Radha Mitchell, Lucy Fry and Kevin Bacon in ‘The Darkness’ (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)
Wolf Creek director Greg McLean returns to the horror genre with the supernatural thriller The Darkness starring Kevin Bacon. Universal Pictures just released a creepy trailer for the horror film that’s set to open in theaters on May 13, 2016. In addition to Bacon, the cast includes Radha Mitchell, Gotham‘s David Mazouz, Lucy Fry, Matt Walsh and Once Upon a Time‘s Jennifer Morrison.
The Plot: As a family returns home from vacation at the Grand Canyon, they innocently bring home a supernatural force that preys off their own fears and vulnerabilities, threatening to destroy them from within, while consuming their lives with terrifying consequences.
Tammy Blanchard and Michiel Huisman star in ‘The Invitation’ (Courtesy of Drafthouse Films)
Drafthouse Films has released the trailer for the thriller The Invitation from director Karyn Kusama (Girlfight, Jennifer’s Body). Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman, Emayatzy Corinealdi, and John Carroll Lynch star, and Drafthouse is set to release the drama on April 8, 2016 in theaters and on VOD.
The Plot: The tension is palpable when Will (Marshall-Green) shows up to his ex-wife Eden (Blanchard) and new husband, David’s (Huisman) dinner party. The pair’s tragic past haunts an equally spooky present: Amid Eden’s suspicious behavior and her mysterious house guests, Will becomes convinced that his invitation was extended with a hidden agenda. Unfolding over one dark evening in the Hollywood Hills, The Invitation blurs layers of mounting paranoia, mystery, and horror until both Will-and the audience-are unsure what threats are real or imagined.
Paramount Pictures is teaming up with Revolution Studios, Roth Kirschenbaum Films, and Vin Diesel’s One Race Films on the action sequel xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. The next entry in the xXx franchise has Vin Diesel back as Xander Cage with D.J. Caruso (Eagle Eye, Disturbia) set to direct.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with Vin, Samantha, Joe, Kirsch and Paramount to bring this fan-favorite franchise back to the screen,” stated executive producer Revolution CEO Vince Totino. “xXx is one of the jewels in Revolution’s rich library of commercially successful and acclaimed films, and now with Vin on board, a great script and director D.J. Caruso on hand, we are poised to deliver a worthy successor.”
“It’s great to be reteaming with Vin and Revolution on a long-anticipated sequel to this highly entertaining film,” added producer Joe Roth. “Kirsch and I are looking forward to collaborating with Vince and Scott on this project and we’re all excited to be able to bring the fans what they’ve been asking for.”
Filming will take place in Toronto and at Lantica Media’s Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios.
xXx directed by Rob Cohen and starring Vin Diesel was released in 2002 and pulled in $277+ million in theaters. xXx: State of the Union followed in 2005 with Ice Cube in the lead role. The sequel didn’t come close to the first film’s box office numbers, ringing up just $71+ million during its theatrical run.
The xXx: The Return of Xander Cage Plot:
The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments.
Disney XD will premiere the new animated series LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures this summer, as just announced by the network. The series will feature familiar Star Wars characters as well as introduce brand new heroes and villains. Bill Motz and Bob Roth (Penguins of Madagascar) developed the animated series and will executive produce along with Torsten Jacobson and Jill Wilfert. Carrie Beck, Jason Cosler, Jake Blais and John McCormack are on board as producers.
“We are very excited to launch for the first time a TV series with Disney XD,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president, licensing & entertainment at the LEGO Group. “The creative team behind The Freemaker Adventures is extremely talented, and the series is a great testament to our longstanding and successful partnership with Lucasfilm and Disney. The show masterfully combines the rich heritage of storytelling, great characters, action and adventure in a galaxy far, far away with the creativity, imagination and humor that only LEGO Star Wars can deliver. We are sure fans young and old are going to love the show.”
“With The Freemaker Adventures we are thrilled to bring all new stories to life that could only be realized in the LEGO Star Wars universe,” said Carrie Beck, vice president, animation development at Lucasfilm. “We are embarking on an unprecedented collaboration that will allow us to extend the narrative experience of the Star Wars saga with the same playful spirit that’s always made LEGO Star Wars so much fun to watch. We are so thankful to have such great partners in the LEGO Group, Disney XD and series developers Bill Motz and Bob Roth.”
The LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures Plot:
Told in the whimsically-charged style that audiences have come to expect from LEGO Star Wars entertainment, the series stars the Freemakers, a family of scavengers who build and sell starships from the scoured debris of space battles strewn throughout the galaxy. When their youngest discovers a natural connection with the Force through an ancient artifact – the Kyber Saber – his world is turned upside down, and he and his family are thrown into an epic struggle against the Empire to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. Throughout their adventures, the Freemakers explore new worlds, meet new and familiar characters, and learn the true value of what it means to be a family.
Michael W Smith and Yolanda Adams (Photos: Getty/Fox)
Fox announced Grammy winners Yolanda Adams and Michael W. Smith have signed on to The Passion. The two-hour musical will air live on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 8pm ET (tape delayed on the West Coast) and stars Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (the disciple Peter), Seal (Pontius Pilate) and Trisha Yearwood (Mary, the mother of Jesus). Tyler Perry is the host and narrator.
Yolanda Adams will perform live to kick off The Passion. Smith has been tapped to play one of Jesus’ disciples.
The Passion will feature New Orleans locations including the Mercedes Benz Superdome and Woldenberg Park. Peter Barsocchini wrote the script and Robert Deaton is the event’s showrunner. Deaton, Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos, Adam Anders, and David Grifhorst are executive producing.
The Plot:The Passion tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of contemporary popular music, sung by the cast, and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and hit music producer Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages). Set in modern day, the event will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.
More on Yolanda Adams, Courtesy of Fox:
Billboard magazine Gospel Artist of the Last Decade Yolanda Adams is a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist who believes that her music heals, encourages and inspires others to trust more than themselves. She has triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music via 13 glorious albums. Adams has earned numerous accolades for her shining efforts, including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel Artist and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Her pioneering blend of modern gospel with R&B – infused with a touch of jazz – continues to inspire her fans and transform the musical landscape. “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” a program of her creation and ownership (in conjunction with Radio One/Reach Media), can currently be heard on radio stations across the country.
More on Michael W. Smith, Courtesy of Fox:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA multi-Platinum, six Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, while earning three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award and 45 Dove Awards. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was honored at ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary for his groundbreaking career and significant influence in music. Smith was appointed by the White House as Vice Chair for the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and, most recently, was the featured performer at the 2015 USO Gala. In addition to the international impact he has had through multiple global tours, he has written and composed various scored film projects, authored 12 books and acted in assorted motion pictures.
Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston star in ‘Mother’s Day’ (Photo Credit: Open Road Films)
From the filmmaker who brought us Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve comes Mother’s Day, another in a long line of romantic comedies from director Garry Marshall. The new trailer has arrived along with a couple of photos of key members of the ensemble cast: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Julia Roberts. The cast also includes Jason Sudeikis, Britt Robertson, Timothy Olyphant, Sarah Chalke, Shay Mitchell, and Margo Martindale. Open Road Films is set to release Mother’s Day on April 29, 2016.
The Plot: “Bringing together Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts along with Jason Sudeikis, it’s a celebration of mothers everywhere. This big-hearted comedy invites us all to enjoy the laughter, tears and love as three generations come together in the week leading up to Mother’s Day.”
Watch the Mother’s Day trailer”
Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson in star in Open Road Films’ ‘Mother’s Day’
Poster for ‘Hardcore Henry’ (Credit: STX Entertainment)
After watching the trailer I had to double check the press release to make sure Hardcore Henry is in fact a feature film and not a first-person shoot ’em up video game. The trailer plays out just like a game (but with better graphics) and the story even seems to work within the video game medium as does the dialogue.
Written and directed by Ilya Naishuller, Hardcore Henry stars Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrey Dementyev, Dasha Charusha, and Sveta Ustinova. STX Entertainment’s releasing the action film in theaters on April 8, 2016.
The Plot: You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…
Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron star in ‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)
The latest trailer for Universal Pictures’ The Huntsman: Winter’s War reveals more of the backstory and conflict between Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and her sister Freya (Emily Blunt). The prequel to 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman was directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and also stars Chris Hemsworth, Nick Frost, Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon, and Jessica Chastain. The Huntsman: Winter’s War opens in theaters on April 22, 2016.
The Plot: Charlize Theron stars as evil Queen Ravenna, who betrays her good sister Freya (Blunt) with an unforgivable act, freezing Freya’s heart to love and unleashing in her an icy power she never knew she possessed. Retreating to a kingdom far to the north, Freya raises an army of Huntsmen as her protectors, with the only rule that no two of them should ever fall in love.
As a war for domination escalates between the two queens, the hero standing between them is Freya’s most elite Huntsman, Eric (Hemsworth). Alongside fellow warrior Sara (Chastain)—the only woman who has ever captured his heart—Eric must help Freya vanquish her sister…or Ravenna’s wickedness will rule for eternity.
