Four (Theo James) and Tris (Shailene Woodley) in ‘The Divergent Series: Insurgent’ (Photo Credit: Andrew Cooper)
The new trailer for The Divergent Series: Insurgent titled “Fight Back” finds Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) pursued by the authorities because they’re Divergent. Directed by Robert Schwentke and based on the book series by Veronica Roth, the cast of the second film of the series also includes Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Daniel Dae Kim, Naomi Watts, and Kate Winslet.
The Divergent Series: Insurgent opens in theaters on March 20, 2015.
20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for the action film Hitman: Agent 47 starring Rupert Friend and directed by Aleksander Bach. The cast also includes Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto, Ciarán Hinds, and Thomas Kretschmann.
Hitman: Agent 47 opens in theaters on August 28, 2015.
The Plot:
Hitman: Agent 47 centers on an elite assassin who was genetically engineered from conception to be the perfect killing machine, and is known only by the last two digits on the barcode tattooed on the back of his neck. He is the culmination of decades of research and forty-six earlier Agent clones — endowing him with unprecedented strength, speed, stamina and intelligence. His latest target is a mega-corporation that plans to unlock the secret of Agent 47’s past to create an army of killers whose powers surpass even his own.
Teaming up with a young woman who may hold the secret to overcoming their powerful and clandestine enemies, 47 confronts stunning revelations about his own origins and squares off in an epic battle with his deadliest foe.
The second trailer for Disney’s Cinderella declares “There’s more to the legend than you ever dreamed,” and hopefully that is actually the case with this new live-action fairy tale story. Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Thor), the cast is led by Lily James as Cinderella and Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) as the Prince, and features Cate Blanchett, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter.
Disney’s releasing Cinderella in theaters on March 13, 2015.
The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.
Soon, she is forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”
When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.
Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
Tyler Hubbard, producer Joey Moi, and Brian Kelley (Photo credit: Jason Mrusek / 2015 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.)
Ask reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line about the moment they knew they had something special with their debut single “Cruise,” and Tyler Hubbard says he can pinpoint the time and place.
“I think it was the Country Throwdown Tour in the summer of 2012,” he recalled. “That was a moment where we thought that things were starting to turn for us. People were beginning to recognize who we were. It was then that things really started to spread. Since then, it’s been a crazy ride.”
“Every show we played after releasing that song, things got better and better for our set,” agreed Hubbard’s duo partner, Brian Kelley. “People were buying the EP, our old stuff, and looking up YouTube videos of what we had covered, to make sure they knew that too.”
The Republic Nashville duo enjoyed a similar reaction to their sophomore effort, Anything Goes, which debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Top Country Album charts and has been certified Gold. “Everything you hear on the album is something that (producer) Joey Moi brought to the table,” Hubbard insisted. “We call him the Wizard. He understands our dream, our vision and our sound, and who we are and what we represent. If it’s up to us, we’ll never let anyone else touch our music.”
Scott Borchetta, Founder/President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, is also essential to the duo’s process. “Any time you have somebody who has been as successful as Scott on multiple levels of the industry, you have to listen to him,” said Kelley. “He gives great advice. His leadership is incredible. His vision is out of this world. When he speaks up with an idea, it’s pretty much greatness that comes from his mouth. He’s so driven and business-savvy. We’ve known that since Day One, and it’s cool to learn as much as we can from him.”
Jimmy Harnen is another important player in the Anything Goes story. “We had the pleasure of listening to it as it was being made,” said the Executive VP/ Big Machine Label Group and President of Republic Nashville. “We heard the demos and the rough mixes. It was always fun to watch as they built the follow-up to a great record. There were so many high points to Anything Goes, but at the same time, it maintains the core of Florida Georgia Line.”
This widening of the FGL sound may be what it takes to build on their already exploding fan base. “It’s amazing to see how music can touch so many people and turn them into Country Music fans,” Hubbard observed. “One of our best compliments is hearing that someone might not have listened to Country Music before we came out, and now they love it. We look forward to the meet-and-greets where we hear their stories. It’s so great to see them out in the crowd, letting loose and having a good time. That’s what we do it for.”
After 17 years as the host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart says it’s time to say good-bye to the Comedy Central series. He doesn’t know exactly when he’ll be exiting the show, but Stewart joked that it’s his longest stretch of employment at one company by 16 years, five months. Stewart broke the news to his audience on February 10th, telling fans that The Daily Show doesn’t deserve an “even slightly restless host.”
Stewart revealed he doesn’t have any plans in place for what’s next after he leaves The Daily Show, but he did express a desire to actually spend time with his family who he’s heard are wonderful people. Thanking the in-studio audience and his viewers at home, Stewart said it’s not going to be being on TV every day or the show itself he’ll miss as much as the people connected to it and that it’s been an absolute privilege hosting the show all these years.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson star in the feature film adaptation of E L James’ Fifty Shades of Grey. Kelly Marcel adapted the sexy romance and Sam Taylor-Johnson directed the R-rated film heading to theaters on February 13, 2015.
Dakota Johnson stars as Anastasia Steel and Jamie Dornan plays Christian Grey. Jennifer Ehle is Carla, Eloise Mumford is Kate, Victor Rasuk is Jose, Luke Grimes is Elliot Grey, Marcia Gay Harden is Mrs. Grey, and Rita Ora is Mia Grey.
Max Martini plays Taylor, Callum Keith Rennie is Ray, Andrew Airlie is Mr. Grey, Dylan Neal is Bob, and Elliat Albrecht plays Olivia.
Synopsis:
In a story that is as much about the redemption of the unattainable Christian as it is the liberation of the inexperienced Ana, the protagonists have taken on lives of their own for readers who’ve pored over the vulnerabilities of the characters and intricacies of the novels. Through them, audiences have allowed themselves to explore their own inner fantasies and aspirations.
Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy), this erotic and authentic love story from series creator E L James takes us deep inside a rich and mysterious world that explores frankly the complexities of male-female dynamics, and the limits to which we will allow ourselves to go—and to be taken.
The Barden Bellas are back but this time they’re taking on the world in an international competition in the Pitch Perfect sequel, Pitch Perfect 2. Actress Elizabeth Banks steps behind the camera to direct this sequel to the 2012 box office hit, and most of the major players are back in front of the camera from the first film. The cast off returnees and newcomers is led by Anna Kendricks and features Banks, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Katey Sagal, Anna Camp, Ben Platt, Alexis Knapp, Hana Mae Lee, John Hodgman, Jason Jones, Joe Lo Truglio, Reggie Watts, and John Michael Higgins.
Pitch Perfect 2 opens in theaters on May 15, 2015.
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) is confirmed to perform on the 2015 Oscars to be held on February 22nd in Hollywood. Hudson will be a part of a special musical number during the 87th Academy Awards hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
“We’re creating several musical sequences for the Oscars and we couldn’t be happier that our friend, Jennifer Hudson, will be performing in one of them,” said Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
The news of Hudson’s involvement in the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Anna Kendrick will also be performing on this year’s Oscars.
The Barenaked Ladies will be joined by Violent Femmes and Men At Work’s Colin Hay on their Last Summer on Earth Tour set to stop in 30+ cities this summer. The tour will kick off in Columbus on June 5th and visit cities including New York, Dallas, and San Diego before finishing up on July 26th in Seattle.
The group is touring in support of their still-untitled upcoming album dropping this summer. Tickets will go on sale for some of the concert dates on February 13th. For more info on the tour and tickets, visit the band’s official website.
“It’s the Last Summer On Earth… Again! It’s not a doomsday prediction; it’s a call to action. We sincerely hope this won’t be the Last Summer on Earth, but just in case, we’re going to ROCK like it is!!,” said guitarist/vocalist Ed Robertson.
THE BARENAKED LADIES – 2015 LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR
5-Jun-15 – Columbus, OH @ The LC Pavilion
6-Jun-15 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
7-Jun-15 – Toledo, OH @ Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre
8-Jun-15 – Cedar Rapids, IA @ McGrath Amphitheatre
10-Jun-15 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
12-Jun-15 – Red Wing, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino Island Events Center
13-Jun-15 – Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Harris Pavilion
14-Jun-15 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Stir Cove at Harrah’s Council Bluffs
16-Jun-15 – Chicago, IL @ FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
17-Jun-15 – Indianapolis, IN @ Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park
19-Jun-15 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion
20-Jun-15 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
21-Jun-15 – Salamanca, NY @ Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
23-Jun-15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
26-Jun-15 – Portland, ME @ Maine State Pier
27-Jun-15 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
28-Jun-15 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
29-Jun-15 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
1-Jul-15 – New York, NY @ JBL Live at Pier 97
2-Jul-15 – West Windsor, NJ @ Mercer County Park Festival Grounds
3-Jul-15 – Solomons, MD @ PNC Waterside Pavilion
4-Jul-15 – Raleigh, NC @ The Red Hat Amphitheatre
8-Jul-15 – Charlotte, NC @ Uptown Amphitheatre at the Music Factory
10-Jul-15 – Boca Raton, FL @ Sunset Cove Amphitheatre
11-Jul-15 – St. Augustine, FL @ St Augustine Amphitheatre
12-Jul-15 – Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
13-Jul-15 – Nashville, TN @ Woods at Fontanel
15-Jul-15 – Dallas, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
17-Jul-15 – Albuquerque, NM @ Venue TBD
18-Jul-15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
19-Jul-15 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union OAT
21-Jul-15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
22-Jul-15 – Saratoga, CA @ Mountain Winery
24-Jul-15 – Boise, ID @ Idaho Botanical Garden
25-Jul-15 – Portland, OR @ Edgefield
26-Jul-15 – Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Amphitheatre
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein in ‘Portlandia’ (Photo Credit: Augusta Quirk / IFC)
IFC has given the comedy series Portlandia a two season renewal order, guaranteeing fans of the show will be able to watch it at least through a seventh season. Seasons six and seven will consist of 10 new half hour episodes each, with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein back both in front of and behind the camera.
“We are so excited to get to do more Portlandia with IFC,” said Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein in a joint statement. “Getting to work with Jon and our talented writers and crew, it really is our favorite thing in the world. Also, we get to spend more time in Portland!”
“Portland may be a place where young people go to retire, but IFC is not retiring Portlandia,” added IFC President Jennifer Caserta. “And if you order a book from Toni and Candace at the Feminist Bookstore right now, it might even arrive by the time season seven rolls around.”
Portlandia – created by Armisen, Brownstein, and Joanthan Krisel – is shot in Portland, Oregon and has featured an impressive array of guest stars over its five seasons. Among those showing up in recurring roles have been Steve Buscemi, Jeff Goldblum, Kyle MacLachlan, Jason Sudeikis, and Olivia Wilde. And Bill Hader, Penny Marshall, Patton Oswalt, Aubrey Plaza, Parker Posey, Tim Robbins, Eddie Vedder, and Kristen Wiig have all put in appearances.
The Plot:
Over the past five seasons, Portlandia has expanded our knowledge of the peculiar characters of America’s damp northwest. As we’ve come to know and love them—Malcolm and Kris with their helicopter parenting, Toni and Candace with their overzealous dedication to a cause, Bryce and Lisa with their taxidermy and pickling, or Doug and Claire’s binge-watching—their idiosyncrasies have evolved from niche to normal.
