For all of you who are really into movie posters, Disney’s just unveiled this first official one sheet for the dramatic movie McFarland, USA starring Kevin Costner. The 2015 film is based on a true story and was directed by Niki Caro. In addition to Costner, the cast includes Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis, and Diana Maria Riva.
Disney will release McFarland, USA in theaters on February 20, 2015.
The Plot:
Based on the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.
Homeland has been picked up for a fifth season while The Affair has been greenlit for season two on Showtime, as just announced by Showtime Networks President David Nevins. According to the official announcement, Homeland will return in 2015 with 12 new episodes while The Affair‘s season two will consist of 10 new episodes.
Homeland‘s currently airing season four and has been averaging 6 million viewers. The Affair‘s first season run has been averaging 3.9 million viewers, with viewership increasing with each new episode.
“In its fourth season, Homeland has brilliantly reinvented itself. It continues to capture the attention of a devoted fan base, and has provided an enviable platform for the successful launch of The Affair,” said Nevins. “With thought-provoking, timely and addictive storylines, both series have been embraced, dissected and much debated week after week. We’re excited to see more from these compelling shows in 2015.”
Homeland season four is led by Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Rupert Friend. The cast also includes Tracy Letts, Laila Robins and Nazanin Boniadi. The Affair stars Ruth Wilson, Dominic West, Joshua Jackson, and Maura Tierney.
In case you haven’t checked out The Affair yet, here’s the season one plot:
The Affair explores the emotional and psychological effects of an extramarital affair. The provocative drama, told separately from the male and female perspective, uses distinct memory biases to both misdirect and intrigue. Wilson plays Alison, a young woman waiting tables at a popular Hamptons diner, trying to piece her life back together in the wake of a tragedy. Her husband Cole (Jackson), struggles to keep it all together, both with his wife and the financially-strained ranch that has been in his family for generations. Their emotionally-charged marriage becomes even more complicated when Alison begins an affair with Noah (West), a New York City public school teacher and aspiring novelist who is spending the summer at his in-laws’ estate out on the island. Tierney plays Helen, Noah’s college sweetheart, best friend, mother of his children, lover and wife of 17 years.
Sam Raimi (Photo by Richard Chavez / Showbiz Junkies)
Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead will live on at Starz. The network has just greenlit a new original series based on Raimi’s The Evil Dead film franchise and is aiming for a 2015 premiere of the new scripted show. Raimi will direct episodes and serve as executive producer along with Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell.
Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, and Tom Spezialy wrote the new series, and Campbell will be reprising his starring role as Ash in the new show titled Ash Vs. Evil Dead.
Starz says the first season will consist of 10 half-hour episodes.
“Starz first worked with Sam and Rob on Spartacus, and we are thrilled to be back in business with them,” said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz. “With Sam writing and directing and Bruce Campbell returning to the screen, we are certain the show will give Evil Dead fans around the world the fix they’ve been craving.”
“Evil Dead has always been a blast. Bruce, Rob and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash’s lame, but heroic saga. With his chainsaw arm and his ‘boomstick,’ Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there’s a truckload of it,” added Sam Raimi.
And Bruce Campbell said, “I’m really excited to bring this series to the Evil Dead fans worldwide – it’s going to be everything they have been clamoring for: serious deadite ass-kicking and plenty of outrageous humor.”
The Plot:
Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario, and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.
ABC’s Once Upon a Time season four episode seven includes the big reveal of what happened between the three sisters that caused Ingrid to transform into the evil Snow Queen. So, was it worth the wait? The answer’s definitely yes, as the backstory revealed is heartbreaking and actually makes Once Upon a Time fans feel at least temporarily sorry for the poor, misunderstood Ingrid.
And while the episode titled “The Snow Queen” focused primarily on Ingrid, her sisters, Emma (Jennifer Morrison), and Elsa, there was also time to squeeze in an update on what’s happening in the Robin and Regina (Lana Parrilla) relationship.
Here’s a recap of the main events in “The Snow Queen:”
Long ago in Arendelle: Ingrid (Elizabeth Mitchell), Helga, and Gerta as young girls open the episode, chasing a kite when a stranger comes upon them and says the kite’s his. He tries to kidnap the three princesses and kicks Ingrid hard (what type of creep kicks a child in the stomach and sends her flying?). She gets upset, and rightfully so, causing a frozen branch to fall on his head and killing him. Even though she asks them to, her sisters won’t stay away from her and insist she’s not a monster. Helga and Gerta say they’ll help her try to control her powers and will never look at her as a monster. They each grab a ribbon and make a pact to always be there for each other.
