Check out the video recap from the special screening and Q&A which featured Dougherty, producer Bryan Singer, cast members Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Jean-Luc Bilodeau, and Quinn Lord, and the event’s host Seth Green.
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
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The first official full length trailer for Labor Day, Paramount Pictures’ potential Oscar push, has just arrived. Based on the Joyce Maynard novel, the dramatic film stars Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet, and Gattlin Griffith, and was adapted for the screen and directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air).
The Plot:
Labor Day centers on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.
Watch the trailer:
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
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It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Hurricane Sandy left people homeless and businesses devastated. The recovery process is still ongoing and now Sons of Anarchy cast members and series creator Kurt Sutter will be helping the efforts with a special fan event at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Sutter, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, and Theo Rossi will take part in the special event on November 10, 2013 to benefit the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and Staten Strong charities.
The fan event will include a special advance screening of season six’s new episode followed by a Q&A with Sutter and the cast. Tickets are now on sale with 100% of the sales going directly to the charities involved. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit Brown Paper Tickets.
“I grew up in Jersey, and the devastation from Hurricane Sandy is heartbreaking,” said Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter. “A year has passed and people still need our attention and support to rebuild.”
Lady Gaga’s no stranger to the Saturday Night Live stage having been invited to perform as musical guest twice already, however she’s never hosted the show. That will change on November 16, 2013 when the five-time Grammy Award winner will make her hosting debut. She’ll also be the November 16th episode’s musical guest, taking the SNL stage just five days after the release of her new album, ARTPOP.
NBC also announced that The Hunger Games: Catching Fire star Josh Hutcherson will make his hosting debut on November 23rd, one day after the second film of the series hits theaters. The musical guest that episode will be HAIM, also set to make their SNL debut.
Source: NBC
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The Office‘s Ellie Kemper will star in a new single-camera TV comedy from 30 Rock‘s executive producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock who will also write the series. NBC’s has greenlit production on 13 episodes of the untitled comedy set to debut next fall.
According to the network, the comedy series will feature Kemper as a woman who “escapes from a doomsday cult and starts life over in New York City.”“We have been lucky enough to work at NBC for our entire careers (except when Robert worked at The Dana Carvey Show, now available on DVD) and we thank Bob and Jen for their continued support.” said Fey and Carlock.
“Tina and Robert, who cemented their partnership on 30 Rock, have created a new signature comedy for us that is audacious, emotional, and clever,” stated Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “While tapping into very relatable themes, there isn’t anything like this anywhere else on television. NBC has been their home for many years and we’re so happy that they’ve found another way to push the comedy envelope for us.”
“Original voices like Tina and Robert don’t come along very often and we wanted them back on the air as soon as possible. And to have them working with Ellie Kemper — who we watched grow up on The Office from supporting player to leading actress — puts the whole package together. We feel fortunate to be in business with this entire creative team on something so funny, unique, and attention-getting,” added Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment.
Upon a bit of introspection and doing some mental math in regards to how many times I watch it each holiday season, I’d have to say Love, Actually might be my favorite Christmas movie. So … Umm … There’s that. Take it for what you will. I even make sure each year to watch both the feature film and then watch it again with the commentary track (Hugh Grant jokes about Colin Firth the entire time, it’s hilarious).
Why does any of that blathering matter? Well, because Love, Actually comes from the same writer/director as the newly released About Time … about which this actually is a review for. Hmm, I’m not getting grammar points for that last sentence. Moving on, Richard Curtis is the man behind both films and my instinct to seek this movie out, despite its obvious chick flick DNA, was rewarded with it becoming one of my favorite movies of 2013.
Without giving away too much, or at least no more than the trailers have already done so, the film is a bit of science fiction mixed in with a coming-of-age romantic tale. Once they turn 21, the gentlemen in the Lake family all have the peculiar ability to travel back in time; to correct any grave errors, relive cherished memories, and attempt to mold their lives as they want them to be. This sets the framework for the main character of Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), who just really wants a girlfriend. He eventually sets his sights on Mary (Rachel McAdams) and the rest unfolds through trial and error.
What elevates the film from a simple romantic sci-fi comedy into something more is Curtis’ ability to develop each of the people in Tim’s life. Most importantly, there’s his family. His strong connection with Dad (Bill Nighy), Mom (Lindsay Duncan), and his sister (Lydia Wilson) prove to be the driving force of his personality. Then there are Tim’s friends from work and even a playwright in London that joins the mix in particularly hilarious fashion. And of course, there’s the love interest in Mary. All of them highlight different facets of Tim and Gleeson carries the performance off beautifully.
