Support Leroy on Patreon:
POLITICS - From Politico: The cautionary political tale of Kent Sorenson, once a rising Tea Party star.
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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool: There is test footage from Todd Phillips' "Joker" film starring Joaquin Phoenix. It reveals some simple, but scary clown makeup.
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COMICS-FILM - From FirstPost: "Blade" turns 20, and it is time to remember how important the Wesley Snipes-led film was to the development of superhero films over these past 20 years.
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COMICS-STREAMING - From Deadline: Brec Bassinger will play the title character in the series, "Stargirl," for the streaming service, "DC Universe."
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MUSIC - From Deadline: Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight pleads no contest to running over a man in a restaurant parking lot and killing him, one count of voluntary manslaughter. He expected to be sentenced to 28 years in state prison.
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JAMES BOND - From Deadline: Cary Joji Fukunaga will be the first American director to helm a James Bond as he has been announced as the director of the 25th James Bond film which is now due for February 2020.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Michael B. Jordan will star as Tom Clancy's character, "John Clark," in two films based on Tom Clancy's novels, "Rainbow Six" and "Without Remorse."
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Bruce Greenwood joins "Doctor Sleep," Warner Bros' sequel to "The Shining." Both films are based on Stephen King novels.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Ryan Coogler is a producer on "Space Jam 2," which will star LeBron James and Bugs Bunny. The original "Space Jam" (1996) starred Michael Jordan and Bugs.
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SPORTS - From Variety: Grammy-winning pop group, "Maroon 5," will perform the halftime show at Super Bowl LIII (53 - February 3rd, 2019).
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EMMYS - From THR: A complete list of winners at the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards.
From TheVox: The 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards are tonight; the link to the left is a list of of nominees.
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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist: Patrick Stewart ("Star Trek: The Next Generation") will play "a 'Bosley'" character in the latest "Charlie's Angels" reboot.
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POLITICS - From THR: Michael Moore Plays His Trump Card: A New Movie, Modern Fascism and a 2020 Prediction
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CULTURE - From THR: Sean Penn says #MeToo movements divides men and women. "Its too black and white.
From TheDailyBeast: Sean Penn's history of allegedly abusing women recounted in this article.
From THR: If Sean Penn's craziness wasn't enough, Woody Allen's stepdaughter-turned-spouse, Soon Yi Previn, revives the mess around the long-running feud slash controversy involving Allen and his former wife, Mia Farrow, who was also Soon Yi's adopted mother.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 9/14 to 9/16/2018 weekend box office is "The Predator" with an estimated take of $24 million.
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COMICS-FILM - From RollingStone: See first image of Joaquin Phoenix as "the Joker" in Todd Phillips' upcoming film.
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CULTURE - From YahooEntertainment: Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway denounces white and straight privilege.
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POLITICS - From RollingStone: On Sept. 29th, country music legend Willie Nelson will hold his first ever public performance on behalf of a politician, in this case Texas candidate for the U.S. Senate, Beto O'Rourke.
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COMICS-FILM - From ComicBook: Matt Reeves' script for the "Batman" movie is will reportedly direct is rumored to be complete.
From ConsequenceofSound: Emmy-winning actor, Jon Hamm ("Mad Men"), wants to play Batman. [That would be a Batman with a sweet, sweetback - Editor.]
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CELEBRITY - From TheWrap: Fan Bingbing, one of China's most popular actresses, has gone missing. Speculation is that she has been arrested for tax evasion.
TRAILERS:
From YahooEntertainment: The first official trailer for Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel."
Showing posts with label Joaquin Phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joaquin Phoenix. Show all posts
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
--------------------------------
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 8th to 14th, 2018 - Update #18
Support Leroy on Patreon:
MOVIES - From THR: Scarlet Johansson drops out of playing trans character after backlash.
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EMMYS - From YahooET: Sandra Oh becomes the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated in a lead actress category, either comedy or drama, at the Emmys. She has been nominated for her role in the series, "Killing Eve." The 70th / 2018 Emmy Award winners will be announced, Monday, Sept. 17th.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Chadwick Boseman will produce and star in STXfilms "17 Bridges."
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MOVIES - From DreadCentral: The bloom has steadily degraded on Neill Blomkamp's rose with each film succeeding his stunning debut, "District 9." After the cancellation of his "Aliens" revival, Blomkamp is now attached to MGM's "Robocop" revival.
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TELEVISION - From YahooTheWrap: Angela Kang, the new showrunner for "The Walking Dead" talks about Season 9.
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SCANDAL - From ThePlaylist: New sexual assault allegations have been levied against French director and filmmaker, Luc Besson.
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CELEBRITY - From TIME: Sarah Palin apparently got punked by Sacha Baron Cohen in an interview.
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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct: Ava DuVernay's Netflix 'Central Park Five' Limited Series Casts Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga And John Leguizamo
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COMICS-FILM - From SlashFilm: Joaquin Phoenix apparently has really agreed to play "The Joker" in a film based on the antics of Batman's arch-villain.
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CELEBRITY - From TheWrap: Shine with Reese Witherspoon.
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DISNEY - From JoBlo: "Indiana Jones 5" has been moved to 2021.
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COMICS-FILM - From TheWrap: A source says that Jeremy Renner has joined Blumhouse's film, "Spawn," which will star Jamie Foxx and is being directed by Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 7/6 to 7/8/2018 weekend box office was Disney/Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man and the Wasp" with an estimated take of $76 million.
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CELEBRITY - From Variety: "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot visits a children's hospital dressed as Wonder Woman."
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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool: Margot Robbie confirms that the Warner Bros./DC Comics film, "Birds of Prey," starts shooting in January 2018.
OBITS:
From YahooEntertainment: Nancy Sinatra Sr. has died at the age of 101, Friday, July 13, 2018. Sinatra was the first of legendary singer/actor, the late Frank Sinatra's four wives. Nancy gave birth to Frank's three children, Nancy Jr., Frank Jr. (who died in 2016), and Tina.
From THR: The actor Roger Perry has died at the age of 85, Thursday, July 12, 2018. Perry was a guest star in the first season episode, "Tomorrow is Yesterday" in the original "Star Trek." Perry played a 1960s Air Force pilot who finds himself aboard the USS Enterprise. Discovered by Lucille Ball, Perry appeared as an actor and guest in numerous television series.
From Variety: Actor, singer, and gay icon, Tab Hunter, has died at the age of 86, Sunday, July 8, 2018. One of Hollywood's leading men in the 1950s, Hunter appeared in "Damn Yankees" and "Battle Cry." He had a #1 pop single, "Young Love," in 1957. In the 1980s, he experienced a career revival after appearing in John Water's film, "Polyester" (1981). He came out as gay in the biography, "Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star" (2005).
From SeattleTimes: Former NBA player, Lonnie Shelton, has died at the age of 62, Sunday, July 8, 2018. Shelton was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1976 out of Oregon State University. In his first season with the Seattle SuperSonics, Shelton was the starting power forward and enforcer on the Sonics 1978-79 NBA World Championship team.
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MOVIES - From THR: Scarlet Johansson drops out of playing trans character after backlash.
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EMMYS - From YahooET: Sandra Oh becomes the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated in a lead actress category, either comedy or drama, at the Emmys. She has been nominated for her role in the series, "Killing Eve." The 70th / 2018 Emmy Award winners will be announced, Monday, Sept. 17th.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Chadwick Boseman will produce and star in STXfilms "17 Bridges."
----------
MOVIES - From DreadCentral: The bloom has steadily degraded on Neill Blomkamp's rose with each film succeeding his stunning debut, "District 9." After the cancellation of his "Aliens" revival, Blomkamp is now attached to MGM's "Robocop" revival.
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TELEVISION - From YahooTheWrap: Angela Kang, the new showrunner for "The Walking Dead" talks about Season 9.
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SCANDAL - From ThePlaylist: New sexual assault allegations have been levied against French director and filmmaker, Luc Besson.
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CELEBRITY - From TIME: Sarah Palin apparently got punked by Sacha Baron Cohen in an interview.
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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct: Ava DuVernay's Netflix 'Central Park Five' Limited Series Casts Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga And John Leguizamo
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COMICS-FILM - From SlashFilm: Joaquin Phoenix apparently has really agreed to play "The Joker" in a film based on the antics of Batman's arch-villain.
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CELEBRITY - From TheWrap: Shine with Reese Witherspoon.
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DISNEY - From JoBlo: "Indiana Jones 5" has been moved to 2021.
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COMICS-FILM - From TheWrap: A source says that Jeremy Renner has joined Blumhouse's film, "Spawn," which will star Jamie Foxx and is being directed by Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 7/6 to 7/8/2018 weekend box office was Disney/Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man and the Wasp" with an estimated take of $76 million.
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CELEBRITY - From Variety: "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot visits a children's hospital dressed as Wonder Woman."
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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool: Margot Robbie confirms that the Warner Bros./DC Comics film, "Birds of Prey," starts shooting in January 2018.
OBITS:
From YahooEntertainment: Nancy Sinatra Sr. has died at the age of 101, Friday, July 13, 2018. Sinatra was the first of legendary singer/actor, the late Frank Sinatra's four wives. Nancy gave birth to Frank's three children, Nancy Jr., Frank Jr. (who died in 2016), and Tina.
From THR: The actor Roger Perry has died at the age of 85, Thursday, July 12, 2018. Perry was a guest star in the first season episode, "Tomorrow is Yesterday" in the original "Star Trek." Perry played a 1960s Air Force pilot who finds himself aboard the USS Enterprise. Discovered by Lucille Ball, Perry appeared as an actor and guest in numerous television series.
From Variety: Actor, singer, and gay icon, Tab Hunter, has died at the age of 86, Sunday, July 8, 2018. One of Hollywood's leading men in the 1950s, Hunter appeared in "Damn Yankees" and "Battle Cry." He had a #1 pop single, "Young Love," in 1957. In the 1980s, he experienced a career revival after appearing in John Water's film, "Polyester" (1981). He came out as gay in the biography, "Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star" (2005).