Flash forward, Ingrid walks through Storybrooke’s town square, up to the clock tower, to a mirror, and smiles that special smile of hers that doesn’t touch her eyes.
Catching up with the torn apart love birds: Meanwhile, Regina and Robin meet, and she tells him it’s best he stay away so he can give Marion a kiss of true love to awaken her. Robin says his heart is with Regina, and Regina says he needs to save Marion. But Robin says he can’t fall back in love with Marion with Regina is in his life. He doesn’t know what to do, and Regina says he has to forget about her and think only about Marion.
The search continues for Anna: Emma and Elsa (Georgina Haig) talk about using a spell against the Snow Queen to get rid of her powers. Elsa says it’s hard when family looks at you differently, and Emma says her family doesn’t (you know that exchange is taking place just to prove Emma wrong). They try out the spell, but it doesn’t work, and unfortunately Emma’s got to head out to babysit her baby bro and can’t stick around to try it again.
Don’t mess with momma bears: Mary Margaret’s with her Mommy and Me group of first-time mothers, and Emma tells her she fits in with these newbie moms since she’s never really been a mother before. Their conversation isn’t going well and quickly takes a turn for the worse when the magic Emma had practiced with Elsa heats up the baby bottle she’s clutching. Super over-protective mom Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin) won’t let her touch the baby and fortunately, that discussion is delayed when news comes that the Snow Queen is still in the clock tower.
Up in the Clock Tower, Emma and Elsa use their fire magic on Ingrid, and it works. She’s in shackles and ready to be taken into the sheriff’s station…but she doesn’t look upset. This is not going to end well, is it?
Back in time in Arendelle: The sisters are older, and it’s their father’s birthday. Ingrid has to disappear before anyone sees her, but her sisters don’t look at her as afflicted and don’t want Ingrid to think the worst of herself or worry about what people will think of her. Ingrid doesn’t want to risk ruining her sister’s chance to introduce her new potential boyfriend, the Duke, to their father so she refuses to go with the sisters to the birthday celebration. The King welcomes the Duke to Arendelle, and the Duke’s completely tongue-tied. “It always starts with a dance,” says the King. Unbeknownst to everyone, Ingrid watches from outside, far away from everyone, with tiny snowflakes swirling around her head.
Ingrid’s plan is coming together: In Storybrooke, Ingrid’s in handcuffs. Elsa and Emma ask her about Anna (she’s alive because they heard her heartbeat in Bo Peep’s shepherd’s crook). Ingrid continues to insist it was Anna who put Elsa in the urn, and Elsa’s getting angrier and angrier as Ingrid talks. Emma settles her down and sends her on the way to help David and Hook take apart Ingrid’s mirror. Ingrid says she’s proud of Emma and that she’s proud she knew her as a child. Emma says they will not have the future together that Ingrid wants, but Ingrid says they will and that she’ll understand it’s all true. Ingrid also tells Emma she’ll see the truth and she’ll let her escape.
Back to the Regina storyline: Henry (Jared Gilmore) is working with his grandpa so he has to wear a suit and tie (side note: he looks much older and handsome dressed up). Regina’s proud of how he looks, but Henry says Regina has been going through through the book with her scary face on. Regina tells her son she’s moving on and she needs to let Robin go. Henry’s sorry, but Regina says she will not let it go the next time a happy ending knocks on her door. Henry’s got ideas about where to look for clues as to who wrote the book.
And at the sheriff’s station: Emma knows what Ingrid wants, but she wants to know why. Ingrid says she’s protecting her and that’s why she erased her memories. Ingrid, the three of them – Ingrid, Elsa, and Emma – are a real family because they belong together. Ingrid tells Emma that her real family fears her and that they’ll hold her powers against her, just like Gerta and Helga did to her years ago.
