Monday, February 3, 2020

Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for February 5, 2020

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC191887    ADLER #1 CVR A GUICE    $3.99
DEC191888    ADLER #1 CVR B MCCAFFREY    $3.99
DEC191889    ADLER #1 CVR C VICTORIAN HOMAGE    $3.99
DEC191890    ADLER #1 CVR D B&W GUICE    $3.99
DEC191792    AGGRETSUKO #1 CVR A CANNON    $3.99
DEC191793    AGGRETSUKO #1 CVR B LITTLE    $3.99
DEC191441    ARCHIE & FRIENDS WINTER WONDERLAND #1    $2.99
DEC191428    ARCHIE MARRIED LIFE 10 YEARS LATER #6 CVR A PARENT    $3.99
DEC191429    ARCHIE MARRIED LIFE 10 YEARS LATER #6 CVR B NORD    $3.99
DEC191443    ARCHIE MILESTONES DIGEST #7    $7.99
DEC191796    BACKTRACK #1 (MR)    $3.99
DEC191777    BATTLECATS TALES OF VALDERIA #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
NOV191613    BELLADONNA #0 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191588    BELLADONNA #0 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191614    BELLADONNA #1 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191615    BELLADONNA #2 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191616    BELLADONNA #3 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191617    BELLADONNA #4 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191618    BELLADONNA #5 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
NOV191612    BELLADONNA CONVENTION SPECIAL 2004 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
AUG191749    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (RES) (MR)    $89.99
NOV191611    BELLADONNA PREVIEW PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $7.99
SEP192010    BLOODBORNE TP VOL 04 VEIL TORN ASUNDER (MR)    $16.99
DEC192159    BOARDING SCHOOL JULIET GN VOL 10    $10.99
NOV191538    CALIGULA #1 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191539    CALIGULA #2 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191540    CALIGULA #3 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191541    CALIGULA #4 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191542    CALIGULA #5 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191543    CALIGULA #6 GOLDEN VAR (MR)    $5.99
DEC191348    CAPTAIN GINGER SEASON 2 #1    $3.99
NOV192196    CARP ON CHOPPING BLOCK JUMPS TWICE GN (MR)    $13.99
OCT191565    CASPERS SPOOKSVILLE #2 (OF 4) JUICE BOX CVR (RES)    $3.99
OCT191564    CASPERS SPOOKSVILLE #2 (OF 4) RETRO ANIMATION LTD ED CVR (RE    $9.99
OCT191563    CASPERS SPOOKSVILLE #2 (OF 4) SHANOWER MAIN CVR (RES)    $3.99
NOV192199    CITRUS PLUS GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.99
NOV191506    CROSSED +100 #1 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191507    CROSSED +100 #2 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191508    CROSSED +100 #3 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191509    CROSSED +100 #4 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191510    CROSSED +100 #5 DESIGN SKETCH VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV192049    DEKOBOKO SUGAR DAYS MANGA GN    $14.99
NOV191862    ELECTRIC BLACK #4 CVR A REG ED    $3.99
NOV191863    ELECTRIC BLACK #4 CVR B NEON  VARIANT    $6.99
OCT191466    FEMFORCE #188    $5.95
OCT191476    GOING TO THE CHAPEL #4 (OF 4) CVR A JOHANNA THE MAD (MR)    $3.99
OCT191477    GOING TO THE CHAPEL #4 (OF 4) CVR B HOUSE (MR)    $3.99
OCT191478    GOING TO THE CHAPEL #4 (OF 4) CVR C GUIDRY (MR)    $3.99
