Support Leroy on Patreon.
OBIT - From RollingStone: Boxing legend, world icon, and American legend, Muhammad Ali, has died at the age of 74, Friday, June 3, 2016.
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COMICS - From WeGotThisCovered: The title of Warner's "Justice League" movie is "Justice League."
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COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Chris Evans (Captain America) like the idea of Oscar-winner Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. Marvel is reportedly in talks with Larson to play the role.
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COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Marvel Studios may have recovered the film rights to Namor the Sub-Mariner.
From CinemaBlend: and actor Brian Tee has started campaigning to be Namor.
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COMICS - From TheWrap: Bryan Singer, the director of several X-Men movies, wants there to be a Mystique movie. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence currently plays the character.
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OBITS - From YahooSports: Donny Everett, a freshman pitcher for Vanderbilt University, has died at the age of 19, Thursday, June 2, 2016. He apparently drowned while fishing with friends.
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POLITICS - From the LATimes: Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick on the unnecessary atomic bombing of Japan during WWII.
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COMICS - From SlashFilm: Ben Affleck's solo Batman movie will tell an original story.
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MOVIES - From THR: Bill Skarsgard will play "Pennywise the Clown" in the new 2-part film adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
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COMICS - From THR: Warner Bros. has picked Rick Famuyima to replace Seth Grahame-Smith as director of its "Flash" movie. Famuyima earned acclaim for his film, "Dope."
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MUSIC - From YahooNews: Tests show Prince OD'd on opiods.
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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From Slate: Rich white Oklahoma man who shot and killed a Black man while playing deputy sentenced to four years in prison.
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MOVIES - From THR: Indiana man has been accused of killing three people in attacks modeled after the 2013 film, "The Purge."
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MOVIES - From THR: Stefano Sollima named the director of the "Sicario" sequel, which is entitled "Soldado."
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COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Simon Kinberg, one of the problems with the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, talks about what went wrong with the film.
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COMICS - From CBR: Marvel cannot use the classic Avengers villain, Kang, in Marvel movies.
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COMICS - From Variety: Oscar-winner Brie Larson (Room) is the frontrunner to play "Captain Marvel" in the Marvel Studios film of the same name.
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MOVIES - From DarkHorizons: Danish director Susanne Bier has made a shortlist of directors who may helm the next James Bond film. Bier directed "In a Better World," the winner of a "Best Foreign Language Film" Oscar.
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COMICS - From CourtoftheDead: The "Court of the Dead" merchandising line will be a comic book.
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COMICS - From THR: FX orders 8 episodes of "Legion," an X-Men television series.
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COMICS - From ScreenRant: Set photos from "Wolverine 3" reveal that the film may be adapting the popular "Old Man Logan" story from the comic book.
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HARRY POTTER - From BBC: Photos of the actors in the stage play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," have been released. Previews of the show begin June 7, 2016.
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TELEVISION - From YahooCelebrity: The actor Michael Jace, who appeared on the television series, "The Shield," was convicted by a jury of the second degree murder of his wife.
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COMICS - From Collider: The third "Thor" film will integrate the "Planet Hulk" storyline, including the character, The Gamemaster.
COMICS - From JoBlo: A "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" villain is revealed.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Here is the new trailer for the film, "Monster Trucks." Yeah, it's come to this.
Showing posts with label Prince. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prince. Show all posts
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Music Legend, Cultural Icon - Prince is Dead at 57 - A Negromancer Link-o-Rama - Update #56
Support Leroy on Patreon.
Prince Rogers Nelson - June 7, 1958 to April 21, 2016.
From YahooNews: Unidentified officials tells the AP and Minneapolis Star Tribune that Prince died of an overdose of painkillers.
From YahooNews: Details from the 911 audio during the emergency landing of Prince's plane is released.
From NYT: Judith Hill was with Prince on the ill-fated flight in which the plane had to make an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois. She gives her first interview since Prince's death to the New York Times.
From YahooMusic: In the first full week after his death, Prince set records on the Billboard LP charts, even breaking a record set by the Beatles.
From YahooMusic: BET promises a proper tribute to Prince on June 26th.
