Review: "GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE" is Lukewarm

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 16 of 2024 (No. 1960) by Leroy Douresseaux

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Running time:  115 minutes (1 hour, 55 minutes)

MPA – PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references

DIRECTOR:  Gil Kenan

WRITERS:  Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman (based on the film, Ghost Busters, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis and directed by Ivan Reitman)

PRODUCERS:  Jason Reitman, Jason Blumenfeld, and Ivan Reitman

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Eric Steelberg

EDITORS:  Nathan Orloff and Shane Reid

COMPOSER:  Dario Marianelli

FANTASY/COMEDY/ACTION/MYSTERY

Starring:  Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Logan Kim, Celeste O'Connor, Ernie Hudson, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Emily Alyn Lind, James Acaster, Dan Ackroyd, Annie Potts, William Atherton, and Bill Murray

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a 2024 supernatural comedy, action and mystery film from director Gil Kenan.  It is the fifth entry in the Ghostbusters film franchise, and it is the third sequel to the original film, 1984's Ghost Busters (now known as “Ghostbusters”).  In Frozen Empire, the old and new Ghostbusters must take on an evil force unleashed from an ancient artifact.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in New York City in 1904 where a group of fireman enters a hotel suite and finds an entire party frozen solid in the middle of an extremely hot summer.  In the present day, Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon) and her two children, son, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), and daughter, Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), have moved from Summerville, Oklahoma to New York City, with Phoebe's former summer school teacher, Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), in tow.  The four live in the old Ghostbusters' NYC firehouse that had been maintained by original Ghostbuster, Dr. Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson).

Now, Phoebe, Trevor, Callie, and Gary are the active Ghostbusters, but a particular Ghostbusting case leads to significant damage in the city.  That brings them to the attention of the mayor and leads to Phoebe being forced out of the Ghostbusters because she is underage at 15-years-old.  But the world of the supernatural does not stop because of the human world's concerns.

Original Ghostbuster, Dr. Raymond “Ray” Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), has come into possession of a peculiar artifact, which he turns over to Winston Zeddemore's top-secret research lab.  Meanwhile, Phoebe, sidelined as a Ghostbuster, is trying to find her place in the world of the Ghostbusters.  Then, Garraka, an ancient god, is freed.  He wants to gather all the ghosts ever captured by the Ghostbusters and turn them into his personal army as he brings about a new ice age.  Despite her troubles, Phoebe will have to figure out how to stop the ancient evil that is Garraka before it's too late.

I was a huge fan of the original Ghostbusters films, Ghostbusters (1984) and its sequel, Ghostbusters II (1989).  I enjoyed Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and I thought that film's teen characters, siblings Phoebe and Trevor, and their friends, Podcast (Logan Kim) and Lucky Domingo (Celeste O'Connor), made a great foundation for the new Ghostbusters.

Thus, I was surprised to see Phoebe and Trevor playing Ghostbusters with the adults, their mother, Callie, and their quasi-stepfather, Gary.  Honestly, I find Carrie Coon's Callie and Paul Rudd's Gary to be extraneous here.  I have no interest in their characters beyond what they did in Ghostbusters: Afterlife.  In fact, this film has too many characters.  Bill Murray's Dr. Peter Venkman, Annie Potts' Janine Melnitz, and William Atherton's Mayor Walter Peck are also mostly irrelevant.  Pretty much everything these characters do could have been passed off to other characters or deleted because it wasn't important enough to clutter up the narrative.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire spends much of its first half meandering around assorted relationship dysfunction, including one involving a ghost.  Then, the film rushes to a forced satisfactory conclusion that wastes a truly scary monster in Garraka.  I am glad that Ernie Hudson's Winston Zeddemore has a substantial part in this film, especially because Hudson spent the first two films fighting off Columbia Pictures' executives and Ghostbusters cast mates who were determined to sideline his character.

As a franchise, Ghostbusters needs to move on from its past or just die.  The young characters:  Phoebe and Trevor Spengler, Podcast, and Lucky Domingo are the franchise's present and true future.  When this Ghostbusters film focuses on them, it feels alive and is fun.  When it doesn't, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is frozen and freezer-burned.

[This film has one mid-credits scene.]

5 out of 10

C+

★★½ out of 4 stars

Friday, March 22, 2024

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 13th to 19th, 2022 - Update #20

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TELEVISION - From Variety:  FX has announced that its Emmy-winning comedy, "Atlanta" will end with Season 4, which debuts Fall 2022.  Season 3 debuts March 24th.

From Variety:  Netflix has renewed its hit "Stranger Things" for a fifth and final season.

STAR TREK - From Variety:  Whatever happened to Quentin Tarantino's "Star Trek" pitch explained.

MOVIES - From GQ:  Legendary filmmaker and Oscar-winning director, Francis Ford Coppola, talks about "Godfather" on its 50th anniversary; laments the state of modern cinema (Marvel Studios), and talks about self-financing his 120 million dollar dream project, "Megalopolis."

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Skydance Animation has acquired the rights to director Brad Bird's next animated film, "Ray Gunn."  A multiple Oscar-winner, Bird is known for his animated films, "Iron Giant," and "The Incredibles" films.

TELEVISION - From THR:  A guide to all the scripted TV shows that have been renewed, canceled and ordered to series for the 2021-22 season on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW.

FILM FESTIVALS - From Deadline:  Director Carla Simon's film, "Alcarras," wins the top prize, the "Golden Bear," at the 72nd Berlin Film Festival.

MOVIES - From IGN:  During Paramount Pictures' investor day, a third film in the "A Quiet Place" series was announced. A spinoff movie directed by Michael Sarnoski was also confirmed.

STAR TREK - From BleedingCool:  J.J. Abrams said that a fourth "Star Trek" film in his series is happening and that they are currently trying to get the cast back together.

ANIME - From Variety:  The magazine has a first look at “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” an original anime feature from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation.  It is set for release on April 12, 2024 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

MOVIES - From TheRinger:  "Death on the Disney Vine" by Miles Surrey. What is the fate of "Death on the Nile" and other 20th Century Fox films, post-Disney merger?

OSCARS - From Variety:  Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes are finalizing details to host this year’s 94th Academy Awards, multiple sources told "Variety."

MOVIES/TRAILERS - From Variety:  Several high-profile film and streaming projects debuted a trailer during Super Bowl LVI. You can watch them all on this "Variety" page.

SPORTS/NFL - From YahooSports:  The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win Super Bowl LVI.  It is the franchise's second Super Bowl championship in 5 appearances.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 2/11 to 2/13/2022 weekend box office is "Death on the Nile" with an estimated gross of 12.8 million dollars.

TRAILER - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures has revealed the first official trailer for Jordan Peele's next film, "Nope."  It is scheduled to arrive in theaters July 22, 2022 (according to Deadline) or August 4th (according to the trailer).