DEC191702    GOLDEN AGE HC GN BOOK 01    $29.99
DEC192165    GRANBLUE FANTASY GN VOL 03    $12.99
DEC191836    HILO GN VOL 06 ALL PIECES FIT    $13.99
DEC192174    HINAMATSURI GN VOL 07    $11.95
NOV191451    HORROR COMICS SKETCHBOOK ONE SHOT VIRGIN WHITE ED    $4.99
NOV191529    HYPOTHETICAL LIZARD #1 PLATINUM FOIL VAR (MR)    $5.99
SEP191749    J & K HC    $39.99
DEC192091    JUJUTSU KAISEN GN VOL 02    $9.99
OCT191990    KAIJUMAX SEASON 5 #2 (MR)    $3.99
NOV192203    KASESAN & YAMADA GN VOL 01    $13.99
DEC191335    MAN WHO EFFED UP TIME #1 CVR A MOSTERT    $4.99
SEP199113    MONEY SHOT #1 (3RD PTG) (MR)    $3.99
NOV198723    MONEY SHOT #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV198722    MONEY SHOT #3 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV191993    MONEY SHOT #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC191750    MONSTER ALLERGY GN VOL 03    $10.99
NOV192205    MY ANDROGYNOUS BOYFRIEND GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.99
DEC192056    MY HERO ACADEMIA GN VOL 23    $9.99
DEC192057    MY HERO ACADEMIA SMASH GN VOL 03    $9.99
NOV191525    NEONOMICON #1 BOOK OF THE DEAD VAR (MR)    $6.99
NOV191524    NEONOMICON #1 REMARQUED VAR (MR)    $49.99
NOV191526    NEONOMICON #2 BOOK OF THE DEAD VAR (MR)    $6.99
NOV191527    NEONOMICON #3 BOOK OF THE DEAD VAR (MR)    $6.99
NOV191528    NEONOMICON #4 BOOK OF THE DEAD VAR (MR)    $6.99
NOV192208    OUR WONDERFUL DAYS GN VOL 02 (MR)    $12.99
OCT191947    PEARL HARBOR FROM PAGES OF COMBAT GLANZMAN CVR    $9.99
SEP191932    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES HC VOL 03    $45.99
SEP191933    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES SLIPCASE VOL 03 (    $55.99
NOV191581    PROJECT ICARUS    $3.99
NOV191512    PROVIDENCE #1 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191521    PROVIDENCE #10 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191522    PROVIDENCE #11 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191523    PROVIDENCE #12 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191513    PROVIDENCE #2 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191514    PROVIDENCE #3 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191515    PROVIDENCE #4 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191516    PROVIDENCE #5 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191517    PROVIDENCE #6 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191518    PROVIDENCE #7 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191519    PROVIDENCE #8 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191520    PROVIDENCE #9 ANCIENT TOME VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191582    PSYCHO LIST #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC191996    RED AGENT ISLAND OF DR MOREAU #2 (OF 5) CVR A COCCOLO    $3.99
DEC191997    RED AGENT ISLAND OF DR MOREAU #2 (OF 5) CVR B VITORINO    $3.99
DEC191998    RED AGENT ISLAND OF DR MOREAU #2 (OF 5) CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
DEC191999    RED AGENT ISLAND OF DR MOREAU #2 (OF 5) CVR D GOH    $3.99
DEC191903    RIVERS OF LONDON FEY & THE FURIOUS #4 (MR)    $3.99
NOV192210    SCARLET GN VOL 01 (MR)    $12.99
DEC192092    SERAPH OF END VAMPIRE REIGN GN VOL 18    $9.99
SEP192022    SHADES OF MAGIC REBEL ARMY #3    $3.99
DEC191891    SHERLOCK SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA #3 CVR A ZHANG    $4.99
DEC191892    SHERLOCK SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA #3 CVR B PHOTO    $4.99