From SeattleTimes: Former NBA player, Lonnie Shelton, has died at the age of 62, Sunday, July 8, 2018. Shelton was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1976 out of Oregon State University. In his first season with the Seattle SuperSonics, Shelton was the starting power forward and enforcer on the Sonics 1978-79 NBA World Championship team.
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Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Director Todd Phillips, Actor Joaquin Phoenix Unite for "Joker" Film
Joaquin Phoenix Set to Star in Todd Phillips’ Joker Origin Story
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Joaquin Phoenix will star in an origin story of one of DC’s most notorious Super-Villains, the Joker.
Under the direction of Todd Phillips, the film centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
Phillips will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver (“The Fighter”). The film will be produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff and executive produced by Richard Baratta. The film begins production later this year.
One of today’s most versatile actors, Phoenix has been honored with three Oscar nominations, for his work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” James Mangold’s “Walk the Line,” in which he starred as Johnny Cash, and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.” He won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 for Lynne Ramsey’s “You Were Never Really Here,” and has also earned acclaim for his work in numerous films, including Spike Jonze’s “Her.” His most recent film, Gus Van Sant’s “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot,” premiered at Sundance this year.
The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
-----------------------------
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Joaquin Phoenix will star in an origin story of one of DC’s most notorious Super-Villains, the Joker.
Under the direction of Todd Phillips, the film centers around the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Phillips’ exploration of a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.
Phillips will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with writer Scott Silver (“The Fighter”). The film will be produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff and executive produced by Richard Baratta. The film begins production later this year.
One of today’s most versatile actors, Phoenix has been honored with three Oscar nominations, for his work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” James Mangold’s “Walk the Line,” in which he starred as Johnny Cash, and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator.” He won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 for Lynne Ramsey’s “You Were Never Really Here,” and has also earned acclaim for his work in numerous films, including Spike Jonze’s “Her.” His most recent film, Gus Van Sant’s “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot,” premiered at Sundance this year.
The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
-----------------------------
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 8th to 14th, 2018 - Update #14
Support Leroy on Patreon:
MOVIES - From Deadline: Gabriel Luna is the new Terminator in "Terminator 6." Natalia Reyes and Diego Boneta also join the film.
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TELEVISION - From THR: A guide for the beginning of Season 4 of "Fear the Walking Dead."
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CELEBRITY - From THR: Will Ferrell has been injured in a serious car accident.
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TELEVISION - From TVLine: There is trailer for Ryan Murphy's LGBTQ-themed musical-dance drama, "Pose."
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DISNEY - From THR: Donnie Yen has joined the cast of Disney's live-action remake of its animated film "Mulan."
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MOVIES - From Variety: Warner Bros. cuts final ties with Brett Ratner and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.
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BOND - From Variety: Daniel Craig says that his next project is "Bond 25," the next James Bond film.
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MOVIE - From Collider: Joaquin Phoenix kinda talks about being in a comic book movie, specifically Todd Phillips's proposed "Joker" solo movie.
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STAR TREK - From IndieWire: Trekkers know who Captain Pike is. Well, CBS All Acess' "Star Trek: Discovery" has cast its Pike, actor Anson Mount.
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SCANDAL - From THR: Attorney claims that Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush barely eats and has become housebound since accusations that he was inappropriate with a female co-star were leveled against him in December 2017.
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POLITICS - From NYTimes: Charles M. Blow writes "Horror of Being Governed by 'Fox & Friends'."
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/6 to 4/8/2018 weekend box office is "A Quiet Place" with an estimated take of $50 million.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Halle Berry has been signed on for a remake of the 1985 film "Jagged Edge." The courtroom thriller starred Glenn Close, Jeff Bridges, Peter Coyote, and Robert Loggia (who earned an supporting Oscar nomination for his role).
TELEVISION - From Variety: National Geographic is developing a TV series based on the Oscar-nominated, hit film, "Hidden Figures."
OBITS:
From Variety: Czech-born film director Milos Forman has died at the age of 86, Friday, April 13, 2018. Forman won the "Best Director" Oscar twice, for directing "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) and "Amadeus" (1984). He also directed one of my favorite film, "Valmont" (1989).
From TheColumbian: Japanese filmmaker, Isao Takahata, died at the age of 82, Thursday, April 5, 2018. Takahata founded the legendary animation company, Studio Ghibli, with Hayao Miyazaki in 1985. He received an Oscar nomination for his 2013 animated film, "A Tale of Princess Kaguya."
From THR: Actress from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, Mary Hatcher, died at the age of 88, Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Hatcher was a co-star of Hollywood luminaries Mickey Rooney (in the film, "The Big Wheel") and Desi Arnaz (in "Holiday in Havana").
MOVIES - From Deadline: Gabriel Luna is the new Terminator in "Terminator 6." Natalia Reyes and Diego Boneta also join the film.
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TELEVISION - From THR: A guide for the beginning of Season 4 of "Fear the Walking Dead."
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CELEBRITY - From THR: Will Ferrell has been injured in a serious car accident.
----------
TELEVISION - From TVLine: There is trailer for Ryan Murphy's LGBTQ-themed musical-dance drama, "Pose."
----------
DISNEY - From THR: Donnie Yen has joined the cast of Disney's live-action remake of its animated film "Mulan."
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MOVIES - From Variety: Warner Bros. cuts final ties with Brett Ratner and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.
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BOND - From Variety: Daniel Craig says that his next project is "Bond 25," the next James Bond film.
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MOVIE - From Collider: Joaquin Phoenix kinda talks about being in a comic book movie, specifically Todd Phillips's proposed "Joker" solo movie.
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STAR TREK - From IndieWire: Trekkers know who Captain Pike is. Well, CBS All Acess' "Star Trek: Discovery" has cast its Pike, actor Anson Mount.
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SCANDAL - From THR: Attorney claims that Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush barely eats and has become housebound since accusations that he was inappropriate with a female co-star were leveled against him in December 2017.
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POLITICS - From NYTimes: Charles M. Blow writes "Horror of Being Governed by 'Fox & Friends'."
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 4/6 to 4/8/2018 weekend box office is "A Quiet Place" with an estimated take of $50 million.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Halle Berry has been signed on for a remake of the 1985 film "Jagged Edge." The courtroom thriller starred Glenn Close, Jeff Bridges, Peter Coyote, and Robert Loggia (who earned an supporting Oscar nomination for his role).
TELEVISION - From Variety: National Geographic is developing a TV series based on the Oscar-nominated, hit film, "Hidden Figures."
OBITS:
From Variety: Czech-born film director Milos Forman has died at the age of 86, Friday, April 13, 2018. Forman won the "Best Director" Oscar twice, for directing "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) and "Amadeus" (1984). He also directed one of my favorite film, "Valmont" (1989).
From TheColumbian: Japanese filmmaker, Isao Takahata, died at the age of 82, Thursday, April 5, 2018. Takahata founded the legendary animation company, Studio Ghibli, with Hayao Miyazaki in 1985. He received an Oscar nomination for his 2013 animated film, "A Tale of Princess Kaguya."
From THR: Actress from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, Mary Hatcher, died at the age of 88, Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Hatcher was a co-star of Hollywood luminaries Mickey Rooney (in the film, "The Big Wheel") and Desi Arnaz (in "Holiday in Havana").
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 25th to 31st, 2018 - Update #16
Support Leroy on Patreon:
ANIMATION-SCANDAL - From BuzzFeed: John Kricfalusi, creator of "Ren and Stimpy," has been accused of preying on underage girls who wanted animation careers
MUSIC-SCANDAL - From HuffPostBlog: While crazy rock musician Ted Nugent criticizes the #ParklandShooting survivors, let's look at his pedophile and statutory rape issues.
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POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast: Neil Young Sounds Off on Trump: ‘He Has No Balls’
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STREAMING - From JoBlo: Comic book luminary Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) and Tom Wheeler will develop a TV series for Netflix. It is (another) take on King Arthur based on Miller and Wheeler's upcoming YA book.
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MOVIES - From TheVillageVoice: The magazine's Bilge Ebiri talks to eccentric actor, Joaquin Phoenix.
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ANIMATION - From TheWrap: In the wake of the cancellation of his "Deadpool" animated series for FX, Donald Glover posts a fake episodic script he wrote for "Deadpool" (for an imagined finale) and he wonders if the series was cancelled because it was too black...
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COMICS-FILM - From DenofGeek: Fox's next "X-Men" franchise films get more release changes. "The New Mutants was moved from Spring 2018 to February 2019 and now it's new release date is August 2, 2019. "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" has also been moved, from Nov. 2, 2018 to Feb. 14th, 2019.
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#MarchForOurLives - From TheDailyBeast: Paul McCartney Honors John Lennon at NYC March for Our Lives
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 3/23 to 3/25/2018 weekend box office is "Pacific Rim: Uprising" with an estimated take of $28 million.
From Variety: After five weekends at the top of the box office, "Black Panther" is finally dethroned.
From Deadline: "Pacific Rim: Uprising" opens at $65 mil in China for a possible worldwide box of about $150 million.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Steven Spielberg says no Oscars for Netflix films.
From Deadline: Peter Bart and Mike Fleming, Jr. had a similar conversation a few weeks earlier.
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ANIMATION - From THR: Donald Glover, Stephen Glover, and FX have dropped their involvement in an animated series based on Marvel Comics' "Deadpool."
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From NOLA: Tom Hardy will star as Al Capone in the biopic, "Fonzo." The film will reportedly shoot in New Orleans and will be directed by Josh Trank, who shot his superhero film, Fantastic Four, in Louisiana.
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MOVIES - From THR: Tessa Thompson will reunite with her "Thor: Ragnarok" co-star, Chris Hemsworth, to headline Sony's "Men in Black" reboot. F. Gary Gray is set to direct the film which is due for release June 14, 2019.
