Mark Wahlberg behind the scenes of the MTV Movie Awards promo (Photo Credit: Scott E White)MTV’s tapped Mark Wahlberg to receive the 2014 Generation Award at this year’s MTV Movie Awards. Wahlberg will be presented with the honor by the Entourage cast (Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Dillon) who will be, according to MTV, reuniting on stage for the first time to give the show’s executive producer the award.
“Mark Wahlberg is the definition of a modern day Renaissance Man: from Dirk Diggler to The Departed, The Basketball Diaries to Ted, Entourage to The Fighter, in front of the camera and behind – he’s done it all and he’s always memorable,” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV. “Mark has captivated the MTV audience for over 20 years, and for this rare feat, we’re proud to recognize him with this year’s Generation Award.”
Wahlberg joins a list of actors who’ve received the Movie Awards‘ highest honor that includes Jamie Foxx, Johnny Depp, Reese Witherspoon, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Sandra Bullock, Mike Myers, Tom Cruise, and Jim Carrey.
Conan O’Brien’s making his MTV Movie Awards hosting debut with the show which will be airing live on Sunday, April 13 from downtown LA.
Movie fans can vote for the winners through April 12 at www.MovieAwards.MTV.com. Check out the full list of nominees here.
Disney’s unveiled this gorgeous new poster of Angelina Jolie in Maleficent, coming to theaters on May 30, 2014. The fantasy tale is told from the point of view of Sleeping Beauty‘s villain and stars Jolie in the title role.
The cast also includes Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville.
The Plot: Maleficent explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.
HBO’s unveiled the first trailer for the dramatic film The Normal Heart debuting on May 25, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT. Based on the Tony Award-winning play by Larry Kramer and directed by Glee‘s Ryan Murphy, The Normal Heart stars Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Julia Roberts, Alfred Molina, Jonathan Groff, and Denis O’Hare.
The Plot:The Normal Heart tells the story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation’s sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fight to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city and nation in denial.
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in True Detective - Photo by HBOHow many viewers tuned in to see the season one finale of True Detective on Sunday, March 9, 2014? Enough to break HBO GO. The online demand was so huge that the network’s streaming service went down for a while during the much-anticipated season finale.
“Due to overwhelmingly popular demand for #TrueDetective, we’ve been made aware of an issue affecting some users. Please try again soon.” – Tweeted @HBOGO
HBO GO did return, but not before some viewers opted to watch the series starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on TV rather than the streaming service.
There’s no word yet on what will happen in season two, however series creator Nic Pizzolatto has said from the beginning that season one would focus on one mystery. If there’s a season two, it will address a different mystery with a different cast.
Rose Leslie in ‘Game of Thrones’ (Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO)
Rose Leslie and Andrew Buchan are set to star in ITV’s The Great Fire based on historical events. Novelist Tom Bradby wrote the first three episodes and co-wrote episode four with Chris Hurford and Tom Butterworth.
The story of London’s devastating fire of 1666 will be brought to life via special effects and pyrotechnics (not CGI). And according to ITV, shooting will take place in Kent, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and London this month.
“In 1666, London was the greatest city in the world with a population of 300,000. In just four days The Great Fire destroyed nearly half the city and threatened the monarchy,” said Douglas Rae. “It’s a fascinating premise for a drama and creates the perfect backdrop for Tom Bradby to be at his most creative. We have assembled an amazing cast and production team, and we’re looking forward to filming Tom’s fantastic scripts.”
The Details, Courtesy of ITV:
Inspired by the historical events of 1666 and with the decadent backdrop of King Charles II’s court, The Great Fire focuses on the circumstances which led to the catastrophic fire, Thomas Farriner’s family life at the bakery in Pudding Lane, the playboy King’s extravagant lifestyle, and Farriner’s complex relationship with his fictional sister in law, Sarah played by Rose Leslie (Utopia, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey).
Thomas, played by Andrew Buchan, (Broadchurch, Garrow’s Law, Nowhere Boy) is central to the drama which is based upon existing historical knowledge with fictional stories cleverly interwoven and written by successful novelist Tom Bradby, ITN’s Political Editor.
