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Downton Abbey Review: A Family Reunion Worth Attending

We fell in love with Downton Abbey’s wealthy Crawley family and their servants over 52 episodes of the luscious period drama. Series creator Julian Fellowes invited us into this exquisite world and by the series finale at the end of the six-season run, we felt like we were saying goodbye to a fascinating collection of old friends.

The series featured a wealth of rich, interesting characters, and penning a screenplay that allowed the beloved characters to each snag time in the spotlight must have been an incredibly difficult task. Fortunately for fans of the series, Fellowes was up to the task. He accomplished the creation of a new chapter in the Downton Abbey world by writing an engaging tale that feels authentic and pure yet fits snuggly within the established world.

Downton Abbey the movie centers around a much-anticipated visit by King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James). The year’s 1927 and while there are a few members of the household who aren’t enthusiastic about the Royals (namely kitchen maid Daisy, played by Sophie McShera), most of the upstairs and downstairs occupants are giddy over their impending visit.

Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), of course, leads the charge in preparing Downton for these prestigious visitors. The grand English estate is a beehive of activity as rooms are readied, silver is polished, and the kitchen staff prepares to feed the King and Queen of England.

Unfortunately for Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier), the character who’s had the biggest transformative journey of the series, Mary isn’t sure Downton will be spick and span and ready for the Royals under his leadership. She requests Carson (Jim Carter) come out of retirement to take charge, a task which he slips into with joy and enthusiasm, tempered by the fact he’s still Carson and not known for being overly demonstrative.

Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith), approaches the hoopla in typical style, meeting each new development with a whip-smart, biting response, delivered in classic Violet fashion. Violet’s focus during the visit turns to Lady Maud Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton) and her maid, Lucy (Tuppence Middleton). Maud’s a cousin of Robert’s (Hugh Bonneville) and despite the fact she doesn’t have an heir, she’s set on naming someone other than Robert to carry on with her estate. Their “civil” discussions are among the best scenes in the film.

Downstairs, Anna (Joanne Frogatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle) lead the charge when it’s discovered the Royal staff intend on casting aside the Downtown employees including the cook, Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol). No one puts the Downton staff in the corner, not even the King and Queen’s servants.

Upstairs, Tom (Allen Leech) is afforded plenty of hero moments and is, surprisingly, the emotional heart of the feature film. Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) isn’t as central to the story as Lady Mary, but Julian Fellowes’ script confirms her life continues to be a series of challenges to overcome away from Downton.

Downton Abbey the film is forced into a slightly faster-paced story than the award-winning drama that spawned it, yet director Michael Engler never rushes. From the first magical notes of the Downton Abbey theme to the brilliant final scenes, Engler and Fellowes do this amazingly talented ensemble justice. They’ve created the perfect film adaptation of a series that charmed viewers for six seasons.

Dame Maggie Smith deserves another Oscar nomination for her performance and delivery of Julian Fellowes’ delicious lines of dialogue. Smith’s outstanding, as usual, but in the Downton Abbey film she’s in her element, elevating every scene.

Downton Abbey targets a specific audience and scores a bullseye. It’s one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had watching a 2019 theatrical release, and as a fan of the brilliant series I can’t think of a misplaced line or out-of-character action anywhere in the film. The only negative mark against the film is that it makes viewers melancholy once again over the fact the series has ended.

GRADE: A

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: September 20, 2019

Studio: Focus Features




Pandora Season 1 Episode 10 Photos: “Hurricane” Preview

Pandora Season 1 Episode 10
Noah Huntley as Osborn and Oliver Dench as Xander Duvall in ‘Pandora’ season 1 episode 10 (Photo © 2019 The CW Network, LLC)

Season one of The CW’s sci-fi drama Pandora continues with episode 10 titled “Hurricane.” The episode was directed by Brett Simmons from a script by Thomas P. Vitale and Brett Simmons. “Hurricane” is set to air on September 17, 2019.