Back again to Arendelle of the past: Ingrid’s preparing to leave because she wants to give her sisters normal lives. She wants her sister to be the queen Arendelle deserves and she knows she herself shouldn’t wear the crown because she can’t control her power. Gerta thinks she knows someone who can help, a sorcerer who might be powerful enough to control her powers: Rumpelstiltskin (Robert Carlyle) in the Enchanted Forest.
And once again to Storybrooke: Elsa, Hook (Colin O’Donoghue), and David (Josh Dallas) look at the mirror and don’t see anything special about it. Belle bursts in and tells them not to look into the mirror because they’ll see the worst in themselves. But Hook (being Hook) says he only sees that he’s more devilishly handsome and charming than usual, which prompts Belle to take a closer look at the mirror to discover it’s not actually Ingrid’s mirror. Elsa wonders why Ingrid would risk planting a fake mirror in town, and David quickly deduces it’s because she wanted to get caught. Belle, David, Elsa, and Hook make it to the sheriff’s office, but the doors are frozen shut.
Adding a touch of Will Scott to the mix: Robin’s at the diner throwing darts when Will Scott (Michael Socha) comes in. Will said he wants to make amends for what he did to Robin and the Merry Men in the forest, and Robin reminds him that what caused the rift had to do with a woman. Robin recalls the story of how he met Marion, a story Will’s heard three dozen times before, with Robin trying to convince himself he needs to remember the Marion that he fell in love with. Will reminds him Marion gave up everything to be with Robin because she saw the good in him.
A custodian in the making: Henry’s swept the floor twice and wants to learn something magical. Rumple, showing he has a sense of humor, gives him a potion to transform something old into something new: it’s furniture polish. David and the gang barge in and need Rumple’s help getting into the sheriff’s station. When everyone leaves the store but Hook and Rumple, Hook wants to know what Rumple’s game is because he doesn’t seem concerned by Ingrid. That line of questioning doesn’t go well as Rumple tells him it’s none of his business and puts an end to the interrogation.
Rumpelstiltskin’s a very tricky creature: Rumple meets with the three sisters from Arendelle to discuss how to get rid of Ingrid’s powers. The sisterly bond is worth its weight in magic, but Ingrid says her powers are too strong and is willing to give Rumple whatever he wants to get rid of it. Rumple produces gloves that will help conceal her powers, but Ingrid doesn’t want them concealed; she wants them gone. Rumple then shows her the urn and tells her if things get too chilly, she can pop the top and in she’ll go. All of her problems will be contained, and Arendelle will be safe. Rumple asks for the three ribbons in exchange, saying ordinary objects can possess their own special magic when there is a lot of love involved, like with the ribbons. Ingrid wants to give them to him, but the sisters really don’t want her to. She does so anyway, against her sisters’ wishes.
Ingrid fights dirty: Ingrid and Emma are still discussing their history, and Ingrid says Emma felt unwanted for 28 years, because her parents gave her up as a baby. Emma says they did what they did to save an entire kingdom but Ingrid wants to know how long she’s felt more like a savior than a daughter. Ingrid tells her she can relate to feeling misunderstood, alone, and different, and now Mary Margaret and David have a new child and don’t need to hide their fear of Emma. Emma’s pissed and says they love her. Ingrid says people fear what they can’t understand, and that includes her family and friends. Emma’s pissed off and her powers get out of control, knocking out the wall of the station and setting Ingrid free (just as she predicted). Emma wants it to stop, but Ingrid says no, that it’s beautiful.
Everyone arrives on the scene and Emma doesn’t want them to come closer because she doesn’t want to hurt them. She’s confused and backs away, but Hook reaches out for her, which causes fire and lightning to emerge, knocking over a light pole that almost kills Hook until David pushes him out of the way and is nearly crushed himself. Seeing the damage she’s done, Emma gets into her car and races away.
Secrets are revealed in Arendelle: Ingrid’s sitting with the urn and gloves when the Duke stumbles upon her while looking for Helga. In a weird twist, he tells Ingrid he finds her irresistible and tries to force himself on her. She shoots her magic at him and he runs away scared, threatening to tell everyone about her powers. Helga comes on the scene and the smarmy Duke says Ingrid started kissing him and when he rebuffed her, Ingrid used her magic on him.
