Showing posts with label Bradley Cooper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bradley Cooper. Show all posts

Saturday, January 12, 2019

"2019 GRAMMY Nominees" Album Track Listing Revealed

Recording Academy™ and Republic Records Reveal 2019 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Track Listing

Latest Installment of the Best-Selling Series Features 22 Hits from the World's Biggest Superstars and Emerging Artists

2019 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Hits Stores and Digital Retailers Jan. 25, 2019


SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy™'s GRAMMY Recordings® and Republic Records have revealed the track listing for the 2019 GRAMMY® Nominees album. Set for release on Jan. 25, 2019 in stores and via digital retailers, the latest installment of the best-selling series—now in its 25th year—features a collection of top-charting hits from many of this year's illustrious GRAMMY-nominated artists. A portion of album proceeds will benefit the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum® and MusiCares®—two charitable organizations founded by the Recording Academy that focus on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need.

    “The artists highlighted on this year's album represent the overall diversity of the artists being recognized as 2019 GRAMMY nominees”

The 2019 GRAMMY Nominees album features 22 hits from the world's top recording artists and emerging talent, including Record Of The Year nominees Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin; Brandi Carlile; Childish Gambino; Drake; Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper; Kendrick Lamar & SZA; Post Malone featuring 21 Savage; and Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey.

"The artists highlighted on this year's album represent the overall diversity of the artists being recognized as 2019 GRAMMY nominees," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "We are very grateful to partner with Republic Records to release this impressive collection of songs, and to raise funds and awareness for the GRAMMY Museum and MusiCares—the two philanthropic organizations of the Recording Academy dedicated to supporting our musical culture and music creators."

"This year's 2019 GRAMMY Nominees album is a testament to an incredible year in music," said Monte Lipman, founder and CEO of Republic Records. "It’s an honor to work alongside the Recording Academy and support these two important charities in the artist community."

Music fans can log on to 2019 GRAMMY.com to pre-order the album and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards® on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

*No purchase necessary to enter or win. Visit 2019 GRAMMY.com for details and eligibility requirements.

2019 GRAMMY Nominees Album Track List:

    JANELLE MONÁE
    "Make Me Feel"
    Album Of The Year

    CARDI B, BAD BUNNY & J BALVIN
    "I Like It"
    Record Of The Year
    Album Of The Year

    KENDRICK LAMAR & SZA
    "All The Stars"
    Record Of The Year
    Album Of The Year

    DRAKE
    "God's Plan"
    Record Of The Year
    Album Of The Year

    ZEDD, MAREN MORRIS & GREY
    "The Middle"
    Record Of The Year
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    KACEY MUSGRAVES
    "Slow Burn"
    Album Of The Year

    POST MALONE FEAT. 21 SAVAGE
    "rockstar"
    Record Of The Year
    Album Of The Year

    H.E.R. FEAT. DANIEL CAESAR
    "Best Part"
    Album Of The Year

    CHILDISH GAMBINO
    "This Is America"
    Record Of The Year

    BRANDI CARLILE
    "The Joke"
    Record Of The Year
    Album Of The Year

    LADY GAGA & BRADLEY COOPER
    "Shallow"
    Record Of The Year
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    ARIANA GRANDE
    "God Is A Woman"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    CAMILA CABELLO FEAT. YOUNG THUG
    "Havana"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    TAYLOR SWIFT
    "Look What You Made Me Do"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    SHAWN MENDES
    "In My Blood"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    KELLY CLARKSON
    "I Don't Think About You"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    PINK
    "Beautiful Trauma"
    Best Pop Vocal Album

    JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE FEAT. CHRIS STAPLETON
    "Say Something"
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    MAROON 5 FEAT. CARDI B
    "Girls Like You"
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    CHRISTINA AGUILERA FEAT. DEMI LOVATO
    "Fall In Line"
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    BACKSTREET BOYS
    "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    TONY BENNETT & DIANA KRALL
    "'S Wonderful"
    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, Florence + the Machine, Hailee Steinfeld, James Blake, James Bay, John Mellencamp, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Of Monsters and Men, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings (The Avett Brothers), Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Tïesto), Cash Money (Drake, Jacquees, Nicki Minaj), Hollywood Records (Sofia Carson, Zendaya), Lava Records (Greta Van Fleet, Jessie J, Lorde), Monkeywrench (Pearl Jam), XO (The Weeknd, Belly, NAV), Young Money (Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj), Roc Nation (Jaden Smith, Justine Skye, The Dream), among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with country powerhouse Big Machine Records, and Universal Music Latin Entertainment. In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey, SING), Fox TV (Lee Daniels' STAR, The Four), and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises.

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Saturday, September 22, 2018

Production Begins on Todd Phillips' "Joker"





Joaquin Phoenix as "Arthur Fleck" in "Joker"

PRODUCTION IS UNDERWAY ON WARNER BROS. PICTURES’ “JOKER”

Todd Phillips helms a gritty origin story starring Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro

Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joker,” starring Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix in the title role, alongside Oscar winner Robert De Niro, and directed, produced and co-written by Oscar nominee Todd Phillips.

“Joker” centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of Arthur Fleck (Phoenix), a man disregarded by society, is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.

The film also stars Zazie Beetz (“Deadpool 2”), Bill Camp (“Red Sparrow,” “Molly’s Game”), Frances Conroy (TV’s “American Horror Story,” Hulu’s “Castle Rock”), Brett Cullen (“42,” Netflix’s “Narcos”), Glenn Fleshler (TV’s “Billions,” “Barry”), Douglas Hodge (“Red Sparrow,” TV’s “Penny Dreadful”), Marc Maron (TV’s “Maron,” “GLOW”), Josh Pais (upcoming “Motherless Brooklyn,” “Going in Style”), and Shea Whigham (upcoming “First Man,” “Kong: Skull Island”).

Phillips (“The Hangover” trilogy) directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver (“The Fighter”), based on characters from DC. The film is being produced by Phillips and Bradley Cooper under their Joint Effort banner, and Emma Tillinger Koskoff. It is executive produced by Richard Baratta, Michael Uslan, Joseph Garner and Bruce Berman.

Behind the scenes, Phillips is joined by director of photography Lawrence Sher (upcoming “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” “The Hangover” trilogy), production designer Mark Friedberg (“Selma,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”), editor Jeff Groth (“War Dogs,” “The Hangover Part III”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Mark Bridges (“Phantom Thread,” “The Artist”).

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in Association with BRON Creative, a Joint Effort Production, “Joker” is set for release October 4, 2019, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

*credits not final/subject to change

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Saturday, April 7, 2018

Warner Bros. Announces Kroll & Co. Entertainment

Industry Veteran Sue Kroll Launches Kroll & Co. Entertainment at Warner Bros.