In addition to Priscilla Quintana as JAX (a.k.a. Pandora), series regulars include Oliver Dench as Xander Duvall, Raechelle Banno as Atria Nine, and John Harlan Kim as Greg Li. Ben Radcliffe plays Ralen, Banita Sandhu is Delaney Pilar, Martin Bobb-Semple is Thomas James Ross, and Noah Huntley plays Professor Donovan Osborn.

Mark A. Altman executive produces with Steve Kriozere (NCIS, Necessary Roughness), Thomas P. Vitale, Karine Martin, and Chris Philip.

The “Hurricane” Plot: TRIAL BY FIRE – Ralen (Radcliffe) is on trial for his life after being accused of having sabotaged the Tereshkova. But even Jax (Quintana) has her doubts about Ralen’s veracity when his wife arrives from Zatar to defend him.

Series Description, Courtesy of The CW:

Set in the year 2199, Pandora is a sci-fi action series about a resourceful young woman who has lost everything but finds a new life at Earth’s Space Training Academy where she and her friends learn to defend the galaxy from threats, both alien and human. When secrets about the nature of her own identity begin to surface, she must uncover the truth, and whether she will be humanity’s savior or the instrument of its destruction.

Pandora Season 1 Episode 10
Amy McPherson as Matta and Ben Radcliffe as Ralen in season 1 episode 10 (Photo © 2019 The CW Network, LLC)
Pandora Season 1 Episode 10
Ben Radcliffe as Ralen in season 1 episode 10 (Photo © 2019 The CW Network, LLC)
Pandora Season 1 Episode 10
Amy McPherson as Matta in season 1 episode 10 (Photo © 2019 The CW Network, LLC)
Pandora Season 1 Episode 10
Noah Huntley as Osborn in season 1 episode 10 (Photo © 2019 The CW Network, LLC)




Netflix Unveils Details on Four Upcoming Spooky Films Set for October 2019 Release

Netflix is celebrating Friday the 13th with the release of photos and video from four upcoming horror films. All four films will premiere in October, perfectly timed for getting viewers into the Halloween spirit.

In the Tall Grass based on the novella by Stephen King and his son, Joe Hill, arrives on October 4, 2019. Harrison Gilbertson, Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted, Will Buie Jr., Rachel Wilson, and Patrick Wilson star, and Vincenzo Natali adapted the story and directed. Steven Hoban, Mark Smith, Jimmy Miller, and M. Riley served as producers.

Netflix’s official description for the film: “When siblings Becky and Cal hear the cries of a young boy lost within a field of tall grass, they venture in to rescue him, only to become ensnared themselves by a sinister force that quickly disorients and separates them. Cut off from the world and unable to escape the field’s tightening grip, they soon discover that the only thing worse than getting lost is being found.”

Brad Anderson directs Fractured set to premiere on October 11, 2019. Sam Worthington, Lily Rabe, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Adjoa Andoh star in the thriller from director Brad Anderson. Alan McElroy wrote the screenplay, and Paul Schiff, Mike Macari, and Neal Edelstein produced.

The official synopsis: “Driving home after a tense holiday weekend with his in-laws, Ray Monroe (Worthington), a well-meaning but overwhelmed family man, pulls into a rest area with his wife Joanne (Rabe) and daughter Peri (Capri). The trip takes a turn for the worse when Peri is hurt in an accident and the family rushes to a nearby emergency room run by a staff with dubious intentions. After being sent away for further testing Peri and Joanne vanish and all records of their visit disappear. Ray’s concern turns into a desperate race to find his family and discover the truth of what happened to them.”

Charlie Shotwell, Max Martini, Sadie Sink, with Lili Taylor and Kelly Reilly star in Eli premiering on October 18th. Sinister 2‘s Ciarán Foy directed from a screenplay by David Chirchirillo, Ian Goldberg, and Richard Naing. Trevor Macy and John Zaozirny produced, with Melinda Nishioka executive producing.

