#28DaysofBlack Review: "A Madea Family Funeral"

[I could not imagine committing to a focus on black films and not offer at least one film from media mogul, Tyler Perry.  Within a decade, Perry became a successful performer and producer of stage plays.  He entered the film business with his 2005 film, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and owned a film production studio, Tyler Perry Studios, by 2006.  Perry's signature character, Mabel "Madea" Earlene Simmons, has played a significant part in Perry's rags to riches story, and he apparently brought the film saga of Madea to an end with “A Madea Family Funeral.”]

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 13 of 2021 (No. 1751) by Leroy Douresseaux

A Madea Family Funeral (2019)
Running time:  109 minutes (1 hour, 49 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for crude sexual content, language, and drug references throughout
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Tyler Perry
PRODUCERS:  Ozzie Areu, Will Areu, Tyler Perry, and Mark E. Swinton
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Richard Vialet (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Larry Sexton
COMPOSER:  Philip White

COMEDY

Starring:  Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely, Jen Harper, Courtney Burrell, Ciera Payton, Rome Flynn, KJ Smith, Aeriél Miranda, David Otunga, Quin Walters, Ary Katz, and Derek Morgan

A Madea Family Funeral is a 2019 comedy-drama from writer-director Tyler Perry.  It is the eleventh and (supposedly) final film in the Madea film series.  A Madea Family Funeral focuses on an anniversary celebration that unexpectedly turns into a funeral that unveils unsavory family secrets.

A Madea Family Funeral opens in the home of Vianne (Jen Harper) and Anthony Thompson (Derek Morgan).  Their children are planning a surprise party to celebrate their parents' 40th wedding anniversary.  Sylvia (Ciera Payton) is with her husband, Will (David Otunga).  Carol (KJ Smith), who is married to older brother, A.J. (Courtney Burrell), is awaiting his arrival.  Younger brother, Jesse (Rome Flynn), is awaiting the arrival of his fiancé, Gia (Aeriél Miranda).

Meanwhile Mabel “Madea” Simmons (Tyler Perry), Uncle Joe (Tyler Perry), Betty Ann Murphy a.k.a. “Aunt Bam” (Cassi Davis), Hattie (Patrice Lovely), and Joe's son, Brian Simmons (Tyler Perry), are also traveling to the reunion.  Vianne and Anthony's family is also the family of Madea and Joe's brother, Heathrow (Tyler Perry), a lecherous, wheelchair bound Vietnam veteran.

Not long after Madea and company arrive at their hotel, they discover that A.J. is also there with Gia, with whom he is having an affair.  Even more shocking is that they discover that Anthony is in a room next to A.J. and Gia's and is engaged in kinky sex with Renee (Quin Walters), a friend of both Vianne and Anthony's.  Anthony suffers a heart attack from the sexual activity and is taken to a hospital where he dies.

Now, Madea is charged with planning Anthony's funeral, which Vianne wants to occur in two days.  In the meantime, Anthony's secret life and the secrets of his two sons threaten to spill over.

A Madea Family Funeral qualifies as a dramatic film because of the secrets and lies and melodrama that apparently have long been a part of Vianne and Anthony's family.  Writer-director Tyler Perry deals with this the way he normally does – with soap opera, gospel theatrics, and Christian philosophizing.  Still, this family drama is pretty dark, and I do credit Perry for once again telling a story about mothers who make tough choices in order to provide for, to protect, and to keep their families together.  What might seem like weakness and stupidity might actually be strength and practicality.

A Madea Family Funeral is a comedy because of … well, because of Madea, Joe, Aunt Bam, and Hattie.  I have to be honest; I think much of the humor in this film as being an inappropriate match for the dramatic side of this film.  Still, I found myself vigorously laughing through more than half this film.  In a way, Anthony's funeral becomes a hilarious nightmare, both because of the unsavory family secrets and because of Madea and company.  But, hell, sometimes laughter helps a family get through a funeral, especially a hot mess of a death and funeral like Anthony's.

If A Madea Family Funeral is indeed the final Madea film, I can say that it went out on a relatively high note.  Perry gives us his trademark Christian moralizing, and Madea gives us the shameless, shameful comedy.  Truthfully, only Tyler Perry could be Madea, so there can be no other true Madea films unless he makes them.  So I hope A Madea Family Funeral doesn't put the Madea film franchise to rest.

7 of 10
B+

Wednesday, February 10, 2021


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

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Review: "Knives Out" a Fresh Cut of Murder Mystery

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 15 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Knives Out (2019)
Running time:  130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Rian Johnson
PRODUCERS:  Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Steve Yedlin (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Bob Ducsay
COMPOSER:  Nathan Johnson
Academy Award nominee

MYSTERY/COMEDY

Starring:  Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Christopher Plummer, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Frank Oz, K Callan, Noah Segan, M. Emmet Walsh, and Marlene Forte

Knives Out is a 2019 mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson.  The film is a modern whodunit and a murder mystery inspired by the works of the legendary mystery novelist, Agatha Christie.  Knives Out focuses on a master detective investigating an eccentric, combative family after the family's patriarch is found dead.

Knives Out introduces wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer).  He has invited his family to his Massachusetts mansion for his 85th birthday party.  The following morning, Harlan's housekeeper, Fran (Edi Patterson), finds Harlan dead, with his throat slit.  Local police Detective Lieutenant Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield) believes Harlan's death to be a suicide.  However, an anonymous party among the family has secretly paid private eye, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), to investigate Harlan's death as a homicide.  Blanc finds his suspects among the members of the family, and each one is either eccentric or combative.

Blanc learns that Harlan's relationships with his family were strained.  Blanc is keeping an eye on particular members of the family.  There is Harlan's eldest daughter, Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis), a real estate mogul, and his youngest son, Walt Thrombey (Michael Shannon).  There is also Joni Thrombey (Toni Collette), Harlan's daughter-in-law and the widow of his late son, Neil, and his son-in-law, Richard Drysdale (Don Johnson), Linda's husband.  Even Harlan's nurse and close friend, Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), is a suspect... or at least has knowledge that will answer important questions.  And where is Harlan's grandson, Ransom “Hugh” Drysdale (Chris Evans), the spoiled playboy son of Linda and Richard?

Whodunit... if it is true that someone did anything criminal?  Or is the truth more complicated and too obvious for even world-famous private investigator Benoit Blanc to discover?

Rian Johnson's Knives Out starts with an excellent screenplay, not necessarily in terms of the mystery's plot.  That is mostly just an exercise in genre elements and trappings – similar to the twists and terms found in the works of Agatha Christie and those stories inspired by Christie.  The best of Knives Out is in the characters, the kind that character actors can use to chew up movie scenery.

The cast of Knives Out is comprised of actors who have been at or near the top of their professions in film or television at some point in their careers.  They are not really known as character actors because they have been or still are headliners.  However, they are mostly veteran actors, and they can do what character actors do best, and that is deliver performances that create the kind of characters of which film audiences cannot get enough.

That is what Rian Johnson did with this film.  He composed a topnotch script, and then, he directed his actors to topnotch performances.  The result is a mystery film that grabs the viewers and holds them from start to finish.  I certainly felt as if I could not let stop watching Knives Out; it is truly a fun film to watch.  It is not perfect; there seems not to be enough screen time for some of the best characters, such as Jamie Lee Curtis' Linda Drysdale, Michael Shannon's Walt Thrombey, and Toni Collette's Joni Thrombey.  And Chris Evan's Ransom Drysdale seems misused...

Still, get yourself to Knives Out, dear reader.  It is one of the funniest and most enjoyable murder mystery films in quite some time.

8 of 10
A

Saturday, June 20, 2020


NOTES:
2019 Academy Awards, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Original Screenplay” (Rian Johnson)

2019 BAFTA Awards:  1 nomination: “Best Screenplay” (Rian Johnson)

2019 Golden Globes, USA:  3 nominations:  “Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy,” “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Ana de Armas), and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Daniel Craig)


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site or blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "The Punisher" Could Have Been... But Isn't

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 64 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Punisher (2004)
Running time:  124 minutes (2 hours, 4 minutes)
MPAA – R for pervasive brutal violence, language and brief nudity
DIRECTOR:  Jonathan Hensleigh
WRITERS:  Michael France and Jonathan Hensleigh (based upon the Marvel Comics character created by)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad and Gale Anne Hurd
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Conrad W. Hall
EDITORS:  Jeff Gullo and Steven Kemper
COMPOSER: Carlo Siliotto

FANTASY/ACTION/CRIME

Starring:  Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Will Patton, Laura Elena Harring, James Carpinello, Samantha Mathis, Eddie Jemison, Mark Collie, John Pinette, Kevin Nash, Ben Foster, and Roy Scheider

The Punisher is a 2004 action and crime thriller from director Jonathan Hensleigh.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics character, The Punisher/Frank Castle, that was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr. and Ross Andru and that made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129.  The Punisher the movie focuses on an undercover FBI agent who becomes a vigilante assassin after a corrupt businessman slaughters his entire family.

