Review: "Murder on the Orient Express" 2017 is More Dark Than Cozy

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 6 of 2022 (No. 1818) by Leroy Douresseaux

Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Running time:  114 minutes (1 hour, 54 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for violence and thematic elements
DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh
WRITER: Michael Green (based on the novel by Agathie Christie)
PRODUCERS:  Kenneth Branagh, Mark Gordon, Judy Hofflund, Simon Kinberg, Michael Schaefer, and Ridley Scott
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Haris Zambarloukos
EDITOR:  Mick Audsley
COMPOSER:  Patrick Doyle

MYSTERY

Starring:  Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, Daisy Ridley, Leslie Odom, Jr., Tom Bateman, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Sergei Polunin, Lucy Boynton, Marwan Kenzari, and Johnny Depp

Murder on the Orient Express is a 2017 mystery film directed by Kenneth Branagh.  It is based on the 1934 novel, Murder on the Orient Express, written by Agatha Christie (1890-1976).  Murder on the Orient Express the movie focuses on a celebrated detective who is recruited to solve a murder that occurs on a train in which he is traveling.

Murder on the Orient Express opens in 1934 and finds renowned Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), in the midst of solving a case in Jerusalem.  When Poirot is ready to return to London, his friend, Bouc (Tom Bateman), the nephew of the director of the luxury Orient Express train service, arranges a berth for him aboard the train.

Poirot boards the train with Bouc and thirteen other passengers.  There is the talkative American widow, Caroline Hubbard (Lauren Bacall).  The English governess, Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), and physician, Dr. John Arbuthnot (Leslie Odom, Jr.), seem to be previously acquainted.  Spanish missionary, Pilar Estravado (Penelope Cruz), is prayerful.  American businessman, Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp), is on a business trip with with his secretary/translator, Hector McQueen (Josh Gad), and his English manservant, Edward Masterman (Derek Jacobi).

There is a Cuban-American car salesman, Biniamino Marquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo).  Elderly Russian Princess Natalia Dragomiroff (Judi Dench) travels with her maid, Hildegarde Schmidt (Olivia Colman).  Hungarian Count Rudolf Andrenyi (Sergei Polunin) and his wife, Elena (Lucy Boynton), are always together.  Austrian university professor, Gerhard Hardman (Willem Dafoe), has theories about different “races” and nationalities.  The train's French conductor, Pierre Michel (Marwan Kenzari), attends to the passengers' numerous needs.

That first night, an avalanche derails the train.  The next morning, Poirot discovers that Edward Ratchett has been murdered and stabbed 12 times.  Poirot and Bouc begin investigating the passengers in order to discover Ratchett's killer, but this case will be quite trying for the esteemed Monsieur Poirot.  He does not lie, and this case may force him to do just that.

The first film adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel, Murder on the Orient Express (1974), was one of only two films adapted from her work that she liked.  [The other was the 1957 film, Witness for the Prosecution, which was based on Christie's 1953 play, The Witness for the Prosecution.]  In the first film, the late actor Albert Finney gives a tremendous performance as Hercule Poirot, one that earned him an Oscar nomination.  The 1974 film is a classic murder mystery film made classier and more artful by its stellar cast of stars from Hollywood films and international cinema.

Murder on the Orient Express 2017 is stylish and modern with plenty of production values created by computers.  Its cast is a mix of established stars, Oscar-winning actors, and up-and-coming talent.  The 2017 film is so stylish that it often comes across as too cold and too determined to be an Oscar-worthy period piece and costume drama.  Kenneth Branagh, as the film's director and as its leading star (playing Hercule Poirot), sometimes seems lost in the technical details of directing his showy, award-winning cast and in creating an eccentric, OCD, smarter-than-everyone-else detective.

However, Murder on the Orient Express 2017 really shows its power in the last thirty minutes of the film.  The 1974 film offered a tidy happy ending.  The 2017 offers a thoroughly messy happy ending that is more befitting of these troubled, modern times.  Branagh and writer Michael Green turn the last act's revelation of whodunit into an edgy, dark exercise.  Truth be told, dammit!  But it will be done so with all the rawness of grief and the bitterness and hatred of revenge.  No one gets out of this resolution unscathed, and the healing will likely leave painful scabs.

I like Murder on the Orient Express 2017.  I like that the ethnicity and national origins of the cast are more diverse than what is in the 1974 film and in the original novel.  I like that it plainly leaves us with the message that murder is murder – no matter how good the intentions are – and that pain will temporarily make killers of those who are not really killers at heart.  I wonder what Agathie Christie would think of this take on Murder on the Orient Express.

I like Murder on the Orient Express 2017 mainly because it decides not to be cozy about the murder mystery.  I hope the follow up to this film, the just released Death on the Nile, is also this aggressive.

7 out of 10
A-

Thursday, February 10, 2022


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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 19th to 25th, 2021 - Update #23

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS: 

NETFLIX - From TheVerge:  Netflix launches its "Tudum" livestream event that previews over 70 TV series and 28 movies.

MARVEL - From ComicBook:  In a move that will have copyright lawyers at The Walt Disney Company sweating, the estate of late, great comic book artist, Steve Ditko, has filed two notice of copyright termination with Disney/Marvel with regard to the copyright for two classic Marvel Comics' characters, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. 

STAR TREK/CELEBRITY - From TheDailyBeast:  At the age of 90, "Star Trek" actor William Shatner is set to become the oldest man shot into space.  This will happen when he boards Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezo's Blue Origin New Shepard rocket.

POLITICS From WashPost:  Oscar-nominated actress, Uma Thurman, calls the Texas abortion law (the "Texas Heartbeat Act") a human rights crisis for American women.  She also recounts her experience with having an abortion in her late teens.

ANIMATION - From Variety:  Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy will lead the cast of a new animated "Super Mario Bros." film.

BUSINESS - From Deadline:  The IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) strike-authorization vote will begin October 1st.  Talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for a new film and TV contract broke down on Monday, Sept. 20th.

MOVIES - From ShadowandAct:  Lashana Lynch is joing Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu in "The Woman King," a film on the "Dahomey Amazons" of 18th century Africa.

From TimeOutLondon:   Speaking of Lashana Lynch, meet the new "007" of "No Time to Die," the upcoming James Bond film.

LGBTQ - From TheAdvocate:  Actress Cassandra Peterson, best known as as "Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark," has released her new memoir, "Your Cruelly, Elvira."  In the book, Peterson reveals her 19-year relationship with another woman.

SPORTS/NBA - From NBA:  Veteran shooting guard, JJ Reddick, has announced his retirement from the NBA.  The Orlando Magic drafted Reddick with the No. 11th pick in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft.  Reddick played college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils (2002-06).  Reddick played for six teams over his 15-year NBA career, spending the the 2020-21 season first with the New Orleans Pelicans and then, the Dallas Mavericks.

