Alicia Keys Will Return as the Grammy Awards Host

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November 14, 2019

Alicia Keys will once again be taking the Grammy Awards stage as host. CBS and the Recording Academy announced the 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter has signed on to host the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards set for Sunday, January 26, 2020. The music industry’s biggest awards show will air live on CBS from Staples Center in Los Angeles beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

The announcement was accompanied by a minute and a half video featuring 2020 Grammy Awards host Alicia Keys talking to her 2019 Grammy Awards host self.

The 2019 Grammys marked the first time the popular artist hosted an awards show, and it will be interesting to see if Keys can top her 2019 Grammy Awards opener. Keys set the bar high by featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Jada Pinkett Smith in her opening monologue.

“At first, I did think last year was a one-time thing, but when the opportunity came back around, there was no question about returning as host of the Grammy Awards,” said Keys. “Last year was such a powerful experience for me. Not only did I feel the love in the room, but I felt it from around the world, and it confirmed the healing and unifying power of music.”

“Alicia Keys is the ultimate musically credible MC and talent who brings everything you’d want to hosting big event television,” said Jack Sussman, EVP, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. “Alicia 2019 raised the bar to the next level, and I have no doubt Alicia 2020 will take Music’s Biggest Night to all new heights.”

“From Best New Artist recipient to Grammy Award host, Alicia Keys has been a beacon of artistry within the music community for more than two decades,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan. “Last year was a testament to her compelling creativity, and we are thrilled that she will return to the Grammy stage as our host. Anything can happen. You don’t want to miss it!”

“From the opening of last year’s Grammys, it was clear Alicia was the perfect host,” said executive producer Ken Ehrlich. “While her commitment to the show and musical genius are undeniable, her remarkable ability to guide our live audience and millions more at home was striking. Having worked with her on all of her Grammy appearances, there’s a magic between Alicia and the show, and we are certain this year will make that even more apparent.”

Nominees for the 2020 Grammy Awards will be announced on Wednesday, November 20th at 8:20am ET.

Ford v Ferrari Review: One of the Year’s Best Films

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 14, 2019

It isn’t necessary to be a fan (even a casual one) of fast cars that race in circles for hours to be enthralled by the story that unfolds in 20th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari. Director James Mangold (Logan, 3:10 to Yuma) revs up the action for this high-octane dramatic thriller based on a true story, placing viewers behind the wheel with Christian Bale as he hurtles around the racetrack.

Mangold and screenwriters Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller craft a detailed, engaging tale of ingenuity, loyalty, heartbreak, and an all-consuming passion for cars. Stunning, heart-pounding racing sequences complement rather than compete with the character development, and the track itself comes to feel as if it’s a living, breathing entity.

The film kicks off in the early 1960s with Ford sales in a slump. Their tried and true family car isn’t sexy enough for the younger generation of drivers, and it’s decided the company’s best option is to approach Enzo Ferrari about buying out his company. History confirms that deal was never made, and CEO Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) was insulted by the way Enzo treated his company (and the Ford family legacy) during the negotiations.

Angry and frustrated, Henry Ford and his executive team which includes marketing executive Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) opt to beat Enzo Ferrari on what’s become his home turf. Ford will come up with a car that can outrace Ferrari on the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Matt Damon and Christian Bale in Twentieth Century Fox’s ‘Ford v Ferrari’

Carroll Shelby’s (Matt Damon) a talented race car driver who competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans but was forced into retirement due to a heart condition. No longer able to compete on the track, Carroll’s opened up his own shop and is designing and selling cars. Ford and his team believe he’s the perfect man to design a race car capable of beating Ferrari.

Carroll’s up to the challenge, recruiting his friend Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as the man to take the wheel and square off with Ferrari on the track. Ken’s a hothead and an acquired taste, yet Carroll firmly believes this British family man with oil running through his veins is the ticket to taking down Ferrari. His uncanny ability to detect the tiniest defect in the hum of an engine or anticipate what a motor’s capable of make him a vital member of Carroll’s team. However, the Ford execs aren’t sold on Ken and much of Ford v Ferrari focuses on Carroll’s attempts to keep the best man for the job in the job, despite his inability to toe the company line.