LGBTQ/MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  On the film's 40th anniversary, actor Harry Hamlin talks about his role in the groundbreaking gay romance, "Making Love."

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Ridley Scott is executive producing a TV series, "Blade Runner 2099" this  is a follow-up to the 2017 film, "Blade Runner: 2049."  Scott directed the original film, 1982's "Blade Runner."

OBITS:

From Vareity:  Film writer, producer, and director, Ivan Reitman, has died at the age of 75, Saturday, February 12, 2022.  Reitman was best known for directing successful film comedies from the late 1970s to the late 1990s.  Those include "Meatballs" (1979), "Ghost Busters" (1984), "Ghostbusters II (1989), and "Dave" (1993), to name a few.  He also produced "Animal House" (1978), "Heavy Metal" (1981), and the Oscar-nominated "Up in the Air" (2009), which was directed by his son, Jason Reitman.

From YahooEntertainment:  This remembrance of the recently passed film director, Ivan Reitman, discusses the origins of his most famous film, 1984's "Ghost Busters" ("Ghostbusters").

From Deadline:  Actor, Frank Pesce, has died at the age of 75, Sunday, February 6, 2022.  Known as a colorful character, Pesce appeared in such films as "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), "Top Gun" (1986), and "Midnight Run" (1988).  He also appeared on such TV series as "Kojak," "Miami Vice," and "Matlock."  There was also a film about Pesce's early life, "29th Street" (1991), which was directed by George Gallo.

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94TH ACADEMY AWARDS:

OSCARS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2022 / 94th Academy Awards have been announced.  "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 nominations.  The winners will be revealed March 27th.

From Deadline:    With his "Best Actor" nomination for "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Denzel Washington is the most nominated Black actor is Oscar history.  He has been nominated in two acting categories a total of 10 times with two wins total.

From Variety:   With her "Best Director" Oscar nomination for "The Power of the Dog," Jane Campion becomes the first woman nominated twice in that category. She was previously nominated in that category for "The Piano" (1993).

From Variety:  With his three nominations today, Kenneth Branagh of "Belfast" becomes the first person to have been nominated in seven individual categories over his career.

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From Deadline:  The 2022 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been announced.  "Dune" leads with 11 nominations.  The winners will be announced March 13th.

From Deadline:   The 2022 / 33rd annual Producers Guild of America Awards nominations have been announced.  The winners will be announced Saturday, March 19th.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 74th annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced March 12th.

From COFCA:  The Columbus Film Critics Association name "The Power of the Dog" the "Best Film" of 2021.

From Deadline:  Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," was named the "Best Picture" of 2021 at the 13th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.  The Western tied with "King Richard" for most wins with four.  Will Smith was named "Best Actor" for "King Richard."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.

From Variety:  The snubs and surprises in the nominations for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Variety:   At the 2022 / 79th Golden Globes, "The Power of the Dog" wins "Best Motion Picture-Drama" and "West Side Story" wins "Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy."

From Variety:  The National Society of Film Critics names the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the best film of 2021.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards were announced a few weeks ago. Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," has a record 20 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 27, 2022.

From AwardsWatch:  The Columbus Film Critics Association announced the nominations for their annual film awards.  Director Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 noms.  The winners will be announced Thurs., Jan. 6th, 2022.

From Deadline:  The Los Angeles Film Critics Association has named the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the "Best Picture" of 2021.

From Deadline:  The 2022 / 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominations. "Zola" leads with six nominations. The winners will be announced Sun., March 6, 2022.

From THR:  The 2022 / 79th Golden Globes Awards nominations have been announced.  "Belfast" and "The Power of the Dog" lead with seven nominations each.  Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From GoldDerby:   The 2022 Critics Choice Awards nominations have been announced. "Belfast" and "West Side Story" leads with 11 nominations each. Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From Deadline:   The American Film Institute announced the "2021 AFI Awards" Top 10 list, and the list includes "Dune," "The Tragedy of Macbeth," and "West Side Story."

From THR:  Director Aleem Khan's "After Love" tops the 2021 British Independent Film Awards, winning six awards, including "Best Film of 2021."

From Variety:   The New York Film Critics Circle has named the Japanese drama, "Drive My Car," as the "Best Film of 2021."

From Deadline:  The National Board of Review hands director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" it "Best Film" and "Best Director" awards.  Will Smith picks up the "Best Actor" award for "King Richard."

From THR:  Netflix’s "The Lost Daughter," directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, dominated the 2021 Gotham Awards in New York on Monday night (Nov. 29th).  The film won in four of the five categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Feature."

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"RUST" ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING DEATH:

From Deadline:  This link will take you to Deadline's Halyna Hutchins page, which articles related to everything about her shooting death on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  The family and estate of Halyna Hutchins has filed suit against Alec Baldwin (who accidentally shot Hutchins), a slew of production companies and entities, producers, and key crew members involved in the Western film, "Rust," for her death.

From THR:   A Republican New Mexico legislator, State Sen. Cliff Pirtle of Roswell, on Monday introduced a bill that would require all film set personnel who handle firearms to complete a safety course offered by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.  This is in the wake a cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, being fatally shot on the set of the Western, "Rust," last year by Alec Baldwin with a weapon he says he thought was not loaded with live ammunition.

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin and the other producers of the doomed Western film, "Rust," want a California judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against them by the script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell.

From Deadline:   Alec Baldwin has finally turned over his cell phone to police for their probe into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin's Western film, "Rust," last October in New Mexico.

From Variety:  One of the producers of tragic Western film, Rust, Emily Salveson, pushes tax shelters and hid income.

From THR:  "I let go of the hammer and 'Bang,' the gun goes off" says Alec Baldwin says in his first interview of the moment when a gun he was holding accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin will sit down with ABC's news-reading clown George Stephanopoulos for a one hour special tomorrow night to talk about what happened on the set of the movie "Rust."  It will be Baldwin’s first extensive interview about the shooting.

From Deadline:  Industry veteran, Thall Reed, the father of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the Western, "Rust," may have handed the police a tip on why the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot to death on the set.

From THR:  A search warrant affidavit filed Tuesday for a prop shop sheds light on how alleged live ammunition ended up on the set of the Western film, "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October.

From Deadline:  A month after cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot and killed on the New Mexico set the movie Western, "Rust," by a prop gun “discharged” by Alec Baldwin, those closest to the cinematographer held a private ceremony and interred her ashes at an unknown location.

From Deadline:  Actor Daniel Baldwin defends his brother, Alec Baldwin, in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film, "Rust."  "Someone loaded that gun improperly," Daniel says.

