Review: "SING 2" is Full of Feel-Good Magic

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 21 of 2022 (No. 1833) by Leroy Douresseaux

Sing 2 (2021)
Running time:  110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPA – PG for some rude material and mild peril/violence
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Garth Jennings
PRODUCERS:  Janet Healy and Chris Meledandri
EDITOR:  Gregory Perler
COMPOSER:  Joby Talbot

ANIMATION/FANTASY/MUSICAL AND FAMILY/COMEDY

Starring:  (voices) Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Jennifer Saunders, Garth Jennings, Chelsea Peretti, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Offerman, Adam Buxton, Eric Andre, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Bono, Pharrell Williams, Julia Davis, Peter Serafinowicz, and Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze

Sing 2 is a 2021 computer-animated, jukebox musical comedy film written and directed by Garth Jennings and produced by Illumination Entertainment.  It is a sequel to the 2016 animated film, Sing.  In Sing 2, the Moon Theater crew must persuade a media mogul and a reclusive rock star to believe in their new show.

Sing 2 opens some time after the events depicted in Sing.  Buster Moon the koala (Matthew McConaughey) and the rebuilt “Moon Theater” are thriving.  His latest goal is to impress Suki (Chelsea Peretti), a talent scout from Crystal Entertainment in Redshore City, but Suki is definitely not impressed with the stars of the theater.  So Buster leads his troupe:  Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), a housewife and mother of 25 piglets; Gunter (Nick Kroll), the exuberant pig performer who wants to dance as much as he wants to sing; Ash (Scarlett Johansson), the punk-rock porcupine and singer; Johnny (Taron Egerton), the teenage gorilla singer, and Meena (Tori Kelly), the shy teenage elephant singer, to their destiny in Redshore.

Once there, they infiltrate Crystal Tower Theater in order to get an audience with Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), a white wolf and media mogul, but Crystal brushes them off.  Desperate, Buster starts making promises to Crystal.  The first is that he and his troupe can stage a massive space-themed musical, “Out of This World.”  Secondly, Buster says that he can get reclusive rock legend, Clay Calloway (Bono), to be part of his show.

The problem is that Calloway has not been seen in over fifteen years since his wife died.  Buster sends his secretary, Miss Crawly (Garth Jennings), to find him.  After Miss Crawly fails spectacularly, Buster's show is in trouble and his life is on the line with Jimmy Crystal.  Is there anyway or anyone that can save “Out of This World?”

I recently watched the original film, Sing, for the first time.  I found that all the obstacles that Buster and his troupe face in the original were all over the place and overkill, and I did not think that Matthew McConaughey's voice performance amounted to much.  McConaughey is better in Sing 2, but not great.  The conflict and obstacles that Buster and the Moon Theater troupe face are singularly focused or directly related to putting on their sci-fi show, “Out of This World.”

In Sing 2, I find the returning characters to be likable or more likable, perhaps, because I am now more familiar with then.  There are also some excellent new characters.  I hope Letitia Wright's Nooshy, a lynx and a street dancer who teaches Johnny to dance, returns if there is another film in the series.  Porsha Crystal (Halsey), Jimmy's daughter, actually grows as a character in the film.  Bobby Cannavale has a fine old time with his performance as Jimmy Crystal, and noted film director, Spike Jonze, is excellent as Jerry the cat, Jimmy's loyal and groveling assistant.  As Clay Calloway, Bono (of the legendary rock band, U2) doesn't sound like Bono, and his performance is mostly flat.

The film's big musical finale, the actual performance of “Out of This World,” is sweet and lovely, although it is a little over the top.  It is an excellent show-stopper, and serves as a nice send off for Buster Moon and his troupe – on to better things.  I hope that there is a third film in the series.  Watching the endearing Sing 2 reminded me of why I really love watching animated films, especially computer-animated films.  They are the warm cup of cocoa in my life as a movie lover.

7 of 10
A-

Saturday, April 9, 2022


NOTES:
2022 Image Awards (NAACP):  1 win: “Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance-Motion Picture” (Letitia Wright); 2 nominations: “Outstanding Animated Motion Picture” (Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance-Motion Picture” (Eric André)


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "SING" is Animated by Pop Music Hits

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 20 of 2022 (No. 1832) by Leroy Douresseaux

Sing (2016)
Running time:  108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
MPAA – PG for some rude humor and mild peril
DIRECTOR:  Garth Jennings with Christophe Lourdelet
WRITER:  Garth Jennings
PRODUCERS:  Janet Healy and Chris Meledandri
EDITOR:  Gregory Perler
COMPOSER:  Joby Talbot

ANIMATION/FANTASY/MUSICAL AND FAMILY/COMEDY

Starring:  Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Saunders, Garth Jennings, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Kroll, Leslie Jones, Rhea Perlman, Beck Bennett, Jay Pharoah, Nick Offerman, Laraine Newman, Wes Anderson, and Jennifer Hudson

Sing is a 2016 computer-animated, jukebox musical comedy film written and directed by Garth Jennings and produced by Illumination Entertainment.  The film focuses on a struggling theater owner who holds a singing competition to save his theater.

Sing is set in a city (Calatonia) inhabited by anthropomorphic (humanoid) animals.  The film introduces Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), a koala who owns the “Moon Theater.”  The theater is struggling, and Judith (Rhea Perlman), a brown llama who represents Buster's bank, is threatening the theater with foreclosure.  In a bid to get people interested in the theater, Buster decides to hold a singing competition with a prize of $1,000 going to the winner.  However, Buster's secretary, Miss Crawly (Garth Jennings), an elderly iguana, accidentally creates a typo that adds two extra zeros to the prize money.  The misprinted fliers for the competition, which declare a $100,000 prize, are also accidentally blown all over the city.

Soon, animals are lined up in front of the theater for the competition's open audition, but Buster only chooses a select few to participate in the singing competition.  There is Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), a housewife and mother of 25 piglets.  She is paired with another pig, Gunter (Nick Kroll), an exuberant performer who wants to dance as much as he sings.  Ash (Scarlett Johansson) is a punk-rock porcupine and singer who is trying to find her voice as a songwriter.

Johnny (Taron Egerton) is a singer and teenage gorilla, but he is also reluctantly part of his father, Big Daddy's (Peter Serafinowicz) gang of thieves.  Mike (Seth MacFarlane) is a white mouse who is a street musician and singer of swing music.  Meena (Tori Kelly), a teenage elephant, could be a contestant, but she has terrible stage fright.  Can Buster and his friend, Eddie Noodleman (John C. Reilly), a sheep, bring everyone together and save the theater before financial doom sinks them all?

The Hollywood film industry, sometimes called a “dream factory,” has consistently been pedaling fantasies in which plucky underdogs overcome obstacles in order to achieve something positive, which provides the audience with a happy ending.  Some films pile trials and tribulations, errors, failures, and misfortune upon the hero and supporting characters so much so that it often strains credulity.  The idea seems to be that the more the underdog has to overcome, the greater the pay off for the audience when the underdog wins in the end.

That is Sing in the proverbial movie nutshell.  I found it rather tiresome.  Poor old Buster Moon suffers so much failure, most of it brought upon him by his own actions, that it made Buster less sympathetic to me.  Buster is a plucky theater owner.  He is also such a con artist that it is hard to imagine him as much more than a loser, which is what most people would call him.  It did not help that I found Matthew McConaughey all wrong as the voice of Buster.