Helga doesn’t believe him at all and takes her sister’s side. Helga says Ingrid is her sister and loves her, as will the people when they learn that Ingrid has powers. The Duke is a real scumbucket who calls Ingrid a freak and a monster. As he’s upsetting Ingrid, Helga steps in the way to keep Ingrid from doing something bad. Unfortunately, Ingrid mistakenly turns Helga into an ice statue that breaks into hundreds of pieces. Ingrid weeps, “What have I done?!”
It’s not over for Regina and Robin: Regina’s looking through her book when Robin comes in. Robin says he’s lived by a code his entire life: steal from the rich, give to the poor, be righteous and good. He’s tried to live by that every day of his life. “Then, why are you here?” asks Regina. Robin gives her a passionate kiss as an answer.
Emma’s torn apart: They can’t find Emma and Margaret says they failed, that Emma looked into their eyes and saw fear. Meanwhile, Emma’s parked in her VW under a tree, crying. Ingrid’s very satisfied with herself and embraces her mirror.
And now the urn’s in play: Gerta finds Ingrid over Helga’s dead icy body and she’s scared of her sister now. Ingrid tells her not to be afraid and begs for her help. She pleads with her to take her hand but Gerta refuses. Ingrid killed their sister and now Gerta actually believes Ingrid is a monster. Gerta looks down, grabs the urn, and Ingrid’s sucked inside. Gerta closes it and clutches the gloves Ingrid dropped.
Gerta visits the Grand Pappie and he says her face shows great tragedy. Gerta says it’s too painful to talk about and that they need to see that Arendelle survives recent events. Gerta wants everyone within Arendelle’s borders to forget Ingrid and Helga ever existed. Grand Pappie says he will do it for her, but it’s strong magic and magic always comes with a price.
The final act of “The Snow Queen”: Rumple clutches a snow globe as he tells Ingrid he’s impressed by the number she did on Miss Swan. Ingrid’s ready to make the deal – she wants her ribbons back however, Rumple is not convinced Ingrid has anything he wants. Ingrid had the hat longer than Rumple and she knows about the missing piece of the puzzle he needs to cleave himself from the dagger. Ingrid’s figured out Rumple’s plan, revealing that Storybrooke is too small for the Dark One to be content.
Rumple wants to cleave himself from the dagger so he can go outside of Storybrooke without losing his power. Ingrid says he wants what all villains want – everything – and that she’ll give it to him. The deal: Ingrid wants control over Storybrooke and in exchange, Rumple can have the rest of the world. Ingrid says they have a deal, but Rumple tells her to go first. She leans over the counter and whispers it in his ear. “Not only can I do that, but I shall do it with great pleasure,” replies Rumple to whatever it is that Ingrid whispered.
The Bottom Line:
Once Upon a Time‘s seventh episode of season four was stronger than episode six and delivered the big payoff we’ve been waiting for this season. Although a tad bit too predictable, “The Snow Queen” was more emotionally involving than the usual Once Upon a Time episode and managed to propel every storyline, other than Belle and Rumple’s relationship, forward. Emma’s always so strong and to see her breakdown and feel removed from her family and friends (including Hook) was a major change in the evolution of this season’s story.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Photo by Richard Chavez / ShowbizJunkies)
It’s confirmed: Joseph Gordon-Levitt will play Edward Snowden in the untitled Oliver Stone/Edward Snowden project which Open Road Films and Endgame Entertainment are teaming up to deliver domestically in theaters. Stone wrote the script based on the books The Snowden Files and Time of the Octopus and will direct.
The still-untitled project is expected to start shooting early next year.
“After working with Oliver on W, I am thrilled to be back in business with him, along with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the filmmmaking team and Endgame Entertainment, on this exciting project,” stated Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films.
“Oliver and I were overwhelmed by the reaction to the screenplay from all quarters but, in the end, the enthusiasm from Tom & [James D. Stern, CEO of Endgame Entertainment] and the distribution case they made, convinced us that the film would be in the perfect hands,” added producer Moritz Borman. “This film needs an independent in the true sense, where political pressures will not come into play.”
Gordon-Levitt’s film credits include Don Jon (which he also directed), Lincoln, Looper, and The Dark Knight Rises.
The final trailer for 20th Century Fox’s big-budget Biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings is now online featuring more fighting, more drama, and much more of the parting of the Red Sea. Directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Adam Cooper & Bill Collage and Jeffrey Caine and Steven Zaillian, Exodus: Gods and Kings stars Christian Bale, a bronzed Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Mendelsohn and Ben Kingsley.
