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MOVIES - From THR: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which bestows the Academy Awards (Oscars), has expelled Harvey Weinstein in the wake of sexual harassment and sexual assault charges.
From THR: Harvey's brother, Bob Weinstein, who cofounded The Weinstein Company with Harvey, gives an interview to "The Hollywood Reporter."
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CULTURE - From BoingBoing: A white guy tries to blow up a plane and hardly anyone noticed... this is not a joke.
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MOVIES - From TheWrap: Amazon severs ties with The Weinstein Company and that means that it cancels its involvement with David O. Russell and his TV series to star Robert DeNiro and Julianne Moore.
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MOVIES - From IndieWire: The title of the Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis film is "Phantom Thread."
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MOVIES - From TheWrap: Actress Amber Tamblyn releases a statement for her friend, Quentin Tarantino, about his friend, Harvey Weinstein.
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COMICS-FILM - From Collider: "X-Men" spinoff "Gambit," with Channing Tatum, is back on and has a Feb. 2019 release date. Gore Verbinski is supposed to direct the film.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: Even if its changes its name, The Weinstein Company may not be able to survive the still-growing Harvey Weinstein scandal.
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MOVIES - From Deadline: "Beetlejuice 2" is apparently really happening, and has a new writer.
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COMICS-FILM - From JoBlo: The first teaser for Fox's "X-Men" spinoff, "New Mutants," arrives some time after midnight, Fri., Oct. 13th.
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COMICS-FILM - From DenofGeek: Marvel Studios will publish an official time line of the Marvel Cinematic Universe so that viewers can figure out what happened and when it happened.
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CULTURE - From TheNewYorker: From a story by Ronan Farrow, Harvey Weinstein's victims tell their stories.
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MOVIES: From THR: Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") is in talks to star in the Nazi revenge thriller, "Ruin." Gadot is a citizen of Israel.
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TELEVISION - From TheWrap: Fox has cast "Ralphie" in its live musical version of "A Christmas Story." He is 11-year-old Alex Walken.
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ANIMATION - From Variety: Walt Disney Animation Studios has stopped development on "Gigantic," its adaptation of the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk."
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POLITICS - From YahooAOL: LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick have perfect reactions to Eminem's freestyle diss of President Trump during Tuesday night's BET Hip Hop Awards.
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MOVIES - From YahooUKMovies: - A film fan "mansplains" Indiana Jones' costume to the woman who designed it, Deborah Landis.
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CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment: Ben Affleck expressed disgust at the sexual harassment behavior of movie mogul, Harvey Weinstein, but actress Rose McGowan says Affleck knew years ago about Harvey's behavior... because she told him about it!
From YahooUKMovies: Plus, former MTV host, Hilarie Burton, says Ben Affleck once groped her when she "was a kid."
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RELIEF - From Remezcla: Here is how you can keep helping Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria.
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TELEVISION - From TheWrap: Apple is nearing a deal with Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television and NBCUnivesal to revive the 1980s anthology series, "Amazing Stories."
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CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment: When Harvey Weinstein allegedly sexually harassed Gwyneth Paltrow, she was dating Brad Pitt. Pitt reportedly threatened to beat up Weinstein over the incident with Paltrow.
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CELEBRITY - From YahooNews: Actor and celebrity host Terry Crews recounts a recent experience with sexual harassment, which sounds more like sexual assault.
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MOVIES - From CinemaBlend: Dwayne Johnson says that he wants to use his "Hobbs" "Fast & Furious" spinoff to expand the franchise.
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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist: Sylvester Stallone wants to produce and direct "Creed 2," the sequel to "Creed," which was directed by Ryan Coogler.
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SPORTS - From TheNation: In light of former NFL player and coach, Mike Ditka's latest racist rants, here is another classic from sports writer, Dave Zirin, "The Unbearable Bigotry of Mike Ditka."
From TheChicagoTribune: And if Mike Ditka can't see oppression during the last 100 years [Didn't know he was that old! - Ed.], medicines like Viagra (for which he once famously shilled) may cause injury to one's eyesight.
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EMMY - From Emmys: This Microsoft Word PDF is a detailed list of the winners of the 38th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
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CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment: The late actor, Anton Yelchin (who died in June 2016) is honored in an emotional celebration of life.
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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 10/6 to 10/8/2017 box office weekend is "Blade Runner 2049."
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HUMAN RIGHTS - From Truthout: This Holocaust survivor is more afraid of Neo-Nazi than Antifa activists.
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CELEBRITY - From THR: And The Weinstein Company terminates Harvey Weinstein.