The second red band trailer for the action comedy The Brothers Grimsby shows new footage of the bizarre (and occasionally gross) antics of the brothers, played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong. Directed by Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me), the cast also includes Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson, Gabourey Sidibe, and Penélope Cruz. The Brothers Grimsby opens in theaters on March 11, 2016.
The Plot: MI6’s top assassin (Mark Strong) has a brother. Unfortunately for him, he’s an English football supporter (Sacha Baron Cohen) from the town of Grimsby.
Nobby has everything a man from the poor English fishing town of Grimsby could want – 9 children and the most attractive girlfriend in northern England (Rebel Wilson). There’s only one thing missing in his life: his little brother, Sebastian. After they were adopted by different families as children, Nobby spent 28 years searching for him. Upon hearing of his location, Nobby sets off to reunite with his brother, unaware that not only is his brother an MI6 agent, but he’s just uncovered a plot that puts the world in danger. On the run and wrongfully accused, Sebastian realizes that if he is going to save the world, he will need the help of its biggest idiot.
Deadpool had me at hello and by that I mean straightaway with the opening credits. The tone was immediately laid out and it was apparent from the first minute of this hard-R rated action comedy that this wasn’t your ordinary superhero/comic book production. Deadpool is the very definition of an anti-hero and director Tim Miller and star Ryan Reynolds embrace this flawed hero, delivering an irreverent – and graphic – comedy that ranks as one of the best Marvel films to date.
Full disclosure: I haven’t read the source material. Everything I know about the world of DC, Marvel, or any superhero or caped characters comes from films and TV, with the exception of Watchmen which I read multiple times. I’m a firm believer in the idea that you shouldn’t have to know anything about the source material to be entertained or engaged by the world that unfolds on the screen, and that applies to comic book-inspired adaptations as well as non-fiction works. As a moviegoer, I want to allow the director’s vision to guide me through the story and not be forced to rely on knowledge of the material gained prior to sitting in a semi-comfy chair in a darkened theater. What Deadpool the film needed to do was give me a reason to sit through two hours of action, violence, and dark humor driven by a guy in a goofy red suit. Who is this masked man and why should anyone care about him? Not only did the film answer those key questions, it left me – an admitted newbie to Deadpool’s world – wanting more of this twisted and slightly depraved character.
The film reveals the origin of Deadpool and unveils the mystery behind why he wears a mask in public. An ex-Special Forces soldier turned mercenary, Wade reluctantly agrees to gene-altering experiments following a devastating diagnosis. The secret organization pulls off a bait and switch, and the experiments leave Wade horribly disfigured but with the ability to heal incredibly fast. Wade escapes his captors and vows to find the people responsible for making him into a nearly invincible mutant forced into hiding his body and face so as not to scare people.
Wade Wilson/Deadpool has a foul mouth and a sharp tongue and doesn’t consider himself a superhero. He proudly lets his freak flag fly and while his costume is reminiscent of Spider-Man, there’s no way this costumed character will ever be confused with that do-gooder.
It’s impossible to picture anyone other than Ryan Reynolds playing the ‘Merc with a Mouth’ as he fits the character as snugly as the latex suit fits his well-toned body. Reynolds has incredible comic timing and his line delivery is spot on. He’s surrounded by a terrific cast of supporting actors led by TJ Miller as his dependable and snarky BFF and Morena Baccarin as the love of his life. And, thankfully, the love interest is a strong, capable woman and not a shrinking violet or damsel in distress unable and/or unwilling to stand up for herself.
The Bottom Line:
This isn’t a comic book film for families. Deadpool earned its R rating for violence, sex, nudity, and language, and is one of the few films of its ilk that is specifically meant for adult audiences only. It’s sexy, slutty, and deliciously wicked, although surprisingly it’s a love story that actually drives the action and is what motivates Deadpool to live his life under the mask.
Deadpool often breaks the fourth wall, playfully letting the audience in on the joke and breaking away from the cookie-cutter comic book film formula and smashing genre boundaries and expectations. The writing’s sharp, the one-liners mostly hit their marks, and the self-deprecating humor helps give Deadpool an edge. And even those who aren’t into the X-Men are able to easily follow the story.
Director Miller’s Deadpool is not for the easily offended or anyone who demands their entertainment be politically correct. The tone of Deadpool is unlike any other comic book adaptation which is a refreshing change of pace for the genre. Unapologetically twisted, Deadpool is a real treat for adults who like their comedies a little raunchy and the action fast, furious, and in your face.
GRADE: A
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence and language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity
