Smithsonian Channel is set to premiere The Curious Life and Death Of… on September 6, 2020. The new 6-part series is hosted by medical historian Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris and delves into famous mysterious deaths including that of legendary magician Harry Houdini.
Dr. Fitzharris will bring in experts to assist in the search for answers to lingering questions surrounding the tragic deaths of individuals including actress Brittany Murphy (Clueless) and legendary magician Harry Houdini.
New episodes premiere on Sundays at 9pm ET/PT.
Series Details, Courtesy of Smithsonian Channel:
The six-part series combines history, forensic science, and true crime, to explore some of the most mysterious deaths in history – and the fascinating and often strange lives that preceded them. Whether its 90s icon Brittany Murphy, Rolling Stone founder Brian Jones, or axe-murderess Lizzie Borden, the lives of these fascinating individuals are revealed through tests, investigation and autopsies as medical historian Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris provides a curious and sometimes macabre glimpse into a biography from the morgue.
Additional episodes reveal the team on a quest to identify a tiny body, “the Unknown Titanic Child,” rescued from the icy Atlantic, the mysterious death of Harry Houdini, and the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Dr Lindsey Fitzharris and her team attempt to unpack curious details that have recently come to light. Along the way, she’ll be joined by a revolving cast of experts, including Scotland Yard detectives, medical examiners, weapons gurus and more.
‘The Curious Life and Death Of…’ episode 1 examines the Lizzie Borden axe murders (Photo credit: Smithsonian Channel)
Stargirl‘s Luke Wilson hosts and executive produces ABC’s new unscripted series, Emergency Call, set to premiere on September 28, 2020. The new primetime series focuses on the men and women who handle 911 calls.
“Since I was a kid, I have always been interested in people who help. People who save people,” said Luke Wilson. “When you’re younger, you might be drawn toward superheroes or fictional characters, but as you get older you come to realize that people who help, real-life heroes, are just regular people who do extraordinary things. 911 call takers don’t just save people; they calm and console people until they are safe. They are the first link in the chain of first responders. For that, I feel very lucky to be a part of this project.”
Grant Kahler is the season one showrunner and executive produces the hour-long series. Adeline Ramage Rooney and Jonny Slow also serve as executive producers. 8HOURS Television produces Emergency Call which is based on an original format by De Chinezen.
“An estimated 240 million calls are made every year to 911 call centers across the country,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “While we often hear about some of these stories on the news, we rarely hear about the heroes that are the first point of contact and, at times, essential to saving a life. Emergency Call shines a light on these mysterious and brave voices who are driven by their desire to help; and Luke Wilson is the consummate host, navigating us through these extraordinary situations which will have you on the edge of your seat.”
Luke Wilson hosts ABC’s ‘Emergency Call’ (ABC/Ricky Middlesworth)
The Plot:
Emergency Call follows the dramatic moments leading up to the arrival of help rather than the events after the firefighters, police or emergency medical services teams arrive, and focuses on the extreme, suspenseful and sometimes humorous stories that flood 911 call centers.
Suits star Gina Torres has joined the cast of Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star season two. Torres signed on to play Paramedic Captain Tommy Vega in the dramatic series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear.
According to the official announcement, Captain Tommy Vega “was at the top of her game when she hung up her uniform to raise her twin daughters. For eight years life was great, until Covid-19 changed her life. With her husband’s restaurant going under, Tommy has no choice but to re-enter the workforce to support her family. Though it breaks her heart to be apart from her little girls, Tommy will show the world that no matter how much time has passed, when she puts on that uniform, she’s still a boss.”
“We are so excited to be expanding our 9-1-1-verse with the addition of Gina Torres,” said Minear. “I’ve been dying to write for her again ever since Firefly. Gina brings warmth, intelligence, and command to everything she does. 2020 is finally looking up.”
Production is scheduled to begin on the new season later this fall in Los Angeles. Fox is targeting an early 2021 premiere for season two.
The cast of 9-1-1: Lone Star includes Rob Lowe as Capt. Owen Strand, Liv Tyler as Capt. Michelle Blake, and Jim Parrack as Judd Ryder. Ronen Rubinstein plays T.K. Strand, Sierra McClain is Grace Ryder, Natacha Karam is Marjan Marwani, Brian Michael Smith plays Paul Strickland, and Julian Works is Mateo Chavez.
Murphy, Falchuk, Minear, Alexis Martin Woodall, Bradley Buecker, Rashad Raisani, John J. Gray, Angela Bassett, and Rob Lowe are the executive producers. Minear also serves as the showrunner.