The widely respected movie executive kicks off an impressive development and production slate

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Having made her mark as one of the industry’s top studio executives for more than two decades, Sue Kroll is now hanging her own production shingle, Kroll & Co. Entertainment, based on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank.

Under her new banner, Kroll is already involved in the production and development of a wide range of feature film projects, teaming her with some of the noted filmmakers and actors with whom she has collaborated over the course of her illustrious career. Kroll will also look to develop television, digital and other content.

“My passion for film and television and for telling great stories is not only the cornerstone of my wonderful career, but has also been a huge part of my life since I was a young girl enthralled by the moving image,” stated Kroll. “I am excited to be collaborating in this new capacity with amazing, visionary filmmakers, many of whom I have known and worked with, and to also champion new and unique voices. This is just the beginning and I am thrilled about our slate of films and our incredible filmmaking partners.”

Kroll is attached as an executive producer to a number of films currently scheduled for release through the studio, and has expanded her slate to include new projects in various stages of development joining esteemed filmmakers and producing teams. As a producer, Kroll’s upcoming projects include the sci-fi action thriller “Nemesis,” with producers Ridley Scott and Jules Daly; the YA drama “The Selection,” with producers Denise Di Novi and Pouya Shahbazian; an untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock, who will also produce with Michael Bostick; and the action thriller “The Six Billion Dollar Man,” soon going into production starring Mark Wahlberg, who also produces alongside Stephen Levinson, Bill Gerber, Scott Faye and Karen Lauder.

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg stated, “Over the years, I have seen Sue in action as one of the most inspired marketing minds in the industry, most recently on the campaign for ‘Ready Player one.’ I trust her instincts, appreciate her unflagging devotion to her work, and admire her knowledge of film. I am looking forward to collaborating with her in her new capacity as a producer in the very near future.”

Kroll is also an executive producer on the drama “A Star is Born,” directed, produced and co-written by Bradley Cooper, who also stars in the film opposite Lady Gaga, and slated for release on October 5, 2018. Cooper noted, “I have been fortunate to know and work with Sue Kroll for more than 10 years, and have appreciated her friendship as well as her counsel. She has a personal investment in everything she does, and I have no doubt she will bring that same level of care, commitment and creativity to producing. Simply put, Sue is the gold standard.” Kroll joins producers Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Cooper, Todd Phillips and Lynette Howell Taylor, and executive producers Ravi Mehta, Basil Iwanyk, Niija Kuykendall, Michael Rapino and Heather Parry.

In addition, Kroll serves as an executive producer on Edward Norton’s “Motherless Brooklyn,” inspired by Jonathan Lethem’s award-winning book, which Norton adapted for the screen. Kroll is teaming with producers Norton, William Migliore, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane, and executive producers Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth and Daniel Nader. Currently in production, the film stars Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Willem Dafoe and Alec Baldwin.

Norton stated, “Sue Kroll is universally loved by the filmmakers that have been lucky enough to work with her and has both great taste and real wisdom about how to engage audiences. It’s wonderful news that she’ll be producing films and she’s already brought important long lead strategy and foresight to our production. I feel like we’ve won the lottery to have our film be one of the first she’ll collaborate with in this role.”

In addition, Kroll is an executive producer on “The Goldfinch,” the film version of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, being directed by John Crowley, and starring Ansel Elgort and Nicole Kidman. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing, and Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda is also serving as an executive producer.

Rounding out Kroll & Co. Entertainment, are SVP of Development and Production Jennifer Malloy, Creative Executive Olivia Heighten, longtime Kroll staffer Chelsea Bradshaw as Operations / Production Executive, and administrative assistant Nicole Kraft.

Throughout her Studio career, Kroll has worked closely with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Clint Eastwood, Christopher Nolan, Patty Jenkins, Steven Spielberg, Ben Affleck, David Yates, Alfonso Cuarón, Zack Snyder, Todd Phillips, Peter Jackson, George Miller, the Wachowskis, Nancy Meyers, Robert Zemeckis and Guillermo del Toro.

Kroll most recently served as Warner Bros. Pictures’ President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. First joining the Studio in 1994, she rose up to be one of the film division’s top executives for nearly 20 years.

During her tenure, Warner Bros. consistently ranked as one of the industry’s most creatively and financially successful film studios. Last year was the biggest year in the Studio’s history, with $5.13 billion in global box office—the second time it has passed the $5 billion mark. The film division crossed the $1 billion mark domestically and internationally in each of the last 18 years, an industry record.

Under her marketing leadership, the Studio won a Best Picture Oscar for “Argo,” as well as a Best Animated Feature Oscar for “Happy Feet,” in addition to Best Picture nominations for “Dunkirk,” “The Blind Side,” “Inception,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “American Sniper,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Letters from Iwo Jima.” Other films on which she oversaw marketing include some of the most popular and profitable of the last two decades, including “Wonder Woman”; “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”; “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”; all eight “Harry Potter” films; “Suicide Squad”; “Sully”; “The Accountant”; “Interstellar”; “The LEGO® Movie”; “The Hobbit” Trilogy; “The Dark Knight” Trilogy; “Inception”; “Sherlock Holmes” and its sequel; “The Hangover” Trilogy; “I Am Legend”; “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”; “300”; the “Ocean’s” movies; “Beowulf”; “Constantine”; “The Polar Express”; “Troy”; “The Last Samurai”; “The Matrix” Trilogy; and “Flags of Our Fathers.”

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Saturday, December 23, 2017

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 17th to 23rd, 2017 - Update #31

Support Leroy on Patreon.

BLM - From Lobelog:  Free Ahed Tamimi!  She hurt the IDF's masculinity.

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MOVIES - From TheVillageVoice:  "Searching for Daniel Day-Lewis."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown" will be 20 years old Christmas Day.

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STAR TREK - From Deadline:  Paramount has set Mark L. Smith to write the screenplay for the announced R-rated Star Trek movie that Quentin Tarantino says he wants to direct and J.J. Abrams will produce.

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SPORTS - From BET:  Former Major League Baseball player, Darryl Strawberry, admitted to having sex in the team clubhouse during games.

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POLITICS - From teleSUR:  Oxfam describes the situation in Yemen as an "apocalypse," after 1000 days of a U.S. backed military campaign by Saudi Arabia.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  The board of directors of The Weinstein Company will meet today to consider bids to buy the company, in the wake of the co-founder Harvey Weinstein facing multiple accusations of sexual abuse, harassment, and misconduct.

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MOVIES - From GQ:  "The Dark Optimism of Paul Thomas Anderson."