The Punisher introduces Frank Castle (Thomas Jane), a Delta Force veteran, who recently completed his final mission as an undercover FBI agent.  After hit men kill his wife, Maria (Samantha Mathis), and their children and leave him for dead, Castle declares a one-man war on the killers’ boss man, Howard Saint (John Travolta), and his organization.  Castle also befriends three lonely misfits who share the rundown apartment building where he holes up, while popping caps and cutting throats during his mission to take down Saint and his organization.

The Punisher may be one of the worst film adaptations of a comic book or comic book character ever made, although it’s certainly not as hard to watch as The Crow: City of Angels, another misbegotten movie based on a comic book character.  The Punisher's pace is ponderous, and its plot is the embodiment of monotony.  All the acting is bad except for a decent performance by character actor Will Patton as Quentin Glass.  The character is gay, and it’s nice to see that that fact is hardly acknowledged, except as a plot contrivance).  Eddie Jemison is also good as Mickey Duka, a flunky, and a character utterly wasted by The Punisher's bad script.

Jane’s speaking parts, both as Castle and as The Punisher, amount to short, tired burst of listless and limp-wristed one-liners.  After this sorry effort as Saint, Travolta will need another career boost from Quentin Tarantino or perhaps some other hot, new director who would just love to have the revolting one in his film.

Yeah, there are plenty of explosions in The Punisher, but they’re like candles on toast.  This movie isn’t even worth recommending as a rental.

1 of 10
D-

Revised and reedited:  Friday, June 19, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "HELLBOY" Reboot is Hella Fun

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 12 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Hellboy (2019)
Running time: 121 minutes (2 hours, 1 minute)
MPAA – R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, and language
DIRECTOR:  Neil Marshall
WRITER:  Andrew Cosby (based upon the Dark Horse comic book series, Hellboy, created by Mike Mignola)
PRODUCERS:  Lawrence Gordon, Carl Hampe, Yariv Lerner, Lloyd Levin, Matt O'Toole, Mike Richardson, Les Weldon, and Philip Westgren
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Lorenzo Senatore
EDITOR:  Martin Bernfeld
COMPOSER:  Benjamin Wallfisch

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/HORROR/ACTION

Starring:  David Harbour, Ian McShane, Daniel Dae Kim, Sasha Lane, Milla Jovovich, Stephen Graham (voice), Penelope Mitchell, Mark Stanley, Brian Gleeson, Mario de la Rosa, Alistair Petrie, Sophie Okonedo, and Thomas Haden Church

Hellboy is a 2019 superhero, horror, and dark fantasy film from director Neil Marshall.  The film is based on the Hellboy character and comic books created by Mike Mignola and published by Dark Horse Comics.  The film is a reboot of the Hellboy film franchise, which began with director Guillermo del Toro's 2004 film, Hellboy.  Hellboy 2019 finds the title character trying to stop an ancient sorceress who is bent on destroying humanity.

Hellboy opens in the year 517 A.D.  Vivienne Nimue (Milla Jovovich), the evil “Queen of Blood,” unleashes a plague on England.  King Arthur uses his legendary sword, Excalibur, to dismember Nimue.  Because even dismemberment will not kill Nimue, Arthur has the parts of her body hidden in different secret locations across England.

In the present-day, Hellboy (David Harbour), a powerful demon who works for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), returns to the organization's headquarters in Colorado.  There, he is assigned by BPRD leader, Trevor Bruttenholm (Ian McShane), his adoptive human father, to travel to London to assist the Osiris Club, an ancient English society similar to the BPRD, in hunting three giants that are plaguing Great Britain.

Meanwhile, a pig-like creature, Gruagach (voice of Stephen Graham), is on a quest to retrieve Vivienne Nimue's limbs so that, once she is whole again, she will grant him his wish for revenge against Hellboy.  Nimue, however, has other plans for Hellboy, which don't include his destruction.  Now, only Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane), a young spirit medium, and Ben Daimio (Daniel Dae Kim), a British “M11” agent, and Hellboy stand between Nimue and Hell on Earth.

I am not a big fan of Guillermo del Toro's original Hellboy film.  It has great production values, and is a gorgeous movie fill with fantastical visual elements.  But the story is executed in a clunky and awkward fashion and the characters are not that interesting.  However, del Toro's follow-up to that film, the Oscar-nominated Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008), is one of my all-time favorite films, and I consider it to be one of the all-time best films adapted from a comic book.

Director Neil Marshall's 2019 Hellboy reboot was a box office bomb, with its worldwide box office failing to recoup even the film's production costs.  On the other hand, I think Hellboy 2019 is far superior to Hellboy 2004 and is closer to Hellboy II, in terms of quality.  In fact, Hellboy 2019 almost seems like a reworking of the plot of the 2008 film.

First, I should say that there are a few things that I don't like about Hellboy 2019.  For one thing, although I am a fan of the actor Ian McShane, I do not like his version of Hellboy's father, Trevor Bruttenholm, who seems to be nothing more than a monster fighting, soldier of fortune caricature.  Also, I absolutely hate the new costume and makeup design for Hellboy.  It is true that I prefer Ron Perlman, the actor who played Hellboy in del Toro's films, but David Harbour does represent himself quite well as Hellboy in the new film.  The new Hellboy is just too ugly.

What is there to like about Hellboy?  Most of the supporting characters in this new film don't amount to much, but Sasha Lane makes Alice Monaghan stand out as a character worthy of being next to Hellboy.  After a dry start, Daniel Dae Kim keeps Ben Daimio from being a one-note joke.  The story and their performances find a way to make those two characters fit next to Hellboy in a way that other supporting characters do not.

Andrew Crosby's screenplay for Hellboy 2019 creates a plot, settings, and characters that genuinely seem to be part of a world deeply connected to the supernatural and to otherworldly places.  Crosby fills the story's main narrative and its nooks and crannies to the point of overflowing with strange and magical beings and places.  [See Baba Yaga.]  Hellboy's back story, conflicts, and dilemmas resonate as authentic.  For instance, Hellboy's dilemma of being caught between the world of humans and the world of monsters creates a sense of drama and conflict because it makes the viewer constantly guess about the decisions Hellboy makes.  Is he going to turn against humanity and side with the monsters, at least to some extent?  [That dilemma is raised to lesser extent in del Toro's Hellboy II.]

David Harbour takes Cosby's character work in the screenplay and creates a version of Hellboy that seems plausible and worth following around in this adventure.  As Hellboy, Harbour is as good as Perlman was as the character in Hellboy II, although (once again), Harbour's Hellboy is “fugly.”

Neil Marshall takes Cosby's script and leads his collaborators into creating a rip-roaring, hell-raising action film that is probably the first true blend of the superhero and horror genres.  Marshall's film is gripping and fun from beginning to end, with only a few bumps along the way.  It is crazy and fun to watch in its craziness

Much of the commentary I came across on the Internet said that Hellboy 2019 was absolutely terrible.  What I have discovered, instead, is that this new Hellboy film is worthy of being the first film in a wonderful new Hellboy film series.  Alas, a series is unlikely to happen after the new film's poor box office performance.  I am sure, however, that via home entertainment and cable television, fans will discover what a fine film Hellboy 2019 is.

7 of 10
B+

Friday, May 15, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.


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Review: "BOO! 2: A Madea Halloween" is a Typical Inferior Sequel

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 8 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)
Running time:  101 minutes
MPAA – PG-13 for sexual references drug content, language and some horror images
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Tyler Perry
PRODUCERS:  Ozzie Areu, Will Areu, Tyler Perry, and Mark E. Swinton
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Richard Vialet (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Larry Sexton
COMPOSER:  Philip White

HALLOWEEN/COMEDY

Starring:  Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely, Yousef Erakat, Diamond White, Lexy Panterra, Andre Hall, Brock O'Hurn, Tito Ortiz, Taja V. Simpson, Inanna Sarkis, Hannah Stocking, Mike Tornabene, Akende Munalula, and Elizabeth Hinkler and Emily Hinkler

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween is a 2017 comedy and Halloween movie from writer-director Tyler Perry.  It is a direct sequel to Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016) and is also the tenth film in the Madea film series.  In Boo 2!, Madea and friends travel to a supposedly haunted campground to rescue a teen relative, but end up running for their lives from the boogeyman.