20th Century Fox is releasing Exodus: Gods and Kings in theaters on December 12, 2014.
The Plot:
From acclaimed director Ridley Scott comes the epic adventure Exodus: Gods and Kings, the story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.
Lotus Entertainment has released the first photo from Z for Zachariah directed by Craig Zobel. The sci-fi/thriller/romance stars Chris Pine, Margot Robbie (rumored to be playing Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad), and Chiwetel Ejiofor and is based on the novel by Robert C. O’Brien. Locus Entertainment will be releasing the film in theaters in 2015.
The Z for Zachariah Plot:
A taught and sexy thriller based on the award winning novel of the same name. The movie is set in a post apocalyptic world, where a young woman named ANN (Margot Robbie) lives on a farm believing she is the last of the human race. Her fate is turned on its head when she meets LOOMIS (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a dying scientist on a hopeless quest to find his family. A budding young woman with feelings of lust, Ann starts to fall in love with Loomis while she nurses him back to health. But their relationship becomes tenuous when an unexpected survivor named CALEB (Chris Pine) shows up. Caleb is younger, stronger and more virile than Loomis. So when Loomis and Caleb begin to compete for Ann’s affections their primal urges seep to the surface. We soon see their true nature as they relentlessly struggle to claim the last woman on earth.
Chris Pine, Margot Robbie and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in ‘Z for Zachariah’ (Photo Courtesy of Lotus Entertainment)
Bob Geldof’s set the lineup for the new edition of his Band Aid song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” coming out in just a few days. The new holiday-themed song will be helping to raise money to fight Ebola in West Africa. Among the artists confirmed to take part are Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Sam Smith, Bastille, Foals, Elbow, Ellie Goulding, Emelie Sandé, Olly Murs, Bono, and Chris Martin.
According to Geldof, more artists will be joining the all-star lineup soon. Geldof’s also planning on changing up the lyrics to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“We will reconvene Band Aid next Saturday after 30 years almost to the day,” explained Geldof at the press conference officially announcing the Ebola fundraiser. Geldof said that he got a call from the UN a few weeks ago saying they required at least a 20% increase across the board on assistance and materials and expressing their concern about the situation in West Africa.
Geldof said he and Midge Ure decided to do another “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” song to help raise the much-needed funds in large part due to the bravery of international health workers who’ve volunteered to go to West Afrida and help those in need. Although he doesn’t like to have to organize an effort like this, Geldof put that aside to call up artists to lend their voices to the new single.
The kid-friendly animated series Justin Time has spawned a spin-off. Justin Time The New Adventures will be based on the popular preschool series, and the new season will debut on Netflix sometime in 2016. Netflix and Guru Studio are teaming up on 13 brand-new half-hour episodes.
“We are excited to be working with some of the greatest animators in the world to bring new and original episodes of Justin Time to our members,” said Erik Barmack, Vice President of Content Acquisition for Netflix. “The series has been a hit for us across several Netflix territories and we expect nothing less for the new series.”
“Working with Netflix, one of the most dynamic and creative new kids entertainment platforms today, is genuinely exciting,” adds Frank Falcone, President and Creative Director, and Mary Bredin, Executive Vice President of Guru Studios. “We are thrilled to provide new episodes of Justin Time to Netflix members around the world.”
The Plot:
Justin Time is an award-winning character-driven animated series for three to six-year-olds that follows the adventures of Justin and his best friends Olive and Squidgy, as they set off on fantastical adventures throughout time, told from every corner of the world! Through the colourful lens of history, the series’ inspiring and playful stories prove that friendship, adventure and fun are timeless.
Lionsgate’s released the second official clip from the upcoming third film of The Hunger Games series, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. In the new clip, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) climbs on board a plane with the director and crew assigned to document the rebellion. Cressida (Game of Thrones‘ Natalie Dormer), the director, then introduces her to the crew which includes Messalla (Evan Ross), Castor (Wes Chatham), and Pollux (Elden Henson).
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 opens in theaters on November 21, 2014.
Natalie Dormer stars as ‘Cressida’ in THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1. (Photo Credit: Murray Close)
The Plot:
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.
