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Jimmy Fallon and Brian Williams Slow Jam the News

Jimmy Fallon and Brian Williams Slow Jam the News
Jimmy Fallon and Brian Williams “Slow Jam the News” (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein / NBC)

NBC Nightly News‘ Brian Williams joined The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon along with The Roots to bring back the slow jam. Together, Fallon, Williams, and The Roots sang about President Obama’s stand on immigration. Williams also put in a plug for Peter Pan Live! starring his daughter, Allison, and joked with Fallon about the length of time both have been sitting behind desks.

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-By Rebecca Murray

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‘Big Eyes’ Unveils a Lyric Video and a New Poster

Big Eyes Lyric Video and UK Poster
Poster for ‘Big Eyes’

The bizarre story behind the ‘Big Eyes’ paintings plays out on the screen in Big Eyes, a dramatic film directed by Tim Burton and starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz as Margaret and Walter Keane. Lana Del Rey performs the film’s title tune and The Weinstein Company has just released a one-minute lyric video spotlighting the song.

TWC will be releasing Big Eyes in theaters on December 25th.

The Plot:

From the whimsical mind of director Tim Burton, Big Eyes tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, painter Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered though: Walter’s works were actually not created by him at all, but by his wife Margaret (Amy Adams).

The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire world. A tale too incredible to be fiction, Big Eyes centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.

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‘Wild’ Movie Review – Reese Witherspoon At Her Best

Wild Movie Review Starring Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon stars in ‘Wild’ (Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Reese Witherspoon’s back in top form with Wild, the emotionally moving adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Witherspoon not only stars in but produces the film, and her dedication to faithfully bringing Strayed’s story to the screen is evident in every frame. Tackling the physically demanding role, and putting vanity and comfort aside, Witherspoon delivers a performance that should have her back in the Oscar spotlight.


Directed by Dallas Buyers Club‘s Jean-Marc Vallée, Wild focuses on one women’s very personal search for answers following the death of her mother. Cheryl dissolved into an abyss of degradation, losing herself in sex with random men and turning to drugs to forget the pain of the death of her mother at age 45. Cheryl’s bad decisions ultimately led to the collapse of her marriage and her decision to set out alone (and not completely prepared) to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 1,000+ mile, three month journey of self-discovery that offered her the opportunity to get in touch with her feelings and to cleanse her mind and body.

The difference in age between the real Cheryl Strayed at the time of her quest to complete the Pacific Crest Trail and actress Witherspoon is 10 years, however Witherspoon’s youthful appearance makes it easy to forget the woman at the heart of the story was in her 20s when she tackled the grueling trek. Nearly every scene is Witherspoon’s to carry and she does an excellent job of capturing the emotional roller coaster Cheryl was on immediately prior to and throughout the course of the arduous hike.

Wild‘s beautifully shot by Yves Belanger, and director Vallée – working from a script by Nick Hornby (About a Boy, An Education) – makes Strayed’s intensely personal journey accessible to the audience. Even if we can’t relate to the events and wouldn’t make the same life choices (and can’t picture ourselves walking 1,000 miles in Cheryl’s shoes), Wild is an emotionally engaging film and one that conveys the pain, heartbreak, and ultimately the redemption of Cheryl’s incredible journey.

GRADE: A-

Wild is rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language.

-By Rebecca Murray

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Behind the Scenes of ‘Unbroken’ with Angelina Jolie and Louis Zamperini

Unbroken Behind the Scenes Video with Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie and Louis Zamperini (Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Universal Pictures has released a new behind the scenes video from the upcoming dramatic thriller Unbroken featuring director Angelina Jolie and the incredible man whose life inspired the film, Louis Zamperini. Jolie talks about Zamperini and what she learned about the WWII hero and Olympian who, unfortunately, passed away before the movie was complete.

Universal Pictures is releasing Unbroken in theaters on December 25, 2014. The cast is led by Jack O’Connell as Louis Zamperini and features Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, and American Horror Story: Freak Show‘s Finn Wittrock.

The Plot:

Unbroken is an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII—only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s enormously popular book, Unbroken brings to the big screen Zamperini’s unbelievable and inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit.