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween opens on the 18th birthday of Tiffany Simmons (Diamond White).  Tiffany is the daughter of Brian Simmons (Tyler Perry) and his ex-wife, Debrah (Taja V. Simpson).  Tiffany wants to be treated like an adult, which is just fine with Debrah and her new husband, Calvin (Akende Munalula).  However, Brian still sees Tiffany as a baby girl, and he has planned for Tiffany a birthday party that is more appropriate for a child.

Brian's aunt, Mabel “Madea” Simmons (Tyler Perry); Brian's father who is also Madea's brother, Joe Simmons (Tyler Perry); Betty Ann “Aunt Bam” Murphy (Cassi Davis); and Hattie Mae Love (Patrice Lovely) also attend the party.  Unhappy with the party and the guests, Tiffany and her friend, Gabriella (Inanna Sarkis), make plans to attend a late-night Halloween party being thrown by Jonathan (Yousef Erakat) and the brothers of Upsilon Theta fraternity.  However, the party is being thrown at the notorious and supposedly haunted campground at “Lake Derrick.”

Madea overhears Tiffany's Lake Derrick plans and alerts her father, Brian, who decides to let Tiffany attend the party just to teach her lesson.  Madea is unwilling to let it go at that, so she rounds up Joe, Bam, and Hattie to take a trip to Lake Derrick and rescue Tiffany and Gabriella from that Halloween party.  However, it is Madea and company who will find themselves needing to be rescued from a chainsaw wielding maniac, ghostly sisters, and assorted monsters.

I am playing catch-up on my Madea movies, as this film was released almost two-and-a-half years ago, and the (allegedly) last Madea film, A Madea Family Funeral (2019), was released a year ago.  When I reviewed Boo! A Madea Halloween back in 2017, I wrote that the film had “its moments,” and I gave it a grade of “B-.”  Since that review, I have seen the film countless times, and it has become one of my favorite Madea movies and one of my favorite Halloween movies.  If I graded the original film now, I would give it at least an “A-.”

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween actually has its moments.  The first hour of the film has an awkward pace, and that hour is not well-written.  Early on, Boo 2! seems like nothing more than a quickly-produced sequel meant to grab cash from a surprise hit movie.  The final forty minutes of t Boo 2! really picks up, and it gets close to being as funny as the original film.

So if you did not get enough Boo! A Madea Halloween and want a little more, you have Boo 2! A Madea Halloween.  And if you need to see every Madea movie, then, you will want to see Boo 2!  If you don't like Madea, well...

C+
5 of 10

Tuesday, March 10, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


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Review: "John Wick: Chapter 2" Makes "John Wick" a Real Franchise

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 10 (of 2019) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Running time:  122 minutes (2 hours, two minutes)
MPAA – R for strong violence throughout, some language and brief nudity
DIRECTORS:  Chad Stahelski
WRITER:  Derek Kolstad (based on characters created by Derek Kostad)
PRODUCERS:  Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Lausten (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Evan Schiff
COMPOSERS:  Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard

ACTION/CRIME/THRILLER

Starring:  Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Common, Claudia Gerini, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, Tobias Segal, John Leguizamo, Bridget Moynahan, Thomas Sadoski, Peter Stormare, and Franco Nero

John Wick: Chapter 2 is a 2017 action and crime-thriller starring Keanu Reeves and directed by Chad Stahelski.  It is a direct sequel to the 2014 film, John Wick, and both the original and the sequel were written by Derek Kolstad.  The film tells the story of an ex-hit man who comes out of retirement to kill the man who viciously wrongs him.

Once upon a time, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) was a legendary hit man, a seemingly unstoppable killer also known as “the Boogeyman.”  John retired, but came out of retirement when a young gangster stole his vintage 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and killed his dog.  John Wick: Chapter 2 opens four days after the first film.  John Wick retrieves his stolen car from a chop shop owned by Abram Tarasov, the brother and uncle, respectively, of the men who wronged Wick in the first film.

Later, John receives a visit from the Italian crime lord, Santino D'Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio).  It seems that Santino swore John Wick to a “marker” (a form of contract) which allowed Wick to retire and to marry his late wife, Helen (Bridget Moynahan).  The marker is an unbreakable promise, personified by a “blood oath” medallion.  Now, Santino is calling in this marker, and he wants John to perform a hit/assassination for him, one guaranteed to leave Wick's life changed forever.

In my review of John Wick, I wrote that I had been a fan of Keanu Reeves since I first encountered him the 1980s in films like Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and River's Edge (1986), although I am not a fan of his popular 80s film, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989).  I also wrote that I had never thought of Reeves as a great or even as a good actor; he is either way too stiff or too wooden as a performer.  That aside, I have enjoyed Reeves in films like the original Point Break (1991) and in The Matrix film trilogy.  Reeves' star has dimmed in recent years, but John Wick's success has been something of a revival of Reeves as an action movie star.

The sequel, John Wick: Chapter 2, released in 2017, was an even bigger hit that the original film.  I knew that I would like John Wick just from the commercials and trailers for it, but I was not sure that I would like John Wick: Chapter 2.  Now, that I have seen it, I have to admit that I like it, even more than I did the first film.

I have to be honest.  I love the violent fight scenes and bloody shoot outs that often feature gunshots to the head and blood spurting... no... ejaculating from bodies and heads.  I know the sudden spurts and ejaculations of blood are merely computer-generated effects or practical special effects, but they still thrill me.  I like this film's high-quality production design and the cinematography.  The clothing and costumes are “swell,” and the hotels and other settings are snazzy.

In the middle of it all is one of my favorite movie stars, Keanu Reeves.  I enjoy his John Wick, and I love watching him kill those trying to kill him.  Hey... I'm not the only one enjoying this wanton cinematic, stylish, and slick violence.  There is a third John Wick film set to be released in a few days, as I write this review.  After John Wick: Chapter 2, oh, I am so ready for more.

7 of 10
B+

Wednesday, May 15, 2019


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Starz Announces the Cast for Drama Series, "Vida"

Starz Announces Cast for Half-Hour Drama Series “Vida” from Latinx Showrunner Tanya Saracho

Mishel Prada Cast in Lead Role Opposite Melissa Barrera with Karen Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Maria Elena Laas Added as Cast Regulars

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz announced that Mishel Prada (“Fear the Walking Dead: Passage,” Tell Me How I Die), Karen Ser Anzoategui (“East Los High,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Fosters”), Chelsea Rendon (A Better Life, McFarland, USA, “The Fosters”), Carlos Miranda (The Bling Ring, Grandma, “Chicago PD”), and Maria Elena Laas (“Suffering Man’s Charity,” The Hot Chick) have been cast as series regulars alongside Melissa Barrera (“Club de Cuervos,” “La Mujer de Judas”) in the new STARZ Original series “Vida” from Showrunner Tanya Saracho (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Looking,” “Girls”).

Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros, Verde) directs the series premiere episode. Big Beach TV will produce the Latinx series with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, serving as executive producers. Stephanie Langhoff (“Togetherness,” “The Bronze,” “The Skeleton Twins”) is also executive producing with Emmy® award-winning Chrisann Verges (“Girlboss,” “Getting On,” “Warm Springs”) producing. Series casting by Emmy®-winning Casting Director Carmen Cuba (“Stranger Things,” STARZ Original limited series “The Girlfriend Experience,” The Martian).

“Vida” is a half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters, Emma and Lyn, from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity.

Mishel Prada will portray “Emma” who, estranged from both her sister and her mother, reluctantly returns for her mother’s funeral and to deal with the family business. Previously cast, Melissa Barrera will play her sister, “Lyn,” a care-free party girl who has figured out how to live a pretty worry-free life in the Bay Area.

Karen Ser Anzoategui will portray “Eddy,” a sensitive soul who is trustworthy, generous and passionate but also intimidating looking upon first glance. Chelsea Rendon will play “Marisol” who is the expression of east side youth culture: woke, politicized, and deep in the resistance. Carlos Miranda will play “Johnny,” a stand-up guy who runs his ailing dad’s auto shop and is engaged to his pregnant girlfriend but has a history with Lyn. Maria Elena Laas will portray “Cruz,” an enigmatic lesbian who has a checkered history with Emma.

