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‘The Ritual’ Reveals a Creepy Trailer and Poster

By
Rebecca Murray
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Netflix just released a new trailer and poster for the upcoming horror film, The Ritual. The trailer features four buddies who make the sort of decision that only happens in horror films, deviating from their plans and ending up in a terrifying forest. If you sat through The Blair Witch Project, you realize there’s absolutely no way all four of the men heading into the woods are going to come out alive.

The creepy thriller’s directed by David Bruckner (V/H/S, Southbound). The Ritual is based on Adam Nevill’s 2011 novel and stars Rafe Spall (The Big Short, Life of Pi), Robert James-Collier (Downton Abbey, Coronation Street), Arsher Ali (Doctor Who, The Missing), and Sam Troughton (AVP: Alien vs. Predator, Robin Hood). The 94 minute horror movie was produced by Ron Ames, Jonathan Cavendish, Richard Holmes, and Andy Serkis.

The Ritual will premiere on Netflix on February 9, 2018.

The Plot: Reuniting after the tragic death of their best mate, four old friends from university set out to hike through the Scandinavian wilderness. But a wrong turn leads them into the dark and mysterious forests of Norse legend, where an ancient evil still exists and stalks them at every turn.

A Lengthier Plot Description of Adam Nevill’s Novel: In Adam Nevill’s The Ritual, four old university friends reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle. No longer young men, they have little left in common and tensions rise as they struggle to connect. Frustrated and tired they take a shortcut that turns their hike into a nightmare that could cost them their lives.

Lost, hungry and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, they stumble across an isolated old house. Inside, they find the macabre remains of old rites and pagan sacrifices; ancient artifacts and unidentifiable bones. A place of dark ritual and home to a bestial presence that is still present in the ancient forest, and now they’re the prey.

As the four friends struggle toward salvation they discover that death doesn’t come easy among these ancient trees…

The Ritual Poster
Poster for the horror film, The Ritual (Photo Credit: Netflix)




‘Hostiles’ Movie Review

By
Kevin Finnerty
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“You believe in the Lord, Joseph?” asks Rosalie (Rosamund Pike). “Yes, I do. But he’s been blind to what’s going on out here for a long time,” replies Captain Joseph Blocker (Christian Bale) as he tries to comfort a grieving widow on the wild plains in the gripping Western film, Hostiles.

Set in 1892, Hostiles focuses on war-weary Army Captain Joseph J. Blocker, a man who’s spent decades fighting Indians and who has no sympathy for Native Americans. Blocker’s furious when he’s ordered to escort the dying Cheyenne warrior Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family back to their tribal lands. Blocker attempts to fight the order but after his pension is threatened, he gives in and complies.

Leaving Fort Berringer in New Mexico, Blocker and his men must travel with the Chief, Blocker’s former enemy, on a perilous journey to Montana. Not long into the journey, Blocker and his group come across the young widow Rosalie Quaid still in shock over her family’s massacre at the hands of brutal Comanches. Leery of Chief Yellow Hawk and his family but trusting Blocker and his men, Rosalie joins the group.

The former enemies and the recently widowed Rosalie ultimately must join forces and fight together to overcome deadly Comanche attacks, run-ins with outlaws, and the brutal elements if they are to survive and complete their journey.

Powerful and extremely violent, Hostiles is one of the best Westerns to come along in years. The cast deliver award-worthy performances, and the R-rated film features visually stunning cinematography. Christian Bale gives perhaps the best performance of his career as Captain Blocker, a man who’s filled with hate tinged with regret. Bale displays perfectly just how much Blocker truly despises the Chief he’s escorting across the plains. He also conveys the good amount of self-loathing he has for the horrific things he did in the past while fighting the Native Americans for the U.S. government.


Rosamund Pike delivers a mesmerizing performance as the shattered yet determined widow whose family was brutally ripped from her by the Comanches. She shows wonderfully how even after losing all that’s dear to her and almost reaching the brink of sanity, Rosalie finds the will to continue on to try to make some sort of life for herself. Pike and Bale have solid chemistry on screen, and Pike’s performance is completely compelling.

Hostiles‘ cinematography is breathtaking, bringing back to life the Old West and capturing the bright blue skies and the natural beauty of the landscapes including the meandering rivers, lush forests, and seemingly impassable mountains. Not since John Ford’s film The Searchers has a Western movie looked this good and authentic.

With excellent performances, most notably by Bale and Pike, intriguing characters, strong direction by Scott Cooper, and beautiful cinematography, Hostiles is a terrific film and should be seen on the big screen to experience its full visual impact.