From RSN: Harvey Weinstein losing supporters, including his advisor Lisa Bloom, as controversy around sexual harassment allegations mounts.
From HuffPost: And Harvey ejaculated into a potted plant.
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HARRY POTTER - From Variety: Jessica Williams, formerly a correspondent on "The Daily Show," are among the new announced cast members of the "Fantastic Beasts" sequel.
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MOVIES - From BusinessInsider: Jennifer Lawrence wants to explain her film, "mother," to you.
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CELEBRITY - From TheGuardian: How weird does a movie star have to be before we stop watching their films.
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MOVIES - From NPR: National Public Radio offers 16 Fall movies they think we should pay attention to.
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MOVIES - From Variety: There is a fight over who will have the final cut on the film, "The Professor and the Madman," starring Mel Gibson.
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FILM FESTIVALS - From Wired: The best films from the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival to look forward to.
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MOVIES - From Variety: 14-year-old Jaeden Lieberher talks about his hit movie, "IT."
TRAILERS:
From YahooEntertaiment: Here is the first trailer for Fox's "X-Men," spinoff, "The New Mutants."
From YouTube: The second official trailer for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
From Kottke: Here is the trailer for the documentary, "Score: A Film Music Documentary."
OBITS:
From TheNewYorkTimes: Basketball Hall of Fame member, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, has died at the age of 75, Friday, October 6, 2017. Hawkins played seven seasons in the NBA. As a freshman, Hawkins was expelled from Iowa and later barred for awhile from the NBA because his name was connected via unsubstantiated rumors that he was involved in a New York City point shaving scandal.
From ESPN: Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, Y.A. Tittle, has died at the age of 90, Sunday, October 8, 2017. He was on the 1963 MVP. He played his college football at Louisiana State University, which he led to the 1947 Cotton Bowl, known as the "Ice Bowl." He played most of his career for the San Francisco 49ers, but had his greatest success at the end of his career with the New York Giants.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Titan Comics to Produce Comic Books Based on "The Prisoner"
THE PRISONER MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ALL-NEW COMIC BOOKS
Titan Comics to publish all-new comic books to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of classic cult phenomenon The Prisoner
(October 2017) – To celebrate the first UK broadcast of celebrated cult favourite, The Prisoner, Titan Comics - licensed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment - are pleased to announce an all-new comic books based on the original TV show written by Peter Milligan (The Mummy, Dan Dare, Hellblazer) with art by Colin Lorimer (The X-Files, Hellraiser, Harvest) coming in 2018!
The Prisoner first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on 29 September 1967 – and in 1968 in the US - and was an immediate smash hit with global audiences due to its surreal mix of spy fiction with sci-fi, allegory and psychological drama elements.
The worldwide smash hit series starred Patrick MacGoohan (Danger Man, Escape from Alcatraz) as Number 6 – the fiery British former secret agent who is abducted and held prisoner in a shadowy coastal village, where his captors try to find out why he abruptly resigned from his job.
“For a story where all is ambiguous, it’s hardly surprising that everyone takes from The Prisoner something different; like most people I had my own theories, my own twisted notions – mostly Kafkaesque and existential - of what was really going on in those mock Italianate dwellings. Personally the stranger and more baffling it was the better it suited me,” said Peter Milligan writer of the new re-imagined comic books. “So what an honor it is now, thanks to Titan Comics, to be writing Number 6’s successor into that enigmatic and beguiling world. And how cool it is to imagine that while I’m writing this new iteration of the Prisoner, I am at least for a while... number one.”
Titan’s The Prisoner hits stores in 2018, and will be available to pre-order from an upcoming edition of Diamond PREVIEWS. Register your interest with your local comics retailer now!
For more announcements and news on Titan’s The Prisoner comic books, join Titan Comics on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
“Be seeing you.”
About Titan Comics
Titan Comics offers astounding creator-owned comics and graphic novels from new and world-renowned talent, alongside the world's greatest licensed properties and classic graphic novels remastered for brand-new audiences.
Titan is one of the most successful independent publishing operations in the US, with a recent six-week run at #1 in the New York Times bestseller list.
For more information, visit: www.titan-comics.com
Connect with Titan Comics:
https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan
https://facebook.com/ComicsTitan
http://titancomics.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/ComicsTitan
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Paramount Pictures Starts "Transformers" Spinoff, "Bumblebee"
PARAMOUNT PICTURES TO RELEASE “BUMBLEBEE” ON DECEMBER 21, 2018
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON TRAVIS KNIGHT’S NEW FILM BEGAN MONDAY, JULY 31st, 2017
The film will shoot entirely in California
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures, in association with HASBRO, announced that principal photography commenced on “BUMBLEBEE.” The film’s shoot will take place entirely in California, including in Southern and Northern California.