9-1-1: Lone Star Series Description, Courtesy of Fox:
Nearly 20 years ago, Owen strand was the lone survivor of his Manhattan firehouse on 9/11. In the wake of the attack, Owen had the unenviable task of rebuilding his station. After a firehouse in Austin experiences a tragedy of its own, Owen, along with his troubled firefighter son, T.K., takes his progressive philosophies of life and firefighting down to Texas, where he helps them start anew. On the surface, Owen is all about big-city style and swagger, but underneath he struggles with a secret he hides from the world – one that could very well end his life.Once in Austin, Owen meets the brilliant and wry chief paramedic Michelle Blake, as well as police officer Carlos Reyes. He then begins to assemble his new team of diverse and qualified candidates for Firehouse 126, including Marjan Marwani, an adrenaline junkie and badass firefighter who also is a devout Muslim; Paul Strickland, a transgender male firefighter, who bravely decided to transition on the job in Chicago and has a gift for observation worthy of Sherlock Holmes; and rookie firefighter Mateo Chavez.
Owen’s toughest challenge may be Judd Ryder, who, like Owen, was the sole survivor of Austin’s original 126 house after a rescue call ended in tragedy. A gruff cowboy to his core, Judd is married to Grace, a 9-1-1 call center operator, and struggles with PTSD, unsure if he ever can be the firefighter he once was.
Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, and producer Blackbear announced he’s holding a virtual concert in celebration of his fifth studio album, everything means nothing, released August 21, 2020. The one of a kind livestream concert experience will take place from the iconic lobby of The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles on October 21, 2020 at 6pm PT/9pm ET.
The concert will feature the singer’s hits including “hot girl bummer” and “do re mi,” as well as first-time performances from the new album which recently earned high praise from Billboard. “Blackbear continues to showcase his casually charming vocals… don’t be surprised when Everything Means Nothing… produces another hit or two,” stated Billboard’s Jason Lipshutz.
Tickets for the virtual concert are available now via the Spotify fan pre-sale, with general on-sale beginning September 9, 2020.
The news follows his performance with Machine Gun Kelly at the MTV VMAs this past weekend where they teamed up to perform their smash hit, “My Ex’s Best Friend.” The track debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rock Streaming Chart and MTV hailed the performance as, “Pop-punk explosion… [Blackbear] brought his signature panache.”
The just-released 12-track album features his hit anthems “queen of broken hearts,” which was recently introduced on pop radio and has already broken into the Top 40, as well as 2019’s “hot girl bummer” – the double-platinum-certified single that peaked at #2 on Top 40 Pop radio, #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and surpassed 1 billion global streams. That song marked his late-night TV performance debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Blackbear will be appearing on Most Requested Live’s “Ask Anything Chat” hosted by Romeo in September, answering questions submitted by fans.
Gloria Steinem’s autobiography provided the source material for writer/director Julie Taymor’sThe Glorias. The goosebump-inducing teaser trailer and photos from the 2020 drama reveal the four actresses portraying Gloria Steinem during different periods of her life.
Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Lulu Wilson, and Ryan Keira Armstrong step into the shoes of Steinem in this biopic about the feminist icon. The cast also includes Bette Midler as Bella Abzug, Janelle Monáe as Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Lorraine Toussaint as Flo Kennedy, Kimberly Guerrero as Wilma Mankiller, and Monica Sanchez as Dolores Huerta. Sarah Ruhl co-wrote the screenplay based on My Life on the Road by Steinem.
The Glorias premieres on digital and streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on September 30, 2020.
The Plot, Courtesy of Roadside Attractions and LD Entertainment:
Journalist, fighter, and feminist Gloria Steinem is an indelible icon known for her world-shaping activism, guidance of the revolutionary women’s movement, and writing that has impacted generations. In this nontraditional biopic, Julie Taymor crafts a complex tapestry of one of the most inspirational and legendary figures of modern history.
The Glorias traces Steinem’s influential journey to prominence—from her time in India as a young woman, to the founding of Ms. magazine in New York, to her role in the rise of the women’s rights movement in the 1960s, to the historic 1977 National Women’s Conference and beyond.
Taymor gives us her singular take on that rare genre- the Female Road Picture, one in which the female leads do not die in the end, and where the “narrative” is not driven by romance or a bad marriage, or unrequited love or, for that matter, men. Gloria’s road story is about her “Meetings With Remarkable Women”. And that is a love story in itself.
