The first trailer has arrived for the romantic drama Far From the Madding Crowd based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel. Carey Mulligan takes on the lead role of a woman wooed by three persistent men. Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge, and Matthias Schoenaerts co-star as the suitors hoping to win the hand of Bathsheba (Mulligan).
Far From the Madding Crowd was directed by Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt) and will open in theaters in 2015.
The Plot:
Far From the Madding Crowd is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching wilfulness; Frank Troy (Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor. This timeless story of Bathsheba’s choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love – as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance.
Special holiday-themed episodes are planned for CBS’ primetime lineup, with Hawaii Five-O, The Big Bang Theory, and the NCIS shows all setting up “festive” episodes. Two and a Half Men, Scorpion, and 2 Broke Girls will also air holiday-themed episodes.
In addition, CBS will air the following holiday specials:
– A Very Grammy Christmas (Friday, Dec. 5, 9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT)
– The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT)
– Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Tuesday, Dec. 9, 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)
– Frosty the Snowman (Friday, Nov. 28, 9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT)
2014 Holiday-Themed Storylines:
TUESDAY, NOV. 25
NCIS (8:00-9:00 PM)
“Grounded” – While stuck at Dulles Airport due to inclement weather during the Thanksgiving travel surge, DiNozzo, Bishop and her husband, Jake, work an NCIS case involving an elevated terrorist threat at Northeast airports. Jamie Bamber guest stars as Jake.
NCIS: NEW ORLEANS (9:00-10:00 PM)
“Chasing Ghosts” – After a stolen Navy-issued gun is found to belong to a Chief Petty Officer who died 40 years ago, the NCIS team reopens the cold case, one that Wade has personally tracked and investigated for years. Also, the team prepares for their annual Thanksgiving dinner together. Steven Weber and Dean Stockwell guest star.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
THE McCARTHYS (9:30-10:00 PM)
“Thanks a Lot, Ronny” – During Thanksgiving dinner, the McCarthy family works together to manipulate Gerard into breaking up with his offensive girlfriend. Jessica St. Clair guest stars as Gerard’s girlfriend, Katrina.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
THE BIG BANG THEORY (8:00-8:30 PM)
“The Clean Room Infiltration” – Leonard and Wolowitz turn to Raj for help in dealing with a work emergency. Also, Amy throws an authentic Victorian Christmas party, and Sheldon seeks revenge on her for making him celebrate the holidays.
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
HAWAII FIVE-0 (9:00-10:00 PM)
“Ke Koho Mamao Aku (Longshot)” – It’s Christmas in Hawaii and Five-0 travels to the Big Island, where Max is forced to work with a rival medical examiner after a cowboy is poisoned. Also, McGarrett pressures Danny to steal a Christmas tree.
MONDAY, DEC. 15
2 BROKE GIRLS (8:00-8:30 PM)
“And a Loan for Christmas” – Max and Caroline get a bank loan so they can mass-produce their cupcake T-shirts to sell at high-end boutiques. Also, the diner gang poses in Chestnut’s barn as part of a holiday decorating contest Sophie entered.
SCORPION (9:00-10:00 PM)
“Dominoes” – On Christmas Eve, Team Scorpion races to find a way to save a young boy’s life after he is trapped in a beachside cave and the rising tide threatens to drown him.
NCIS: LOS ANGELES (10:00-11:00 PM)
“Humbug” – The team investigates a burglary at a cyber-security company, but Callen must steer clear after Hetty reveals that his girlfriend, Joelle, is one of the lead witnesses. Also, the team discusses their personal holiday travel plans.
TUESDAY, DEC. 16
NCIS (8:00-9:00 PM)
“House Rules” – The NCIS team consults with three cyber-terrorists they imprisoned after a citywide Internet shutdown the week before Christmas. Also, McGee reflects on the case and Gibbs’ infamous rules as he pens a heartfelt letter to his father.
NCIS: NEW ORLEANS (9:00-10:00 PM)
“Stolen Valor” – The NCIS team investigates the murder of a retired SEAL who tracked down individuals impersonating military personnel. The case takes a mysterious turn, though, when the lead suspect is found with the Navy jacket of an officer believed to have been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. Also, Brody discovers the normally holiday-obsessed Lasalle is inexplicably unenthusiastic about Christmas.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18
TWO AND A HALF MEN (9:00-9:30 PM)
“Clockwise in Back Hole until Tight” – Walden and Alan are determined to convince their foster child, Louis, that Santa Claus is real. Melanie Lynskey returns as Rose.