Director Mangold’s drama is brilliantly cast. The team of Christian Bale and Matt Damon should take this onscreen partnership further and pair up for a dysfunctional buddy comedy, so perfect is their chemistry. There are shades of that sort of comedy within Ford v Ferrari, although the drama outweighs the humor – as it should in this case. The lighthearted moments, including a terrific scene involving produce used as weapons, provide breathers between the adrenaline-pumping action sequences.

Christian Bale continues his deep dive into characters that require a significant change in his weight. Bale promises this will be his last after dropping pounds to portray the lanky, tell-it-like-it-is mechanic and driver. Ken doesn’t possess a filter and his mouth gets him into trouble with the suits at Ford but, fortunately, he has both his loving wife, Mollie (Outlander’s Caitriona Balfe), and Carroll Shelby to apply the brakes on and keep Ken’s worst instincts in check.

Matt Damon’s Carroll Shelby is more of a diplomat but equally obsessed with building the perfect car to defeat Ferrari. He plays the game better than Ken and serves as his protector against their corporate overlords, placing himself as a buffer between the demands of Ford Motor Co. and the needs of his team and Ken.

Oscar winners Damon and Bale deliver outstanding, nuanced performances in this true underdog story. There’s also not a false step among the supporting cast that includes Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Josh Lucas (perfect in his portrayal of a smarmy Ford executive), and Ray McKinnon.

20th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari is an inspirational film, a surprisingly uplifting movie that’ll put you through the emotional wringer. Bale and Damon make this 2019 retelling of a pivotal time in the auto industry a ride worth taking.

GRADE: A

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language and peril

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Running Time: 152 minutes

New Amsterdam Season 2 Episode 9 Photos: Preview of “The Island” Fall Finale

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 14, 2019

Max heads to Rikers Island for the fall finale of NBC’s New Amsterdam. Season two episode nine, “The Island,” will air on November 19, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.

The cast is led by Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin. Freema Agyeman plays Dr. Helen Sharpe, Janet Montgomery is Dr. Lauren Bloom, Jocko Sims is Dr. Floyd Reynolds, Anupam Kher plays Dr. Vijay Kapoor, and Tyler Labine is Dr. Iggy Frome.

“The Island” Plot – When an inmate comes in with an entirely preventable illness, Max, Sharpe, and Iggy head directly to the source – Rikers Island. Meanwhile, Bloom struggles with her recovery, and Reynolds gets news that could change his life.

The Series Plot, Courtesy of NBC:

“Inspired by the oldest public hospital in America, this unique medical drama follows the brilliant and charming Dr. Max Goodwin, the institution’s newest medical director who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care. How can he help? Well, the doctors and staff have heard this before.

Not taking ‘no’ for an answer, Dr. Goodwin must disrupt the status quo and prove he will stop at nothing to breathe new life into this understaffed, underfunded and underappreciated hospital — the only one in the world capable of treating Ebola patients, prisoners from Rikers and the President of the United States under one roof — and return it to the glory that put it on the map.”

New Amsterdam Season 2 Episode 9 — Freema Agyeman as Dr. Helen Sharpe and Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin in ‘New Amsterdam’ season 2 episode 9 (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 8: Photos and Preview from “Lion’s Den”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 14, 2019

An officer’s taken hostage in season three episode eight of CBS’s S.W.A.T. airing on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT. Episode eight was directed by Billy Gierhart from a script by Munis Rashid.

Grimm‘s Claire Coffee continues her guest-starring role as Kira in episode eight. The episode guest cast also includes Rochelle Aytes, Justin James Farley, Veena Bidasha, Brian Oblak, John Jenkinson, Dan Warner, Kikéy Castillo, Germain Arroyo, Ruben Garfias, Hank Northrop, Jose Pablo Cantillo, and Angela Fornero.

The cast of season three features 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.