OBIT:
From CJOnline: Linda Brown has died at the age of 76, Monday, March 26, 2018. As a child, Linda was at the center of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended school segregation in the United States. Linda's father, Oliver Brown, became the lead plaintiff in the Brown v. Board case after attempting to enroll Linda in 1951 in the all-white Sumner Elementary School near the family’s home in Topeka, Kansas.
ANIMATION-SCANDAL - From BuzzFeed: John Kricfalusi, creator of "Ren and Stimpy," has been accused of preying on underage girls who wanted animation careers
MUSIC-SCANDAL - From HuffPostBlog: While crazy rock musician Ted Nugent criticizes the #ParklandShooting survivors, let's look at his pedophile and statutory rape issues.
----------
POLITICS - From TheDailyBeast: Neil Young Sounds Off on Trump: ‘He Has No Balls’
----------
STREAMING - From JoBlo: Comic book luminary Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) and Tom Wheeler will develop a TV series for Netflix. It is (another) take on King Arthur based on Miller and Wheeler's upcoming YA book.
----------
MOVIES - From TheVillageVoice: The magazine's Bilge Ebiri talks to eccentric actor, Joaquin Phoenix.
----------
ANIMATION - From TheWrap: In the wake of the cancellation of his "Deadpool" animated series for FX, Donald Glover posts a fake episodic script he wrote for "Deadpool" (for an imagined finale) and he wonders if the series was cancelled because it was too black...
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COMICS-FILM - From DenofGeek: Fox's next "X-Men" franchise films get more release changes. "The New Mutants was moved from Spring 2018 to February 2019 and now it's new release date is August 2, 2019. "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" has also been moved, from Nov. 2, 2018 to Feb. 14th, 2019.
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#MarchForOurLives - From TheDailyBeast: Paul McCartney Honors John Lennon at NYC March for Our Lives
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 3/23 to 3/25/2018 weekend box office is "Pacific Rim: Uprising" with an estimated take of $28 million.
From Variety: After five weekends at the top of the box office, "Black Panther" is finally dethroned.
From Deadline: "Pacific Rim: Uprising" opens at $65 mil in China for a possible worldwide box of about $150 million.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Steven Spielberg says no Oscars for Netflix films.
From Deadline: Peter Bart and Mike Fleming, Jr. had a similar conversation a few weeks earlier.
----------
ANIMATION - From THR: Donald Glover, Stephen Glover, and FX have dropped their involvement in an animated series based on Marvel Comics' "Deadpool."
----------
From NOLA: Tom Hardy will star as Al Capone in the biopic, "Fonzo." The film will reportedly shoot in New Orleans and will be directed by Josh Trank, who shot his superhero film, Fantastic Four, in Louisiana.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Tessa Thompson will reunite with her "Thor: Ragnarok" co-star, Chris Hemsworth, to headline Sony's "Men in Black" reboot. F. Gary Gray is set to direct the film which is due for release June 14, 2019.
OBIT:
From CJOnline: Linda Brown has died at the age of 76, Monday, March 26, 2018. As a child, Linda was at the center of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended school segregation in the United States. Linda's father, Oliver Brown, became the lead plaintiff in the Brown v. Board case after attempting to enroll Linda in 1951 in the all-white Sumner Elementary School near the family’s home in Topeka, Kansas.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 10th to 16th, 2016 - Update #52
Support Leroy on Patreon.
POLITICS - From TPM: Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announces Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.
From RollingStone: Why Mike Pence is the absolute worse.
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TELEVISION - From MassLive: Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart reunite to cover the 2016 Republican National Convention.
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COMICS - From IGN: Do right by the X-Men comics franchise!
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COMICS - From YahooMovies: New photos of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman - one with Chris Pine.
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SPORTS - From NBA: Oh, no! Los Angeles Lakers young stallion, Larry Nance, Jr., suffers a probably hand fracture.
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SPORTS - From YahooSports: New England Patriots Super Bowl champion quaterback, Tom Brady, gives up on his "Deflage-gate" lawsuit.
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MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Chiwetel Ejiofor in talks to join Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix in the film "Mary Magdalene." Ejiofor would play Peter the Apostle.
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RACE - From YahooTV: D.L. Hughley rips into FOX News' Megyn Kelly.
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EMMYS - From YahooTV: "Game of Thrones" leads the 2016 Emmy nominations with 23 nominations.
From YahooTV: A complete list of 2016 Emmy Award nominations.
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MOVIES - From EW: First look at Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam in Guy Ritchie's "King Arthur."
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MOVIES - From EW: See this first look at "Pennywise the Clown" as played by Bill Skarsgard in the latest adaptation of Stephen King's It - due in theaters Sept. 2017.
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RACE - From TheGuardian: Eve Ensler - It's time for white people to reckon with racism.
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COMICS - From GMAYahooNews: Marvel kills of Bruce Banner in comic book, "Civil War II #3."
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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From YahooNews: Even U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), an African-America, has felt the sting of the long arm of the law - both Capitol Police and law enforcement.
--------------
MOVIES - From MovieWeb: "Saw 8" to beginning shooting in the Fall, likely in Canada.
---------------
COMICS - From BleedingCool: See Keiynan Lonsdale as "Kid Flash," appearing in the upcoming season of "Flash."
-----------------
GAMES - From Deadline: Who is going to catch the rights to the hot franchise, "Pokemon."
---------------
MOVIES - From EW: Sigourney Weaver talks about the fate of "Ellen Ripley" in the stalled "Alien" sequel.
HARRY POTTER - From Gamespot: J.K. Rowling reveals why Uncle Dursley hated Harry Potter.
---------------
TELEVISION - From BuzzFlash: The time David Letterman called Donald Trump a racist.
---------------
COMICS - From Variety: FOX, the broadcast network, is entering the Marvel Universe with an "X-Men" action-adventure television series. It co-produced with Marvel, and FOX is committed to a producing a pilot. Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, and Marvel's Jeph Loeb are among executive producers. Matt Nix is writing.
---------------
MOVIES - From TheWrap: The new all-girl "Ghostbusters" has a post-credit scene.
--------------
SPORTS - From YahooStyle: Serena Williams breaks "tradition" and wears sandals to the Wimbledon champions dinner.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Oscar-winner Javier Bardem to pick up a paycheck from Universal by appearing in its "Frankenstein" reboot.
---------------
MOVIES - From IndieWire: Ubisoft chief says the movie based on his company's game, "Assassin's Creed," will not make money.
--------------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: NBA legend, champion, and star, Tim Duncan, has announced his retirement. He won five championships with the San Antonio Spurs, the only team he played for.
---------------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: "The Secret Life of Pets" won the 7/8 to 7/10/2016 weekend box office with a $103.17 million estimated opening. This is the largest domestic opening weekend for an original animated property.
---------------
OBITS - From the BBC: American journalist Sydney Schanberg has died at the age of 82, Saturday, July 9, 2016. His work in Cambodia inspired the Oscar-winning film, "The Killing Fields."
MOVIES - From Collider: First set photo images of Sofia Boutella as the titular monster in the upcoming Tom Cruise reboot of "The Mummy."
---------------
From BleedingCool: "Child's Play" is returning to home video.
---------------
From IndieWire: Goldie Hawn will return to movies for the first time since 2002 in an adventure movie with Amy Schumer.
---------------
MUSIC - From IndieWire: Ray Parker, Jr., who wrote the song "Ghostbusters" for the original film has mixed feelings about the new "Ghostbusters" theme.
---------------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: Serena Williams wins the 2016 Wimbledon Women's Single title - her 7th Wimbledon singles' title. This is her 22nd Grand Slam singles championship, which ties her with Steffi Graf for the most in professional tennis' "Open era" (which began in 1968). The all-time women's Grand Slam singles champ is Margaret Court with 24.
From YahooSports: Later, Serena joined her sister Venus Williams to win the 2016 Wimbledon Women's Doubles Championship - their sixth.
---------------
The Killing of #AltonSterling and #PhilandoCastille and #Dallas:
From Newsone: The NRA will not defend Black and brown gun owners because they are not the organization's constituency.
From Truthout: The system that killed Alton Sterling and Philando Castille cannot be reformed.
From RSN: Beyonce says "respect our lives."
From YahooNews: Pa. police officer picks up tab of guy who refused to sit next to him and his fellow officers in a diner.
From Clevelanddotcom: NFL running back, Isaiah Crowell (Cleveland Browns), posted this horrible and violent image against police officers.
From YahooSports: Now, it will cost Crowell a game check.
From TheIntercept: Baton Rouge police reponse to #AltonSterling protests is complete militarization. The world is watching.
From ESPN: Four cops who were working a WNBA Minnesota Lynx game leave over T-shirts the players wore.
From YahooNews: This buzzed-about photo from the #AltonSterling protests in Baton Rouge is quite popular and maybe iconic and may one day be legendary.
From CSM: First use of a robot to kill a suspect in U.S. history.
From RSN: Marc Ash: I blame the police
From RiverFrontTimes: A young police officer ambushed during a traffic stop. There is a Go Fund Me page for him.
From Baton Rouge Advocate: Baton Rouge police say out-of-towners (i.e. outside-agitators) are making Alton Sterling demonstrations more violent.
From RSN: The President Is Wrong About Dallas, Wrong About Race
From TheGuardian: NRA afraid to support some Black gun owners?
From Metro: London stands with #BlackLivesMatter
From WashPost: New information on NYPD road-rage killing.
From WashPost: Let's agree that Rudy Giulani needs to shot dead.
From Truthout: The problem is over-policing.
From telSUR: Four Latinos killed by police this week, and America really didn't notice.
TRAILERS-VIDEOS:
From FoxMovies: The new trailer for Warren Beatty's film, "Rules Don't Apply."
From Facebook: Idris Elba adds a finishing touch to a "Star Trek Beyond" mural painted on the side of a building in London by artist Jim Vision.
POLITICS - From TPM: Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announces Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.
From RollingStone: Why Mike Pence is the absolute worse.
