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‘Beauty and the Beast’ Movie Review

By
Rebecca Murray
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Beauty and the Beast
Dan Stevens and Emma Watson star in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Photo © 2017 Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

It’s a tale as old as time so don’t expect much in the way of innovation, other than Disney introducing a gay character (something that should have occurred years ago), in the 2017 musical, Beauty and the Beast. Disney’s messing with one of its most beloved properties by creating a new live-action version and there are Beauty and the Beast fans who refuse to see this take on the classic story so as not to sully their memories of the groundbreaking, Oscar-winning 1991 animated film. However, I’d advise those naysayers who are put off by the very idea of a remake to just give it a chance. It’s not a beat-for-beat reproduction, but this Beauty and the Beast does bring the best of the animated classic to life in a stunningly gorgeous, hugely entertaining blending of live-action and CG characters.

Just as with Disney’s Cinderella (2015) and The Jungle Book (2016), the 2017 Beauty and the Beast remake is loyal to the animated version in nearly every way, to the point of even sticking with the color palette from the animated movie. The musical numbers capture the spirit of the original film and are brought to life by a talented cast led by Emma Watson (The Harry Potter franchise) and Dan Stevens (currently starring in FX’s Legion). Casting Emma Watson as Belle was a genius choice by director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) as was tapping Dan Stevens as the prince who transforms into a beast and is ultimately changed back by love.

For those who need a refresher, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of the beautiful Belle, a young woman thought of as odd in the small village where she was born and raised. She loves to read, is devoted to her father (Kevin Kline), and as the prettiest girl in town she’s sought after by the obnoxious, muscle-bound Gaston (Luke Evans). Gaston views himself as a prize catch but Belle sees him for what he is, a self-absorbed cad.

Gaston hounding her for a date proves to be the least of her problems once her beloved father is taken prisoner by the Beast. The Beast was once a handsome, narcissistic prince but a curse transformed him into a massive hairy creature with horns. Now he roams the halls of his castle far away from the village, keeping company only with his servants who were transformed into household items. If he doesn’t find someone willing to love him in his beastly state, he’ll be forced to remain in his current form, as will his servants.

Belle searches for her dad and winds up at the Beast’s castle where she finds her poor father locked in a cell. She offers to take his place, giving the servants/household items hope for their return to human form if only she’ll see through the Beast’s rough exterior and gruff manner to discover the now-decent man hidden beneath the fur and horns.

Emma Watson is dazzling as Belle, commanding the screen and giving Belle strength, sass, and real spirit. She’s the perfect Belle, totally captivating as the iconic character. Dan Stevens is equally terrific, as is Luke Evans as the dastardly Gaston. Josh Gad returns to the world of Disney musicals after voicing Olaf the snowman in Frozen as Gaston’s trusty sidekick, LeFou. LeFou has a bigtime crush on Gaston, but Gaston’s too full of himself to see what’s obvious to everyone else. LeFou’s love for his rugged BFF is a fun subplot that adds new layers to every scene the characters share.

Beauty and the Beast boasts an A-list voice cast that includes Ewan McGregor as Lumiere the talking candlestick, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth the clock, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza the piano, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts the teapot. Each deliver lively voice performances that add a real warmth and humor to the film.

Once Belle makes her way to the castle, Beauty and the Beast really hits its stride. The musical numbers are outstanding, with the “Be Our Guest” number so spectacular there’s almost too much going on on screen to absorb in a single viewing. “Be Our Guest” ranks right up there as one of the most entertaining musical numbers in recent history.

The CGI effects are spectacular and smoothly integrated into scenes. Beauty and the Beast is a sure bet to earn an Oscar nomination for its visual effects, which are extraordinary but not so overly distracting they diminish the performances of the actors.

I walked out of the press screening and “magical” was the word that immediately sprang to mind when asked about the film. Beauty and the Beast was one of the few films in my nearly 20 years of reviewing theatrical releases that I wanted to immediately sit through again as soon as it ended. Director Condon keeps the film moving right along and with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in the titular roles, this live-action musical is astonishingly beautiful and, best of all, provides two solid hours of sheer escapist entertainment.