From Deadline:  The newest lawsuit involving the tragic shooting on the set of the Western film, "Rust," has been filed by the film's script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, against Alec Baldwin, the producers, the production company, armorer Hanna Gutierrez Reed, and others.

From Deadline:  Serge Svetnoy, the gaffer on "Rust," has filed a lawsuit against several parties related to the film, including the production, the financiers, star Alec Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and first Assistant Director David Halls.

From THR:   In the wake of the tragic accidental shooting on the set of his film, "Rust," Alec Baldwin on Monday took to social media to urge Hollywood to employ a police officer on every film and TV set that uses guns.

From THR:   The budget for "Rust" - Alec Baldwin was set to earn $150,000 as lead actor and $100,000 as producer, while $7,913 was earmarked for armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and $17,500 was set aside for the rental of weapons and $5,000 for rounds.

From Deadline:  Attorneys for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film, "Rust," said that they’re looking into whether a live bullet was placed in a box of dummy rounds with the intent of  “sabotaging the set.”

From THR:   Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the film, "Rust," released a statement through her lawyers.  She says she had “no idea where the live rounds came from” that were recovered by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's during the investigation of the accidental on-set shooting death of Halyna Hutchins.

From Jacobin:  An opinion piece says that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death on the set of the film, "Rust," was not a freak accident, but was about Alec Baldwin and his fellow producers' cost-cutting decisions.  Baldwin accidentally fired the gun that killed Hutchins.

From Deadline:   Two of executive producers on "Rust," Allen Cheney and Emily Salveson, disavow responsibility for the film's troubled production.

From THR:   Iconic "Ghostbusters" actor Ernie Hudson is reeling from the news of the death of Halyna Hutchins, like the rest of Hollywood. Hudson also appeared in the film, "The Crow," the film in which its star, Brandon Lee, was killed because of an on-set accidental shooting.  He also agrees with the call to ban real guns from movie sets.

From THR:  The Sheriff of Sante Fe County says that his office has recovered three guns and 500 rounds of ammunition from the set of the movie "Rust" where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.

From Deadline:  Regarding criminal charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis, "all options are on the table - no one has been ruled out."

From THR:  Does Hollywood Need Guns? Will new regulations lead to an overreactions to a tragedy.

From Deadline:   "Rust" producers have opened an internal investigation into the fatal shooting on the set of the Western film.  They have hired outside lawyers to conduct interviews with the film's production crew.

From Deadline:  "Rust's" AD (assistant director), Dave Halls, has come under scrutiny in the wake of the on-set shooting death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The affidavit of Sante Fe Sheriff's Department Detective Joel Cano has been made public. It can be read at "Deadline."  The affidavit was for a search warrant from the property were the Western, "Rust," was being filmed.

From THR:  The production company behind "Rust" has shut the film down until the police investigation into the fatal, on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is through.  The Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office has also revealed a timeline of the shooting.

From Deadline:  The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday night that Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop gun on the New Mexico set of the movie, "Rust."  As a result, one crew member, director of photography Halyna Hutchins, was killed and director Joel Souza was injured and remains in a local hospital - his condition unknown.

From THR:  "Rust" director, Joel Souza, who was wounded in the accidental on-set shooting, says that he is "gutted" by the death of his cinematographer on the film, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" may have been "recorded" according to detective for Santa Fe Sheriff's Department.

From Deadline:  The production company behind the film, "Rust," will launch an internal safety review after the fatal accident that killed Halyna Hutchins; possible prior gun incidents; and a camera crew walkout.

From CNN:   Crew member yelled "cold gun" as he handed Alec Baldwin prop weapon, court document shows.

From Variety:  Actor Alec Baldwin releases statement on the death of Halyna Hutchins: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness."

From Variety:  The prop gun that killed “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza on during an on-set accident on Thursday contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.

Review: Young Stars Bring "GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife" to Life

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 66 of 2021 (No. 1804) by Leroy Douresseaux

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Running time:  124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for supernatural action and some suggestive references
DIRECTOR:  Jason Reitman
WRITERS:  Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman (based on the film, Ghost Busters, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis)
PRODUCER:  Ivan Reitman
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Eric Steelberg
EDITORS:  Dana E. Glauberman and Nathan Orloff
COMPOSER:  Rob Simonsen

FANTASY/MYSTERY/ACTION/COMEDY

Starring:  Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Logan Kim, Celeste O'Connor, and Bokeem Woodbine with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a 2021 supernatural comedy, action and mystery film from director Jason Reitman.  It is the fourth entry in the Ghostbusters film franchise and is a kind of sequel to the original film, 1984's Ghost Busters (now known as “Ghostbusters”), which was directed by Jason's father, Ivan Reitman.  In Afterlife, a single mother and her two children arrive in small town Oklahoma, and the children discover their grandfather's amazing and secret legacy.

Thirty-two years after the events of Ghostbusters II (1989), Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon) and her two children, son Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and daughter Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), arrive in Summerville, Oklahoma.  Currently homeless, they will try to make a new home in the rundown farmhouse owned by Callie's late father, Egon Spengler.  While rooting through some of Egon's belongings, Phoebe discovers a P.K.G. Meter (a ghost-tracking device).  While digging around, Trevor finds a beat-up old car that sports the “Ghostbusters” logo.

Phoebe, who does not believe in the supernatural, makes a friend, a boy named “Podcast” (Logan Kim), who believes in the strange and unusual and discusses it in his podcast.  Trevor makes a friend in a local, a teen girl named Lucky Domingo (Celeste O'Connor).  Eventually, the children discover that Phoebe's summer school teacher, Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), is quite familiar with their grandfather, Egon's legacy as a scientist, an inventor, and a member of “Ghostbusters,” the ghost-catching organization that was famous for its activities in 1980s New York City.  Now, the four youngsters and Callie and Gary must face the same great evil that once confronted the original Ghostbusters.

I was a huge fan of the original Ghostbusters films.  When I first saw Ghost Busters in a movie theater in 1984, I laughed so much that the other people in the theater were giving me the side eye.  I enjoyed the sequel, Ghostbusters II (1989), although many people I knew at the time did not like it all that much.  Still, I was happy, but over the years, Ghostbusters became a fond memory that I sometimes relived via my cable TV package.  In the years that followed Ghostbusters II, there was always talk of a third Ghostbusters film, but I was only mildly interested.

For some people, however, the Ghostbuster films and the related merchandise became a lifestyle choice, something to which they dedicated themselves as if it were hobby, a second career, and maybe even a quasi-religion.  Those were the people who claimed to have been traumatized by the 2016 franchise reboot, Ghostbusters, which featured an all-female cast as the Ghostbusters (and which may have since been re-titled “Ghostbusters: Answer the Call”).  I was only mildly interested in that film, and have seen most of it via cable TV.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is supposed to remedy the trauma of Ghostbusters 2016.  Afterlife director Jason Reitman once said that his film was giving Ghostbusters “back to the fans.”  I never felt like something had been taken from me.  After all, as I've said, I can see the original films at least a few times a week on television.  That said, I do like Afterlife.