Newcomer Mishel Prada starred in the acclaimed Emmy®-nominated digital series “Fear The Walking Dead: Passage” and has appeared in several indie films.

Karen Ser Anzoategui (Ser) is a non-binary Latinx/Chicanx actor/playwright/artivist. Originally from Huntington Park, Calif., they grew up in various East Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley communities. Upon graduating with a BA in Communication and Fine Arts as a theatre major in 2005, Ser wrote their first solo show at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights. Ser's second solo which centers on queer and trans issues, “Catholic School Daze,” sold out in theatres throughout Los Angeles. Ser’s highly successful theatre recognition led to being cast in a recurring guest star role on Hulu’s Emmy®-nominated “East Los High” as openly queer character “Daysi Cantu.” Following “East Los High,” Ser landed additional roles on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Fosters,” “Shameless,” and other projects. They appeared as themself, a comic on LATV’s “Latino 101.” Ser was a selected playwright for the 2017 Maria Irene Fornes Playwrighting workshop at Notre Dame in Chicago.

Chelsea Rendon started acting at the young age of six, jumping in head first and booking the lead of a feature film less than a year later. She won multiple awards for her role as Cristina in No Turning Back. As a child she worked on shows such as “E.R.,” “The Shield” and “Judging Amy.” More recently she’s worked on the Oscar®-nominated film A Better Life and Disney’s McFarland, USA. On television she was featured on “The Bridge,” “Major Crimes” and “Code Black.” This year she worked on Netflix’s “Bright” directed by David Ayer and she is currently recurring on “The Fosters” on Freeform.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Carlos Miranda got his first taste of acting at the age of 13 where he booked a short film. He continued acting in his high school’s theatre productions before moving to LA at the age of 23 to pursue his dream. Miranda appeared in feature films Warrior directed by Gavin O’Conner; The Bling Ring, directed by Sofia Coppola and opposite Emma Watson; and recently Grandma opposite Lily Tomlin. His television credits include “Chicago PD,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Dallas.”

Maria Elena Laas was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Saudi Arabia and Japan. She later moved with her family to Los Angeles where she began her career and garnered several film credits including Alan Cumming’s "Suffering Man’s Charity," the blockbuster The Hot Chick starring Rob Schneider and Anna Faris, and has starred in indie favorites Kill The Habit, Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets, Sold and Pastor Shepherd opposite Danny Trejo.

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Manager of Original Programming Kathleen Clifford are the Starz executives in charge of “Vida.”


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com) a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

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Review: First "Boo! A Madea Halloween" Not One of the Better Madea Movies

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 20 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)
Running time:  104 minutes (1 hour, 44 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for drug use and references, suggestive content, language, some horror images and thematic material
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Tyler Perry
PRODUCERS:  Ozzie Areu, Tyler Perry, and Will Areu
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Richard Vialet (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Larry Sexton
COMPOSER:  Elvin Ross

HALLOWEEN/COMEDY

Starring:  Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely, Bella Thorne, Yousef Erakat, Lexy Panterra, Andre Hall, Brock O'Hurn, Liza Koshy, Diamond White, Mike Tornabene, Javan Johnson, Angela Ray, and Tyga

Boo! A Madea Halloween is a 2016 comedy and Halloween movie from writer-director Tyler Perry.  The idea for this film originated from a fictitious Madea Halloween movie (entitled “Boo!”) that was referenced several times in writer-director Chris Rock's film, Top Five (2014).  In Boo! A Madea Halloween, Madea fends off noisy spirits and evil clowns while keeping an eye on two high school girls who want to party with a gang of college frat boys.

Boo! A Madea Halloween begins about mid-day on Halloween.  At Upsilon Theta college fraternity house. Jonathan (Yousef Erakat), the fraternity leader, and his fellow fraternity brothers are finalizing plans for their big Halloween party for that night.  The brothers take notice of 17-year-old Tiffany Simmons (Diamond White) and her three friends, 17-year-old Aday (Liza Koshy), 18-year-old Rain (Bella Thorne) and 18-year-old Leah (Lexy Panterra), as they walk past their fraternity house.  Jonathan invites the four teens to their party.

However, Tiffany's father, Brian Simmons (Tyler Perry), does not want Tiffany and Aday to attend the party because, at the age of 17, they are too young to be partying with college-age young men.  Sensing that his daughter will disobey him, Brian convinces his aunt, Mabel “Madea” Simmons (Tyler Perry), to stay at his house and babysit Tiffany.  Madea's brother, Joe Simmons (Tyler Perry), who is Brian's father; marijuana aficionado, Betty Ann “Aunt Bam” Murphy (Cassi Davis); and Joe's lover, Hattie Mae Love (Patrice Lovely), tag along.

Madea is strict, but Tiffany proves to be more stubborn and also craftier than Madea expects.  When she discovers that Tiffany and Aday have indeed gone to the fraternity party, Madea is ready to deal out some punishment; instead, this pugnacious matron will spend a haunted Halloween dealing with ghosts, goblins, ghouls, poltergeists, zombies, and killer clowns.

Boo! A Madea Halloween has its moments.  It is a Madea movie after all, and if you enjoy the antics of Tyler Perry's most beloved character, Mabel “Madea” Simmons, you will find something or some things to like about Boo! A Madea Halloween.  However, it is the weakest “Madea-verse” movie since Meet the Browns (2008), in which Madea only made a cameo appearance.

I like Boo!'s young and diverse cast, although I wish the characters lived up to the energy brought by the young actors.  The youthful energy is needed because characters that are old favorites have worn out their welcome; Aunt Bam, I'm looking at you.  And Uncle Joe isn't at his best here.

This isn't one of Tyler Perry's better efforts at playing Madea, but there is a gem or two here (such as Madea in church, wanting to be “saved”).  It is only a passable Halloween movie.  That said, I want more Madea and there is a sequel to Boo!, due this fall.  So, it is fair to say that Boo! A Madea Halloween is strictly for Madea fans.

5 of 10
B-

Thursday, August 24, 2017


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

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Starz Announces Original Series, "Vida"

Starz Greenlights Original Series “Vida” from Showrunner Tanya Saracho

Veronica Osorio and Melissa Barrera Cast in Lead Roles with Alonso Ruizpalacios Directing First Episode

Lionsgate Retains all Domestic and International Rights

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht announced that the development project “Vida” (formerly titled “Pour Vida”) has been greenlit to series.

    “‘Vida’ reflects the intersecting worlds of Latin and American descendants of all genders and sexualities and speaks to the heart of Starz’s programming commitment to present compelling stories for traditionally underserved audiences. We are very proud to work with Tanya and help bring her vision to life.”

Tanya Saracho (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Looking,” “Girls”) will serve as showrunner with Alonso Ruizpalacios (Gueros, Verde) directing the first episode. Big Beach TV will produce the series with executive producers Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz. Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) will retain all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series.

“Vida” is a half-hour drama series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn't be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity.

“Tanya explores identity, culture, gender and sexuality through the lens of a Latinix family and their community. It’s a deeply personal and relatable series about coming back home and finally growing up,” said Albrecht. “‘Vida’ reflects the intersecting worlds of Latin and American descendants of all genders and sexualities and speaks to the heart of Starz’s programming commitment to present compelling stories for traditionally underserved audiences. We are very proud to work with Tanya and help bring her vision to life.”

Veronica Osorio (Hail, Caesar!, “The Carmichael Show,” “Girlboss”) has been cast in the role of Emma; and Melissa Barrera (“Club de Cuervos,” "La Mujer de Judas”) will play her sister, Lyn.

Veronica Osorio is a Venezuelan improviser and actress who moved to New York City to perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2008. She has since relocated to Los Angeles and starred in the Coen Bros feature Hail, Caesar!, the upcoming Soderbergh project “Mosaic,” and several television projects including a guest star role on NBC's “The Carmichael Show” and Netflix’s “Girlboss.” She also co-created and stars in the Broadway Video digital series “Diego + Valentina” with Julio Torres. Osorio co-hosts the new podcast with Alice Wetterlund, “Treks and the City,” an episode by episode dissection of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” from a feminist perspective.