Diarist Samuel Pepys, a close confidante of the King who dared to tell him “he was consumed by the pursuit of pleasure”, will be portrayed by Daniel Mays (Mrs Biggs, Treasure Island, Public Enemies) and his wife Elizabeth is played by Perdita Weeks (The Invisible Woman, Flight of the Storks).
Jack Huston (American Hustle, Boardwalk Empire, Parade’s End) plays the role of King Charles II, whilst Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Dracula, Mr Selfridge, World Without End) is his brother, James Duke of York. Andrew Tiernan (Ripper Street, Foyle’s War, Prisoner’s Wives) plays prisoner Vincent, a forgotten soul languishing in Newgate prison, whilst Antonia Clarke (Lightfields, A Mother’s Son) is Frances Stewart.
The drama will unfold over four consecutive days as the fire indiscriminately takes hold of the city, and the people desperately attempt to overcome the flames. The four x 60-minute episodes will capture the most prosperous city of its age as fire rages and engulfs dwellings and businesses like the bakery on Pudding Lane. Terrified and bewildered, the people are thrown into chaos, and with each day, they become increasingly desperate to seek safety away from the city.
Other key roles include Lord Denton, an emissary of the King’s, to be played by Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Secret State, Strike Back) whilst the Duke of Hanford, the most powerful Catholic nobleman in the land will be played by David Schofield (Da Vinci’s Demons, Land Girls, The Shadow Line) and Sonya Cassidy (Vera, The Paradise, Endeavour) takes on the role of The Queen.
Douglas Rae (Fleming, Mistresses, My Boy Jack) and Lucy Bedford (Mistresses, All About George, Lie with Me) will executive produce the drama for Ecosse Films with Gina Cronk (The White Queen, Tracy Beaker Returns, Wolfblood) producing. Jon Jones (Lawless, Rogue, Mr Selfridge) is directing the drama.
Dragons! The Khaleesi’s dragons have gotten huge in Game of Thrones‘ fourth season and we’re treated to a better look at the creatures in this third trailer for the upcoming season. Also featured are Kit Harington (‘Jon Snow’), Peter Dinklage (‘Tyrion Lannister’), and Aidan Gillen (‘Littlefinger’).
Season four premieres on April 6, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT.
Emilia Clarke in 'Game of Thrones' season four (Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO)
The Game of Thrones Season Four Plot:
Encouraged by the Red Wedding slaughter in the Riverlands that wiped out many of their Stark nemeses, the Lannisters’ hold on the Iron Throne remains intact…but can they survive their own egos, as well as new and ongoing threats from the south, north and east?
While an unbowed Stannis Baratheon continues to rebuild his army in Dragonstone, a more immediate danger comes from the south, as Oberyn Martell, the Lannister-loathing “Red Viper of Dorne,” arrives at King’s Landing to attend Joffrey’s wedding to Margaery Tyrell, and perhaps act on an ulterior agenda.
In the north, a depleted Night’s Watch seems overmatched against the inexorable Wall advances of Mance Rayder’s army of wildlings, which in turn is being trailed by an even more formidable foe: the undead White Walkers. As if that weren’t enough, Daenerys Targaryen, accompanied by her menacing trio of dragons and army of Unsullied, is poised to liberate Meereen, the largest city in Slaver’s Bay, which could ultimately provide her with enough ships to sail to Westeros and reclaim the Iron Throne.
The annual gathering of motion picture theater owners and professionals will be held March 24th through March 27th at Caesars Palace, with the major studios showing off their upcoming movies and bringing in big name actors to promote their theatrical release slates.
“With over four decades both on screen and behind the camera, Kevin Costner has entertained audiences with memorable performances and mesmerized them with his exceptional filmmaking ability,” said Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon. “With films like The Untouchables, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, Dances with Wolves, Open Range, Man of Steel, and Jack Ryan, Costner’s contribution to the movie-going experience is unparalleled. CinemaCon could not be more honored to present him with the ‘2014 Cinema Icon Award.'”
Costner’s currently in theaters in 3 Days to Kill and has Summit Entertainment’s Draft Day directed by Ivan Reitman coming to theaters on April 11, 2014. The plot: “On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.”