Reitman offers an exciting film that is as much a mystery film as it is a comedy, and the secrets of the town of Summerville and its surroundings are quite intriguing and provide a nice setting for the story.  I do wish that the film had given us more on the town and its inhabitants.  However, there is much focus on the darkness at the edge of town – the big bad supernatural being.  Reitman and his co-writer, Gil Kenan, work overtime to make sure everyone understands that the villain is connected to the events of the original film.  I didn't find that connection necessary, but I understand why Reitman and Sony Pictures felt that it was very important to make a hard connection between the events of 1984 and the events of 2021.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife's shining light isn't the desperation to connect to a 37-year-old movie.  Afterlife's true treasures are its young stars:  Mckenna Grace as Phoebe, Finn Wolfhard as Trevor, Celeste O'Connor as Lucky, and Logan Kim as Podcast.  As Phoebe, Grace is totally capable of carrying this film's emotional center and of stabilizing its subplots and narrative threads until they come together.  When Jason Reitman focuses on his young cast, turning them into young supernatural investigators and Ghostbusters, Afterlife explodes with life and has all the magic of an old-fashioned summer blockbuster movie in spite of its November release date.

Yes, it was good to see the original cast members.  No, Paul Rudd is not the star of Afterlife, as the film's trailers and commercials suggest, but he is important to the development of the story.  Yes, Carrie Coon is good as the kid's mother, Callie.  However, it is time for this franchise to move on from nostalgia and fanservice if it is going to have a future.  These four young actors and four new characters are why Ghostbusters: Afterlife can be a true resurrection story.

7 out of 10
B+

Friday, November 19, 2021


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 12th to 18th, 2021 - Update #22

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

MOVIES - From  VanityFair:  The site has a "first look" at Guillermo Del Toro's upcoming film, "Nightmare Alley."

From Variety:  The first trailer for Del Toro's "Nightmare Alley" has arrives.  The film is due December 17, 2021.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" has opened in France.

ANIMATION - From HuffPost:   Disney's reboot of its animated hits series "The Proud Family," (2001-05) will feature a number of prominent guest stars, including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Gabrielle Union, to name a few.  The reboot arrives in 2022.

MOVIES - From Variety:   Whitney Houston's iconic, hit film, "The Bodyguard" (1992), is being remade.  Lawrence Kasdan, the writer-producer of the original film, is returning to produce.

VIDEO GAMES - From Deadline:   Anthony Mackie will star in and executive produce Sony Pictures Television and Playstation Productions' live-action television series adaptation of the video game, "Twisted Metal."

TRAILER - From BoxOfficePro:   Walt Disney Studios has released a new poster and a new trailer for Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story."

MOVIES - From Deadline:   "Firestarter" reboot lead Ryan Kiera Armstrong and 2013 "Evil Dead" star Shiloh Fernandez have joined Nicolas Cage in the action-western, "The Old Way."

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Producer/director Ivan Reitman and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito are prepping a sequel to their 1988 hit film, "Twins."  Entitled "Triplets," Tracy Morgan will join the mix as a long lost sibling.

ANIMATION - From Deadline:   Laika's ("Paranorman") next animated feature will be "Wildwood," an adaptation of the bestselling novel written by The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy, and illustrated by Carson Ellis.  The film will be directed by Laika President and CEO Travis Knight.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Christopher Nolan has chosen Universal Pictures to finance and distribute his next film, which focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

COVID-19 - From YahooEntertainment:   Colorado-based Bob Enyart has become at least the fifth well-known right wing radio talk show host to die from complications of COVID-19 after opposing vaccines and other COVID-related public safety health measures.

NETFLIX/ANIME - From Variety:  Actress Hayley Atwell ("Agent Carter") will be the voice of "Lara Croft" in Netflix's "Tomb Raider" anime.

LGBTQ - From Deadline:   Actress Raven-Symone said that Disney offered to make her character, "Raven Baxter," from the classic Disney television series, "That's So Raven" (2003-07), a lesbian for the spinoff "Raven's Home," which currently airs on Disney Channel.  She says she declined the offer.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/10 to 9/12/2021 weekend box office is Disney/Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" with an estimated take of $35.8 million dollars.

From BoxOfficePro:  Disney has announced that its remaining 2021 theatrical releases will be exclusive to movie theaters for a 30- or 45-day exclusivity window.  Most of the remaining films will be exclusive to theaters for 45 days.

From Negromancer:  My movie review of Shang-Chi.

EMMY AWARDS - From Deadline:   Here is a complete winners' list from the two-day, three-part ceremony for the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

From Deadline:  Netflix and its series, "The Queen's Gambit," leads round one (of three) the 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. 

MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered:  The release of Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro's next film, "Nightmare Alley," has been pushed back a little, from Dec. 3rd to Dec. 17th.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Christopher Nolan is shopping his next project around Hollywood.  It focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

OBITS:

From Variety:   Actress, singer, and dancer, Jane Powell, has died at the age of 92, Thursday, September 16, 2021.  She made her film debut as a teenage singer in the musical, "Song of the Open Road" (1944). Powell went onto appear in a number of MGM musicals, such as "A Date with Judy" (1948), "Royal Wedding" (1951), "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954), and "Hit the Deck" (1955).  She was one of the last surviving stars of the "Golden Age of Hollywood."

From Deadline:  Actor and comedian, Norm Macdonald, has died at the age of 61, Wednesday, September 14, 2021, after a reported decade-long battle with cancer.  He was a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" from 1993 to 1998, and was best known for his three seasons as the show's anchor for the "Weekend Update" segment.  Macdonald also wrote for "The Dennis Miller Show" and "Roseanne." and he had a number of recurring television roles, including on ABC's former sitcom, "The Middle" and on Cartoon Network's "Mike Tyson Mysteries."

"Ghostbusters 35th" Leads to New Film in 2020

Sony Pictures Launches Ghostbusters™ 35th Anniversary Celebration
Year-Long Celebration of the Iconic Franchise Extends Across the Consumer Products and Entertainment Spectrums and Culminates with the 2020 Release of the Newest Installment in the Film Series

CULVER CITY – To coincide with the 35th anniversary of Ghostbusters, first released in U.S. theaters on June 8, 1984, Sony Pictures is launching “Ghostbusters 35th,” a year-long celebration of the iconic multi-media franchise, it was announced today by Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Brand Strategy and Global Partnerships for Sony Pictures. The event represents a collaboration between several Sony Corporation divisions and will lead up to the newest installment in the film series to be released in theaters in 2020.