Melissa Barrera can be seen in the upcoming third season of “Club de Cuervos" on Netflix. She started her career in Mexico in the popular singing reality show “La Academia.” After the success of “La Academia,” Barrera went on to star in the TV Azteca soap operas “La Mujer de Judas” and “La Otra Cara del Alma” after which she landed her first leading role in the renowned “Siempre Tuya Acapulco” and consequently “Tanto Amor.” Her musical theater training at New York University allowed her to land the leading roles in “Spring Awakening,” “Young Frankenstein,” and the Spanish pop-rock musical “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar” at the Teatro Aldama in Mexico City. Her past film credits include Manual de Principiantes para ser Presidente and El Hotel. She leads in Prima and Sacúdete Las Penas, which premiere in 2018.

Currently based in Mexico City, director Alonso Ruizpalacios is a graduate of the London School of Dramatic Arts. Alonso is in post-production on his new film Museo which stars Gael Garcia Bernal. He is also currently in production on the new Gael Garcia Bernal series “Aqui en La Tierra” for Fox International. His feature film Gueros swept the 2015 Ariels (Mexican Oscars®) - winning Best Picture, Best First Feature, and Best Direction. The film is also the recipient of the Golden Tomato Award for Best Reviewed Film of 2015.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Manager of Original Programming Kathleen Clifford are the Starz executives in charge of “Vida.”


About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

About Big Beach
Founded in 2004 by Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf, Big Beach produces and finances independent films, television and theater. In the decade since the company’s founding Big Beach has produced over a dozen acclaimed independent films including Academy Award nominated Little Miss Sunshine, Everything Is Illuminated adapted from the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, Jesse Peretz’s Our Idiot Brother, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s directorial debut, Jack Goes Boating, Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed and Jordan Vogt-Roberts The Kings Of Summer. Most recent films include About Ray starring Naomi Watts, Elle Fanning and Susan Sarandon, and Loving, directed by Jeff Nichols. Loving follows Richard and Mildred Loving, the couple behind the seminal 1967 civil rights case, Loving vs. Virginia.

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Review: "John Wick" Still Burns

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 10 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

John Wick (2014)
Running time:  101 minutes (1 hour, 41 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong and bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use
DIRECTORS:  Chad Stahelski and David Leitch
WRITER:  Derek Kolstad
PRODUCERS:  Basil Iwanyk, David Leitch, Eva Longoria, and Michael Witherill
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Jonathan Sela
EDITOR:  Elisabet Ronalds
COMPOSERS:  Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard

ACTION/CRIME/THRILLER

Starring:  Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane, Bridget Regan, Clarke Peters, Randall Duk Kim, Kevin Nash, David Patrick Kelly, and Lance Reddick

John Wick is a 2014 action and crime-thriller starring Keanu Reeves.  It is directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch (although only Stahelski is credited on screen as director).  The film tells the story of an ex-hit man who comes out of retirement to kill the man who viciously wronged him.

Once upon a time, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) was a legendary hit man, a seemingly unstoppable killer.  He was the boogeyman who killed the boogeyman.  Not long after his wife, Helen (Bridget Moynahan), dies of a terminal illness, John receives a puppy that she had bought John to help him cope with her death.  He grows to love the puppy, which he names “Daisy.”

At a gas station, a young gangster named Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) sees John and Daisy in John's vintage 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1.  Later, Iosef and two of his henchman break into John's home, beats him unconscious, and kills Daisy, before stealing the Mach 1.  Now, John Wick the boogeyman is back, determined to kill Iosef.  The problem is that the young hood is the son of Viggo Tarasov (Michael Nyqvist), the head of the Russian crime syndicate in New York City, a syndicate that John Wick himself helped the elder Tarasov establish.

I have been a fan of Keanu Reeves since I first encountered him the 1980s in film like Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and River's Edge (1986), although I am not a fan of his popular 80s film, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989).  I have never thought of Reeves as a great or even good actor; he is either way too stiff or too wooden as a performer.  Still, I enjoyed him in films like the original Point Break (1991) and in The Matrix films.  Reeves' star has dimmed in recent years, and he has said that he no longer gets offered the kind of projects an A-list white male actor would.

When I first saw a television commercial for John Wick, I knew that I would like the film.  However, I never got around to seeing it until early last year when I caught it on one of the premium cable movie channels.  I could not believe how good I thought it was (and I still can't).  Because of the release of the sequel (John Wick: Chapter 2), I decided to watch the first film again.

John Wick is simply a flashy, visually cool shoot-em-up movie with some good set pieces from the hit man movie wheelhouse.  This film, however, works because of Keanu Reeves.  I honestly believe that very few other actors could have made this movie memorable.  Without Keanu, John Wick would have probably ended being straight-to-DVD or VOD (video-on-demand).

If you like Keanu Reeves, you will want to see this, and you will probably want to see it a second time.  It's the magic of Keanu Reeves.  What more can I say?  That magic must have worked on a lot of movie fans because Jack Wick did get a sequel.

6 of 10
B

Sunday, March 12, 2017


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

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"Power" Creator Signs Multi-Year Deal with Starz and Lionsgate

Courtney A. Kemp, Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the Hit Drama Series “Power,” Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Deal with Starz and Lionsgate

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. & SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heading into the fourth season premiere of the hit STARZ Original series “Power,” Starz and Lionsgate have signed “Power” creator, showrunner and executive producer Courtney A. Kemp to an exclusive multi-year overall deal. The collaborative nature of Kemp’s new deal expands her relationship with the company to include Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), which allows Kemp to develop and produce new projects for Starz and other content through her End of Episode production company, while also continuing to serve in her current role as showrunner and executive producer on “Power.”

    “We are longtime fans of Courtney’s thanks to her record-breaking series ‘Power’ and delighted to be working with her at the studio going forward”

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Television Group President Sandra Stern and for Starz by Senior VP Business & Legal Affairs Russell Schwartz.

The third season of “Power” delivered a record 8 million multiplatform viewers (Live + SD) per episode* and was the most watched premium television original series in 2016, behind only “Game of Thrones.”** The 10-episode fourth season returns on Sunday, June 25th airing all day with a “Power” Play marathon stunt.

“Courtney A. Kemp is the complete showrunner package, and we’re thrilled to continue collaborating with such a creative talent and outstanding producer,” said Chris Albrecht, President and CEO of Starz. “We are proud to see Courtney receive the recognition she deserves in our industry and are pleased the combined ‘power’ of Starz and Lionsgate offers even greater opportunities for her – and us – in the creative community.”

“We are longtime fans of Courtney’s thanks to her record-breaking series ‘Power’ and delighted to be working with her at the studio going forward,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “Her new deal shows the ability of our combined company to attract and nurture the top talent in the business.”

"This new deal presents a wonderful opportunity to extend my creative efforts on ‘Power’ while developing new shows for Lionsgate,” said Kemp. “I am grateful to Jon [Feltheimer], Kevin and Chris for this warm welcome to the Lionsgate family, and I'm looking forward to a continued relationship with Chris, Carmi and the entire team at Starz."

“Power” marked Courtney A. Kemp’s debut as a creator and showrunner and follows the complex character James “Ghost” St. Patrick and his attempts to move from New York’s biggest drug dealer to its biggest legit businessman. Under her leadership, the series doubled viewership from its premiere episode to its Season One finale and generated the largest concentration of African American viewership of any scripted premium series in almost a decade.*** “Power” was renewed for Seasons Four and Five following the record-shattering Season Three premiere on July 17, 2016.

For her work on the show, Marie Claire magazine named Kemp one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in America,” she was included as one of the female powerhouses on Elle Magazine’s “The Agenda,” and was named one of Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” honorees.

Previously, Kemp was a writer and supervising producer on the celebrated television show “The Good Wife,” which went on to garner nominations for a Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series and a Writers Guild Award for Dramatic Series. She also worked on ABC’s “Eli Stone,” Fox’s “Justice,” and “The Bernie Mac Show” among others. Prior to her work in television, Kemp wrote for many prestigious magazines, including GQ, Vibe and Marie Claire.

Kemp is represented by CAA and Michael Gendler of Gendler & Kelly.


About “Power”
Season Four picks up on the heels of James “Ghost” St. Patrick’s highly publicized arrest by his ex-girlfriend, Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Valdes, for the murder of FBI Agent Greg Knox—a crime he did not commit. Ghost can’t outrun his past choices and mounting enemies this season, which threaten his freedom and his family’s safety at every turn. His fight for redemption brings him face-to-face with the Feds, the media, new allies, and old foes. But the biggest obstacle for Ghost remains himself and his internal struggle between the man he wants to be and the one he really is.