GRADE: A-

MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, and language

Running Time: 134 minutes

Hostiles Review with Rosamund Pike and Christian Bale
Rosamund Pike and Christian Bale star in ‘Hostiles.’




‘Annihilation’ Movie Featurette with Natalie Portman and Gina Rodriguez

By
Rebecca Murray
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Paramount Pictures has released a brief featurette with Natalie Portman and Gina Rodriguez discussing the science fiction thriller, Annihilation. The minute and a half video includes new scenes and focuses on the mutations the characters encounter.

Annihilation was directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, 28 Days Later) and is based on Jeff VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach Trilogy.” Garland also adapted VanderMeer’s work for the screen. Scott Rudin, Andrew MacDonald, Allon Reich, and Eli Bush served as producers.

In addition to Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Jackie) and Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin, Deepwater Horizon), the cast of the much-anticipated drama includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, and Oscar Isaac.

Paramount Pictures is targeting a February 23, 2018 theatrical release.

The Plot: Lena, a biologist and former soldier, joins a mission to uncover what happened to her husband inside Area X – a sinister and mysterious phenomenon that is expanding across the American coastline. Once inside, the expedition discovers a world of mutated landscape and creatures, as dangerous as it is beautiful, that threatens both their lives and their sanity.

A More Detailed Description of Jeff VanderMeer’s Book: “Area X has been cut off from the rest of the continent for decades. Nature has reclaimed the last vestiges of human civilization. The first expedition returned with reports of a pristine, Edenic landscape; all the members of the second expedition committed suicide; the third expedition died in a hail of gunfire as its members turned on one another; the members of the eleventh expedition returned as shadows of their former selves, and within months of their return, all had died of aggressive cancer.

This is the twelfth expedition.

Their group is made up of four women: an anthropologist; a surveyor; a psychologist, the de facto leader; and our narrator, a biologist. Their mission is to map the terrain and collect specimens; to record all their observations, scientific and otherwise, of their surroundings and of one another; and, above all, to avoid being contaminated by Area X itself.

They arrive expecting the unexpected, and Area X delivers—they discover a massive topographic anomaly and life forms that surpass understanding—but it’s the surprises that came across the border with them, and the secrets the expedition members are keeping from one another, that change everything.” (Per FSG Originals)

Annihilation New Video
Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh in ‘Annihilation’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.




Grammy Awards 2018: Presenters Include Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys and John Legend

By
Rebecca Murray
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2018 Grammy Awards Presenters
James Corden to host the 60th Annual Grammy Awards (Photo: Jason Bell © 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc)

CBS and the Recording Academy released the list of celebrities set to take the stage during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards as presenters. The 2018 Grammys will be hosted by James Corden and will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York. CBS is airing the awards show live on Sunday, January 28th at 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT.

Among the artists, musicians, actors, and comedians confirmed as presenters are 18-time Grammy winner Tony Bennett, current Grammy nominee Dave Chappelle, three-time Grammy winner and current nominee Kelly Clarkson, NFL player Victor Cruz, Grammy winner Eve, Grammy nominee Jim Gaffigan, Katie Holmes, previous Grammy nominee Nick Jonas, singer/actress Anna Kendrick, 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, 10-time Grammy winner John Legend, Shemar Moore, Trevor Noah, Grammy nominee Sarah Silverman, actress/singer Hailee Steinfeld, and previous Grammy nominee Donnie Wahlberg.

The Recording Academy and CBS previously announced Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Childish Gambino, Eric Church, Gary Clark Jr., Miley Cyrus, Daddy Yankee, DJ Khaled, Luis Fonsi, Emmylou Harris, and Elton John are performing. Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, Maren Morris, P!nk, Ben Platt, Rihanna, Zuleyka Rivera, Sam Smith, Chris Stapleton, Sting, SZA, Bryson Tiller and U2 will also perform during the live awards show honoring the best in music of 2017.

The 2018 Grammy nominees are led by 21-time Grammy Award winner Jay-Z with eight nominations including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album. Kendrick Lamar follows with seven nominations and Bruno Mars picked up six. Childish Gambino, Khalid, No I.D., and SZA each earned five nominations.

The 60th Annual Grammy Awards will be directed by Louis J. Horvitz. Ben Winston is producing, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and Ken Ehrlich is executive producing. Erlich and David Wild are this year’s writers.

Complete List of 2018 Grammy Awards Nominees




‘Lizzie’ Starring Kristen Stewart and Chloe Sevigny Acquired by Saban Films

By
Rebecca Murray
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Lizzie Movie Photo with Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart and Chloe Sevigny star in ‘Lizzie.’