“These competing chefs need strong culinary talents and cunning strategy to win these high-stakes challenges, making Kitchen Casino exhilarating to watch,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “On Kitchen Casino anything can happen when amazing chefs roll the dice.”
The Details:
In each episode, the competing chefs must hold their own as they navigate through three grueling rounds of the casino-style, culinary competition. Round one features the Kitchen Casino Slot Machine. The chefs take a spin and reveal three categories – cuisine, ingredient and theme – which must inspire their dish for the 30 minute round. In round two, remaining three contestants have 40 minutes to prepare a dish using the same assigned protein from the previous round – but with a game changing twist. During this round the kitchen stations spin like a roulette wheel leaving the chefs in front of a new station to continue cooking. The wheel turns unexpectedly and the chefs are judged by the dish that ends up in front of them at the end of the round. The final round is a game of Chef Poker. The remaining two contestants try their hand at incorporating an ingredient into their dish depending on the card they are dealt. Will they hold their hand or take a gamble? Their decision could make or break their dish and their chance at winning the jackpot.
Yes, there’s a found footage Bigfoot horror film…you aren’t reading that wrong. Lionsgate’s picked up Exists‘ North American distribution rights but hasn’t set a theatrical release date yet.
The Bigfoot movie was directed by Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project) and stars Chris Osborn, Dora Madison Burge, Roger Edwards, Samuel Davis, Denise Williamson, and Brian Steele. Spectral Motion designed the Sasquatch creature.
“I’m really excited about working with the talented team at Lionsgate. We’ve had great history together and they really understand Exists and see the tremendous opportunity to reboot Bigfoot for a new generation,” said director Sanchez.
“It is especially gratifying to sell the film at SXSW in Austin so close to Bastrop, Texas where we shot Exists with an amazing Texas-based cast and crew,” said producers Jane Fleming and Mark Ordesky. “We look forward to working with Lionsgate to bring Ed’s vision to the masses.”
The Plot:
In Bigfoot’s bold return to the big screen, five friends on a camping weekend in the remote woods of East Texas struggle to survive against a legendary predator that is stronger, smarter, and more terrifying than anything they would have ever believed exists.
Starring: Omar Epps, Frances Fisher, and Matt Craven, Resurrection will premiere on ABC on March 9, 2014. The one-hour drama centers around the return of people citizens of Arcadia, Missouri.
Cast and Characters:
Omar Epps as J. Martin Bellamy
Frances Fisher as Lucille Langston
Matt Craven as Fred Langston
Devin Kelley as Maggie Langston
Mark Hildreth as Pastor Tom Hale
Samaire Armstrong as Elaine Richards
Sam Hazeldine as Caleb Richards
Landon Gimenez as Jacob
Kurtwood Smith as Henry Langston
The Synopsis: The people of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to reappear. An 8-year-old American boy (Landon Gimenez) wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia, and an Immigration agent, J. Martin Bellamy (Omar Epps), takes him there. The home he claims as his own is occupied by a 60-year-old couple, Henry (Kurtwood Smith) and Lucille Langston (Frances Fisher), who lost their son, Jacob, more than 30 years ago.
While they look different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Lucille is overjoyed at the seeming miracle of her son’s reappearance. Henry is reluctant to accept that Jacob is back. Those closest to the family want answers, including Sheriff Fred Langston (Matt Craven), whose wife Barbara drowned 30 years ago while trying to save Jacob, and Fred’s daughter, Maggie (Devin Kelley), a local doctor. Pastor Tom Hale (Mark Hildreth) seeks a spiritual reason for what’s happening in his community. When things take an even more shocking turn, Maggie’s lifelong friend, Elaine Richards (Samaire Armstrong), finds herself drawn into Arcadia’s growing mystery.
Bellamy, an outsider in the town, joins forces with Maggie to figure out why the unexplainable is happening in Arcadia. As their investigation plays out, Maggie learns some unsettling truths about her own past. Will they be able to solve the mystery of Arcadia before the rest of the world catches on to events there? And will they be able to protect Jacob from forces beyond their control?
Stumble It! 
Yes, there’s a found footage Bigfoot horror film…you aren’t reading that wrong. Lionsgate’s picked up Exists‘ North American distribution rights but hasn’t set a theatrical release date yet.
