Advertisement
Home Blog Page 2019

‘The Peanuts Movie’ Cast is Announced

20th Century Fox Announces The Peanuts Movie Cast
The cast of ‘The Peanuts Movie’

20th Century Fox has unveiled the cast list for the 2015 animated comedy movie The Peanuts Movie based on the beloved characters created by Charles Schulz and with Noah Schnapp providing the voice of Charlie Brown. The film will mark the first time the Peanuts characters will be brought to life on the big screen in 3D.

The Peanuts Movie is directed by Steve Martino (Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!) from a screenplay by Charles Schulz’s son, Craig, and the writing team of Bryan Schulz (Charles’ grandson) & Cornelius Uliano. Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, and Paul Feig (director of Bridesmaids) are producing.

Here’s the list of The Peanuts Movie cast members:

Noah Schnapp voices the role of Good ol’ Charlie Brown, the lovable loser who never gives up. The young actor recently filmed a role opposite Tom Hanks in director Steven Spielberg’s untitled Cold War thriller. Most recently, Noah wrapped work on the indie film We Only Know So Much, based on the book of the same title.

Hadley Belle Miller provides the voice for Lucy, known around the neighborhood (and by her little brother, Linus) for being crabby and bossy and humiliating Charlie Brown. Hadley’s voiceover credits include Sofia the First and Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and she has appeared on stage and in commercials.

AJ Tecce voices Pig-Pen, who happily travels in his own private dust storm. AJ appeared in the films Raising Ethan and Stereopsis, and in several commercials. He’s also done extensive voiceover work.

Noah Johnston is Schroeder, a mini musical genius who is rarely separated from his toy piano or his idol, Beethoven. Noah voiced a role in Monsters University, and his television credits include The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Show with David Letterman, and The Daily Show.

– Newcomer Venus Schulthe voices Peppermint Patty, a fearless born leader and a natural athlete who is up to any challenge…except studying. Venus wants to be a nurse and a cosmetologist, working on people’s hair and nails while they are in the hospital or a nursing home. (If you see Venus’s hair, you’ll understand!) She enjoys snowboarding, skim boarding and tennis.

Alexander Garfin gives voice to Linus, the benevolent, blanket-clutching philosopher who always has a kind word for everybody…even his bossy older sister, Lucy. Alexander’s numerous credits include the feature Salt, the television series Law & Order SVU and Saturday Night Live, and on stage, On Borrowed Time – and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Francesca Capaldi voices Little Red-Haired Girl, who has captured Charlie Brown’s heart; now, if only he could muster the courage to speak to her! Francesca had a guest-starring role in Disney’s A.N.T. Farm and on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, is a series regular on Disney’s Dog with the Blog, and has appeared in the film 3-Day Test, as well as in several commercials.

Mar Mar voices Frankin, Charlie Brown’s good friend and confidant, and the only one who never has an unkind word about our hapless hero, or anyone else for that matter, Mar Mar has worked on the TV series Austin & Alley (on the Disney Channel), Guys with Kids, Bubble Guppies and Good Luck Charlie.

Mariel Sheets voices Sally, Charlie Brown’s little sister who believes the world owes her an answer for some of its most perplexing problems, such as: why does she have to go to school? Mariel has worked in film, appeared in national commercials, and done voiceovers for television, radio, and online.

Rebecca Bloom gives voice to Marcie, Peppermint Patty’s best friend, loyal follower, and complete opposite. Rebecca was featured on The Tonight Show, and has had roles on stage in Annie, The Jungle Book and How to Eat Like a Child.

William Alexander Wunsch voices Shermy, Charlie Brown’s friend, who is straight laced and dependable. William has extensive live performance experience, appeared in several commercials, and on Saturday Night Live with Jim Carrey.

Anastasia Bredikhina voices Patty, and Madisyn Shipman voices Violet – best friends who always side with the popular crowd. Anastasia is a trained actor, dancer, musician and model; Madisyn has appeared on Modern Love, Sesame Street, Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.