“Lion’s Den” Plot – The SWAT team engages in tense negotiations with a family that takes a local officer hostage when they’re evicted from their home due to eminent domain. Also, Hondo reflects on his personal life choices as he helps his father through a medical crisis and Chris’ relationship with Kira and Ty reaches a critical juncture.

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 8 — Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay in ‘S.W.A.T.’ season 3 episode 8 (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

FBI Season 2 Episode 8 Photos: Preview of “Codename: Ferdinand”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 14, 2019

CBS’s popular crime drama FBI continues season two with episode eight airing on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT. Episode eight, “Codename: Ferdinand,” was directed by Alex Zakrzewski from a script by David Amann.

Episode eight’s guest cast includes Roshawn Franklin, Malcolm J. Goodwin, Taylor Anthony Miller, Shannon Marie Sullivan, Tom Lipinski, and Erica Fae. Vidette Lim, Amr Elsheikh, Eric William Morris, Thomas Philip O’Neill, L. James, Thaddeus Daniels, and Abena Mensah-Bonsu also guest star in the November 19th episode.

The season two cast includes Missy Peregrym as Special Agent Maggie Bell, Zeeko Zaki as Special Agent Omar Adom ‘OA’ Zidan, Ebonée Noel as Kristen Chazal, Alana De La Garza as Isobel Castille, John Boyd as Stuart Scola, and Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine.

“Codename: Ferdinand” Plot – When the team digs into the circumstances surrounding a car crash that resulted in the death of a photographer, they realize there is more than meets the eye. Also, Maggie sympathizes with his widow, Annie Weber (Erica Fae), when she notices similarities with her own husband’s death.

The FBI Plot, Courtesy of CBS:

“FBI is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This elite unit brings to bear all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe. Born into a multigenerational law enforcement family, Special Agent Maggie Bell commits deeply to the people she works with as well as those she protects. Her partner is Special Agent Omar Adom ‘OA’ Zidan, a West Point graduate via Bushwick who spent two years undercover for the DEA before being cherry-picked by the FBI.

Overseeing them is Special Agent in Charge, Isobel Castille, who operates under intense pressure and has undeniable command authority. The team also includes Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine, the nerve center of the office whose ability to easily relate to and engage with both superiors and subordinates makes him a master motivator. Kristen Chazal is the team’s most valued resource, a brilliant analyst recruited straight out of university who can piece together the big picture faster than anyone. These first-class agents tenaciously investigate cases of tremendous magnitude, including terrorism, organized crime and counterintelligence.”

FBI Season 2 Episode 8 — Zeeko Zaki as Special Agent Omar Adom ‘OA’ Zidan and Missy Peregrym as Special Agent Maggie Bell in ‘FBI’ season 2 episode 8 (Photo: Michael Parmelee © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Doctor Who Reveals New Writers and Directors Guiding the Thirteenth Doctor

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 13, 2019

BBC America’s confirmed behind-the-scenes details for the upcoming season of Doctor Who. The 2020 season is bringing in three new writers and four new first-time Doctor Who directors.

Nina Metivier, Maxine Alderton, and Charlene James have joined the long-running, award-winning sci-fi series as writers. Newcomers taking the director’s chair for upcoming episodes are Nida Manzoor (Enterprice, Lady Parts), Emma Sullivan (Call the Midwife, Silent Witness), Jamie Magnus Stone (Tripped, The Last Dragon Slayer), and Lee Haven Jones (The Bay, Vera and Shetland).

BBC America also confirmed Vinay Patel (episode 1106 – “Demons of The Punjab”), Ed Hime (episode 1109 – “It Takes You Away”), and Pete McTighe (episode 1107 – “Kerblam!”) are returning to write episodes.

“We’re thrilled that Doctor Who continues to attract some of the most exciting and dynamic talent working in television,” said showrunner Chris Chibnall. “Along with our returning faces, we’re excited to welcome new members to the Doctor Who family. The Doctor Who team is crammed with British television’s brightest writers and directors: we’ve adored working with them, and can’t wait to show you the explosive stuff they’ve created!”