--------------------
TELEVISION - From MassLive: Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart reunite to cover the 2016 Republican National Convention.
--------------
COMICS - From IGN: Do right by the X-Men comics franchise!
---------------
COMICS - From YahooMovies: New photos of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman - one with Chris Pine.
---------------
SPORTS - From NBA: Oh, no! Los Angeles Lakers young stallion, Larry Nance, Jr., suffers a probably hand fracture.
---------------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: New England Patriots Super Bowl champion quaterback, Tom Brady, gives up on his "Deflage-gate" lawsuit.
---------------
MOVIES - From TheGuardian: Chiwetel Ejiofor in talks to join Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix in the film "Mary Magdalene." Ejiofor would play Peter the Apostle.
---------------
RACE - From YahooTV: D.L. Hughley rips into FOX News' Megyn Kelly.
---------------
EMMYS - From YahooTV: "Game of Thrones" leads the 2016 Emmy nominations with 23 nominations.
From YahooTV: A complete list of 2016 Emmy Award nominations.
---------------
MOVIES - From EW: First look at Jude Law and Charlie Hunnam in Guy Ritchie's "King Arthur."
---------------
MOVIES - From EW: See this first look at "Pennywise the Clown" as played by Bill Skarsgard in the latest adaptation of Stephen King's It - due in theaters Sept. 2017.
---------------
RACE - From TheGuardian: Eve Ensler - It's time for white people to reckon with racism.
---------------
COMICS - From GMAYahooNews: Marvel kills of Bruce Banner in comic book, "Civil War II #3."
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From YahooNews: Even U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), an African-America, has felt the sting of the long arm of the law - both Capitol Police and law enforcement.
--------------
MOVIES - From MovieWeb: "Saw 8" to beginning shooting in the Fall, likely in Canada.
---------------
COMICS - From BleedingCool: See Keiynan Lonsdale as "Kid Flash," appearing in the upcoming season of "Flash."
-----------------
GAMES - From Deadline: Who is going to catch the rights to the hot franchise, "Pokemon."
---------------
MOVIES - From EW: Sigourney Weaver talks about the fate of "Ellen Ripley" in the stalled "Alien" sequel.
HARRY POTTER - From Gamespot: J.K. Rowling reveals why Uncle Dursley hated Harry Potter.
---------------
TELEVISION - From BuzzFlash: The time David Letterman called Donald Trump a racist.
---------------
COMICS - From Variety: FOX, the broadcast network, is entering the Marvel Universe with an "X-Men" action-adventure television series. It co-produced with Marvel, and FOX is committed to a producing a pilot. Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, and Marvel's Jeph Loeb are among executive producers. Matt Nix is writing.
---------------
MOVIES - From TheWrap: The new all-girl "Ghostbusters" has a post-credit scene.
--------------
SPORTS - From YahooStyle: Serena Williams breaks "tradition" and wears sandals to the Wimbledon champions dinner.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Oscar-winner Javier Bardem to pick up a paycheck from Universal by appearing in its "Frankenstein" reboot.
---------------
MOVIES - From IndieWire: Ubisoft chief says the movie based on his company's game, "Assassin's Creed," will not make money.
--------------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: NBA legend, champion, and star, Tim Duncan, has announced his retirement. He won five championships with the San Antonio Spurs, the only team he played for.
---------------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: "The Secret Life of Pets" won the 7/8 to 7/10/2016 weekend box office with a $103.17 million estimated opening. This is the largest domestic opening weekend for an original animated property.
---------------
OBITS - From the BBC: American journalist Sydney Schanberg has died at the age of 82, Saturday, July 9, 2016. His work in Cambodia inspired the Oscar-winning film, "The Killing Fields."
MOVIES - From Collider: First set photo images of Sofia Boutella as the titular monster in the upcoming Tom Cruise reboot of "The Mummy."
---------------
From BleedingCool: "Child's Play" is returning to home video.
---------------
From IndieWire: Goldie Hawn will return to movies for the first time since 2002 in an adventure movie with Amy Schumer.
---------------
MUSIC - From IndieWire: Ray Parker, Jr., who wrote the song "Ghostbusters" for the original film has mixed feelings about the new "Ghostbusters" theme.
---------------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: Serena Williams wins the 2016 Wimbledon Women's Single title - her 7th Wimbledon singles' title. This is her 22nd Grand Slam singles championship, which ties her with Steffi Graf for the most in professional tennis' "Open era" (which began in 1968). The all-time women's Grand Slam singles champ is Margaret Court with 24.
From YahooSports: Later, Serena joined her sister Venus Williams to win the 2016 Wimbledon Women's Doubles Championship - their sixth.
---------------
The Killing of #AltonSterling and #PhilandoCastille and #Dallas:
From Newsone: The NRA will not defend Black and brown gun owners because they are not the organization's constituency.
From Truthout: The system that killed Alton Sterling and Philando Castille cannot be reformed.
From RSN: Beyonce says "respect our lives."
From YahooNews: Pa. police officer picks up tab of guy who refused to sit next to him and his fellow officers in a diner.
From Clevelanddotcom: NFL running back, Isaiah Crowell (Cleveland Browns), posted this horrible and violent image against police officers.
From YahooSports: Now, it will cost Crowell a game check.
From TheIntercept: Baton Rouge police reponse to #AltonSterling protests is complete militarization. The world is watching.
From ESPN: Four cops who were working a WNBA Minnesota Lynx game leave over T-shirts the players wore.
From YahooNews: This buzzed-about photo from the #AltonSterling protests in Baton Rouge is quite popular and maybe iconic and may one day be legendary.
From CSM: First use of a robot to kill a suspect in U.S. history.
From RSN: Marc Ash: I blame the police
From RiverFrontTimes: A young police officer ambushed during a traffic stop. There is a Go Fund Me page for him.
From Baton Rouge Advocate: Baton Rouge police say out-of-towners (i.e. outside-agitators) are making Alton Sterling demonstrations more violent.
From RSN: The President Is Wrong About Dallas, Wrong About Race
From TheGuardian: NRA afraid to support some Black gun owners?
From Metro: London stands with #BlackLivesMatter
From WashPost: New information on NYPD road-rage killing.
From WashPost: Let's agree that Rudy Giulani needs to shot dead.
From Truthout: The problem is over-policing.
From telSUR: Four Latinos killed by police this week, and America really didn't notice.
TRAILERS-VIDEOS:
From FoxMovies: The new trailer for Warren Beatty's film, "Rules Don't Apply."
From Facebook: Idris Elba adds a finishing touch to a "Star Trek Beyond" mural painted on the side of a building in London by artist Jim Vision.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
"Birdman" Wins "Best Feature" at 2015 Independent Spirit Awards - Complete Winners List
Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (formerly known as the Independent Spirit Awards) were founded in 1984 and are awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and also the Los Angeles Film Festival.
The 2015/30th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards winners were announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 21, 2015. Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants were highlighted during the awards ceremony and were announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants and Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.
2015 / 30th Film Independent Spirit Award winner:
BEST FEATURE
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Producers: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole
BEST DIRECTOR
Richard Linklater: Boyhood
BEST SCREENPLAY
Dan Gilroy: Nightcrawler
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
Nightcrawler
Director: Dan Gilroy
Producers: Jennifer Fox, Tony Gilroy, Jake Gyllenhaal, David Lancaster, Michel Litvak
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Justin Simien: Dear White People
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.
Land Ho!
Writers/Directors: Aaron Katz & Martha Stephens
Producers: Christina Jennings, Mynette Louie, Sara Murphy
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Julianne Moore: Still Alice
BEST MALE LEAD
Michael Keaton: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Patricia Arquette: Boyhood
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
J.K. Simmons: Whiplash
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
BEST EDITING
Tom Cross: Whiplash
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)
CITIZENFOUR
Director/Producer: Laura Poitras
Producers: Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director)
Ida (Poland)
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD – (Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)
Inherent Vice
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Casting Director: Cassandra Kulukundis
Ensemble Cast: Josh Brolin, Martin Donovan, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Joaquin Phoenix, Eric Roberts, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Serena Scott Thomas, Benicio Del Toro, Katherine Waterston, Michael Kenneth Williams, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon
SPECIAL DISTINCTION AWARD
Foxcatcher
Director/Producer: Bennett Miller
Producers: Anthony Bregman, Megan Ellison, Jon Kilik
Writers: E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
Actors: Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum
18th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 18th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Chad Burris
Elisabeth Holm
Chris Ohlson
21st ANNUAL KIEHL’S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 21st annual Someone to Watch Award, sponsored by Kiehl’s Since 1851, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl’s Since 1851.
H.
Directors: Rania Attieh & Daniel Garcia
20th ANNUAL LENSCRAFTERS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 20th annual Truer Than Fiction Award, sponsored by LensCrafters is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LensCrafters.
The Kill Team
Director: Dan Krauss
----------------
The 2015/30th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards winners were announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 21, 2015. Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants were highlighted during the awards ceremony and were announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants and Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.
2015 / 30th Film Independent Spirit Award winner:
BEST FEATURE
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Producers: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole
BEST DIRECTOR
Richard Linklater: Boyhood
BEST SCREENPLAY
Dan Gilroy: Nightcrawler
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
Nightcrawler
Director: Dan Gilroy
Producers: Jennifer Fox, Tony Gilroy, Jake Gyllenhaal, David Lancaster, Michel Litvak
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Justin Simien: Dear White People
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.
Land Ho!