EMMYS - From Deadline:  If you care, here is a complete list of winners from the 2021 / 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.

TRAILER - From THR:  Michael Myers face briefly revealed in new trailer for "Halloween Kills."

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 9/17 to 9/19/2021 weekend box office is Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" with an estimated take of 21.7 million dollars.

From Negromancer:  Here is my review of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

From Deadline:  After two days in international release, Warner Bros.' film, "Dune" has grossed an estimated 8.4 million dollars.

CELEBRITY - From SundayTimesUK:  "The Sunday Times" interviews notorious celebrity gossip blogger and parasite, Perez Hilton, who says he does not expect to be forgiven ... nor should he.  In fact, he should get what he wished upon others, especially what he wished on Grammy-winning recording artist and pop star, Britney Spears.

FILM FESTIVAL - From Deadline:   The winners of the 2021 TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) People's Choice Awards were announced Sat., Sept. 18th.  Director Kenneth Branagh's black and white semi-autobiographical film, "Belfast," wins the top honor, also called the "People's Choice Award."

GUILDS - From Deadline:  Lesli Linka Glatter has been elected as the new president of the Directors Guild of America.  She is only the second woman to lead the DGA.  Glatter is known for her work directing episodes of prestige television dramas such as "Homeland," "The Walking Dead," "Mad Men," and "The West Wing," to name a few.  Glatter is also a three-time winner of a DGA Award and is an eight-time Emmy Award nominee.

ANIMATION - From PopCulture:  Cult animated TV series, "Family Guy," is leaving Cartoon Network and TBS.  Starting Monday, Sept. 20th, FXX and Freeform will be the exclusive cable homes of the long running series.

OBITS:

From THR:  Actor and filmmaker and novelist and painter, Melvin Van Peeples, has died at the age of 89, Wednesday, September 22, 2021.  He was a pioneering black film director and is best known for his seminal blaxploitation film, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" (1971).  He also directed the 1970 comedy, "Watermelon Man," his only studio film.  Van Peeples was also the father of actor and director, Mario Van Peeples. 

From Deadline:   Actor David Alan Grier and directors Barry Jenkins, Ava DuVernay, and Spike Lee are among the film and TV industry people paying tribute to pioneering Black filmmaker, Melvin Van Peeples, who died Sept. 22nd.

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From Variety:  The television and film actor, Willie Garson, has died at the age of 57, Wednesday, September 21, 2021.  Garson appeared in over 75 films and in over 300 TV episodes.  He is best known for the roles of "Stanford Blatch" on HBO's "Sex in the City" and "Mozzie" on USA Network's "White Collar" (2009-2014).

From Deadline:   Actress and singer, Sarah Dash, has died at the age of 76, Monday, September 20, 2021.  Dash was a founding member of the all-female singing group, "Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles." In 1967, the group changed its name to "Labelle," but they did not find big success until their 1974 smash hit single, "Lady Marmalade," which reached #1 on the "Billboard 100."  Dash sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones' 1989 album, "Steel Wheels."  She also sang vocals and backing vocals on the three studio albums released by Keith Richards of "The Rolling Stones."

From TMZ:  Actor and comedian, Anthony Johnson, has died at the age of 55, apparently sometime earlier this month.  He had his breakout role in the film "House Party" (1990), but was also known for his roles in film like "Menace II Society" (1993) and "Friday" (1995).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 24th to 31st, 2021 - Update #28

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:   The winner of the 1/29 to 1/31/2021 weekend box office is "The Little Things" (starring Oscar winners Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto), with an estimated take of 4.8 million dollars.

From Deadline:   Are Warner Bros.' film that are are released in both movie theaters and on HBO Max making money?

POLITICS - From Jacobin:   Everything You Always Wanted to Know about QAnon But Were Too Weirded Out to Ask

BLM - From YahooNews:   Black Lives Matter movement nominated for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  ABC has ordered a production pilot that will reboot its former Emmy-winning series, "The Wonder Years" (1988-93).  The reboot will be set in the same time period, late 1960s, but this time will focus on a middle class African-American family in Montgomery, Alabama.

CICELY TYSON - From Variety:  LeVar Burton pays tribute to his "Roots" co-star, Cicely Tyson, who died on Thursday.

MOVIES - From Variety:   "Variety" has made the screenplay for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" available for reading.

TELEVISION - From YahooFinance:  Media mogul Byron Allen launches TheGrio.TV: "Communicate how you see the world unapologetically."

MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:   Is Denzel Washington acting in movies like the new film, "The Little Things," to make up for turning down the Brad Pitt role in classic serial killer film, "Seven?"  This review of "The Little Things" speculates.

STREAMING - From Deadline:   Paramount+ (CBS All Access) teases a revival of Nickelodeon's "iCarly" with a set photo.

OSCARS - From Deadline:   The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday released its official entries for 2021 Oscars in the categories of Documentary Feature, Animated Feature and International Films. As expected, the eligible Documentary Feature lineup shatters the record for the most ever.

FESTIVALS - From Deadline:   The 2021 Cannes Film Festival is delaying from its May dates. The fest will now run July 6-17, pushing back from the originally planned May 11-22 slot.

MOVIES - From IndieWire: Neon has released a first look at actress Kristen Stewart ("Twilight") as Princess Diana in director Pablo Larrain's upcoming film, "Spencer."

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Skydance Media has optioned the rights to re-imagine the "Spy Kids" film franchise Spyglass Media Group and series creator Robert Rodriguez.

MOVIES - From Deadline: Newcomer Alton Mason will play rock 'n' roll icon, Little Richard, in director Baz Luhrmann's film, "Elvis."

BLM - From BET:   UCLA Gymnastics showed off some Black Girl Magic over the weekend, thanks to a flawless floor routine from star athlete Nia Dennis.

AWARDS - From Deadline:   The nominees fro the 2020-21 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" leads with seven nominations, include "Best Feature."

BIDEN! - From CNN:   White House recommits to getting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill after delays by the defunct President Donald clown administration.

POLITICS-AWARDS - From YahooEntertainment:   Spike Lee says Donald Trump "will go down in history with the likes of Hitler" in New York Film Critics speech

HARRY POTTER - From THR:   A live-action "Harry Potter" TV series is in development at HBO Max. HBO and Warner Bros. are denying this, however.

TELEVISION - From THR:  Former Secretary of State and Senator Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, are developing a female Kurdish militia drama for TV.

BOX OFFICE - From Deadline:  The winner of the 1/22 to 1/24/20 weekend box office is "The Marksman" with an estimated take of 2.03 million dollars.

From Deadline: "Our Friend" is among the film leading at the specialty box office.