GRADE: A

MPAA Rating: PG for some action violence, peril and frightening images

Running Time: 129 minutes

Release Date: March 17, 2017





‘Ballers’ and ‘Insecure’ Summer 2017 Premiere Dates Announced

By
Rebecca Murray
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Ballers Season 2 Dwight Johnson, John David Washington, Omar Benson Miller
Dwayne Johnson, John David Washington, and Omar Benson Miller in ‘Ballers’ (Photo: Jeff Daly / Courtesy of HBO)

HBO will be premiering new seasons of Ballers and Insecure on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Ballers season three will air at 10pm ET/PT followed by Insecure‘s second season at 10:30pm ET/PT. The second season of Insecure will consist of eight half-hour episodes while Ballers will have a 10 episode third season run.


Details on Ballers: The show looks at the lives of former and current football players, following former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson), who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for current players in sunsoaked Miami. The season two cast included Rob Corddry, John David Washington, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, London Brown, Arielle Kebbel, Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff and Andy Garcia. Ballers was created by Steve Levinson who also executive produces along with Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Evan Reilly, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, and Denis Biggs.

Details on Insecure: Starring Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Lisa Joyce, the series follows the friendship of two black women as they deal with their own real-life flaws while attempting to navigate different worlds and cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore created the series and Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry executive produce. Wilmore is involved as a consultant.




‘SNL’ Weekend Update Gets a Primetime Spot

By
Rebecca Murray
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SNL Weekend Update
Colin Jost and Michael Che during Weekend Update on March 4, 2017 (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC)

Saturday Night Live‘s popular “Weekend Update” segment is getting its own primetime slot beginning on August 10, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT. Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update received a four episode order from NBC and will star Colin Jost and Michael Che as anchors. NBC also confirmed additional SNL stars will show up in the half-hour program.


“SNL is having its best season in a quarter of a century — how many shows can say that?! — so we didn’t want them to take the summer off,” stated Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to have Colin Jost and Michael Che continuing their unique brand of news with fresh ‘Weekend Update’ shows in primetime this August.”

According to NBC, the “Weekend Update” bit has remained one of Saturday Night Live‘s most popular segments over the course of the show’s 42 seasons. Che and Jost currently occupy the “Weekend Update” desk, following in the footsteps of former hosts Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Dennis Miller, Norm Macdonald, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers.

Thanks in large part to the weekly skewering of President Trump, SNL‘s ratings are way up. The current season is the most watched in 24 years and has been averaging 11+ million viewers each new episode. SNL‘s ratings have increased 21% over last year among adults 18-49, and up 26% in total viewers when comparing season 42 to season 41.




Pitbull Earns a Special Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame

By
Rebecca Murray
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Pitbull
Pitbull (Photo Courtesy of the Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Pitbull will be the first recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Global Ambassador Award which will be presented during the 48th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. According to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Global Ambassador Award is a new award given to “celebrate a songwriter-artist whose music has true worldwide appeal, crossing genre, cultural and national boundaries.”

The award will not necessarily by given out on an annual basis and instead will be presented only when merited.

“Pitbull’s success, creativity, tireless musical collaboration and his wide-ranging social activism make him the ideal songwriter-performer to initiate the SHOF Global Ambassador Award,” stated SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and President/CEO Linda Moran.

Pitbull joins a list of honorees set to accept awards during the June 15th ceremony that includes Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Berry Gordy, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Robert Lamm & James Pankow p/k/a “Chicago,” Max Martin, and Shawn “JAY Z” Carter.

Pitbull Biography, Courtesy of the Songwriters Hall of Fame:

From Mr. 305 to Mr. Worldwide, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, rose from the streets of Miami to exemplify the American Dream and achieve international success. His relentless work ethic transformed him into a Grammy®-winning global superstar and business entrepreneur. Along the way, he’s has been the subject and host of prestigious cable and network specials. His music has appeared in Men In Black III and The Penguins of Madagascar, and he even had a starring voice-over role in the animated 3D movie Epic.