Writers/Directors: Aaron Katz & Martha Stephens
Producers: Christina Jennings, Mynette Louie, Sara Murphy
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Julianne Moore: Still Alice
BEST MALE LEAD
Michael Keaton: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Patricia Arquette: Boyhood
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
J.K. Simmons: Whiplash
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
BEST EDITING
Tom Cross: Whiplash
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)
CITIZENFOUR
Director/Producer: Laura Poitras
Producers: Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director)
Ida (Poland)
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD – (Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)
Inherent Vice
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Casting Director: Cassandra Kulukundis
Ensemble Cast: Josh Brolin, Martin Donovan, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, Joaquin Phoenix, Eric Roberts, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Serena Scott Thomas, Benicio Del Toro, Katherine Waterston, Michael Kenneth Williams, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon
SPECIAL DISTINCTION AWARD
Foxcatcher
Director/Producer: Bennett Miller
Producers: Anthony Bregman, Megan Ellison, Jon Kilik
Writers: E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
Actors: Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum
18th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 18th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Chad Burris
Elisabeth Holm
Chris Ohlson
21st ANNUAL KIEHL’S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 21st annual Someone to Watch Award, sponsored by Kiehl’s Since 1851, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl’s Since 1851.
H.
Directors: Rania Attieh & Daniel Garcia
20th ANNUAL LENSCRAFTERS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 20th annual Truer Than Fiction Award, sponsored by LensCrafters is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LensCrafters.
The Kill Team
Director: Dan Krauss
----------------
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of September 28th to October 4th, 2014 - Update #14
NEWS:
From EntertainmentWeekly: Thandie Newton and Melissa George added to NBC's "The Slap."
----------------
From YahooTV: Ben Affleck spars with Bill Maher over Islam.
----------------
From YahooCelebrity: A rare photo of Vince Vaughn and his wife, Kyla Webber, out in public.
-----------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: Leo won't play Steve Jobs.
-----------------
From EntertainmentWeekly: Adam Sandler to produce four movies exclusively for Netflix.
-----------------
From EntertainmentWeekly: A nearly 100-year-old, silent film version of Sherlock Holmes was found in France a few weeks ago.
-----------------
From YahooTV: The accident that nearly killed Tracy Morgan... is his fault, says Wal-Mart.
------------------
From YahooCelebrity: George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin make their marriage official.
-------------------
From TheWrap: Denzel Washington's new film, The Equalizer (directed by Antoine Fuqua), debuted at #1 at the box office for the weekend of September 26 to 28, 2014 with an estimated take of $35 million dollars. This contiues Washington's string of solid openings.
From TheWrap: 5 Reasons why Washington's The Equalizer exploded at the box office.
------------------
From the Examiner: A short article about Chris Nolan's highly-anticipated film, Interstellar.
-------------------
From CinemaBlend: New set photos from Interstellar.
-------------------
From the Examiner: Ridley Scott being vague about "Prometheus 2" and "Blade Runner 2."
-------------------
From YahooTV: See the Chris Pratt "Saturday Night Live Sketch" about Marvel movies.
COMIC BOOKS - Movies and Books:
From TheHollywoodReporter: Joaquin Phoenix has apparently bowed out of negotiations about playing Doctor Strange for Marvel.
-----------------
From YahooStyle: A Batman t-shirt that is available at Wal-Mart is raising all kinds of hell.
------------------
From CinemaBlend: "Agent Carter" is ABC's television spinoff of the Captain America film franchise. Dominic Cooper, who played Howard Stark (Tony Stark/Iron Man's father), is the first Captain America film, will reprise his Howard Stark role on the series. At this point, it is unsure if Cooper will appear in a guest spot or in a recurring role.
-------------------
From Vulture: The fantastic Miles Teller says that the "Fantastic Four" reboot (due June 2015) will be a much more realistic Fantastic Four.
-------------------
From the Examiner: Rumors about "Avengers 3" being split into 2 movies.
STAR WARS:
From YahooNews: New Episode 7 rumors about characters and plot details.
------------------
From YahooMovies: Who is the best Star Wars villain.
------------------
From YahooMovies: Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher reunite in Los Angeles. See Hamill's shaggy beard.
INTERVIEWS:
From the WSJ: Marvel's Jason Aaron tells the Wall Street Journal why he made Thor a woman.
TRAILERS:
From 20th Century Fox: The debut trailer for Tak3n.
From 20th Century Fox: New Exodus: Gode & Kings trailer.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Review: I Can't Help But Love "Her"
Her (2013)
Running time: 126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPAA – R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Spike Jonze
PRODUCERS: Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze, and Vincent Landay
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Hoyte Van Hoytema (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Jeff Buchanan and Eric Zumbrunnen
COMPOSER: Will Butler and Owen Pallett
MUSIC: Arcade Fire
Academy Award winner
SCI-FI/DRAMA/ROMANCE
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson (voice), Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, Matt Letscher, Olivia Wilde, Gracie Prewitt, Laura Kai Chen, and Brian Cox (voice)
Her is a 2013 romantic drama and science fiction film from writer-director Spike Jonze. The film focus on a lonely writer who develops an unlikely relationship with the new operating system he bought for his computer and hand-held device.
Her is set in an indeterminate near-future and focuses on Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely, introverted man. Theodore works for BeautifulHandwrittenLetters.com, a business that writes heartfelt, intimate, and deeply personal letters for people who cannot write such letters. Theodore is struggling with an impending divorce from his wife, Catherine Klausen (Rooney Mara), who was his childhood sweetheart.
To help get his life in order, Theodore buys a new operating system (OS) from Element Software. This OS is an artificially intelligent operating system that is designed to adapt and evolve. Taking on the persona of a human female, the OS names itself “Samantha” (Scarlett Johansson). [Of note: actress Samantha Morton originally provided the voice of the OS, before Jonze replaced her, with her consent.] Her ability to learn and to grow psychologically fascinates Theodore. Samantha and Theodore bond over discussions about love and life, and Samantha is constantly available and is designed to meet his every need. She is always curious about Theodore and is interested in him and his life; she is supportive and does not make demands... at least for a while. Theodore is in love with her, but, as she changes, can Theodore sustain this relationship?
Her is one of the best movies of 2013, and, after watching it, I can certainly see why some thought it was the best picture of 2013. I think what Her does best is to evoke feelings in the viewer; it is as if director Spike Jonze wants viewers to feel his movie. I did.
There is a lot that goes into making a special movie, and several people made this movie one of the best. In Her, Joaquin Phoenix does not give one of his best or most adventurous performances, but his subtle and nuanced take on a puppy-love struck, lonely man is endearing. He carries this picture, as well as the viewers' expectations, so his performance is so good that even if it isn't his best, it is still better than most by other actors.
The film's score by Will Butler and Owen Pallett is oddly compelling and queerly futuristic without feeling too far-flung. The score was apparently performed by the Grammy-winning band, Arcade Fire, of which Butler is a member. Hoyte Van Hoytema's gorgeous cinematography is curiously in sync with the score, and it also seems like it belongs to another day. In fact, the art direction and set decoration helps to maintain that almost futuristic, edge-of-tomorrow vibe.
The foundation of Her is Spike Jonze's screenplay, which earned him an Academy Award. It is deeply romantic, heartfelt, and sentimental; it is like a romance novel without melodrama and schmaltz. The writing is thoughtful and provocative, one of the best examples of a screenplay that takes on science fiction without being taken over by sci-fi genre trappings.
I often wonder if science fiction is still relevant; some of it seemed clueless about the lives that many people lived in the late 20th century. I don't know how much science fiction can address pertinent issues in the early 21st century, but I know one science fiction film that did. I think that by plot, by the issues it tackles, and by what it depicts, Her is relevant now and will be in the future. With Her, Spike Jonze does not do science fiction prediction. Instead, he addresses the unchanging aspects of humanity as it grapples with a changing world and evolving environment. What a way to bring new life to the love story.
9 of 10
A+
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA: 1 win: “Best Writing, Original Screenplay” (Spike Jonze); 4 nominations: “Best Motion Picture of the Year (Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze, and Vincent Landay), “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score” (Will Butler and Owen Pallett), “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song” (Karen O-music and lyrics and Spike Jonze-lyrics for "The Moon Song"), and “Best Achievement in Production Design) “K.K. Barrett-production design and Gene Serdena-set decoration)
2014 Golden Globes, USA: 1 win “Best Screenplay - Motion Picture” (Spike Jonze); 2 nominations: “Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Joaquin Phoenix)
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for August 24th to August 30th 2014 - Update #15
NEWS:
From TheWrap: Team behind 22 Jump Street to reboot old ABC television series, "The Greatest American Hero," for television.
------------------
From DeadlineHollywood: A&E cancels its most popular scripted television series, "Longmire."
-------------------
From DeadlineHollywood: Emma Roberts is set for the horror-thriller "February."
--------------------
From TheHuffingtonPost: See Miley Cyrus' bathing suit for the cover of V Magazine. You can't swim with that!
---------------------
From the AP via Yahoo: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reportedly, secretly married in the France on Saturday, August 23, 2014.
---------------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: A complete list of winners at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards
---------------------
From the WashingtonPost: Fix the Emmys?
---------------------
From PostandCourier: Emma Stone set to make Broadway debut in "Cabaret."
---------------------
From TheTelegraph: Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor renew awards "rivalry" at tonight's (Monday, August 25, 2014) 66th Primetime Emmy Awards.
---------------------
From TheVox: "True Blood" never figured out what it wanted its vampires to be
-----------------
From YahooMusic: Amber Rose's chain-link dress at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards
-----------------
From TheWrap: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is not gone, nor is it forgotten. It stole the August 22nd to 24th, 2014 weekend box office, according to early estimates. It returns to #1 after spending two weeks at #2 behind Paramount's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, which is at #2 for this weekend. Guardians won the box office for its debut weekend, before the Turtles returned to cinemas. Guardians is also the #1 box-office hit of the Summer 2014, moving past Transformers: Age of Extinction.
The teen-oriented, If I Stay, opens at #3, according to early estimates and could end up battling the Turtles for #2, when the finally tally comes about sometime Monday afternoon. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For," a sequel to the 2004 film, Sin City, is likely a bomb with its $6.6 million debut.
-----------------
From BleedingCool: With all the good news Marvel is getting, I thought that I'd bring back this classic bit of bad press.
------------------
From TheWrap: Five Freaky Facts about the Fractured Summer Box Office.