“Ghostbusters 35th” activations extend across the consumer products and entertainment spectrums and include toys, collectibles, fashion and apparel, theatrical, live events, music, gaming, home entertainment and publishing. Exciting new events and activations will be announced in the coming months.

“Ghostbusters has been entertaining and delighting audiences of all ages for the past 35 years, and this milestone provides the perfect opportunity for a celebration of the franchise and the impact it’s had on popular culture,” said Godsick. “The level of interest from our divisions within Sony Corporation as well as our external partners is a testament to the enduring power of the Ghostbusters brand. Together we’ve curated a year-long event that has something for everyone, from long-time fans to those new to the Ghostbusters universe.”,

“It’s been truly gratifying that what we created 35 years ago has continued to entertain and resonate with two generations of audiences,” said Ivan Reitman, producer and director of Ghostbusters and 1989’s Ghostbusters II. “This is a momentous occasion, and we’ve had a great time collaborating with our friends at Sony to put together this unique year-long celebration of all things Ghostbusters.”

The first announcement of “Ghostbusters 35th” event activations includes:

All-New “Ghostbusters 35th” Consumer Products – Wide-ranging line of first-ever 35th anniversary celebratory products that includes toys, collectibles, halo fashion, apparel and gaming. Licensees include PLAYMOBIL®, K-Swiss/Footlocker, Funko, BATHING APE®, PopMinded by Hallmark and Bixler Jewelry.

Ghostbusters/Transformers Collaboration – The two beloved franchises (both celebrating 35th anniversaries in 2019) will unite for cross-over toys, a comic book series and Mad Engine apparel. Hasbro will release the Transformers-Ghostbusters Collaborative figure, the ECTO-1 ECTOTRON, available at GameStop this summer and currently for pre-order at HasbroPulse.com, GameStop and EB Games Canada.

The five-issue comic series, “Transformers / Ghostbusters,” will debut this month and is written and illustrated by the long-time fan-favorite Ghostbusters creative team of Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening and Luis Antonio Delgado and published by IDW Comics.

First-Ever Ghostbusters Fan Fest – Presented by Wizard World, this once-in-a-lifetime event on June 8, 2019 at the Sony Pictures Studio Lot in Culver City, CA is a celebration of the Ghostbusters universe that will feature opportunities for fans to meet and hear from the original cast and filmmakers, including director/producer Ivan Reitman, actor/screenwriter Dan Aykroyd and actor Ernie Hudson. In addition, writer/director Jason Reitman will share early details about the newest film in the Ghostbusters series to be released in 2020. Attendees will also have access to exclusive programming and attractions, limited edition merchandise, collectibles and more.

Limited Edition Ghostbusters 35th Anniversary Sony WALKMAN – Ghostbusters and Sony WALKMAN, two iconic brands that first came to prominence in the 1980s and have each made a huge impact on popular culture, join together for the Limited Edition Ghostbusters 35th anniversary-themed WALKMAN. Designed by Sony Home Entertainment & Sound Products, Inc., this WALKMAN will make its debut at the Ghostbusters Fan Fest in Culver City on June 8, 2019, where it’ll be awarded to the first two fans who purchase the KSwiss limited Ghostbusters shoes. Only 100 units have been created which will be used for promotional events and prizing.

Global Ghostbusters in Concert Live Orchestra Tour – Ongoing tour that will visit over 40 cities worldwide and features a screening of Ghostbusters accompanied by local symphony orchestras performing live Elmer Bernstein’s Grammy-nominated score and Ray Parker Jr.’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping theme song, “Ghostbusters.”

Ghostbusters Theatrical Re-Release – In partnership with Fathom Events, Sony Pictures will re-release the original 1984 Ghostbusters in theaters nationwide on October 6 & 10, 2019.

Ghostbusters Original Motion Picture Score 35th Anniversary Edition – Sony Music special 35th anniversary edition of the original motion picture score with music by legendary composer Elmer Bernstein. Available June 7, 2019 on CD and digital formats (standard and hi-resolution) and on vinyl July 19, 2019. The collection features music from the iconic blockbuster, newly mixed and remastered from the score’s original multi-tracks, as well as new artwork, commentary from Elmer Bernstein’s son, Peter, and four previously unreleased tracks.

Ghostbusters I & II Limited Edition Home Entertainment Release – On June 11, 2019, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II in a special limited-edition 4K Ultra HD SteelBook with hours of rare and new bonus material. The set includes both films on 4K UHD and on Blu-ray, plus a bonus disc of new extras, including deleted scenes, interviews, outtakes and much more. The films were fully restored from the original camera negatives and are presented on 4K UHD with HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered – Saber Interactive HD re-release of the acclaimed action-adventure game featuring the original cast of the classic films and a unique storyline co-written by Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II screenwriters Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis; to launch later this year on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Windows PC.


About Sony Pictures Entertainment: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Ghost Corps: Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products. Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.

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Three Ghostbusters Directors Gather at "Ghostbuster Fan Fest" on June 8th

Ivan Reitman, Paul Feig And Jason Reitman To Come Together For The First-Ever Directors’ Panel At Ghostbusters™ Fan Fest Presented By Wizard World June 8, 2019

Directors Of The Original 1984 Film, Ghostbusters II, 2016 Reboot and the Upcoming 2020 Project To Participate On a Directors’ Panel In Celebration Of the Franchise’s 35th Anniversary On The Sony Pictures Studio Lot

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The once-in-a-lifetime Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World just got a little more special with today’s announcement of the first-ever panel featuring the directors of all four of the franchise’s feature films. Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989)), Paul Feig (Ghostbusters 2016) and Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters-2020) will join to discuss the franchise on the main stage as a prime feature of the blockbuster event, Saturday, June 8, 2019 on the famed Sony Pictures Studio Lot in Culver City, Calif.

    @paulfeig joins the @ghostbusters Fan Fest June 8 on the @sonypictures lot, in a first-ever panel with Ivan and Jason Reitman @wizardworld WhoYaGonnaCall

The Q&A session, part of a daylong celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the original film and 30th of Ghostbusters II, will be open to all Ghostbusters Fan Fest attendees. Class 1, 3, 5 and 10 attendees will have priority seating based on the benefits of their respective tickets.

Feig, who served as both the co-writer (along with Katie Dippold) and director of the 2016 entry in the franchise, is the latest addition to the Ghostbusters Fan Fest celebrity lineup. The creator of “Freaks and Geeks” and director of Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy and A Simple Favor, Feig has produced, directed, written and acted in films and TV series for more than 30 years.

In addition to participating in the panel, Feig will greet fans, pose for photo ops and sign autographs during the Fan Fest.