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MOVIES - From RollingStone:  Cher makes her grand entry in the "Mamma Mia" sequel.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Josh Gad joins Disney's "Artemis Fowl" film.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Nick Castle who played Michael Myers in John Carpenter's 1978 "Halloween" is returning to play the character again in next year's David Gordon Green directed reboot.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Bradley Cooper's "A Star is Born" remake, in which he stars with Lady Gaga, has been moved from a Summer 2018 release date to October 2018.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Yahoo's "50 Best Movies of 2017."  Their pick for best is "Lady Bird."

From YahooEntertainment:  Yahoo's "10 Worse Movies of 2017."  "Baywatch" is the winner/loser.

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SPORTS - From YahooEntertainment:  NBA legend, former L.A. Laker, Kobe Bryant, talks about his animated short film, "Dear Basketball," directed by Disney legend, Glen Keane.

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BLM - From YahooLifestyle:  George Zimmerman, who killed an African-American child named Trayvon Martin, has threatened to kill Jay-Z who is produced a six-part docuseries about Trayvon Martin, "Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story."

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COMICS - From THR:  Elvis Presley will battle aliens!  "Bubba Ho-Tep," the Joe R. Lansdale novella that became a 2002 cult film (from director Don Coscarelli), will get a prequel comic book from IDW Publishing in 2018.

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MOVIES - From BoxOfficeMojo:  There will be a whole lotta movies released on Christmas Day 2017.

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MOVIES - From TheHollywoodReporter:  Paramount Pictures announces release dates for GI Joe, Micronauts, and Dungeons & Dragons films.

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ANIMATION - From ShadowandAct:  Adam Reid's animated sci-fi comedy, "Barry and Joe: The Animated Series," gets some backing from late-night talk show host, Conan O'Brien.

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TELEVISION - From ShadowandAct:  HBO has picked up two new shows from Issa Rae, the creator of the acclaimed HBO series, "Insecure."

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SCANDAL - From Deadline:  BBC preps a feature-length, definitive documentary about the "Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal."

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 12/15 to 12/17/2017 weekend box office is "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" with an estimated take of $220 million.

From Deadline:  "I, Tonya" leads specialty box office for the second weekend.

From Variety:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits $230 million in international box office.

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From YahooEntertainment:  Bob and Harvey Weinstein apparently blacklisted Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino from films in which they were involved, including "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Bad Santa."

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STREAMING - From IndieWireTV:  Ian McKellen wants to play Gandalf in Amazon's upcoming "Lord of the Rings" TV series. McKellen says he is not to old because Gandalf is over 7000 years old.

OBITS:

From TheWrap:  Sports broadcaster, Dick Enberg, has died at the age of 82, Thursday, December 21, 2017.  Over his nearly 60-year career, Enberg worked for CBS, NBC, and ESPN covering eight Super Bowls, multiple World Series, and the Wimbledon tennis tournament.  He is also famous for his catchphrase, "Oh, my!"

From Variety:  Film production designer, Therese DePrez, has died at the age of 52, Tuesday, December 19, 2017.  DePrez is best known for her work on Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan," but over her long career, she had worked on such films as Spike Lee's "Summer of Sam" and John Cameron Mitchell's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

From Deadline:  The actress Hiep Thi Le has died at the age of 46, Tuesday, December 19, 2017.   She was best known for playing the role of real-life Le Ly Hayslip in Oliver Stone's 1994, "Heaven and Earth."  Le was also a celebrated restaurateur and chef.

From THR:  The actress Heather North has died at the age of 71, Thursday, November 30, 2017.  Although she appeared in numerous films and TV shows ("The Monkees," "My Three Sons"), North is best known as the voice of "Daphne Blake," on various "Scooby-Doo" animated TV series, beginning with the second season of the first Scooby-Doo series, "Scooby-Doo Where Are You!"

From BleedingCoolBob Givens, the man who created the official design for Bugs Bunny, has died at the age of 99, Thursday, December 14, 2017.  Given was asked to redesign the "too cute" Bugs, and Given's iconic look first appeared in the animated short film, "A Wild Hare."  Given, once an employee of Walt Disney, participated in the notorious 1941 strike at Disney.  [Thank you and rest in peace, Mr. Givens. - Leroy]


Sunday, August 20, 2017

Review: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2" Reaches New Heights

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 14 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Running time:  136 minutes (2 hours, 16 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content
DIRECTOR:  James Gunn
WRITERS:  James Gunn (based on the comic book created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning)
PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Henry Braham (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Fred Raskin and Craig Wood
COMPOSER:  Tyler Bates

SCI-FI/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Kurt Russell, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Laura Haddock, Sean Gunn, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sylvester Stallone, Stan Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Ving Rhames, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 science fiction-action film and adventure comedy.  It is written and directed by James Gunn and is produced by Marvel Studios.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics title, Guardians of the Galaxy (2008), which was created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, and is a sequel to the 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy.  This second film finds the Guardians of the Galaxy trying to unravel the mystery of the origins of one of their own while evading an unhappy client intent on killing them.

In 2014, Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Drax (Dave Bautista), Baby Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) are renowned throughout the galaxy as the Guardians of the Galaxy.  They have been hired by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), the leader of the Sovereign race, to stop a monster from stealing valuable batteries from the Sovereign world.  That mission is successful, but also goes slightly awry, making the Guardians targets for destruction.

While on the run, the Guardians meet a mysterious man, who calls himself Ego (Kurt Russell), and his assistant, Mantis (Pom Klementieff).  Ego claims that he is Peter Quill's father, and he takes Peter, Gamora, and Drax with him to his home world.  Rocket and Baby Groot find themselves stuck with Gamora's vengeful sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan).  Things get worse when Peter's surrogate father and Ravager leader, Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker), shows up to claim a bounty on the Guardians.  Meanwhile, on Ego's planet, Gamora begins to suspect that there is something ominous about Peter's alleged biological father.

The original Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the surprise hits of 2014, if not the surprise hit of the year.  Although I was interested in a sequel to the film, I could not imagine what a Guardians of the Galaxy 2 would like.  What we gets is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a fun sci-fi action movie and a surprisingly thoughtful character melodrama.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the acting is really good; the special effects are impressive; the CGI-created environments, backdrops, sets (interiors and exteriors), spaceways, worlds, etc. are so dazzling in scope, color, and imagination.  The songs on the soundtrack are just the inspired choices they were for the first film.  The make-up and costumes are worthy of receiving Oscar nominations next year.

But Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 turns on the inventive and reflective storytelling of writer-director James Gunn.  I thought that Gunn might be a potentially top-notch filmmaker when I saw his film Slither (2006), one of the few horror movies that is genuinely scary while also being droll and witty.  And I have to admit that I also liked Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), for which Gunn was the credited screenwriter, so that was also a point in his favor.