Fresh off its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, Lizzie has found a North American distributor. Saban Films has picked up the North American distribution rights to the dramatic film starring Chloë Sevigny (Boys Don’t Cry) as the infamous Lizzie Borden and Kristen Stewart (The Twilight Saga) as the Bordon housekeeper, Bridget Sullivan.

“I couldn’t be happier than to partner with Saban Films and Roadside on Lizzie, a film that has been a labor of love for me for over 10 years. I am thrilled for theatre goers to see this incredible tale,” said Sevigny.

“Chloë and Kristen are two of the most esteemed actresses of our time,” stated Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “Their performances in Lizzie are evocative and gripping, and we’re proud to be championing this film.”


Craig William Macneill (Channel Zero) directed from a script by Bryce Kass. Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Despres and Liz Destro produced the period drama, and Elizabeth Stillwell, Roxanne Fie Anderson, and Edward J. Anderson executive produced.

“Chloe and Kristen make these roles their own and they slay in every sense of the word. Craig delivered a tense period thriller and we are excited to partner with our friends at Saban as we bring audiences Lizzie later this year,” added Roadside Attractions co-founders Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff.

In addition to Sevigny and Stewart, the cast of Lizzie includes Kim Dickens (Gone Girl, Fear the Walking Dead), Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story), Jeff Perry (Scandal), Fiona Shaw (the Harry Potter films), and Jamey Sheridan (Homeland).

Saban Films is teaming up with Roadside Attractions for a planned summer 2018 theatrical release.

The Plot: Written by Bryce Kass and based on the unsolved, much-speculated-about murders of the Borden parents, Lizzie explores the inner workings of the Borden household leading up to the murders and their immediate aftermath and reveals many layers of the strange, fragile woman who stood accused of the brutal crime. As an unmarried woman of 32, Lizzie (Sevigny) is a social outcast trapped under her father’s austere and domineering control. When Bridget Sullivan (Stewart), a young maid desperate for work, comes to live with the family, Lizzie finds a sympathetic, kindred spirit, and a chance intimacy that blossoms into a wicked plan, and a dark, unsettling end.




‘The Walking Dead’ Unveils a Poster for Season 8 Part 2 and Confirms the Plot

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Walking Dead Season 8 Part 2 Poster
Poster for ‘The Walking Dead’ season 8’s final 8 episodes (Photo Credit: AMC)

AMC’s just released the official poster for the second half of The Walking Dead season eight. The new poster features three central players in the zombie apocalypse – Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), Michonne (Danai Gurira), and Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) – apparently deep in battle with the Saviors. The tagline reads “The Last Stand,” teasing the battle for survival against Negan’s people will be vicious and final.

Season eight’s second half will kick off on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT.

The Walking Dead Season 8 Part 2 Plot: All out war has had a devastating impact on every person involved. The communities themselves are fractured. Alexandria has been destroyed, the Hilltop finds themselves pinned, and the Kingdom is shattered — half of them dead, the other half controlled by the Saviors.


At the very center — Rick, having been distracted by the conflict, has just returned home to learn that Carl (Chandler Riggs), who heroically shepherded the Alexandrians to safety during Negan’s attack, has been bitten by a walker. Once his sole motivation in this otherwise stark existence, Rick is forced to deal with this reality. Carl has always been a beacon of hope, a symbol for the remaining thread of humanity — lessons that the survivors around him would be wise to take with them as this war surges onward.

But Rick isn’t the only person who’s living in peril. Aaron (Ross Marquand) and Enid (Katelyn Nacon) are in a dire situation at Oceanside — unclear if they’re in friendly territory, or if they’ve just made new enemies. Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam) will do his part in attempting to smuggle Dr. Carson safely back to the Hilltop and a pregnant Maggie is wrestling with the many moral gray areas that come with leadership during war. In a standoff with the Saviors, she must decide how to proceed with the dozens of POW lives she’s currently in control of, as well as new complications that come with being a leader.

In addition to the war, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) continues to deal with struggles within his ranks as workers, traitors, and others’ thirst for power cause conflict at the Sanctuary. Having gifted the Saviors a major victory, Eugene’s loyalty is repeatedly tested as new obstacles present themselves.

As all-out-war consumes us, the line between good and evil continues to blur. People fighting for what they believe in. Everybody working together for something bigger — to feel safe and have a world worth living in.




‘I Kill Giants’ Shows Off an Official Trailer

By
Rebecca Murray
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Two months from the film’s official premiere date, I Kill Giants has just released a full official trailer. The dramatic film is based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel by Joe Kelly and Ken Niimura, with Joe Kelly adapting his own work for the screen. First-time feature film director Anders Walter helmed the fantasy thriller.