From CNN: New details about Prince's death. He may have been dead for at least 6 hours before his body was found.
From YahooNews: Former Prince drummer, Kirk Johnson, who was also his best friend, is at the center of the death investigation.
From YahooMusic: Prince's "Yellow Cloud" guitar up for auction.
From YahooCelebrity: Prince's ex-wives, Manuela Testolini and Mayte Garcia, hold a star-studded memorial at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater Los Angeles.
From Heavy: Five things about Carlin Q. Willaims, the federal prisoner who claims to be Prince's son.
From YahooNews: Prince's estate has first paternity claim - a gun runner currently serving time in federal prison in Colorado.
From YahooNews: Warrant concerning Prince's death details Minnesota doctor who provided prescriptions to Prince.
From YahooMusic: Law enforcement officials want to interview Prince's California-based doctor.
From YahooNews: Judge authorizes DNA test of Prince's blood.
From YahooNews: Did a medical call for help concerning Prince get the right response ?
From Billboard: Prince's music sales soar in the wake of his death.
From RollingStone: Matt Taibbi says "Goodbye Prince, you were the best of us.
From YahooNews: Prince's half-brother, Alfred Frank Jackson speaks.
From the BostonGlobe: Prince astonished right to the end.
From YahooNews: Prince's music vault of unreleased music is opened.
From TheWrap: Nashville Sports Anchor Claims He Was Fired for On-Air Prince Tribute
From YahooMusic: The Anatomy of Prince’s Legendary 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Guitar Solo
From TheAtlantic: Prince: Gay Icon, Whether He Wanted to Be or Not
From YahooNews: Because of a lack of a will, a judge has appointed a temporary custodian to temporarily oversee Prince's business interest.
From YahooNews: A judge has sealed a search warrant in connection with Prince's death.
From TheVillageVoice: What some consider to be Prince's best movie, "Sing o' the Times," is not available commercially or legally.
From TheVillageVoice: Former Voice critic, J. Hoberman, really dug "Under the Cherry Moon."
From BuzzFlash: Van Jones beautifully describes Prince's legacy of philanthropy.
From TheDailyBeast: No one will ever compare to Prince.
From TheHollywoodReporter: Legendary Artist Prince Found Dead at 57.
From Variety: Prince found dead at 57.
From YahooMusic: Legendary musician Prince found dead.
From NYT: After Prince was cremated, a small group of his family and friends held a private funeral.
From YahooCelebrity: Sheila E. talks about plans to possibly turn Paisley Park into a museum.
From YahooMusic: There was almost an episode of "The Simpsons" with Prince.
From YahooTV: Here’s Prince's Epic 'SNL' 40th Anniversary After-Party Jam Session
From YahooMusic: Prince apparently loved this sketch about him from "Chappelle's Show."
From YahooNews: Sheena Easton, who collaborated with Prince on "U Got the Look" remembers him.
From YahooNews: Longtime Prince keyboardist, Cassandra Neal, talks about the rumored rivalry with Michael Jackson.
From YahooMusic: "Prince's Lyrics Gave Clues to His Personal Politics"
From YahooMusic: 10 times that Prince nailed it on guitar.
From YahooCelebrity: There will be an autopsy on Prince.
From TheMirror: Who were Prince’s family? Late superstar always surrounded by friends - who were his relatives?
From TheDailyMail: What's in Prince's will?
From YahooMusic: Across the United States, fans gather to celebrate the singer's life and music.
From YahooNews: Inside Prince and Mayte Garcia's Tragic Love Affair: 'They Never Recovered From the Death of Their Son,' Says His Dancer.
From Variety: Hollywood Mourns Prince: ‘A Legend Has Fallen’
From HuffingtonPost: The Top 10 Prince Songs You Need To Listen To
From HuffingtonPost: 5 Stories You Didn't Know About Prince
From YahooMusic: Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake & More React to Prince's Death
From Variety: Why Prince’s Super Bowl Performance, ‘New Girl’ Cameo Proved He Was a God
From Variety: Inside Prince’s Emotional Final Concerts Before His Death.
From THR: Prince: The Story Behind His Name(s)
From THR: 10 words from Prince's dictionary.
