NBC Sets 2020 Premiere Dates for Manifest, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and More

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November 11, 2019

Sarah Wayne Callies as Robin Perry and Michele Weaver as Luly in ‘Council of Dads’ (Photo by: Quantrell Colbert/NBC)

NBC’s announced premiere dates for three new dramas, a new comedy, and a batch of returning midseason shows. Joining the network’s primetime lineup in 2020 are dramas Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector (formerly known as just Lincoln) starring Grimm‘s Russell Hornsby, Council of Dads with Vikings‘ Clive Standen and Colony‘s Sarah Wayne Callies, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist with Castle Rock‘s Jane Levy.

New comedy Indebted arrives after the oversized conclusion of NBC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning The Good Place. Adam Pally (The Mindy Project), Abby Elliot (SNL), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), and Steven Weber (Wings) star in the family comedy.

Returning shows debuting midseason include Manifest, America’s Got Talent: The Champions, The Voice, Ellen’s Game of Games, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

“As we head into the new year, we’re using six-weeks of jam-packed original holiday programming to build momentum towards our January and spring launches,” stated Paul Telegdy, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “Success starts with our carefully curated linear schedule, and from there we harness the power of our growing digital audience. This multi-platform strategy is a driving force as we head into the next phase of the season with a crop of shows that are primed to continue in the great NBC tradition of capturing the heart of pop-culture.”

NBC MIDSEASON SCHEDULE:

(New programs in UPPER CASE)

MONDAY

8-10 P.M. — America’s Got Talent: The Champions (The Voice returns in February)
10-11 P.M. — Manifest

TUESDAY

8-9 P.M. — Ellen’s Game of Games
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us (COUNCIL OF DADS begins in March)
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam

WEDNESDAY

8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.

THURSDAY (Beginning in February)

8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Brooklyn Nine-Nine
9-9:30 P.M. — Will & Grace
9:30-10 P.M. — INDEBTED
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU

FRIDAY

8-9 P.M. – LINCOLN RHYME: HUNT FOR THE BONE COLLECTOR (The Blacklist returns in March)
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC

SATURDAY

8-9 P.M. — Alternative Encores
9-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (Encores)

SUNDAY (March)

8-9 P.M. — LITTLE BIG SHOTS
9-10 P.M. — ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST
10-11 P.M. – Good Girls

NEW DRAMA SERIES

COUNCIL OF DADS – Family takes on a different meaning in this transformative and inspirational new drama when Scott Perry, a loving father of five, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. He calls on a few of his most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case he ever can’t be there to do it himself.

There’s Anthony, Scott’s oldest and most loyal friend; Larry, his tough-love AA sponsee; and Oliver, his dedicated doctor and wife’s dearest friend. Together, they discover that there’s more to being a father than anyone could do alone – and more to being a family than they ever thought possible.

The cast includes Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver and Michael O’Neill.

LINCOLN RHYME: HUNT FOR THE BONE COLLECTOR – Inspired by the best-selling book, the enigmatic and notorious serial killer known only as “The Bone Collector” once terrified New York City … until he seemingly disappeared. Now, three years later, when an elaborate murder points to his return, it brings former NYPD detective and forensic genius Lincoln Rhyme out of retirement and back into the fold. Rhyme has a personal connection to the case – a trap set by the killer left him paralyzed – but this time he’s teaming up with Amelia Sachs, an intuitive young officer who’s got her own gift for proﬁling.

This unlikely detective duo will play a deadly new game of cat and mouse with the brilliant psychopath who brought them together. But how do you catch a killer who always seems to be one step ahead?

The cast includes Russell Hornsby, Arielle Kebbel, Brían F. O’Byrne, Tate Ellington, Courtney Grosbeck, Ramses Jimenez, Brooke Lyons, Roslyn Ruff and Michael Imperioli.

ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST – If there’s a song in your heart, it will get in her head. Jane Levy stars in this high-concept drama as Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event, Zoey, who always preferred podcasts over pop songs, suddenly starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts and desires of the people around her – her family, co-workers and complete strangers – through popular songs.

At first, she questions her own sanity, but after getting some guidance from her musically adept neighbor, Mo, and making a breakthrough with her ailing father, Zoey soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift as she connects with the world like never before.

The series stars Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, with Peter Gallagher and Mary Steenburgen. Lauren Graham is special guest star.

