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It’s Official: Sony is Not Releasing ‘The Interview’ on Christmas

By
Rebecca Murray
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Sony Officially Cancels The Interview
Dave (James Franco) and Aaron (Seth Rogen) in Columbia Pictures´ ‘The Interview’ (Photo © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

In a case of you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t, Sony Pictures has sided with the “don’t” and has stopped the upcoming release of The Interview. Following the decisions by numerous theater chains to not screen the movie for their customers, the studio has officially confirmed The Interview will not be released.

Hackers, which the U.S. has now confirmed are linked to North Korea, had threatened to blow up movie theaters if the studio went through with their plan to open the movie on Christmas. Given the fact theater chains (including AMC and Regal Entertainment) were refusing to screen it, did the studio actually have any other choice? And what if it was released and theaters were attacked? Lawsuits would be filed within minutes because both the studio and the theaters were aware of the threat in advance. Yet, yanking the film is giving into the terrorists. There’s absolutely no denying that. This sets up an incredible precedent, setting the stage for other terrorists groups to use the same tactics to force corporations to bend to their demands.

As I’ve seen mentioned elsewhere, including in comments on Facebook, Sony’s best bet now is to go with an online and straight-to-DVD release. That would allow the film to be released, allow those who want to see it to purchase the film, and recoup some of their investment in the movie. Is it ideal? Absolutely not, and it’s still capitulating to the terrorists. Sony Pictures was in an unenviable position in this matter and ultimately did what they assumed would be best for their company. However, their decision has huge ramifications and a door has been opened for further attacks with this decision simply because the hackers won this battle.

Here’s Sony’s statement:

“In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release. We respect and understand our partners’ decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers.”

– Interview with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg on The Interview (from months ago)


-By Rebecca Murray

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The Chris Kyle Frog Foundation Hosts Special Screenings of ‘American Sniper’

By
Rebecca Murray
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Chris Kyle Frog Foundation Hosts Special American Sniper Screenings
BRADLEY COOPER as Chris Kyle in ‘American Sniper’ (Photo © 2014 Warner Bros Entertainment)

The Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (CKFF) will be hosting a series of special American Sniper screenings across the United States. Warner Bros Pictures’ American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood and based on Kyle’s autobiography, will open in limited release in theaters on December 25, 2014 followed by a wider release on January 16, 2015.

The special screenings are set for January 14th and will take place in the following eight cities:

Dallas
Kansas City
Chicago
San Diego
Norfolk/Virginia Beach
Miami
Denver
San Antonio

“I am so happy to welcome everyone to enjoy these special screenings of this inspiring, powerful and meaningful film, which captures Chris’s spirit and his character in telling the story of our family’s military experiences,” said Chris’ wife, Taya. “American Sniper not only reflects our story but also those of all military and first responder families; we honor them and their service to God and country. On behalf of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, I also want to express our deep appreciation to those who have supported our mission and made these screenings possible, especially Warner Bros. and our cinema partners, which are all listed on our website.”

For more info on the screenings or to purchase tickets (on or after December 18th) visit chriskylefrogfoundation.org.

American Sniper stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. The cast also includes Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Jake McDorman, Cory Hardrict, Kevin Lacz, Navid Negahban, and Keir O’Donnell.

The American Sniper Plot:

“Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname ‘The Legend.’ However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world.

Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the spirit of the SEAL creed to “leave no one behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.”

Details on the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation:

“Chris Kyle Frog Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is TO SERVE THOSE WHO SERVE US by providing meaningful interactive experiences enriching family relationships. Embracing Loyalty, Empowerment, Integrity and Excellence, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation experiences are designed to support its vision of a country of connected and thriving service member and first responder families. Each experience helps to build resilience while providing time and space without the distractions of everyday life.”

Watch a clip:




Channing Tatum and the Academy Team Up for Team Oscar

By
Rebecca Murray
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Channing Tatum and the Academy Team Up for Team Oscar
Channing Tatum presents Team Oscar during the live ABC Telecast of The 86th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo Credit: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Channing Tatum is once again uniting with Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron for the Team Oscar campaign aimed at the next generation of filmmakers. Aspiring filmmakers are invited to create a short video, with up to six winners selected to actually participate in the 2015 Academy Awards in Hollywood.

