET $4.99

--------------


DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for January 22, 2025

DC COMICS:

Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (3rd Printing Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (3rd Printing Cover B Lesley Leirix Li Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (3rd Printing Cover C Hayden Sherman Foil Variant), $6.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (3rd Printing Cover D Hayden Sherman Virgin Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Wonder Woman #2 (2nd Printing Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #2 (2nd Printing Cover B Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #2 (2nd Printing Cover C Hayden Sherman Foil Variant), $6.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #2 (2nd Printing Cover D Hayden Sherman Inks Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover B Elizabeth Torque Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover C Mattia De Iulis Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover D Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover E Mattia De Iulis Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (Cover F Pablo Villalobos Card Stock Variant), AR
Black Canary Best Of The Best #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Ryan Sook), $4.99
Black Canary Best Of The Best #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Saowee Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Black Canary Best Of The Best #3 (Of 6)(Cover C Chuma Hill Card Stock Variant), AR
Catwoman #72 (Cover A Sebastian Fiumara), $3.99
Catwoman #72 (Cover B Frank Cho Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman #72 (Cover C Ejikure Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman #72 (Cover D Nathan Szerdy Sweater Weather Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Catwoman #72 (Cover E W. Scott Forbes Card Stock Variant), AR
Catwoman #72 (Cover F Frank Cho Card Stock Variant), AR
DC Finest Green Arrow The Longbow Hunters TP, $39.99
DC Horror Presents #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Tyler Crook Connecting Variant), $3.99
DC Horror Presents #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Charlie Adlard Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Detective Comics #1093 (Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99
Detective Comics #1093 (Cover B Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Detective Comics #1093 (Cover C Juan Ferreyra Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Detective Comics #1093 (Cover D Juan Ferreyra Black & White Card Stock Variant), AR
Flash #17 (Cover A Mike Del Mundo), $3.99
Flash #17 (Cover B Dike Ruan Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Flash #17 (Cover C Baldemar Rivas Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Arrow #20 (Cover A Taurin Clarke), $3.99
Green Arrow #20 (Cover B Mike Deodato Jr. Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Lantern War Journal Volume 2 The Builder TP, $19.99
Harley Quinn #47 (Cover A Elizabeth Torque), $3.99
Harley Quinn #47 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #47 (Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #47 (Cover D Simone Di Meo Sweater Weather Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #47 (Cover E Knight Zhang Card Stock Variant), AR
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover A Dan Mora), $3.99
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover B Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover C Nathan Szerdy Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover D Riccardo Federici Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover E Guillem March Raised UV Foil Variant), $7.99
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover F Tyler Kirkham Card Stock Variant), AR
Justice League Unlimited #3 (Cover G Derek Kirk Kim Card Stock Variant), AR
Limited Collector's Edition #48 Superman Vs. The Flash (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Carmine Infantino Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Bob Oksner), $14.99
Limited Collector's Edition #48 Superman Vs. The Flash (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Carmine Infantino Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez & Bob Oksner Foil Variant), $16.99
Limited Collector's Edition #48 Superman Vs. The Flash (Facsimile Edition)(Cover C Blank Variant), $14.99
Little Batman Month One #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Patrick Ballesteros), $4.99
Metamorpho The Element Man #2 (Cover A Steve Lieber), $3.99
Metamorpho The Element Man #2 (Cover B Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Power Girl #17 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $3.99
Power Girl #17 (Cover B David Baldeon Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Power Girl #17 (Cover C Mattia De Iulis Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Superman #22 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99
Superman #22 (Cover B Mico Suayan Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #22 (Cover C Jonboy Meyers Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #22 (Cover D David Talaski Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #22 (Cover E Marguerite Sauvage Sweater Weather Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #22 (Cover F David Lapham Card Stock Variant), AR
Wonder Woman #17 (Cover A Daniel Sampere), $4.99
Wonder Woman #17 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #17 (Cover C Mike Del Mundo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #17 (Cover D Frank Cho Sweater Weather Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #17 (Cover E Simone Di Meo Card Stock Variant), AR

--------------------


Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 22, 2025

DYNAMITE

OCT240218 BARBARELLA #3 CVR A LINSNER $4.99
OCT240219 BARBARELLA #3 CVR B WU $4.99
OCT240220 BARBARELLA #3 CVR C PACE $4.99
OCT240221 BARBARELLA #3 CVR D COSPLAY $4.99
OCT240170 DUCKTALES #2 CVR H TOMASELLI METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-1-2) $100.00
NOV240238 POWERPUFF GIRLS #7 CVR A GANUCHEAU (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240239 POWERPUFF GIRLS #7 CVR B RANALDI (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240240 POWERPUFF GIRLS #7 CVR C STAGGS (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240241 POWERPUFF GIRLS #7 CVR D QUALANO (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
NOV240279 TERMINATOR #4 CVR A SHALVEY $4.99
NOV240280 TERMINATOR #4 CVR B GALMON $4.99
NOV240281 TERMINATOR #4 CVR C STAGGS $4.99
NOV240283 TERMINATOR #4 CVR E SHALVEY FOIL $9.99
NOV240284 TERMINATOR #4 CVR F SHALVEY FOIL VIRGIN $29.99
OCT248052 TERMINATOR #4 CVR P FOC ROSS BURNING EARTH ICON $4.99
OCT240123 THUNDERCATS #11 CVR K MANIX METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-1-2) $100.00
OCT240124 THUNDERCATS #11 CVR L PARRILLO METAL PREMIUM (C: 1-1-2) $100.00
OCT240161 THUNDERCATS TP VOL 02 ROAR DM EXC VAR (C: 1-1-2) $19.99

--------------------