TELEVISION - From Variety:   Actor Kenneth Branagh will play British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a new television series from writer-director Michael Winterbottom.  Entitled "The Spectred Isle," the series will focus on Britain's muddled response to the COVID-19 crisis.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The pioneering African-American actress, Cicely Tyson, has died at the age of 96, Thursday, January 28, 2021.  Her most famous works are the 1974 television movie, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" (for which she won two of her three Primetime Emmy Awards) and the 1972 film, "Sounder" (for which she received her lone Academy Award nomination).  Tyson won a Tony Award for her performance in the 2013 revival of "A Trip to Bountiful."  In 2018, she received the "Honorary Academy Award."  Tyson continued to work until her passing, appearing in six films for Tyler Perry.

From Variety:  Longtime film and television actress, Cloris Leachman, has died at the age of 94, Tuesday, January 26, 2021.  Many will remember her as the character, "Phyllis Lindstrom" on CBS' "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and on her spinoff, "Phyllis" (1975-77). Leachman also appeared in three Mel Brooks movies, including her memorable turn as "Frau Blucher" in "Young Frankenstein" (1974).  Leachman was nominated 22 times for the Primetime Emmy Awards and won eight, and she won a Daytime Emmy Award.  Leachman won the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar and British Academy Film Award for her performance in "The Last Picture Show" (1971).

From CNN:   Veteran NBA reporter and analyst, Sekou Smith, has died at the age of 48, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from complications of COVID-19.  Smith wrote for NBA.com and worked for NBA TV since 2009.

From Deadline:   The veteran character actor, Bruce Kirby, has died at the age of Sunday, January 24, 2021.  Kirby long career began in the mid-1950s.  He appeared in recurring roles on several series, including "Car 54, Where Are You?," "Columbo," and "L.A. Law" to name a few.  He also had a memorable role in the Oscar-winning "Best Picture," "Crash."  Kirby was also the father of the late actor, Bruno Kirby (1949-2006).

From Deadline:   Television and film writer, Walter Bernstein, has died at the age of 101, Friday, January 22, 2021.  Bernstein was one of the writers blacklisted in Hollywood in the 1950s.  His credits include "Fail-Safe" (1964) and "The Front" (1976), which starred Woody Allen as a man who acts as a "front" for blacklisted writers.

From Deadline:   The actor, Gregory Sierra, has died at the age of 83, Monday, January 4, 2021.  Sierra is best known for playing "Julio Fuentes" in 12 episodes of the NBC sitcom, "Sanford and Son" (1972-77), and for playing "Sgt. Miguel 'Chano' Amenguale" during the first two seasons of the ABC sitcom, "Barney Miller" (1975-85).  He had guest roles on numerous TV series and appeared in at least 30 films.  Sierra's death was only recently made public.

"Tenet" Early Access Screenings Begin Aug. 31st

“Tenet” Early Access Screenings Bring Christopher Nolan’s New Sci-Fi Action Spectacle to the Big Screen, August 31st – September 2nd, 2020 Where Theaters Are Open

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In support of theater reopenings, Warner Bros. Pictures is offering moviegoers in select U.S. cities a preview program for the first global release of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s hugely anticipated action spy thriller “Tenet.” “Tenet” Early Access Screenings will begin on August 31st, 2020, three days ahead of its official September 3rd, 2020 domestic release. The announcement was made today by Jeff Goldstein, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Domestic Distribution.

    “Warner Bros. is proud to support our partners in exhibition as they reopen their doors. And there could be no better film to welcome audiences back to a true big-screen experience than ‘Tenet.’”

“Tenet” Early Access Screenings will be scheduled on the evenings of August 31st, September 1st and September 2nd, 2020 in U.S. markets where theaters are open. Tickets for those shows will go on sale on Friday, August 21st. Go to www.tenetfilm.com for available cities and showtimes.

“Tenet,” which Nolan filmed using a mixture of IMAX® and 70mm film, will be made available in large-format and premium theaters, providing audiences with the most immersive moviegoing experience.

In making the announcement, Goldstein said, “Warner Bros. is proud to support our partners in exhibition as they reopen their doors. And there could be no better film to welcome audiences back to a true big-screen experience than ‘Tenet.’”

John David Washington is the new Protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s original sci-fi action spectacle “Tenet.” Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time. Not time travel. Inversion.

The film also stars Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, with Michael Caine, and Kenneth Branagh. Nolan wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan. Thomas Hayslip served as executive producer. Nolan’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Jennifer Lame, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson, and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher. The score was composed by Ludwig Göransson.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Syncopy Production, a Film by Christopher Nolan, “Tenet.” Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing “Tenet” in theaters and IMAX worldwide. The film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive references and brief strong language.

www.Tenetfilm.com

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Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" Begins Filming

Filming is Underway on “Tenet,” a New Film from Christopher Nolan

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filming has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Tenet,” being directed by Christopher Nolan.

“Tenet,” which is being filmed on location across seven countries, is an action epic evolving from the world of international espionage.

Nolan is directing from his own original screenplay, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 70mm film to bring the story to the screen.

The international ensemble cast is led by John David Washington and also stars Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Clémence Poésy, with Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh.

The film is being produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas. Thomas Hayslip is serving as executive producer.

Nolan’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Jennifer Lame, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, and visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson. The score is being composed by Ludwig Göransson.

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing “Tenet” worldwide and has slated the film for a July 17, 2020 release.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 17th to 23rd, 2017 - Update #24

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Bradley Cooper's remake of "A Star is Born," in which he co-stars with Lady Gaga, will arrive in theaters the summer of 2018.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Margot Robbie's Tonya Harding biopic, "I, Tonya," gets a release date that will qualify it for this year's Oscar race - December 8th.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Ron Perlman talks about his early career and playing make-up heavy roles like Hellboy.

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MOVIES - From CinemaBlend:  "The Purge 4" announces new cast members.  A "Purge" TV series is also in the works.

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BLM - From YesMagazine:  NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick may not have an NFL job, but his his national anthem protests remain strong in the NFL.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Stephen King would like you to give the film, "Cell," a chance.  It is the 2016 adaptation of his 2006 novel, Cell.  The movie flopped and received scathing reviews.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  "Avatar 2" will reportedly begin filming Monday, September 25th.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertaiment:  Linda Hamilton a.k.a. "Sarah Connor" is rejoining Arnold Schwarzenegger in James Cameron's "Terminator" reboot.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooLifestyle:  Halle Berry shares a photo of her new man, Alexander Grant, who is better known as "Alex Da Kid," the British songwriter and producer.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Lee Daniels is developing two new projects for Fox.

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ANIMATION - From Variety:  "The Croods 2," the sequel to DreamWorks Animation's 2013, Oscar-nominated hit, is back on schedule, September 18, 2020.

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MOVIES - From DVD.com:  Five films that influenced "L.A. Confidential," which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary.