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist - Season 1 — Skylar Astin, Jane Levy, and John Clarence Stewart in ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

NEW COMEDY SERIES

INDEBTED – Young parents Dave and Rebecca are ready to reclaim their life after years of diapers and sleepless nights. However, things take an unexpected turn when Dave’s parents show up unannounced and broke, leaving Dave with no choice but to open the door to the two people who gave him everything. But these boomerang parents aren’t great with boundaries and the question of who’s parenting who quickly becomes blurred.

The cast includes Fran Drescher, Adam Pally, Steven Weber, Abby Elliott and Jessy Hodges.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

LITTLE BIG SHOTS – Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, comedian and producer Melissa McCarthy joins as the new host of Little Big Shots, from executive producer Ellen DeGeneres, for an all-new and totally reinvented season. Melissa introduces us to a new generation of amazing kids from the U.S. and beyond, all of whom will show off the surprising, smart, funny and downright awesome things they can do. From brainy little whiz kids to mini virtuosos, it’s going to be an exciting, inspiring and adorable time for all. And with the invincible pairing of Ellen and Melissa, two of the funniest and most talented women in Hollywood at the helm, kids who defy the odds, reject stereotypes and conquer their dreams will give us a peek at what today’s cutest – and tomorrow’s biggest – talents look like!

Hawaii Five-0 Season 10 Episode 8: Photos and Preview of “Ne’e aku, ne’e mai ke one o Punahoa”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 11, 2019

Series star Chi McBride co-wrote CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 season 10 episode eight which features special guest star Metta World Peace. Matt Wheeler co-wrote and Carlos Bernard directed the episode titled “Ne’e aku, ne’e mai ke one o Punahoa” which is Hawaiian for “That way and this way shifts the sands of Punahoa.”

Episode eight will air on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT.

Guest stars include Nia Holloway, Marita De Lara, Jesse Johnson, Walker Haynes, Garret T. Sato, Can Bolay, and Poasa Aga. Ashley Kirk, Kainoa Li, Tyler Tanabe, Leia Bullock, Phil Chang, and Dean Hamer also guest star in episode eight.

Alex O’Loughlin leads the cast as Steve McGarrett. Scott Caan plays Danny “Danno” Williams, Ian Anthony Dale is Adam Noshimuri, Meaghan Rath is Tani Rey, and Jorge Garcia plays Jerry Ortega. Beulah Koale stars as Junior Reigns, Chi McBride is Captain Lou Grover, Katrina Law is Quinn Liu, Taylor Wily plays Kamekona, Dennis Chun is Sgt. Duke Lukela, and Kimee Balmilero plays Dr. Noelani Cunha.

The “Ne’e aku, ne’e mai ke one o Punahoa” Plot – Five-0 teams up with a DEA agent to search for a killer whose plane crashed in the jungle with $10 million worth of heroin on board. Also, Grover is thrilled when his niece Siobhan (guest star Nia Holloway) comes to try out for the University of Hawaii basketball team.

The Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:

“Hawaii Five-O is a contemporary take on the classic series about an elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the islands’ sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett, a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returned to Oahu after Hawaii’s former governor persuaded him to head up the new team: his rules, no red tape and full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest “game” in town.

Joining McGarrett are Detective Danny “Danno” Williams, a relocated ex-New Jersey cop who is committed to keeping the islands safe for his children; Captain Lou Grover, who formerly headed Hawaii’s SWAT unit; Jerry Ortega, the islands’ local conspiracy theorist; Tani Rey, a bold, recent police academy graduate; Junior Reigns, a former SEAL who comes to McGarrett looking for a job, Adam Noshimuri, a friend with old ties to a deadly crime family and Quinn Liu, a former Staff Sergeant with Army CID who was recently demoted for insubordination.

Helping them is Kamekona, a local entrepreneur who has his pulse on the Island; Sgt. Duke Lukela, a trusted member of the HPD; and medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha. The state’s brash Five-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, remain determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state.”

Hawaii Five-0 Season 10 Episode 8 — Katrina Law as Quinn Liu and Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett in ‘Hawaii Five-0’ season 10 episode 8 (Photo © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Bull Season 4 Episode 8 Preview: Photos from “Safe and Sound”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 11, 2019

Bull Season 4 Episode 8 — Sebastian Arcelus as Eric Crawford, Alexie Gilmore as Lena Crawford, and Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in ‘Bull’ season 4 episode 8 (Photo: David Giesbrecht © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

CBS’s Bull season four is taking a two week break and will return on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT with episode eight. Episode eight, “Safe and Sound,” was directed by Glenn Gordon Caron from a script by Pamela Wechsler.