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One Direction Has Their Own Holiday Special on NBC

One Direction Holiday TV Special on NBC
Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles of
One Direction (Photo by: Jeff Daly / NBC)

NBC has a special holiday treat in store for fans of One Direction. The popular boy band will headline their first U.S. network special with One Direction: The TV Special airing on December 23, 2014 at 8pm ET/PT. The one hour show will feature musical performances by Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson filmed in Orlando and in South America.

“We’re really proud of our first TV Special. We had a great time filming the different parts both in Orlando and on the road in South America. We can’t wait for our fans to see it” – One Direction.

Here’s the details on the special, courtesy of NBC:

One Direction’s first U.S. network special will offer a rare inside look at the wildly popular band through a combination of documentary material, comical stunts and musical performances. The special features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the South American leg of their 2014 Where We Are Tour and follows the band as they recorded their new #1 album, Four, on the road. Viewers will also experience One Direction’s music as they stage a special intimate concert for lucky fans at Universal Orlando Resort, where the band performs a selection of songs from Four as well as some of the biggest hits off their three previous albums. The hour-long telecast also finds the boys giving unsuspecting fans the shock of their lives by introducing themselves in disguise at the theme parks, as well as the bandmates interviewing each other aboard a high-speed roller coaster.


-By Rebecca Murray

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Tom Hardy, Jared Leto, and Will Smith Head Up the Cast of ‘Suicide Squad’

Tom Hardy, Ridley Scott and Steven Knight Team Up on Taboo
Tom Hardy (Photo by Richard Chavez / ShowbizJunkies)

After months of speculation and rumors, Warner Bros Pictures has confirmed the cast of Suicide Squad as well as revealing exactly who each actor will be playing. Per WB’s official announcement, Will Smith will play Deadshot, Tom Hardy is Rick Flagg, Margot Robbie will tackle the role of Harley Quinn, and Jared Leto will play the Joker.

David Ayer (Fury) will be directing the action film based on the DC Comics. Ayer also penned the script.

The cast also includes Jai Courtney as Boomerang and Cara Delevingne as Enchantress.

“The Warner Bros. roots are deep on this one. David Ayer returns to the studio where he wrote Training Day and brings his incredible ability to craft multidimensional villains to this iconic DC property with a cast of longtime Warner collaborators Will Smith and Tom Hardy, and other new and returning favorites: Margot, Jared, Jai and Cara. We look forward to seeing this terrific ensemble, under Ayer’s amazing guidance, give new meaning to what it means to be a villain and what it means to be a hero,” stated Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Colin Wilson, and Geoff Johns are on board as executive producers.

Warner Bros Pictures is aiming for an August 5, 2016 theatrical release.




‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’ Two-Night Crossover Event Preview

The Flash and Arrow Crossover Event Preview
Grant Gustin as The Flash and Stephen Amell as The Arrow (Photo: Diyah Pera / © 2014 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.)
The episodes fans of both The Flash and Arrow have been waiting for air this week, with a special two-night crossover event kicking off tonight at 8pm ET/PT with The Flash. Titled “Flash vs Arrow,” part one of the crossover event finds Oliver (Stephen Amell), Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards), and Diggle (David Ramsey) helping out Barry (Grant Gustin).

The Plot:

Barry is thrilled when Oliver, Felicity and Diggle come to Central City to investigate a case involving a deadly boomerang. Excited about teaming up with his friend, Barry asks Oliver if he’d like to help him stop Ray Bivolo (guest star Paul Anthony), the meta-human Barry is currently tracking. Bivolo causes people to lose control of their emotions and has been using that skill to rob banks.

Unfortunately, the superhero partnership doesn’t go as smoothly as Barry expected. When Oliver tells Barry he still has a lot to learn, Barry sets out to prove him wrong by attempting to stop Bivolo alone. However, when Bivolo infects Barry and sets him on a rage rampage, everyone is in danger, and the only one who can stop him is the Arrow. Meanwhile, Iris (Candice Patton) is furious when Eddie (Rick Cosnett) tries to get a task force to stop The Flash, Joe and Dr. Wells (Tom Cavanagh) agree the Arrow is a bad influence on Barry, and Caitlin and Cisco deal with a new team in S.T.A.R. Labs.