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DISNEY - From Variety:  Judi Dench may join Kenneth Branagh's "Artemis Fowl" adaptation for Disney.

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OSCARS - From GoldDerby:  Cambodia has made Angelina Jolie's film, "First They Killed My Father," their "Foreign Language Film" entry in this year's Oscars race.

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NEWS - From YahooFinance:  Toys 'R' Us could go bankrupt within weeks.

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MOVIES - From Esquire:  What is known about the sequel to the current box office smash, "IT."

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MOVIES - From TheGuardian:  Liam Neeson says that he is retiring from action films.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/15 to 9/17/2017 weekend box office is "IT" with an estimated take of $60 million.

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EMMYS - From Deadline:  A list of 2017 Emmy winners - updated.

From YahooLifesytle:  Jane Fonda's faux-ponytail on the Emmy red carpet is freaking people out.

From GoldDerby:  The site has uncovered the complete ceremony rundown (the order in which the awards will be announced) for tonight's 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards.

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STREAMING - From Deadline:  A locations manager for the Netflix show, Narcos, was shot dead while scouting locations for the show.

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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool:  Jessica Chastain to produce and star in a movie based on the "Painkiller Jane" comic book.  The film has a writer, Christine Boylan.

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TELEVISION - From SlashFilm:  Fox is rebooting its 1994 film, "True Lies" (directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) as a TV series.

OBIT:

From NewYorkDailyNews:  Boxing legend Jake LaMotta, whose nickname was "The Raging Bull," has died at the age of 95, Tuesday, September 19, 2017.  His life was recounted in Martin Scorsese's 1980 film, "Raging Bull," in which Robert DeNiro portrayed LaMotta in a performance that won him a best actor Oscar.

"Dunkirk" Passes Half a Billion Dollars at the Worldwide Box Office

Christopher Nolan’s Acclaimed Epic “Dunkirk” Surpasses Half a Billion Dollars Worldwide

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ epic action thriller “Dunkirk” crosses the $500 million mark at the worldwide box office today, it was announced by Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk” shot to the top of the box office in July. It went on to be one of the biggest hits of the crowded summer season and continues to draw audiences the world over. It is also one if the year’s most critically acclaimed films, earning rapturous praise from critics around the globe.

Kroll stated, “Christopher Nolan has proven why he is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. His ‘Dunkirk’ is an absolute tour de force—a harrowing, emotional and sweeping moviegoing experience that pushes the boundaries of mainstream studio filmmaking. Through Chris’s lens, ‘Dunkirk’ does more than capture this pivotal moment in time; it reminds us of both the heroism and the human toll of war. We are so proud of this film and congratulate Chris, Emma Thomas, the cast, and all the talented people who helped bring this monumental achievement to the screen.”

In making “Dunkirk,” Nolan utilized a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film to capture the action from land, sea and air. Much of the film was also shot on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, where the events unfolded.

From filmmaker Christopher Nolan (“Interstellar,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy) comes the epic action thriller “Dunkirk.”

The film opens as 400,000 Allied troops are trapped on the coast of Dunkirk, France, surrounded by the German army. Mostly young men, they had their whole lives ahead of them…but now their lives might only stretch as far as that strip of beach. With their backs to the sea, they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. The story unfolds on land, sea and air. RAF Spitfires engage the enemy in the skies above the Channel, trying to protect the defenseless men below. Meanwhile, hundreds of small boats manned by both military and civilians are mounting a desperate rescue effort, risking their lives in a race against time to save even a fraction of their army.

“Dunkirk” features an ensemble cast, including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy and Barry Keoghan, with Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy.

The film was produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan, with Jake Myers serving as executive producer.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Lee Smith, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher. The music was composed by Hans Zimmer.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Syncopy Production, a film by Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk.” The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language.

Dunkirkmovie.com

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"Dunkirk" Battles Past $300 Million Mark in Worldwide Box Office

“Dunkirk” Soars Past $300 Million at the Worldwide Box Office

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its hugely successful worldwide run, Christopher Nolan’s widely acclaimed epic action thriller “Dunkirk” has crossed the $300 million mark. The announcement was made today by Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

One of the best-reviewed films of the year, “Dunkirk” stormed to the top of the domestic box office in its first two weekends in theatres, exceeding all early industry predictions. As of today, the film has earned an estimated $127 million and counting.

On the international front, “Dunkirk” opened day-and-date in 46 markets, opening at #1 in such major markets as the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Spain, South Korea and Australia, with the United Kingdom scoring the biggest Warner Bros. opening in 2017. The film has since opened in an additional 17 markets for a total of 63 territories currently in release. “Dunkirk” has taken in more than $173 million thus far, with Italy, China and Japan yet to open.

“Dunkirk”—which Nolan shot utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film—also proved to be a big draw at IMAX theatres, where the large-format footage fills the enormous screens. The movie has earned an estimated $28.5 million domestically and $23 million internationally in IMAX theatres.

In the announcement, Kroll stated, “Christopher Nolan created an immersive and visceral movie-going experience that has captivated critics and audiences. Propelled by tremendous reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, ‘Dunkirk’ has become a true event film in this very competitive summer, and we anticipate that it will continue to play well into the fall. It is a stunning achievement for one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we are thrilled by, and proud of, its ongoing success. We congratulate Chris and producer Emma Thomas, the entire ensemble cast, and everyone involved in the film on reaching this benchmark.”

From filmmaker Christopher Nolan (“Interstellar,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy) comes the epic action thriller “Dunkirk.”

The film opens as 400,000 Allied troops are trapped on the coast of Dunkirk, France, surrounded by the German army. Mostly young men, they had their whole lives ahead of them…but now their lives might only stretch as far as that strip of beach. With their backs to the sea, they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. The story unfolds on land, sea and air. RAF Spitfires engage the enemy in the skies above the Channel, trying to protect the defenseless men below. Meanwhile, hundreds of small boats manned by both military and civilians are mounting a desperate rescue effort, risking their lives in a race against time to save even a fraction of their army.

“Dunkirk” features a multigenerational ensemble cast, including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy and Barry Keoghan, with Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy.

Nolan directed “Dunkirk” from his own screenplay, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film to bring the story to the screen. The film was produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan, with Jake Myers serving as executive producer.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Lee Smith, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher. The music was composed by Hans Zimmer.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Syncopy Production, a film by Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk.” The film opened in conventional theatres and IMAX on July 21, 2017, and is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language.