Directed by Travis Knight (“Kubo and the Two Strings" "Coraline"), the film stars Hailee Steinfeld, Pamela Adlon, John Cena, Stephen Schneider, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Jason Drucker, Kenneth Choi, Ricardo Hoyos, Abby Quinn, Rachel Crow, and Grace Dzienny.
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
The film is produced by “TRANSFORMERS” franchise veterans Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Michael Bay, along with executive producers Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Chris Brigham (“ARGO,” “INCEPTION”) will also executive produce. The screenplay is written by Christina Hodson (“UNFORGETTABLE”).
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries.
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PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON TRAVIS KNIGHT’S NEW FILM BEGAN MONDAY, JULY 31st, 2017
The film will shoot entirely in California
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures, in association with HASBRO, announced that principal photography commenced on “BUMBLEBEE.” The film’s shoot will take place entirely in California, including in Southern and Northern California.
Directed by Travis Knight (“Kubo and the Two Strings" "Coraline"), the film stars Hailee Steinfeld, Pamela Adlon, John Cena, Stephen Schneider, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Jason Drucker, Kenneth Choi, Ricardo Hoyos, Abby Quinn, Rachel Crow, and Grace Dzienny.
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
The film is produced by “TRANSFORMERS” franchise veterans Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Michael Bay, along with executive producers Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Chris Brigham (“ARGO,” “INCEPTION”) will also executive produce. The screenplay is written by Christina Hodson (“UNFORGETTABLE”).
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries.
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Thursday, October 12, 2017
"IT" Scares Half a Billion Dollars in Worldwide Box Office
New Line Cinema’s Box Office Juggernaut “IT” Floats Past Half a Billion Worldwide
The global blockbuster is now the top-grossing horror film of all time...and still climbing
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its record-breaking run, New Line Cinema’s horror thriller “IT” is surpassing $500 million at the worldwide box office today, after less than three weeks in release, it was announced today by Sue Kroll, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. The critically acclaimed blockbuster is now the highest-grossing horror film ever, breaking the 44-year record belonging to “The Exorcist,” one of the longest-held records in cinema history.
After shattering numerous domestic records in its opening weekend—including those for the top horror film opening and biggest September opening for any film—"IT” is still going strong.
Internationally, “IT” has terrified a growing global audience as the film continues to roll out to record-breaking results in overseas markets. Among the records the film has broken, “IT” scored the biggest opening weekend ever for a horror film in more than 30 territories, including the UK, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. In 17 of those territories, including the UK, Russia and Australia, “IT” has already become the top-grossing horror film of all time, and still counting. Anticipation is also building in several markets where the film is yet to open, including Germany, Italy and Japan.
Kroll stated, “Crossing $500 million is rarified air for any film, but for a horror film it is history-making, and we could not be prouder. The filmmakers and cast did more than make a box office hit; they created a communal, must-see moviegoing event that has reverberated around the globe and is still going strong. We congratulate Andy Muschietti, the extraordinary producing team, and everyone involved in ‘IT’ on reaching this amazing milestone.”
Directed by Andy Muschietti (“Mama”), “IT” is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. First published in 1986, IT became an instant classic. It continues to be counted among the best and most influential works of the undisputed literary master of horror, inspiring numerous film and television projects in the years that have followed.
“IT” tells the story of seven young outcasts growing up in the township of Derry, Maine, who call themselves the Losers’ Club. Each of them has been ostracized for one reason or another; each has a target on their back from the local pack of bullies…and all have seen their inner fears come to life in the form of an ancient shapeshifting predator they can only call It. Banding together over one horrifying and exhilarating summer, the Losers form a close bond to help them overcome their own fears and stop a killing cycle that began on a rainy day, with a small boy chasing a paper boat as it swept down a storm drain…and into the hands of Pennywise the Clown.
The film stars Bill Skarsgård (“Allegiant,” TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (“Midnight Special”), Jeremy Ray Taylor (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip”), Sophia Lillis (“37”), Finn Wolfhard (TV’s “Stranger Things”), Wyatt Oleff (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming “Cops and Robbers”), Jack Dylan Grazer (“Tales of Halloween”), Nicholas Hamilton (“Captain Fantastic”) and Jackson Robert Scott, making his film debut.
Muschietti directed “IT” from a screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by King. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti produced the film, with Dave Neustadter, Walter Hamada, Richard Brener, Toby Emmerich, Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison, Jon Silk and Niija Kuykendall executive producing.