The winners selected by Tatum, Zadan, Meron, and the Academy will receive a trip to LA and the chance to appear onstage during the Oscars. The filmmakers chosen for the honor will be announced by Tatum in early 2015.

The 87th Academy Awards will take place on February 22, 2015 and will air on ABC.

“We are thrilled to bring the Team Oscar competition back to the show for the third year, and that Channing Tatum will be our spokesperson and one of the judges,” said Zadan and Meron. “We are very happy that the idea we initiated has turned into an annual tradition, and is now open to a wider range of filmmakers who are passionate about film and the moviemaking process.”

“I’m honored to be returning to launch the Team Oscar competition and encourage the next generation of filmmakers to join me onstage at this year’s Oscars,” added Tatum. “It’s inspiring to see how these young filmmakers rise to the challenge, and I can’t wait to see the talent we uncover.”

The Rules [Per the Academy]:

“Team Oscar is open to U.S. citizens, ages 18 to 30 (in previous years entries were limited to college students only), and submissions are due by January 12, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. PT. To enter, filmmakers must visit the Academy’s Facebook page, where they can submit a creative 60-second video on the subject, “The best piece of advice I’ve ever received.”




More Screenings of ‘The Interview’ Cancelled in Response to Terror Threat

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Interview Screenings Cancelled Due to Threat
Sook (Diana Bang) with Aaron (Seth Rogen) and Dave (James Franco) in Columbia Pictures´ THE INTERVIEW (Photo © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

You’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard that Sony’s been hacked and emails from high-ranking Sony executives as well as producers and actors have been released causing embarrassment for the company. However, the situation escalated when the group behind the hack – thought to be a North Korean response to the upcoming release of The Interview – threatened attacks at movie theaters screening the film. In response, theater chains have decided to not show the movie which is scheduled for a Christmas release.

Carmike Cinemas, Arclight Cinemas, and Bow Tie Cinemas are among the chains that have opted not to show the comedy film, and it’s likely other theaters will also pull The Interview from their schedule (The Hollywood Reporter says Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, and Cinemark have just canceled their plans to show it).

In addition, the New York premiere was canceled and The Interview‘s stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco, canceled their participation in a press tour that was underway in support of the R-rated comedy. Rogen also co-wrote and co-directed the film with his long-time friend and creative partner Evan Goldberg, and had been promoting the film for months prior to this threat from hackers. [see our interview here]

Although Homeland Security doesn’t have credible evidence that any theaters have been targeted for attacks, Sony has told exhibitors that it’s their decision whether to yank the film or go ahead and screen it as planned. And the National Association of Theatre Owners has just issued a statement regarding The Interview and the possibility of not putting on public screenings of the film:

“The ability of our guests to enjoy the entertainment they choose in safety and comfort is and will continue to be a priority for theater owners. While we do not discuss security procedures or policies, NATO members are working closely with the appropriate security and law enforcement agencies. We are encouraged that the authorities have made progress in their investigation and we look forward to the time when the responsible criminals are apprehended. Until that happens, individual cinema operators may decide to delay exhibition of the movie so that our guests may enjoy a safe holiday movie season experiencing the many other exciting films we have to offer.”

– Update: It’s Official – Sony Cancels The Interview

The Interview Plot:

Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show ‘Skylark Tonight.’ When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the most unlikely candidates, to ‘take out’ Kim Jong-un.

Watch the trailer:




Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon Go to Camp and Sing Third Eye Blind

By
Rebecca Murray
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Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake Go to Camp and Sing Third Eye Blind
A.D. Miles, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon on ‘The Tonight Show’ (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein / NBC)

One of the best The Tonight Show pairings – Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake – got together again to do a skit set in Camp Winnipesaukee. The two played BFFs who shared a cabin at camp and couldn’t stop talking when they were supposed to be sleeping. They also couldn’t help themselves and had to sing “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind, despite the face they were repeatedly yelled at by Mr. Fletcher (A.D. Miles).

Watch the video:


-By Rebecca Murray

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Enter For a Chance to Win ‘Black Sails’ Season One on Blu-Ray

By
Rebecca Murray
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Black Sails The Complete First Season Blu-Ray Contest

Here’s your chance to sail away with a copy of the entire first season of Starz’ riveting action series, Black Sails. Anchor Bay Entertainment’s releasing Black Sails: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray and DVD on January 6, 2015, with season two of the popular pirate series debuting on Starz on January 24, 2015. The 3-disc Blu-ray release includes these special bonus features:

– BLACK SAILS: A Look Inside
– Dress To Kill
– Pirate Camp
– Folklore Is Finished: Pirate Politics
– A Place In History
– Building The Behemoth

The Black Sails Blu-ray contest opens today and runs through January 6, 2015. Here are the details on how to enter:

– Send an email with “Black Sails” in the subject line. Your email address will not be added to any lists.

– You must be 18 years or older to enter and reside in the continental United States. Only one entry per email address will be accepted. The contest ends on January 6, 2015 at 9pm PST. Winners will be notified on January 7, 2015.

The Plot:

Black Sails: The Complete First Season begins in 1715. The Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean is at its apex. The former British colony of New Providence Island is now lawless territory, controlled by a few dozen of the most notorious pirate captains in history. The most feared among them is Captain Flint (Toby Stephens). As the British Navy returns to these waters, and the threat of extinction looms, another side of Flint emerges.

A man driven by deep, complicated, even romantic motives. He will ally himself with the beautiful Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New), daughter of the local smuggling kingpin who turns the pirates’ loot into profits. Together, they forge a plan to hunt the ultimate prize, and by winning it, stave off reclamation of their home by a resurgent empire. Arrayed against them are a series of opponents: rival captains, jealous of Flint’s power; Eleanor’s father, whose ambitions for the island conflict with his daughter’s; and a young sailor, recently recruited onto Flint’s crew, who will somehow manage to constantly undermine his captain’s agenda. His name is John Silver (Luke Arnold).

Watch the trailer:

Terry Crews Takes on the ‘World’s Funniest Fails’

By
Rebecca Murray
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Terry Crews Hosts The World's Funniest Fails
Terry Crews hosts the new unscripted comedy World’s Funniest Fails (Photo © 2014 Fox Broadcasting Co.)

Because starring in Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, hosting Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and handling movie roles doesn’t keep him busy enough, Terry Crews will be hosting the unscripted comedy series World’s Funniest Fails beginning January 16, 2015. The new series will air on Fox on Friday nights at 8pm ET/PT.

“Terry Crews is already a cherished member of the FOX family. He’s larger than life, quick on his feet, and crammed with charisma,” said David Madden, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “We can’t wait to see him interact with the funniest, most spectacular fails on the planet.”

“This show is going to be a blast,” added Crews. “Like everyone else, I find myself watching these viral videos with my kids and cracking up at the hysterical fails from around the globe, which is why I’m so excited to host World’s Funniest Fails. It’s going to be non-stop laughter, fun for the whole family and I can’t wait!”

The Plot:

An irreverent one-hour series, World’s Funniest Fails is inspired by the hit YouTube channel, FailArmy, which showcases the best “epic fail” viral videos in the most entertaining ways possible. Each week a panel of celebrities and comedians will analyze the videos which have exploded across the internet, with the goal of awarding one with the ultimate “Fail of the Week.” Panelists to be announced soon.




‘Vikings’ Returns for Season Three in February 2015

By
Rebecca Murray
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History Sets a Season 3 Premiere Date for Vikings
Brothers Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) & Rollo (Clive Standen) in ‘Vikings’ season 2 (Photo by Jonathan Hession / History / Copyright 2014)

History’s set a February 19, 2015 premiere date for season three of the epic action series Vikings. Season three will introduce new key characters, however, the story will continue to center around Ragnar (Travis Fimmel).

Also returning for season three are Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha, Clive Standen as Rollo, Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn, George Blagden as Athelstan, Jessalyn Gilsig as Siggy, Linus Roache as Ecbert, Gustaf Skarsgard as Floki, and Alyssa Sutherland as Queen Aslaug.

The 10 all-new episodes will air on Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT.

The Plot:

With the promise of new land from the English, Ragnar leads his people to an uncertain fate on the shores of Wessex. King Ecbert has made many promises and it remains to be seen if he will keep them. But ever the restless wanderer, Ragnar is searching for something more … and he finds it in the mythical city of Paris. Rumored to be impenetrable to outside forces, Ragnar and his band of Norsemen must come together to break down its walls and cement the Vikings legend in history.

The gripping family saga of Ragnar, Rollo, Lagertha and Bjorn continues as alliances and loyal friendships are questioned, faith is catechized and relationships are strained. Vikings tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors and portrays life in the Dark Ages, a world ruled by raiders and explorers, through the eyes of Viking society.

Per Starz, here are season three’s new characters:

· Kalf (Ben Robson) – Lagertha’s young, handsome second in command. She is fond of him and trusts him to look after her affairs while she is away, but it is possible that Kalf is more ambitious and calculating than he appears.

· Harbard (Kevin Durand) – A wanderer who turns up unexpectedly in Kattagat when Ragnar and most of the men of the town are away raiding. Harbard will have a profound effect on Queen Aslaug, Siggy and Helga, all of whom have had the same dream, presaging his arrival.

· Emperor Charles of France (Lothaire Bluteau) – A complex, troubled and powerful man who views battling the Vikings as spiritual and earthly.

· Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski) – The daughter of Emperor Charles and a beautiful, young woman of considerable courage and resolution.




‘The Missing’ Finds a Second Season on Starz

By
Rebecca Murray
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Starz Renews The Missing for Season Two
James Nesbitt, Oliver Hunt, and Frances O’Connor in ‘The Missing’ (Photo © Company Television Productions and New Pictures 2014)

Fans of Starz’ The Missing won’t have to say goodbye to the series following the show’s January 10, 2015 season one finale. The network’s announced the Golden Globe nominated series (Best Mini-Series and Best Actress in a Mini-Series) will return for a second season but with new actors and new characters. The eight part season two will center around a new case in a new location, according to Starz.

Harry and Jack Williams are returning as writers. The Missing is executive produced by Willow Grylls, Charlie Pattinson, Elaine Pyke, Harry Williams, Jack Williams, Polly Hill, and Colin Callender.

“The remarkably talented Williams brothers crafted a beautifully complex and heart wrenching story with The Missing and while the story, character and locations will be different in this new iteration, we anticipate the same captivating long-form storytelling and character development that critics and viewers have responded so well to,” said Starz Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik. “We have been thrilled with the critical response and look forward to continuing our terrific collaboration with the BBC, New Pictures and Playground Entertainment.”

– Exclusive interviews with the cast: James Nesbitt / Frances O’Connor / Tcheky Karyo


-By Rebecca Murray

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KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Night 2 Review and Photos

By
Contributing Writer
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KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2014 Concert Night 2
No Doubt performs during the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concert (Photo by Christina Radish Photography / www.christinaradish.com)

By Christina Radish

After a non-stop night of hard-hitting rock music during Night #1 of the annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas concerts, Night #2 (held at the beautifully remodeled Forum in Inglewood, Calif.) slowed things down a bit, which did not mean it was short on equally as memorable performances.

When scheduled headliner U2 had to drop out due to the serious injuries Bono suffered in a bicycle accident, the entire show could have fallen apart, if there hadn’t been a suitable replacement. But then, Orange County natives No Doubt – a band that’s practically synonymous with the alternative rock station – came to the rescue. With a highly energetic set of fan favorites, including “Hella Good,” “Sunday Morning,” “Ex-Girlfriend,” “Just A Girl,” “Spiderwebs,” “Underneath it All,” and the beautiful “Don’t Speak,” singer Gwen Stefani strutted, danced and jumped all over, much to everyone’s delight.

Another of the night’s biggest crowd pleasers was Weezer, who turned in a playful set of songs that can’t help but put a smile on your face. Songs like “Buddy Holly,” “Beverly Hills,” “Say It Ain’t So” and “Undone – The Sweater Song,” are so absurdly catchy that you find yourself compelled to sing along.

Earlier in the show, Imagine Dragons performed a compelling set of songs that clearly connect with their fans. They are a band that have been consistently growing in popularity, and thankfully, their talent has caught up with their clear and obvious passion. Kicking things off with “It’s Time” and closing with “Radioactive,” singer Dan Reynolds even ran out into the crowd for a bit, before slowing things down with fan favorite “Demons.”

The biggest stand-out surprise of the night has to be the set of ‘80s classics from longtime Brit-rockers Tears for Fears. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Mad World” and “Shout” got the crowd dancing and singing along to every word. After Aussie singer/songwriter Vance Joy started the night’s ball rolling, Smashing Pumpkins, Modest Mouse, Interpol and Alt-J also impressed. All in all, it was another great year for rock music.

– 2014 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Concert Photos Night 2


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