Dunkirkmovie.com

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

Review: Disney's Live-Action "Cinderella" is Good, But is not Disney Classic

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Cinderella (2015)
Running time:  105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Rating: MPAA – PG for mild thematic elements
DIRECTOR:  Kenneth Branagh
WRITER:  Chris Weitz
PRODUCED:  David Barron, Simon Kinberg, and Allison Shearmur
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Haris Zambarloukos (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Martin Walsh
COMPOSER:  Patrick Doyle
Academy Award nominee

FANTASY/ROMANCE

Starring:  Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helen Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, Stellan Skarsgard, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger, Derek Jacobi, Ben Chaplin, and Hayley Atwell

Cinderella is a 2015 fantasy and romance film from director Kenneth Branagh and writer Chris Weitz.  Released by Walt Disney Pictures, the film is based on Walt Disney's 1950 animated feature film, Cinderella, and the folk tale of the same name.  In this new version of the story, a young woman is at the mercy of her cruel stepmother, but her fortunes change after she meets a dashing young man.

In a peaceful kingdom there is a father (Ben Chaplin), a mother (Hayley Atwell), and their beautiful daughter, Ella (Lily James).  Ella's parents teach her courage and kindness, and her mother teaches her to believe in magic.  Some years after her mother dies, Ella's father marries the Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), who has two loud, rude daughters, Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera).

When Ella's father goes abroad for business, Lady Tremaine reveals her cruel and jealous nature.  After Ella's father dies, Lady Tremaine takes over the household and pushes Ella from her own bedroom and into the attic.  Anastasia and Drisella even give Ella a new name, Cinderella.  After one particularly cruel day, Ella rides off into the woods where she meets a young man who says his name is Kit (Richard Madden).  For both young people, this meeting is a turning point, but there are forces arrayed to keep them apart.

At the end of this movie, the Fairy Godmother (played by Helena Bonham Cater) describes the “forever-after” as being defined by “courage,” “kindess,” and “a little magic” (or something like that).  This live-action version of Cinderella is indeed about “just a little magic.”  Disney's classic, 1950 animated Cinderella is a fairy tale that is practically entirely infused with magic – from talking animals to an atmosphere of enchantment.  Cinderella is more like a fantasy-romance or a romantic fantasy than it is like a fairy tale.  With its lavish costumes and opulent sets, Cinderella plays like a period set piece set in a fictional kingdom in an indeterminate time.

But I can move past that.  2015 live-action Cinderella does not have to be 1950 animated Disney classic Cinderella.  This new Cinderella relies on its title character for the magic that a wand or a fairy godmother might provide.  As Cinderella, Lily James is quite good.  When she smiles or is happy, the movie lights up.  When she is sad, I felt sad, too.  In this film, James does not have the greatest range between happy and sad.  When Cinderella isn't happy or sad, James makes her look as if she is in a solid state of consternation.  Luckily, it is Cinderella's state of happiness or sadness that drives the movie, and that works.

I don't need to say that Cate Blanchett is really good as Lady Tremiane, “the Stepmother.”  Blanchett dominates her scenes, and the filmmakers were wise to limit her screen time; otherwise, Blanchett would have burned this movie down in a larger roll.  Everyone else is good enough to pretty good, although Stellan Skarsgård seems neutered as The Grand Duke.  Of course, there is not enough of Nonso Anozie as Captain of the Guards, but I am glad that this film's decision-makers were willing to cast him.

Cinderella is not for everyone.  It is sweet and cute, a feel-good movie that goes down like warm hot chocolate on a cold winter's night.  Cinderella is a good, but not great film, and director Kenneth Branagh does nothing to distinguish himself here.  But there is enough Disney magic here to entertain some of us.

6 of 10
B

Sunday, September 18, 2016


NOTES:
2016 Academy Awards, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Achievement in Costume Design” (Sandy Powell)

2016 BAFTA Awards:  1 nomination: “Best Costume Design” (Sandy Powell)


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

Chris Nolan's "Dunkirk" Begins Filming in Dunkirk, France

Filming Has Begun on Christopher Nolan’s Epic Action Thriller “Dunkirk”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that principal photography on the epic action thriller “Dunkirk” is underway in Dunkirk, France. Christopher Nolan (“Interstellar,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy) is directing “Dunkirk” from his own original screenplay, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film to bring the story to the screen. The production will shoot in France, Holland, the UK and Los Angeles.

“Dunkirk” opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in.

“Dunkirk” features a prestigious cast, including Tom Hardy (“The Revenant,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Inception”), Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Wolf Hall”), Kenneth Branagh (“My Week with Marilyn,” “Hamlet,” “Henry V”) and Cillian Murphy (“Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy), as well as newcomer Fionn Whitehead. The ensemble cast also includes Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, James D’Arcy, Jack Lowden, Barry Keoghan and Tom Glynn-Carney.

The film is being produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas (“Interstellar,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy). Jake Myers (“The Revenant,” “Interstellar,” “Jack Reacher”) is serving as executive producer.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema (“Interstellar,” “Spectre,” “The Fighter”), production designer Nathan Crowley (“Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy), editor Lee Smith (“The Dark Knight” Trilogy, “Elysium”), costume designer Jeffrey Kurland (“Inception,” “Bullets Over Broadway”), and visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson (“Mad Max: Fury Road”).

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing “Dunkirk” worldwide and has slated the film for a July 21, 2017 release.

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

36th London Critics Circle Film Awards Announced; "Mad Max: Fury Road" Named Best Film

The London Critics’ Circle Film Section is part of a larger organization, The Critics’ Circle, which makes an annual award for Services to the Arts.  This circle is comprised of the five sections:  dance, drama, film, music, and visual arts.

The London Critics’ Circle Film Section announced nominations for its 36th annual film awards on December 15, 2015.  The winners were announced Sunday, January 17, 2016 at The May Fair Hotel.  Kenneth Branagh received the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film.

2016 / 36th London Critics' Circle Film Awards – winners (for the year in film 2015):

FILM OF THE YEAR: Mad Max: Fury Road

BRITISH/IRISH FILM OF THE YEAR: 45 Years

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR: The Look of Silence (Denmark)

DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR: Amy

ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Tom Courtenay — 45 Years

ACTRESS OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Rampling — 45 Years

SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Mark Rylance — Bridge of Spies

SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR: Kate Winslet — Steve Jobs

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR: George Miller — Mad Max: Fury Road

SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy — Spotlight

BRITISH/IRISH ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Tom Hardy — Legend, London Road, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant

BRITISH/IRISH ACTRESS OF THE YEAR: Saoirse Ronan — Brooklyn, Lost River

YOUNG BRITISH/IRISH PERFORMER OF THE YEAR: Maisie Williams — The Falling

PHILIP FRENCH AWARD FOR BREAKTHROUGH BRITISH/IRISH FILMMAKER: John Maclean — Slow West

BRITISH/IRISH SHORT FILM OF THE YEAR: Stutterer — Benjamin Cleary

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Ed Lachman, cinematography — Caro

DILYS POWELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM: Kenneth Branagh

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

36th London Critics Circle Film Awards Nominations Announced

The London Critics’ Circle Film Section is part of a larger organization, The Critics’ Circle, which makes an annual award for Services to the Arts.  This circle is comprised of the five sections:  dance, drama, film, music, and visual arts.