For me, there are a couple of things that enhance Sing.  First is Seth MacFarlane, who is best known for the Fox Network's long-running, prime time animated television sitcom, “Family Guy.”  Initially, I did not recognize his voice as Mike the white mouse, but when I did, it made sense to me.  MacFarlane is a genius at voice acting in both live-action and animated productions.  He can sing the heck out of big band and swing music standards, and as Mike, he steals most of the scenes in which the character appears.  Seth certainly makes a case for a Mike solo movie.

Second, I also initially did not realize that Scarlett Johansson was the voice of Ash, the punk-rock porcupine.  Johansson gives a voice performance full of texture, emotion, and personality, and when Ash sings, Johansson kills it.  [Johannson has released one solo album and an album recorded with Pete Yorn].  I spent most of movie wanting for her to be back on screen.  I'm one vote for an Ash movie.

Finally, the third thing that saves this film is the last 20 minutes.  Most of Sing's characters are caricatures and character types, as pleasant as they may be.  However, all the characters (except Buster) shine in the film's riveting, song-filled final 20 minutes.  This rousing songfest even offers a thrilling jail break and a crazy car chase.  I avoided Sing for years, and I am not really interested in singing competitions, in general.  I only really watched it because I am going to watch and review its recent sequel, Sing 2.  However, MacFarlane, Johansson, and the show-stopping finale made me glad I watched Sing.  I like animated movies – even the ones that are not Pixar-great.

6 of 10
B

Saturday, April 2, 2022


NOTES:
2017 Golden Globes, USA:  2 nominations: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Ryan Tedder, Stevie Wonder, and Francis and the Lights for the song, “Faith”) and “Best Motion Picture – Animated”


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#28DaysofBlack Review: "A WRINKLE IN TIME" is Wonderfully Weird

 

[I imagine that The Walt Disney Company had to make “A Wrinkle in Time” an accounting write-off.  The film under-performed at the box office, which is a shame.  It is one of the most original science fiction and fantasy films of the 21st century.  I also honestly believe that this film is such a unique vision because it was directed by an African-American woman, Ava DuVernay.]

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 18 of 2021 (No. 1756) by Leroy Douresseaux

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Running time:  109 minutes (1 hour, 49 minutes)
MPAA – PG for thematic elements and some peril
DIRECTOR:  Ava DuVernay
WRITERS:  Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell (based on the novel by Madeleine L'Engle)
PRODUCERS:  Catherine Hand and Jim Whitaker
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Tobias Schliessler (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Spencer Averick
COMPOSER:  Ramin Djawadi

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ADVENTURE/FAMILY/DRAMA

Starring:  Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Chris Pine, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Pena, Andre Holland, Rowan Blanchard, and David Oyelowo

A Wrinkle in Time is a 2018 science fiction and fantasy-adventure film directed by Ava DuVernay.  The film is based on Madeleine L'Engle's 1962, A Wrinkle in Time, the first book in her “Time Quintet” series.  A Wrinkle in Time the movie follows a young girl, her brother, and a school friend as they set off on a quest across the universe to find the girl's missing father.

A Wrinkle in Time introduces 13-year-old Meg Murry (Storm Reid).  She continues to struggle to adjust at school four years after the disappearance of her father, Alex Murry (Chris Pine), a renowned astrophysicist.  Meg and her gifted younger brother, Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), have also been in trouble with their school's Principal Jenkins (Andre Holland).  Even their mother, Dr. Kate Murry (Gugu Mbatah-Raw), struggles in the wake of the disappearance of her husband.  However, Meg has made a new friend, her classmate, Calvin O'Keefe (Levi Miller).

Then, the Murrys and Calvin start to get unusual visitors.  They call themselves “the Misses.”  They are Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling), a trio of astral beings who claim that the “tesseract,” a method of space travel that Alex Murry was studying, is real.  These astral travelers reveal that they have come to help find Alex, who has transported himself across the universe.  They need Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin's help, and they need them to be “warriors.”  However, Meg doubts her own abilities and really doesn't like herself all that much, and that will make her vulnerable to the powerful enemy that awaits them, “The IT.”

The cinematography by Tobias A. Schliessler, the costume design by Paco Delgado, and the production design by Naomi Shohan come together to create one of the most visually beautiful science fiction films that I have seen in a decade.  The film editing by Spencer Averick and the gorgeous score by Ramin Djawadi make that beauty move and feel vibrant, creating a film like no other.

Beyond the high production values, director Ava DuVernay has fashioned a big-hearted film that is one of the most ambitious science fiction and fantasy films in recent memory.  I have never read Madeleine L'Engle's now legendary novel, so I assume that screenwriters Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell (and any other writers that contributed to the final product) condensed the character drama in order to focus on Meg Murry.  However, DuVernay and the writers, through Meg, tell a story in which love and imagination and determination and fortitude can send humans on a voyage that traverses not only our galaxy, but also the universe.

Young actress Storm Reid as Meg Murry is poignant and engaging as the young hero who must learn to both love and accept herself and to believe in herself.  Her teen (or 'tween) struggles seem honest and genuine.  In a movie full of offbeat performances of odd characters, Reid makes Meg seem solid and the driving force of this narrative.

Young Deric McCabe seems supernaturally self-assured as Charles Lawrence Murry, making the young brother an important counterpart to Meg.  Levi Miller is a pleasant addition as Calvin O'Keefe whose main role is to believe in Meg even when she doesn't believe in herself, but the story also gives Calvin his own poignant journey.

I get why adults, especially film critics, had mixed feelings about the film.  I think young viewers will get it, and this film adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time is important because Ava DuVernay, once again, reinvents what a black female can be on screen in a Hollywood film.  A Wrinkle in Time may be a fantasy film dressed in the many multi-colored robes of science fiction, but this film introduces new kinds of warriors in service of the universe.  And one of those new colors is a young black girl, and that makes A Wrinkle in Time an exceptional film for this time.

9 of 10
A+

Monday, February 22, 2021


2019  Black Reel Awards”  3 nominations: “Outstanding Cinematography” (Tobias A. Schliessler), “Outstanding Costume Design” (Paco Delgado), and “Outstanding Production Design” (Naomi Shohan)


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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Apple TV+ Celebrates Golden Globe Noms for "The Morning Show"

Apple Makes History with Multiple Golden Globe Nominations for “The Morning Show”

Apple TV+ Becomes First Streaming Service to Earn Nominations in its Launch Year

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apple® received its first-ever Golden Globe nominations from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), including Best Television Series, Drama, for Apple’s global hit “The Morning Show” and dual nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama, for “The Morning Show” stars and executive producers Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. The awards will be presented at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020.

    “A huge thank you to Apple TV+ for their incredible partnership and the remarkable cast and crew, who I’m honored to share this nomination with.”

With the nominations for “The Morning Show," Apple TV+ became the first streaming platform to receive recognition from the HFPA in its launch year, with the service launching only one month ago. These are also the first drama TV actress nominations for both Aniston and Witherspoon. Aniston is now only the fourth person in history to receive Golden Globe nominations for both TV Comedy and Drama, Lead Actress.

The multiple nominations received by Apple this morning include:

• Best TV Series - Drama - “The Morning Show”
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama - Jennifer Aniston in “The Morning Show”
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama - Reese Witherspoon in “The Morning Show”

“Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for today’s historic nominations,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “After the debut of Apple TV+ just last month, today’s nominations are a true testament to the powerful storytelling that went into ‘The Morning Show,’ as well as all of our Apple Originals.”

“‘The Morning Show’ is resonating with audiences all around the world and today’s recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association further reinforces how timely and special this series is,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video. “Congrats to Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Ellenberg, Kerry Ehrin, Mimi Leder and the unparalleled cast and creative minds behind this project. We cannot wait to continue exploring the world of ‘The Morning Show’ into season two.”

“I'm incredibly proud that the show was nominated, and it’s so rewarding to see the hard work and talent of Reese and Jen recognized,” said Kerry Ehrin, executive producer and showrunner of “The Morning Show.” “Mimi, Michael and I could not be more delighted and grateful to the HFPA for this honor, and to Apple for all their support.”

“What a beautiful morning for ‘The Morning Show!’ Feeling grateful to be able to bring this story to light alongside a most brilliant group of artists — our cast and crew who worked passionately from their hearts and souls to continue the conversation of power, greed and toxicity in the workplace,” said Mimi Leder, director and executive producer of “The Morning Show.” “It is an important time, and a privilege, to be able to tell stories and create art that reflects the times we are living in. Thank you HFPA for this incredible honor and for also recognizing Jennifer and Reese. Working with them is a dream come true. Kerry, Michael and I are blown away!”

“I am so grateful to the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for recognizing ‘The Morning Show’ and Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s outstanding performances,” said Michael Ellenberg, executive producer of “The Morning Show.” “A huge thank you to Apple TV+ for their incredible partnership and the remarkable cast and crew, who I’m honored to share this nomination with.”

Customers can watch “The Morning Show” exclusively on Apple TV+ on the Apple TV® app, with new episodes premiering worldwide every Friday. The season finale premieres Friday, December 20, 2019.

“The Morning Show” explores the cutthroat world of morning news and the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning. Told through the lens of two complicated women working to navigate the minefield of high-octane jobs while facing crises in both their personal and professional lives, “The Morning Show” is an unapologetically candid drama that looks at the power dynamics between women and men, and women and women, in the workplace. The series is executive produced by Michael Ellenberg through Media Res, which also serves as the studio, along with Jennifer Aniston and Kristin Hahn through Echo Films; Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter through Hello Sunshine; and Mimi Leder, who also directs several episodes. The series is developed by Kerry Ehrin, who serves as showrunner and is an executive producer.

Apple TV+ is now available on the Apple TV app on iPhone®, iPad®, Apple TV, iPod touch®, Mac®, as well as select Samsung smart TVs, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices and at https://tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free.

$4.99/month after free trial. One subscription per Family Sharing group. Offer good for three months after eligible device activation. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. Visit https://www.apple.com/promo/ for more information.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

© 2019 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 8th to 14th, 2018 - Update #18

Support Leroy on Patreon:

MOVIES - From THR: Scarlet Johansson drops out of playing trans character after backlash.

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EMMYS - From YahooET:  Sandra Oh becomes the first woman of Asian descent to be nominated in a lead actress category, either comedy or drama, at the Emmys.  She has been nominated for her role in the series, "Killing Eve."  The 70th / 2018 Emmy Award winners will be announced, Monday, Sept. 17th.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Chadwick Boseman will produce and star in STXfilms  "17 Bridges."

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MOVIES - From DreadCentral:  The bloom has steadily degraded on Neill Blomkamp's rose with each film succeeding his stunning debut, "District 9."  After the cancellation of his "Aliens" revival, Blomkamp is now attached to MGM's "Robocop" revival.

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TELEVISION - From YahooTheWrap:  Angela Kang, the new showrunner for "The Walking Dead" talks about Season 9.

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SCANDAL - From ThePlaylist:  New sexual assault allegations have been levied against French director and filmmaker, Luc Besson.

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CELEBRITY - From TIME:  Sarah Palin apparently got punked by Sacha Baron Cohen in an interview.

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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct:  Ava DuVernay's Netflix 'Central Park Five' Limited Series Casts Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga And John Leguizamo

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COMICS-FILM - From SlashFilm:  Joaquin Phoenix apparently has really agreed to play "The Joker" in a film based on the antics of Batman's arch-villain.

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CELEBRITY - From TheWrap:  Shine with Reese Witherspoon.

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DISNEY - From JoBlo:   "Indiana Jones 5" has been moved to 2021.

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COMICS-FILM - From TheWrap:  A source says that Jeremy Renner has joined Blumhouse's film, "Spawn," which will star Jamie Foxx and is being directed by Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/6 to 7/8/2018 weekend box office was Disney/Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man and the Wasp" with an estimated take of $76 million.

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CELEBRITY - From Variety:  "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot visits a children's hospital dressed as Wonder Woman."

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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool:  Margot Robbie confirms that the Warner Bros./DC Comics film, "Birds of Prey," starts shooting in January 2018.

OBITS:

From YahooEntertainment:  Nancy Sinatra Sr. has died at the age of 101, Friday, July 13, 2018.  Sinatra was the first of legendary singer/actor, the late Frank Sinatra's four wives.  Nancy gave birth to Frank's three children, Nancy Jr., Frank Jr. (who died in 2016), and Tina.

From THR:  The actor Roger Perry has died at the age of 85, Thursday, July 12, 2018.  Perry was a guest star in the first season episode, "Tomorrow is Yesterday" in the original "Star Trek."  Perry played a 1960s Air Force pilot who finds himself aboard the USS Enterprise.  Discovered by Lucille Ball, Perry appeared as an actor and guest in numerous television series.

From Variety:  Actor, singer, and gay icon, Tab Hunter, has died at the age of 86, Sunday, July 8, 2018.  One of Hollywood's leading men in the 1950s, Hunter appeared in "Damn Yankees" and "Battle Cry."  He had a #1 pop single, "Young Love," in 1957.  In the 1980s, he experienced a career revival after appearing in John Water's film, "Polyester" (1981).  He came out as gay in the biography, "Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star" (2005).

From SeattleTimes:   Former NBA player, Lonnie Shelton, has died at the age of 62, Sunday, July 8, 2018.  Shelton was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1976 out of Oregon State University.  In his first season with the Seattle SuperSonics, Shelton was the starting power forward and enforcer on the Sonics 1978-79 NBA World Championship team.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 5th to 11th, 2017 - Update #38

Support Leroy on Patreon.

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:   Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok" set to rule the box office for a second straight weekend.

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SCANDAL - From Variety:   Louis C.K. performed a voice in the hit film, "The Secret Life of Pets," but he has been dropped from the sequel follow accusations of and his admission to sexual misconduct.

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POLITICS - From Newsweek:  Danica Roem becomes Virginia's first transgender state lawmaker, and she beat the sponsor of an anti-transgender bathroom bill to win.

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SCANDAL - From THR:  Hollywood lawyers up - Hollywood attorneys say that they are getting calls from the accused and accusers in light of the scandals involving Hollywood men being accused of sexual misconduct.

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MUSIC From XXL:  Eminem releases a new single, "Walk on Water," and Beyonce sings the hook.

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SCANDAL - From TheNYTimes:  Louis CK admits to the sexual abuse allegations against him.

From THR:  FX cuts ties with Louis CK.  He was producing four shows with the cable net and was the star of its Emmy-winning series, "Louie."

From THR:  Indie film distributor, The Orchard, has dropped its distribution of Louis C.K.'s directorial debut, "I Love You, Daddy."

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WAR - From teleSUR:  Since 9/11, the United States has spent $4.3 TRILLION on wars in Asia and the Middle East.

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POLITICS - From RSN:  The voters of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania may have made a big move in ending mass incarceration with their recent choice for district attorney.

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STAR TREK - From TheWrap:  CBS All Access has announced that "Star Trek: Discovery" Chapter 2 begins January 7, 2018.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther, Creed) will make his directorial debut with a film adaptation of the novel, "The Stars Beneath Our Feet."

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STREAMING - From TheWrap:  Apple is investing a billion dollars in producing original content. It has given Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston's untitled TV drama a two-season straight-to-order series.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Damn, Ridley Scott is the man!  He has replaced in Kevin Spacey in his film, "All the Money in the World."  Get this: the movie was finished filming and was scheduled for release in time for Christmas.  Now, Scott will re-shoot Spacey's scenes with his original choice for his the role of J. Paul Getty, Christopher Plummer.

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SCANDAL - From TheWrap:  Amazon now investigating a sexual harassment claim against Emmy-winning actor, Jeffrey Tambor.

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POLITICS - From Politico:  Apparently, Time-Warner will have to dump CNN or all the Turner Broadcasting properties in order to get President Trump's Department of Justice to approve Time-Warner's merger with AT&T.

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STREAMING - From TheWrap:  Grammy-winning hip-hop artist and rapper, Drake, LeBron James' business partners, Maverick Carter and Jamal Henderson, are helping to revive the British drug-dealer TV drama, "Top Boy," for Netflix.  The original stars and creative team will return.

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COMICS-FILM - From DeadlineTV:  Amazon has given a green light to the superhero drama based on the comic book, "The Boys."  Seth Rogen and his partner, Evan Goldberg, are involved.

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BLM - From YahooNews:   "That's how people like you get shot," a white male teacher in former slave state Georgia told a black male student.

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COMICS-FILM - From QuartzMedia:  Marvel takes Hollywood.

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TELEVISION - From BleeedingCool:  Woody McClain played Bobby Brown in BET's miniseries, "The New Edition Story."  McClain will reprise the role in BET's two-part miniseries, "The Bobby Brown Story."

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HEALTH - From TheHill:  Open enrollment for ObamaCare surges to record level in the early days of the sign-up, despite the roadblocks that President Clownface... I mean... President Trump placed in front of healthcare.

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POLITICS - From TheGuardian:  Read "The Guardian's" series, "The Paradise Papers."

From TheGuardian:  Senator Bernie sanders warns of an "international oligarchy" after the release of "the Paradise Papers."

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CULTURE - From BuzzFlash:  "Jeff Bezos wants the keys to your house" by Jim Hightower

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MEDIA - From Deadline:  In the possible Fox-Disney deal (which could be worth $20 billion), content is the weapon of choice.

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SCANDAL - From Variety:  In the wake of the sexual allegations scandal involving Kevin Spacey, Sony Pictures is pulling Spacey's upcoming film, "All the Money in the World," out of the AFI Fest.  Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is about the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III.

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COMICS-FILM - From THR:  Asher Angel, one of the stars of Disney Channel's "Andi Mack," will play Billy Batson, opposite Shazam, who will be played by Zachary Levi.

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COMICS-FILM - From ScreenRant:  Marvel Cinematic Universe rumors - confirmed and otherwise.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 11/3 to 11/6/2017 weekend box office is "Thor: Ragnarok" with an estimated take of $121 million.

From Variety:  "Thor: Ragnarok" puts an emphatic end to the month-long box office slump.

From CNNMoney:  "Thor: Ragnarok" is Marvel Studios' 17th film to open at #1 in weekend box office.

From YahooEntertainment:  "Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi and two of the film's star, Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) surprised movie goers at a Los Angeles showing of the film.

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POLITICS - From NBCNews:  During the 2016 Republican National Convention, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn led the crowd to chants of "Lock her up! Lock her up!"  Now, he may be facing criminal charges from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential elections.

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BLM - From Truthout:  St. Louis is still rising up against police violence, although the national new media mostly ignores it.

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COMICS-FILM - From Mashable:  After the first 50 reviews, "Thor: Ragnarok" stands as the best-reviewed superhero movie of all time, but it is still early in the process.

----------
SCANDAL - From Indiewire:  The New York City Police Department is reportedly gathering evidence to arrest Harvey Weinstein on a rape charge, and the department believes it has a "credible rape allegation."

----------
INTERNATIONAL - From YahooFinance:  Dozens of Saudi princes have been arrested in sweeping corruption probe.

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CULTURE - From TheRoot:  "The Culture of Male Silence: Men Treat Sexual Assault Like America Treats White Supremacy" by Michael Harriot

OBITS:

From THR:  The actor John Hillerman has died at the age of 84, Thursday, November 9, 2017.  He was best known for playing the snooty caretaker, Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, on "Magnum P.I," for which he won an Emmy Awards in 1987.  Fans of Mel Brooks will also remember Hillerman as "Howard Johnson" in "Blazing Saddles."

From THR:  A "Bond girl" has died.  German actress Karin Dor has died at the age of 79, Monday, November 6, 2017.  Dor played Helga Brandt (SPECTRE Agent No. 11) in the 1967 James Bond film, "You Only Live Twice."

From YahooSports:  Former Major League Baseball pitcher, Roy Halladay, has died at the age of 40, Tuesday, November 7, 2017.  Halladay was killed after his plane crashed in the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday afternoon.  He was a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner.  His pitched the 20th perfect game in MLB history on May 29th, 2010.  He also pitched only the second postseason (playoff) no-hitter in MLB history on Oct. 6th, 2010.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 1st to 10th, 2016 - Update #39

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From Variety:  At the Toronto International Film Festival, "Birth of a Nation" debuts with a standing ovation, in spite of the ongoing controversy about its director.  Cause it's time to move on.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Natalie Portman as First Lady Jackie Kennedy is all the buzz at Toronto.

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GREED - From Money:  5300 Wells Fargo employees fired in massive fake account scam against customers.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Vin Diesel developing a "first responders" drama for NBC.

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MOVIES - From TheVillageVoice:  Charles Burnett's "To Sleep with Anger" reawakens.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Meryl Streep and J.J. Abrams come together for the TV project, "The Nix."

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Universal and Focus Features wins the rights to Paul Thomas Anderson's next film, which will reunite him with Daniel Day-Lewis.

----------
ECO - From EcoWatch:  Leonardo DiCaprio and three stars from the "Justice League" movie, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher, join the protest against the "Dakota Access" pipeline.

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OBIT - From Variety:  The drag icon, "The Lady Chablis" has died Thursday, September 8, 2016.  She appeared in John Berendt's bestselling novel, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and also in Clint Eastwood's 1997 film adaptation of the novel.  Her age is unknown.

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MOVIES - From HitFix:  Apparently, "The Crow" reboot is moving forward, maybe with Jason Momoa in the lead.  I think the whole thing is a bad idea.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Johnny Depp to headline a thriller about the murders of rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling in talks to join "A Wrinkle in Time," to be directed by Ava DuVernay.