– The Flash Interviews: Grant Gustin / Candice Patton / Danielle Panabaker / Jesse L Martin / Tom Cavanagh

* * * * *

And then on the Wednesday, December 3rd episode of Arrow, the story continues in “The Brave and the Bold.”

The Plot:

Oliver, Arsenal (Colton Haynes) and Diggle track down the location of a boomerang-wielding killer named Digger Harkness (guest star Nick E. Tarabay) but are surprised when they come face to face with an A.R.G.U.S. team. Diggle asks Lyla (guest star Audrey Marie Anderson) why A.R.G.U.S. is involved, but she defers until Harkness attacks the building, killing several agents and targeting Lyla. The Arrow joins the fight and gets help from an old friend – The Flash. Harkness manages to get away and Oliver teams up with Barry again to find him before he can get to Lyla. When Harkness plants five bombs in the city that are timed to explode at the same time, both teams must come together to save the city.

– Arrow season 3 cast interviews: Stephen Amell / Colton Haynes / David Ramsey / John Barrowman


-By Rebecca Murray

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National Board of Review Names ‘A Most Violent Year’ 2014’s Best Film

National Board of Review Names Best Films of 2014
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in ‘A Most Violent Year’ (Photo Credit: A24 Films)

The National Board of Review has announced its list of the best films and performances of 2014, with A Most Violent Year earning the title of the Best Film of the Year. A Most Violent Year‘s star Oscar Isaac was also recognized for his performance as was Jessica Chastain for her supporting role in the dramatic film set in New York in the early ’80s.

“A Most Violent Year is an exhilarating crime drama with a compelling story, outstanding performances, and an elegant cinematic style,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR President. “J.C. Chandor has given us a new and provocative perspective on the American Dream.”

This year’s winners were chosen from a field of over 270 films. Winners will be honored at NBR’s January 6, 2015 gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

National Board of Review 2014 Winners:

Best Film: A Most Violent Year
Best Director: Clint Eastwood – American Sniper
Best Actor (TIE): Oscar Isaac – A Most Violent Year; Michael Keaton – Birdman
Best Actress: Julianne Moore – Still Alice
Best Supporting Actor: Edward Norton – Birdman
Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain – A Most Violent Year
Best Original Screenplay: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller – The Lego Movie
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – Inherent Vice
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Breakthrough Performance: Jack O’Connell – Starred Up & Unbroken
Best Directorial Debut: Gillian Robespierre – Obvious Child
Best Foreign Language Film: Wild Tales
Best Documentary: Life Itself
William K. Everson Film History Award: Scott Eyman
Best Ensemble: Fury
Spotlight Award: Chris Rock for writing, directing, and starring in – Top Five
NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Rosewater
NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Selma


Top Films
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
Fury
Gone Girl
The Imitation Game
Inherent Vice
The Lego Movie
Nightcrawler
Unbroken

Top 5 Foreign Language Films
Force Majeure
Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem
Leviathan
Two Days, One Night
We Are the Best!

Top 5 Documentaries
Art and Craft
Jodorowsky’s Dune
Keep On Keepin’ On
The Kill Team
Last Days in Vietnam

 

Top 10 Independent Films
Blue Ruin
Locke
A Most Wanted Man
Mr. Turner
Obvious Child
The Skeleton Twins
Snowpiercer
Stand Clear of the Closing Doors
Starred Up
Still Alice

Ray Romano and Olivia Wilde Set to Star in HBO’s Rock ‘n Roll Series

Olivia Wilde to Star in HBO Rock n Roll Series
Olivia Wilde (Photo by Richard Chavez / Showbiz Junkies)

It doesn’t have a title, but it does have a series order from HBO. The untitled rock ‘n roll project from executive producers Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger will shoot in New York and is set to star Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, Juno Temple, Andrew Dice Clay, Ato Essandoh, Max Casella, James Jagger, Jack Quaid, Birgitte Sorenson, PJ Byrne, J.C. MacKenzie, Bo Dietl, Armen Garo, Robert Funaro, and Joe Caniano.

