Saoirse Ronan (“Leia”) and Jason Isaacs (“Benjamin McKay”) star in ‘Stockholm, Pennsylvania’ (Photo by Aaron Epstein / Stockholm PA, LLC)
Following its premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, Lifetime has picked up Stockholm, Pennsylvania and will air the dramatic film on May 2, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT. Stockholm, Pennsylvania, which marks the feature film writing and directing debut of Nikole Beckworth, received mixed reviews at Sundance, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “intense and absorbing” while Variety saying it was “desaturated and airless.”
The cast is led by Saoirse Ronan and Cynthia Nixon and includes Jason Isaacs and David Warshofsky.
The Plot:
Abducted 17 years ago, Leia (Ronan) is miraculously found and returned home to her parents Marcy (Nixon) and Glen Dargon (Warshofsky). Having long forgotten her family, after being raised by her captor Benjamin McKay (Isaacs), Leia finds herself unable to connect to those who love her the most. Instead, she yearns for Ben, the only father figure she’s ever known, and the safety of the basement she called home most of her life. Marcy resorts to desperate measures to forge a relationship with Leia, allowing her marriage to unravel as a byproduct.
With Marcy’s increasingly erratic actions echoing those of Ben, Leia is left questioning what it really means to be loved.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired Experimenter from writer/director Michael Almereyda and will be releasing the film in North America later this year. The dramatic film had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and features a cast that includes Peter Saarsgard, Winona Ryder, Jim Gaffigan, Taryn Manning, Anton Yelchin, Kellan Lutz, John Leguizamo, Anthony Edwards, Josh Hamilton, Lori Singer, Vondie Curtis-Hall and Dennis Haysbert.
“Experimenter is an absolutely fascinating film,” stated Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles, commenting on the pick up. “Michael Almereyda again does a brilliant, imaginative job in illuminating a complex subject.”
The Plot:
In 1961, social psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted the “obedience experiments” at Yale University. The experiments observed the responses of ordinary people asked to send harmful electrical shocks to a stranger. Despite pleadings from the person they were shocking, 65 percent of subjects obeyed commands from a lab-coated authority figure to deliver potentially fatal currents. With Adolf Eichmann’s trial airing in living rooms across America, Milgram’s Kafkaesque results hit a nerve, and he was accused of being a deceptive, manipulative monster. Experimenter invites us inside Milgram’s whirring mind, beginning with his obedience research and wending a path to uncover how inner obsessions and the times in which he lived shaped a parade of human behavior inquiries.
Jane Lynch hosts ‘Hollywood Game Night’ (Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC)
NBC has set summer 2015 premiere dates for two new comedy shows, one returning comedy, and a batch of reality/alternative series. The Office‘s Craig Robinson is starring in Mr. Robinson, one of the two new comedies, and David Alan Grier and Jerrod Carmichael lead the cast of the other comedy, The Carmichael Show. Among the reality shows also included on NBC’s just announced lineup are Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Last Comic Standing, The Island, and I Can Do That.
Here’s the schedule of premiere dates, courtesy of NBC:
MR. ROBINSON — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 9-9:30 p.m.
As lead singer and keyboardist of the funk band Nasty Delicious, Craig (Craig Robinson) knows a thing or two about working the crowd, but his day job is where he really makes the grade.
Every struggling artist knows the drill: You’ve got to pay the bills while you wait for that big break. So when Craig finds himself short on cash, he takes a job as a substitute high school music teacher. It’s an easy gig, right?
The school principal (Peri Gilpin) believes that rules were made to be strictly upheld. She’s none too fond of Craig’s unorthodox teaching style, or his crush on the pretty English teacher (recurring guest star Meagan Good). It’s a constant struggle for Craig, having one foot in the music world with his band, Nasty Delicious, and one foot in the teaching world. But if Craig wants to get the girl of his dreams and teach these kids the joys of music, he’ll have to buckle down, shape up and get the funk out.
Mr. Robinson is inspired by Robinson’s real-life experiences as a music teacher.
THE CARMICHAEL SHOW — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 9:30-10 p.m.
From the comedy of Jerrod Carmichael and Nick Stoller (Neighbors) comes an irreverent sitcom inspired by Jerrod’s relationships with his say-anything, contrarian father, his therapist-in training girlfriend, his ever-hustling brother, and his mother who is always, always, always right with Jesus.