Jodie Whittaker returns to lead the cast as the Thirteenth Doctor when the series comes back in early 2020. Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, and Tosin Cole will also be reprising their roles in the upcoming season.

Harry Styles ‘Love On Tour’ 2020 World Tour Dates Announced

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 13, 2019

Harry Styles will be kicking off a major world tour on April 15, 2020. The new “Love On Tour” will be in support of his Fine Line album dropping on December 13, 2019. Fine Line featuring the hit single “Lights Up” is now available for pre-order.

“Love On Tour” will stop in cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Moscow, New York City, Portland, and San Diego. According to Live Nation, South American dates will be announced soon. Asia and Australia dates will be confirmed in 2020.

King Princess, singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis, and reggae singer Koffee will be joining Harry Styles on select dates.

A special presale to American Express Card Members begins on November 18, 2019 at 10am local time. “We are thrilled to partner with Harry to bring a new American Express Experience to our Card Members, including first access to his global tour and an unrepeatable night at his one-night-only show at the Forum,” stated Brandy Sanders, Vice President, Global Entertainment Partnerships & Experiences, American Express. “We know how passionate our Card Members are about music, so it’s exciting to continue to give them unparalleled access to the artists they know and love.”

General public ticket sales begin on Friday, November 22nd.

Harry Styles “Love On Tour” 2020 World Tour Dates:

Prodigal Son Season 1 Episode 9 Photos: Preview of “Pied-A-Terre”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 13, 2019

Fox’s Progidal Son will take a two-week break and will return on Monday, November 25, 2019 with season one episode nine. Episode nine’s titled “Pied-A-Terre” and was written by Chris Fedak and Sam Sklaver.

Michael Sheen stars as convicted serial killer Dr. Martin Whitly. Tom Payne plays Dr. Whitly’s conflicted son, Malcolm. The cast also includes Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitly, Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Aurora Perrineau as Dani Powell, Frank Harts as JT Tarmel, and Keiko Agena as Edrisa Tanaka.

The “Pied-A-Terre” Plot – When Martin is locked away in solitary confinement and the FBI takes over the Junkyard Killer case, Malcolm uses his spare time as an excuse to try out a “normal” lifestyle. Things go well, until he accepts a challenge to “profile” his date. Meanwhile, the NYPD tracks a new homicide that’s linked to an elite underground sex club.

Season One Details:

“Malcolm Bright (Payne) has a gift. He knows how killers think and how their minds work. Why? Back in the 1990s, his father was one of the worst, a notorious serial killer called ‘The Surgeon.’ So it makes sense Bright is the best criminal psychologist around; murder is the family business.

He will use his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers, all while dealing with a manipulative mother, annoyingly normal sister, a homicidal father still looking to bond with his prodigal son, and his own constantly evolving neuroses.

Meet the happy family. Dr. Martin Whitly (Sheen) is intelligent, wealthy, charismatic and also happens to be a predatory sociopath who killed at least 23 people. Bright’s mother, Jessica Whitly (Young), an elegant and WASPy New Yorker, wields sarcasm like a samurai sword and has an opinion on every aspect of Bright’s life.

Perhaps Bright’s only ally is his sister, Ainsley Whitley (Sage), a TV journalist who wishes her brother would “take a break from murder” and have a normal life.

Unfortunately for his sister, the only way Bright feels normal is by solving cases with the help of his longtime mentor, NYPD Detective Gil Arroyo (Phillips). Arroyo’s one of the best detectives around, and he expects no less from his team – Detective Dani Powell (Perrineau), a headstrong no-nonsense cop who quickly becomes impressed with Bright’s work; and Detective JT Tarmel (Harts), a born-and-bred New Yorker who questions whether Bright is a psychopath himself.

So much for normal.”