It’s Here – The First ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Trailer Arrives

Stars Wars The Force Awakens Trailer

J.J. Abrams’ Thanksgiving holiday weekend present to the billions of Star Wars fans is the release of the first teaser trailer for the new Star Wars movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The first look at the new edition to the franchise features the Millennium Falcon as well as plenty of familiar items in the world of Star Wars.

Lucasfilm and Disney are releasing Star Wars: The Force Awakens in theaters on December 18, 2015.

Watch the trailer:

Movie Review: ‘Horrible Bosses 2’

Horrible Bosses 2 Movie Review
CHARLIE DAY as Dale Arbus, JASON SUDEIKIS as Kurt Buckman and JASON BATEMAN as Nick Hendricks in New Line Cinema’s comedy ‘HORRIBLE BOSSES 2,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Photo © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.)

2011’s Horrible Bosses worked because of the chemistry between the three leads: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day. Bateman played the straight man, the rational guy who only reluctantly went along with his goofy friends’ screwball plans. Sudeikis was the playboy of the group who attempted to be logical and rationalize their actions until his penis took over thinking for him. Day was the totally clueless but lovable guy who was incapable of thinking things through. That successful dynamic fuels the sequel, Horrible Bosses 2, and is the reason to check out the R-rated comedy. It’s definitely not about the plot or even the supporting characters in #2; it’s all about the three amigos who can’t map their way out of a paper bag. And because Bateman, Day, and Sudeikis work so well off of each other, Horrible Bosses 2 is saved from being a throw-away sequel.

This time around the guys have left their jobs behind to devote themselves to the “Shower Buddy,” an invention that dispenses shampoo and conditioner directly from an attachment to the showerhead. It’s their opportunity to be their own bosses and after a disastrous appearance on a morning show, they’re surprised to learn a major company wants to place a huge order. Of course it’s too good to be true, and the threesome’s double-crossed by the corporate bigwig (played by Christoph Waltz) who leaves them financially ruined with a warehouse full of their product and no one to sell it to.

Because this is how their minds work, they plot revenge by kidnapping the boss’ spoiled rotten son, Rex (played by Chris Pine). And because they are actually worse at kidnapping than they are at planning to kill their bosses, nothing goes as expected and the kidnappee turns the tables and becomes the boss of the kidnapping operation.

Along the way familiar faces pop in and out of the story, including Kevin Spacey reprising his role as Dave Harken. Dave’s currently incarcerated but that doesn’t stop the guys from turning to him for advice on how to save their business. Jamie Foxx returns as Dean ‘MF’ Jones, and the guys seek out his help in figuring out how to actually kidnap someone. And Jennifer Aniston is back as the sex addict dentist who still lusts after the one who got away (Charlie Day). If anything, this sequel finds Aniston delivering even raunchier lines and really pushing the whole sexually free dentist bit for all its worth.


Yes, the sequel feels a bit recycled and, yes, not every joke lands. But surprisingly, there’s plenty of material in Horrible Bosses 2 that does work. Chris Pine’s hilarious as the obnoxious entitled son and Waltz, as usual, fully embraces the role and takes it to a whole other level. If you enjoyed Spacey, Foxx, and Aniston in the first film, then you’ll appreciate their appearances in this sequel. If you didn’t, then not to worry as they’re only in a handful of scenes.

Bateman, Sudeikis, and Day are so comfortable in these characters that it’s easy, as an audience member, to get pulled into their goofy antics and to be willing to go along for the ride. Should there be a Horrible Bosses 3? No, probably not. But Horrible Bosses 2 isn’t the disposable sequel you might expect it to be and instead actually elicits bigger laughs than the original film.

GRADE: B

Horrible Bosses 2 is rated R for strong crude sexual content and language throughout.




Mel Brooks Joins the Voice Cast of ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’

Mel Brooks Joins the Hotel Transylvania 2 Voice Cast

Oscar winner Mel Brooks has signed on to the cast of the animated comedy sequel, Hotel Transylvania 2, coming to theaters on September 25, 2015. Brooks will be lending his voice to the character of Vlad, the father of Dracula (voiced once again by Adam Sandler). Genndy Tartakovsky directs from a script by Robert Smigel, with Sandler, Ben Waisbren, and Allen Covert executive producing.

Commenting on his involvement in the film, Brooks said, “I’m having a wonderful time with the character Vlad. He’s been around for eons and he’s a pretty crabby guy. Basically, he reminds me of me.”

The Plot:

Dracula, Mavis, Jonathan and all of their monster friends are back in the brand new comedy adventure: when the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a comic collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.


-By Rebecca Murray

Follow Us On:


Behind the Scenes of ‘A Most Violent Year’ with the Cast

A24’s offering up this behind the scenes look at the dramatic thriller A Most Violent Year from writer/director J.C. Chandor. Cast members Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, and David Oyelowo, as well as filmmaker Chandor, discuss the film in this short featurette in support of the movie’s upcoming December 31, 2014 release.

The Plot:

A Most Violent Year is a searing crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically the most dangerous year in the city’s history. This gripping story plays out within a maze of rampant political and industry corruption plaguing the streets of a city in decay.

J.C. Chandor’s third feature examines one immigrant’s determined climb up a morally crooked ladder, where simmering rivalries and unprovoked attacks threaten his business, family, and – above all – his own unwavering belief in the righteousness of his path.

A Most Violent Year Behind the Scenes Video
Poster for ‘A Most Violent Year’

Why Aren’t There Any Thanksgiving Songs?

Jimmy Kimmel’s put a lot of effort into helping to remedy the fact Thanksgiving is incredibly under-represented when it comes to songs created in a holiday’s honor, going as far as to introduce Meghan Trainor’s special holiday-themed album, Thanksgiving Carols. Among the Thanksgiving tunes Trainor and Kimmel hope will catch on and really represent the holiday are “My Flight Got Canceled in Denver,” “I’m Not Bringing Leftovers on the Plane, Mom,” and “The Turkey is Still Frozen in the Middle.”

Watch the video:


-By Rebecca Murray

Follow Us On:


Movie Review: ‘Penguins of Madagascar’

Penguins of Madagascar Movie Review
Private (voiced by Christpher Knights), Skipper (voiced by Tom McGrath), Rico, and Kowalski (voiced by Chris Miller) in ‘Penguins of Madagascar’ (Photo © 2014 Dreamworks Animation LLC)

“Hello, are you my family?” asks Private (voiced by Christopher Knights), the newly hatched baby penguin. “You don’t have a family and we’re all going to die,” replies Kowalski (voiced by Chris Miller). “What’s the matter with you, Kowalski?” yells Skipper (voiced by Tom McGrath), the leader of the three young penguins who’ve just adopted Private into their family as their origin story is revealed in the opening sequence of the animated adventure film, Penguins of Madagascar.

Fed up with hearing the same song every day (“I like to move it, move it”) and realizing Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, and the rest of the gang no longer need their help, the Penguins launch themselves out of the circus and head out on an adventure. It’s not long before they run into Dr. Octavius Brine – otherwise known as Dave (voiced by John Malkovich) – an evil mad scientist who, it seems, has an old score to settle with the feathery little guys. Blaming them for his loneliness and failures, Dr. Brine intends to destroy all the penguins everywhere with his new secret weapon.

With a few choice moves and dodges, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private manage to escape aided by their new allies, a secret undercover organization called “The North Wind” led by Wolf Agent Classified (no, his name isn’t ‘Classified’ – it’s classified…understand? Don’t worry, neither do the penguins). It seems The North Wind has been tracking Dr. Brine to try and uncover his evil plan and then attempt to stop him before he can carry out his evil deeds. So, having a common interest in wanting to stop Dr. Brine, a.k.a Dave, the Penguins reluctantly team up with the North Wind to help save penguins everywhere.

Silly, funny, and chaotic, Penguins of Madagascar is a bright, colorful, enjoyable rollercoaster of an adventure for both children and adults. It has a top-notch voice cast, with John Malkovich bringing Dr. Brine to life and Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Agent Classified.