The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “Oldboy”), production designer Claude Paré (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), editor Jason Ballantine (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), and costume designer Janie Bryant (TV’s “Mad Men”). The music is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“Annabelle: Creation”).
New Line Cinema presents a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures/Katzsmith Production, “IT.” The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. “IT” has been rated R for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language.
www.Itthemovie.com
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The global blockbuster is now the top-grossing horror film of all time...and still climbing
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its record-breaking run, New Line Cinema’s horror thriller “IT” is surpassing $500 million at the worldwide box office today, after less than three weeks in release, it was announced today by Sue Kroll, President Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. The critically acclaimed blockbuster is now the highest-grossing horror film ever, breaking the 44-year record belonging to “The Exorcist,” one of the longest-held records in cinema history.
After shattering numerous domestic records in its opening weekend—including those for the top horror film opening and biggest September opening for any film—"IT” is still going strong.
Internationally, “IT” has terrified a growing global audience as the film continues to roll out to record-breaking results in overseas markets. Among the records the film has broken, “IT” scored the biggest opening weekend ever for a horror film in more than 30 territories, including the UK, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. In 17 of those territories, including the UK, Russia and Australia, “IT” has already become the top-grossing horror film of all time, and still counting. Anticipation is also building in several markets where the film is yet to open, including Germany, Italy and Japan.
Kroll stated, “Crossing $500 million is rarified air for any film, but for a horror film it is history-making, and we could not be prouder. The filmmakers and cast did more than make a box office hit; they created a communal, must-see moviegoing event that has reverberated around the globe and is still going strong. We congratulate Andy Muschietti, the extraordinary producing team, and everyone involved in ‘IT’ on reaching this amazing milestone.”
Directed by Andy Muschietti (“Mama”), “IT” is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. First published in 1986, IT became an instant classic. It continues to be counted among the best and most influential works of the undisputed literary master of horror, inspiring numerous film and television projects in the years that have followed.
“IT” tells the story of seven young outcasts growing up in the township of Derry, Maine, who call themselves the Losers’ Club. Each of them has been ostracized for one reason or another; each has a target on their back from the local pack of bullies…and all have seen their inner fears come to life in the form of an ancient shapeshifting predator they can only call It. Banding together over one horrifying and exhilarating summer, the Losers form a close bond to help them overcome their own fears and stop a killing cycle that began on a rainy day, with a small boy chasing a paper boat as it swept down a storm drain…and into the hands of Pennywise the Clown.
The film stars Bill Skarsgård (“Allegiant,” TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (“Midnight Special”), Jeremy Ray Taylor (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip”), Sophia Lillis (“37”), Finn Wolfhard (TV’s “Stranger Things”), Wyatt Oleff (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming “Cops and Robbers”), Jack Dylan Grazer (“Tales of Halloween”), Nicholas Hamilton (“Captain Fantastic”) and Jackson Robert Scott, making his film debut.
Muschietti directed “IT” from a screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by King. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti produced the film, with Dave Neustadter, Walter Hamada, Richard Brener, Toby Emmerich, Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison, Jon Silk and Niija Kuykendall executive producing.
The behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” “Oldboy”), production designer Claude Paré (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), editor Jason Ballantine (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), and costume designer Janie Bryant (TV’s “Mad Men”). The music is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“Annabelle: Creation”).
New Line Cinema presents a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures/Katzsmith Production, “IT.” The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. “IT” has been rated R for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language.
www.Itthemovie.com
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"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" Debuts on November 29th, 2017 on Amazon Prime Video
Amy Sherman-Palladino’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Premieres on Wednesday, November 29, Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video
Executive produced by Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the series stars Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen and Marin Hinkle
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon announces The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, from renowned show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) and Executive Producer Daniel Palladino (Family Guy), will premiere on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
“We can’t wait for customers to see it soon.”
The series, written and directed by Sherman-Palladino, stars Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) as Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she’s ever wanted—the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent—one that changes her life forever. She charts a course that takes her from her comfortable life on Riverside Drive, through the basket houses and nightclubs of Greenwich Village as she storms the world of stand-up comedy…a course that will ultimately lead her to a spot on Johnny Carson’s couch.
“Amy and Dan have made the rare, special series that’s as funny as it is beautiful. From the direction to the writing to Rachel’s incredible performance, every element is beyond what anyone could hope for,” said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy, Drama & VR, Amazon Studios. “We can’t wait for customers to see it soon.”