Prodigal Son Season 1 Episode 9 — Tom Payne in ‘Prodigal Son’ season 1 episode 9 (Photo by Eric Liebowitz © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC)

The Good Doctor Season 3 Episode 8 Photos: Preview of “Moonshot”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 13, 2019

Romantic relationships are front and center in ABC’s The Good Doctor season three episode eight. Directed by David Renaud from a script by X. Dean Lim, episode eight will air on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.

“Moonshot” guest stars include Donna Benedicto as Wren Braxton, Kathleen Duborg as Rosalind Elion, Paul McGillion as Leo Adan, Elfina Luk as Nurse Villanueva, and Karin Konoval as Nurse Petringa.

Season three of the popular medical drama features Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neil Melendez, and Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews. Richard Schiff is Dr. Aaron Glassman, Christina Chang is Dr. Audrey Lim, Fiona Gubelmann is Dr. Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee is Dr. Alex Park, Paige Spara is Lea Dilallo, and Jasika Nicole plays Dr. Carly Lever.

The “Moonshot” Plot – Carly’s attempts at increasing her intimacy with Shaun are becoming more of a frustration than either of them expected. Meanwhile, Lim and Melendez struggle in their relationship as they work to separate their work from their personal life.

The Good Doctor Description, Courtesy of ABC:

Dr. Shaun Murphy (Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, continues to use his extraordinary medical gifts at St. Bonaventure Hospital’s surgical unit. As his friendships deepen, Shaun tackles the world of dating for the first time and continues to work harder than he ever has before, navigating his environment to prove to his colleagues that his talents as a surgeon will save lives.

The Good Doctor Season 3 Episode 8 — Freddie Highmore in ‘The Good Doctor’ season 3 episode 8 (ABC/Jeff Weddell)

Riverdale Season 4 Episode 6 Preview: “Hereditary” Details

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 13, 2019

Veronica used a little blackmail to convince the governor to pardon her mom in The CW’s Riverdale season four episode five. However, Hiram had a trick of his own up his sleeve that poor Veronica never anticipated. It turns out he has another daughter, Hermosa, and she’s equally as ruthless as her father and half-sister. Hermosa gets Hiram freed from jail and he celebrates by announcing he’s running for mayor!

Up next, season four episode six airing on November 13, 2019. Gabriel Correa directed the episode from a script by James DeWille.

The season four cast is led by KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, and Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones. Madelaine Petsch is Cheryl Blossom, Marisol Nichols is Hermione Lodge, Mӓdchen Amick is Alice Cooper, Ashleigh Murray is Josie McCoy, Casey Cott is Kevin Keller, Mark Consuelos is Hiram Lodge, Skeet Ulrich is FP Jones, Charles Melton is Reggie Mantle, and Vanessa Morgan plays Toni Topaz.

“Hereditary” Plot – UNEXPECTED VISITORS — As Archie (Apa) struggles to keep the neighborhood kids away from Dodger’s (guest star Juan Riedinger) influence, he turns to an unexpected ally for help. Jughead (Sprouse) uncovers a mystery surrounding the author of the Baxter Brothers books, while Betty (Reinhart) confronts Charles (guest star Wyatt Nash) about his past.

Finally, Veronica (Mendes) deals with a major shake-up at home, and Cheryl (Petsch) and Toni (Morgan) get some unexpected visitors at Thistlehouse.

ShowbizJunkies

Alicia Keys Will Return as the Grammy Awards Host

Ford v Ferrari Review: One of the Year’s Best Films

New Amsterdam Season 2 Episode 9 Photos: Preview of “The Island” Fall Finale

S.W.A.T. Season 3 Episode 8: Photos and Preview from “Lion’s Den”

FBI Season 2 Episode 8 Photos: Preview of “Codename: Ferdinand”

Doctor Who Reveals New Writers and Directors Guiding the Thirteenth Doctor

Harry Styles ‘Love On Tour’ 2020 World Tour Dates Announced

Prodigal Son Season 1 Episode 9 Photos: Preview of “Pied-A-Terre”

The Good Doctor Season 3 Episode 8 Photos: Preview of “Moonshot”

Riverdale Season 4 Episode 6 Preview: “Hereditary” Details

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