Episode eight features guest stars Mercedes Ruehl, Sebastian Arcelus, Jack Gore, Alexie Gilmore, Ellen Adair, Robyn Rosario, Katt Masterson, CJ Adams, and Lawrence Winslow. Isabelle Phillips, Bob Juergens, Sheillagh Weymouth, K.C. Arora, and Robin S. Walker also guest star.

The cast is led by Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull, Freddy Rodriguez as Benny Colón, Geneva Carr as Marissa Morgan, Jamie Lee Kirchner as Danny James, Christopher Jackson as Chunk Palmer, and MacKenzie Meehan as Taylor Rentzel.

“Safe and Sound” Plot – Bull mounts the defense of an old college friend, Eric Crawford (Sebatian Arcelus), who is charged with negligent homicide after Eric’s youngest child kills his eldest with Eric’s handgun.

Bull Series Details, Courtesy of CBS:

Bull stars Michael Weatherly as Dr. Jason Bull in a drama inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial-consulting firms of all time. Brilliant, brash and charming, Dr. Bull is the ultimate puppet master as he combines psychology, human intuition and high-tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses and the accused tick. His personal life proves harder to manage as he tries to live a healthier lifestyle following a heart attack and learns he is expecting a child with his ex-wife.

Bull employs an enviable team of experts at Trial Analysis Corporation to shape successful narratives down to the very last detail. This includes his quick-witted former brother-in-law, Benny Colón, a lawyer who acts as defense attorney in the company’s mock trials; Marissa Morgan, a neurolinguistics expert from the Department of Homeland Security who monitors shifting jury reactions in real-time for Bull; former NYPD detective Danny James, the firm’s tough but relatable investigator; Taylor Rentzel, a working mother and former colleague of Marissa’s who is an expert in coding and computer hacking; and Chunk Palmer, a former all-American lineman and stylist-turned-law student who helps clients prepare their look and testimony for trial.

In high-stakes trials, Bull’s combination of remarkable insight into human nature, three Ph.D.’s and a top-notch staff creates winning strategies that tip the scales of justice in his clients’ favor.

Supernatural Season 15 Episode 4 Recap: “Atomic Monsters”

By

Saim Cheeda

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November 8, 2019

Supernatural Season 15 Episode 4 — Jensen Ackles as Dean and Jared Padalecki as Sam in ‘Supernatural’ season 15 episode 4 (Photo: Diyah Pera © 2019 The CW Network)

By this point, fans should be well aware that The CW’s Supernatural makes sure every action has a consequence even if it takes years for it to be apparent. Season 15 episode four, “Atomic Monsters,” should be the first of many episodes that build up to Chuck (Rob Benedict) and Sam’s (Jared Padalecki) supposed connection following their shared wound inflicted by the Equalizer’s bullet.

We start off with a rugged and refugee-like Dean (Jensen Ackles) heading into the Men of Letters bunker, which is in danger mode. Who does Dean find nearing his death? That would be his old pal Benny, the vampire he’d befriended in Purgatory. We don’t get to reacquaint ourselves with Benny, though, as his death comes about to reveal an evil Sam.

As it turns out, Sam’s given back into his thirst for demon blood, and the image of a devious Sam that Castiel saw in the season premiere is shown in full as Sam’s eyes turn jet black like a demon’s and who proceeds to snap Dean’s neck. Cut to the real Sam waking up, and it’s revealed that all of this was (hopefully) just a dream.

We then get some usual Winchester banter where Dean fools Sam into believing he’s eating veggie bacon when it’s actually just real bacon because, as Dean puts it, veggie bacon’s for hipsters. Dean then sees Sam’s still reeling from Rowena’s death and convinces him to accompany him for a case in Iowa.

There, Sam isn’t in his usual pro-fake FBI mode, as he gets mouthy toward a couple who believe their son not getting into Yale is worse than the girl who just got killed, telling them that the end of the world is actually the end of the world – not their son getting rejected from college.

Dean figures out they’re dealing with a vampire, but it appears as if this vamp isn’t following the usual rules. But Sam’s still too distracted by the people in the town’s lopsided view of what’s important. Regardless, he and Dean head over to their suspect, a cheerleader who seems to be the one to benefit from the victim’s death.