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel also stars Golden Globe winner and three-time Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub (Monk) as Midge’s father Abe Weissman, Alex Borstein (Family Guy) as Susie Myerson, Michael Zegen (Boardwalk Empire) as Midge’s husband Joel Maisel and Marin Hinkle (Two and a Half Men) as Midge’s mother Rose Weissman.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel pilot, currently available for all Amazon customers at amazon.com/maisel, has garnered an average customer rating of 4.9, with 93% 5-star reviews.
Below are customer quotes for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel:
Prime members will be able to stream The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at amazon.com/maisel. Members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership. The series will be a global release and available on Amazon Prime Video for members to watch via the Prime Video app or online at PrimeVideo.com in more than 200 countries and territories.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is executive produced by Palladino and Sherman-Palladino, and produced by Dhana Gilbert.
Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.
About Amazon Video
Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch, and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:
In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalogue with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more visit: www.amazon.com/prime.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
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Executive produced by Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the series stars Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen and Marin Hinkle
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon announces The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, from renowned show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) and Executive Producer Daniel Palladino (Family Guy), will premiere on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
“We can’t wait for customers to see it soon.”
The series, written and directed by Sherman-Palladino, stars Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) as Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she’s ever wanted—the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent—one that changes her life forever. She charts a course that takes her from her comfortable life on Riverside Drive, through the basket houses and nightclubs of Greenwich Village as she storms the world of stand-up comedy…a course that will ultimately lead her to a spot on Johnny Carson’s couch.
“Amy and Dan have made the rare, special series that’s as funny as it is beautiful. From the direction to the writing to Rachel’s incredible performance, every element is beyond what anyone could hope for,” said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy, Drama & VR, Amazon Studios. “We can’t wait for customers to see it soon.”
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel also stars Golden Globe winner and three-time Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub (Monk) as Midge’s father Abe Weissman, Alex Borstein (Family Guy) as Susie Myerson, Michael Zegen (Boardwalk Empire) as Midge’s husband Joel Maisel and Marin Hinkle (Two and a Half Men) as Midge’s mother Rose Weissman.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel pilot, currently available for all Amazon customers at amazon.com/maisel, has garnered an average customer rating of 4.9, with 93% 5-star reviews.
Below are customer quotes for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel:
- “…fast-paced, with characters that are so well fleshed-out, funny, and ironic. I am looking forward to seeing so much more of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel!”
- “This wasn't just funny. It was smart, sweet, and real. The jokes came from the loving and sincere well of everyday life.”
- “Great! Funny, fast, witty, ironic.”
Prime members will be able to stream The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at amazon.com/maisel. Members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership. The series will be a global release and available on Amazon Prime Video for members to watch via the Prime Video app or online at PrimeVideo.com in more than 200 countries and territories.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is executive produced by Palladino and Sherman-Palladino, and produced by Dhana Gilbert.
Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.
About Amazon Video
Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch, and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:
- Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed and self-published content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Tick, Manchester by the Sea and kids series, Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video is also now available to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe at www.primevideo.com.
- Live Sports: Sporting events, including NFL Thursday Night Football and ATP Next Gen ATP Finals, are available to watch live on Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe.
- Amazon Channels: Over 100 channel subscriptions that Prime members can add to their membership, including HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV and more, plus Anime Strike – the first curated on-demand subscription by Amazon Channels. To view the full list of channels available, visit www.amazon.com/channels
- Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new-release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers
- Instant Access: Instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices visit www.amazon.com/howtostream
- Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR), X-Ray and mobile downloads for offline viewing of select content
In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalogue with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more visit: www.amazon.com/prime.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
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BET "Hip Hop Awards" 2017 Announced; Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar Lead Winners
Cardi B Wins Big at the BET “Hip Hop Awards” 2017 with 5 Wins Followed by Kendrick Lamar with 4 Wins
Hip Hop Legend Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is Honored as the “I Am Hip Hop” Award Recipient
Eminem Drops a Moving and Politically Charged Verse Exclusively for the BET Hip Hop Awards
Miami Heats up with the Hottest Performances by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Migos, Yo Gotti, Trina, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Plies, Flo Rida and Playboi Carti
#HipHopAwards
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 brought the heat to Miami, Florida on Friday, October 6, 2017 for the annual taping of the most prominent hip hop showcase on television. Multi-platinum artist, mega-producer and holder of ‘the keys to success’ DJ Khaled hosted hip-hop’s biggest night of the year at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. THE BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 premiered on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 8:00PM ET.