Of course, the real stars this time out are the four black and white birds Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private who provided the biggest and funniest laugh-out-loud moments in the three Madagascar films as supporting characters. And, actually, the fact this is a spin-off from Madagascar works against Penguins of Madagascar as while it has plenty of crazy fast–paced antics, wordplay one-liners, and slapstick, it doesn’t really have an original story to tell nor does it really have as much heart as the films that spawned it. In fact, it seems to borrow from a much stronger animated film, The Incredibles.

Still, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, frantic action, and four cute but smart-aleck penguins leading the way, Penguins of Madagascar is pure fun for kids and adults alike.

GRADE: B-

Penguins of Madagasacar is rated PG for mild action and some rude humor.




Steven Weber Will Guest Star on ‘House of Lies’

Steven Weber Guest Stars on House of Lies
Steven Weber (Photo Courtesy of Showtime)

Showtime’s fourth season of House of Lies is set to premiere on January 11, 2015 at 10pm ET/PT and Steven Weber’s just signed up for a guest-starring role in the upcoming season. Weber’s the latest addition to the list of guest stars on the half-hour comedy series that includes Valorie Curry, Demetri Martin, Fred Melamed, Jenny Slate, Mary McCormack, Larenz Tate, and Alicia Witt.

According to Showtime, Weber’s set to play Ray Montinola, “a turnaround specialist who jumps in to assist Marty and the Pod, but Marty has different ideas for the so-called savior.”

The cast is led by Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell and includes Ben Schwartz, Josh Lawson, Glynn Turman, and Donis Leonard Jr.

The Plot:

We last left a despondent Marty alone in the desert after a cataclysmic double-cross by Jeannie (Bell) and a visit by the Feds. This season, Marty’s brief stint in white collar prison left Jeannie to pick up the pieces of the now tainted Kaan & Associates with Clyde (Schwartz) and Doug (Lawson). Client flight decimated the bottom line, but Marty is a singular focus: winning, at any and all cost.

Check Out the ‘Peanuts’ Teaser Poster

Peanuts Movie Teaser Poster with Snoopy
Teaser poster for ‘Peanuts’

Snoopy relaxes on top of his doghouse while Woodstock rests on his tummy on the teaser poster for 20th Century Fox’s animated comedy movie The Peanuts Movie. Based on the beloved Charles Schultz characters, The Peanuts Movie opens in theaters on November 6, 2015.

The Plot: In Peanuts, a 3D, CGI animated comedic adventure, Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace! – embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.

‘Salem’ Season 2 Shows Off Its First Trailer

Salem Season 2 Teaser Trailer
Janet Montgomery stars in ‘Salem’

It’s only a teaser trailer but it’s enough to get Salem fans excited about the upcoming second season of the WGN America horror series. Salem‘s second season kicks off in April 2015 with Janet Montgomery back as Mary Sibley, Shane West returning as John Alden, and Seth Gabel back as Cotton Mather. The series also stars Ashley Madekwe as Tituba, Tamzin Merchant as Anne Hale, Elise Eberle as Mercy Lewis, and Iddo Goldberg as Isaac Walton.

Season two will consist of 13 episodes.

The Plot [Courtesy of WGN America]:

In the first season, Captain John Alden returned home after seven years at war only to discover that his true love, Mary, wed his old (and wealthy) nemesis George Sibley. During his years on the battlefield, Mary has emerged as a true power broker in a Puritan town fully immersed in witch panic.


Throughout a fiery first season, filled with wicked deceit and shocking revelations, John and Mary found themselves navigating a supernatural world where paranoia, revenge, evil and hysteria reign. Ultimately, John risks his life for Mary, even after learning that she is the ruling witch of Salem who is at the center of all the mayhem plaguing the embattled village.

In Salem season two, the Grand Rite triggered at the end of last season is now underway and death is in the air. In order to bring her plan to completion, Mary must not only control Captain John Alden and the citizens of Salem, but also those lurking in the shadows who seek the power she wields.

Watch the teaser trailer:

-By Rebecca Murray

Follow Us On:


Trending