The London Critics’ Circle Film Section announced nominations for its 36th annual film awards on December 15, 2015.  The winners will be announced January 17, 2016 at The May Fair Hotel.  Kenneth Branagh will receive the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film.

2016 / 36th London Critics' Circle Film Award Nominees:

FILM OF THE YEAR
45 Years
Amy
Carol
Inside Out
The Look of Silence
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

BRITISH/IRISH FILM OF THE YEAR
45 Years
Amy
Brooklyn
The Lobster
London Road

FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR
Eden (France)
Hard to Be a God (Russia and Czech Republic)
The Look of Silence (Denmark)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Japan)
The Tribe (Ukraine and Netherlands)

DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR
Amy
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
The Look of Silence
Palio
A Syrian Love Story

ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Tom Courtenay - 45 Years
Paul Dano - Love & Mercy
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant
Michael Fassbender - Steve Jobs
Tom Hardy - Legend

ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Cate Blanchett - Carol
Brie Larson - Room
Rooney Mara - Carol
Charlotte Rampling - 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan - Brooklyn

SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Benicio Del Toro - Sicario
Tom Hardy - The Revenant
Oscar Isaac - Ex Machina
Michael Keaton - Spotlight
Mark Rylance - Bridge of Spies

SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Olivia Colman - The Lobster
Kristen Stewart - Clouds of Sils Maria
Tilda Swinton - Trainwreck
Alicia Vikander - Ex Machina
Kate Winslet - Steve Jobs

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Andrew Haigh - 45 Years
Todd Haynes - Carol
Alejandro G Iñárritu - The Revenant
George Miller - Mad Max: Fury Road
Ridley Scott - The Martian

SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR
Emma Donoghue - Room
Nick Hornby - Brooklyn
Phyllis Nagy - Carol
Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy - Spotlight
Aaron Sorkin - Steve Jobs

BRITISH/IRISH ACTOR OF THE YEAR
Michael Caine - Kingsman: The Secret Service, Youth
Idris Elba - Beasts of No Nation, Second Coming
Colin Farrell - The Lobster, Miss Julie
Michael Fassbender - Macbeth Slow West, Steve Jobs,
Tom Hardy - Legend, London Roa, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant

BRITISH/IRISH ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
Emily Blunt - Sicario
Carey Mulligan - Far From the Madding Crowd, Suffragette
Charlotte Rampling - 45 Years, The Forbidden Room
Saoirse Ronan - Brooklyn, Lost River
Kate Winslet - The Dressmaker, A Little Chaos, Steve Jobs

YOUNG BRITISH/IRISH PERFORMER
Asa Butterfield - X + Y
Milo Parker - Mr Holmes, Robot Overlords
Florence Pugh - The Falling
Liam Walpole - The Goob
Maisie Williams - The Falling

BREAKTHROUGH BRITISH/IRISH FILMMAKER
Tom Browne - Radiator
Mark Burton & Richard Starzak - Shaun the Sheep Movie
Emma Donoghue - Room
Alex Garland - Ex Machina
John Maclean - Slow West

BRITISH/IRISH SHORT FILM
Directed by Tweedie - dir Duncan Cowles
Leidi - dir Simon Mesa Soto
Over - dir Jorn Threlfall
Rate Me - dir Fyzal Boulifa
Stutterer - dir Benjamin Cleary

TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Carter Burwell, music - Carol

Wade Eastwood, stunts - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

Colin Gibson, production design - Mad Max: Fury Road

Elliott Graham, editing - Steve Jobs

Edward Lachman, cinematography - Carol

Tom Ozanich, sound design - Sicario

Sandy Powell, costumes - Cinderella

John Seale, cinematography - Mad Max: Fury Road

Alistair Sirkett and Markus Stemler, sound design - Macbeth

Andrew Whitehurst, visual effects - Ex Machina

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

Warner Bros.' Announces Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk"

Christopher Nolan to Direct the Epic Action Thriller “Dunkirk” for Warner Bros. Pictures

Casting is underway on the ensemble to be led by unknown actors, with Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy in talks to join the cast

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Christopher Nolan will direct “Dunkirk” from his own original screenplay. An epic action thriller, “Dunkirk” is set during the legendary evacuation. The announcement was made by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production.

The large scale film will be shot on a combination of IMAX 65mm and 65mm large format film photography for maximum image quality and high impact immersion. Shooting will begin in May using many of the real locations of the true-life events, which form the background for the story.

The cast will be headed by yet-to-be-cast unknowns. Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy are currently in talks to join the ensemble.

Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner Emma Thomas.

Silverman stated, “We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Christopher Nolan, a singular filmmaker who has created some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of all time. ‘Dunkirk’ is a gripping and powerful story and we are excited to see Chris, Emma and their cast realize it on the big screen.”

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing “Dunkirk” worldwide and has slated the film for a July 21, 2017 release. The film will be released theatrically on IMAX, 70mm, 35mm and all other screens.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 15th to 21th, 2015 - Update #33

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From TheDailyBeast:  Did you know that Ingrid Bergman was once slut-shamed?

---------------
From THR:  Kenneth Branagh will star in and direct a film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" for Fox.  Branagh will play the novel's detective, Hercule Poirot.

---------------
From Variety:  Paramount and Hasbro prepare to make more "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" movies; plus a "Micronauts" movie.

---------------
From BleedingCool:  Peter Jackson admits to winging it on "The Hobbit."

---------------
From BET:  World Series and New York Yankees legend found 50 Cent too "urban."

---------------
From YahooCelebrity:  Corinne Foxx, the daughter of Jamie Foxx, is Miss Golden Globe 2016.

---------------
From TheWrap:  Emma Stone has returned to playing Billie Jean King in the film, "Battle of the Sexes," with Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs.

---------------
From THR:  The "Tomb Raider" reboot has a director, Roar Uthaug.  I haven't heard of him either.

---------------
From YahooCelebrity:  Charlie Sheen announces that he is HIV positive.

---------------
From Ecowatch:  Mark Ruffalo on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," talks eco-issues and politics.

---------------
From THR:  Someone is remaking Chris Nolan's "Memento."  Notice that today is NOT April Fool's Day.

---------------
From TheReelWord:  First look at Martin Scorsese's much-anticipated "Silence."

---------------
From TheReelWord:  The "Fast & Furious" franchise will include spinoffs and prequels.

---------------
From BleedingCool:  The Prometheus sequel keeps shifting names, and it may feature to "Alien" creatures.

---------------
From THR:  The Academy (AMPAS) has disqualified the Afghan film, "Utopia" from being considered in the "Best Foreign Language" film race for containing too much English.

---------------
From Variety:  Spike Lee finally gets his Oscar - at the 2015 Governors Awards.