From THR: Director Antoine Fuqua: "Prince Was a King" (Guest Column).
From THR: One-time Prince Protege Carmen Electra on His Death: "I Will Always Love Him."
From THR: 'Purple Rain' Exec Recalls Traveling the World With Prince, Late Nights on Mulholland (Guest Column) - former Warner Bros. executive Mark Canton.
Wikipedia page: Prince. Album discography. Single discography.
Prince Rogers Nelson - June 7, 1958 to April 21, 2016.
From YahooNews: Unidentified officials tells the AP and Minneapolis Star Tribune that Prince died of an overdose of painkillers.
From YahooNews: Details from the 911 audio during the emergency landing of Prince's plane is released.
From NYT: Judith Hill was with Prince on the ill-fated flight in which the plane had to make an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois. She gives her first interview since Prince's death to the New York Times.
From YahooMusic: In the first full week after his death, Prince set records on the Billboard LP charts, even breaking a record set by the Beatles.
From YahooMusic: BET promises a proper tribute to Prince on June 26th.
From CNN: New details about Prince's death. He may have been dead for at least 6 hours before his body was found.
From YahooNews: Former Prince drummer, Kirk Johnson, who was also his best friend, is at the center of the death investigation.
From YahooMusic: Prince's "Yellow Cloud" guitar up for auction.
From YahooCelebrity: Prince's ex-wives, Manuela Testolini and Mayte Garcia, hold a star-studded memorial at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater Los Angeles.
From Heavy: Five things about Carlin Q. Willaims, the federal prisoner who claims to be Prince's son.
From YahooNews: Prince's estate has first paternity claim - a gun runner currently serving time in federal prison in Colorado.
From YahooNews: Warrant concerning Prince's death details Minnesota doctor who provided prescriptions to Prince.
From YahooMusic: Law enforcement officials want to interview Prince's California-based doctor.
From YahooNews: Judge authorizes DNA test of Prince's blood.
From YahooNews: Did a medical call for help concerning Prince get the right response ?
From Billboard: Prince's music sales soar in the wake of his death.
From RollingStone: Matt Taibbi says "Goodbye Prince, you were the best of us.
From YahooNews: Prince's half-brother, Alfred Frank Jackson speaks.
From the BostonGlobe: Prince astonished right to the end.
From YahooNews: Prince's music vault of unreleased music is opened.
From TheWrap: Nashville Sports Anchor Claims He Was Fired for On-Air Prince Tribute
From YahooMusic: The Anatomy of Prince’s Legendary 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Guitar Solo
From TheAtlantic: Prince: Gay Icon, Whether He Wanted to Be or Not
From YahooNews: Because of a lack of a will, a judge has appointed a temporary custodian to temporarily oversee Prince's business interest.
From YahooNews: A judge has sealed a search warrant in connection with Prince's death.
From TheVillageVoice: What some consider to be Prince's best movie, "Sing o' the Times," is not available commercially or legally.
From TheVillageVoice: Former Voice critic, J. Hoberman, really dug "Under the Cherry Moon."
From BuzzFlash: Van Jones beautifully describes Prince's legacy of philanthropy.
From TheDailyBeast: No one will ever compare to Prince.
From TheHollywoodReporter: Legendary Artist Prince Found Dead at 57.
From Variety: Prince found dead at 57.
From YahooMusic: Legendary musician Prince found dead.
From NYT: After Prince was cremated, a small group of his family and friends held a private funeral.
From YahooCelebrity: Sheila E. talks about plans to possibly turn Paisley Park into a museum.
From YahooMusic: There was almost an episode of "The Simpsons" with Prince.
From YahooTV: Here’s Prince's Epic 'SNL' 40th Anniversary After-Party Jam Session
From YahooMusic: Prince apparently loved this sketch about him from "Chappelle's Show."
From YahooNews: Sheena Easton, who collaborated with Prince on "U Got the Look" remembers him.
From YahooNews: Longtime Prince keyboardist, Cassandra Neal, talks about the rumored rivalry with Michael Jackson.
From YahooMusic: "Prince's Lyrics Gave Clues to His Personal Politics"
From YahooMusic: 10 times that Prince nailed it on guitar.