However, once they do confront her (and Sam already has intentions of killing her), we find out this girl wears braces, meaning there’s not exactly a chance her fangs would be hidden behind those teeth. Eventually, though, the boys track down who they believe is the killer: that potential Yale kid’s father.

Their theory pans out, too, as they arrive at his house to confront the man and he doesn’t deny it. Sam finds a girl bound in the family’s basement, only to have the mother point a gun at him. As it turns out, the dad was just vouching for his son who’s the real vampire here.

In a change from the norm, there’s no big fight scene to end proceedings, as the son admits to his crimes and convinces his parents to step down. Sam and Dean then head out with the boy, taking him deep into the woods where Dean decapitates him and ends the murders.

Later on, while Dean thinks what they went through was a win, Sam doesn’t see it that way. According to him, he still thinks as far back as Jessica’s death and the numerous others they’ve lost. Sam still doesn’t feel free from Chuck, and when he points out that they might have done the same as Yale kid’s parents had to protect Jack when he was alive, the rather uneasy silence between the brothers makes it clear they both have reservations over whether they’re really that selfless.

Over on the other story, we see the return of Becky (Emily Perkins) – you know, that crazy girl who was obsessed with Sam and once even dated Chuck. Well, Chuck seems to remember her, as he turns up at her house begging for Becky to hear him out. It’s shown that Becky’s gotten married over the last decade and is excited to have her husband and kids out of the house for a day so she can catch up on her work.

Becky’s shown to have made a business out of selling “Supernatural” merchandise and written her own fan fiction. She’s not impressed with Chuck’s attempts to feel sorry for him, though, as she wants to forget the times when she was completely cuckoo. When she does start feeling bad for him, Becky convinces Chuck to start writing again to fill that emptiness in him, only she doesn’t realize he wants to start writing right now.

Unfortunately, this new drive only fuels Chuck’s darkest tendencies as he reveals his first draft for the finale of “Supernatural,” something so horrifying that Becky wretches in fear after reading it. It’s here that Chuck confesses he’s actually God, and to prove it he disintegrates Becky’s family before doing the same to her. So, it appears that Chuck intends to have horrible things happen to our heroes, with some gruesome things to follow.

Overall, I enjoyed how Supernatural changed things up by adding some meaning to a general filler-style episode, with my biggest satisfaction coming from the tease of the return of Sam’s demon blood powers, which I think was written out with some mileage still in it.

I also liked that they finally showed the Winchesters did care somewhat for Jack since the show’s made it appear for quite a while as if they simply forgot what he meant to them. God’s plan was always going to be scary, and this was the right way to justify why he’d want to make the boys suffer.

Evil Season 1 Episode 7: Photos and Preview from “Vatican III”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 8, 2019

Evil Season 1 Episode 7 — Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard, Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir, and Mike Colter as David Acosta in season 1 episode 7 (Photo: Elizabeth Fisher © 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

The team investigate a woman who confesses to murder in CBS’s season one episode seven of Evil. Directed by Jim McKay from a script by Patricia Ione Lloyd, “Vatican III” will air on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT.

Noah Robbins, Rocco Sisto, Pedro Carmo, Anthony Alessandro, Kristen Connolly, and Dan Bittner guest star in episode seven. “Vatican III” also features guest stars Annaleigh Ashford, Evelyn Giovine, Janine Divita, Stephen Cefalu Jr, Conor Proft, and Matt Walker.

EVIL season one stars Katja Herbers (Westworld, The Leftovers) as Kristen Bouchard, Mike Colter (Luke Cage, The Good Wife) as David Acosta, Christine Lahti as Sheryl Luria, Aasif Mandvi (Blue Bloods, A Series of Unfortunate Events) as Ben Shakir, Michael Emerson (Person of Interest, Lost) as Leland Townsend, and Kurt Fuller is Dr. Boggs. Brooklyn Shuck (Rise, I Shudder) plays Lynn Bouchard, Skylar Gray (Me, Myself and I) is Lila Bouchard, Maddy Crocco is Lexis Bouchard, and Dalya Knapp plays Laura Bouchard.

“Vatican III” Plot – When Bridget (Annaleigh Ashford) confesses to murder during her exorcism, Monsignor Korecki (Boris McGiver) asks Kristen, David and Ben to investigate if the details match any open cases and if the woman really is possessed by a demon.

The Season 1 Plot, Courtesy of CBS:

“Evil is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter as they investigate the Church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there’s a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.”