Landing No. 1 hits in over 15 countries, 9 billion YouTube/VEVO views, 70 million single sales and 6 million album sales, Pitbull does not stop. Making global music, Pitbull flaunts a style that’s indisputably his own. Releasing his full-length debut, M.I.A.M.I. in 2004, followed by the success of 2006’s El Mariel and 2007’s The Boatlift. In tribute to his father, he delivered his first Spanish-language album, Armando, in 2010. That same year he was featured in the the Haiti benefit song “Somos El Mundo,” a Spanish version of “We Are the World” that included a huge group of Latin artists led by Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

He grinded it out on the road and touched down everywhere from the Far East and South America to Europe and all across the U.S. His success continued as he went on to release additional chart-topping platinum hits, including “Timber” [featuring Ke$ha], “Fireball” [featuring John Ryan] and more. Pitbull has also collaborated with other superstars including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Usher, Pharrell Williams, T-Pain, Ne-Yo and others. In 2014 his song “We Are One (Ole Ola)” was the official theme of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Pitbull will release his 10th full-length album, Climate Change, this Friday March 17.

Pitbull also continues to forge a presence in the business world. Among his many projects, His Honey I’m Home production company has partnered with Endemol Shine North America for three New Year’s Eve Revolution live TV shows on FOX, and Pitbull’s Globalization (Ch. 4) on Sirius XM features some of the most prominent DJs from around the world.

Honored by his accolades and awards, Pitbull is especially proud that he has received a key to the city of his beloved Miami, has a wax figure on display at Madame Tussaud’s Orlando, and received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pitbull gives back to his community through various charities including SLAM!, Save The Music Foundation, World Vision, City of Hope, and more.

On “Freedom,” another track on Climate Change, he sums everything up: “Went from a poor kid to a well-known all-around-the-globe world-class citizen, man I paid all my dues and earned my stripes took all the wrong in my life and I made it right.” That’s the dream, and Pitbull’s showing everybody it’s possible. Dale!





‘Despicable Me 3’ New Trailer with Steve Carell Voicing Twins

By
Rebecca Murray
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Despicable Me 3 Poster

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s new trailer for Despicable Me 3 introduces Gru’s long-lost twin, Dru (also voiced by Steve Carell), who wants his brother to join him in continuing the family’s evil ways. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, Despicable Me 3‘s voice cast also includes Kristen Wigg, South Park‘s Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Nev Scharrel, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate, and Julie Andrews. Universal Pictures has slated a June 30, 2017 theatrical release date.

The Plot: The team who brought you Despicable Me and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions. Trey Parker joins the voice cast as the villain Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who’s grown up to become obsessed with the character he played in the ‘80s, and proves to be Gru’s most formidable nemesis to date.

Watch the Despicable Me 3 trailer:





‘The Originals’ Season 4: Charles Michael Davis Interview

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Originals Season 4 Episode 1 star Charles Michael Davis
Charles Michael Davis as Marcel in ‘The Originals’ season 4 (Photo: Annette Brown © 2017 The CW Network)

The CW’s The Originals is set to kick off season four on March 17, 2017 at 8pm ET/PT. The upcoming season takes place five years after the events of season three, with Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) in charge of a peaceful New Orleans. Davis was among the cast members who took part in the always-popular The Originals Comic Con presentation as well as in roundtable interviews to discuss the fourth season. In our interview from last year’s Con, Davis talked about Marcel’s relationship with the Mikaelsons and what fans of the series can expect from his character in season four.

The Season Four Plot: Season four of The Originals begins on the fifth anniversary of the Mikaelson family’s greatest defeat. Although Marcel Gerrard (Davis) has ushered in a new era of peace in the French Quarter, an army of unsired vampires has arrived seeking to bargain for the life of Marcel’s infamous captive, the Original hybrid, Klaus (Joseph Morgan). Meanwhile, the other Mikaelson siblings remain trapped in an enchanted sleep, with Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) working tirelessly to find the means to revive them – while also protecting her daughter, Hope (Summer Fontana).