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The number one movie at the 11/13 to 11/15/2015 weekend box office is the James Bond film, "Spectre," with an estimated take of $35.4 million.

---------------
From Deadline:  The French terrorism-themed film, "Made in France," which was to be released Wednesday, has had that release date cancelled.  It will be released at an unknown later date.


HARD NEWS:

From WashingtonPost:  My White neighbor...

From ContraCostaTimes:  A white-man gets a Rodney King-like beat-down.

From Salon:  This is why they hate us...

From Truthout:  You can kill your employees, but DO NOT lie to wealthy investors and federal regulators.

From RSN:  No "global domination" is not going well.

From WashPost:  Missouri State Senator seeks to stop a grad student's dissertation on abortion regulations.

From BBC:  A day before the attacks in Paris, ISIS was behind an attack in Beirut, Lebanon that left more than 40 dead.

From teleSUR:  Have we forgotten?  Do some of us even know?

From BBCBlog:  April 2014 attack in Kenya was practically ignored - cause Black lives really don't matter.
---------------

From TheIntercept:  Blame CITIZENFOUR for Paris.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From IndieWire:  There may be a new "X-Men" in 2018, perhaps with shooting beginning in 2017.

---------------
From BleedingCool:  Alan Moore is on Twitter.

---------------
From CinemaBlend:  Marvel is working on bringing back Michael Douglas to reprise his role of Hank Pym in "Ant-Man and the Wasp."

---------------
From CinemaBlend:  "Doctor Strange" adds martial artist Scott Adkins to its cast.


SPORTS:

From YahooSports:  The American League "Cy Young Award" winner is Houston Astros pitcher, Dallas Keuchel.

From YahooSports:  The National League "Cy Young Award" winner is Chicago Cubs pitcher, Jake Arrieta.

From ESPN:  Your American League "Rookie of the Year" for 2015 is Carlos Correa, shortstop for the Houston Astros.

From ESPN:  Your National League "Rookie of the Year" for 2015 is Kris Bryant, third baseman for the Chicago Cubs.
---------------

From ESPN:  The Lakers win at Detroit, and Kobe and the team honor the U.S. heroes who stopped a French train attack in August.

---------------
From ESPN:  The Jacksonville Jaguars win a road game for the first time in almost 2 years!

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 21st to 30th, 2015 - Update #20

Support this writer on Patreon.

NEWS:

From YahooMovies:  Whatever for the first victim in the movie Jaws?

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World.  With an estimated take of $54.2 million, this is the film's third week at #1.  Inside Out repeats as the #2 film with an estimated haul of $52.1 million.

---------------
From FlickeringMyth:  Yep, "Top Gun 2."

---------------
From CheatSheet:  What is known and unknown about "Star Trek 3."

---------------
From YahooAutos:  Warner Bros. stops licensing the "General Lee" from "The Dukes of Hazzard."

From YahooAutos:  Cooter won't let it go, though.

---------------
From THR:  "Independence Day 2" has an official title - Independence Day Resurgence.

From CinemaBlend:  Why isn't Will Smith in Resurgence.

---------------
From YahooTech:  A William Shatner interview.

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2015 weekend box office is Jurassic World with an estimated take of $102 million take.  It's still setting records.  Meanwhile, debuting at number two if Pixar's Inside Out with an estimated take of $91 million.

---------------
From SlashFilm:  New news on various sequels.


COMICS - Films and Books:

From YahooNews:   There is supposedly an on-set therapist for Suicide Squad.

---------------
From ThePlaylist:  Marvel may want Kenneth Branagh, who directed the first Thor film to return for the third film, "Thor: Ragnarok."

---------------
From ThePlaylist:  An interview of Marvel Studio's Kevin Feige.

---------------
From YahooMovies:  Tom Holland is our new Spider-Man.

---------------
From YahooPolitics:  Justice Elena Kagan drops a Spider-Man beat (references) in a Supreme Court ruling involving the web-head.

---------------
From SlashFilm:  Ron Perlman still valiantly trying to make "Hellboy 3" happen.

---------------
From TheVerge:  Beginning this Fall (2015), Miles Morales will be the Marvel Universe's main Spider-Man.


STAR WARS:

From YahooCelebrity:  Jake Lloyd, Anakin Skywalker, in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, was arrested after a high-speed chase.


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  Official trailer for Hitman: Agent 47 from 20th Century Fox.


OBITS:

From Variety:  The composer James Horner was killed in the crash of a small plane on Monday morning, June 22, 2015.  He won two Oscar for his music for the 1997 best picture Oscar winner, Titanic.  He was one of my favorite composer, and I am sorry to hear of his passing.  Horner was 61.

From EntertainmentWeekly:  The actor Dick Van Patten has died at the age of 86.  His career spanned six decades.  Like many people, I remember him for playing the patriarch of the ABC television series, "Eight is Enough" (1977-81).

IMAX to Screen Disney's Live-Action "Cinderella" Film

Disney's Live-Action Cinderella To Be Released In IMAX® Theatres Globally Starting March 13

SANTA MONICA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that the highly anticipated live-action Cinderella - directed by Academy Award(®) nominee Kenneth Branagh and starring Academy Award(®) winner Cate Blanchett as the Stepmother and Lily James in the timeless title role - will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX(®) format and released in IMAX(®) theatres globally beginning March 13, 2015.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella is written by Chris Weitz and produced by Simon Kinberg, Allison Shearmur and David Barron. Tim Lewis served as executive producer.

"Based on the timeless classic, Cinderella now is a visually breath-taking live-action gem from the hugely talented Kenneth Branagh, with whom we're thrilled to partner again, as well as the wonderful team at Disney," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "Having been fortunate to see the movie several weeks ago, we believe Cinderella will resonate with movie-goers from around the globe, and we can't wait to share it with IMAX audiences worldwide."

The IMAX(®) release of Cinderella will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(®) with proprietary IMAX DMR(®) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

For more information about Cinderella, please visit Disney's official website at http://disney.com/cinderella/.