Eli’s plot: “Eli is the story of a young boy (Shotwell) plagued with an unknown, debilitating illness that requires him to live completely sealed off from the outside world. After exhausting every option, his parents (Reilly and Martini) put their trust – and his life – in the hands of a doctor (Taylor) whose experimental, cutting edge treatments at her clean house facility may hold Eli’s last hope. As Eli undergoes the tremendously intense process that could potentially cure him, he begins to be haunted by experiences that make him question who he can trust and what is lurking inside the house.”

Finally, Rattlesnake slithers onto Netflix on October 25th starring Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi, Emma Greenwell, and Apollonia Pratt. Zak Hilditch wrote and directed and Ross M. Dinerstein produced. Carmen Ejogo, Ross Girard, and Zak Hilditch served as executive producers.

The Rattlesnake plot: “Katrina (Ejogo) is a single mother driving cross country to start a new life with her young daughter Clara (Pratt) when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. As Katrina changes the tire, Clara wanders off the desert road and is bitten by a venomous rattlesnake. Desperate to save her daughter’s life, Katrina accepts the help of a mysterious woman, but after she miraculously heals Clara, Katrina is asked to repay the good deed by killing a stranger in exchange for the life saved. Without time to lose, she must wrestle with the morality of who deserves to live and who should die, before her daughter’s life is once again put in peril at sundown.”

Eli star Kelly Reilly
Kelly Reilly stars in ‘Eli’ (Photo by Patti Perret © 2018 Paramount Pictures)
Rattlesnake
Apollonia Pratt and Carmen Ejogo in ‘Rattlesnake’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
In the Tall Grass
A scene from ‘In the Tall Grass’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Fractured
A scene from ‘Fractured’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)




The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1 Preview: Photos from “Impact”

ABC’s police drama The Rookie kicks off the second season of with an episode featuring Mark Cuban guest starring as himself. Season two episode one, directed by Mike Goi from a script by Alexi Hawley, will air on September 29, 2019.

Episode one also features guest stars Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers and Sarah Shahi as Jessica Russo.

Nathan Fillion leads the cast as John Nolan. Alyssa Diaz is Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones is Sergeant Wade Grey, Titus Makin is Jackson West, Melissa O’Neil is Lucy Chen, and Eric Winter plays Tim Bradford.

New episodes air on Sundays at 10pm ET/PT.

The “Impact” Plot – Danger is ever-present as the officers of the Mid-Wilshire precinct grapple with the aftermath of a plotted attack on the city of Los Angeles, leaving Officer Bradford fighting for his life in the season two premiere. Flash-forward two weeks and the rookies receive the shocking results of their latest training exam, leaving one officer questioning what the future holds. Meanwhile, tension develops at home as Nolan and Lopez advance in their relationships with Jessica and Wesley.

The Series Description, Courtesy of ABC:

“Six months into his career as a cop, John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior. But as he embarks on the second half of his rookie year, Nolan will be put to the test by a host of new challenges, romantic relationships and deadly criminals, as he looks to figure out what kind of cop he ultimately wants to be.”

The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1
Richard T Jones, Mark Cuban, and Nathan Fillion on the set of ‘The Rookie’ season 2 episode 1 (ABC/Eric McCandless)
The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1
Mark Cuban and Nathan Fillion in season 2 episode 1 (ABC/Eric McCandless)
The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1
Skyler Stone and Richard T Jones in “Impact” (ABC/Eric McCandless)
The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1
Titus Makin Jr and Melissa O’Neil in season 2 episode 2 (ABC/Rick Rowell)
The Rookie Season 2 Episode 1
Nathan Fillion in scene frmo season 2 episode 1 (ABC/Rick Rowell)




Wynonna Earp, The Purge, and Resident Alien Casts Heading to the New York Comic Con

Wynonna Earp New York Comic Con
Melanie Scrofano stars in ‘Wynonna Earp’

Syfy will once again have a major presence at the New York Comic Con running October 3rd through 6th at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Panels are planned for fan-favorite Wynonna Earp, season two of The Purge, and the first season of Resident Alien. Syfy’s also hosting a screening of The Banana Splits Movie based on characters from the classic children’s TV series.