“Power” is a visionary drama that straddles the glamorous Manhattan lifestyles of the rich and infamous and the underworld of the international drug trade. The cast is led by Omari Hardwick as drug kingpin and nightclub impresario James “Ghost” St. Patrick, Joseph Sikora, as his brother in arms in the drug business, Tommy Egan; Naturi Naughton plays Ghost’s fierce, loyal wife Tasha St. Patrick and Lela Loren as his first love, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Angela Valdes.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Randall Emmett and Gary Lennon serve as Executive Producers on “Power.” The show is also produced by G-Unit Films and Television, the production company launched by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

”Power” airs in more than 175 countries/territories worldwide. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

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"Berlin Station" and "Graves" Get Second Seasons from EPIX

EPIX Orders Second Seasons of Hit Original Series ‘Berlin Station’ and ‘Graves’

From Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, Berlin Station Stars Richard Armitage, Richard Jenkins, Rhys Ifans, Michelle Forbes, Leland Orser and Tamlyn Tomita and is Filmed in Berlin

From Lionsgate, Graves Stars Nick Nolte, Sela Ward, Skylar Astin, Heléne Yorke, Chris Lowell and Callie Hernandez

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Premium TV network EPIX® announced today the renewal of its first two original scripted series with a second season, 10-episode order for one-hour drama series “Berlin Station” and half-hour dramedy “Graves.” Both series premiered Sunday, October 16 at 9pm and 10pm ET/PT, respectively, supported by an extensive national marketing and promotional campaign. The sixth episode for each series premieres this Sunday, November 20, 2016, and the season finales are on Sunday, December 18, 2016 on EPIX. Production on each is slated for early spring 2017. EPIX also recently announced the start of production on its third original series “Get Shorty,” starring Ray Romano and Chris O’Dowd, from MGM Television.

    “With the country focused on electing a new President, we’re excited to see that viewers haven’t lost their sense of humor and have embraced Graves’ fictional, funny and very human past president, as brought vibrantly to life by Nick Nolte and creator Joshua Michael Stern”

“We’re incredibly proud of the work our creators, executive producers, cast and crew did on the first seasons of ‘Berlin Station’ and ‘Graves.’ These ambitious series represent the level of prestigious, cinematic and authentic storytelling we are committed to offering our subscribers,” said EPIX President and CEO Mark S. Greenberg. “Both series are particularly timely and relevant and quickly found their place in the competitive TV landscape. We couldn’t be more excited to continue to tell these unique and compelling stories.”

The one-hour, critically acclaimed, contemporary spy drama “Berlin Station” takes a look at the activity of a CIA office on a global stage in the midst of an investigation into a now-famous whistleblower. The series follows Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage, “Hannibal”), a new arrival at Berlin’s CIA station who is on a clandestine mission to uncover the source of the Thomas Shaw leaks. Richard Jenkins (“Olive Kitteridge”) stars as Steven Frost, the head of the station, who carries the burden of his own secrets; Michelle Forbes (“The Killing”) stars as Valerie Edwards the no-nonsense Internal Branch Chief; Rhys Ifans (Snowden) stars as Hector DeJean, a dark, charming and tenacious case officer and old friend of Daniel; Leland Orser (“Ray Donovan”) stars as Robert Kirsch, a devoted and successful deputy chief; and Tamlyn Tomita (“Resurrection”) stars as Sandra Abe, the assistant to Frost and a quiet presence lording over the efficient operation of the station.

"EPIX is a great home for Berlin Station and on behalf of the entire team, we are excited to bring another season to life," said Amy Powell, President, Paramount TV. “Audiences have found, and continue to discover, this smart series and should expect even more from our stellar creative team in season two."

The half-hour, critically acclaimed, original dramedy “Graves” follows former two-term Republican President Richard Graves (Nick Nolte, A Walk In The Woods) as he embarks on a Don Quixote-like quest to right the wrongs of his administration and reclaim his legacy 25 years after leaving the White House. His enlightenment takes place as his wife Margaret (Sela Ward, Gone Girl), decides to pursue her own political ambitions. The series also stars Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as over-eager assistant to President Graves, Isaiah Miller; Heléne Yorke (“Masters of Sex”) as first daughter Olivia who moves back home when her life spirals out of control; Chris Lowell (The Help) as Jeremy, the underachieving first son who returns home from war in Afghanistan; and Callie Hernandez (Alien: Covenant) as Samantha, the free-spirited waitress who becomes the President’s muse.

“With the country focused on electing a new President, we’re excited to see that viewers haven’t lost their sense of humor and have embraced Graves’ fictional, funny and very human past president, as brought vibrantly to life by Nick Nolte and creator Joshua Michael Stern,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership for a second season, and look forward to the new places Josh will take this memorable former First Family next year.”

Produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, “Berlin Station” is created by New York Times best-selling author Olen Steinhauer (The Tourist, All The Old Knives, The Cairo Affair) who also serves as executive producer. Bradford Winters (“The Americans,” “Boss,” “Oz”) is the showrunner and an executive producer. Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, “House of Cards”) and Steve Golin, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Keith Redmon and Luke Rivett from Anonymous Content (Spotlight, The Revenant, “Mr. Robot,” “True Detective”) and Michaël Roskam (Bullhead, The Drop) also serve as executive producers.

From Lionsgate, “Graves” was created by Joshua Michael Stern (Swing Vote, Jobs) who also serves as showrunner and Academy Award® winner Greg Shapiro (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) is the executive producer. Executive Producers on the first season include Keith Eisner and Eric Weinberg, with David Iserson as Supervising Producer and Bill Hill, Lisa Parsons and Abby Genwanter as producers. The series was filmed in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.


About EPIX
EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX).

About Paramount Television
Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms. Its robust slate of programming with top distributors includes the 5 Emmy® Award winning live musical event GREASE: LIVE (FOX), which holds the record-breaking telecast title with more than 17MM viewers worldwide and is ranked as the No. 1 most social live musical event ever, the Emmy® nominated Nickelodeon hit SCHOOL OF ROCK, Tom Clancy’s JACK RYAN (Amazon), THIRTEEN REASONS WHY (Netflix), MANIAC (Netflix), SHOOTER (USA), BERLIN STATION (EPIX), THE ALIENIST (TNT), FATAL ATTRACTION (FOX), GALAXY QUEST (Amazon), VARSITY BLUES (CMT) and THE WARRIORS (Hulu). Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) has developed series such as BAJILLION DOLLAR PROPERTIE$ (NBCUniversal’s Seeso), HOTWIVES OF ORLANDO and HOTWIVES OF LAS VEGAS (HULU), RESIDENT ADVISORS (HULU), BEEF (Fullscreen) and the one hour special, CRASH TEST (Comedy Central and Vimeo). Paramount Television and Paramount Digital Entertainment are part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a subsidiary of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

About Anonymous Content
Founded in 1999 by Managing Partner Steve Golin, Anonymous Content is a leading management and Film, TV and Commercial production company. Anonymous Content manages the careers of many of the world’s most renowned and innovative directors, writers, actors and comedians, working closely with them to achieve their goals by both creating and finding roles for them, whether in feature films, television, commercials, music videos or brand integrated content. Anonymous Content’s clients have been recognized with Academy Awards®, Emmys®, Golden Globes®, Tony Awards®, Pulitzer Prizes® and other prestigious awards. The company’s award-winning Film & TV division boasts many commercially successful and critically-acclaimed works, including Oscar Best Picture Winner SPOTLIGHT, starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams, and Oscar Nominee for Best Picture THE REVENANT, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. Past projects include BABEL, WINTER’S BONE, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, and 50 FIRST DATES. The company’s TV slate includes the Golden Globe winner for Best TV Series (Drama) “Mr. Robot” (USA Network), “True Detective” (HBO), “The Knick” (Cinemax), and “Schitt’s Creek” (POP), as well as upcoming titles “Quarry” (CINEMAX), “The Alienist” (TNT), and “Berlin Station” (EPIX). Through its Commercial work, Anonymous Content is also the driving creative force behind countless top brands, including Prada, Nike and Coke. For more information, visit www.anonymouscontent.com.

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, international distribution and sales, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment. The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses. These include the ground-breaking hit series Orange is the New Black, the fan favorite drama series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the hit drama series The Royals, the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual and the breakout success Greenleaf.