Cardi B stole the show with 5 wins for ‘Single of the Year’ for her Number #1 Billboard hit, ‘Bodak Yellow,’ ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Best Mixtape,’ ‘Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style),’ and ‘Hustler of the Year.’ Kendrick Lamar followed closely picking up 4 awards for ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Hot Ticket Performer’ and ‘Lyricist of the Year.’ Host DJ Khaled snagged 3 honors for ‘DJ of the Year,’ ‘Best Collab, Duo or Group’ and ‘MVP of the Year,’ dedicating the accolades to his son, Asahd Khaled. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell received the night’s biggest honor, the ‘I Am Hip Hop Award,’ for his unmatched achievements and contributions to hip hop culture.
Viewers tuned into the hottest performances by DJ Khaled featuring Trick Daddy, T-Pain, Plies and Rick Ross with their 2007 anthem “I’m so Hood.” Migos kept the energy going with a performance of their latest single “Too Hotty”; Playboi Carti had the house rocking with hits “Woke Up Like This” and “Magnolia (Milly Rock).” Over at Club Liv, Gucci Mane performed a medley of club bangers including “Tone It Down,” “I Get the Bag,” “Curve” and “Make Love First”; Yo Gotti performed new single “Juice” and chart-topping hit “Rake it Up.” Cardi B hit the stage with a much anticipated performance of her Billboard Chart-topping hit, “Bodak Yellow,” and Rick Ross, Trina, Trick Daddy and Flo Rida all hit the stage in a nostalgic tribute to hip hop pioneer Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, during which “Uncle Luke” performed some of his classic hip hop hits “Scarred,” “It’s Your Birthday,” “Me So Horny,” “Pop That” and “I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown).”
The complete list of 2017 BET “Hip Hop Awards” winners are:
Best Hip-Hop Video
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
Best Collabo, Duo or Group
DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”
Hot Ticket Performer
Kendrick Lamar
Lyricist of the Year
Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
DJ of the Year
DJ Khaled
Producer of the Year
Metro Boomin
MVP of the Year
DJ Khaled
Single of the Year
“Bodak Yellow” – Produced By J. White Did It (Cardi B)
Album of the Year
Kendrick Lamar – “DAMN.”
Best New Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Hustler of the Year
Cardi B
Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip-Hop Style)
Cardi B
Best Hip-Hop Online Site/App
TheShadeRoom.com
Best MIXTAPE
Cardi B – “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2”
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
Nicki Minaj – “Rake It Up” (Yo Gotti ft. Nicki Minaj)
Impact Track
Jay Z – “The Story of O.J.”
Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will serve as Executive Producer of the BET Hip Hop Awards along with Connie Orlando, BET Head of Programming and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay, Vice President of Specials, Jesse Collins Entertainment.
BET.com/HipHopAwards is the official site for the BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 where fans can visit to get up-to-date info on this year's show and take a look back on past BET Hip Hop Awards. The BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 will premiere on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:00PM ET.
BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” is fresh, legendary and, as always, a memorable night that you don’t want to miss!
Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET’s multiple social media platforms:
On BET.com: http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards.html
On Twitter by using hashtag: #HipHopAwards; follow us @HipHopAwards and @BET
On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards
Follow DJ Khaled on social media:
Twitter @DJKhaled
Instagram @DJKhaled
Snapchat @DJKhaled305
Facebook.com/OfficialDJKhaled
YouTube.com/DJKhaledVEVO
VEVO.com/artist/dj-khaled
ABOUT BET NETWORKS:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
ABOUT BET “HIP HOP AWARDS”:
BET “Hip Hop Awards” is an annual celebration that pays homage to a culture that changed the world while highlighting the best in hip hop music. Year after year, BET Networks delivers the best in hip-hop for an unforgettable night of performances, cyphers and tributes honoring hip-hop legends that have and continue to make hip-hop culture a global force.
ABOUT LUTHER CAMPBELL:
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is a businessman, community activist, author, television personality, radio host, artist and most importantly the first Southern rapper to appear on Billboard’s Pop charts. In addition, he was the first Southern rapper to start an independent rap record label, Luke Records. Known as the “Godfather of Southern Hip Hop,” Luther Campbell was the first in the music industry to provide “parental advisory” stickers on product, responsibly ensuring his music was only bought by those of a certain age. Soon thereafter, the entire music industry made it mandatory for elicit material to provide advisory stickers. With his likeness highlighted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of the 2 Live Crew, Luke fought to ensure the freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court - and won. Campbell’s endless philanthropic efforts has found him giving to refugees from Cuba and Haiti on the shores of Miami and those less fortunate than himself in the community. Campbell is also a sports radio host, long-time columnist for the Miami New Times and owner of several Wingstop franchises. Campbell is currently in the process of producing a biopic on his life with Lions Gate as well as several other television projects.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT:
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, The UNCF Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins currently Exec. Produces “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry Icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.