In addition to panels, Syfy and Syfy Wire will have fan activations and as well as interviews with the casts of shows including Outlander, The Orville, and Marvel’s Runaways. And Hobbits, princesses, and Pee-wee Herman will be stopping by the NYCC Live Stage at Booth #174, hosted by Syfy Wire (the convention’s live-streaming partner).



Syfy and Syfy Wire New York Comic Con Plans:

  • THE BANANA SPLITS MOVIE Premiere Screening – Thursday, October 3 (6:45-8:30PM, Javits Room 1A10)

    The beloved children’s show is back… with a vengeance—a horrible, bloody vengeance! Join us for this exclusive screening and some side-splitting fun (literally). In this SYFY original movie, the characters (Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky) from the 1968 children’s show, “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour,” go on a bloodthirsty rampage during a live taping of The Banana Splits TV show. It’s fun for the whole family! (You know, if you’re into ruining childhoods).

    A SYFY Original, THE BANANA SPLITS MOVIE will make its world television premiere on SYFY on Saturday, October 12 at 9/8c.

  • USA’s THE PURGE Premiere Screening & Panel – Thursday, October 3 (2:30-4PM, Hammerstein Ballroom)

    **SYFY’s sibling USA Network brings THE PURGE to NYCC!**
    Don’t miss the premiere screening of the new season’s first episode, followed by a panel with stars and creators. Derek Luke, Paola Nuñez, Joel Allen, Rochelle Aytes, James DeMonaco, James Roland and Krystal Houghton Ziv.

    Based on the popular film franchise, USA Network’s THE PURGE returns for its second season on October 15 at 9/8c on USA Network. This season, we’ll finally discover what happens the other 364 days of the year!

  • SYFY’s RESIDENT ALIEN World Premiere Screening & Panel – Friday, October 4 (12:30-2PM, Hammerstein Ballroom)

    Be the first to see Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Rogue One) as an alien in SYFY’s upcoming comedy series RESIDENT ALIEN. Join Alan, cast members Sara Tomko (Once Upon a Time) and Corey Reynolds (The Closer), and writer/executive producer Chris Sheridan (Family Guy) for the world premiere screening of the series’ first episode, followed by a special Q&A.

    Set to premiere on SYFY in 2020, RESIDENT ALIEN is based on the Dark Horse comic and follows a stranded alien’s attempts to fit into small town American life… while continuing to pursue his own mysterious agenda.

  • SYFY WIRE HOSTS ‘THE GREAT DEBATE’ – Friday, October 4 (7-8PM, Hammerstein Ballroom)
    Some of the GREATEST questions in geekdom will be settled in the return of SYFY WIRE’s The Great Debate, pitting proud celebrity nerds against each other for hilariously epic debates. Who is cooler, Wolverine or Han Solo? Were the Smurfs delightful, or kinda terrifying? Would you rather have a Green Lantern ring or a Wizard Wand? We give you a paddle, YOU vote on the winners. So, judge wisely and remember…with great paddle comes great responsibility! (Plus it works as a pretty sweet fan for when things heat up.) And bring your own hot topics to present to the panel, so they can fight ‘em out. Let’s settle this inside!
  • SYFY and IDW Entertainment’s WYNONNA EARP – Saturday, October 5 (6-7PM, Hammerstein Ballroom)
    Don’t stop Earping! SYFY’s hit series and the 2018 People’s Choice Award Winner for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show is back and better than ever. Join show creator Emily Andras, with cast members Melanie Scrofano, Dominique Provost-Chalkley and Katherine Barrell as they look back at favorite moments in the series and discuss the upcoming fourth season. Hell yeah, Earpers!
  • SYFY WIRE: CON AFTER DARK (Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6 on SYFY)
    SYFY WIRE’s daily televised wrap-up show CON AFTER DARK will air on SYFY at midnight/11c on Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6. With so much happening, SYFY WIRE has you covered as host Jackie Jennings, comedian Jordan Carlos and WIRE’s expert team of editors and writers break down the day’s latest news, celebrity interviews, panels and trailers.
  • SYFY WIRE FAN LOUNGE (Thursday, October 3 – Sunday, October 6)
    The popular SYFY WIRE Fan Lounge returns for its 3rd consecutive year, offering a place to relax, refresh, recharge and catch all the action being streamed from the Live Stage. Find it at the Crystal Palace Mezzanine @ the Javits Center.