DEC191893    SHERLOCK SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA #3 CVR C JAY    $4.99
DEC192093    SHORTCAKE CAKE GN VOL 07    $9.99
SEP191930    SILVER AGE CLASSICS SPACE ADVENTURES HC VOL 02    $45.99
SEP191931    SILVER AGE CLASSICS SPACE ADVENTURES SLIPCASE ED VOL 02    $55.99
NOV191866    STABBITY BUNNY #9 CVR A (RES)    $3.99
NOV191867    STABBITY BUNNY #9 CVR B    $3.99
NOV192059    STICKY DILLY BUNS TP VOL 01    $19.99
DEC191791    STIG AND TILDE GN VOL 02 LEADER OF THE PACK    $13.95
NOV191787    SUPERIOR AOC #2 CVR A MEL JOY SAN JUAN    $4.99
NOV191788    SUPERIOR AOC #2 CVR B QUALANO    $4.99
NOV191789    SUPERIOR AOC #2 CVR C CUCCA    $4.99
NOV191790    SUPERIOR AOC #2 CVR D REMULAC    $4.99
DEC192090    TAKANE & HANA GN VOL 13    $9.99
NOV191868    TART #1 NONSTOP ED    $3.99
DEC191453    TURNER ART EDITION BEST OF ASPEN COMICS VOL 01 CVR A    $5.99
DEC191454    TURNER ART EDITION BEST OF ASPEN COMICS VOL 01 RETAILER CVR    $PI
DEC192094    TWIN STAR EXORCISTS ONMYOJI GN VOL 17    $9.99
NOV192027    UNBOUND #4 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
NOV192028    UNBOUND #4 (OF 5) CVR B COLAPIETRO    $3.99
NOV192029    UNBOUND #4 (OF 5) CVR C DIPASCALE    $3.99
AUG191733    UNHOLY ARGENT VS ONYX #3 FIFTY SHADES ARGENT NUDE (MR)    $89.99
AUG191734    UNHOLY ARGENT VS ONYX #3 FIFTY SHADES ONYX NUDE (MR)    $89.99
JUL191412    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR A YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
JUL191413    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR B YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
JUL191414    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR C MASTAJWOOD (MR)    $4.99
JUL191415    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR D MASTAJWOOD RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
JUL191416    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR E AMALGAMA CAT FIGHT VAR (MR)    $4.99
JUL191417    VAMPBLADE SEASON 4 #6 CVR F AMALGAMA CAT FIGHT RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
DEC191746    VEI GN VOL 02    $29.99
NOV191598    WAR GODDESS #0 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191599    WAR GODDESS #1 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191610    WAR GODDESS #12 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191600    WAR GODDESS #2 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191601    WAR GODDESS #3 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191602    WAR GODDESS #4 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191603    WAR GODDESS #5 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191604    WAR GODDESS #6 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191605    WAR GODDESS #7 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191606    WAR GODDESS #8 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191607    WAR GODDESS #9 ART NOUVEAU VAR (MR)    $5.99
DEC192096    WE NEVER LEARN GN VOL 08    $9.99
NOV191589    WEBWITCH #1 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191590    WEBWITCH #2 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191591    WEBWITCH #3 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191592    WEBWITCH #4 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191593    WEBWITCH #5 PURE ART VAR (MR)    $5.99
NOV191871    WRETCHES #3    $3.99
DEC192087    YONA OF THE DAWN GN VOL 22    $9.99