“The Directors’ Panel is one of the featured elements that will make Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World memorable for every fan,” said John D. Maatta, President & CEO, Wizard World. “Fans will be able to hear stories from the directors of every Ghostbusters film! This amazing collection of talented filmmakers can only happen at Ghostbusters Fan Fest.”

Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and Global Partnerships for Sony Pictures adds, “We’re excited to have Paul Feig join Ivan and Jason on stage. The Directors’ Panel is the perfect way to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of such a beloved franchise and we’re looking forward to bring these talented filmmakers to some of their biggest fans.”

In addition to the famed directors, headliners scheduled to attend Ghostbusters Fan Fest include Ghostbusters (1984) stars Dan Aykroyd (Dr. Raymond Stantz) and Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore), theme song singer-songwriter Ray Parker Jr., Violet Ramis Stiel, daughter of Ghostbusters writer and actor Harold Ramis, and author of Ghostbusters Daughter: Life with My Dad, Harold Ramis. Numerous supporting cast and crew will be in attendance. Fans will take part in a non-stop series of interactive experiences, live music, costumes, meetups, impersonators, reenactors and more all day.

Other popular guests from the Ghostbusters universe scheduled to attend include William Atherton (“Walter Peck,” Ghostbusters 1984), Joe Medjuck (producer, Ghostbusters 1984, Ghostbusters II, The Real Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2016, Sheldon Kahn (editor, Ghostbusters 1984, Ghostbusters II), Maurice LaMarche (“Dr. Egon Spengler,” The Real Ghostbusters) and Dave Coulier (“Dr. Peter Venkman,” The Real Ghostbusters).

Cast and crew also scheduled to attend include, actors Mark Bryan Wilson (“Slimer”), Billy Bryan (“Stay Puft”), Jennifer Runyon (“female student”), Timothy Carhart (“violinist”), Steve Tash (“male student”), Tom Morga (stunt double, “Dr. Egon Spengler,” others), Tony Cecere (stunts); crew: Steve Johnson (visual effects/sculptor); from Ghostbusters II, appearing are actors Robin Shelby (“Slimer”), Tim Lawrence (“Scoleri brother”) and Jim Fye (“Scoleri brother”).

The evening before, Friday, June 7, 2019, fans can attend a special 35th Anniversary screening of the original 1984 Ghostbusters film with introduction by Dan Aykroyd and Ivan Reitman, on the Sony Pictures Studio Lot.

Following the event on June 7-8, Wizard World will continue its Ghostbusters touring experience at its conventions throughout the country featuring a pop-up shop featuring exclusive Ghostbusters merchandise. Details will be linked at www.wizardworld.com.

Tickets for the premier event are on sale now at https://tixr.com/pr/gbffpr/12066. Packages range in price from a just added $149.99 general admission ticket to $1499 for the ultimate VIP experience, with autographs and photo ops included in some packages.

Fans can learn more about the Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World at http://www.ghostbusters.com/news/ghostbusters-fan-fest.


About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Ghost Corps
Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products. Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.

About Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard Entertainment has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Fans can interact with Wizard Entertainment at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2019 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

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Jason Reitman to Appear at "Ghostbusters Fan Fest" in June

Jason Reitman, the Director and Co-Writer of Sony Pictures’ Upcoming Ghostbusters™ Film, to Attend Ghostbusters™ Fan Fest Presented by Wizard World June 7-8, 2019

Joins Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman, Plus Stars of the 1984 Original Film and ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ Series For Live Event On Sony Pictures Studio Lot Celebrating Ghostbusters’ 35th Anniversary

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As fans get ready for a new chapter of the Ghostbusters universe, attendees of the first-ever Ghostbusters Fan Fest, presented by Wizard World, will hear from Jason Reitman, the director and co-writer (with Gil Kenan) of Sony Pictures’ upcoming 2020 Ghostbusters film, on the famed Sony Pictures Studio Lot this June 7th and 8th, 2019 in Culver City, California. With Ghostbusters (1984) stars Dan Aykroyd (Dr. Raymond Stantz), Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore) and director and producer Ivan Reitman already slated to attend the event with several other stars from across the franchise and a bevy of themed activities, it’s the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime celebration of everything Ghostbusters.

    Director/writer @JasonReitman will attend @Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by @WizardWorld, June 7-8 at the @SonyPictures Lot in Culver City, Calif. #whoyagonnacall

“I am thrilled that my role of Brownstone Boy #2 will finally be given proper recognition. Might also chat about the upcoming Ghostbusters film,” said Jason Reitman.

Reitman is a four-time Academy Award® nominated filmmaker. He made his feature film debut with the 2006 Sundance hit, Thank You For Smoking. Reitman notably earned Academy Award® nominations for directing Juno and Up In The Air, the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe® Award, WGA Award and BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay. Other films include Young Adult, Tully, and The Front Runner. Reitman also produced four seasons of the Hulu comedy series, "Casual" through his Right of Way Films. He also executive produced the Academy Award®-winning film Whiplash, Karyn Kusama’s Jennifer’s Body and Jean-Marc Vallee’s Demolition.

Jeffrey Godsick, EVP, Brand Management and Global Partnerships, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Jason Reitman on this new chapter in the franchise. This will be a unique opportunity for fans to get a sneak peek of Jason’s vision for the film. The Ghostbusters Fan Fest is shaping up as a can’t-miss celebration of Ghostbusters and we couldn’t be more pleased that Jason will be such a big part of it.”

John D. Maatta, CEO of Wizard Entertainment said: “We will continue to bring additional value to fans to ensure the greatest Ghostbusters experience imaginable on June 7 and 8 on the Sony Pictures Studio Lot. Adding Jason to Ghostbusters Fan Fest is the next big step and one that fans will be excited to hear about.”

In addition to the Reitman's, Aykroyd and Hudson, Ghostbusters Fan Fest standout guests include Ghostbusters theme song singer-songwriter Ray Parker Jr., The Real Ghostbusters animated series (1986-91) headliners Maurice LaMarche (Dr. Egon Spengler), Frank Welker (Dr. Raymond Stantz) and Dave Coulier (Dr. Peter Venkman). Fans will participate in exclusive panels with the stars and original crew members, meet the Ghostbusters creators, talent and crew and experience Ghostbusters augmented reality gaming. Other planned Ghostbusters-themed activities include a screening of the original film, a special musical performance by Parker, costume contests, meet-ups, documentary screenings, laser tag, interactive photo booths, exhibitor booths, and much more.

Following the event on June 7-8, Wizard World will continue its Ghostbusters touring experience at its conventions throughout the country featuring a pop-up shop featuring exclusive Ghostbusters merchandise. Details will be linked at www.wizardworld.com.

Tickets for the premier event are on sale now at https://tixr.com/pr/gbffpr/12066. Packages range in price from a just added $149.99 general admission ticket to $1499 for the ultimate VIP experience, with autographs and photo ops included in some packages.