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TELEVISION - From RSN:  Fox News has settled with Gretchen Carlson in her sexual harassment suit against super-predator Roger Ailes.

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OBIT - From Variety:  The prolific TV director, Leslie H. Martinson, has died at the age of 101, Saturday, September 3, 2016.  He directed over 100 episodes of various TV series, but he is best known for directing the 1966 film, "Batman: The Movie."

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COMICS-FILM - From BleedingCool:  Set photos from "Spider-Man: Homecoming" may reveal the villain, "The Shocker."

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COMICS-FILM - From ETCanada:  Chadwick Boseman says "Black Panther" to be grittier than other Marvel movies.

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OBIT - From Variety:  The actor Hugh O'Brian has died at the age of 91, Monday, September 5, 2016.  He was best known for playing the lead in the popular ABC Western television series, "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (1955-61).

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CULTURE - From TheDailyBeast:  Nativists/racists attack Chobani for hiring Muslim refugees.

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DA LORD - From NPR:  Mother Teresa is now a saint.

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TELEVISION - From HitFix:  A look at the Ava DuVernay-created, Oprah Winfrey produced family drama, "Queen Sugar."

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JAMES BOND - From Indiewire:  Sony reportedly throws big money at Daniel Craig to return as James Bond for two more films, while the studio and Bond bosses prepare a transition for a younger, longer term successor.

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TELEVISION -  From EW:  Get a first look at "Ghost Rider" from "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

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OBIT - From YahooMusic:  Jerry Heller once managed seminal rap group, N.W.A.  He died at the age of 75 on Friday, September 2, 2016.  Heller's attorney says the N.W.A. biopic, "Straight Outta Compton," caused Heller's death.

From Uproxx:  Jerry Heller, of Ruthless Records and N.W.A., has died.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the three-day Labor Day 2016 weekend (9/2 to 9/4/2016) is "Don't Breathe" with an estimated take of $15.7 million.  The four-day weekend result will be released tomorrow.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Clint Eastwood's biopic, "Sully," gets a standing ovation at the Telluride Film Festival.  Eastwood had a relatively tough time getting it made.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson gives first look at his "Jumanji" character, "The Smoldering Dr. Bravestone."

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MOVIES - From YahooCelebrity:  Gabby Sidibe's has lot a LOT of weight.

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MOVIES - From SlashFilm:  Why didn't the "Saints Row" film happen?

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CULTURE - From TheGuardian:  Comedian and actor Leslie Jones continues to face intense racism.

----------
OBIT - From TheAVClub:  The actor Jon Polito has died at the age of 65, Thursday, September 1, 2016.  He had a long and prolific career.  He played cops and was a favorite of the Coen Brothers, appearing in "Miller's Crossing" and "The Big Lebowski" to name a few.

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SPORTS - From RSN:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on those who insult Colin Kaepernick.

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SPORTS - From YahooNews:  When college football player, Travis Rudolph, sat at a lunchroom table with a lonely autistic boy named Bo Paske, it started a sensation.

From YahooSports:  Bo said it was like sitting on rainbows.

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MOVIES - From YahooNews:  For its DVD release, Paul Feig's all-female Ghostbusters reboot gets a new title, "Ghostbusters: Answer the Call."

----------
MEDIA - From YahooFinance:  Disney is a diversified media empire and is more than just Mickey Mouse, of course.

----------
COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is currently producing four comic books that re-imagine various characters from classic Hanna-Barbera animated television series.  "The Jetsons" will be getting the re-imagination treatment.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Fox Searchlight and Nate Parker will hold a press conference at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival for "The Birth of a Nation." Parker continues to deal with the controversy concerning a rape allegation from 17 (!) years ago.

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SPORTS - From YahooTV:  NFL executives and front office people boldly proclaim how much the hate Colin Kaepernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, for not standing for the National Anthem.  But they do so by keeping their names off the record.  Both the NFL officials and the reporter and his media outlet are cowards.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  First trailer for "Underworld: Blood Wars." 'Bout time.

From YouTube:  "Morgan" opens today.  See her go from beautiful child to killer.

From YouTube:  "Kubo and the Two Strings" offers a time-lapse clip from the making of the film.

Second Wave of 2016 Oscar Presenters Announced

THE ACADEMY ANNOUNCES SECOND SLATE OF PRESENTERS FOR 88TH OSCARS®

Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today the second slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016 on ABC. 

The presenters, including Oscar winners and nominees, are:

Steve Carell
Priyanka Chopra
Quincy Jones
Byung-hun Lee
Jared Leto
Julianne Moore
Olivia Munn
Margot Robbie
Jason Segel
Andy Serkis
J.K. Simmons
Kerry Washington
Reese Witherspoon

These artists have enriched the international moviegoing experience with a range of memorable work from the comic to the profound,” Hudlin and Hill said. “In the process, they have won over millions of fans, and we count ourselves among them.”

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 1st to 5th, 2015 - Update #18

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Deadline:  "Trainspotting" sequel lands at TriStar, with original principal cast returning.

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From TheWrap:  T.I., Mekhi Phifer, and James Purefoy join A&E's "Roots" miniseries.

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From YahooMusic:  Coldplay may do the Super Bowl 50 halftime show in Feb. 2016.

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From ThePlaylist:  Steven Spielberg does not think that Indiana Jones will ever be recast.

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From TVLine:  New episodes of "Samurai Jack" for 2016; article has a short teaser video.

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From ThePlaylist:   The 15-film shortlist for the "Best Documentary" Oscar is out, and the Kurt Cobain doc, "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck" did not make it.

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From Vulture:  Reese Witherspoon is developing a biopic about Ruth Handler, the creator of the Barbie doll.  Unfortunately, Witherspoon is not playing Barbie.

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From Variety:  Helen Mirren in talks to join Will Smith in new drama.

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From Deadline:  Fox is developing "Rambo: New Blood," a series which would focus Sylvester Stallone's "John Rambo" and his son.  Stallone would at least executive produce the series.

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From YahooNews:  Lupita Nyong'o recalls being Ralph Fiennes assistant on "The Constant Gardner."


HARD NEWS:

From RSN:  On Dec. 4th, remember Fred Hampton of the Black Panters.

From the NYTimes:  The children left behind after mass shootings.

From YahooNews:  An Iraqi War veteran among those killed by the White terrorist who attacked Planned Parenthood in Colorado.


STAR WARS:


From YahooNews:  Chinese poster for "The Force Awakens" has some noticeable changes from other posters.

---------------
From YahooTV:  J.J. checks people complaining about "Black stormtroopers."


COMICS - Films and Books:

From Variety:  Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) in talks to direct Marvel's "Black Panther."

---------------
From CinemaBlend:  Robert Downey, Jr. confirms Spider-Man in "Captain America: Civil War."

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From TheWrap:  5 things about Black Panther.


TRAILERS:

From DCComics:  The new "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" trailer.  And it is quite good.


OBIT:

From Variety:  The actor, Robert Loggia, died today (Friday, December 4, 2015) at the age of 85.  He appeared in such films as "Big," "Independence Day," and "Scarface," among many.  He earned a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his role in the film, "Jagged Edge."