--------------------------
Hip Hop Legend Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is Honored as the “I Am Hip Hop” Award Recipient
Eminem Drops a Moving and Politically Charged Verse Exclusively for the BET Hip Hop Awards
Miami Heats up with the Hottest Performances by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Migos, Yo Gotti, Trina, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Plies, Flo Rida and Playboi Carti
#HipHopAwards
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 brought the heat to Miami, Florida on Friday, October 6, 2017 for the annual taping of the most prominent hip hop showcase on television. Multi-platinum artist, mega-producer and holder of ‘the keys to success’ DJ Khaled hosted hip-hop’s biggest night of the year at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. THE BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 premiered on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 8:00PM ET.
Cardi B stole the show with 5 wins for ‘Single of the Year’ for her Number #1 Billboard hit, ‘Bodak Yellow,’ ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Best Mixtape,’ ‘Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style),’ and ‘Hustler of the Year.’ Kendrick Lamar followed closely picking up 4 awards for ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Hot Ticket Performer’ and ‘Lyricist of the Year.’ Host DJ Khaled snagged 3 honors for ‘DJ of the Year,’ ‘Best Collab, Duo or Group’ and ‘MVP of the Year,’ dedicating the accolades to his son, Asahd Khaled. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell received the night’s biggest honor, the ‘I Am Hip Hop Award,’ for his unmatched achievements and contributions to hip hop culture.
Viewers tuned into the hottest performances by DJ Khaled featuring Trick Daddy, T-Pain, Plies and Rick Ross with their 2007 anthem “I’m so Hood.” Migos kept the energy going with a performance of their latest single “Too Hotty”; Playboi Carti had the house rocking with hits “Woke Up Like This” and “Magnolia (Milly Rock).” Over at Club Liv, Gucci Mane performed a medley of club bangers including “Tone It Down,” “I Get the Bag,” “Curve” and “Make Love First”; Yo Gotti performed new single “Juice” and chart-topping hit “Rake it Up.” Cardi B hit the stage with a much anticipated performance of her Billboard Chart-topping hit, “Bodak Yellow,” and Rick Ross, Trina, Trick Daddy and Flo Rida all hit the stage in a nostalgic tribute to hip hop pioneer Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, during which “Uncle Luke” performed some of his classic hip hop hits “Scarred,” “It’s Your Birthday,” “Me So Horny,” “Pop That” and “I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown).”
The complete list of 2017 BET “Hip Hop Awards” winners are:
Best Hip-Hop Video
Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
Best Collabo, Duo or Group
DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”
Hot Ticket Performer
Kendrick Lamar
Lyricist of the Year
Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
DJ of the Year
DJ Khaled
Producer of the Year
Metro Boomin
MVP of the Year
DJ Khaled
Single of the Year
“Bodak Yellow” – Produced By J. White Did It (Cardi B)
Album of the Year
Kendrick Lamar – “DAMN.”
Best New Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Hustler of the Year
Cardi B
Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip-Hop Style)
Cardi B
Best Hip-Hop Online Site/App
TheShadeRoom.com
Best MIXTAPE
Cardi B – “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2”
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
Nicki Minaj – “Rake It Up” (Yo Gotti ft. Nicki Minaj)
Impact Track
Jay Z – “The Story of O.J.”
Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will serve as Executive Producer of the BET Hip Hop Awards along with Connie Orlando, BET Head of Programming and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay, Vice President of Specials, Jesse Collins Entertainment.
BET.com/HipHopAwards is the official site for the BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 where fans can visit to get up-to-date info on this year's show and take a look back on past BET Hip Hop Awards. The BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” 2017 will premiere on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 10:00PM ET.
BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” is fresh, legendary and, as always, a memorable night that you don’t want to miss!
Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET’s multiple social media platforms:
On BET.com: http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards.html
On Twitter by using hashtag: #HipHopAwards; follow us @HipHopAwards and @BET
On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards
Follow DJ Khaled on social media:
Twitter @DJKhaled
Instagram @DJKhaled
Snapchat @DJKhaled305
Facebook.com/OfficialDJKhaled
YouTube.com/DJKhaledVEVO
VEVO.com/artist/dj-khaled
ABOUT BET NETWORKS:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
ABOUT BET “HIP HOP AWARDS”:
BET “Hip Hop Awards” is an annual celebration that pays homage to a culture that changed the world while highlighting the best in hip hop music. Year after year, BET Networks delivers the best in hip-hop for an unforgettable night of performances, cyphers and tributes honoring hip-hop legends that have and continue to make hip-hop culture a global force.