Fans can learn more about the Ghostbusters Fan Fest presented by Wizard World at http://www.ghostbusters.com/news/ghostbusters-fan-fest.


About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Ghost Corps
Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products. Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.

About Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB:WIZD)
Wizard Entertainment, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard Entertainment has also teamed with Sony Pictures Entertainment to find the next generation of movies as well as to engage in a number of strategic initiatives. Fans can interact with Wizard Entertainment at www.wizardworld.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2019 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 13th to 19th, 2019 - Update #27

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TELEVISION - From Variety:  One of the pilots that NBC has ordered is a comedy, "Saving Kenan," starring "Saturday Night Live" veteran, Kenan Thompson."

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PIXAR - From Deadline:  Two-time Oscar-winner, Lee Unkrich ("Toy Story 3," "Coco") is leaving Pixar.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  Netflix and Shawn Levy are rebooting the true crime/paranormal TV series, "Unsolved Mysteries."  The original series ran for 14 seasons between 1987 and 2010, and the late Robert Stack is the host most associated with the series.

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CELEBRITY - From HuffPost:  Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding son, Joseph Baena, recreates his father's iconic 1976 bodybuilding pose.

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BOX OFFICE - Newsarama:  The winner of the Wednesday, January 16, 2019 daily box office is "Dragon Ball Super: Broly" with an take of just over $7 million.

From BoxOfficeMojo:  The box office chart for Wednesday, January 16, 2019, the day "Dragon Ball Super: Broly."

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COMICS-FILM - From Newsarama:  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson challenges Chris Hemsworth to a Marvel Studios/"Fast & Furious" crossover film.

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MUSIC - From Variety:  Sony Music has parted ways with controversial R&B recording artist, R. Kelly, who has been dogged by sexual misconduct allegations for the past two decades plus.  Kelly's catalog/back list will remain with Sony/RCA.

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OSCARS - From Variety:  Kristopher Tapley offers his final Oscar nominations predictions ahead of the Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 announced of the nominations for the 91st Academy Awards.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  The J.R.R. Tolkien biographical film, "Tolkien," is set for release May 10, 2019.  Nicholas Hoult will play Tolkien, the creator of "The Lord of the Rings."

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Lionsgate and Hasbro's film based on the game, "Monopoly," will star Kevin Hart and be directed by Tim Story, who directed Hart in the "Ride Along" films.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  The race to win J.J. Abrams and his "Bad Robot" company may be close to an end.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  Jason Reitman reportedly will direct the next installment of the "Ghostbusters" franchise, this one set in the "original universe" of the 1983 and 1989 films.

From Newsarama:  Jason Reitman's "secret Ghostbusters" project already has a teaser trailer.  Reitman's father, Ivan Reitman, who directed the original 1980s "Ghostbusters" films, will produce the new film (which is set for 2020), which is apparently set in the "original universe" of films.

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AWARDS - From Variety:  2019 USC Libraries Scripter Award nominations have been announced.  "Black Panther" is one of the nominees.

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TECH - From Wired:  MacKenzie Bezos and the Myth of the Lone Genius Founder

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MOVIES - From THR:  Jon Bernthal ("The Punisher") and Vera Farmiga ("The Conjuring") joins "The Sopranos" prequel, "The Many Saints of Newark."

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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Director David Cronenberg is prepping a sequel to his most excellent 2007 film, "Eastern Promises," with star Viggo Mortensen returning.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  HBO is rebooting the classic TV series, "Perry Mason," and have tapped Matthew Rhys ("The Americans") to play Mason.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Liza Minnelli giver a rare endorsement of the biographical musical about her mother, Judy Garland, entitled "Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz."  Of course you know that Garland was Minnelli's mother.

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STAR TREK - From Deadline:   "Star Trek: Discovery's" Philippa Georgiou (played by actor Michelle Yeoh) is getting her own "Star Trek" TV spin-off.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 1/11 to 1/13/2019 weekend box office is "The Upside" with an estimated box office haul of $19.59 million.

From Variety:  "Bumblebee" leads the international box office with a $35.6 million.

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  HBO announces that April 14, 2019 will be the premiere date for first episode of the eighth and final season of "Game of Thrones."

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AWARDS - From Variety:  The winners of the 24th annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Roma" wins "best picture" and "best director" awards.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow") is set to direct Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America 2,"  Brewer just completed "Dolemite is My Name," which also stars Murphy.

OBITS:

From Variety:  Tony Mendez, the CIA officer portrayed by Ben Affleck in the Oscar-winning best picture, "Argo," has died at the age of 78, Saturday, January 19, 2019.

From People:  Iconic Broadway star, Carol Channing, has died at the age of 97, Tuesday, January 15, 2019.  Channing is known for her role in iconic Broadway musicals, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Hello, Dolly!" (for which she won a Tony Award).  She received an Oscar nomination for her role in the film, "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

From Variety:  Filmmaker and choreographer, Jo Andres, died at the age of 64, Monday, January 7, 2019.  Andres, who was married to acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi for 31 years, choreographed actor Stanley Tucci's directorial effort, "The Imposters" (1998) and directed the film, "Black Kites" (1996).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 19th to 31st, 2017 - Update #42

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Creepy trailer for "It" (based on the Stephen King novel) breaks viewing records.  The movie drops September 8, 2017.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Liam Neeson is looking to play classic literary private detective, "Philip Marlowe," created by Raymond Chandler.

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STAR TREK - From Variety:  Rainn Wilson will play "Harry Mudd" in the new series, "Star Trek: Discovery."  Mudd is a character from the original "Star Trek."

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DISNEY - From Variety:  Beyonce is director Jon Favreau's top choice to voice Nala in his live-action remake of "The Lion King."

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Joss Whedon is nearing a deal to write, direct, and produce a "Batgirl" movie.

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MANGA-FILM - From IndieWire:  Jordan Peele, fresh off his smash hit, "Get Out," is being courted by Warner Bros. to direct is live-action version of the legendary manga and anime, "Akira."  Warners has considered so many directors for this long, long-in-development project that Peele is not event he first African-American director to be considered.

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COMICS-FILM - From SlashFilm:  Aaron Sorkin has said that he is going to take meetings with both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros/DC Comics films about possibly making a film based on a Marvel or DC Comics property.

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Three months after his death, George Michael was laid to rest in a private funeral.

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ANIMATION - From THR:  The name of the "Wreck-it Ralph" sequel is "Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2."  The film is due March 9, 2018.

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OBITS - From Variety:  Darlene Cates, who played the mother in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died at the age of 69, Sunday, March 26, 2017.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  The sequel to "Terminator: Genisys" has been removed from Paramount Pictures' release schedule... to no one's surprise.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  "Nasty Women," a female-driven remake of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," has a director.