Julianne Moore Wins Lead Actress Oscar for "Still Alice"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:

Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night”
Felicity Jones in “The Theory of Everything”
Julianne Moore in “Still Alice” WINNER
Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl”
Reese Witherspoon in “Wild”

Oprah Winfey, Benedict Cumberbatch Among Oscar Nominee Presenters at 87th Oscars

Oscar® Nominees Cotillard, Cumberbatch, Streep, Winfrey And Witherspoon To Present At 87th Oscars®

Oscar® nominees Marion Cotillard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon will be presenters at this year’s Oscars®, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.

Cotillard is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role for “Two Days, One Night.” She previously won an Oscar in this category for the 2007 film “La Vie en Rose.”

Cumberbatch is nominated for Actor in a Leading Role for “The Imitation Game.”

Streep earned a record 19th acting nomination this year for her supporting role in “Into the Woods.” She previously took home Oscars for her lead performances in “Sophie’s Choice” (1982) and “The Iron Lady” (2011), and her supporting performance in “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979). Streep’s previous Best Actress nominations were for “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” (1981), “Silkwood” (1983), “Out of Africa” (1985), “Ironweed” (1987), “A Cry in the Dark” (1988), “Postcards from the Edge” (1990), “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995), “One True Thing” (1998), “Music of the Heart” (1999), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “Doubt” (2008), “Julie & Julia” (2009) and “August: Osage County” (2013). She also received Best Supporting Actress nominations for “The Deer Hunter” (1978) and “Adaptation” (2002).

Winfrey is nominated for Best Picture as one of the producers of “Selma.” She was previously nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role for “The Color Purple” (1985). She received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2011.

Witherspoon is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role for “Wild.” She previously won an Oscar in this category for the 2005 movie “Walk the Line.”

The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Las Vegas Film Critics Name "Birdman" Best Picture of 2014

The Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) is a non-profit organization that describes itself as “progressive” and “dedicated to the advancement and preservation of film.”  The LVFCS membership is comprised of “select” print, television and internet film critics in the Las Vegas area. The LVFCS presents its "Sierra" awards each year for the best in film, including The William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named for the late Academy Award winning actor.

2014 Sierra Award winners:

Best Picture
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Actor
Michael Keaton, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Actress
Reese Witherspoon, “Wild”

Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”

Best Supporting Actress
Tilda Swinton, “Snowpiercer”

Best Director
Alejandro González Iñárritu, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Screenplay
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Cinematography
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Film Editing
James Herbert and Laura Jennings, “Edge of Tomorrow”

Best Costume Design
Alexandra Byrne, “Guardians of the Galaxy”

Best Art Direction
“The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

Best Visual Effects
“Interstellar”

Best Foreign Film
“Ida” (Poland)

Best Documentary
“Citzenfour”

Best Animated Film
“The Lego Movie”

Best Family Film
“The Lego Movie”

Best Horror/Sci-Fi Film
“Babadook”

Best Comedy Film
“Top 5”

Best Action Film
“Guardians of the Galaxy”

Best Ensemble
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Score
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Best Song
“I Love You All,” Stephen Rennicks – “Frank”

Youth in Film
Jaeden Lieberher, “St. Vincent”

Breakout Filmmaker of the Year
Damien Chazelle, “Whiplash”

William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Murray

Cinema Heritage Award
Prof. Francisco Menendez, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Film Dept. Chair

LVFCS Top 10 Films of 2013:

1. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

2. Boyhood

3. Whiplash

4. Nightcrawler

5. The Grand Budapest Hotel

6. Wild

7. Selma

8. The Imitation Game

9. Snowpiercer

10.  Under the Skin

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Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Choose "Birdman" as 2014's Best Film

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association is also known as the DFW Film Critics Association.  The group describes itself as a not-for-profit, unincorporated voluntary organization of print, broadcast and internet film critics based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and greater North Texas who meet its membership criteria.  The DFW Film Critics Association currently consists of 29 broadcast, print, and online journalists from throughout North Texas.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association 2014 / 21st Annual Critics’ Poll:

Best Film: Birdman
Runners-Up, in order: Boyhood, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Whiplash, Gone Girl, Selma, Wild and Nightcrawler

Best Actor: Michael Keaton, Birdman
Runners-Up, in order: Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything, Benedict Cumberbatch for The Imitation Game, Jake Gyllenhaal for Nightcrawler and Timothy Spall for Mr. Turner

Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon, Wild
Runners-Up, in order: Julianne Moore for Still Alice, Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl, Felicity Jones for The Theory of Everything and Marion Cotillard for Two Days, One Night

Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
Runners-Up, in order: Edward Norton for Birdman, Ethan Hawke for Boyhood, Mark Ruffalo for Foxcatcher and Alfred Molina for Love is Strange

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Runners-Up, in order: Emma Stone for Birdman, Keira Knightley for The Imitation Game, Jessica Chastain for A Most Violent Year and Laura Dern for Wild

Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman
Runners-Up, in order: Richard Linklater for Boyhood, Wes Anderson for The Grand Budapest Hotel, David Fincher for Gone Girl and Ava DuVernay for Selma

Best Foreign-Language Film: Force Majeure
Runners-Up, in order: Ida, Winter Sleep, Leviathan and Wild Tales

Best Documentary: Citizenfour
Runners-Up, in order: Life Itself, Jodorowsky’s Dune, The Overnighters and The Great Invisible

Best Animated Film: The Lego Movie
Runner-Up: Big Hero 6

Best Screenplay: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, Birdman
Runner-Up: Richard Linklater for Boyhood

Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman
Runner-Up: Hoyte Van Hoytema for Interstellar

Best Musical Score: Hans Zimmer, Intersellar

Winner of the Russell Smith Award: Boyhood

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

"The Good Lie" for a Good Cause

Filmmakers Create Humanitarian Fund for Sudanese Refugees Whose Courageous Stories Inspired “The Good Lie”

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The producers of “The Good Lie” have established the Good Lie Fund, named for the upcoming feature drama from Alcon Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment, Black Label Media and Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is based upon the harrowing and inspirational real-life experiences of thousands of children impacted by war in Sudan.

    “This film was a labor of love for all of us. I am so proud and happy to know that it will not only be a compelling and personal story for audiences everywhere to see, but may also serve to illuminate an ongoing and little-known human drama.”
The Good Lie Fund (www.thegoodliefund.org) was created to support the humanitarian and educational needs of those who have come to be universally known as the Lost Boys and Girls, uprooted and orphaned by the Sudanese Civil War that began in 1983. Its initial focus will be the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, which came into being to meet the first wave of survivors of the conflict—the majority of them children, alone, and on foot—and which currently houses thousands of refugees fleeing from continuing violence and unrest.

The Fund will also seek to raise worldwide awareness of the dire situation that still exists in South Sudan. As part of this publicity campaign, the producers of “The Good Lie” have planned a Washington, D.C. fundraiser in mid-September to benefit the war refugees from South Sudan and those still living in the Kakuma camp. Many corporations have already pledged their support and donations. Black Label Media and Alcon Entertainment have also seeded the Good Lie Fund to start the fundraising effort, in honor of the film and its story.

Additionally, “The Good Lie” will be made available for select screenings by various philanthropic groups and Lost Boys and Girls communities throughout the U.S. and overseas, in advance of its October 3, 2014 U.S. release date, to aid in their own fundraising and awareness efforts.