The Company’s feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me and John Wick series, Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween, the critically-acclaimed Hacksaw Ridge, Nerve, CBS Films/Lionsgate’s Hell or High Water, Sicario, Roadside Attractions' Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Codeblack Films’ Addicted and breakout concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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"Wolf Creek" TV Series Arrives on Pop October 2016

Suspense Thriller “WOLF CREEK” Premieres This October, Exclusively on Pop

30,000 people go missing in Australia each year, with 90 percent found within the first month. The rest are never seen again...

Inspired by the Iconic Cult Film and Executive Produced by its Creator/Director Greg McLean, WOLF CREEK Premieres on Friday, October 14 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT as a Six-Episode Limited Series Television Event

View The Trailer: www.poptv.com/wolfcreek

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inspired by one of the most terrifying, cult movie franchises ever released in theaters, named one of “The 25 best horror movies since 2000” (AV Squad), one of “The 100 Best Horror films” (Time Out), and one of “The 25 Best Horror Movies Since The Shining” (Vulture), the six-part television event, WOLF CREEK, is a psychological thriller premiering exclusively on Pop on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT.

    “To turn everything you expect from a horror film around and hunt the psychopath through a strong and singularly-focused female protagonist is thrilling to watch. It is probably the scariest series to ever premiere on basic cable and will have viewers hooked 13:40 minutes into the first episode.”

In conjunction with Lionsgate Television and Zodiak Rights (a Banijay Group company), the WOLF CREEK television series on Pop stars John Jarratt, who reprises his movie role as the murdering psychopath Mick Taylor, wreaking havoc in the Australian Outback—except this time, things are different. The television series immediately turns the entire genre on its head when a 19-year-old American college student, played by rising star Lucy Fry, survives the massacre of her parents and little brother and sets out to hunt down the killer and avenge her family.

Based on true events, the original WOLF CREEK movie was introduced in 2005 at the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals before achieving global box office success and cult film status among horror fans around the world.

“WOLF CREEK is holy !#@$! scary!” said Greg McLean, Executive Producer of the WOLF CREEK television series and the writer, director and producer of the WOLF CREEK movies. “The television series delivers the same pulse-pounding tension and terror of the films combined with a storyline that evolves into a suspense filled, character driven psychological thriller. In many ways, WOLF CREEK is more like a Western—set in the untamed, desolate landscape of the Australian Outback, with gritty characters and an immersive story of revenge and good versus evil.”

“WOLF CREEK is a binge-worthy, premium revenge tale that we are thrilled to bring fans at the perfect time of the year,” said Brad Schwartz, President, Pop. “To turn everything you expect from a horror film around and hunt the psychopath through a strong and singularly-focused female protagonist is thrilling to watch. It is probably the scariest series to ever premiere on basic cable and will have viewers hooked 13:40 minutes into the first episode.”

The story of WOLF CREEK begins when an American family is on vacation in Northern Australia and becomes the unsuspecting prey of Mick Taylor, a sadistic serial killer who hunts and kills tourists in the Outback. The sole survivor is Eve Thorogood, a college student, who vows to bring the killer to justice or die in the attempt. The story of WOLF CREEK reveals her complex and extraordinary journey, traveling every step of the way as she evolves from child to adult, from prey to predator. But can she triumph over Mick Taylor, evil incarnate?

John Jarratt is a television and film actor, producer and director from Australia. Jarratt is best known for his chilling performance as the iconic character Mick Taylor in the feature films “Wolf Creek” and “Wolf Creek 2.” His previous credits also include Peter Weir’s “Picnic At Hanging Rock,” Baz Luhrmann’s “Australia” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained.”

Lucy Fry is a film and television actress. Most recently, Fry starred opposite James Franco in the Warner Bros. for Hulu mini-series “11.22.63.” She is also known for her roles in director Joseph Castelo’s indie film “The Preppie Connection,” the Cinelou Films feature “Mr. Church,” the Universal feature “The Darkness,” and Mark Waters’ fantasy feature “Vampire Academy.”

A STAN original, WOLF CREEK is produced by Screentime (a Banijay Group company), in association with Emu Creek Pictures and financed with the assistance of Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation.


ABOUT POP:
Fans don’t sit at the outskirts of pop culture making snarky comments. They live right smack in the middle of it, sharing, creating, and connecting their passions with others. At Pop, fans finally have a destination that celebrates the fun of being a fan. Fans aren’t even fans anymore — they’re gladiators, tributes, human beings and blockheads. Seen in more than 80 million homes, Pop gives fans a dedicated channel that loves being a fan as much as they do. A channel that respects talent over celebrity. A channel filled with optimism, passion, humor, and excitement. A channel that understands the fun doesn’t stop when the credits roll…it’s really just the beginning.

Pop is a joint venture of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF). The partnership combines CBS’s programming, production and marketing assets with Lionsgate’s resources in motion pictures, television and digitally delivered content. Pop’s ownership structure is comprised of the company with the #1 broadcast network and many of the top first-run syndication series (“Entertainment Tonight,” “The Insider”) and the studio that produces and distributes the blockbuster “Hunger Games,” “Twilight” and “Divergent” franchises and produces such award-winning TV series as “Mad Men” and “Orange is the New Black.”

ABOUT LIONSGATE:
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, international distribution and sales, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment. The Company has nearly 80 television shows on 40 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses. These include the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black, the syndication successes The Wendy Williams Show and Celebrity Name Game (with FremantleMedia), the breakout series The Royals and the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy Casual.

The Company’s feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me, Divergent and John Wick series, Sicario, The Age of Adaline, Roadside Attractions' Love & Mercy and Mr. Holmes, Codeblack Films’ Addicted and breakout concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

ABOUT ZODIAK RIGHTS:
Zodiak Rights is the international distribution division of Banijay Group, a leading creator and producer of TV content worldwide. Zodiak Rights represents quality, excellence and experience in the business of television and ancillary sales across all platforms. It is one of the world’s biggest independent distributors, with a catalogue of more than 20,000 hours of globally best-selling content across all genres including drama, formats, factual, entertainment, theatrical. 50% of the catalogue is third party programming from independent producers and networks throughout the world.

Zodiak Rights’ scripted programming includes big-budget Canal+ flagship drama Versailles sold in more than 135 territories; Screentime’s Wolf Creek, based on the international hit feature films; original Belgian French-language drama Public Enemy, winner of the inaugural MIPDrama Screenings; The Returned, an International Emmy Award winner, trilingual political suspense thriller Occupied; Wallander, the BAFTA award-winning drama series for BBC One starring Kenneth Branagh; Braquo, the top-rating French drama; and critically acclaimed Irish serial drama Rebellion.

Zodiak Rights’ theatrical portfolio includes: Millennium: The Trilogy (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest), and UK box office smash The Inbetweeners 1 & 2.

Finished programming and format highlights include global smash format Wife Swap; legendary adventure game show Fort Boyard; Rose d’Or winning game show Wild Things; innovative hands-on social experiment Undressed; extreme reality race 71 Degrees North; Popstars, the original talent quest reality format refreshed for a new generation; the classic, controversial reality format Temptation Island; ratings and format hits The Secret Life Of 4 Year Olds; long running premier property brand Location Location Location, and revelatory special forces selection programme SAS Who Dares Wins.

www.zodiakrights.com

On the Web: www.poptv.com
Pop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopTelevision
Pop Twitter: https://twitter.com/PopTV

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Epix to Air "Under the Gun" Documentary

EPIX ACQUIRES HARD-HITTING BREAKOUT SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL DOCUMENTARY “UNDER THE GUN”

Executive Produced & Narrated by Katie Couric and Directed by Stephanie Soechtig

An Official Selection at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, the Documentary Explores America’s Gun Violence Problem Through the Eyes of Victims’ Families and Gun Rights Advocates

Airs May 15, 2016 as Part of the EPIX Free Preview Weekend

Premium TV network EPIX® announced it has secured exclusive rights in the U.S. and Canada to Atlas Films' Under the Gun, a provocative new documentary from Katie Couric (Executive producer and narrator of the 2014 documentary Fed Up, Yahoo Global News Anchor, best-selling author) and Stephanie Soechtig (Fed Up, Tapped) that presents a balanced look at the gun debate. The feature length documentary, which received significant praise and attention at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, makes its World Television Premiere on EPIX and across all EPIX platforms on May 15, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, 7C during the EPIX Free Preview Weekend (May 12-15). EPIX is collaborating with the filmmakers on a robust social marketing campaign that will include an expansive grassroots program designed to mobilize affinity groups across the country through a series of local market screenings and town hall events.

Lionsgate will coordinate the release of Under the Gun in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles, as well as manage digital distribution on platforms including Electronic Sell-Through and Transactional Video on Demand. Lionsgate has also acquired Canadian rights.