THE McCARTHYS (9:30-10:00 PM)
“Red Sox Swap” – When Pam (guest star Alyson Hannigan), the McCarthys’ upstairs tenant, is heartbroken over a recent breakup, Marjorie invites her to celebrate Christmas with the family and watch them play their extremely competitive annual gift exchange game, “Red Sox Swap.” Gilles Marini, Jeff Hiller and Jessica St. Clair also guest star.
If you think the first trailer for Strange Magic – from the mind of George Lucas – looks a lot like the little-seen animated movie Epic, you’re not alone. Check out the comments on Youtube and Epic is the film most often mentioned.
Directed by Gary Rydstrom, the Strange Magic voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, and Peter Stormare.
Touchstone Pictures is releasing Strange Magic in theaters on January 23, 2015.
The Plot:
Strange Magic is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
Iggy Azalea went into the American Music Awards with the most nominations (six), but only snagged wins in two categories. Instead of Azalea, the night’s big winners were Katy Perry (who couldn’t be in LA to accept her awards on Sunday, November 23, 2014) and One Direction. Both Perry and One Direction earned three awards, with Katy Perry snagging Single of the Year and One Direction earning Artist of the Year honors.
AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 2014 WINNERS
Single of the Year
Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J – Dark Horse
Artist of the Year
One Direction
New Artist of the Year
5 Seconds of Summer
Dick Clark Award for Excellence
Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Sam Smith
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Katy Perry
Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Pop/Rock
One Direction
Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
One Direction – Midnight Memories
Favorite Male Artist – Country
Luke Bryan
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Country
Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Album – Country
Brantley Gilbert – Just As I Am
Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
Iggy Azalea
Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop
Iggy Azalea – The New Classic
Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B
John Legend
Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
Beyoncé
Favorite Album – Soul/R&B
Beyoncé – Beyoncé
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary
Katy Perry
Favorite Artist – Latin
Enrique Iglesias
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational
Casting Crowns
Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Calvin Harris
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar has passed the $400 million mark, taking in $328.9 million internationally and another $120.7 million domestically. The movie’s been in theaters for three weekends in the U.S., and internationally it’s the highest grossing Warner Bros release in Korea and the second highest grossing film for WB in China. And of the film’s total box office, $72 million was generated on IMAX screens.
“It is so thrilling to know that audiences of all ages—and the world over—have been captivated by Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. We are excited to see that the tremendous reaction to the film is being shared among moviegoers everywhere,” said Paramount Pictures’ President of Worldwide Distribution Marketing Megan Colligan.
“Christopher Nolan and his remarkable cast and filmmaking team have delivered another compelling cinematic ride that demands to be experienced on the big screen,” stated Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The response of both critics and audiences alike is a testament to the film’s originality, spectacular visuals and emotional heft, and we expect enthusiastic word of mouth to continue to propel box office returns as we head into the busy holiday season.”
The cast is led by Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway and includes Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Wes Bentley, Casey Affleck, Mackenzie Foy, Topher Grace, and David Gyasi.
When did releasing teaser trailers promoting the release of actual trailers become a thing? Studios have now made it a standard practice to unveil a tiny teaser in support of the debut of official trailers, and the latest big budget studio film to benefit from the trend is the fourth film of the Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World. You have to wait until November 27th to see the full length trailer, however today the studio released a 15 second trailer for the dinosaur action film.
Jurassic World is directed by Colin Trevorrow and stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy, BD Wong, and Judy Greer.
Universal is aiming for a June 12, 2015 theatrical release.
Josh Hartnett and Eva Green in ‘Penny Dreadful’ (Photo: Jonathan Hession / SHOWTIME)
Showtime’s released the first photo from the upcoming second season of Penny Dreadful featuring series stars Josh Hartnett and Eva Green. Season two is shooting in Dublin and will air in 2015.
“This season Vanessa (Eva Green) and Ethan (Josh Hartnett) face new challenges and old enemies, and turn to each other for solace,” said Penny Dreadful creator John Logan. “Their intimacy grows as they are forced to confront their demons together.”