Said producer Molly Smith, “This film was a labor of love for all of us. I am so proud and happy to know that it will not only be a compelling and personal story for audiences everywhere to see, but may also serve to illuminate an ongoing and little-known human drama.”

Director Philippe Falardeau’s involvement with the plight of the South Sudanese refugees began with a documentary assignment that was cut short due to escalating hostilities, and he sees “The Good Lie”—both the film and the Fund—as continuing what he had just begun when evacuated from South Sudan in 1994. “I had the feeling, then, that I was abandoning them, and that feeling stayed with me until I read Margaret Nagle’s script for ‘The Good Lie.’ It was like a calling, to finish this in another way and to tell their story.”

Contact information for the Good Lie Fund will appear in the film’s end credits.

“The Good Lie” opens in limited theatrical engagements October 3, 2014. It stars Reese Witherspoon; Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany, Emmanuel Jal and Kuoth Wiel, all of whom are of Sudanese descent; and Corey Stoll. Directed by Philippe Falardeau from a screenplay by Margaret Nagle, “The Good Lie” was produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill and Trent Luckinbill. Andrew A. Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Kim Roth, Ellen H. Schwartz, Deepak Nayar, and Bobby and Deb Newmyer served as executive producers. The creative filmmaking team included director of photography Ronald Plante, production designer Aaron Osborne, editor Richard Comeau, costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb and composer Martin Leon.

A presentation of Alcon Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment and Black Label Media, “The Good Lie” is a Black Label Media, Imagine Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment production and will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Review: Reese Witherspoon is the Heart of "Legally Blonde" (Happy B'day, Reese Witherspoon)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 115 (of 2003) by Leroy Douresseaux

Legally Blonde (2001)
Running time:  96 minutes (1 hour, 36 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for language and sexual references
DIRECTOR:  Robert Luketic
WRITERS:  Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith (based upon the novel by Amanda Brown)
PRODUCERS:  Ric Kidney and Marc Platt
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Anthony B. Richmond (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Anita Brandt Burgoyne and Garth Craven
COMPOSER:  Rolfe Kent
Golden Globe nominee

COMEDY with elements of romance

Starring:  Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter, Bruce Thomas, and Raquel Welch

The subject of this movie review is Legally Blonde, a 2001 comedy starring Reese Witherspoon.  The film is based on the 2001 novel, Legally Blonde, from author Amanda Brown.  The film focuses on a blonde sorority queen who follows her ex-boyfriend to law school after he dumps her and discovers that she has more legal savvy than she or anyone ever imagined.

Legally Blonde is trash.  Let’s get that straight, so we don’t fool ourselves.  Another fish out of water story with the stereotypical dumb blonde, sorority/fraternity cardboard cutouts, Ivy League elitists, lecherous bosses etc.  It does have one redeeming element – the incomparable and very talented Reese Witherspoon.

Ms. Witherspoon is Elle Wood, a blonde sorority queen, fully prepared to receive an engagement ring from her boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis), when he suddenly dumps her, pleading that he needs someone smarter than her – someone who would better fit his law career and political ambitions.  Elle decides to follow Warner to Harvard Law School in order to win him back.  Of course, Harvard admits her so that we can even have a movie, although, in reality, they would have ignored her.  But one can understand that Reese/Elle’s charm and bubbly personality not mention her knockout body, would win over even the most conservative and pickiest college admissions officers.

Ms. Witherspoon is a talented actress, and, not only is she likeable, she is outright engaging and has an aura of pure friendliness.  Her movies are a win-win situation for the audience.  Legally Blonde is unadulterated B-movie material that she elevates to uproarious comedy.  Being funny isn’t enough.  The audience has to like her, and she has to sell them on her personality because the movie is all about her.  She does the job winningly.  Notice how I can’t stop gushing.

What else is there to say?  Sometimes, the star is the movie, and the star is so good that she can make a diamond out of a handful of coal dust.  Even when the movie stumbles, Ms. Witherspoon is still a delight to watch.

6 of 10
B

NOTES:
2002 Golden Globe (USA):  2 nominations: “Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” and “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical” (Reese Witherspoon)

Updated:  Saturday, March 22, 2014


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

Review: "Legally Blonde 2" is Officially Bad

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 116 (of 2003) by Leroy Douresseaux

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003)
Running time:  95 minutes (1 hour, 35 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some sex-related humor
DIRECTOR:  Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
WRITERS:  Kate Kondell; from a story by Eve Ahlert, Dennis Drake, and Kate Kondell (based upon characters created by Amanda Brown)
PRODUCERS:  David Nicksay and Marc Platt
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Elliot Davis (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Peter Teschner
COMPOSER:  Rolfe Kent

COMEDY

Starring:  Reese Witherspoon, Sally Field, Regina King, Jennifer Coolidge, Bruce McGill, Dana Ivey, Bob Newhart, Luke Wilson, J Barton, and Alanna Ubach

The subject of this movie review is Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, a 2003 comedy starring Reese Witherspoon.  The film is a sequel to the 2001 film, Legally Blonde, which also starred Witherspoon.  In the sequel, Elle Woods heads to Washington D.C. in order to join a congresswoman’s staff and to try and get a bill that bans animal testing passed into law.

If the summer of 2003 tells Hollywood film studios anything it is that sequels don’t always succeed commercially or artistically.  Of course, studio bosses have known that for a while, but to them making sequels seems like a safe bet.  A sequel is a known property with brand awareness, and with the ridiculous cost of making and marketing a movie rising to absurd heights monthly, they go for the safe bet.

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde will more than likely make a profit for MGM, even with the kind of tricky accounting the film studios usually invoke to claim that their films are flops so they don’t have to honor profit sharing agreements with actors and producers.  Artistically, it’s not even worth talking about, as an examination of subject matter, theme, and characters is an utter waste of time.

As for it’s entertainment value (you know, the simple judgment of whether you like it), Legally Blonde 2 has none.  I’m quite sure that somewhere there are people who really like this, and I did laugh a sort of painful, dry, desperate-to-find-something-to-justify-the-cost-of-my-ticket laugh a few times.  However, I left the theatre ashamed, praying that no one would ask me what movie I’d just left.  I don’t know what would have been worse, having some nappy-headed homeboy call me a faggot for seeing it or having one of the theatre’s employees laugh at me behind my back because they knew.  Lord, they knew how bad it was.  And they never told me.

There’s a plot, or something like a plot, but right now I only feeling like telling you that this film is just plain awful.  Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) goes to Washington D.C. to work for her friend Rep. Victoria Rudd (Sally Field) so that Elle can fight for a law that outlaws cosmetic companies from testing their products on animals.  Apparently, it’s okay for Reese and her studio compatriots to test poisonous cinema products on us.  Regina King plays the most pathetic traitorous Negro since Billy Dee played Lando in The Empire Strikes Back, but at least she was better than the rest of the supporting cast, whom the film reduced to playing naked paper dolls.  Sally Field, her face shockingly showing such age and wear, looked as if she wanted to cry every time she had to be in front of the camera.  I feel you, sista girl.