MAGAZINES
NOV191641    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1703    $PI
NOV191830    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #547    $11.99
NOV191831    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE SPECIAL #54 YEAR BOOK    $13.99
SEP199107    FILMFAX #156    $9.95
OCT198968    HI FRUCTOSE MAGAZINE QUARTERLY #54    $9.95
OCT192152    HOBBY JAPAN JANUARY 2020    $20.00
NOV191772    HORRORHOUND #81    $6.99
NOV191851    JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #416    $13.00
NOV198753    NIB DEATH    $14.95
DEC191786    SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #116    $9.95
DEC191909    STAR WARS INSIDER #195 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
DEC191910    STAR WARS INSIDER #195 PX ED    $9.99

BOOKS
JUN192168    ART OF SWORD ORATORIA SC WRONG TO PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON    $30.00
DEC191747    AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER LEGACY OF FIRE NATION HC    $24.99
DEC191911    BLOODSHOT OFFICIAL MOVIE NOVEL    $8.99
NOV192212    BLOOM INTO YOU LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01    $13.99
DEC191873    COMICS WILL BREAK YOUR HEART SC    $9.99
NOV191895    DC HEROES WONDER WOMAN YR TP PANDORA PLOT    $6.95
NOV191893    DC JUSTICE LEAGUE YR TP JUSTICE LEAGUE FALSE DESTINY    $6.95
NOV191892    DC SUPER HEROES BATMAN YR TP ULTIMATE RIDDLE    $6.95
NOV191894    DC SUPER HEROES SUPERMAN YR TP APOKOLIPS ATTACK    $6.95
DEC191748    ET EXTRA TERRESTRIALS FIRST WORDS BOARD BOOK    $9.99
DEC191914    FIREFLY BIG DAMN HERO MMPB    $14.95
NOV191777    GENDER A GRAPHIC GUIDE (MR)    $18.95
DEC191749    GHOSTBUSTERS 1 TO 10 SLIMERS LOOSE AGAIN BOARD BOOK    $9.99
NOV192115    GREATEST DEMON LORD IS REBORN TYPICAL NOBODY NOVEL SC VOL 02    $15.00
DEC191723    I AM MULAN LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK    $4.99
JUN192164    IS WRONG PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON NOVEL SC VOL 14    $15.00
DEC191612    MARVEL WE ARE SUPER HEROES HC    $16.99
DEC191714    NOBODY DOES IT BETTER COMP UNCENSORED UNAUTH HIST BOND HC (C    $29.99
DEC191774    NOISEMAKERS 25 WOMEN RAISED THEIR VOICES HC    $25.99
DEC191773    NOISEMAKERS 25 WOMEN RAISED THEIR VOICES SC    $17.99
DEC191724    ONWARD LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK    $4.99

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Negromancer in February 2020

Welcome to February 2020.  Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.

Support me on Patreon.

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademark their respective owners.

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Friday, January 31, 2020

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 26th to 31st, 2020 - Update #31

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

Support Leroy on Patreon:

TRAILERS - From YouTube:  The trailer for "F9: The Fast Saga" debuts.  The film is due May 22, 2020.

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MUSIC - From BET:  Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs calls out the Grammys, and former label mate, Ma$e calls out Diddy!

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SCANDAL - From THR:  Jessica Mann is the second key accuser to claim that Harvey Weinstein raped her during Weinstein's New York rape trial.  Earlier this week, Miriam Haley testified to the same.

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FESTIVALS - From Deadline:  At Sundance, the buzzy "Bad Hair," from Justin Simien ("Dear White People) is nearing an 8 million dollar worldwide rights deal with Hulu.

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AWARDS - From Deadline:  The Casting Society of America is another group that also hands out awards for movies, the "Artios Awards."  The 35th edition of those awards handed about trophies to "Once Upon a Time... in America" and "Jojo Rabbit," among others.

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KOBE - From Deadline:  "Grey's Anatomy" actress, Ellen Pompeo, has said that the "TMZ" television series should be cancelled for breaking the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash story and for other abusive behavior.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Oscar-winning director Ron Howard will direct "The Fixer" for Paramount Pictures.  The film dramatizes the real-life story of a plot to assassinate Cuban revolutionary, Fidel Castro.

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MOVIES - From Newsarama:  Universal Pictures has released seven character posters for the upcoming film "F9: The Fast Saga," the ninth film in the "Fast & Furious" franchise.

From ScreenRant:  The trailer for "F9" is due for release online Friday, Jan. 30th, 2020.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Wes Anderson's next film, "French Dispatch" will be released July 24th, 2020 by Searchlight Pictures.

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TELEVISION - From THR:  Newly minted U.S. citizen, John Oliver, talks about the return of his Emmy-winning TV series, "Last Week Tonight."

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  It's "pilot season" for the broadcast networks and they are facing stiff salary competition for top talent because of the streaming giants.

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GRAMMYS - From CNN:  At Sunday's (Jan. 26th) 2020 Grammy Awards ceremony, First Lady Michelle Obama won the Grammy Award for "Best Spoken World Album."  Her husband, President Barack Obama, has previously won the award twice.

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FILM FESTIVAL - From Deadline:  The 2020 / 70th Berlin Film Festival (Feb. 20th to March 1st, 2020) has announced its competitive film lineup which will include 18 films.  Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Iron will serve as the president of the international jury which will hand out the Golden and Silver Bear awards.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  "True Detective" creator, Nic Pizzolatto, reunited with one of the series' biggest stars, Matthew McConaughey, for the series, "Redeemer," for FX.