With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Gunn delivers his best screenplay.  He takes what could have been a silly, frivolous, and mildly entertaining sequel to a surprising outer space, action-adventure film (the original Guardians of the Galaxy), and instead, delivers a shockingly moving rumination on what a family is, what it can be, and what forms it may take.  Vol. 2 says that family members fight and yell at each other because they care so damn much about one another – even if each individual in the family is loathed to admit how much he cares about another family member and how much she cares about the family as a group.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just as wild and entertaining and out-there as the first movie.  It is a science fiction/space fantasy pop confection with the delightful fizz of the first film.  However, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is not just a follow-up to a hit film, nor is it just the next installment in a franchise.  It is an evolution or at least it is evidence that this franchise can grow, and James Gunn is the guy with the notion that he could really, really improve on the original with a film that engages the characters – both the leads and the supporting players – in character drama and character development.  I honestly wonder if Gunn can top himself in a third Guardians movie.

9 of 10
A+

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, April 23, 2017

Filming Starts on Latest Version of "A Star is Born"


Shooting Starts on “A Star is Born,” Starring Bradley Cooper and Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga)

Film Marks Cooper’s Directorial Debut

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filming begins today on Warner Bros. Pictures’ reimagining of the musical “A Star is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and introducing Stefani Germanotta, known across the globe as Oscar-nominated music superstar Lady Gaga, in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) is helming the film, marking his directorial debut.

Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a country music star who is on the brink of decline when he discovers a talented unknown named Ally (Germanotta). As the two begin a passionate love affair, Jack coaxes Ally into the spotlight, catapulting her to stardom. But as Ally’s career quickly eclipses his own, Jack finds it increasingly hard to handle his fading glory.

In addition to playing Ally, Germanotta, who earned her Oscar nod for the song “Til It Happens to You” from “The Hunting Ground,” has composed and will perform original songs in the film. The main cast also includes Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Elliott.

“A Star is Born” is being produced by Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Bradley Cooper, Todd Phillips and Lynette Howell Taylor; with Basil Iwanyk and Ravi Mehta serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Will Fetters & Bradley Cooper and Eric Roth, based on a story by William A. Wellman and Robert Carson.

Collaborating with Cooper behind the scenes are Oscar-nominated director of photography Matty Libatique (“Black Swan”), production designer Karen Murphy, three-time Oscar-nominated editor Jay Cassidy (“American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Into the Wild”), and costume designer Erin Benach.

“A Star is Born” is being filmed entirely in Southern California.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Jon Peters Production, A Bill Gerber Production, A Joint Effort Production, “A Star is Born.” Slated for release on September 28, 2018, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga to Headline "A Star is Born" Remake

 Lady Gaga to Star Opposite Bradley Cooper in Reimagining of “A Star is Born,” Marking Cooper’s Directorial Debut

Lady Gaga Will Also Write and Perform New Music in the Film

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Award-winning music superstar Lady Gaga has been set to star opposite four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) in a remake of the iconic musical drama “A Star is Born.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. The film will also be helmed by Cooper, who will be making his directorial debut.

Lady Gaga’s role in “A Star is Born” will mark her first lead in a feature film. In addition, she will compose new songs for the film, which she will also perform.

“A Star is Born” is being produced by Billy Gerber and Jon Peters; together with Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips, under their Joint Effort Productions banner. Basil Iwanyk is serving as executive producer.

In making the announcement, Silverman stated, “For those of us lucky enough to watch him work as an actor and producer, it has been clear that Bradley would make this transition to director. We are honored that he is doing it, here, at his home—Warner Bros.—and with Lady Gaga as a collaborator and co-star. The world is in for a treat as these great artists craft an all new vision of ‘A Star is Born.’”





A singular talent, Lady Gaga earned an Oscar nomination earlier this year for her moving song “Til it Happens to You,” from the documentary “The Hunting Ground.” Among her many music honors, she has also won six Grammy Awards and earned another nine Grammy nominations. Her multi-platinum hits range from “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face” and “Just Dance” to the chart-topping anthem “Born This Way.” In 2014, she proved her crossover appeal with “Cheek to Cheek,” partnering with the legendary Tony Bennett on a duet album of standards, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart. On the acting front, Lady Gaga starred in the 2015-16 season of FX’s hit series “American Horror Story,” earning widespread acclaim and winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Made for Television Movie. She had earlier been seen in the Robert Rodriguez films “Machete Kills” and “Sin City: A Dame to Die For.”

“A Star is Born” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 24th to 31st, 2016 - Update #56

Support Leroy on Patreon.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/29 to 7/31/16 weekend box office is "Jason Bourne" with an estimated gross of $60 million.

From Variety:  "Jason Bourne" makes a $60 million debut at the box office.

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HARRY POTTER - From TheWrap:  The boy wizard is done says J.K. Rowling.

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  Trump asserts that the NFL is on his side because both are against two presidential debates that are the same time as NFL games.

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MOVIES - From CinemaBlend:  Will Smith totally starstrck by Batman on set of "Suicide Squad."

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OBIT-COMICS - From MADMagazine:  Jack Davis, one of the founders of "Mad Magazine," has died at the age of 91, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

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MOVIES - From ScreenRant:  John Carpenter and his fellow plaintiffs won a lawsuit against French filmmaker, Luc Besson, claiming that Besson's film, "Lockout" was plagiarized from Carpenter's cult 1981 film, Escape from New York.

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump insult Khizr and Ghazala Kahn, the couple who appeared at this past weeks 2016 DNC.  Khizr spoke and castigated Trump.  the Kahns' son, Humayun was an Army captain and a Muslim who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  "Season 8" will be the final season of HBO's Emmy-winning "Game of Thrones."

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  Women feeling empowered by Hillary Clinton's nomination.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Rising acting talent, Paul Dano, is making his directorial debut with the film, "Wildfire," based on the 1990 Richard Ford novel.

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MOVIES - From HitFix:  "Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Part II" get title changes.  "Avengers: Infinity War Part I" is not just "Avengers: Infinity War."

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Danny Trejo wants Betty White to be in his next movie.

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POLITICS - From NYPost:  Malia Obama, Barack and Michelle's older daughter, skips the DNC and goes to Lollapalooza instead, and conservatives, Obama-haters, and racists freak out.

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SPORTS/CRIME - From YahooSports:  Former Boston Red Sox pitcher and World Series champion, Curt Schilling, won't face criminal charges for his video game company scam which cost Rhode Island tax payers $112 million.

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MOVIES - From TheVillageVoice:  John Waters' "Multiple Maniacs" (1970) is back.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  30 years of "Stand By Me," so we have an oral history of the film that almost didn't make it into theaters.

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From YahooMovies:  Sometimes actors do cosplay, too.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Oprah Winfrey is in final negotiations to appear in the film, "A Wrinkle in Time," which is being directed by Ava DuVernay ("Selma").  Winfrey appeared in "Selma."

