The CW’s Supernatural takes a short vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returns on November 29, 2018 with a brand new episode. Season 14 episode seven is titled “Unhuman Nature” and was directed by John Showalter from a script by Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner. The episode features a road trip with the newly bonded team of Jack and Dean.
The season 14 cast includes Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, Misha Collins as Castiel, Alexander Calvert as Jack, and Samantha Smith as Mary Winchester. Mark Pellegrino is Nick, Jim Beaver plays Bobby Singer, and Danneel Ackles is Anael. The season’s executive producers include Robert Singer, Andrew Dabb, Phil Sgriccia, Jeremy Carver, Eugenie Ross-Leming, and Brad Buckner.
The “Unhuman Nature” Plot: CARPE DIEM – Sam (Padalecki) and Castiel (Collins) track down a Shaman (guest star Dimitri Vantis), who may be able to help a friend. Nick (Pellegrino) continues to spiral down a dark path as he looks for answers surrounding the deaths of his wife and son. Jack (Calvert) turns to Dean (Ackles) for help enjoying the human experience.
A scene from Trafalgar Releasing’s ‘Burn the Stage: The Movie.’
BTS’ Burn the Stage originally took form in a docuseries on YouTube Red. The series premiered on March 28, 2018 and, over the course of eight episodes, followed BTS members around during their sold-out Wings Tour. Fans might wonder if there’s already been a docuseries covering the tour, is there a justification for bringing Burn the Stage to the big screen? Rest assured, most of the film consists of new footage not shown in the docuseries.
BTS’Burn the Stage: The Movie opened on Thursday, November 15, 2018 in limited theaters and grossed more than $3.6 million domestically during its first four days in release. $2.3 million of that was over the weekend, and that weekend gross was large enough to earn it a spot in the Top 10 at the box office.
Throughout the film we’re provided with a glimpse behind the scenes at what takes place during the tour including stage rehearsals along with what takes place during the concerts, like wardrobe changes and hurrying to the next stage performance. Concertgoers are aware of the maneuverings on stage, but fans don’t necessarily stop to consider what else occurs backstage.
BTS allows fans the opportunity to understand the exhaustion and injuries that occur on tour, whether it’s through watching ice being placed on the back of their necks to help cool down in brief moments or members of the group grimacing in pain before they jump up ready to give their all again. We’re even offered the opportunity to witness moments of self-doubt when a member doesn’t hit the right note. Basically, the audience is forced to see the group as just humans who give it their all to put on an amazing concert for their fans.
The documentary also features interviews with each member of BTS. They share their thoughts on not only the tour but life in general as a group. They speak highly of their fans, which isn’t surprising as they’ve always credited their success to their ARMY.
Their lighter sides are brought forth as well throughout the nearly hour and a half running time. Burn the Stage includes scenes of the group goofing around and letting loose, enjoying their days off by either shopping or enjoying a BBQ complete with drinks and pool time.
One of the main noticeable differences between the docuseries and the movie is the film’s narrated throughout by each member of BTS. Each part’s like a metaphor for their journey of being in a desert trying to reach the mirage, in this case the mirage being them trying to reach their hopes, dreams, and goals.
The film’s entertaining, however fans might find the docuseries better in a number of ways. The docuseries gave fans more from the BTS members and delved further into their thoughts and feelings. It’s also worth noting the docuseries shares more of what transpires behind the scenes. In the docuseries, while performing in Chile youngest member Jungkook was having trouble with the altitude and admitted he didn’t prepare his body well enough. The docuseries shows how he transformed from being on the verge of passing out and needing oxygen to being able to get up and finish the concert without his fans ever knowing any of that went down.
In the docuseries Jungkook says, “I knew my body wasn’t in good shape before we started. My body knew it and I knew it, but I sang with only one thought in my mind, that I won’t be able to see them again for a long time.”
Moments like that are missing from the movie, and their inclusion could have helped paint a better picture for those who don’t really follow BTS or those who are still on the fence about the group.
However, even with its flaws Burn the Stage: The Movie still does BTS justice in showing their hardships along with the success of not only the Wings Tour but the rising global success of a Korean boyband.
Dennis Quaid can’t seem to let go of the house he sold to Michael Ealy and Meagan Good in the official trailer for Screen Gems’ The Intruder. The creepy thriller hints that the situation will dramatically escalate, with Quaid – playing against type – becoming increasingly deranged.