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GEORGE LUCAS - From YahooNews:  The George Lucas Family Foundation gives $10 million to the University of Southern California (Lucas' alma mater) to help the School of Cinematic Arts expand its student diversity.

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TELEVISION - From TVLine:  Amazon Studios has greenlit a TV series from Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight") about the "Underground Railroad."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Fox is developing a movie musical, "Atlantis," based on the life of Grammy-winning recording artist, Pharell Williams.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  First look at the new Lara Croft/Tomb Raider.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" wins the 3/24 to 3/26/2017 weekend box office with an estimated take of $88.3 million dollars.

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BLM - From TheRoot:  Cops still killing Black people in the age of President Pussy-Grabber.

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LGBTQ - From ProPublica:  Trump appoints anti-transgender bigot to be in charge of protecting the civil rights of all patients.

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MUSIC - From THR:  Snoop Dogg to induct the late Tupac Shukar into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the April 7th, 2017 ceremony in Brooklyn.

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OBIT - From THR:  Film producer, Richard A. Roth, has died at the age of 76, Friday, March 17, 2017.  Roth is probably best known for producing the beloved 1971 film, "Summer of '42" (one of my all-time favorite movies). [There is another producer named Richard Roth, who produced "Julia" and "Blue Velvet," among others.]

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OBIT - From THR:  Jean Rouverol, one of the Hollywood screenwriters blacklisted in the 1950s, has died at the age of 100, Friday, March 24, 2017.  She was also a novelist, television writer and actress.  For years, she lived with Cliff Carpenter, another performer who had been blacklisted.

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POLITICS - From TheHill:  Michael Moore says that now is not the time to gloat over Trump and the GOP's failed attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  The late Carrie Fisher and her mother, the late Debbie Reynolds, were honored at a public memorial.

From RollingStone:  The Fisher/Reynolds public memorial is available for viewing

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LABOR - From Variety:  Negotiations between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers are going badly.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  Amber Heard has said that she was told that coming out as "bisexual" would hurt her film and TV career.

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OBIT - From Variety:  Among comic book fans, he earned the description "legendary."  Painter, illustrator, and comic book artist, Bernie "Berni" Wrightson, died at the age of 68, Sunday, March 19, 2017.  He was one of the co-creators of the character, "Swamp Thing."

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CELEBRITY - YahooNews:  Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter, Emma Thompson, says that she once turned down an offer from Donald Trump to stay in Trump Towers.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Jay-Z and Weinstein Company are planning a movie and documentary about Trayvon Martin.

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OSCARS - From YahooMovies:  Ryan Gosling tells why he giggled over the Oscar snub when the film in which he starred, "La La Land," was revealed not to be the best picture Oscar winner because "Moonlight" was the true winner.

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MOVIES - From YahooMovies:  Amy Schumer has dropped out of the "Barbie" movie.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is apparently in the lead to play the character "Cable" in "Deadpool."

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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Ivan Reitman still wants to do more "Ghostbusters" movies.  The below expected box office numbers of Paul Feig's all-female "Ghostbusters" from last year means that it won't have a sequel.

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  Chuck Barris, the host of "The Gong Show," has died at the age of 87, Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

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BLM - From TheRoot:  Everything we think we know about the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO may be wrong; even his killer admits that.

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BREAKING NEWS - From YahooNews:  Man shot outside of the United Kingdom's Parliament building complex.

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COMICS-FILM - From YahooTV:  Roy Thomas, who co-created the Marvel Comics character, Iron Fist," does not want to hear about whitewashing.  Marvel/Netflix has just released an "Iron Fist" TV series.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Emma Stone's Billie Jean King's biopic, "Battle of the Sexes," is due late September 2017 for the awards season.  Steve Carell will play King's "nemesis," Bobby Riggs.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 3/17 to 3/19/2017 weekend box office is Disney's live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast" with a gross of over $174 million, a record for a March opening weekend.

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OBIT - From NYTimes:  Rock 'n' Roll icon, founder, godfather, and one of the music's most influential artists, Chuck Berry, died Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the age of 90.

From RollingStone:   Why Chuck Berry Is Even Greater Than You Think.

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OBIT - From NYDailyNews:  Legendary New York Daily News columnist Jimmy Breslin died Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the age of 88.

TRAILERS:

From FoxMovies:  A trailer for Fox/Blue Sky's animated "Ferdinand."

Fathom Events Calls Original "Ghostbusters" Back to Theaters

Tickets Now Available for Audiences to Celebrate the Nationwide Re-Release of the Original ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) in Select U.S. Cinemas

Fathom Events and Sony Pictures Entertainment Present This Fan-Favorite Back in Movie Theaters This Summer on June 8 and 12 Only

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tickets are now available for audiences to revisit “Ghostbusters” (1984) in select U.S. cinemas on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – the anniversary of the original release date – and Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time (both dates). The classic film is being re-released in anticipation of the worldwide release of “Ghostbusters” (2016), starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth in theaters July 15, 2016. These special screenings of the original film include an exclusive sneak peek of the highly-anticipated new “Ghostbusters.”

    .@FathomEvents News: Who you gonna call when the cinema becomes your gateway to 1984 w/ @Ghostbusters 6/8 & 12

Tickets for “Ghostbusters” (1984) can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 830 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

After a team of underdog scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to set out on their own and become "ghostbusters," waging a high-tech battle with supernatural spirits taking up residency in New York City. In their paranormal investigations, they stumble upon a gateway to another dimension – a doorway that will release evil upon the city – and the ghostbusters must now save the Big Apple from complete destruction. Released in 1984, the original “Ghostbusters” was directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, written by Aykroyd and Ramis, and starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis and Ernie Hudson. Following these special screenings, the classic “Ghostbusters” will go back into the vault until the release of the new film.

“Before the new ‘Ghostbusters’ hits theaters, there’s no better way to get excited than by seeing the original back in its home on the big screen,” Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “Fathom Events is bringing this classic re-release to audiences all across the country, and we are thrilled for fans new and old to see it in its original glory with special added content.”


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the event cinema distribution arm of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the U.S., and is recognized as the leading distributor of alternative content. It offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions such as the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live’s Hamlet, sporting events like FS1 Presents USA v Mexico, concerts with Roger Waters and One Direction, the TCM Presents classic film series and faith-based events such as The Drop Box and Four Blood Moons. Fathom Events also takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 885 locations and 1,348 screens in 181 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Ghostbusters (2016)
Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world! The film is produced by Ivan Reitman and Amy Pascal, and written by Katie Dippold & Paul Feig, based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters,” written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis and directed by Ivan Reitman. The film will be released in theaters nationwide on July 15, 2016.

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