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Updated:  Saturday, March 22, 2014

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

Sundance London Adds Matthew McConaughey Movie to Schedule

SUNDANCE LONDON ADDS THREE FEATURE FILMS

Tickets now on sale at www.sundance-london.com

Sundance Institute and The O2 announced today that three feature films have been added to the programme for the second Sundance London film and music festival, 25-28 April at The O2. They are: A.C.O.D. (Director: Stuart Zicherman, Screenwriters: Ben Karlin, Stuart Zicherman), Mud (Director and screenwriter: Jeff Nichols) and Metro Manila (Director: Sean Ellis, Screenwriters: Sean Ellis, Frank E. Flowers). Tickets for all Sundance London films and panels, including those announced on March 11, are now on sale at www.sundance-london.com.

Sundance Institute, which annually presents the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A., selected the film and panel programming. Including the three films announced today, Sundance London will present 21 feature films and nine short films across four sections, including a new UK Spotlight. Of the 30 films in the festival, 26 films will make their international, European or UK premieres at Sundance London. Ten are by female filmmakers and six are by first-time feature filmmakers. The films collectively received 12 awards, including two Audience Awards, when they premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, said, “With the addition of these three films, Sundance London will present an even more well rounded programme of independent films that represents the work we show at our Festival in Utah. In addition, each offers audiences a unique experience to interact with the artists behind exciting, challenging and entertaining work.”

For more information visit www.sundance-london.com or follow @SundancefestUK on Twitter.

FEATURE FILM PROGRAMME — The international and UK premieres of American independent narrative and documentary films that premiered in January at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A.

A.C.O.D. (Director: Stuart Zicherman, Screenwriters: Ben Karlin, Stuart Zicherman) — Carter is a well-adjusted Adult Child of Divorce. So he thinks. When he discovers he was part of a divorce study as a child, it wreaks havoc on his family and forces him to face his chaotic past. Cast: Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Amy Poehler, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clark Duke. (Narrative) International Premiere

Mud (Director and screenwriter: Jeff Nichols) — Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and reunite him with his true love. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Reese Witherspoon. (Narrative) UK Premiere

UK SPOTLIGHT — Drawing on the Sundance Film Festival’s rich legacy of premiering outstanding films produced in the UK – including An Education, Four Weddings and a Funeral, In Bruges, In the Loop, Kinky Boots, and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels – this new showcase presents a selection of UK films that premiered in Park City, Utah.

Metro Manila (Director: Sean Ellis, Screenwriters: Sean Ellis, Frank E. Flowers) — Seeking a better life, Oscar and his family move from the poverty-stricken rice fields to the big city of Manila, where they fall victim to various inhabitants whose manipulative ways are a daily part of city survival. Cast: Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla, Althea Vega. Winner of the Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (Narrative) International Premiere

Berry, Bullock, Kidman, and Witherspoon to Present at 2013 Oscars

Best Actress Oscar® Winners – Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman And Reese Witherspoon – To Present

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Academy Award® winners Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will present on the Oscar telecast, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. All four have previously won the award for Best Actress.

Berry won the award for her performance in "Monster's Ball" (2001), Bullock for "The Blind Side" (2009), Kidman for "The Hours" (2002) and Witherspoon for "Walk the Line" (2005).

Berry, Bullock, Kidman and Witherspoon join a stellar list of previously announced Oscar presenters including Mark Wahlberg, Ted and "Marvel's The Avengers" cast members Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo; returning 2011 Oscar winners Jean Dujardin, Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep; "Chicago" cast members Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones; special guests Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Daniel Radcliffe, Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron; and performers Adele, Dame Shirley Bassey, Norah Jones and Barbra Streisand.

Oscars® for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, February 24 at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide. For more information go to Oscar.com or download the official Oscars app.


ABOUT CRAIG ZADAN AND NEIL MERON
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are producers of critically acclaimed and award-winning feature films, television movies, series, and Broadway productions. Their feature films include The Bucket List, Footloose, Hairspray, and Chicago, which won six Academy Awards including one for “Best Picture.” For television, they’ve produced films of “Steel Magnolias,” ”Life with Judy Garland,” and “A Raisin in the Sun,” among many others and the series “Smash” and “Drop Dead Diva.” They recently returned to their roots in live theater by producing Broadway revivals of the Tony-winning ”Promises, Promises” and the Tony-winning 50th Anniversary revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Alliance of Women Film Journalists Choose "Zero Dark Thirty" as 2012's Best

2012 EDA Award Winners (from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists):

EDA ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Best Film
Zero Dark Thirty

Best Director
Kathryn Bigelow - Zero Dark Thirty

Best Screenplay, Original
Zero Dark Thirty - Mark Boal

Best Screenplay, Adapted
Argo - Chris Terrio

Best Documentary
Searching For Sugar Man - Malik Bendjelloul

Best Animated Film
ParaNorman

Best Actress
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables

Best Actor
Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - The Master

Best Ensemble Cast
Silver Linings Playbook

Best Editing
Zero Dark Thirty - William Goldenberg, Dylan Tichenor

Best Cinematography
Life of Pi - Claudio Miranda

Best Film Music Or Score
Beasts of the Southern Wild - Dan Romer, Benh Zeitlin

Best Non-English-Language Film
Amour (from Austria)

EDA FEMALE FOCUS AWARDS – These awards honor WOMEN only.

Best Woman Director
Kathryn Bigelow - Zero Dark Thirty

Best Woman Screenwriter
Lucy Alibar (and Benh Zeitlin) - Beasts of the Southern Wild

Kick Ass Award For Best Female Action Star
Jennifer Lawrence - The Hunger Games

Best Animated Female
Brave - Merida - Kelly Macdonald

Best Breakthrough Performance
Quvenzhané Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild

Actress Defying Age and Ageism
Judi Dench - Skyfall

AWFJ Award For Humanitarian Activism - Female Icon Award —
(Presented to an actress for the portrayal of the most positive female role model, or for a role in which she takes personal and/or career risks to plumb the female psyche and therefore gives us courage to plumb our own, and/or for putting forth the image of a woman who is heroic, accomplished, persistent, demands her rights and/or the rights of others.)

Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty

This Year’s Outstanding Achievement By A Woman In The Film Industry
(Presented only when warranted to a female who has had a banner-making, record-breaking, industry-changing achievement during any given year — such as Kathryn Bigelow’s Best Director Oscar win, or for an actress having multiple outstanding films released during one year.)

Women Documentary Filmmakers, including Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Detropia), Lauren Greenfield (Queen of Versailles), Alison Klayman (Ai Weiwei Never Sorry) and Sarah Burns (The Central Park Five).

EDA SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS

AWFJ Hall Of Shame Award
Sean Anders for That’s My Boy

Actress Most in Need Of A New Agent (Tie)
Katherine Heigl - One For The Money
Reese Witherspoon - This Means War

Movie You Wanted To Love But Just Couldn’t
Anna Karenina

Unforgettable Moment Award (Tie)
Les Miserables - Anne Hathaway as Fantine singing I Dreamed A Dream
Zero Dark Thirty - Jessica Chastain as Maya says, “I’m the mother…”

Best Depiction Of Nudity, Sexuality, or Seduction
The Sessions - Helen Hunt and John Hawkes

Sequel or Remake That Shouldn’t Have Been Made Award (Tie)
Red Dawn
Total Recall

Most Egregious Age Difference Between The Leading Man and The Love Interest Award
Flight - Denzel Washington and Kelly Reilly,..and Nadine Velazquez