From EntertaimentWeekly:  5 things we want to see in Ava DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time" adaptation.

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COMICS/FILM - From ThePlaylist:  Disney is developing a reboot/sequel of its 1991 film, "The Rocketeer."

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  The actor and radio talk show host, Jerry Doyle, has died at the age of 60, Wednesday, July 27, 2017.  He was probably best known for his role as "Michael Garibaldi" on the cult TV show,  "Babylon 5."

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Kanye still pushin' the Taylor Swift message.

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POLITICS - From CNN:  President Barack Obama's entire Democratic convention speech at the 2016 DNC.

From CNN:  Some GOP are feeling jelly about President Obama's speech.

From YahooTV:  People loved First Lady Michelle Obama's DNC sppech, but the designer of her dress is in awe that she chose to wear it.

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POLITICS - From CNN:  Bradley Cooper was at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, and now, some Republicans are angry.  Why?  Read on...

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TELEVISION - From PopSugar:  6 teaser photos from "American Horror Story" Season 6.

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TELEVISION - From PopSugar:  The Netflix reboot of the "Gilmore Girls," which is called "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life" has a premiere date:  November 25, 2016.

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MOVIES - From YahooCelebrity:  Kim Ledger talks about the tragic death of his son, Heath Ledger.

From YahooMovies:  Jared Leto will play "The Joker" in the upcoming "Suicide Squad."  He talks about playing the character after Heath Ledger, who played the Joker in "The Dark Knight," and won a posthumous Oscar for his performance.

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CRIME - From YahooNews:  In 1981, John Hinkley shot and injured President Ronald Reagan and 3 others, during an assassination attempt on Reagan.  He will be freed by August 5th, 2016 from a government psychiatric hospital.

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Charlie Hunnam, the lead in "Pacific Rim," will not return for the sequel.  He's not enough of a star for this to be considered a big lost.  There must be at least 20 young white actors of his age and talent and overblown status that could take Hunnam's place.

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HARRY POTTER - From YahooMovies:  What critics are saying about the stage play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  Eddie Murphy, his current girlfriend (Paige Butcher), and ex-wife (Nicole Murphy), make nice on the red carpet.

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OBIT - From TMZ:  The website is reporting that Youree Harris, best known as the iconic TV psychic, "Miss Cleo," has died at the age of 53, after a battle with cancer.

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POLITICS - From RSN:  Michael Moore has five reasons Donald Trump will win the presidency.

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COMICS - From Variety:  Kiersey Clemons (a breakout in "Dope") is in talks to star as "Iris West" in Warner Bros. and DC Comics' "Flash" movie next to Ezra Miller as "Flash."  Rick Famumiya, the director of "Dope," is directing "Flash."

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COMIC-CON - From Refinery29:  Zendaya to play a character named "Michelle" in "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

From BusinessInsider:  The lead villain in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is "Vulture."

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POLITICS - From YahooNews:  First Lady Michelle Obama delivers a soaring powerful speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

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CULTURE - From YahooSports:  After years of relative silence, Michael Jordan is speaking out on the issues of police shootings and police shooting people.  Cop killers buy sneakers, too, eh, Mike?

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COMIC-CON - From BleedingCool:  The links to 300 Bleeding Cool articles on the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con International in one place.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/22 to 7/24/2016 weekend box office is "Star Trek Beyond" with an estimated take of $59.6 million.

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From YahooNews:  It did not take much convincing for Michael Rooker to appear in blue makeup for a Marvel Studios panel discussion "Guardians of the Galaxy 2."

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From LATimes:  Ben Affleck confirmed as director of standalone "Batman" film.

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SDCC-TV - From YahooTV:  The Comic-Con trailer for "Sherlock Holmes" Season 4 shocks viewers.

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POLITICS - From NYT:  Donald Trump, Jr. has said that his father, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, would turn over foreign and domestic affairs to his vice-president, if Trump were be elected president...

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Marvel vs. DC - comic book movies at Comic-Con.

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From YahooMovies:  Comic-Con debuts a new trailer for "LEGO Batman."

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From YahooMovies:  A new, longer "Doctor Strange" trailer debuts at Comic-Con.

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SDCC-COMICS-FILM - From YahooMovies:  Oscar-winner Brie Larson ("Room") officially announced as Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel."  Her solo film arrives in 2019.
--  Also, Danai Gurira, "Michonne" of "The Walking Dead," was introduced as the latest member of the "Black Panther" squad.

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TRAILERS:

From BleedingCool:  The trailer for Zhang Yimou's "The Great Wall" with Matt Damon.

From YouTube:  Teaser trailer for "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage," due in January 2017.

From YahooMovies:  First teaser trailer for "T2: Trainspotting," the sequel to the film, "Trainspotting."

COMICS - From YahooMovies:  First full "Wonder Woman" trailer, which debuted at San Diego Comic-Con International 2016.

COMICS - From YahooMovies:  Warner Bros. unleashes footage from its "Justice League" movie.

MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  King Kong is massive in "King: Skull Island."



Thursday, April 14, 2016

Warner Bros. Piictures Brought Out the Stars for CinemaCon

Warner Bros. Pictures’ CinemaCon Presentation Hits the Jackpot in Las Vegas

Big Movies, Big Stars and Big News Take Center Stage at the Studio’s Big Picture Presentation

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures showcased an impressive lineup of talents and highly anticipated films at this year’s CinemaCon, which generated tremendous excitement for the Studio’s wide-ranging slate. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara opened the program and announced that Ben Affleck—who will again play the role of Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie—will direct, as well as star in, a new stand-alone Batman feature.

The Studio’s presentation was highlighted by trailers and film clips—including some never-before-seen footage—and appearances by some of the major stars and filmmakers involved in each of the movies. It also served to illustrate Tsujihara’s statement about the diversity of the slate: built on the foundation of the key franchises of DC Super Heroes, animated LEGO® features, and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” but also encompassing a broad scope of dramas, action adventures, horror thrillers and comedies.

There were also speeches from Sue Kroll, in her new post as Warner Bros. Pictures President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, who was recently named President of Worldwide Distribution.

Remarking on the Warner Bros. event, Kroll said, “CinemaCon is always one of the high points of our year: when we get to introduce our upcoming slate to our partners in the exhibition community who are responsible for bringing our films to audiences worldwide. It was wonderful to have this opportunity to showcase the broad range of films Warner Bros. has on the horizon, as well as some of the extraordinary artists behind them.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “We appreciated the enthusiastic participation of actors and filmmakers from every title, who added tremendous star power to the presentation. CinemaCon gives us a chance to reinforce our commitment to the big-screen experience on a global level.”