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MOVIES - From THR: Priyanka Chopra joins "The Matrix 4."

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OSCARS/KOBE - From THR:  The late basketball great, Kobe Bryant, killed in a helicopter crash Sun., Jan. 26th, will be remembered at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony on Sun., Feb. 9th.

From THR:  The late Kobe Bryant, an Oscar winner himself, was remembered at Monday's (Jan. 27th) Oscar nominees luncheon.

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TELEVISION - From THR:  CBS gives a pilot pick-up order to a reboot its old TV series, "The Equalizer" (1985-1989), with Oscar-nominated actress Queen Latifah in the lead.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures has removed its "Masters of the Universe" reboot film from its release schedule.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 1/24 to 1/26/2020 weekend box office is "Bad Boys for Life" with an estimated take of 34 million dollars.  It is a repeat winner having topped its debut weekend last week.

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GRAMMYS - From Deadline:  The site is updating the winners list at 2020 / 62nd annual Grammy Awards.  UPDATE:  Billie Eilish sweeps the marquee cateogries: "Album of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Record of the Year," and "Best New Artist."

From YahooEntertainment:  Here is a complete list of winners at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards.

From YahooEntertainmentBillie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, set or tied numerous records at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards last night (Sun., Jan. 26th).  Eilish becomes only the second artist to win the coveted "big four" awards: "Album of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Record of the Year," and "Best New Artist." The first person to do it was Christopher Cross, 39 years ago.  The article in this link also talks about the Grammys ceremony's "highs and lows."

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AWARDS - From DeadlineSam Mendes wins the "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Film" award at the 2020 / 72nd Directors Guild Awards for his film "1917."  This is the second major guild win for "1917" after winning the top prize at the Producers Guild Awards.

From Deadline:  Netflix's "Klaus" wins "Best Animated Feature" at the 2020/ 47th Annie Awards, one of the seven awards the film won.  Netflix's entries won 19 Annies at the ceremonies, which were held last night (Sat., Jan. 25th).

From Deadline:  Cinematographer Roger Deakins wins the top prize, the "Theatrical Release" trophy, for his work on the film, "1917," at the 34th annual ASC Awards, which are given by the American Society of Cinematographers.

From DeadlineGreta Gerwig took home top film honors Saturday night (Jan. 25th) at the 32nd annual USC Libraries Scripter Awards for "Little Women," her adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott novel.  In the TV category, the Scripter went to Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the first episode of her English TV series "Fleabag," which is streamed on Amazon Prime and is based on her one-woman play.

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  The cast is set for Tyler Perry's Nickelodeon series, "Tyler Perry's Young Dylan."  Carl Anthony Payne II of the 1990's series, "Martin," is one of the stars.

OBITS:

From THR:  NBA player and legend and member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, has died at the age of 41, Sunday, January 26, 2020.  Bryant was a five-time NBA champion; two-time NBA Finals MVP; league MVP in 2008; 18-time NBA All-Star; fourth-leading scorer in NBA history; and he was a two-time Olympic gold medal winner with the USA Basketball team (2008, 2012).  Kobe played his entire career for only one team, the Lakers.  Kobe wore two numbers in his career, and both No. 8 and No. 24 have been retired by the Lakers.

From Deadline:  American television network executive, Fred Silverman, has died at the age of 82, Thursday, January 30, 2020.  He was an executive at CBS, ABC, and NBC.  During his time at these networks, he was responsible for TV series like "All in the Family" and "MASH" at CBS; "Happy Days" and the miniseries, "Roots" at ABC; and "Hill Street Blues" and the miniseries, "Shogun" at NBC.

From Deadline:  Theater and television actress, Marsha Kramer, has died at the age of 74, Friday, January 24, 2020.  Over a forty year career, Kramer appeared in numerous TV series, including a recent stint on ABC's long-running sitcom, "Modern Family."