The Carmichael Show also stars David Alan Grier and Loretta Devine as Jerrod’s father and mother.
WELCOME TO SWEDEN — Sunday, July 19, 8 and 8:30 p.m.
Bruce Evans (Greg Poehler) and Emma Wiik (Josephine Bornebusch) seem to be the perfect couple. When she makes the life-changing decision to move back to her native Stockholm to accept a prestigious banking job after a year together, she is surprised and thrilled that he agrees to move with her to begin a new life together.
Moving halfway around the world with a new love is a huge step and Bruce, with no job, friends or real clue about what he is getting himself into, is quick to face the many unique challenges and culture clashes that living in a foreign land presents. Against the backdrop of a cold, dark and icy Swedish winter, season two follows Bruce and Emma’s engagement as they navigate unexpected career transitions, unfamiliar customs and meddlesome relatives.
THE ISLAND — Monday, May 25, 10-11 p.m.
On The Island, the internationally acclaimed adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls gives the modern American man the ultimate challenge. Can a man of today’s world survive on a deserted island without the luxuries — or even the basics — of contemporary everyday life?
The Island, which is based on the hit Channel 4 U.K. series of the same name, doesn’t include any of the usual reality show trappings. There are no prizes. No eliminations. No winner. No producers. The six episodes will leave 14 American men isolated on a deserted island with only the clothes on their backs and minimal survival tools, committed to filming every moment themselves.
These 21st-century American men, who are accustomed to a roof over their head, restaurants and the benefits of technology, are stripped of all modern conveniences and sent back to their roots. They must hunt and gather food, erect shelter and try to survive using only their strength and know-how. All of the men, including a stay-at-home dad, a trauma surgeon, a firefighter and a criminal defense attorney, have something to prove to themselves… and each other. They will test their physical, mental and emotional limits and fight for their very existence. This is the raw, unfiltered and uncensored story of 14 men, as told exclusively by them.
I CAN DO THAT — Tuesday, May, 26, 10-11 p.m.
In this exciting new variety format, America’s brightest entertainers will come together to compete and showcase their incredible talent. Each week, a group of six celebrities perform breathtaking and unique acts to prove to the audience that “they can do that!” In each episode, we will see current top music and variety groups showcase unique talents and performances. During each performance, the eight celebrities enter a friendly rivalry as they choose their favorite act, what they think they can master, and who they would pair up with to master the act. Unlike most talent shows, there are no judges or eliminations, it’s all for bragging rights. Watch your favorite stars master a new skill every week and face challenges beyond their imagination. They may already be winners, but can they do…THAT?
Comedian-actor-producer Marlon Wayans will serve as host. Celebrities participating are acclaimed dancer and choreographer Cheryl Burke, superstar recording artists Joe Jonas, Nicole Scherzinger and Ciara, national standup comedian Jeff Dye and actor Alan Ritchson.
FOOD FIGHTERS — Thursday, July 2, 8-9 p.m.
It’s the perfect recipe for the ultimate food battle when the best amateur cooks in America put their signature dishes to the test against five professional chefs in Food Fighters, a high-stakes culinary game returning for season two. Television personality, author and food enthusiast Adam Richman hosts the series that takes culinary sparring to an exciting new level.
In a series of compelling, tension-filled showdowns, a top-notch amateur home cook will face off one by one against five professional chefs from every corner of the world. In the final round, they’ll compete against a celebrity chef. Armed only with recipes for their best signature dishes, they’ll square off against an expert chef who will have to cook the same dish. The completed dishes will then be sampled in a blind taste test by culinary judges known as “The Dinner Party.” After the two competing dishes are tested, the verdict determining the winner is given to the host.
If the home cook wins, they earn a cash prize. Even if they don’t win, they still get to face off again against another culinary expert, climbing a money ladder with increasing cash prizes for every professional chef they knock out. Any amateur cook who wins each of the five rounds will walk away with $100,000. It’s the ultimate food fight, pitting amateur cooks against the most formidable culinary pros in America to see if they have what it takes to beat the very best.
HOLLYWOOD GAME NIGHT — Tuesday, July 7, 10-11 p.m.
Summer hit series Hollywood Game Night returns for a third season with new and returning celebrity players that will join in the fun as they face off in hilarious party games. In the series, two contestants are transported from their everyday lives into a once-in-a-lifetime night of fun and celebration as they step beyond the velvet rope and rub shoulders with some of their favorite celebrities and compete for the chance to win up to $25,000.
RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS — Monday, July 13, 10-11 p.m.
In the second season of this hourlong alternative series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, the famed adventurer and survivalist will continue to take celebrities into the most remote and wild locations in the U.S. and around the world for a 48-hour journey of a lifetime.
Each of the celebrities endure the harsh wilderness in high-octane, action-based and empowering journeys spread over remote locations. Grylls and each celebrity will have to push both their minds and bodies to the limit to successfully complete their journey.
LAST COMIC STANDING — Wednesday, July 22, 9-11 p.m. premiere, 10-11 p.m. beginning July 29
Last Comic Standing resumes its search for the funniest comic in the country with the best panel of judges to date, surprise celebrity guests and a new riveting head-to-head phase of the competition. The season will open up with hilarious auditions by invitation only.
The top 100 comics in America will vie for 20 spots. These 20 will then compete in a semifinal round and the best of the best will emerge, with the top 10 moving into the compelling head to head round. In this phase, they will be paired in a high stakes single-elimination round of stand-up stand offs. The top five comedians will move on to the finals, where the funniest of all will take the coveted title of “Last Comic Standing,” winning an incredible prize package worth $250,000, including a cash prize, a talent deal and a development deal for a television show.
The sci-fi film Time Lapse starring The Flash‘s Danielle Panabaker will open in theaters on May 15, 2015 after being picked up for North American distribution by XLrator Media. Bradley King co-wrote the script with BP Cooper and made his feature film directorial debut with the sci-fi thriller. The cast also includes Matt O’Leary and George Finn.
“A smart sci-fi thriller with a mind-bending premise, Time Lapse combines the ingenious structure of Memento with the dark comic irony of The Twilight Zone,” said XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon. “It epitomizes the exciting new wave of ‘lo-fi sci-fi’ films reported in the Wall Street Journal that rely on original, clever stories and masterful filmmaking rather than hundred-million-dollar visual effects budgets.”
“After a thrilling festival run around the globe, we are beyond excited to put the North American release of Time Lapse into the capable and creative hands of such a forward-thinking distributor as XLrator Media,” stated filmmakers Bradley King and BP Cooper in a joint statement.
The Plot:
Time Lapse explores the possibilities of time travel through a machine that is capable of taking pictures 24 hours into the future. When three friends discover this mysterious machine in their neighbor’s apartment, they encounter a number of pressing questions, not least of which is the whereabouts of their neighbor. Realizing the potential impact of the machine, Finn (O’Leary), Jasper (Finn), and Callie (Panabaker) attempt to cash in on their discovery. But, when a dangerous criminal learns their secret, the friends must set aside their differences and confront the paradox of a future that was once predetermined and entirely uncertain. Using an engaging blend of action, humor, and philosophy, Time Lapse is an original thriller that not only keeps the audience guessing, but also explores questions of pre-determination, free will and destiny.
A24’s released a new trailer and poster for the Western drama Slow West from first time feature film writer and director John Maclean. Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave, Shame) dons a cowboy hat to star in this Western set to hit theaters and On Demand on May 15, 2015 (and available on April 16th on DirecTV). In addition to Fassbender, the cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ben Mendelsohn and Caren Pistorious.
The Plot:
At the end of the nineteenth century, 16-year-old Jay Cavendish (Smit-McPhee) journeys across the American frontier in search of the woman he loves. He is joined by Silas (Fassbender), a mysterious traveler, and hotly pursued by an outlaw along the way.
Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon and Ross Marquand as Aaron in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 5 episode 16. (Photo Credit: Gene Page / AMC)
The 90 minute season five finale of The Walking Dead will air Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 9pm with episode 16 titled “Conquer.” The title implies our favorite group of ragtag zombie apocalypse survivors might be attempting a coup. The official synopsis for “Conquer” doesn’t give away any secrets and barely drops any new hints as to what to expect: “Daryl finds trouble while on a run; Rick and the group feel like outsiders in Alexandria, where trouble approaches the gates.”