Joseph Sikora co-stars in the drama from director Deon Taylor (Meet the Blacks, Supremacy). David Loughery wrote the script and director Taylor, Roxanne Avent, Mark Burg, Jonathan Schwartz, and Brad Kaplan produced.
The behind the scenes team includes director of photography Daniel Pearl, editor Melissa Kent, production designer Andrew Neskoromny, and costume designer Seth Chernoff.
Screen Gems is set to release The Intruder in theaters on April 26, 2019. The MPAA rated the film PG-13 for violence, terror, some sexuality, language and thematic elements.
The Intruder Plot:
When a young married couple (Michael Ealy and Meagan Good) buys their dream house in the Napa Valley, they think they have found the perfect home to take their next steps as a family. But when the strangely attached seller (Dennis Quaid) continues to infiltrate their lives, they begin to suspect that he has hidden motivations beyond a quick sale.
Keanu Reeves brings his wife and kids back to life after a fatal car accident in the new trailer for Replicas. The official minute and a half trailer sets up the story and shows Reeves’ character will be fending off the government in order to keep his family safe.
Joining Keanu Reeves (the John Wick and The Matrix franchises) in the thriller are Alice Eve (Marvel’s Iron Fist, Before We Go, Star Trek Into Darkness), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), and John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook).
Jeffrey Nachmanoff (Homeland, Hostages) directed the sci-fi drama from a script by Chad St. John. The behind the scenes team includes director of photography Checco Varese, editors Jason Hellmann and Pedro Javier Muniz, production designer Johnny Breedt, and costume designer Julia Michelle Santiago.
Replicas is set to open in theaters on January 11, 2019. The MPAA has rated the film PG-13 for thematic material, violence, disturbing images, some nudity and sexual references.
The Plot:
In this sci-fi thriller, neuro-scientist William Foster (Keanu Reeves) is on the verge of successfully transferring human consciousness into a computer when his family is tragically killed in a car crash. Desperate to resurrect them, William recruits fellow scientist Ed Whittle (Thomas Middleditch) to help him secretly clone their bodies and create replicas. But he soon faces a “Sophie’s choice” when it turns out that they can only bring three of the four family members back to life.
Poster for the sci-fi film ‘Replicas’ starring Keanu Reeves.
Margaret Qualley and Norbert Leo Butz join ‘Fosse/ Verdon’ (Photos Courtesy of FX)
FX’s upcoming limited series Fosse/Verdon has just completed casting its series regular roles. The network also just confirmed the show’s working title – Fosse/Verdon – is the official title for the eight-episode limited series.
Margaret Qualley, soon to be seen in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Norbert Leo Butz (Bloodline, Mercy Street) were just announced as rounding out the cast. Qualley will be playing Ann Reinking and Butz has signed on to play Paddy Chayefsky.
Oscar winner Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and four-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea, Brokeback Mountain) lead the cast as Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, respectively.
Per FX, the Fosse/Verdon recurring cast also includes:
Aya Cash as JOAN SIMON
Nate Corddry as NEIL SIMON
Susan Misner as JOAN MCCRACKEN
Bianca Marroquin as CHITA RIVERA
Kelli Barrett as LIZA MINNELLI
Evan Handler as HAL PRINCE
Rick Holmes as FRED WEAVER
Paul Reiser as CY FEUER
Ethan Slater as JOEL GREY
Bryon Jennings as GEORGE ABBOTT
Laura Osnes as SHIRLEY MACLAINE
The limited series will be executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, Joel Fields, Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, and George Stelzner. Levenson’s also confirmed as the showrunner and wrote episode one of Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions project. Kail directed the first episode. Actress/dancer Nicole Fosse, Fosse and Verdon’s daughter, is a co-executive producer. Andy Blankenbuehler and Susan Misner will choreograph Fosse/Verdon.
The Fosse/Verdon Plot:
“Based on Fosse, the biography written by Sam Wasson, this eight-part limited series tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors. She was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together they changed the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost. Featuring Fosse’s choreography, the series explores the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.”
Harry Treadaway as Brady Hartsfield and Brendan Gleeson as Detective Bill Hodges in ‘Mr. Mercedes’ season 2.
AT&T Audience Network has given Mr. Mercedes a renewal order for a third season. The popular crime thriller is based on the bestselling trilogy by Stephen King. According to the network, season three will begin production early next year. The new season, which will shoot in South Carolina, will consist of 10 one-hour episodes.
AT&T Audience Network is targeting a 2019 premiere of the series’ third season.