Kicking off the film presentation with a bang, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams introduced a thrilling reel spotlighting the Studio’s ambitious slate of DC films. The roster includes the new Justice League film, as well as stand-alone features for Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. Director Zack Snyder closed the reel with a greeting from the Justice League film set, surrounded by his stars.

The DC preview also included a glimpse of the summer’s hotly anticipated action adventure “Suicide Squad” and, immediately following, writer/director David Ayer took the stage and introduced the main ensemble cast, led by Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie and Joel Kinnaman. The extended version of the “Suicide Squad” trailer was met with loud applause and the buzz surrounding the film was palpable.

Host Mario Lopez then took the attendees through the rest of the summer line-up, including advance footage from the wide range of titles. The stars and filmmakers who excited the crowd about their upcoming films included: Russell Crowe for the action comedy “The Nice Guys”; Emilia Clarke for the drama “Me Before You” (from New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn Mayer); James Wan, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson for the supernatural thriller “The Conjuring 2” (from New Line Cinema); Teresa Palmer and David F. Sandberg for the horror thriller “Lights Out” (from New Line Cinema); Kevin Hart and Rawson Marshall Thurber for the action comedy “Central Intelligence” (from New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures), which included a taped greeting from Dwayne Johnson; Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz for the adventure “The Legend of Tarzan” (from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures); and Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper for the comedic drama “War Dogs,” which is based on real events.

Looking past the summer, Warner Bros. unveiled some of the films on the drawing board from the Warner Animation Group, or WAG for short. Three of the brilliant minds in the WAG think tank—Christopher Miller, Phil Lord and Nicholas Stoller—came to the stage to introduce a special reel featuring a few of the titles in the pipeline, anchored by three new films in the LEGO® movie franchise: “The LEGO® Batman Movie,” “The LEGO® Movie 2” and “Ninjago.” Stoller, who co-directed the next WAG film on the slate, “Storks,” was joined by fellow director Doug Sweetland and voice talents Andy Samberg and Katie Crown to present new footage from the heartwarming and hilarious family adventure.

The animation portion wrapped with never-before-seen footage from “The LEGO® Batman Movie,” which gives the breakout star of the hit “The LEGO® Movie” a film of his own. Drawing laughter and enthusiastic applause, the clip was presented by producers Lord and Miller, joined by the voice of LEGO® Batman himself, Will Arnett, who made a surprise appearance to the delight of everyone there.

Warner Bros. closed the presentation with a look at the most magical film of the year, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, which will bring moviegoers to a new place and time in the wizarding world. Four of the film’s stars, Eddie Redmayne, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Colin Farrell, came to the stage to introduce the new teaser trailer and a look behind the scenes of the film, which has already captivated fans.

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Saturday, December 19, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 13th to 19th, 2015 - Update #21

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From TheWrap:  The Tom Hanks biopic, "Sully" will be released in September 2016.

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From RSN:  The difference between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" could have a 100+ million opening day when adding in the $57 million from Thursday night.

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From YahooMusic:  N.W.A. is a 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee - along with Steve Miller, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and Deep Purple.

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From Polygon:  Justin Lin is ignoring "Star Trek Into Darkness" for the making of the third film, "Star Trek Beyond."

From Deadline:  Chadwick Boseman to star as Thurgood Marshall for Reginald Hudlin's "Marshall."

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From FlickeringMyth:  Vin Diesel announces that Samuel L. Jackson will return for "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage."

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From THR:  Spielberg and Jeff Skoll talk about their partnership.

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From Variety:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" premieres in three Hollywood theaters.

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From YahooSports:  Serena Williams is Sports Illustrated's "Sportsperson of the Year."

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From YahooSports:  NBA referee Bill Kennedy announces that he is gay, after NBA player, Rajon Rondo, was suspended for using a gay slur to attack Kennedy.

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From Deadline:  2015 screenplay "Black List" has been announced.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" wins the 12/11 to 12/13/2015 weekend box office, after Ron Howard's "In the Heart of the Sea" under-performs. This is the fourth straight week at #1 for this final film (for now) in "The Hunger Games" franchise.

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From TVLine:  This may be the last season for CBS sitcom, "Mike & Molly."

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From Vulture:  So once again, it seems that Beyonce will be in that "A Star is Born" remake.  Bradley Cooper will reportedly direct and star as the male lead.


COMICS - Movies and Books:

From YahooMovies:  Ben Affleck's Batman is frustrated and anger.

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From YahooMovies:  Ben Affleck posts photo of cool Batman armor from "Batman v. Superman."


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  The official trailer for "Ice Age: Collision Course."

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From YouTube:  "Star Trek Beyond" trailer.

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From YouTube:  First trailer for "Independence Day: Resurgence," which is due next year.  Trailer looks good; makes me want to see this movie (cause I was NOT interested).

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From YouTube:  First "Captain America: Civil War" trailer.


OBITS:

From Deadline:  The actress Rose Siggins has died (Saturday, December 12, 2015).  She played "Legless Suzi" on "American Horror Story: Freak Show."


Friday, March 27, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of March 22nd to 28th, 2015 - Update #19


NEWS:

From BleedingCool:  The show is called "Fear The Walking Dead."

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From TheVerge:  A connected universe of multiple Transformers movies...  No, it's not April Fool's Day yet...

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From Indiewire:  Bradley Cooper is now reportedly set to direct that A Star is Born remake that Clint Eastwood abandoned.

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From Deadline:  Those darned Negroes, taking jobs from Caucasian actors!

From Vulture:  Then, scorn followed that Deadline article.

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From YahooMovies:  Steven Spielberg signs to direct sci-fi novel to film for Warner Bros.

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From YahooMovies:  Who can get $20 million a film.

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From YahooMovies:  Born in New Zealand, Russell Crowe still can't get Australian citizen, although he has lived in the country since he was four.

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From THR:  The winner of the March 20th to 22nd, 2015 weekend box office is Insurgent with an estimated take of $54 million dollars in its debut weekend.

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From SoundonSight: Chris Rock is working on to a follow-up to the well-received Top Five (of which I will post a review soon).  Producer Scott Rudin wants some of the cast of Top Five back for the new film, which will not be a sequel.

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From YahooCelebrityMichelle Rodriguez talks about her grief over the death of her "Fast & Furious" franchise costar.


COMICS: Titles and Movies:

From YahooGames:  Ryan Reynolds tweets first image of his Deadpool costume for next year's "Deadpool" film.

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From Comicvine:  Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor - first look.

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From TheVerge:  The Avengers comic book has a new look and a new team.

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From CinemaBlend:  Tyrese Gibson hints that his is the new Green Lantern.

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From YahooGames:  New "Fantastic Four" movie poster is revealed.