Will we finally see the person or persons responsible for carving the ‘W’ on the foreheads of walkers? Will any of Rick’s group die? What about Morgan? He’s still roaming around out there and it’s possible he’ll make an appearance in the finale. And will the walkers somehow manage to make their way through the fences and into Alexandria? Whatever happens this episode, don’t let Daryl die. That’s all we’re asking.
Check out a clip from the finale with Maggie (Lauren Cohan) explaining why Rick (Andrew Lincoln) should stay in Alexandria:
Ricky Gervais’ Derek will air a one-hour special on Netflix premiering on April 3, 2015 at 12:01am PT, and a first-look trailer along with a poster for the special have just arrived. The Derek Special stars Gervais, Brett Goldstein, Kerry Godliman, and David Earl, and will be available to Netflix subscribers in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Nordics and Benelux.
Gervais earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in the series which is currently streaming seasons one and two on Netflix.
The Plot: Derek centers around Derek Noakes (Gervais), a tender, innocent man whose love for his job at a retirement home shines through. Derek cares deeply for the home’s residents, because they are kind and funny and tell him stories of what life used to be like. Among those in his life are Kev (Earl), a lovable train wreck who lives with Derek and spends most of his time lazing around the home; and Hannah (Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek’s best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.
In the Derek Special, Tom (Goldstein) has a new job, which allows him to spend more time with Hannah. Will this allow their relationship to flourish? Derek is upset with Hannah for upsetting Kevin, who goes missing, whilst Vicky takes on more responsibilities.
William Petersen will be returning to series television with a role in WGN America’s Manhattan, marking his first series role since departing CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Petersen joins a cast led by John Benjamin Hickey, Olivia Williams, and Daniel Stern.
The cast also includes Ashley Zukerman, Rachel Brosnahan, Katja Herbers, Alexia Fast, Christopher Denham, Harry Lloyd, and Michael Chernus.
Manhattan was created and written by Sam Shaw. Thomas Schlamme directs the series, which will start shooting season two next month. Shaw, Schlamme, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Marcy Ross, and Dustin Thomason are executive producers.
According to WGN America’s casting announcement, Petersen will play Colonel Emmett Darrow, “the enigmatic new ranking military officer at Los Alamos, as a series regular for season two. A deeply religious and patriotic man, Darrow feels called by God to usher in the atomic future and to spread American values across the globe.”
The Plot:
Manhattan is set against the backdrop of the greatest race against time in the history of science — the mission to build the world’s first atomic bomb. The series follows the brilliant but flawed scientists and their families in Los Alamos as they attempt to coexist in a world where secrets and lies infiltrate every aspect of their lives.
Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Shameik Moore in ‘Dope’ (Photo credit: David Moir / Open Road Films)
One of the big hits at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was writer/director Rick Famuyiwa’s Dope and for those who didn’t make the trek to the festival, a teaser trailer has finally arrived online. Executive produced by Pharrell Williams (who also contributed four new songs), Dope stars Zoe Kravitz, Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Iman, and Quincy Brown. The Sundance hit will open in theaters on June 19, 2015.
The Plot:
Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
Rollo (Clive Standen) and Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) in ‘Vikings’ (Photo by Jonathan Hession / History Copyright 2015)
History’s Vikings, which keeps getting better with each season, will be returning for season four. The network just announced the series’ renewal, saying filming will get underway this spring in Ireland. Season three will be finishing up on April 23, 2015 and has been averaging 4.3 million viewers. According to History, it’s the number one cable series on Thursday nights.
“Vikings has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television,” said Dirk Hoogstra, EVP and General Manager, HISTORY & H2, announcing the renewal. “We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and bloodshed to keep our loyal fans watching and wanting more.”
Michael Hirst created the critically acclaimed series and serves as writer and executive producer. The cast is led by Travis Fimmel and includes Clive Standen, Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgard, George Blagden, Alexander Ludwig, Alyssa Sutherland, Jessalyn Gilsig, Linus Roache, and Kevin Durand.
“Vikings is a tremendous success worldwide thanks to the visionary talents of Michael Hirst, the entire creative team and our partners at HISTORY,” said Roma Khanna, President, Television Group and Digital, MGM. “We look forward to entertaining audiences worldwide with the next epic season.”