Mr. Mercedes season three has David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Ally McBeal) back to oversee the writer’s room. Jack Bender (Lost, Under the Dome) is executive producing and directing. Stephen King, Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Tom Lesinski, Jenna Santoianni, Shane Elrod, and Kate Regan are also executive producing the upcoming season.
“Stephen King breaking story, Brendan Gleeson heading the cast, Jack Bender leading the charge… I’m excited,” stated David E. Kelley.
“I am extremely proud of our show and I couldn’t be more excited to continue unraveling this story with Stephen King, David E. Kelley and our superlative cast led by Brendan Gleeson,” added Jack Bender.
The cast of season two included Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadaway, Holland Taylor, Jharrel Jerome, Breeda Wool, Justine Lupe, and Jack Huston.
“Mr. Mercedes has resonated with such a wide audience, so we’re thrilled to bring it back for a third season for our customers,” stated Daniel York, senior executive vice president and chief content officer for AT&T. “David E. Kelley, Jack Bender and Sonar have crafted a series that honors the original work by Stephen King and we can’t wait to see where they take the show in a ‘post-Mr. Mercedes world.'”
A Look Back at Season 2:
“The 2nd season of Mr. Mercedes took place a year after Brady Hartsfield’s thwarted attempt to perpetrate a second mass murder in the community of Bridgton, Ohio. Since the incident, Hartsfield had been hospitalized in a vegetative state. Retired Detective Bill Hodges did his best to move on from his Brady obsession, teaming up with Holly Gibney to open Finders Keepers, a private investigative agency. But when unexplainable occurrences began to affect hospital staff members attending to Brady, Hodges was haunted by the feeling that Brady was somehow responsible.”
First official poster arrives for the documentary series ‘The Innocent Man’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)
Netflix is bringing John Grisham’s The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town to life as a documentary series. The streaming service has set a December 14, 2018 global premiere date for the six part series and has released the first official poster promoting the The Innocent Man.
Discussing the project, director Clay Tweel (Finders Keepers, Gleason, Out of Omaha) said, “As a filmmaker I often find that the best stories are the ones we tell ourselves, but what surprised me was the extent to which that idea also permeates the criminal justice system. By re-examining these old cases I hope that viewers will identify the biases involved, even their own.”
The documentary series is being produced by Maura Anderson and Shannon Riggs. Author John Grisham, director Tweel, David Gernert, and Ross Dinerstein serve as executive producers.
“The documentary series of The Innocent Man is gripping, compelling, and ultimately just as heartbreaking as the book,” said John Grisham. “Though I know the story well, I can’t wait to watch it again.”
The Innocent Man Plot:
In a story that gained national attention with John Grisham’s best-selling non-fiction book, The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town, the six-part documentary series The Innocent Man focuses on two murders that shook the small town of Ada, Oklahoma, in the 1980s — and the controversial chain of events that followed.
The Innocent Man includes interviews with victims’ friends and families, Ada residents, attorneys, journalists, and others involved in the cases. (Grisham appears, as does attorney Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innocence Project.) Developed as a documentary series by Tweel and Ross Dinerstein, it blends new footage with compelling archival video and photos.
The CW’s Legacies takes a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday and then will return on November 29, 2018 for season one episode five. Episode four found a massive spider-creature feeding on students, with the blame placed on vampires. It also found Alaric’s daughter Lizzie continuing to rebel against her dad.
Episode five is titled “Malivore” and was directed by Michael Karasick from a script by Thomas Brandon and Penny Cox.
The season one cast includes Danielle Rose Russell as Hope, Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman, Jenny Boyd as Lizzie Saltzman, Kaylee Bryant as Josie Saltzman, and Quincy Fouse as Milton Greasley/MG. Aria Shahghasemi is Landon Kirby and Peyton Alex Smith plays Rafael Waithe.
The “Malivore” Plot: ELECTION FEVER — Tensions rise among the students after Alaric (Matthew Davis) decides to give the students a bigger voice by forming an honor council. Determined to find out more about Landon’s (Aria Shahghasemi) past, Hope (Danielle Rose Russell) does a series of magical tests on him. Meanwhile, Alaric and Dorian (guest star Demetrius Bridge) take on the next creature to try and find out what they want and where they are coming from.
The Season One Plot:
“For the last decade, the iconic heroes and villains of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals have captivated audiences worldwide. They left an enduring legacy of love and family in their wake, which continues in Legacies, a thrilling new drama that tells the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. It’s here that Klaus Mikaelson’s daughter, 17-year-old Hope Mikaelson; Alaric Saltzman’s twins, Lizzie and Josie Saltzman ; and other young adults — including high-energy vampire MG, newly-triggered werewolf Rafael Waithe and the mysterious Landon Kirby — come of age in the most unconventional way possible, nurtured to be their best selves…in spite of their worst impulses.