Review: "Terminator: Dark Fate" Tries... Lawd, It Tries

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 3 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Running time:  128 minutes (2 hours, 8 minutes)
MPAA – R for violence throughout, language and brief nudity
DIRECTOR:  Tim Miller
WRITERS:  David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, and Billy Ray; from a story by James Cameron, Charles H. Eglee, Josh Friedman, David S. Goyer, and Justin Rhodes (based upon characters created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd)
PRODUCERS:  James Cameron and David Ellison
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Ken Seng
EDITOR:  Julian Clarke
COMPOSER:  Junkie XL

SCI-FI/ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta, and Fraser James

Terminator: Dark Fate is a 2019 science fiction and action-thriller from director Tim Miller.  The film is the sixth in the Terminator film franchise, but Terminator: Dark Fate is a direct sequel to the original film, The Terminator (1984) and its sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), both of which were directed by James Cameron, who is a co-writer and co-producer on this new film.  In Dark Fate, a soldier from the future arrives in the present day to protect a young woman marked for termination by another kind of soldier from the future.

Terminator: Dark Fate opens in 1998 when events that began fourteen years earlier come to a close... of sorts.  The story moves forward to the year 2020 when two fighters from the future (the year 2042) arrive separately in Mexico City.  One is Grace (Mackenzie Davis), a cybernetically-enhanced human soldier.  The other is an advanced Terminator model, the Rev-9, (Gabriel Luna), sent by “Legion,” an A.I. (artificial intelligence) built for cyber-warfare that threatens the existence of humanity in the future.

Their target is a young Mexican woman, Daniella “Dani” Ramos (Natalia Reyes); Grace wants to protect her, and the Rev-9 wants to kill her.  Grace is able to temporarily fend off the Rev-9 in order to protect Dani, but she cannot defeat the Terminator.  To do that, Grace and Dani will need the help of a mysterious woman named Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and an old T-800 Terminator that calls itself “Carl” (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and even they may not be enough help.

Ten years ago, Warner Bros. attempted to reboot the Terminator film franchise with the film, Terminator: Salvation (2009).  I really liked that film and thought that it had saved the franchise, which seemed rudderless in the wake of the entertaining, but superfluous Terminator: Rise of the Machines (2003).

Ten years later, we get Terminator: Dark Fate, and I think this entertaining sequel, reboot, re-imagining can revive the Terminator franchise, as far as the larger narrative is concerned.  Can Dark Fate save the franchise financially and in terms of popularity?  Outside of a few studios (Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm) and one genre, superhero films, predicting box office success of big-budget, “tent-pole,” event films, is a crap-shoot.

That aside, I really like Terminator: Dark Fate.  Most of the film is a series of impossible-looking action sequences.  The fate of Dark Fate is in the hands of sound editors, sound mixers, CGI artists, and film editors.  Dark Fate is an extended thrill ride, a giant thrill machine, a breathtaking race, a heart-stopping chase, etc.  The airplane duel and the entire waterfall/hydro-power battle are jaw-dropping sequences.  Dark Fate gives its audience second, thirds, and fourth servings when it comes action and thrills.

However, in terms of drama and character, Terminator: Dark Fate is skimpy.  Most of the characterization and personalities are copied or are leftovers from James Cameron and Terminator co-creator Gale Anne Hurd's work on the first two films.  Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor is good here, but she could have been better.  Dark Fate's story material is so underdeveloped that Hamilton seems forced to overact.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the rest of the cast does its best being really intense.  I must note, however, that Gabriel Luna does a wonderful job being creepy, chilling, and cold-freaking-blooded as the Rev-9 Terminator.  If this film has an actor having a star turn, it's Luna.

My quibbles aside, I think Terminator: Dark Fate points to an interesting and intriguing new direction for the Terminator films.  I found myself enjoying it so thoroughly, it wasn't until I started writing this review that I even gave a thought to the character and drama writing.  Let's be honest, what you feel immediately while watching a movie is what really counts in terms of entertainment value.  And Terminator: Dark Fate is the real fucking deal when it comes to action movies.