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From CinemaBlend:  In the upcoming Ant-Man, Scott Lang may be depicted as a straight-up criminal, something that Marvel had recently played down.

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From Vulture: The Russo Brothers, the directors of Captain America: Winter Soldier and its sequel, Civil War, will reportedly director the two Avengers: Infinity Wars films.

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From YahooTV:  Jennifer Lawrence says that her stint as Mystique in the X-Men is coming to an end.

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From CinemaBlend:  The movie Spider-Man may indeed by Peter Parker... sadly.

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From YahooTech:  The plot of "Captain America 3?"

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Todd Phillips Begins Shooting "Arms & the Dudes" with Jonah Hill and Miles Teller

Shooting Begins on “Arms & the Dudes”

Jonah Hill and Miles Teller star under the direction of Todd Phillips

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Arms & the Dudes,” starring Oscar nominee Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Moneyball”) and Miles Teller (“Whiplash”). “The Hangover” trilogy director and Oscar nominee Todd Phillips (“Borat” screenplay) is directing the film.

Based on a true story, “Arms & the Dudes” follows two friends in their early 20s (Hill and Teller) living in Miami during the Iraq War who exploit a little-known government initiative that allows small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts. Starting small, they begin raking in big money and are living the high life. But the pair gets in over their heads when they land a $300 million deal to arm the Afghan Military—a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people, not the least of which turns out to be the U.S. Government.

Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jason Smilovic (“Lucky Number Slevin”), and Stephen C. Chin (“Another Day in Paradise”), based on the Rolling Stone article by Guy Lawson. Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper, under the banner of their 22nd & Green Productions, and Mark Gordon, under the banner of The Mark Gordon Company, are producing the film. The executive producers are David Siegel and Bryan Zuriff.

Filming began on location in Romania, and shooting is also being accomplished in Las Vegas, Southern California, Miami, and in Morocco.

“Arms & the Dudes” reunites Phillips with several of his collaborators from “The Hangover” trilogy, including director of photography Lawrence Sher, production designer Bill Brzeski and editor Jeff Groth. Joining the team is costume designer Michael Kaplan (“Star Trek,” “Star Trek: Into Darkness”).

The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

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Monday, March 9, 2015

American Sniper is the Highest-Grossing Domestic Film Release in 2014

“American Sniper” is the Highest-Grossing Film of 2014

The Clint Eastwood-directed drama, starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, has also crossed $500 million worldwide and counting

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “American Sniper” has surpassed two more major milestones, emerging as the top-grossing domestic release of 2014. The film has also surpassed half a billion dollars worldwide, and still climbing. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, and Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”

To date, the film has grossed an estimated $337.2 million at the domestic box office, and still counting, making it the highest-grossing film in director Clint Eastwood’s long and illustrious career. Among its many other records, “American Sniper” is also the number one war movie of all time and the top-grossing film in the career of Bradley Cooper, who earned his third consecutive Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of the film’s title character, Chris Kyle.

In addition to its domestic success, “American Sniper” is drawing large numbers of moviegoers overseas, where it is currently in release in 57 markets. The film, to date, has earned an estimated $163 million at the international box office, for an extraordinary worldwide total of $500.2 million and rising.

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “From its record-breaking Christmas opening, 'American Sniper' has been a box office phenomenon. The film’s A+ CinemaScore in every category has translated into enthusiastic word-of-mouth that continues to generate both first-time and repeat business. We could not be happier for Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and everyone on the incredible filmmaking team on this remarkable achievement.”

Kroll stated, “‘American Sniper’ has become a cultural touchstone that people want to share, discuss and remember. We are thrilled that the movie is still filling theatres, not only in the United States but around the globe, as filmgoers everywhere experience the power of the story of Chris and Taya Kyle.”

“We are all so proud of ‘American Sniper,’” Silverman added. “Its box office success is not only a testament to the talents of Clint, Bradley and all those involved in the film, but also a measure of our appreciation for the sacrifices of all veterans and their families. Congratulations to our partners at Village Roadshow and Ratpac-Dune and everyone behind ‘American Sniper’ on reaching another momentous benchmark.”

Kwan Vandenberg noted, “Clint Eastwood has delivered a powerful story on the personal cost of conflict, and the response we’re seeing internationally alike reflects the universal reach of this compelling drama. Along with our partners at Village Roadshow, we couldn’t be more thrilled with these spectacular results.”

Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. americansnipermovie.com

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Saturday, March 7, 2015

Review: Imaginative "Guardians of the Galaxy" is Charming and Fun

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 12 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Running time:  121 minutes (2 hours, 1 minute)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language
DIRECTOR:  James Gunn
WRITERS:  James Gunn and Nicole Perlman (based on the comic book created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning)
PRODUCER:  Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ben Davis
EDITORS:  Fred Raskin, Hughes Winborne, and Craig Wood
COMPOSER:  Tyler Bates
Academy Award nominee

SCI-FI/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY

Starring:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Peter Serafinowicz, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Haddock, Sean Gunn, Wyatt Oleff, Gregg Henry, Christopher Fairbank, Stan Lee, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel with Josh Brolin

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 science fiction action film and adventure comedy from director James Gunn and is produced by Marvel Studios.  The film is based on the comic book, Guardians of the Galaxy (2008), which was created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.  The film focuses on a human and a ragtag band of aliens who take on a warlord bent on galactic destruction.

Guardians of the Galaxy opens in 1988 where a young boy named Peter waits in a hospital where his mother is dying.  Shortly after she passes, the boy is abducted by the Ravagers, a group of space pirates.  26 years later, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is Star-Lord, and he is also a wanted man.  He arrives on the planet Morag, where he steals a mysterious orb that he is supposed to give to the leader of the Ravagers, Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker).

However, the orb holds incredible power, and a fanatical alien named Ronan (Lee Pace) wants to use the orb's power to destroy the planet Xandar.  Ronan sends an assassin to get the orb from Quill.  On the run, Quill unites a ragtag band of oddballs:  the assassin, Gamora (Zoe Saldana); the genetically-engineered raccoon, Rocket (Bradley Cooper); the tree-like humanoid, Groot (voice of Vin Diesel); and the revenge-seeking Drax (Dave Bautista).  They may be the only ones who can save the galaxy and maybe even the universe.

Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the surprise hits of the year, if not the surprise hit of the year.  It was the highest grossing film at the North American box office during the calendar year of 2014.  Some people joked that if Marvel Studios could make a hit of Guardians of the Galaxy, it could make a hit of anything.  That may be true.

Guardians of the Galaxy's production values rival and even exceed (in some cases) most recent science and space fantasy films, including the Star Wars prequels.  The artists behind this film's production design and art direction build an entire new galaxy filled with amazing worlds and places from the ground up, with eye-popping and dazzling results.  The costumes are as creative as what is worn in the kind of costume dramas that usually earn Oscar nods for their costume design.  The make-up, both effects and hair-styling, is probably the best ever seen in a film based on a comic book.