SEAL Team Season 3 Episode 7 Photos: Preview of “The Ones You Can’t See”

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 8, 2019

SEAL Team Season 3 Episode 7 — Neil Brown Jr. as Ray Perry and David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes in season 3 episode 7 (Photo: CBS 2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

Coming off one of the most emotional episodes of the series, CBS’s SEAL Team season three continues with episode seven, “The Ones You Can’t See.” Episode seven was directed by Ruben Garcia from a script by Dana Greenblat and will air Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT.

Scott Foxx, Adelaide Kane, Emily Swallow, Jamie McShane, Lucca De Oliveira, and Stephen Bishop guest star in episode seven. “The Ones You Can’t See” also features guest stars Sumalee Montano, Robert Cicchini, Jovan Gulan, and Erin Barnes.

David Boreanaz leads the cast as Jason Hayes. Max Thieriot plays Clay Spenser, Neil Brown Jr. is Ray Perry, AJ Buckley is Sonny Quinn, Toni Trucks is Lisa Davis, Jessica Paré is Mandy Ellis, and Judd Lormand plays Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn.

“The Ones You Can’t See” Plot – As Jason contemplates surgery for an injury, Bravo Team is on a mission abroad to help the secret service prevent a sniper attack on U.S. dignitaries.

Series Details, Courtesy of CBS:

SEAL Team is a military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high-stakes missions our country can ask of them.

Jason Hayes is the respected, intense leader of the Tier One team whose home life has suffered as a result of his extensive warrior’s existence. His team includes his trusted confidant, Ray Perry, the longest-tenured operator with whom Jason shares an ingrained shorthand; Sonny Quinn, an exceptional, loyal soldier with a checkered past who still combats self-destructive tendencies; and Clay Spenser, a young, multilingual, second-generation SEAL with insatiable drive and dedication.

Vital to the team’s success are troop commander Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn, who serves as a leader and confidant both on and off the battlefield; CIA analyst Mandy Ellis, who has sacrificed everything in her drive to root out evil and take down terrorists; and Lisa Davis, a no-nonsense, take-charge logistics officer and unofficial den mother responsible for outfitting the team with the necessary gear for each mission.

Deployed on clandestine missions worldwide at a moment’s notice, and knowing the toll it takes on them and their families, this tight-knit SEAL team displays unwavering patriotism and fearless dedication even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Jojo Rabbit Movie Review: Quirky, Weird, and Wonderful

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 8, 2019

We must not allow history to repeat itself. We must not be afraid to speak up, question authority, and stand up for those labeled as “other.” We must also not be afraid to live, love, and laugh. As seen through the eyes of Jojo Rabbit’s titular character, Taika Waititi’s brilliant Nazi satire allows us the opportunity to laugh while tackling deep (and dark) subjects including hatred and bigotry.

The 2019 dark comedy’s based on the novel by Christine Leunens. Taika Waititi adapted the book and put his own spin on the story to make it more cinematic while maintaining the key themes that ran through Leunens’ writing. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, writer/director/actor Waititi explained his approach to penning the script. “I had to keep it in my wheelhouse, my sensibilities — add humor and lightness and weave in and out of the dramatic story. I don’t particularly care about telling a story about Nazis. I wanted to look at war through the lens of children,” said Waititi.

The film’s set in the waning days of Hitler’s reign of terror. 10-year-old Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) claims to embrace the teachings of Hitler and is, in fact, an active member of the Hitler Youth. He’s been taught Jews are evil, horned creatures who need to be exterminated. However, his belief is more surface-level than heartfelt and is based on the need to fit in rather than any deep-seated hatred.

When Jojo’s beliefs waver, it takes the imagined presence of Hitler to keep the young boy in line. Waititi tackles the role of the Hitler from Jojo’s imagination, playing the brutal dictator as a cartoonish psycho with a twisted sense of humor.

Jojo tries to stay true to this imaginary Führer who hangs out in his bedroom proposing ways to make the boy stand out as a member of the Hitler Youth. Hitler’s a sort of surrogate father for Jojo since Jojo’s father is off fighting the war. And when Jojo discovers his mother’s been harboring a teenage Jewish girl in a secret room behind the wall of his dead sister’s bedroom, it’s Hitler he turns to for advice on how to handle this evil intruder.