Alexander Skarsgard Gets Evil for ‘The Stand’ Limited Series

Alexander Skarsgard The Stand
Alexander Skarsgard joins ‘The Stand’ (Photo Credit: BUILDseries NYC)

Alexander Skarsgard has signed on to star in the CBS All Access limited event series, The Stand. Skarsgard will play Randall Flagg, the main villain in Stephen King’s bestselling novel.

CBS All Access offered the following description of Randall Flagg: “Also known as ‘the Dark Man,’ his unsettling and ever-changing presence is the embodiment of pure evil. Like Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg), Flagg appears in plague survivors’ dreams but, unlike her divine messaging, his ultimate goal is far more sinister…”

The announcement of the final major player in the series was made to coincide with the limited series’ start of production in Vancouver.

Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood, Big Little Lies) joins a cast that includes James Marsden, Amber Heard, Odessa Young, Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Henry Zaga, and Brad William Henke.

Josh Boone and Ben Cavell wrote the limited series and are executive producing, with Boone also directing. Stephen King is penning a final chapter for the series that isn’t included in his bestselling novel. Roy Lee, Jimmy Miller, and Richard P. Rubinstein are also executive producing, and Knate Lee, Jill Killington and Owen King are on board as producers.



The Stand Synopsis:

The Stand is Stephen King’s apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.”

Cast and Character Details, Courtesy of CBS All Access:

  • Whoopi Goldberg will portray Mother Abagail, a prophet who receives visions from God and guides survivors of the superflu.
  • Jovan Adepo will play Larry Underwood, a young musician with a taste for fame, as well as illegal substances. When the plague hits, he is forced to confront his demons as he makes his way to the new world.
  • Owen Teague will portray Harold Lauder. After the superflu ravages his town, Harold goes in search of others with fellow survivor Frannie Goldsmith. While his intentions are good, jealousy and his infatuation with Frannie threaten to lead him down a dark path.
  • Brad William Henke will portray Tom Cullen, Nick Andros’ traveling companion who is developmentally disabled due to a terrible fall as a child. A sweet soul, he will be instrumental in their fight for survival.
  • Daniel Sunjata will play Cobb, a member of the military tasked with supervising Stu Redman as the government searches for a cure during the outbreak of the superflu.
  • James Marsden will portray Stu Redman, an ordinary working-class factory man in an extraordinary situation with a damaged quality to him that belies his exterior.
  • Amber Heard will play Nadine Cross, a deeply conflicted woman who feels the consequences of her actions, but is still compelled by her allegiance to Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.
  • Odessa Young will play Frannie Goldsmith, a pregnant young woman navigating a strange new world, who also has the foresight to recognize that there is evil lurking beyond the Dark Man.
  • Henry Zaga will portray Nick Andros, a young deaf and mute man who finds himself in a position of authority when the unthinkable happens. He has a habit of risking his own well-being for the safety of others.




S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1 Photos: Preview of “Fire in the Sky”

CBS’s S.W.A.T. returns for a third season with an episode titled “Fire in the Sky” which just released a batch of photos and a brief plot description. Directed by Billy Gierhart from a script by Michael Jones-Morales, season three episode one will air on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.