The cast of I Kill Giants includes Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Beyond, the Guardians of the Galaxy films), Imogen Poots (Roadies, That Awkward Moment), Madison Wolfe (Zoo, The Conjuring 2), and Sydney Wade (Wolfblood, Happy Valley). Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Kyle Franke, Kim Magnusson, Adrian Politowski, and Nick Spicer served as producers.

I Kill Giants had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. RLJE Films is targeting a March 23, 2018 theatrical release as well as a simultaneous release On Demand and Digital HD for those audiences who didn’t catch it at the festival.

The Plot: I Kill Giants tells the story of Barbara Thorsen (Madison Wolfe), a teenage girl who chooses to escape the realities of school and a drab family life by retreating into her magical world of Titans and Giants. With the help of her new friend Sophia (Sydney Wade) and her school therapist (Zoe Saldana), she will learn to battle her Giants and face her fears – tackling the mean bullies at school, her sister (Imogen Poots) and her difficult work situation, and eventually her fear of death.

I Kill Giants movie trailer
A scene from 2018’s ‘I Kill Giants.’ (Photo Courtesy of RLJE Films)




‘Sneaky Pete’ Season 2 Will Premiere in March 2018

By
Rebecca Murray
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Sneaky Pete Season 2 Details
Giovanni Ribisi as Marius/Pete and Marin Ireland as Julia Bowman in ‘Sneaky Pete’ season 2 (Photo Credit: Amazon Prime Video / Eric Liebowitz)

Amazon Prime’s original series Sneaky Pete will return for a second season on Friday, March 9, 2018. Season two of the drama created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and David Shore (The Good Doctor) will consist of 10 new episodes.

The season two cast is led by Emmy nominee Giovanni Ribisi and includes Marin Ireland (Side Effects) as Julia Bowman, three-time Emmy winner Margo Martindale (The Americans) as Audrey Bernhardt, Shane McRae (Still Alice) as Taylor Bowman, Libe Barer (Parenthood) as Carly Bowman, and Peter Gerety (Prime Suspect) as Otto Bernhardt. Graham Yost, Bryan Cranston, James Degus (All The Way), Michael Dinner, and Fred Golan (Justified) are the drama’s executive producers.

Season one ranked as the “second most streamed original scripted series on an opening day,” according to Amazon. The full first season is currently available for binge-watching on Amazon Prime.


“After the tremendous critical and customer reception in its first season, we’re excited to debut another season of Sneaky Pete,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, Head of Scripted Series, Amazon Studios. “Graham and his team have crafted a second season that really raises the stakes for Marius and everyone involved.”

The Plot: The critically acclaimed Prime Original, a co-production with Sony Pictures Television Studios, revolves around a con man, Marius (Giovanni Ribisi) who left prison only to find himself hunted by the vicious gangster he once robbed. With nowhere else to turn, he took cover from his past by assuming the identity of his cellmate Pete, “reuniting” with Pete’s estranged family.

In the new season, Marius is on the verge of starting fresh, when two thugs, believing he is Pete, threaten to kill the family unless he takes them to Pete’s estranged mother Maggie (Jane Adams) and the millions she stole from their mysterious employer. Now Marius must tread a dangerous line to find the elusive Maggie, protect the family, and keep up the Pete con, all while finagling a way to ditch the thugs and keep the money for himself.




Sean Bean and Adrian Lester to Star in Street Race Drama, ‘Curfew’

By
Rebecca Murray
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Sean Bean Stars in Curfew
Sean Bean (Photo by Richard Chavez / Showbiz Junkies)

Sky’s signed up Sean Bean (Broken, Game of Thrones), Adrian Lester (Riviera, Hustle), Phoebe Fox (Blue Iguana, Intrigo: Samaria), and Malachi Kirby (Black Mirror, Roots) to star in the new series, Curfew. Curfew is described as a street racing drama and was created by Hammer of the Gods‘ Matthew Read. Read writes and executive produces, with Will Gould and Frith Tiplady on board as executive producers.

Colm McCarthy (The Girl With All The Gifts, Peaky Blinders) will direct the series set up with Sky Original Production, Tiger Aspect Productions, and Moonage Pictures. Season one consists of eight episodes and is targeting a 2019 premiere.

“Sky have been incredibly supportive throughout the development of such a bold and ambitious show and I couldn’t be more pleased by the creative team that has been assembled to deliver a story that we have filled with as much excitement, emotion and dynamism as possible,” said writer/executive producer Matthew Read.