ABOUT LUTHER CAMPBELL:
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is a businessman, community activist, author, television personality, radio host, artist and most importantly the first Southern rapper to appear on Billboard’s Pop charts. In addition, he was the first Southern rapper to start an independent rap record label, Luke Records. Known as the “Godfather of Southern Hip Hop,” Luther Campbell was the first in the music industry to provide “parental advisory” stickers on product, responsibly ensuring his music was only bought by those of a certain age. Soon thereafter, the entire music industry made it mandatory for elicit material to provide advisory stickers. With his likeness highlighted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of the 2 Live Crew, Luke fought to ensure the freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court - and won. Campbell’s endless philanthropic efforts has found him giving to refugees from Cuba and Haiti on the shores of Miami and those less fortunate than himself in the community. Campbell is also a sports radio host, long-time columnist for the Miami New Times and owner of several Wingstop franchises. Campbell is currently in the process of producing a biopic on his life with Lions Gate as well as several other television projects.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT:
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, The UNCF Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins currently Exec. Produces “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry Icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.
--------------------------
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Review: "BATMAN: The Killing Joke" is Just Fucking Terrible
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
Running time: 76 minutes
Rated MPAA – PG-13 for some bloody images and disturbing content
DIRECTOR: Sam Liu
WRITERS: Brian Azzarello (based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland and the characters created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger)
EDITOR: Christopher D. Lozinsk
COMPOSERS: Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion, and Lolita Ritmanis
ANIMATION STUDIO: The Answer Studio
ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/FANTASY
Starring: (voices) Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Tara Strong, Ray Wise, John DiMaggio, Robin Atkins Downes, Brian George, and Maury Sterling
Batman: The Killing Joke is a 2016 animated superhero film from Warner Bros. Animation. It is the 26th film in Warner's line of DC Universe original animated movies. Unlike many of those films, which are released straight-to-video, Batman: The Killing Joke did get a one-week theatrical release before being released on DVD and Blu-ray. Bruce Timm is an executive producer on this film.
The film focuses on select characters featured in the world of DC Comics' world of Batman. This movie is based on the 1988 comic book, Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland. In Batman: The Killing Joke the movie, Batman hunts for The Joker, after he kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and attacks his daughter, who is also the superhero, Batgirl. Batman: The Killing Joke is the first Batman animated film to be rated R by the MPAA.
In the world of Batman: The Killing Joke, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl (Tara Strong) is the crime-fighting partner of Batman (Kevin Conroy). They usually work well together, but of late, the two have disagreed on how to deal with Parry Francesco a.k.a. “Paris Franz” (Maury Sterling), the nephew of crime boss, Carlos Francesco (John DiMaggio). Paris is currently trying to take over his uncle's criminal empire, and he is obsessed with Batgirl. The fallout from the respective actions of Batman, Batgirl, and Paris lead to the dissolution of the Batman-Batgirl team.
Batman's arch-nemesis, The Joker (Mark Hamill), has escaped prison, and this time he is determined to prove a point to Batman. Joker launches a brutal assault at Barbara Gordon's home against Barbara and her father, Gotham City Police Department Commissioner James “Jim” Gordon (Ray Wise). The secret to The Joker's madness lies somewhere in his past, before he became the “Clown Prince of Crime.” Yes, it's an origin story.
I have seen some Batman films that were gigantic misfires (Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises), the result being a movie that was more disappointing than bad (which it also was). I have seen a Batman movie that was a comical blunder (1997's Batman and Robin). Batman: The Killing Joke is a truly awful and terrible movie. It is an insult to good Batman storytelling. The screenplay is written by a critically acclaimed, award-winning, and bestselling comic book writer, Brian Azzarello, who proves that when his work is bad, it makes for dreadful entertainment, which is the case with Batman: The Killing Joke the movie. [By the way, Batman: The Killing Joke the comic book is way overrated.]
The fact that this movie features Batman and Batgirl having sex on a rooftop is all you need to know about this abomination of a movie. The only good thing about this movie is that it reunited Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman, and Mark Hamill (of Star Wars fame) as the voice of The Joker. Conroy and Hamill are near-legends for playing the characters on the beloved “Batman: The Animated Series,” a Batman animated TV series that began airing in 1992.
However, Batman: The Killing Joke is so bad that if you want Conroy and Hamill, find episodes of cartoon instead of watching this.
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D-
Sunday, October 8, 2017
The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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