In Under the Gun, Couric and Soechtig—the team responsible for Fed Up, which looked at the food industry and the alarming spread of childhood obesity—examine why, despite the increase in deaths at the hands of guns and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate—those favoring stricter gun control laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA—from finding common ground? Through the lens of families impacted by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista and Tucson, as well as daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels.

Subjects and organizations featured in the documentary include: Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly (Americans for Responsible Solutions); Jackie and Mark Barden (Sandy Hook Promise); Sandy and Lonnie Phillips (Jessi’s Message); John Feinblatt and Richard Martinez (Everytown for Gun Safety); Victoria Montgomery (Open Carry Texas); Shannon Watts (Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America); Pamela and Tom Bosley (Purpose Over Pain); The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Law Center To Prevent Gun Violence.

Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO of EPIX, said: “During this Presidential election year, we at EPIX want to contribute to the national dialogue on the major issues affecting our country today. I can think of no more pressing subject than gun violence, and I am extremely proud to bring Under the Gun to EPIX viewers. The gun debate, with its core issues of gun rights and gun violence, is one of the most polarizing taking place in our society today. In Under the Gun, Katie and Stephanie bring their dynamic talent and perspective to this complex, multi-faceted issue and present honest, unbiased, and thoughtful commentary to this subject that has real life or death consequences.”

Katie Couric said: “I've covered mass shootings and gun violence throughout my career, but following the massacre at Sandy Hook, I was confused by the disconnect between public opinion (over 90% of Americans supported universal background checks) and public policy. I hope this film will help people have a better understanding of how we got to this point. Now is the time for a truly informed, rational conversation about gun violence and I'm thrilled EPIX and Lionsgate are committed to making this film available to the widest audience possible so we can do just that.”

Stephanie Soechtig said: "We are pleased to make EPIX the home for Under the Gun. As both filmmakers and citizens who are deeply concerned about this issue, it was important for us that our film be seen by the widest possible audience. EPIX showed a unique willingness and commitment to make Under the Gun available to the entire country—for free—by premiering it during EPIX’s nationwide free preview. Making our film available to anyone with an Internet connection was something that no service or network other than EPIX was willing to do. Their belief in this cause, and the passion that they bring to it, made them the obvious choice for Katie and me."

The filmmakers decided not to mention the names, nor show the photos, of any shooters.

Key facts explored in Under the Gun include:

•     Gun violence is the second leading cause of death among children aged 10-19 in the U.S. (Source: Children’s Defense Fund -- the first leading cause is unintentional injuries/accidents)
•     93% of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, including 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members. (Sources: Quinnipiac, 2015 and John Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, 2013)
•     90% of guns used in crimes can reportedly be traced back to just 5% of gun dealers. (Source: Brady Campaign)
•     The manufacture and distribution of teddy bears is more tightly regulated for health and safety than handguns.

Under the Gun is produced by Atlas Films in association with Carellie Productions and directed by Stephanie Soechtig. Katie Couric, Regina K. Scully, Michael Walrath and Michelle Walrath are the executive producers. Olivia Ahnemann, Joshua Kunau, Kristin Lazure and Soechtig are the producers. The screenplay is by Mark Monroe, Brian Lazarte and Soechtig. The director of photography is Josh Salzman, the editor is Brian Lazarte and music is by Brian Tyler. Katie Couric is the narrator.

The Guardian: “Absorbing and gripping, this documentary details the rise of the NRA into a lobbying powerhouse – and provides an incentive to get involved in the debate.”

Variety: “Cutting through political talking points to focus on facts and firsthand accounts, “Under the Gun” is an essential primer on the rise of gun violence in the U.S.”


About EPIX
EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, the biggest classic film franchises, original documentaries, comedy and music events on TV, on demand, online and on digital devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple® iPhones® and iPads®, Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

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Review: Halle Berry Stellar in "Frankie & Alice"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 7 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Frankie & Alice (2010)
Running time:  101 minutes (1 hour, 41 minutes)
MPAA –  R for some sexual content, language and drug use
DIRECTOR:  Geoffrey Sax
WRITERS: Cheryl Edwards, Marko King, Mary King, Jonathan Watters, Joe Shrapnel, and Anna Waterhouse; from a story by Oscar Janiger, Philip Goldberg, and Cheryl Edwards
PRODUCERS:  Halle Berry, Vincent Cirrincione, Simon DeKaric, and Hassain Zaidi
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Newton Thomas Sigel (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  David M. Richardson
COMPOSER:  Andrew Lockington
Golden Globe nominee

DRAMA/BIOPIC

Starring:  Halle Berry, Stellan Skarsgard, Phylicia Rashad, Chandra Wilson, Alex Diakun, Joanne Baron, Brian Markison, Matt Frewer, and Scott Lyster

Frankie & Alice is a 2010 Canadian drama from director Geoffrey Sax and starring Halle Berry.  The film received a limited theatrical release in 2010 in order to qualify for the 2010-2011 movie awards season.  It did receive a wider theatrical release in August 2014.  Frankie & Alice follows a go-go dancer with multiple personality disorder and the psychotherapist who tries to help her.

Frankie & Alice opens in Los Angeles in 1973 where we meet Francine “Frankie” Lucinda Murdoch (Halle Berry), an African-American female go-go dancer.  During an attempted sexual encounter, Frankie experiences a personality change that throws her life into chaos.  Eventually her manic episodes land her in a mental care facility.  Frankie meets Dr. Joseph “Joe” Oswald (Stellan Skarsgard), a.k.a. “Dr. Oz.”

Dr. Oswald believes that Frankie suffers from multiple personality disorder (now known as “dissociative identity disorder”).  He identifies that Frankie has two other personalities:  “Genius,” a seven-year-old child; and “Alice,” a Southern racist White woman.  “Genius” and “Alice” are aware of each other, but Alice wants control of Frankie.  In order to discover a way to help Frankie, Dr. Oswald must uncover a terrible trauma in Frankie's past that is either forgotten or kept secret.

Halle Berry had apparently been trying to get Frankie & Alice produced since the 1990s.  Serious movement began on the film around 2004, apparently, but it was another six years before the film saw even a limited theatrical release.  That was reportedly almost two years after the film had finished production.  That is a shame really, because Frankie & Alice is a good movie.  In this film, Berry gives one of the best performances of her career, one that I think is on par with her Oscar-winning turn in 2001's Monster's Ball.

As a film, Frankie & Alice is not a fancy, big, prestige biographical drama in the tradition of such films as A Beautiful Mind and The King's Speech.  However, it is not quite one of those infamous disease-of-the-week made-for-television movies.  In some ways, the film is similar to a two-actor stage drama, focusing on the characters that Berry and Stellan Skarsgard portray.  Although he delivers a nice performance, Dr. Oswald is not close to Skarsgard's best work, and that is mainly because the character is not that well developed.  The movie gives us glimpses into him, but that is as far as that goes.

Watching the film and trying to follow its story, it is easy to see that eight different writers worked on it over the course of many years.  Frankie & Alice does have a patchwork feel to it.  There are so many other good characters with small roles, like Frankie's mother, Edna (Phylicia Rashad), and sister, Maxine (Chandra Wilson).  These two characters could have enriched both their stories and Frankie's.

Still, Halle Berry, of whom I am a huge fan, is so good here.  She carries this movie in a way that engages the audience with Frankie, but also with the characters, “Genius” and “Alice.”  Quite frankly, Berry should get credit for giving three excellent performances.  Her turn as the troubled and brittle “Alice” is superb; she sells that character as genuine, but she makes you believe that “Alice” could be a menace to Frankie.  Her turn as the sweet, but fearful “Genius” is heartbreaking and borders on brilliant.

Berry does not give one of those showy performances that cries out for an Oscar nomination, which she deserved, but did not get for this film.  She honestly plies her craft as an actor, and delivers a brilliant performance as an artist.  In fact, whatever faults it has, Frankie & Alice is still a quality drama because Berry is at its center delivering stellar work.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, December 19, 2015


NOTES:
2011 Golden Globes, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Halle Berry)

2011 Image Awards:  2 wins: “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” (Halle Berry) and “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture;”  2 nominations: “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture-Theatrical or Television” (Mary King, Jonathan Watters, Cheryl Edwards, Joe Shrapnel, Marko King, and Anna Waterhouse), and “Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture-Theatrical or Television” (Geoffrey Sax)

The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.