After a daring rescue, the Mikaelsons are reunited, only to find themselves faced with an even bigger threat: the revival of an ancient evil that has strong ties to their most vulnerable family member. After a devastating attack by this nightmarish entity, the Mikaelsons discover there is only one way to save themselves – they must stand their ground in New Orleans and forge an alliance with the very enemies who hate them most, both Marcel and the leader of the New Orleans witches, Vincent Griffith (Yusuf Gatewood). With the city of New Orleans consumed by a seemingly all-powerful cult hellbent on child kidnappings and ghastly rituals, Klaus must face his own inner demons as he struggles to become the father he never had to the child he is only now getting to know. With Hayley and Klaus focused on protecting their daughter, eldest brother Elijah (Daniel Gillies) must embrace his most ruthless aspect in order to become the family’s lethal enforcer, putting him at odds with the rest of his family, including the woman he has come to love. And even as the family’s loyalties are called into question, Freya (Riley Voelkel) will embark on her own deadly mission, vowing to destroy anyone who would threaten her siblings – regardless of what she will have to do – or whom she will have to sacrifice.

Ultimately, the Mikaelsons will realize that they now face an enemy even more powerful than themselves, one with intimate knowledge of their family’s greatest weakness. Upon learning the truth – that their evil adversary cannot be killed – the Mikaelson siblings will have no choice but to stand together – even if this is to be their final battle.

Watch the full Charles Michael Davis interview on The Originals:





‘Doctor Who’ Official Season 10 Trailer with Peter Capaldi

By
Rebecca Murray
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Doctor Who Season 10
The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Bill (Pearl Mackie) in ‘Doctor Who’ (Photo © Ray Burmiston / BBC AMERICA)

BBC America’s debuted the official trailer for Doctor Who season 10 with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. The 12 episode season 10 cast also includes Pearl Mackie (‘Bill’) and Matt Lucas (‘Nardole’), with David Suchet and Michelle Gomez guest starring. The 10th season, which will premiere on April 15, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT, marks the final one with Capaldi in the lead role.


Peter Capaldi joined the critically acclaimed, long-running sci-fi series in 2013 and will exit the series with the 2017 Christmas special. “One of the greatest privileges of being Doctor Who is to see the world at its best. From our brilliant crew and creative team working for the best broadcaster on the planet, to the viewers and fans whose endless creativity, generosity and inclusiveness points to a brighter future ahead. I can’t thank everyone enough. It’s been cosmic,” said Capaldi.

“For years before I ever imagined being involved in Doctor Who, or had ever met the man, I wanted to work with Peter Capaldi,” explained writer/executive producer Steven Moffat, commenting on the 10th season and Capaldi’s impending departure. “I could not have imagined that one day we’d be standing on the TARDIS together. Like Peter, I’m facing up to leaving the best job I’ll ever have, but knowing I do so in the company of the best, and kindest and cleverest of men, makes the saddest of endings a little sweeter. But hey, it’s a long way from over. Peters’ amazing, fiery, turbulent Doctor is still fighting the good fight, and his greatest adventures are yet to come. Monsters of the universe, be on your guard – Capaldi’s not done with you yet!”

Watch the Doctor Who trailer:





‘The Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff ‘Young Sheldon’ Moves Forward

By
Rebecca Murray
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Iain Armitage Stars in Young Sheldon
Iain Armitage joins ‘Young Sheldon’ (Photo Courtesy of CBS)

CBS has officially confirmed they’ve given a series order to Young Sheldon, a new comedy series revolving around The Big Bang Theory‘s Sheldon Cooper. The new single-camera half-hour comedy series is a spinoff of The Big Bang Theory and will focus on Sheldon as a 9-year-old. Iain Armitage has been cast to play the younger version of Jim Parsons, with Parsons involved as the narrator.

The Young Sheldon cast will also include Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Raegan Revord, and Montana Jordan. Jon Favreau is on board to direct and executive produce the series’ first episode. CBS is targeting a premiere during the upcoming 2017-2018 primetime season.

Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro created the series, which will find Sheldon living in East Texas with his family and attending high school. Lorre, Molaro, Parsons, and Todd Spiewak are also serving as executive producers.

Iain Armitage is currently starring alongside Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon, and Nicole Kidman in HBO’s Big Little Lies. His credits also include Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the upcoming films The Glass Castle, Our Souls at Night, and I’m Not Here.