Visually, Guardians of the Galaxy is a most unusual and imaginative film, but it is also familiar.  It is thoroughly infused with the spirit of Star Wars (1977).  Like the original Star Wars film, Guardians of the Galaxy is a lavish sci-fi movie spectacle with elements of Western and pirate adventure films.  It is fun to watch, and by the end of it, I was eager for a sequel.

Maybe co-writer and director James Gunn has created Star Wars for a new generation.  He has a fine cast of actors; a cool universe populated with awesome beings, places, and things.  Gunn also has what seems like an imagination full of ideas that want to get out and sparkle on the big screen.  Gunn can do really good things with this film as the start of a new franchise.  In the meantime, we can enjoy this first film.  Like Men in Black and Independence Day, Guardians of the Galaxy is a sci-fi blast that thrills every viewer who can enjoy the wonder of a great space adventure.

7 of 10
A-

Wednesday, March 4, 2015


NOTES:
2015 Academy Awards, USA:  2 nominations: “Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling” (Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White) and “Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Stephane Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner, and Paul Corbould)

2015 BAFTA Awards:  2 nominations:  “Best Make Up/Hair” (Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White) and “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Stephane Ceretti, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, and Nicolas Aithadi)

2015 Black Reel Awards:  2 nominations: “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Zoe Saldana) and “Outstanding Voice Performance” (Vin Diesel for playing "Groot")


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Sunday, February 22, 2015

"Birdman" Wins Oscar as Best Picture of 2014

Best Picture:

“American Sniper” Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper and Peter Morgan, Producers

“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher and James W. Skotchdopole, Producers WINNER

“Boyhood” Richard Linklater and Cathleen Sutherland, Producers

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson, Producers

“The Imitation Game” Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky and Teddy Schwarzman, Producers

“Selma” Christian Colson, Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers

“The Theory of Everything” Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce and Anthony McCarten, Producers

“Whiplash” Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook and David Lancaster, Producers


Eddie Redmayne Wins Lead Actor Oscar for "The Theory of Everything"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:

Steve Carell in “Foxcatcher”
Bradley Cooper in “American Sniper”
Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Imitation Game”
Michael Keaton in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything” WINNER


Saturday, February 21, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of February 15th to 21st, 2015 - Update #17


NEWS:

From Variety:  Oliver Stone's film, "Snowden," with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley is due for Christmas.

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From TheWrap:  Lena Dunham, the star and creator of HBO's "Girls," will guest star on ABC's "Scandal," or which she is reportedly a super-fan.

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From Variety:  District 9's Neill Blomkamp is working on an Alien movie for 20th Century Fox.

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From YahooMovies:  The quiet furor over the blood profits of American Sniper.

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From TheHollywoodReporter:  An anonymous Oscar voter shares her hilarious views on her voting process with THR.  For the record, Missy Anonymous, if a 60-year-old white man had directed Selma, he would have been nominated for "Best Director."

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From TheHollywoodReporter:  Roman Polanski to attend extradition hearing in Poland.

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From BlackAmericaWeb:  Don Lemon "Hates" FOX's "Empire."

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From TheVerge:  Alejandro Jodorowsky tries Kickstarter to finance his next film project.

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From HitFix:  The winner of the Feb. 13th to 15th, 2015 weekend box office is Fifty Shades of Grey with an estimated take of $81.6 million.


COMIC BOOKS:

From TheVerge:  First image of Jason Momoa as "Aquaman" for "Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice."

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From YahooMovies:  Marvel and Netflix's "Jessica Jones" adds three new cast members.


STAR WARS:

From TheDailyBeast:  Huge Star Wars spoiler - another reason this movie needs to be released at an earlier date.

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From IBT:  Rumors about Han Solo and Princess Leia's children.

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From HitFix:  Rumors about a son of Luke Skywalker.


OBITS:

From YahooMovies:  The French actor, Louis Jourdan, died at the age of 93 on Saturday, February 14, 2015.  Many remember him for his role in Gigi, but many others best remember Jourdan as the villain, Kamal Khan (an exiled Afghan prince), in the 1983 James Bond movie, Octopussy.

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From Variety:  Gary Owens, the original voice of Hanna-Barbera character, Space Ghost, died Thursday, February 12, 2015.  He was either 78 or 80.  Recently, Owens was the voice of the over-the-air digital network, Antenna TV.  He is a fond remembrance of my childhood.  I send my condolences to his family.


MISC:

From TheVox:  It's a Black thing... or is it?

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From YahooSports:  Bobby Knight should have been run out of "polite" society a long time ago.

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From YahooParenting:  A great birthday story.


Monday, February 16, 2015

"American Sniper" Now Third Highest Grossing Movie Released in 2014

“American Sniper” Surpasses Past $300 Million at the Domestic Box Office

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Oscar-nominated blockbuster “American Sniper” continues to make cinema history, crossing $300 million at the domestic box office today. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “American Sniper is also showing strength overseas. With just 40% of international markets launched to date, the film has grossed an impressive $85.7 million, with many major territories prepping to release next week, including France, Spain, Japan, Brazil and Mexico.”

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, “American Sniper” has continued to fill conventional and IMAX theatres nationwide. It is now the top-grossing war movie of all time, Bradley Cooper’s biggest live-action feature ever, and the second-highest-grossing R-rated drama ever. In addition, it is the first Warner Bros. non-franchise film, only the seventh Warner Bros. release of any kind, and one of only 50 films in cinema history to achieve this milestone domestically.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “This is another extraordinary benchmark for an extraordinary film. Rarely does a film come along that strikes such an emotional and thought-provoking chord with such a wide audience. Congratulations to Clint Eastwood and everyone involved in ‘American Sniper’ on the film’s huge success, both at the box office and in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.”

“American Sniper is also showing strength overseas. With just 40% of international markets launched to date, the film has grossed an impressive $85.7 million, with many major territories prepping to release next week, including France, Spain, Japan, Brazil and Mexico.

Eastwood directed “American Sniper” from a screenplay written by Jason Hall, based on the book by Chris Kyle, with Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen. Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller star in the film, produced by Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Cooper and Peter Morgan. Tim Moore, Jason Hall, Sheroum Kim, Steven Mnuchin and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.

“American Sniper” has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall). In addition, Eastwood was honored by his peers with his fourth Directors Guild of America Award nomination and also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. The film’s other honors include a Producers Guild of America Award nomination, a Writers Guild of America Award nomination, and a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Mad Chance Production, A 22nd & Indiana Production, “American Sniper.” The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. “American Sniper” has been rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. americansnipermovie.com

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