This is particularly important because no matter how good the ensemble is (and they are excellent), the movie simply would be crushed under its sentimentality without the remarkably relatable, sincere, and vulnerable Gleeson tying it all together. To no great surprise, the scenes between Tim and his Dad are the big standouts and the group as a whole exhibits some of the best chemistry on film this year.
In short, About Time is a movie that may not be on people’s radar because they think it’s just another sappy romance, or maybe the combination of time travel and McAdams evokes not-so-fond memories of The Time Traveler’s Wife. Rest assured, this is not either of those things. Yes, there’s some gooeyness to the proceedings but Curtis cuts it with clever dialogue, dry British wit, and excellent performances that keep the saccharine levels at bay. This is a feel-good movie that doesn’t shy away from some of the tougher moments of life, which serves as a reminder that one cannot truly experience joy without knowing sadness as you need the comparison to put either in context.
This is easily the best date movie of 2013, and I say that without sarcasm or any negative connotation. The film is relatable to just about anyone and the quality of its production, from top to bottom, will make it worth the ticket price. When it comes to movies I’ll be recommending people see this year, About Time heads right near the top of the list as it takes no hemming and hawing regarding the type of demographic that should enjoy it. It should please anyone except the most anti-romantic … and you know who you are.
GRADE: A-
About Time is rated R for language and some sexual content.
A lot of buzz has been generated over 12 Years a Slave. Considering the director and subject material, that’s not too surprising. For those who think in terms of year-end consideration, factoring in slavery, the actors, and Steve McQueen’s track record, this is built for the awards season. The real question is whether or not the film ends up being more than just Oscar bait.
Having thought about this for nearly a week since I saw a screening, I’m not quite sure. While I appreciate that this is based on a true story and it’s a remarkable and heartbreaking one, there just seems to be too much calculation in the way that this is being released. I wish I could put it into words a little bit better, but it just feels like a film people are meant to hold in high regard, but it left me feeling a little cold and cynical.
There’s no doubt that the tale of Solomon Northup is one that leaves a stain on the notion that deep down inside people are inherently good. However, telling a story about the ills and wrongs of slavery isn’t presenting anything new to the discourse. Perhaps it’s because I’m a critic and I see so many films every year, but too often I see the motivation behind the scenes rather than the passion for the subject matter itself. That’s not to say I don’t think the filmmakers here aren’t passionate about presenting this story, there’s just something so almost formulaic to the way in which the story is presented that its hard for me to see beyond that cynicism.
One thing audiences should bear in mind is that this is a graphic film at times. Some of the beating and whipping of Solomon and other slaves won’t be easy for some people to sit through. The converse of that lies in the slow pacing of the movie. While the story spans 12 years, I found myself wondering if I had spent that long in my seat. The third quarter of the movie seems somewhat redundant as by that point, the plight of Solomon is well enough understood that dragging it out doesn’t seem to add enough to the overall experience to warrant the extra time. What makes it understandable is this being based on a true story, and removing these elements would be an omission of events.
That being said, the central performances are quite excellent. Of course, it all starts with Chiwetel Ejiofor. He’s been on a short list of actors whose involvement instantly grabs my attention, and he doesn’t disappoint here. Where he truly embodies the character is in the unspoken moments when the inner battle between his innate gentle nature and his desire to survive at any cost collide.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender play the primary two slave owners. Cumberbatch seemingly is the more human of the two, but in being so much more aware of how wrong the practice of slavery is, it creates the question of whether or not the unbridled rage and ignorance of Fassbender is truly the more sympathetic of the two. It’s in these characters where the spotlight on morality, or the lack thereof, shines the brightest.
One of the most noticeable production elements that consistently broke my connection to the story was the score. While I liked some of the loud and contrasting segments, there was a central theme that played at nearly all the obvious emotional moments. The music itself was pretty, but it felt like the movie telling the audience what a good moment it was for them to use their Kleenex. If there had been more to the theme, and it was varied in key or rhythm, it likely would have been more effective and less distracting.
The other factor that I just could never wrap my brain around was the inclusion of Brad Pitt. While I was aware from the opening credits his production company had a hand in the movie when his bearded mug shows up on the screen, I almost completely forgot I was in the slavery-era South. I’ve always liked him as an actor but putting him in front of the camera tested my suspension of disbelief mightily.
Coming to terms with the overall result is tricky. Had this been a fictional representation of the era, I’d find no way to see past the attempt to curry favor with those who hand out statuettes every year. However, this is based on a true story, and so it isn’t quite fair to knock some elements of the plot progression as much as I instinctively want to do. I also know that I’m in a very small circle of people not effusively heaping praise upon the movie so take that for what you will.