Julianne Moore (as Gloria Steinem) and Bette Midler (as Bella Abzug) in ‘The Glorias’ (Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions)Alicia Vikander (as Gloria Steinem) and Janelle Monáe (as Dorothy Pitman Hughes) – Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside AttractionsLorraine Toussaint (as Flo Kennedy) and Julianne Moore (as Gloria Steinem) – Photo Credit: Dan McFadden / Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside AttractionsAlicia Vikander (as Gloria Steinem) and Janelle Monáe (as Dorothy Pitman Hughes) in ‘The Glorias’ (Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions)Alicia Vikander (as Gloria Steinem), Monica Sanchez (as Dolores Huerta) and Janelle Monáe (as Dorothy Pitman Hughes) – Photo Credit: Dan McFadden / Courtesy of LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions
Covid-19 destroyed Disney’s plans for Mulan’s wide theatrical release. The studio repeatedly moved the release date before ultimately deciding the best option was to release it to American audiences via their subscription streaming service, Disney+, at a premium price. And while it’s not the optimal way to take in a screening of this epic tale, it’s definitely the safest.
The film begins by introducing us to a young, fearless Mulan (Crystal Rao). While guiding such a rambunctious risk-taker, Mulan’s mother tries to rein her in but her father, Zhou (Tza Ma), is more supportive. Despite any efforts to force Mulan to yield to social norms, it’s obvious from early on Mulan was born to be a warrior. She was also born a female which meant embracing that destiny was strictly forbidden.
As a young woman, Mulan (Yifei Liu) stumbles through social niceties, tries to stifle her true self, and attempts to fit into the narrow box of what’s allowable for a young woman of that era. She’s like a bull in a China shop when it comes to fulfilling the demands of a well-bred young woman who’s only goal, according to tradition, should be to make a good match in an arranged marriage.
Believing he’s acting in her best interests – and the best interests of the family – Mulan’s father warns her to hide her gifts. However, Mulan seizes the opportunity to unleash her chi when the Emperor of China demands one male from each family join the Imperial Army to defend their country from the rampaging Rourans. The Rouran horde has slaughtered garrison after garrison, and the Imperial Army needs replacements immediately if there’s any hope of saving the country.
Disguised as a man and assuming the name Hua Jun, Mulan enters training and quickly proves to be a skilled fighter. She overcomes challenges, including how to bathe without being exposed as a woman, and finds herself absorbed into a small, friendly group of fellow soldiers. Among them is a young man, Honghui (Yoson An), who becomes her closest confidante and fervent supporter. But even in this blossoming friendship, Mulan is unable to reveal the truth. The Imperial Army demands its members be loyal, brave, and true. She can’t risk expulsion and the disgrace it would bring to her family if Commander Tung (Donnie Yen) were to learn her secret.
Fairly quickly into their training Mulan’s garrison is called upon to join the battle. The Rourans are aided by a witch, but the Imperial Army has a secret weapon of their own in the form of a fierce warrior who comes to learn the importance of embracing who she is and what she’s capable of accomplishing.
Mulan, the live-action version, doesn’t have any musical numbers. It also doesn’t have gory battle scenes. While the film is packed with thrilling, violent fights, they’re all completely bloodless. It’s understandable since Disney’s targeting a family audience, but it does slightly take the edge off the battle sequences.
Yifei Liu does an impressive job of portraying Mulan’s struggle to be herself in a society that demands she suppress her desires and hide her abilities. Liu completely committed to bringing this iconic warrior to life on the screen, performing almost all her own stunts. (It’s reported she handled 90% of the work.) Her dedication paid off as Mulan’s fights are fluid and breathtaking.
Director Niki Caro (Whale Rider, North Country) assembled an outstanding cast to support Yifei Liu. Gong Li is riveting as Xianniang, a shapeshifting witch with ties to the Rouran leader, Böri Khan. Li’s performance has genuine emotional depth and, other than Mulan’s arc, it’s Xianniang who undergoes the most fulfilling transformation over the course of the film.
Jason Scott Lee’s Böri Khan is battle-hardened and driven by revenge. Khan is ruthless and brutal, and Lee makes him the perfect adversary for the young, inexperienced but determined Mulan.
Other notable standouts among the talented ensemble include Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, the respected leader of Mulan’s garrison and her mentor while she’s in disguise as Hua Jun, and Yoson An as Honghui, Mulan’s fellow soldier and love interest. Yoson An and Yifei Liu have real chemistry on screen as their relationship gently builds from a sort of antagonism to deep respect and ultimately love.
Disney’s live-action Mulan is vibrant, thrilling, and beautiful. The production design, costumes, and cinematography are spectacular, combining to make Mulan one of the most visually arresting action films of the past 20 years.
Director Niki Caro pays homage to the animated film in non-intrusive ways while making this live-action movie completely its own entity. Mulan is the story of a woman who frees herself from her restraints and emerges as a fulfilled, empowered woman. And 2020’s the perfect time for the tale of a hero who overcomes arbitrary, unfair restrictions and embraces her inner warrior. It’s just a shame Covid-19 is keeping audiences from watching the film in all its epic glory on the big screen.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence
Running Time: 115 minutes
Release Date: September 4, 2020
Directed By: Niki Caro
Written By: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Elizabeth Martin, and Lauren Hynek
Suggested By: The narrative poem, “The Ballad of Mulan”
MGM’s just released a new trailer for No Time to Die along with four brand new photos from the latest installment in the James Bond franchise. The second official trailer is packed with action, gun fights, and showcases Rami Malek’s new villain character, Safin. In one exchange between our hero and the film’s big bad, Safin compares himself to Bond. “We both eradicate people to make the world a better place. I just want to be a little tidier,” says Safin.