Against Hitler’s advice, Jojo keeps Elsa’s (Thomasin McKenzie) presence a secret so as not to expose his mother’s illegal activity. As Jojo attempts to learn all the secrets of the Jews for a book he’ll turn over to his superiors, his perception of the world changes.

JoJo Rabbit is shocking, hilarious, surprisingly poignant, and smartly written. It’s also controversial in its approach to making Hitler into a comic character, although as the film explains early on this is Jojo’s version of one of the most hated men in history. This geeky lunatic Hitler is how a 10-year-old boy raised during the Third Reich perceived the Nazi leader.

The incredibly talented ensemble includes writer/director Taika Waititi as Hitler and a quirky, mesmerizing performance by Scarlett Johansson as Jojo’s mom. Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) lends support as one of Jojo’s leaders, a soldier pulled out of the field and bitter over his demotion to supervising the Hitler Youth. But it’s the film’s three young stars – Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, and Archie Yates (as Jojo’s BFF, Yorki) – who deliver the standout performances. This trio of young actors are the real deal and absolutely nail the nuances of Waititi’s writing.

Jojo Rabbit is one of 2019’s best films and sure to be a huge presence on the year-end awards circuit. Taika Waititi has somehow managed to make a dark comedy with Hitler as one of the lead characters that’s thought-provoking and hugely entertaining. It’s also irresistible in all its weirdness.

GRADE: A

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language

Running Time: 108 minutes

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Doctor Sleep Movie Review: A Worthy Sequel to The Shining

By

Kevin Finnerty

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November 8, 2019

Doctor Sleep star Ewan McGregor — Ewan McGregor stars in ‘Doctor Sleep’ (Photo by Jessica Miglio © 2019 Warner Bros Entertainment)

“You’re magic like me,” says Abra (Kyliegh Curran). “I don’t know about magic…when I was a kid I always called it the Shining,” replies Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) in Doctor Sleep, the sequel to Stephen King’s novel and Stanley Kubrick’s film, The Shining.

It’s been 40 years since the horrifying events at the Overlook Hotel and the now-adult Danny Torrance is still haunted by the entities that inhabit the shutdown hotel. To keep them away, and to bury his own pain, Danny has spent most of his life drinking and making bad decisions.

He travels north to a New Hampshire town to try to get a fresh start and meets Billy Freeman (Cliff Curtis) who becomes not just a friend but his sponsor at AA while he struggles to stay sober. Danny gets a job taking care of the terminally ill at a nursing home where his Shining power provides some comfort to residents as they pass away. He’s able to slowly begin to build a nice quiet life for himself.

His peace is abruptly interrupted when a young girl named Abra Stone finds him. She locates him first telepathically and then travels to his hometown. Abra had a vision of a boy’s brutal murder by a cult called The True Knot led by Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson). The cult feeds off the Shine of young children in their quest for immortality.

Danny reaches out to Billy to help him protect Abra from Rose and The True Knot. Unfortunately, Danny soon realizes their only hope of stopping the cult is to let them track them to the one place he fears the most…the haunted Overlook Hotel.

Creepy and disturbing, Doctor Sleep is a faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling novel and a strong sequel to both King’s novel and Kubrick’s film, The Shining. The film features terrific performances by the entire ensemble and is artfully directed by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald’s Game).

Ewan McGregor delivers an emotional and extremely effective performance as Danny Torrance who’s now a middle-aged man still struggling with the trauma of the horrors he went through at age five at the Overlook Hotel. McGregor plays Danny as a haunted but decent man who desperately wants to get control of his life and find a purpose with meaning. Some of McGregor’s best scenes in the film occur when Danny’s comforting the elderly patients in the nursing home as they pass away, relieving them of their doubts and fears of what awaits them after death.

Rebecca Ferguson’s truly chilling and mesmerizing as Rose the Hat, the leader of The True Knot cult. She plays her with subtle evil and menace as she searches for children who have the Shining her cult needs to feed on. Ferguson’s Rose the Hat is one of the best new villains to come to the screen in years. Ferguson also shows how Rose actually cares about the members of her cult and becomes upset and enraged when they – the hunters – become the hunted. It’s a truly memorable performance.

Mike Flanagan brings to the film both the vision of Stephen King’s novel and the look and feel of Kubrick’s film, especially in the third act when Danny and Abra head toward the Overlook Hotel. Flanagan effectively recreates the Overlook, now old and rotting, including the classic rooms where some of the most memorable scenes of the original film took place.