From YahooCelebrity: There will be an autopsy on Prince.
From TheMirror: Who were Prince’s family? Late superstar always surrounded by friends - who were his relatives?
From TheDailyMail: What's in Prince's will?
From YahooMusic: Across the United States, fans gather to celebrate the singer's life and music.
From YahooNews: Inside Prince and Mayte Garcia's Tragic Love Affair: 'They Never Recovered From the Death of Their Son,' Says His Dancer.
From Variety: Hollywood Mourns Prince: ‘A Legend Has Fallen’
From HuffingtonPost: The Top 10 Prince Songs You Need To Listen To
From HuffingtonPost: 5 Stories You Didn't Know About Prince
From YahooMusic: Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake & More React to Prince's Death
From Variety: Why Prince’s Super Bowl Performance, ‘New Girl’ Cameo Proved He Was a God
From Variety: Inside Prince’s Emotional Final Concerts Before His Death.
From THR: Prince: The Story Behind His Name(s)
From THR: 10 words from Prince's dictionary.
From THR: Director Antoine Fuqua: "Prince Was a King" (Guest Column).
From THR: One-time Prince Protege Carmen Electra on His Death: "I Will Always Love Him."
From THR: 'Purple Rain' Exec Recalls Traveling the World With Prince, Late Nights on Mulholland (Guest Column) - former Warner Bros. executive Mark Canton.
Wikipedia page: Prince. Album discography. Single discography.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
"Purple Rain" Returns to Theaters, Starting Saturday, April 23rd
Purple Rain to Play at AMC Theatres® Beginning This Weekend Through Thursday
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Immediately after learning of Prince's tragic death on Thursday, AMC Theatres worked with the Warner Bros. distribution team to bring PURPLE RAIN to the big screen.
PURPLE RAIN to play at 87 @amctheatres locations nationwide beginning this weekend. www.amctheatres.com/purple-rain
AMC will pay tribute to the music legend by playing the iconic film at 87 of AMC's locations by this Saturday, April 23 through Thursday, April 28, 2016.
For more information, please visit amctheatres.com/purple-rain.
Below is a list of participating theatres:
Atlanta
AMC North Dekalb Mall 16
AMC Phipps Plaza 14
AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18
Baltimore
AMC White Marsh 16
Baton Rouge
AMC Baton Rouge 16
Boston
AMC Loews Boston Common 19
AMC Liberty Tree Mall 20
AMC Methuen 20
Charlotte
AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
Chicago
AMC 600 North Michigan 9
AMC Naperville 16
AMC South Barrington 30
AMC Schererville 16
Cincinnati
AMC Newport on the Levee 20
Columbus
AMC Easton Town Center 30
AMC Lennox 24
Dallas
AMC Grapevine Mills 30
AMC Mesquite 30
AMC Stonebriar Mall 24
AMC Parks @ Arlington 18
Denver
AMC Highlands Ranch 24
AMC Westminster Promenade 24
Detroit
AMC Forum 30
AMC Great Lakes 25
Hartford
AMC Plainville 20
Houston
AMC Gulf Pointe 30
AMC Studio 30
AMC Willowbrook 24
Indianapolis
AMC Indianapolis 17
Jacksonville
AMC Regency 24
Kansas City
AMC Barrywoods 24
AMC Town Center 20
Los Angeles
AMC Atlantic Times Square 14
AMC Broadway 4
AMC Covina 17
AMC Norwalk 20
AMC Ontario Mills 30
AMC Orange 30 W/IMAX
AMC Promenade 16
AMC Rolling Hills 20
Miami
AMC Aventura Mall 24
Minneapolis
AMC Arbor Lakes 16
AMC Coon Rapids 16
AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18
AMC Inver Grove 16
AMC Rosedale 14
AMC Southdale Center 16
Montgomery
AMC Festival Plaza 16
New Orleans
AMC Elmwood Palace 20
New York
AMC 19th St East 6
AMC Empire 25
AMC Jersey Gardens 20
AMC Kips Bay 15
AMC New Brunswick 18
AMC Palisades 21 And Imax
AMC Stony Brook 17
Norfolk
AMC Hampton 24
Oklahoma City
AMC Quail Springs Mall 24
Omaha
AMC Oak View 24
Orlando
AMC Disney Springs 24
AMC Universal Cineplex 20
Philadelphia
AMC Cherry Hill 24
AMC Hamilton 24
AMC Neshaminy 24
Phoenix
AMC Ahwatukee 24
AMC Arizona Center 24
AMC Westgate 20
Pittsburgh
AMC Waterfront 22
Raleigh
AMC Southpoint 17
Salt Lake City
AMC West Jordan 12
San Diego
AMC Mission Valley 20
San Francisco
AMC Mercado 20
AMC Metreon 16
Seattle
AMC Alderwood 16
AMC Oak Tree 6
Southcenter 16
AMC Pacific Place 11
Spokane
AMC River Park Square 20
St. Louis
AMC Chesterfield 14
AMC West Olive 16
Tallahassee
AMC Tallahassee Mall 20
Tampa
AMC Veterans Expressway 24
AMC Woodlands Square 20
Tulsa
AMC Southroads 20
Washington D.C.