Season three episode one guest stars include Laura James, Eian O’Brien, Mark Dippolito, Izzy Diaz, and David Alvarez. Tim Dezarn, Chuck McCollum, Aline Elasmar, Ryan Dorsey, Janna Bossier, John Yang Li, and Tessa Munro also guest star in “Fire in the Sky.”

The cast of season three includes Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Stephanie Sigman as Jessica Cortez, Alex Russell as Jim Street, and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay. Lina Esco stars as Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenny Johnson is Dominique Luca, David Lim is Victor Tan, Amy Farrington is Lieutenant Piper Lynch, and Patrick St. Esprit plays Commander Robert Hicks.

The “Fire in the Sky” Plot – The SWAT team works with Lieutenant Piper Lynch (Farrington), a senior LAPD Hollywood Division officer, when the mayor assigns her to oversee city departments joining forces to stop a serial bomber using drones as detonation devices. Also, just as Hondo settles into legal guardianship of his teen charge, Darryl (Deshae Frost), his home life becomes more complicated when his estranged father (Obba Babatundé) unexpectedly moves in.



S.W.A.T. Description, Courtesy of CBS:

Inspired by the television series and the feature film, S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised S.W.A.T. sergeant, tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel ”Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds and acclimate to his new duties as the legal guardian of a teenager.

Hondo’s elite unit includes David “Deacon” Kay, an experienced S.W.A.T. officer and dedicated family man who always puts the team first; Christina “Chris” Alonso, a skilled officer and the team’s canine trainer; Dominique Luca, an expert driver who gets them in and out of high risk situations; Victor Tan, who started in the LAPD Hollywood Division and uses his confidential informants in the community to help the team; and Jim Street, the team’s cocky newest member who is re-instated to S.W.A.T. after being fired for compromising the unit.

Responsible for the management of all Metro Division S.W.A.T. units is Commander Robert Hicks, a senior LAPD official with the Special Operations Bureau. Overseeing Hondo’s team is Hicks’ direct report, Jessica Cortez, the ambitious captain of L.A. Metro weighing an offer to leave S.W.A.T and work for the FBI. With Hondo leading the charge, these dedicated men and women bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.

S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1
Alex Russell as Jim Street, Deshae Frost as Darryl, Lina Esco as Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenneth “Kenny” Johnson as Dominique Juca, and David Lim as Victor Tan (Photo: Sonja Flemming / 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1
Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay and Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in season 3 episode 1 (Photo: Sonja Flemming / 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1
Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Alex Russell as Jim Street, Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Lina Esco as Christina “Chris” Alonso, and David Lim as Victor Tan (Photo: Sonja Flemming / 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1
David Lim as Victor Tan, Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Kenneth “Kenny” Johnson as Dominique Juca, and Amy Farrington as Lieutenant Detective Piper Lynch in ‘S.W.A.T.’ season 3 episode 1 (Photo: Sonja Flemming / 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 1
Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in season 3 episode 1 (Photo: Sonja Flemming / 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)




Downton Abbey Refresher Course: A Recap to Prepare for the Feature Film

Focus Features has released a 10-minute entertaining Downton Abbey recap hitting on all the key points of the award-winning series. Downton Abbey stars Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan are our guides as the recap spends time with each of the series’ key players, setting up where the movie will pick up the story of the Crawleys and their loyal staff.

The cast of the film inspired by the popular series is led by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. Returning cast members include Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Robert James-Collier, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode, Harry Hadden-Paton, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Penelope Wilton, and two-time Academy-Award winner Maggie Smith (California Suite, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie).

New to the Downton Abbey world are Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Pride), Geraldine James (Anne with an E, Beast), Simon Jones (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Brideshead Revisited), David Haig (Killing Eve, Penny Dreadful), Tuppence Middleton (War and Peace, The Imitation Game), Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders, The Crown), and Stephen Campbell Moore (History Boys, Lark Rise to Candleford).

Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script and Michael Engler directed the feature film adaptation. Fellowes also serves as a producer along with Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

Downton Abbey will open in theaters on September 20, 2019.

The Plot:

“This fall, the worldwide phenomenon Downton Abbey becomes a grand motion picture event, as the beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.”

Downton Abbey Movie
Laura Carmichael stars as Lady Hexham, Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Grantham and Michelle Dockery stars as Lady Mary Talbot in ‘Downton Abbey’ (Photo Credit: Liam Daniel / © 2019 Focus Features, LLC)




Devs Limited Series News: First Photo and NYCC Plans

Devs star Sonoya Mizuno
Sonoya Mizuno as Lily in ‘Devs’ (Photo by Raymond Liu/FX)

FX just unveiled the first official photo from their upcoming limited series, Devs. The network also confirmed Devs will present a panel at the 2019 New York Comic Con to be held October 3rd thru 6th at Javits Center.

The eight-episode limited series marks Alex Garland’s first television venture. Garland wrote and directed the sci-fi thrillers Ex Machina and Annihilation, earning a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination for his Ex Machina script.

The cast of the series, including Sonoya Mizuno, Jin Ha, Cailee Spaeny, Karl Glusman, and Alison Pill, will be taking the stage at the NYCC on Saturday, October 5th at 1:30pm ET in the Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center. Writer/director/creator Alex Garland and executive producer Allon Reich will also be on hand to present a special sneak peek at the limited series.

FX is targeting a 2020 launch of Devs.



The Plot and Characters, Courtesy of FX:

Devs is a high-tech suspense thriller about a young software engineer who investigates the secretive development division of her employer, which she believes is behind the murder of her boyfriend.

Sonoya Mizuno plays Lily Chan, a software engineer who works at Amaya, a cutting edge tech company, and comes to suspect her employer may be responsible for the death of her boyfriend.

Nick Offerman plays Forest, the CEO of Amaya whose obsession is the covert work of the company’s development division.

Jin Ha stars as Jamie, a gifted cyber security specialist who is Lily’s former boyfriend.

Zach Grenier plays Kenton, a character described as terse, dry and dangerous. Kenton is the head of security at Amaya.

Stephen McKinley Henderson is Stewart, a cultured intellectual from another era and one of the top technical minds working in Amaya’s secret development division.

Cailee Spaeny is Lyndon, a young, brilliant, and stubborn employee who works in Amaya’s secret development division.

Alison Pill stars as Katie, a gifted quantum physicist tapped by Forest to be his second in command at Amaya.




Impulse Debuts a New Season 2 Trailer and Trippy Poster

The full season two trailer’s arrived for the second season of YouTube Originals’ sci-fi thriller, Impulse. Season one of the intense drama is currently available for free on YouTube, and season two will be released to YouTube Premium subscribers on October 16, 2019.

Non-subscribers will also be able to check out season two, with each episode available for a limited time after its release.

Season one starred Maddie Hasson (Twisted), Sarah Desjardins (Van Helsing), Enuka Okuma (Rookie Blue), Craig Arnold (Heartland), Tanner Stine (Here and Now), Missi Pyle (Another Period), Matt Gordon (The Detail), David James Elliott (Secrets and Lies), and Callum Keith Rennie (Jessica Jones). Lauren LeFranc is the showrunner and executive produces with Doug Liman, David Bartis, and Gene Klein. Impulse is a UCP (Universal Content Productions) and Hypnotic production.

The Season 2 Plot, Courtesy of YouTube:

“Maddie Hasson stars as Henrietta ‘Henry’ Coles, a rebellious 17-year-old girl who has always felt different from her peers and longs to escape from her seemingly quaint small town. During a traumatic event, Henry discovers she has the extraordinary ability to teleport, and her newfound power confirms Henry’s conviction that she really was different from everybody else — but it now makes her the focus of those who want to control her. Missi Pyle stars as Henry’s mother, Cleo Coles.”

Impulse Season 2 Poster

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