-------------------
From YahooCelebrity: "Sleepy Hollow" actor, Orlando Jones, puts a powerful twist on the "ice bucket" challenge. Call it "Bullet Bucket Challenge."
STAR WARS:
From HuffingtonPost: Episode VII cast members take "ice bucket challenge," including Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.
COMIC BOOKS - Movies and Comics:
From EW InsideMovies: Marvel still trying to talk Joaquin Phoenix into portraying the title character in their planned "Doctor Strange" film. It's a close call, apparently.
From Yahoo: Images from the set of "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
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From CinemaBlend: Rumors, spoilers, and speculation about "Captain America 3."
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From YahooMovies: See Evangeline Lilly's "wasp-y" haircut for "Ant-Man."
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From The Hollywood Reporter via YahooMovies: "Ant-Man" adds new cast members: Rapper T.I., John Slatterly, Judy Greer, and Bobby Cannavale.
OBITS:
From Variety: Actor, director, and producer, Sir Richard Attenborough died today, Sunday, August 24, 2014. He was 90 years old. In 1982, Attenborough won two Oscars for producing and directing the 1982 film, Gandhi. [Sir Ben Kingsley won the best actor for playing the title role.] Attenborough was probably best known for playing park creator John Hammond in the 1993 film, Jurassic Park, and in the sequel, The Lost World.
Attenborough's other directorial efforts included Cry Freedom, Chaplin, and Shadowlands. In the 1960s, he won a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe for his acting.
Attenborough chronicled his 20 year struggle to make Gandhi (which won 8 Oscars) in the book, In Search of Gandhi. Negromancer sends condolences to Attenborough's family and friends. R.I.P. Sir Richard.
TRAILERS AND PREVIEWS:
From 20thCenturyFox: First official trailer for Alexandre Aja's The Pyramid.
MISC:
From GMA via Yahoo: A great story about two men who were friends as boys in Ottawa, Canada, who found out six decades later that they were brothers.
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From TheVox: This pie chart GIF shows how we have paid for music over the last 30 years.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Review: "Brother Bear" is Sweet (Happy B'day, Joaquin Phoenix)
Brother Bear (2003) – animated
Running time: 85 minutes (1 hour, 25 minutes)
MPAA – G
DIRECTORS: Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker
WRITERS: Tab Murphy, Steven Bencich, Lorne Cameron, Ron J. Friedman, David Hoselton, and Broose Johnson, from a story by multiple contributors
PRODUCER: Chuck Williams
EDITOR: Tim Mertens
COMPOSERS: Phil Collins and Mark Mancina
Academy Award nominee
ANIMATION/FAMILY/FANTASY with elements of adventure
Starring: (voices) Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Jason Raize, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, D.B. Sweeney, Joan Copeland, Michael Clarke Duncan, Harold Gould, and Estelle Harris
The subject of this movie review is Brother Bear, a 2003 animated drama and fantasy-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. This Oscar-nominated film tells the story of a young Inuit hunter who needlessly kills a bear, and is magically changed into a bear himself as punishment and forced to play big brother to a talkative cub.
As it stands in late 2003, Brother Bear is the next to last 2D animated (or hand animated) feature from Walt Disney Studios, as they announced their plans to focus on 3D or computer generated films like Finding Nemo and Dinosaur. With next year’s Home on the Range already looking kinda tepid, the greatest studio of 2D animated films seems to be limping out the exit.
Brother Bear, apparently set sometime in Ice Age North America, is the story of Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix), a young Native American hunter, who seeks vengeance on a bear that caused the death of his older brother Sitka (D.B. Sweeney). Deep down, Kenai blames himself for his brother’s death, and he hopes killing the bear will help to alleviate his guilt. After he kills the bear, Kenai causes some kind of unbalance in the supernatural forces that guard the earth. Sitka’s spirit transforms Kenai into a bear who needs the help of a young cub, Koda (Jeremy Suarez), for redemption. Meanwhile, Kenai’s other brother, Denahi (Jason Raize), hunts the transformed Kenai, believing him to be the bear that killed both his brothers.
As usual for Disney feature length animation, Brother Bear has beautiful animation dressed up in a sumptuous feast of dazzling colors. At times, the viewer might think he’s taking a virtual tour of a museum full of lavishly painted landscapes. BB’s animation isn’t as good as the great ones like Pinocchio and Fantasia, but it is better than Little Mermaid or Oliver and Company. BB’s character animators do some excellent work, especially on the human characters and the moose voiced by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas, who are virtually reprising their “SCTV” characters Bob and Doug McKenzie.
BB has two major weaknesses – Phil Collins’ song score and the script. Collins’ work, while by know means bad, ranges from tiresome to tolerably functional. The script manages to capture the essence of a very nice fable. The mixture of Native American spiritualism, pacifism, and interspecies friendship, however, feels strained and, at times, phony. The animals live together in happiness as if the forest was a nice suburban, multicultural neighborhood, and there’s barely a hint that some of these creatures dine on the other creatures. The Indian spiritualism and ancestor worship is, in a strangely subtle way, actually over the top.
The film direction ranges from mediocre to fairly good. Brother Bear strains and struggles to feel like an epic film, but most of the time it falls on its face like a goofy and gangly bear cub. The cornball humor doesn’t help matters and isn’t all that funny; even Moranis and Thomas are, at best, mildly amusing. On some levels, the film succeeds in being feel good. It captures the sense of what it means to be obligated to another being and to be responsible for what happens when one’s actions create havoc in another’s life. In the end, Brother Bear is nice, but overreaches itself to end up a bit syrupy, not at all grand, classic and heroic like the two films it obviously mimics – Bambi and The Lion King.
6 of 10
B
NOTES:
2004 Academy Awards, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Animated Feature” (Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker)
Updated: Monday, October 28, 2013
The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Spike Jonze's "Her" Goes Nationwide January 10, 2014
Warner Bros. Pictures Shifts Release for Spike Jonze’s “Her”
“Her” to open in limited release on December 18, 2013 in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, and wide on January 10, 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has moved the release date of Spike Jonze’s already much anticipated romantic drama “Her.” The film will now open in limited release in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto on December 18, 2013, and wide on January 10, 2014. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The move comes on the heels of strong positive reactions coming out of early screenings. “Her” has also just been announced by the New York Film Festival as its selection for the prestigious Closing Night Gala slot. The date change allows the studio to take full advantage of word of mouth resulting from the Festival screening, placing the film in the key awards consideration corridor and positioning it for its December opening and wider launch in January.
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Spike Jonze has created an unconventional love story that is thought-provoking and reflective of our modern age. Based on the responses we’ve seen thus far, we have confidence that ‘Her’ will be embraced by both critics and audiences and look forward to sharing it with them, beginning in the holiday season.”
Set in Los Angeles, in the near future, “Her” follows Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a complex, soulful man who makes his living writing touching, personal letters for other people. Heartbroken after the end of a long relationship, he becomes intrigued with a new, advanced operating system, which promises to be an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. Upon initiating it, he is delighted to meet “Samantha,” a bright, female voice (Scarlett Johansson) who is insightful, sensitive and surprisingly funny. As her needs and desires grow in tandem with his own, their friendship deepens into an eventual love for each other.
From the singular perspective of Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) comes “Her,” an original love story that explores the evolving nature—and the risks—of intimacy in the modern world.
Written and directed by Jonze, the romantic drama stars Oscar® nominees Joaquin Phoenix (“The Master,” “Walk the Line”), Amy Adams (“The Master,” “Doubt”) and Rooney Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”); Olivia Wilde (upcoming “Rush”); and Scarlett Johansson (“Lost in Translation”).
“Her” is produced by Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay. Daniel Lupi, Natalie Farrey and Chelsea Barnard served as executive producers.
The film reunites many of Jonze’s longtime creative collaborators, including production designer KK Barrett, editor Eric Zumbrunnen and costume designer Casey Storm, who worked together on “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Adaptation.” and “Being John Malkovich.” Joining them is director of photography Hoyte Van Hoytema (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), and editor Jeff Buchanan (HBO’s “Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak,” which Jonze co-directed). The music is composed by Arcade Fire.
A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of an Annapurna Pictures Production, “Her” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
herthemovie.com
“Her” to open in limited release on December 18, 2013 in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, and wide on January 10, 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has moved the release date of Spike Jonze’s already much anticipated romantic drama “Her.” The film will now open in limited release in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto on December 18, 2013, and wide on January 10, 2014. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The move comes on the heels of strong positive reactions coming out of early screenings. “Her” has also just been announced by the New York Film Festival as its selection for the prestigious Closing Night Gala slot. The date change allows the studio to take full advantage of word of mouth resulting from the Festival screening, placing the film in the key awards consideration corridor and positioning it for its December opening and wider launch in January.
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Spike Jonze has created an unconventional love story that is thought-provoking and reflective of our modern age. Based on the responses we’ve seen thus far, we have confidence that ‘Her’ will be embraced by both critics and audiences and look forward to sharing it with them, beginning in the holiday season.”
Set in Los Angeles, in the near future, “Her” follows Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a complex, soulful man who makes his living writing touching, personal letters for other people. Heartbroken after the end of a long relationship, he becomes intrigued with a new, advanced operating system, which promises to be an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. Upon initiating it, he is delighted to meet “Samantha,” a bright, female voice (Scarlett Johansson) who is insightful, sensitive and surprisingly funny. As her needs and desires grow in tandem with his own, their friendship deepens into an eventual love for each other.
From the singular perspective of Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) comes “Her,” an original love story that explores the evolving nature—and the risks—of intimacy in the modern world.
Written and directed by Jonze, the romantic drama stars Oscar® nominees Joaquin Phoenix (“The Master,” “Walk the Line”), Amy Adams (“The Master,” “Doubt”) and Rooney Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”); Olivia Wilde (upcoming “Rush”); and Scarlett Johansson (“Lost in Translation”).
“Her” is produced by Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay. Daniel Lupi, Natalie Farrey and Chelsea Barnard served as executive producers.