AMC Hoffman 22
AMC MJ Capital Center 12
West Palm
AMC Indian River 24
About AMC Theatres
AMC (NYSE: AMC) is the guest experience leader with 387 locations and 5,426 screens located primarily in the United States. AMC has propelled innovation in the theatrical exhibition industry and continues today by delivering more comfort and convenience, enhanced food & beverage, greater engagement and loyalty, premium sight & sound, and targeted programming. AMC operates the most productive theatres in the country’s top markets, including No. 1 market share in the top three markets (NY, LA, Chicago) http://www.amctheatres.com.
--------------------------
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Immediately after learning of Prince's tragic death on Thursday, AMC Theatres worked with the Warner Bros. distribution team to bring PURPLE RAIN to the big screen.
PURPLE RAIN to play at 87 @amctheatres locations nationwide beginning this weekend. www.amctheatres.com/purple-rain
AMC will pay tribute to the music legend by playing the iconic film at 87 of AMC's locations by this Saturday, April 23 through Thursday, April 28, 2016.
For more information, please visit amctheatres.com/purple-rain.
Below is a list of participating theatres:
Atlanta
AMC North Dekalb Mall 16
AMC Phipps Plaza 14
AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18
Baltimore
AMC White Marsh 16
Baton Rouge
AMC Baton Rouge 16
Boston
AMC Loews Boston Common 19
AMC Liberty Tree Mall 20
AMC Methuen 20
Charlotte
AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
Chicago
AMC 600 North Michigan 9
AMC Naperville 16
AMC South Barrington 30
AMC Schererville 16
Cincinnati
AMC Newport on the Levee 20
Columbus
AMC Easton Town Center 30
AMC Lennox 24
Dallas
AMC Grapevine Mills 30
AMC Mesquite 30
AMC Stonebriar Mall 24
AMC Parks @ Arlington 18
Denver
AMC Highlands Ranch 24
AMC Westminster Promenade 24
Detroit
AMC Forum 30
AMC Great Lakes 25
Hartford
AMC Plainville 20
Houston
AMC Gulf Pointe 30
AMC Studio 30
AMC Willowbrook 24
Indianapolis
AMC Indianapolis 17
Jacksonville
AMC Regency 24
Kansas City
AMC Barrywoods 24
AMC Town Center 20
Los Angeles
AMC Atlantic Times Square 14
AMC Broadway 4
AMC Covina 17
AMC Norwalk 20
AMC Ontario Mills 30
AMC Orange 30 W/IMAX
AMC Promenade 16
AMC Rolling Hills 20
Miami
AMC Aventura Mall 24
Minneapolis
AMC Arbor Lakes 16
AMC Coon Rapids 16
AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18
AMC Inver Grove 16
AMC Rosedale 14
AMC Southdale Center 16
Montgomery
AMC Festival Plaza 16
New Orleans
AMC Elmwood Palace 20
New York
AMC 19th St East 6
AMC Empire 25
AMC Jersey Gardens 20
AMC Kips Bay 15
AMC New Brunswick 18
AMC Palisades 21 And Imax
AMC Stony Brook 17
Norfolk
AMC Hampton 24
Oklahoma City
AMC Quail Springs Mall 24
Omaha
AMC Oak View 24
Orlando
AMC Disney Springs 24
AMC Universal Cineplex 20
Philadelphia
AMC Cherry Hill 24
AMC Hamilton 24
AMC Neshaminy 24
Phoenix
AMC Ahwatukee 24
AMC Arizona Center 24
AMC Westgate 20
Pittsburgh
AMC Waterfront 22
Raleigh
AMC Southpoint 17
Salt Lake City
AMC West Jordan 12
San Diego
AMC Mission Valley 20
San Francisco
AMC Mercado 20
AMC Metreon 16
Seattle
AMC Alderwood 16
AMC Oak Tree 6
Southcenter 16
AMC Pacific Place 11
Spokane
AMC River Park Square 20
St. Louis
AMC Chesterfield 14
AMC West Olive 16
Tallahassee
AMC Tallahassee Mall 20
Tampa
AMC Veterans Expressway 24
AMC Woodlands Square 20
Tulsa
AMC Southroads 20
Washington D.C.