Will these young witches, vampires and werewolves become the heroes they want to be — or the villains they were born to be? As they fight to protect their secret, their town of Mystic Falls and eventually the world, they will have to rely on ancient folklore and tales to learn how to battle their far-reaching enemies.”
Warner Bros. Pictures and Amazon are teaming up to offer Amazon Prime members a chance to see Aquaman one week prior to its theatrical release. The comic book-inspired action-adventure film will screen in select AMC, Regal, National Amusement Theaters, and ArcLight Cinemas on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Tickets are now available exclusively to Amazon Prime members. According to Warner Bros, up to 10 tickets at any of the 1,000 theaters involved in the special advance screening may be purchased by each Amazon Prime member. For more details or to buy tickets, visit amazon.com/AquamanMovie.
“Aquaman is the Super Hero for everyone: he has unique, aquatic superpowers, but he’s also a surface dweller just like us—if we were all as cool as Jason Momoa, that is!” stated director James Wan. “Bringing this epic origin story and the wondrous underwater world to the screen has been an amazing experience for the whole cast and crew, and I’m so excited for Prime members to be our first audience for Aquaman.”
James Wan directed from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall. The film’s based on DC characters created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. Peter Safran and Rob Cowan served as producers, and Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Walter Hamada executive produced.
“Prime offers the best of shopping and entertainment, and these early showings of Aquaman are yet another pleasant surprise for members, and one that I’m personally also looking forward to,” said Cem Sibay, Vice President of Amazon Prime. “We love delivering smiles, whether it’s through an incredible deal during the holidays or inviting members on a journey to Atlantis with us in this action-packed adventure before anyone else.”
In addition to Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), the cast of Aquaman includes Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman.
The Aquaman Plot:
“From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.”
Aquaman‘s set to swim into theaters in 2D, 3D, and IMAX on December 21, 2018.
A Private War’s a timely, intense examination of the life of award-winning journalist Marie Colvin (played by Rosamund Pike). The film details not just Colvin’s commitment and sacrifice while working as a war correspondent, but also delves into what drove her to repeatedly put her life on the line to place a human face on the tragedies of war.
Directed by documentarian Matthew Heineman, A Private War covers Marie Colvin’s time spent covering conflicts across the globe for nearly a dozen years, beginning in 2001 in Sri Lanka. Marie’s coverage of Sri Lanka, over her editor’s objections, dramatically altered her life. An ambush and explosion robbed her of one eye, but it didn’t rob her of her determination to continue her quest to expose the impact of war on men, women, and children who otherwise would be forgotten.
That desire to connect people with people rather than write about specific battles earned her worldwide recognition and prestigious awards. It also caused the chain-smoking, heavy-drinking journalist to seek treatment for PTSD.
Marie’s struggles in her personal life, largely caused by the atrocities she’d witnessed during her assignments, are also touched upon in A Private War. In one incredibly moving scene, she opens up to photographer Paul Conroy (Jamie Dornan) and reveals her fears. She confesses she hates being in war zones but feels compelled to see them for herself.
Through her assignments in Afghanistan in 2009, Libya in 2011, and Syria in 2012, Colvin continued to question the impact of her work. The biopic provides the answer and confirms Colvin’s legacy as one of the most important war correspondents of all time.
Rosamund Pike does an outstanding job of conveying Marie Colvin’s grit and nearly obsessive desire to bring to light the civilian impact of war. Pike is equally terrific in the quieter scenes when Marie’s confronting both her mental and physical scars.
Jamie Dornan’s solid playing war photographer Paul Conroy who’s at Marie’s side during multiple dangerous assignments. Paul’s an integral part of Marie’s support team, providing a sounding board when necessary and listening without judgement when she confesses her fears. It’s not a flashy role, and Dornan does well at portraying Paul as an honorable man whose courage matches Marie’s.
A Private War is being released at a time when journalists are being denigrated and their importance to a free society is being questioned. The film’s an effective, poignant tribute to not only Marie Colvin, but also by every journalist who’s ever risked their life or laid everything on the line to cover a story.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: R for disturbing violent images, language throughout, and brief sexuality/nudity
Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan, Tom Hollander, Stanley Tucci, Faye Marsay, and Corey Johnson