‘Girl in the Spider’s Web’ Movie Looking for a New Lisbeth Salander

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Girl in the Spider's Web Book Cover

Filming’s expected to begin in September on The Girl in the Spider’s Web, the fourth book in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Series which has sold more than 86 million books. Books one through three of the series – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest – have been made into Swedish-language films, with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo remade as an English-language film starring Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander. Noomi Rapace played Lisbeth in the three Swedish-language films. The Girl in the Spider’s Web will feature a new actress in the role of Lisbeth Salander.


Don’t Breathe‘s director Fede Alvarez is set to direct the first film adaptation of journalist/novelist David Lagercrantz’s bestselling book which furthers the adventures of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Alvarez, Steven Knight, and Jay Basu adapted the novel for the screen, and Alvarez is currently meeting with actresses to take on the lead role of Lisbeth. Scott Rudin, Søren Stærmose, Ole Søndberg, Amy Pascal, Elizabeth Cantillon, Eli Bush, and Berna Levin are on board as producers, with Anni Faurbye Fernandez, Line Winther Skyum Funch, Johannes Jensen, and David Fincher executive producing.

“I’m hugely excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said writer/director Alvarez. “Sony has become family to me and I can’t think of a more thrilling project to celebrate our relationship. Lisbeth Salander is the kind of character any director dreams of bringing to life. We’ve got a great script and now comes the most fun part – finding our Lisbeth.”

According to Columbia Pictures, The Girl in the Spider’s Web is targeting an October 5, 2018 theatrical release.

“In all of contemporary literature, Lisbeth Salander is completely sui generis – probably one of the greatest female literary characters of all time in my view,” said President of Columbia Pictures Sanford Panitch. “Modern punk defiance personified, she is unforgettable in every incarnation, truly one of the most compelling characters we’ve seen in recent years. David Lagercrantz’s brilliant work in continuing this remarkable series honors Stieg Larsson’s masterpiece. We at Sony are so honored to be part of this series with Yellowbird, and we’re so excited to be making an original film of The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Fede Alvarez is the perfect choice to direct. Fede is an amazing director with a unique vision of the world. In particular, his talent and skill in creating psychological intensity will bring Lisbeth Salander back into popular movie culture with a roar.”




Susan Sarandon Will Guest Star on ‘Ray Donovan’ Season 5

By
Rebecca Murray
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Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon (Photo Credit: Darren Tieste / CPi Syndication)

Oscar winner Susan Sarandon will have a season-long arc on Ray Donovan season five as just announced by Showtime. According to the network, Sarandon is playing Samantha Winslow, “the strong, focused head of a motion picture studio.” The series will launch its fifth season this summer.


The season five cast is led by Liev Schreiber and includes Jon Voight as Mickey Donovan, Paula Malcomson, Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok, Steven Bauer, Katherine Moennig, Pooch Hall, Kerris Dorsey, and Devon Bagby. Ray Donovan was created by Ann Biderman and is executive produced by David Hollander, Mark Gordon, Bryan Zuriff, and Lou Fusaro.

Sarandon is currently starring in Starz’ latest anthology series, FEUD: Bette and Joan, playing Bette Davis opposite Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford. Sarandon’s other recent credits include Mothers and Daughters, The Meddler, Tammy, and The Company You Keep. Sarandon won a Best Actress Oscar for Dead Man Walking and earned additional Oscar nominations for The Client, Lorenzo’s Oil, Thelma & Louise, and Atlantic City, USA.

A Look Back at the Season 4 Plot: Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber as L.A.’s best professional fixer – the man called in to make the city’s celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls’ most complicated and combustible situations go away. Last season’s intense battle with the Armenian mafia leads a wounded Ray to reconnect with his forsaken faith. With this second chance at redemption, Ray is on a path to becoming a much better husband and father. But while things at home are improving, his work introduces him to worlds more formidable and dangerous than ever before. Meanwhile, Mickey (Voight) has fled Los Angeles, hoping to plant roots on his own terms and to begin anew, one scam at a time.




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