AMC Hoffman 22
AMC MJ Capital Center 12
West Palm
AMC Indian River 24
About AMC Theatres
AMC (NYSE: AMC) is the guest experience leader with 387 locations and 5,426 screens located primarily in the United States. AMC has propelled innovation in the theatrical exhibition industry and continues today by delivering more comfort and convenience, enhanced food & beverage, greater engagement and loyalty, premium sight & sound, and targeted programming. AMC operates the most productive theatres in the country’s top markets, including No. 1 market share in the top three markets (NY, LA, Chicago) http://www.amctheatres.com.
--------------------------
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Televsion Pioneer Dick Clark Dies at 82
Dick Clark, who was best known for hosting the long-running, classical musical variety show, "American Bandstand" and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," died yesterday, Wednesday, April 18, 2012, in Los Angeles, reportedly after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 82 years old. This IMDb news item has the details about Clark's life (such as that he had one older brother who was killed during World War II).
My mother was a huge fan of Bandstand when she was a teenager. Before her family had a TV set at home, she would go to her cousin's house to watch. She told me that she would be stomping through the living room, as she danced to the music. As I child, I made a point to watch the show every Saturday morning. I remember seeing Prince, who made his television debut on Bandstand.
Thanks for the memories and rest in peace, Mr. Clark.
My mother was a huge fan of Bandstand when she was a teenager. Before her family had a TV set at home, she would go to her cousin's house to watch. She told me that she would be stomping through the living room, as she danced to the music. As I child, I made a point to watch the show every Saturday morning. I remember seeing Prince, who made his television debut on Bandstand.
Thanks for the memories and rest in peace, Mr. Clark.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Review: Animated "Happy Feet" Tap Dances to Success
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 246 (of 2006) by Leroy Douresseaux
Happy Feet (2006)
Running time: 108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
MPAA – PG for some mild peril and rude humor
DIRECTOR: George Miller with Warren Coleman and Judy Morris
WRITERS: George Miller, John Collee, Judy Morris, and Warren Coleman
PRODUCERS: Doug Mitchell, George Miller, and Bill Miller
EDITOR: Christian Gazal
SONG: “The Song of the Heart” by Prince
Academy Award winner
ANIMATION/FANTASY/COMEDY
ADVENTURE/ACTION/MUSIC with elements of drama and romance
Starring: (voices) Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Hugo Weaving, Anthony LaPaglia, Johnny A. Sanchez, Carlos Alazraqui, Lombardo Boyar, Jeff Garcia, Steve Irwin, Fat Joe, and E.G. Daily
Happy Feet is the new computer animation feature film from George Miller, the director of two hit movie franchises, Mad Max and Babe. Filled with breathtaking action sequences, impressive tap dancing, and rousing musical numbers, it may be the first computer animated flick that tries to be everything to everyone. Happy Feet’s story is also a bit darker than its “PG” rating would suggest.