A-
7.5 of 10

Saturday, November 2, 2019


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Thursday, January 30, 2020

Director Matt Reeves Has Begun Filming "The Batman"

Filming Is Underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Batman,” Directed by Matt Reeves and Starring Robert Pattinson

Pattinson plays the dual role of Batman and Bruce Wayne amidst a star-studded ensemble

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Batman.” Director Matt Reeves (the “Planet of the Apes” films) is at the helm, with Robert Pattinson (upcoming “Tenet,” “The Lighthouse,” “Good Time”) starring as Gotham City’s vigilante detective, Batman, and billionaire Bruce Wayne.

Starring alongside Pattinson as Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters are Zoë Kravitz (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Mad Max: Fury Road”) as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”) as Edward Nashton; Jeffrey Wright (the “Hunger Games” films) as the GCPD’s James Gordon; John Turturro (the “Transformers” films) as Carmine Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Black Mass”) as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”) as mayoral candidate Bella Reál; with Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) as Alfred; and Colin Farrell (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Dumbo”) as Oswald Cobblepot.

Reeves and Dylan Clark (the “Planet of the Apes” films) are producing the film, with Simon Emanuel, Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada and Chantal Nong Vo serving as executive producers. Reeves’ behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-nominated director of photography Greig Fraser (“Lion,” upcoming “Dune”); his “Planet of the Apes” production designer, James Chinlund; editors William Hoy (the “Planet of the Apes” films) and Tyler Nelson (“Rememory”); Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon (“The Jungle Book”); Oscar-nominated SFX supervisor Dominic Tuohy (“1917,” “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker”); Oscar-nominated sound mixer Stuart Wilson (“1917,” the “Star Wars” franchise); Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“1917,” “Little Women,” “Anna Karenina”) and costume designers Glyn Dillon (the “Star Wars” franchise) and David Crossman (“1917,” the “Star Wars” franchise); hair designer Zoe Tahir (upcoming “No Time to Die,” “Spectre”); and Oscar-nominated makeup designer Naomi Donne (“1917”).

Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger. Based on characters from DC, “The Batman” is set to open in theaters June 25, 2021 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2020

"Little Women" and "Fleabag" top 2020 USC Libraries Scripter Awards

Women win the night at USC Libraries Scripter Awards

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The writers behind the film “Little Women” and the television series “Fleabag” received the 32nd-annual USC Libraries Scripter Awards at the Saturday, January 25, 2020 ceremony at USC’s Doheny Memorial Library. Susan Orlean took the 2020 Literary Achievement Award.

The Scripter Awards recognize the year’s most accomplished adaptation of the written word for the screen, including feature film and television adaptations.

In her welcoming remarks, USC Libraries Dean Catherine Quinlan noted that the Scripter Awards uniquely honor both the adapting screenwriters and the authors of the original source material. “Our celebrating both sets of writers speaks to what great libraries do,” she said. “We honor the past, make it accessible and relevant, even as we make possible the creativity and discoveries that will define the future.”

In the television category, Phoebe Waller-Bridge earned the award for “Fleabag,” written for the streaming network Amazon Prime. It is based on her one-woman play of the same name, which debuted at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, winning the Fringe First Prize.

The other finalists were the writers behind episodes of “Fosse/Verdon” (distributed by FX), “Killing Eve” (BBC America), “Unbelievable” (Netflix), and “Watchmen” (HBO).

In the film category, the winners were 19th-century author Louisa May Alcott and screenwriter Greta Gerwig, who adapted Alcott’s novel “Little Women” for the screen. Sony Pictures released “Little Women,” which Gerwig also directed.

In accepting the award, Gerwig said: “Who I am today would be totally unimaginable without Louisa May Alcott . . . because ‘Little Women’ is the book of my life. Rereading and rereading this book throughout my childhood made me the woman I am today. Because without Louisa I never would have listened to the voice inside of myself that whispered ‘Write.’”

Producer Amy Pascal, in accepting on behalf of Louisa May Alcott, said “Both Greta and I wish that the actual Louisa May Alcott could be here tonight to accept this award to see how legendary her words are and the women she created are.”

The other finalist films were “Dark Waters” (distributed by Focus Features), “The Irishman” (Netflix), “Jojo Rabbit” (Fox Searchlight), and “The Two Popes” (Netflix).