“When Sky does dramas about car races, we do them like no other broadcaster,” added Sky’s head of drama Anne Mensah. “Funny, emotionally truthful, visceral and above all fast – Curfew is the perfect Sky One show. Matthew Read has created fantastically memorable, sometimes shocking, always fascinating characters. You’ll want every single one of them to win the race of their lives.”

The Plot: Curfew follows the story of ordinary people competing in the world’s fastest, most furious, illegal night-time street race. Desperate for their own reasons, the challengers risk everything as they race through the night from London to northernmost Scotland in their pimped-out, weaponized vehicles to win the ultimate prize — freedom from the totalitarian government curfew that controls their lives.

Joining Sean Bean, Adrian Lester, Phoebe Fox and Malachi Kirby, the cast of Curfew also includes Robert Glenister (Hustle, Spooks), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Troy: Fall of a City, Peaky Blinders), Rose Williams (Reign, A Quiet Passion), Elijah Rowen (Vikings), and Guz Khan (Man Like Mobeen, Borderline).




‘Divorce’ Season 2 February Episodes Guide

By
Rebecca Murray
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Divorce Season 2 February Episodes
Sarah Jessica Parker stars in ‘Divorce’ season 2 (Photo by Craig Blankenhorn / HBO)

HBO’s half-hour comedy series Divorce continues season two with four new episodes airing in February 2018. The series airs on Sundays at 10pm ET/PT and stars Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), Thomas Haden Church (Easy A), Molly Shannon (Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later), Talia Balsam (Mad Men), Tracy Letts (Homeland), Sterling Jerins (The Conjuring 2), and Charlie Kilgore (Moonrise Kingdom).

Divorce was created by Sharon Horgan who serves as an executive producer along with Sarah Jessica Parker, showrunner Jenny Bicks, Alison Benson, and Aaron Kaplan.

The Season 2 Plot: “In the aftermath of their explosive separation, Frances (Parker) and Robert (Church) are learning to rebuild their lives independently, even as they stay entangled through their kids and mutual friends. Focusing on careers, new relationships and finding ways to be happy again, they learn that pursuing the next chapter will be more complicated than they imagined.


Divorce also features Molly Shannon as Diane, Frances’ over-eager friend, whose investment in Frances’ new gallery tests their friendship, even as Diane adjusts to a new normal at home with her husband, Nick (Letts). Talia Balsam plays Dallas, Frances’ close friend, a divorced psychologist who is determined to extricate herself from a secret affair with Tony (Dean Winters), Robert’s divorce attorney. Sterling Jerins plays Lila, Frances and Robert’s complicated teenage daughter, and Charlie Kilgore is Tom, their 16-year-old son.”

Divorce February 2018 Episodes:

  • Episode #14 (season 2, episode 4): “Ohio”
    Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 4 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
    When Robert’s dad falls ill, Robert (Thomas Haden Church) and Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) reunite in Ohio, where they reminisce about happier times, and deal with Robert’s overbearing sister, Cathy (Amy Sedaris). Back in Hastings-on-Hudson, Tom (Charlie Kilgore) jumps at the chance to chauffeur Diane (Molly Shannon) around town in her luxury car.
    Written by Adam Resnick; directed by Janicza Bravo.
  • Episode #15 (season 2, episode 5): “Breaking the Ice”
    Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 11 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
    Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) learns that Robert (Thomas Haden Church) has a new woman in his life, and enlists Diane (Molly Shannon) and Dallas (Talia Balsam) to get intel on her before Lila’s (Sterling Jerins) 13th birthday party.
    Written by Stuart Zicherman; directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.
  • Episode #16 (season 2, episode 6): “Losing It”
    Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 18 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
    After Robert (Thomas Haden Church) finds Tom (Charlie Kilgore) in a compromising position, Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Robert re-visit their marriage counselor to set new ground rules for the kids. Frances weighs how serious her new relationship with Andrew (Steven Pasquale) should be. Jackie (Becki Newton) seeks out Dallas’ (Talia Balsam) advice during a chance encounter at Diane’s country club.
    Written by Kristen Lange; directed by Scott Ellis.
  • Episode #17 (season 2, episode 7): “Going, Going…Gone”
    Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 25 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
    Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) spots the dashing art bigwig Skip Zakarian (Marton Csokas) at an auction, and takes the opportunity to invite him to Sylvia MacDonald’s (Roslyn Ruff) upcoming show, where he shows interest in more than art. A successful sale inspires Jackie (Becki Newton) to propose that she and Robert (Thomas Haden Church) team up on a house-flipping business, but he has qualms about the idea.
    Written by Julie Rottenberg & Elisa Zuritsky; directed by Adam Bernstein.




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