Deep in Antarctica, in the land of the Emperor Penguins, a baby penguin named Mumble (E.G. Daily) is born dancing to his own tune – tap dancing. That’s not good; for emperor penguins discover their mates with their Heartsong, which is how Mumble’s parents, his mom Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman) and his dad Memphis (Hugh Jackman, doing a strange Elvis Presley impersonation) met. Mumble can’t sing, and without a Heartsong, he may never find true love.
Later, when he grows up, the adult Mumble (Elijah Wood) still can’t sing, but he’s satisfied with his dancing. Mumble even has one close friend, Gloria (Brittany Murphy), who is the best singer in the land. Although she struggles with what the penguins consider Mumble’s “hippity-hoppity” ways, she has strong feelings for him. Still, that doesn’t keep Noah the Elder (Hugo Weaving), the stern leader of Emperor Land, from banishing Mumble.
Far away from home, Mumble finds himself in the land of the Adelie Penguins, who aren’t nearly as tall as the emperor penguins. Mumble is immediately befriended by the Adelie Posse. Led by gabby Ramon (Robin Williams), the Adelie Posse absorbs Mumble into their group because they’re impressed by Mumble’s tap dancing. With his new friends, Mumble sets out on the epic adventure of lifetime to discover why penguins’ chief food source (fish) is disappearing.
First, the computer animation in Happy Feet is some of the best seen yet, easily rivaling computer animation gold standard, Pixar (Finding Nemo, Cars). The film does have some live action sequences with human actors. The sequences of penguins sliding over ice fields or dodging avalanches, predators (killer whales and seals), and human machinery, are heart stopping, eye-popping, and just simply striking This has to be seen to be believed, because I can’t accurately convey the wonder of what’s on screen.
The story, however, is a jumble of genres, themes, and sub-plots. Happy Feet is an ecological tale about over fishing the penguins feeding grounds. It’s a tale of religious intolerance, dogma, and superstition. Mumble being made an outcast hits on themes of bigotry, discrimination, and narrow-mindedness. The relationship between Mumble and his father Memphis even brings up issues of parental acceptance.
Still, Happy Feet is a fun movie. Between the dizzying action scenes, rousing musical numbers, and the dancing, it’s hard to leave the theatre unhappy. It’s hard to not like that much singing and dancing, especially when the film mixes hit pop songs with modern hip-hop and tap dancing. George Miller used motion capture to record the moves of live dancers, and the penguins were animated over that. Famed American tap dancer Savion Glover provided Mumble’s remarkable and stirring moves.
The voice acting is also notable, especially Elijah Wood as Mumble and Robin Williams doing three roles (Ramon, Lovelace the Guru, and Cletus). While the entire cast is good at bringing the characters to life, Wood simply finds away of standing out as the protagonist, which isn’t necessarily easy; sometimes the voice actor playing the lead character seems lost in the cacophony of the supporting cast (like Brad Pitt in DreamWork’s Sinbad animated flick). Williams’ manic persona is now best suited for voice over work (as it seems tired in live action movies), and his three characters give Happy Feet energy and color.
Happy Feet is fun for the whole family, in spite of its unevenness and how it leaves out crucial details at key moments in the film. The singing, the dancing, and the epic adventure make Happy Feet a happy surprise.
7 of 10
A-
Sunday, December 3, 2006
NOTES:
2007 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Animated Feature Film of the Year” (George Miller)
2007 BAFTA Awards: “Best Animated Feature Film” (George Miller); 1 nomination: “Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music” (John Powell)
2007 Golden Globes: 1 win: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Prince for the song "The Song of the Heart"); 1 nomination: “Best Animated Film”
Happy Feet (2006)
Running time: 108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
MPAA – PG for some mild peril and rude humor
DIRECTOR: George Miller with Warren Coleman and Judy Morris
WRITERS: George Miller, John Collee, Judy Morris, and Warren Coleman
PRODUCERS: Doug Mitchell, George Miller, and Bill Miller
EDITOR: Christian Gazal
SONG: “The Song of the Heart” by Prince
Academy Award winner
ANIMATION/FANTASY/COMEDY
ADVENTURE/ACTION/MUSIC with elements of drama and romance
Starring: (voices) Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Hugo Weaving, Anthony LaPaglia, Johnny A. Sanchez, Carlos Alazraqui, Lombardo Boyar, Jeff Garcia, Steve Irwin, Fat Joe, and E.G. Daily
Happy Feet is the new computer animation feature film from George Miller, the director of two hit movie franchises, Mad Max and Babe. Filled with breathtaking action sequences, impressive tap dancing, and rousing musical numbers, it may be the first computer animated flick that tries to be everything to everyone. Happy Feet’s story is also a bit darker than its “PG” rating would suggest.