The movie is well made and the overwhelming majority of the actors give fine performances. If you were looking forward to seeing the film, I would be hard-pressed to stop you. 12 Years a Slave does almost everything right but it failed to draw me fully into its grasp.
Unfortunately, that’s one of the most important aspects for me when I watch a film and while I can appreciate the quality of the work, it just missed the mark for me personally.
GRADE: B+
12 Years a Slave is rated R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality.
Paramount Pictures says this is not the official poster artwork for Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, but just a promotional image. Whatever you want to call it, the teaser poster is definitely creepy.
Opening wide in theaters on January 3, 2014, Paramount’s offering fans a chance to get an advance screening of the new Paranormal Activity film in their town by uploading a photo of paranormal activity in your city to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tagging your city and #TheMarkedOnes.
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
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Emmy winner John Larroquette will guest star on the new Fox series Almost Human starring Karl Urban and Michael Ealy. Larroquette will have a recurring role on the sci-fi drama premiering on November 17, 2013 at 8pm.
Larroquette (Night Court) will play Nigel, a “genius roboticist who is sympathetic, highly intelligent and a bit broken.”
Details on Episodes One and Two [Courtesy of Fox]:
In the “Pilot” episode of Almost Human, airing on the first night of the special two-night series premiere Sunday, Nov. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), it’s the year 2048, and an unprecedented increase in the crime rate requires every police officer to partner with an android. John Kennex (Karl Urban), a detective and sole survivor of a devastating police ambush, and his new robot partner, Dorian (Michale Ealy), set out on their first mission to solve a crime and protect innocent people from the dangerously evolved criminals in this futuristic landscape.
In “Skin,” airing on the second night of the special two-night series premiere Monday, Nov. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), Kennex and Dorian investigate a murder and high-profile missing persons case that leads them into the highly profitable world of IRCs – Intimate Robot Companions – also known as sexbots. Meanwhile, Kennex looks to reconcile a part of his troubled past.
Source: Fox
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
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Taylor Swift leads the pack of 2013 American Country Awards nominees with eight, followed close behind by Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line with seven each. Winners of the fourth annual American Country Awards will be announced live on December 10, 2013 during a special two-hour show airing on Fox beginning at 8pm ET (tape delayed on the West Coast). Trace Adkins will be teaming up with NASCAR’s Danica Patrick to host the event taking place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Voting is now open to Country music fans through Tuesday, November 12th at 11:59pm PT.
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Artist of the Year: Female
Kelly Clarkson
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Lee Brice
Hunter Hayes
Randy Houser
Scotty McCreery
Justin Moore
Artist of the Year: New Artist
Florida Georgia Line
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Cassadee Pope
Thomas Rhett
Album of the Year
“Night Train,” Jason Aldean
“Here’s To The Good Times,” Florida Georgia Line
“Two Lanes of Freedom,” Tim McGraw
“Based On A True Story…,” Blake Shelton
“Pioneer,” The Band Perry
Single of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
Single of the Year: Male
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allen
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Single of the Year: Female
“Easy,” Sheryl Crow
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Carrie Underwood
Single of the Year: Duo/Group
“Downtown,” Lady Antebellum
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
“Goodbye in Her Eyes,” Zac Brown Band
Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
“I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“All Over The Road,” Easton Corbin
“Somebody’s Heartbreak,” Hunter Hayes
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Til My Last Day,” Justin Moore
Single of the Year: New Artist
“Did It for the Girl,” Greg Bates
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Redneck Crazy,” Tyler Farr
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
“The Only Way I Know,” Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
“Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies
Touring Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Zac Brown Band
GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY – Music Video of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
Music Video of the Year: Male
“Take A Little Ride,” Jason Aldean
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Music Video of the Year: Female
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Someone Somewhere Tonight,” Kellie Pickler
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Music Video of the Year: New Artist
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Crying On A Suitcase,” Casey James
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Merry Go ‘Round,” Kacey Musgraves
Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Come Wake Me Up,” Rascal Flatts
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
Song of the Year (award goes to the songwriter):
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen
– Recorded by The Band Perry
“Cruise,” Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Joey Moi, Chase Rice and Jesse Rice
– Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Hard To Love,” Ben Glover, Billy Montana and John Ozier
– Recorded by Lee Brice
“Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren
– Recorded by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary
– Recorded by Lee Brice
“Like Jesus Does,” Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell
– Recorded by Eric Church
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves
– Recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Merry Go’ Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne
– Recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Pontoon,” Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird
– Recorded by Little Big Town
“Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor
– Recorded by Darius Rucker
Source: Fox
-Posted by Rebecca Murray
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