The film reunites many of Jonze’s longtime creative collaborators, including production designer KK Barrett, editor Eric Zumbrunnen and costume designer Casey Storm, who worked together on “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Adaptation.” and “Being John Malkovich.” Joining them is director of photography Hoyte Van Hoytema (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), and editor Jeff Buchanan (HBO’s “Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak,” which Jonze co-directed). The music is composed by Arcade Fire.
A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of an Annapurna Pictures Production, “Her” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
herthemovie.com
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Spike Jonze's "Her" Due November 2013
Warner Bros. Pictures Slates Spike Jonze’s “Her” for November 20, 2013
Film to open in limited release in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Her,” the new modern-day love story from Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) and Annapurna Pictures, will open in limited release on November 20, 2013, it was announced today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film will be released initially in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, with future cities and dates to be announced.
Written, directed and produced by Jonze, “Her” stars Joaquin Phoenix (“The Master”), Amy Adams (“The Master”), Scarlett Johansson (“Hitchcock”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Chris Pratt (“Moneyball”) and Olivia Wilde (“People Like Us”).
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Spike Jonze is known as a filmmaker who breaks the mold, and ‘Her’ continues in that tradition. It’s a thought-provoking love story that speaks to the impact of ever-evolving technology on our personal lives. We love the film, and we are very excited to be able to share it with audiences on November 20th.”
Joining Jonze as producers on the film are Vincent Landay and Megan Ellison. Daniel Lupi and Ted Schipper will serve as executive producers, with Natalie Farrey and Chelsea Barnard as co-producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Hoyte Van Hoytema (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), production designer KK Barrett (“Where the Wild Things Are”), costume designer Casey Storm (“Where the Wild Things Are”) and editors Eric Zumbrunnen (“Where the Wild Things Are”) and Jeff Buchanan (“Be Kind Rewind”).
An Annapurna Pictures Production, a Film by Spike Jonze, “Her” will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Film to open in limited release in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Her,” the new modern-day love story from Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) and Annapurna Pictures, will open in limited release on November 20, 2013, it was announced today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film will be released initially in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, with future cities and dates to be announced.
Written, directed and produced by Jonze, “Her” stars Joaquin Phoenix (“The Master”), Amy Adams (“The Master”), Scarlett Johansson (“Hitchcock”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Chris Pratt (“Moneyball”) and Olivia Wilde (“People Like Us”).
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Spike Jonze is known as a filmmaker who breaks the mold, and ‘Her’ continues in that tradition. It’s a thought-provoking love story that speaks to the impact of ever-evolving technology on our personal lives. We love the film, and we are very excited to be able to share it with audiences on November 20th.”
Joining Jonze as producers on the film are Vincent Landay and Megan Ellison. Daniel Lupi and Ted Schipper will serve as executive producers, with Natalie Farrey and Chelsea Barnard as co-producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Hoyte Van Hoytema (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”), production designer KK Barrett (“Where the Wild Things Are”), costume designer Casey Storm (“Where the Wild Things Are”) and editors Eric Zumbrunnen (“Where the Wild Things Are”) and Jeff Buchanan (“Be Kind Rewind”).
An Annapurna Pictures Production, a Film by Spike Jonze, “Her” will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Review: "The Master" Piece
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 17 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux
The Master (2012)
Running time: 144 minutes (2 hours, 24 minutes)
MPAA – R for sexual content, graphic nudity and language
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson
PRODUCERS: Paul Thomas Anderson, Megan Ellison, Daniel Lupi, and JoAnne Sellar
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Mihai Malaimare Jr.
EDITORS: Leslie Jones and Peter McNulty
COMPOSER: Jonny Greenwood
DRAMA
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Jesse Plemons, Ambyr Childers, Rami Malek, Laura Dern, and Kevin J. O’Connor
The Master is a 2012 film drama from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood). The film follows a World War II Naval veteran who returns to America unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by a new religion and its charismatic leader. The Master is also noted for its similarities to the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.
The Master opens with a brief look at Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) and his service during World War II. After the war, Freddie is sex-obsessed and an alcoholic, and he struggles to adjust to post-war life. Early in 1950, Freddie is jobless and drifting, when he stows away on the yacht of Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the founder and leader of a philosophical movement called “The Cause.”
Seeing something in Freddie, Dodd takes him into the movement, and Freddie travels with Dodd along the East Coast, spreading the teachings of The Cause. Freddie’s erratic and violent behavior, however, makes Dodd’s followers, especially Dodd’s wife, Peggy (Amy Adams), suspicious of him.
First, let me say, The Master is a film overflowing with quality. The cinematography by Mihai Malaimare Jr. is some of the best that I’ve ever seen. The colors practically pulse with enchantment. Every so often, I come across a film score that affects me in ways that just seem to inspire me to better things. Jonny Greenwood, the lead guitarist and keyboardist of the rock band, Radiohead, delivers such a score for The Master.
Yada, yada, yada: do I have to say that Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams deliver stellar performances? Of course, they do; it’s some of the best work these three actors have ever done.
Anderson takes what he gets from his collaborators and delivers a vibrant, uncompromising film in The Master. It is a trip down the piss-gold, yellow brick road into the American heart of darkness, delving into themes of master-disciple relationships, the yearning for success, and our urge to uncover each other’s secrets. The Master is challenging and frustrating, but for serious movie audiences, it is simply a gift.
Greenwood’s score, which Anderson uses to maximum effect, makes me think that, in some ways, The Master is a science fiction film. As much as the film delves into the past, it is about where the characters are going – their futures. At times, The Master looks like a weird science fiction film made in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The Master seems out of time, a movie that belongs to a time over a half-century ago, and it was trying to predict what the psychological state of affairs would be like after “The Cause” took over the world.
Anderson refuses to settle the matters of the characters by the end of this film –sorry for that semi-spoiler. However, The Master is the kind of movie that proves that film is indeed an art form and not merely a commercial endeavor for people and corporations that want fame and money.
9 of 10
A+
NOTES:
2013 Academy Awards: 3 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Joaquin Phoenix), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role” (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” (Amy Adams)
2013 BAFTA Awards: 4 nominations: “Leading Actor” (Joaquin Phoenix), “Original Screenplay” (Paul Thomas Anderson), “Supporting Actor” (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and “Supporting Actress” (Amy Adams)
2013 Golden Globes, USA: 3 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Joaquin Phoenix), “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Amy Adams)
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
London Film Critics Choose "Amour"
by Leroy Douresseaux
I'm still tying up some loose ends from the 2012 movie award season. I just remembered that I did not post the result of a critics organization awards ceremony, although I did post its nominations earlier. So...
The acclaimed Austrian film, Amour, won the "Film of the Year" award for 2012 at the 33rd annual edition of the London Critics' Circle Film Awards. Amour also earned an "Actress of the Year" award for Emmanuelle Riva and a "Screenwriter of the Year" award for its writer/director, Michael Haneke. "Director of the Year" went to Ang Lee for Life of Pi. Lee surprised quite a few people at the Oscars this past Sunday night by winning the best director Oscar for Life of Pi.
The 33rd annual edition London Critics' Circle Film Awards took place on Sunday, January 20, 2013, in a ceremony held at the May Fair Hotel.
33rd London Film Critics’ Circle Awards Winners:
The Sky Movies Award: FILM OF THE YEAR
Amour (Artificial Eye)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR
Rust and Bone (StudioCanal)
DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR
The Imposter (Picturehouse/Revolver)
The Attenborough Award: BRITISH FILM OF THE YEAR - presented by The May Fair Hotel
Berberian Sound Studio (Artificial Eye)
Top 10 Films
1. Amour (Artificial Eye)
2. The Master (Entertainment)
3. Life of Pi (Fox)
4. Argo (Warners)
5. Beasts of the Southern Wild (StudioCanal)
6. Zero Dark Thirty (Universal)
7. Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (New Wave)
8. Django Unchained (Sony)
9. Tabu (New Wave)
10. Rust and Bone (StudioCanal)
The American Airlines Award: DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Ang Lee – Life of Pi (Fox)
ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Spotlight
Joaquin Phoenix – The Master (Entertainment)
ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Spotlight
Emmanuelle Riva – Amour (Artificial Eye)
SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master (Entertainment)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Anne Hathaway – Les Miserables (Universal)
BRITISH ACTOR OF THE YEAR - In association with Cameo Productions
Toby Jones – Berberian Sound Studio (Artificial Eye)
BRITISH ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Andrea Riseborough – Shadow Dancer (Paramount)
YOUNG BRITISH PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Tom Holland – The Impossible (eOne)
SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Distrupol
Michael Haneke – Amour (Artificial Eye)
BREAKTHROUGH BRITISH FILM-MAKER
Alice Lowe and Steve Oram, writers – Sightseers (StudioCanal)
The Sky 3D Award: TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Life of Pi – Bill Westenhofer, visual effects (Fox)
DILYS POWELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM - sponsored by Premier
Helena Bonham Carter
http://www.criticscircle.org.uk/
I'm still tying up some loose ends from the 2012 movie award season. I just remembered that I did not post the result of a critics organization awards ceremony, although I did post its nominations earlier. So...
The acclaimed Austrian film, Amour, won the "Film of the Year" award for 2012 at the 33rd annual edition of the London Critics' Circle Film Awards. Amour also earned an "Actress of the Year" award for Emmanuelle Riva and a "Screenwriter of the Year" award for its writer/director, Michael Haneke. "Director of the Year" went to Ang Lee for Life of Pi. Lee surprised quite a few people at the Oscars this past Sunday night by winning the best director Oscar for Life of Pi.
The 33rd annual edition London Critics' Circle Film Awards took place on Sunday, January 20, 2013, in a ceremony held at the May Fair Hotel.