About CINDERELLA:
The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and - armed with a pumpkin and a few mice - changes Cinderella's life forever.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing.  As of September 30, 2014, there were 880 IMAX theatres (751 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 110 institutions) in 60 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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

Review: "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" a Disappointing Reboot

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 57 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
Running time: 105 minutes (1 hour, 45 minutes)
MPAA - PG-13 for sequences of violence and intense action, and brief strong language
DIRECTOR:  Kenneth Branagh
WRITERS:  Adam Cozad and David Koepp (based on characters created by Tom Clancy)
PRODUCERS:  David Barron, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mace Neufeld, and Mark Vahradian
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Haris Zambarloukos
EDITOR:  Martin Walsh
COMPOSER:  Patrick Doyle

ACTION/SPY/THRILLER

Starring:  Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, Kenneth Branagh, Lenn Kudrjawizki, Alec Utgoff, Nonso Anozie, Seth Ayott, Colm Feore, and David Paymer with Mikhail Baryshnikov

The subject of this movie review is Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, a 2014 action and espionage thriller from director, Kenneth Branagh.  This is the fifth film in the Jack Ryan film franchise, which began with 1990's The Hunt for Red October (based on the novel by the late author, Tom Clancy).  Shadow Recruit focuses on a young Jack Ryan as he tries to uncover a Russian plot against the United States.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit opens at the London School of Economics, where Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) is a student.  The film also opens on September 11, 2001, the day of the terrorists attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.  Ryan joins the U.S. Marines after the attacks, but he is critically injured during a mission.  While undergoing recovery, Ryan meets and falls for Cathy Muller (Keira Knightley), a young medical student.  Muller, however, is not the only one who is watching Ryan.

Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner) of the CIA recruits Ryan into the agency.  A covert analyst, Ryan works for a Wall Street stock brokerage as a cover.  There, he discovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy via a terrorist attack.  Ryan first dangerous mission takes him to Moscow to face the sinister Viktor Cherevin (Kenneth Branagh), but this dangerous mission suddenly takes a decidedly lethal turn.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is a reboot of the Jack Ryan film franchise.  This is actually the second reboot of Jack Ryan, as The Sum of All Fears (2002) was a fresh start for the franchise with Ben Affleck as Ryan.  Shadow Recruit is also the first Jack Ryan film not based on one of Tom Clancy's novels.  Perhaps, not being based directly on a Clancy novel is the missing ingredient for this film.  It lacks the complexity and large size of Clancy's work.  As for the screenplay:  Tom Clancy ain't Shakespeare, but he was quite good at what he wrote, and screenwriters Adam Cozad and David Koepp are not Clancy

Shadow Recruit does not have to reinvent the action-thriller, let alone the Jack Ryan movie, and it certainly does neither.  This film is a well-produced movie with some good moments, especially those that take place in Moscow.  Ultimately, Shadow Recruit is nothing special, nor is it particularly slick, a characteristic of big-budget, big studio American action films.

I like Chris Pine, but I think that at the age of 33 (when the film was made), he looks too young and too boyish, and lacks the gravitas to play Jack Ryan.  Kenneth Branagh plays beneath his talent here, and it's evident; he looks tired/bored as Viktor Cherevin.

Seriously, I think Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is best as a past-time you watch on an over-the-air television station one lazy Sunday afternoon.  Sadly, though, I think the Jack Ryan film franchise is done for, and that's a shame.

5 of 10
C+

Sunday, December 14, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Poster for "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" Debuts

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Based on the character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, “Jack Ryan” is a global action thriller set in the present day.  This original story follow a young Jack (Chris Pine) as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.

The story follows him from 9/11, through his tour of duty in Afghanistan, which scarred him forever, and into his early days in the Financial Intelligence Unit of the modern CIA where he becomes an analyst, under the guardianship of his handler, Harper (Kevin Costner).  When Ryan believes he’s uncovered a Russian plot to collapse the United States economy, he goes from being an analyst to becoming a spy and must fight to save his own life and those of countless others, while also trying to protect the thing that's more important to him than anything, his relationship with his fiancée Cathy (Keira Knightley).

Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley and Kevin Costner
Written By: Adam Cozad and David Koepp

Coming Soon

Watch the Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit trailer only on Yahoo! Movies

To watch the trailer:
 http://movies.yahoo.com/video/jack-ryan-shadow-recruit-trailer-210023496.html

Official website: ShadowRecruitMovie.com
Official Facebook: Facebook.com/JackRyanMovie
Official Twitter: @JackRyanMovie
Official Hashtag: #ShadowRecruit

"Jack Ryan" Begins with Kenneth Branagh as Director

PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND SKYDANCE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE THE START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON “JACK RYAN,” FROM DIRECTOR KENNETH BRANAGH

IN THEATERS CHRISTMAS DAY 2013

Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., and Skydance Productions announced today that principal photography has begun on “JACK RYAN,” from Academy Award®-nominated director Kenneth Branagh, starring Chris Pine, Academy Award®-nominated Keira Knightley and Academy Award®-winner Kevin Costner. The film is shooting in New York, Moscow and London and is slated for release on December 25, 2013.

Based on the Jack Ryan character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, the film is a contemporary action thriller set in the present day. The original story, written by David Koepp (“ANGELS AND DEMONS,” “WAR OF THE WORLDS”), follows a young Jack as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura (the “TRANSFORMERS” franchise, “RED”) will produce through his Di Bonaventura Pictures banner, along with Mace Neufeld (“THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER,” “PATRIOT GAMES”) and David Barron (the “HARRY POTTER” franchise). David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake of Skydance Productions (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL,” “TRUE GRIT”) will executive produce along with Tommy Harper (“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL”).

“JACK RYAN” stars Pine (“STAR TREK,” “RISE OF THE GUARDIANS”) as the title character; Knightley (“ANNA KARENINA,” the “PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN” franchise) as his fiancé Cathy Muller; Costner (“HATFIELDS & MCCOYS,” “DANCES WITH WOLVES”) as Ryan’s CIA handler Harper; and Peter Andersson (“THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO” trilogy) as security agent Dmitri Lemkov. Branagh, in addition to directing the film, will take on the role of Russian oligarch Viktor Cherevin.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Skydance Productions
Skydance Productions creates and produces elevated event-level commercial entertainment. In its strategic partnership with Paramount Pictures, the David Ellison-led company co-finances and produces several films per year with the studio. The first film to be co-produced under the partnership was the Coen Brothers’ “True Grit,” which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards© and has earned $250 million worldwide. Most recently, Skydance productions released the Paramount feature “Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol,” starring Tom Cruise, which has made more than $694 million worldwide and growing. Upcoming films include “Jack Reacher,” based on the best-selling novels by Lee Child, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and starring Tom Cruise, set for release on December 21, 2012; “The Guilt Trip,” starring Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen, slated for release on December 25, 2012; “G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation,” starring Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson, set for release on March 29, 2013; “World War Z,” directed by Marc Forster and starring Brad Pitt, set for release on June 21, 2013; “Star Trek Into Darkness,” starring Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine; and “Jack Ryan,” based on the Tom Clancy character and starring Chris Pine, directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Mace Neufeld, set for release on December 25, 2013. Additionally, Skydance is producing, along with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, “Without Remorse,” written by Shawn Ryan.

Christopher Plummer Wins Best Supporting Actor Oscar

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

WINNER - Christopher Plummer for Beginners

Nominees:
Kenneth Branagh for My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill for Moneyball
Nick Nolte for Warrior
Max von Sydow for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close