Earlier in the evening, USC President Carol Folt presented the Literary Achievement Award to author Susan Orlean, a 2003 Scripter Award finalist for her book “The Orchid Thief,” which served as the basis for the film “Adaptation.” Folt praised Orlean’s most recent publication, “The Library Book,” which recounts the 1986 fire that devastated L.A.’s Central Library.

Orlean dedicated the award to librarians around the world, saying “It’s librarians who do great things every day and they are the patron saints of knowledge, freedom, and learning.”

Quinlan honored Glenn Sonnenberg as the 2020 Ex Libris Award winner for his extraordinary support of the USC Libraries, and for co-founding the Scripter Awards with actress and fellow USC Libraries board member Marjorie Lord in 1988. “It is hardly an accident that college libraries are placed at the center of campus — not at the periphery,” said Sonnenberg. “Nor is it an accident that many libraries — think the Vatican, the Library of Congress, or this room, are edifices of great beauty. People recognize the centrality of their contents and of their role.”

In-kind donors to the event included Andrew Murray Vineyards, OPI Inc., and Urth Caffé.

The caterer was Pasadena-based Kitchen for Exploring Foods.

For more information about Scripter, visit scripter.usc.edu.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Recording Academy Announces "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince"

Prince's Prolific Career Celebrated with "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince"

All-Star Lineup Set to Perform Songs from Prince's Remarkable Catalog During Live Concert Taping on Jan. 28

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just two days after the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®, the Recording Academy®, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS will celebrate the unparalleled career of 38-time GRAMMY® nominee and seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince by presenting "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince." The live concert taping will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The special will be broadcast later in 2020 on the CBS Television Network. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase here.

The special will feature a lineup of all-star artists paying tribute to Prince's unprecedented influence on music, including GRAMMY Award-winning artists Beck, Common, Gary Clark Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Juanes, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Mavis Staples, St. Vincent, and Usher, and singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs. Plus, a historic joint performance by several of Prince's most celebrated musical friends and collaborators, including GRAMMY Award-winning band the Revolution, past GRAMMY Award nominee Sheila E., and legendary funk band Morris Day And The Time. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Prince. The Purple One. His Royal Badness — regardless of how you identify him, he is indisputably one of the greatest musical virtuosos of all time," said Deborah Dugan, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "With his subversive attitude and commanding nature, he straddled musical genres and created electrifying music that was bursting with character. He continues to serve as an inspirational icon for artists and fans worldwide, and we are so honored to pay tribute to his legacy at this year's post-GRAMMYs® special."

"One of the true joys of producing the GRAMMY Awards is both working with and being able to tribute your heroes, and Prince gave me the opportunity of doing both," said Ken Ehrlich. "His GRAMMY appearances, though few, were historic, and it's with mixed feelings that we approach this opportunity to celebrate the amazing legacy he left us. We've gathered a remarkable collection of artists across genres and across generations to salute one of music's truly singular iconic writer/performers, and believe me, it's a tall order to do him justice."

Prince's start in music broke grounds by successfully negotiating with Warner Bros. Records to not only let him produce his 1978 debut album, For You, but to play all 27 instruments featured on the album. In 1984, Prince achieved international fame with the release of his album and film Purple Rain. He has more than 40 RIAA certifications, ranging from platinum to diamond. His catalog includes 19 Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits, including the GRAMMY-winning "Kiss," as well as five chart-topping albums, including the GRAMMY-winning Purple Rain. Prince has garnered seven GRAMMY Awards, and 38 GRAMMY nominations, and he was presented with the Academy's President's Merit Award in 1985. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Awards. Releasing nearly 40 studio albums, Prince has solidified his mark as one of the most influential artists of all time.

"Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince" is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC, with the cooperation of the Prince Estate. Ehrlich is executive producer, Ron Basile and Chantel Sausedo are producers, and David Wild is the writer/producer. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Sheila E. are the co-musical directors of the special. To learn more about Prince, visit Prince.com and follow @Prince on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


About the Recording Academy
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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