One of the problems with the film, however, is the long set-up and exposition of both Danny’s getting settled in New Hampshire and the time spent on the newest addition to The True Knot. Although necessary to the plot, too much time is spent on The True Knot and how they live and operate.

Another issue is the brutal and unsettling murder of a young boy who has the Shining. Although again necessary because it’s that act which telepathically makes Abra aware of The True Knot, the way the scene’s shot is sure to upset audiences.

Still, with powerful performances, great sets, and the outstanding direction of Flanagan, Doctor Sleep is a worthy sequel sure to entertain and creep-out horror fans.

GRADE: B

MPAA Rating: R for disturbing and violent content, some bloody images, language, nudity and drug use

Running Time: 151 minutes

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Eli Roth’s History of Horror Renewed for a Second Season

By

Rebecca Murray

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November 7, 2019

AMC wants more of AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth’s History of Horror. The network confirmed Eli Roth’s series has been renewed for a second season which will also air on AMC’s horror streaming service, Shudder.

According to AMC, the first season attracted six million viewers and spawned a podcast that hit the #2 spot on the TV & Film genre chart. Season two will consist of six episodes that will feature monsters, evil children, witches, body horror, houses of hell, and “Eli’s Terrifying Twelve.”

“I’m so thrilled to be continuing this historic series with AMC. In season one, we had the most incredible conversations with the top creators in the field who really helped fans around the world appreciate the horror genre in a new light,” said Roth, director of The Green Inferno, Cabin Fever, and Hostel. “From Quentin Tarantino to Jordan Peele to Stephen King and Jamie Lee Curtis, everyone shared stories about creating the fright masterpieces that still chill us to this day. What’s most exciting about this show is that the fans get to understand these films on a much deeper level, and many go back and rediscover older films they may not have seen for years or missed entirely.”

Roth added, “We look forward to going even deeper in season two, bringing out the A-listers to share their stories with everyone for all time and adding more and more films to the canon. AMC is the perfect network to partner with on a passion project like this and we can’t wait to get started.”

Eli Roth’s History of Horror is executive produced by Roth, Kurt Sayenga, Steven Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Joseph Freed, and Allison Berkley. The series is produced by The Content Group (ESPN’s 30 For 30, Nat Geo’s Breakthrough) and Marwar Junction Productions (Disney +’s Earth to Ned, BET’s Murder in the Thirst).

Bless This Mess and American Housewife Earn Extra Episodes

By

Rebecca Murray

-

November 7, 2019

Bless This Mess Cast — Dax Shepard, Lake Bell, JT Neal, David Koechner, Lennon Parham, Ed Begley Jr and Pam Grier in ‘Bless This Mess’ (ABC/Brian Bowen Smith)

Bless This Mess season two and American Housewife season four have each earned full-season orders as just announced by ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke. Both half-hour comedies will be extending their current primetime seasons by six additional episodes.

“Bless This Mess has quickly become a fan favorite, due in large part to the expert wit of co-creators Lake Bell and Elizabeth Meriwether, and our incredibly talented and charismatic cast,” stated Burke. “This series exquisitely captures a witty and warm look into the close-knit communities of America’s heartland, and we are so excited to deliver more stories from ‘Bucksnort’ to the masses.”

Co-creator Bell and Dax Shepard lead the Bless This Mess cast as Rio and Mike. Ed Begley Jr. is Rudy, Pam Grier is Constance, JT Neal plays Jacob, David Koechner is Beau, Lennon Parham is Kay, and Langston Kerman plays Brandon.

Bell and Shepard executive produce along with Barbie Adler, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar, Erin O’Malley, and Katherine Pope.

Discussing the extended run for American Housewife, Burke added, “Sarah Dunn created something special with hit comedy American Housewife, and the Otto family continues to entertain on a level that is relatable and hilarious. As Katie Otto, Katy Mixon delivers a welcome comedic relief with her acerbic take on life. These are two of the funniest, sharpest fish-out-of-water comedies on television. We’re proud of their incredible creative teams and look forward keeping viewers laughing this season.”

In addition to Katy Mixon, the season two cast includes Diedrich Bader as Greg Otto, Meg Donnelly as Taylor Otto, Daniel DiMaggio as Oliver Otto, Julia Butters as Anna-Kat Otto, Carly Hughes as Angela, and Ali Wong as Doris.

Sarah Dunn created the comedy and serves as writer and executive producer. Aaron Kaplan, Rick Wiener, and Kenny Schwartz also executive produce.

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