HBO’s offered up this synopsis of the hour-long drama: “Set in 1970s New York, the series will explore the drug-and-sex-fueled music business as punk and disco were breaking out, all through the eyes of a record executive trying to resurrect his label and find the next new sound.”

In addition to Scorsese and Jagger, the untitled series will be executive produced by Terence Winter, Rick Yorn, Victoria Pearman, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, and writer George Mastras. Winter is also the showrunner/writer and Scorsese is on board to direct the pilot.

Here’s the details on who will be playing which roles, courtesy of HBO:

Bobby Cannavale as Richie Finestra, the founder and president of a top-tier record label (American Century Records) with a great ear for discovering talent, who undergoes a crisis of character when confronted with a life-altering decision.

Olivia Wilde as Devon Finestra, Richie’s wife, a former actress/model who lived a Bohemian life in 1960s New York. Richie’s crisis causes strain on their family and propels her to re-immerse in her former lifestyle.


Ray Romano as Zak Yankovich, one of Richie’s partners, the tough and savvy Head of Promotions of American Century with decades of experience dating back to the dark, mob-infested days of the recording business.

Juno Temple as Jamie Vine, an ambitious assistant in the A&R Department of American Century. She uses her keen abilities to manipulate people and blend into the various subcultures of the New York music underground in order to break through the glass ceiling and get ahead at the record label.

Andrew “Dice” Clay as Frank “Buck” Rogers, the cocaine-fueled owner of a chain of radio stations.

Ato Essandoh as Lester Grimes, a former singer and ex-colleague of Richie Finestra.

Max Casella as Julius “Julie” Silver, nurturing yet with an explosive temper, and the Head of A&R of American Century, who struggles to stay hip and relevant in the young man’s game of the rock ‘n’ roll business.

James Jagger as Kip Stevens, lead singer of Nasty Bits, an early punk-rock band.

Jack Quaid as Clark Morelle, a young A&R executive at American Century who struggles for a foothold in the competitive environment of the A&R team.

Birgitte Sorenson as Ingrid, a Danish actress favored by Andy Warhol and close friend of Richie Finestra’s wife, Devon.

P.J. Byrne as Scott Levitt, Head of Legal for American Century Records.

J.C. MacKenzie as Skip Fontaine, Richie’s partner and Head of Sales for American Century Records.

Bo Dietl as Joe Corso, a thuggish “independent promotion man” who may or may not have ties to organized crime.

Armen Garo as Corrado Galasso, a New York mob boss.

Robert Funaro as Tony Del Greco, chief enforcer for a New York mob boss.

Joe Caniano as Leo, Richie’s longtime chauffeur and confidante.

-By Rebecca Murray

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The Documentary Oscar Race Narrows to 15 Films

15 Documentaries Advance in 2015 Oscar Race
Poster for ‘Citizenfour’

The 2015 Oscars race is now between 15 documentaries as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced the films still being considered for nomination. Of the 134 films that qualified and were submitted, 15 have now advanced in the voting process.

Preliminary voting determined the 15 films advancing, and five of these films will ultimately be nominated.

Listed in alphabetical order:


“Art and Craft,” Purple Parrot Films
“The Case against 8,” Day in Court
“Citizen Koch,” Elsewhere Films
“CitizenFour,” Praxis Films
“Finding Vivian Maier,” Ravine Pictures
“The Internet’s Own Boy,” Luminant Media
“Jodorowsky’s Dune,” City Film
“Keep On Keepin’ On,” Absolute Clay Productions
“The Kill Team,” f/8 filmworks
“Last Days in Vietnam,” Moxie Firecracker Films
“Life Itself,” Kartemquin Films and Film Rites
“The Overnighters,” Mile End Films West
“The Salt of the Earth,” Decia Films
“Tales of the Grim Sleeper,” Lafayette Film
“Virunga,” Grain Media

Nominees will be announced on January 15, 2015. The 87th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

-By Rebecca Murray

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