Deep in Antarctica, in the land of the Emperor Penguins, a baby penguin named Mumble (E.G. Daily) is born dancing to his own tune – tap dancing. That’s not good; for emperor penguins discover their mates with their Heartsong, which is how Mumble’s parents, his mom Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman) and his dad Memphis (Hugh Jackman, doing a strange Elvis Presley impersonation) met. Mumble can’t sing, and without a Heartsong, he may never find true love.
Later, when he grows up, the adult Mumble (Elijah Wood) still can’t sing, but he’s satisfied with his dancing. Mumble even has one close friend, Gloria (Brittany Murphy), who is the best singer in the land. Although she struggles with what the penguins consider Mumble’s “hippity-hoppity” ways, she has strong feelings for him. Still, that doesn’t keep Noah the Elder (Hugo Weaving), the stern leader of Emperor Land, from banishing Mumble.
Far away from home, Mumble finds himself in the land of the Adelie Penguins, who aren’t nearly as tall as the emperor penguins. Mumble is immediately befriended by the Adelie Posse. Led by gabby Ramon (Robin Williams), the Adelie Posse absorbs Mumble into their group because they’re impressed by Mumble’s tap dancing. With his new friends, Mumble sets out on the epic adventure of lifetime to discover why penguins’ chief food source (fish) is disappearing.
First, the computer animation in Happy Feet is some of the best seen yet, easily rivaling computer animation gold standard, Pixar (Finding Nemo, Cars). The film does have some live action sequences with human actors. The sequences of penguins sliding over ice fields or dodging avalanches, predators (killer whales and seals), and human machinery, are heart stopping, eye-popping, and just simply striking This has to be seen to be believed, because I can’t accurately convey the wonder of what’s on screen.
The story, however, is a jumble of genres, themes, and sub-plots. Happy Feet is an ecological tale about over fishing the penguins feeding grounds. It’s a tale of religious intolerance, dogma, and superstition. Mumble being made an outcast hits on themes of bigotry, discrimination, and narrow-mindedness. The relationship between Mumble and his father Memphis even brings up issues of parental acceptance.
Still, Happy Feet is a fun movie. Between the dizzying action scenes, rousing musical numbers, and the dancing, it’s hard to leave the theatre unhappy. It’s hard to not like that much singing and dancing, especially when the film mixes hit pop songs with modern hip-hop and tap dancing. George Miller used motion capture to record the moves of live dancers, and the penguins were animated over that. Famed American tap dancer Savion Glover provided Mumble’s remarkable and stirring moves.
The voice acting is also notable, especially Elijah Wood as Mumble and Robin Williams doing three roles (Ramon, Lovelace the Guru, and Cletus). While the entire cast is good at bringing the characters to life, Wood simply finds away of standing out as the protagonist, which isn’t necessarily easy; sometimes the voice actor playing the lead character seems lost in the cacophony of the supporting cast (like Brad Pitt in DreamWork’s Sinbad animated flick). Williams’ manic persona is now best suited for voice over work (as it seems tired in live action movies), and his three characters give Happy Feet energy and color.
Happy Feet is fun for the whole family, in spite of its unevenness and how it leaves out crucial details at key moments in the film. The singing, the dancing, and the epic adventure make Happy Feet a happy surprise.
7 of 10
A-
Sunday, December 3, 2006
NOTES:
2007 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Animated Feature Film of the Year” (George Miller)
2007 BAFTA Awards: “Best Animated Feature Film” (George Miller); 1 nomination: “Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music” (John Powell)
2007 Golden Globes: 1 win: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Prince for the song "The Song of the Heart"); 1 nomination: “Best Animated Film”
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