33rd London Film Critics’ Circle Awards Winners:
The Sky Movies Award: FILM OF THE YEAR
Amour (Artificial Eye)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR
Rust and Bone (StudioCanal)
DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR
The Imposter (Picturehouse/Revolver)
The Attenborough Award: BRITISH FILM OF THE YEAR - presented by The May Fair Hotel
Berberian Sound Studio (Artificial Eye)
Top 10 Films
1. Amour (Artificial Eye)
2. The Master (Entertainment)
3. Life of Pi (Fox)
4. Argo (Warners)
5. Beasts of the Southern Wild (StudioCanal)
6. Zero Dark Thirty (Universal)
7. Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (New Wave)
8. Django Unchained (Sony)
9. Tabu (New Wave)
10. Rust and Bone (StudioCanal)
The American Airlines Award: DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Ang Lee – Life of Pi (Fox)
ACTOR OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Spotlight
Joaquin Phoenix – The Master (Entertainment)
ACTRESS OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Spotlight
Emmanuelle Riva – Amour (Artificial Eye)
SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master (Entertainment)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Anne Hathaway – Les Miserables (Universal)
BRITISH ACTOR OF THE YEAR - In association with Cameo Productions
Toby Jones – Berberian Sound Studio (Artificial Eye)
BRITISH ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Andrea Riseborough – Shadow Dancer (Paramount)
YOUNG BRITISH PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Tom Holland – The Impossible (eOne)
SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Distrupol
Michael Haneke – Amour (Artificial Eye)
BREAKTHROUGH BRITISH FILM-MAKER
Alice Lowe and Steve Oram, writers – Sightseers (StudioCanal)
The Sky 3D Award: TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Life of Pi – Bill Westenhofer, visual effects (Fox)
DILYS POWELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM - sponsored by Premier
Helena Bonham Carter
http://www.criticscircle.org.uk/
Saturday, January 12, 2013
2013 Oscar Nominations: "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role"
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:
Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln
Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables
Joaquin Phoenix for The Master
Denzel Washington for Flight
Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln
Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables
Joaquin Phoenix for The Master
Denzel Washington for Flight
Friday, January 4, 2013
Austin Film Critics Name "Zero Dark Thirty" As Best Film of 2012
The Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) named Zero Dark Thirty as the "Best Film of 2012," but gave "Best Director" to Paul Thomas Andrson for The Master.
The AFCA describes itself as “a group dedicated to supporting the best in film, whether at the international, national, or local level.” The group includes Austin-based members who write for such publications, television media, and websites as Ain't It Cool News, the Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Chronicle, CNN, Fandango, Film.com, Film School Rejects, Fox News, MSN Movies, Movies.com, among others.
2012 AFCA Awards:
Best Film
"Zero Dark Thirty"
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson, "The Master"
Best Actor
Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
Best Actress
Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained"
Best Supporting Actress
Anne Hathaway, "Les Misérables"
Best Adapted Screenplay
"Argo"
Best Original Screenplay
"Looper"
Best Cinematography
"The Master"
Best Score
"Cloud Atlas"
Best Animated Film
"Wreck-It Ralph"
Best Foreign Language Film
"Holy Motors" (France/Germany)
Best Documentary
"The Imposter"
Best First Film
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Best Austin Film
"Bernie"
Breakthrough Artist Award
Quvenzhané Wallis, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Special Honorary Award
Matthew McConaughey, "Bernie," "Killer Joe," "Magic Mike" and "The Paperboy"
Top 10:
1. "Zero Dark Thirty"
2. "Argo"
3. "Moonrise Kingdom"
4. "Django Unchained"
5. "Cloud Atlas"
6. "Holy Motors"
7. "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
8. "The Master"
9. "Silver Linings Playbook"
10. "Looper"
The AFCA describes itself as “a group dedicated to supporting the best in film, whether at the international, national, or local level.” The group includes Austin-based members who write for such publications, television media, and websites as Ain't It Cool News, the Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Chronicle, CNN, Fandango, Film.com, Film School Rejects, Fox News, MSN Movies, Movies.com, among others.
2012 AFCA Awards:
Best Film
"Zero Dark Thirty"
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson, "The Master"
Best Actor
Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
Best Actress
Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained"
Best Supporting Actress
Anne Hathaway, "Les Misérables"
Best Adapted Screenplay
"Argo"
Best Original Screenplay
"Looper"
Best Cinematography
"The Master"
Best Score
"Cloud Atlas"
Best Animated Film
"Wreck-It Ralph"
Best Foreign Language Film
"Holy Motors" (France/Germany)
Best Documentary
"The Imposter"
Best First Film
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Best Austin Film
"Bernie"
Breakthrough Artist Award
Quvenzhané Wallis, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Special Honorary Award
Matthew McConaughey, "Bernie," "Killer Joe," "Magic Mike" and "The Paperboy"
Top 10:
1. "Zero Dark Thirty"
2. "Argo"
3. "Moonrise Kingdom"
4. "Django Unchained"
5. "Cloud Atlas"
6. "Holy Motors"
7. "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
8. "The Master"
9. "Silver Linings Playbook"
10. "Looper"
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Utah Film Critics Say "Zero Dark Thirty" the Best 2012
2012 Utah Film Critics Association winners:
Best Picture • "Zero Dark Thirty"
(runner-up: "Looper")
Directing • Wes Anderson, "Moonrise Kingdom"
(runner-up: Kathryn Bigelow, "Zero Dark Thirty")
Lead Actor • Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
(runners-up: Daniel Day-Lewis, "Lincoln," and John Hawkes, "The Sessions")
Lead actress TIE • Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook," and Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty"
Supporting Actor • Dwight Henry, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
(runner-up: Philip Seymour Hoffman, "The Master")
Supporting Actress • Anne Hathaway, "Les Misérables"
(runner-up: Ann Dowd, "Compliance")
Original Screenplay • Rian Johnson, "Looper"
(runner-up: Joss Whedon & Drew Goddard, "The Cabin in the Woods")
Adapted Screenplay • Stephen Chbosky, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
(runner-up: David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook")
Cinematography • Roger Deakins, "Skyfall"
(runner-up: Claudio Miranda, "Life of Pi")
Documentary Feature • "Indie Game: The Movie"
(runner-up: "The Invisible War")
Non-English Language Feature • "Headhunters" (from Norway)
(runner-up: "Amour" from France)
Animated Feature • "ParaNorman"
(runners-up: "Frankenweenie" and "Wreck-It Ralph")
Thursday, December 13, 2012
L.A. Film Critics in Love with "Amour"
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) is a professional organization of Los Angeles-based, professional film critics working in the Los Angeles print and electronic media. Since 1975, LAFCA members vote on the year's Achievement Awards each December, honoring screen excellence on both sides of the camera.
38th Annual (2012) Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards:
BEST PICTURE: "Amour"
Runner-up: "The Master"
BEST DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson, "The Master"
Runner-up: Kathryn Bigelow ("Zero Dark Thirty")
BEST ACTOR: Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
Runner-up: Denis Lavant ("Holy Motors")
BEST ACTRESS: (tie)
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook and Emmanuelle Riva, “Amour”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Dwight Henry, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Runner-up: Christoph Waltz ("Django Unchained")
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "The Master"
Runner-up: Anne Hathaway ("The Dark Knight Rises" and "Les Miserables")
Best Screenplay: Chris Terrio, “Argo"
Runner-up: David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook")
Best Cinematography: Roger Deakins, "Skyfall"
Runner-up: Mihai Malaimare Jr ("The Master")
Best Production Design: Jack Fisk and David Crank, "The Master"
Runner-up: Adam Stockhausen ("Moonrise Kingdom")
Best Editing: Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg, "Zero Dark Thirty"
Runner-up: William Goldenberg ("Argo")
Best Music Score: "Beasts of the Southern wild" by Dan Romer and Benh Zeitlin
Runner-up: Jonny Greenwood ("The Master")
Best Foreign-Language Film: "Holy Motors" (from France) - Directed by Leos Carax
Runner-up: "footnote" (from Israel) directed by Joseph Cedar
Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film: "The Gatekeepers" - directed by Dror Moreh
Runner-up: "Searching for Sugar Man" by Malik Bendjelloul
Best Animation: "Frankenweenie" – directed by Tim Burton
Runner-up: "It's Such a Beautiful Day" directed by Don Hertzfeldt
New Generation: Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Career Achievement: Frederick Wiseman
The Douglas Edwards Experimental/Independent Film/Video Award: "Leviathan"
http://www.lafca.net/
38th Annual (2012) Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards:
BEST PICTURE: "Amour"
Runner-up: "The Master"
BEST DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson, "The Master"
Runner-up: Kathryn Bigelow ("Zero Dark Thirty")
BEST ACTOR: Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
Runner-up: Denis Lavant ("Holy Motors")
BEST ACTRESS: (tie)
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook and Emmanuelle Riva, “Amour”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Dwight Henry, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Runner-up: Christoph Waltz ("Django Unchained")
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "The Master"
Runner-up: Anne Hathaway ("The Dark Knight Rises" and "Les Miserables")
Best Screenplay: Chris Terrio, “Argo"
Runner-up: David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook")
Best Cinematography: Roger Deakins, "Skyfall"
Runner-up: Mihai Malaimare Jr ("The Master")
Best Production Design: Jack Fisk and David Crank, "The Master"
Runner-up: Adam Stockhausen ("Moonrise Kingdom")
Best Editing: Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg, "Zero Dark Thirty"
Runner-up: William Goldenberg ("Argo")
Best Music Score: "Beasts of the Southern wild" by Dan Romer and Benh Zeitlin
Runner-up: Jonny Greenwood ("The Master")
Best Foreign-Language Film: "Holy Motors" (from France) - Directed by Leos Carax
Runner-up: "footnote" (from Israel) directed by Joseph Cedar
Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film: "The Gatekeepers" - directed by Dror Moreh
Runner-up: "Searching for Sugar Man" by Malik Bendjelloul
Best Animation: "Frankenweenie" – directed by Tim Burton
Runner-up: "It's Such a Beautiful Day" directed by Don Hertzfeldt
New Generation: Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Career Achievement: Frederick Wiseman
The Douglas Edwards Experimental/Independent Film/Video Award: "Leviathan"
http://www.lafca.net/
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