The Season Two Plot:
This season, Vanessa and Ethan form a deeper bond as the group, including Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton), Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and Sembene (Danny Sapani), unite to banish the evil forces that threaten to destroy them. Meanwhile, Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney), the Creature (Rory Kinnear) and Brona (Billie Piper) are all waging battles of their own. Patti LuPone will guest star as a mysterious character of great importance in Vanessa’s past. Helen McCrory returns as Evelyn Poole (a.k.a. Madame Kali), the seductive spiritualist who will pose a unique threat to our protagonists this season, along with Simon Russell Beale, who is back as eccentric Egyptologist Ferdinand Lyle. Additional guest stars include Douglas Hodge as a Scotland Yard investigator; Sarah Greene as Poole’s powerful daughter, Hecate; and Johnny Beauchamp as a man with a singular past.
Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike has been chosen as the recipient of the 2015 Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Breakthrough Performance Award. Pike will receive the award during the festival’s awards gala on January 3, 2015 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
“Rosamund Pike perfectly taps into Gillian Flynn’s complex character from the novel Gone Girl bringing to life the privileged, manipulative, and calculating Amy Dunne. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role,” stated Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “For this outstanding performance it is an honor to present her with the 2015 Breakthrough Performance Award, Actress.”
Also confirmed to receive awards at the 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival are J.K. Simmons (Spotlight Award, Actor), Julianne Moore (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress), and Eddie Redmayne (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor).
Pike joins a list of past Breakthrough Performance Award winners that includes Marion Cotillard, Lupita Nyong’o, Carey Mulligan, Felicity Huffman, Jennifer Hudson, and Jeremy Renner.
The 2015 Palm Springs International Film Festival runs January 2 through January 12.
William Shatner’s taking on the role of a “pivotal character” in Syfy’s Haven as just announced by Syfy. Shatner has a four episode arc this season on upcoming episodes that will air in 2015, playing a character who has “the potential to forever impact the fate of the town of Haven and its troubled residents.”
When the series returns in 2015 with 13 new episodes, Shatner, Alphas‘ Laura Mennell, and Joan of Arcadia‘s Kris Lemche will all tackle guest starring roles.
Syfy’s released these descriptions of the final two episodes of 2014:
– In “Chemistry” (airing November 28), divided loyalties put Haven’s heroes at odds with one another, while a terrifying revelation changes everything. Jay Reso – also known as WWE Superstar Christian Cage – appears in the episode, reuniting with his real-life, lifelong friend and former tag-team partner, Adam Copeland (WWE Superstar Edge Rated R), who plays Dwight. In a recurring guest role, Reso will play McHugh, one of Dwight’s oldest and closest friends.
– In the mid-season finale “Chosen” (December 5), a shocking revelation threatens to upend the fragile stability of Haven. Mara’s endgame is finally revealed, while Audrey (Emily Rose) and Nathan (Lucas Bryant) pursue a plan to stop her once and for all.
Tina Fey at the ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ premiere (Photo by Richard Chavez / ShowbizJunkies)
Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has found a new home at Netflix after originally being set up at NBC. The Office‘s Ellie Kemper stars in the series which is now set to debut on Netflix in March 2015. Season one will consist of 13 episodes, with series co-creators Fey and Carlock executive producing along with Jeff Richmond, Jack Burditt, and David Miner.
“The very construct of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — its offbeat premise, hilarious and rich characters and serialized storytelling — make it a perfect Netflix comedy series,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. “Tina and Robert’s unique comic voice and sensibility come through in this series and we could not be more excited to present Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively to Netflix members around the world.”
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to debut Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt exclusively on Netflix, which has proven to be such an outstanding place for distinctive, original programming,” added Fey and Carlock. Happily, we will still collaborate with our longtime partners at Universal Television to fulfill Netflix’s two-season order. We grew up at NBC and will continue to develop broadcast projects with them as well. We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper’s shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix.
“When the opportunity arose for Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to premiere their new show on Netflix with a two-season commitment, we decided this was the best possible scenario to launch this captivating new series,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. “While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy mid-season schedule so we’re thrilled about this Netflix opportunity; it’s an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television. We’re already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt becomes a long-running hit on Netflix.”
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Plot:
After living in a cult for fifteen years, Kimmy decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, she’s ready to take on a world she didn’t even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. She quickly finds a new job (Jane Krakowski), a new roommate (Tituss Burgess), and a new beginning. The cast also includes Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda and Carol Kane.