In addition to Daniel Craig as the suave superspy, the cast includes Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Ben Whishaw as Q, and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter. Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, Ana de Armas, David Dencik, Christoph Waltz, and Dali Benssalah also star in the much-anticipated 25th Bond film.
Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge co-wrote the screenplay with director Cary Joji Fukunaga. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli served as producers.
MGM’s settled on a November 25, 2020 theatrical release for the new James Bond film. The action thriller’s been bumped around a bit because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but if theaters are open (and the flu season doesn’t escalate Covid cases) we can hope to finally get a chance to see Daniel Craig back as Bond, James Bond later this year.
The Plot, Courtesy of MGM:
In No Time To Die Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
Star Trek: Discovery is going where no Star Trek series or film has gone before, introducing the first non-binary and transgender characters in the franchise’s history. CBS All Access announced Blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander have joined the cast of season three, “furthering the Star Trek universe’s ongoing commitment to Gene Roddenberry’s original vision of celebrating diversity and inclusion.”
“Star Trek has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities because it believes in showing people that a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach,” said Michelle Paradise, co-showrunner and executive producer. “We take pride in working closely with Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander, and Nick Adams at GLAAD to create the extraordinary characters of Adira and Gray, and bring their stories to life with empathy, understanding, empowerment and joy.”
CBS All Access’ official casting announcement included details on the characters del Barrio and Alexander will be playing:
The Star Trek universe’s first non-binary character is Adira, played by Blu del Barrio. Adira is highly intelligent with a confidence and self-assurance well beyond their years. They will find a new home on the U.S.S. Discovery and form an unexpected bond with Lt. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz).
The first transgender character is Gray, portrayed by Ian Alexander. Gray is empathetic, warm and eager to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a Trill host, but he will have to adapt when his life takes an unexpected turn.
The cast of season three also features Sonequa Martin-Green (Commander Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Commander Saru), Mary Wiseman (Ensign Sylvia Tilly), David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker) and Michelle Yeoh (Philippa Georgiou).
Star Trek: Discovery‘s 13-episode third season will premiere on Thursday, October 15, 2020.
The Season 3 Plot, Courtesy of CBS All Access:
After following Commander Burnham into the wormhole in the second season finale, season three of Star Trek: Discovery finds the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery landing in an unknown future far from the home they once knew. Now living in a time filled with uncertainty, the U.S.S. Discovery crew, along with the help of some new friends, must work together to restore hope to the Federation.
The CW’s The 100 finally returns after a three week break with season seven episode 13, “Blood Giant.” Directed by Michael Cliett from a script by Ross Knight, episode 13 will air on September 9, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT.
Season seven stars Eliza Taylor as Clarke, Bob Morley as Bellamy, Marie Avgeropoulos as Octavia, Lindsey Morgan as Raven, and Richard Harmon as Murphy. Tasya Teles is Echo, Shannon Kook plays Jordan, JR Bourne is Russell Lightbourne VII, Shelby Flannery is Hope Diyoza, Ivana Milicevic is Diyoza, Adina Porter is Indra, and Chuku Modu plays Dr. Gabriel Santiago.
“Blood Giant” Plot: BEST LAID PLANS – The red sun derails Clarke’s (Taylor) plans.
Season 7 Description, Courtesy of The CW:
The seventh and final season opens with our heroes picking up the pieces of the society they destroyed on Sanctum. Still reeling from her mother’s death, Clarke, perhaps more than anyone, feels the toll of years upon years of fighting and loss. The group soon finds that maintaining order among the competing factions is no easy feat, and one that has them questioning whether their commitment to doing better was worth the price.
At the same time, our heroes must contend with new obstacles on a scale beyond any that they previously experienced as they unravel the mysteries of the Anomaly. What they encounter on this epic journey pushes them to their limits both physically and emotionally, challenging their long-held conceptions of family, love, and sacrifice. Ultimately, our heroes must answer for themselves what it means to truly live, and not just survive.
Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios unveiled a teaser trailer for Welcome to the Blumhouse, a collection of eight original genre movies spotlighting the work of emerging filmmakers. The teaser, which features the song “What’s Up” performed by FJØRA and produced by Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry (this version’s a reimagining of her original version of the song), suggests we “unsettle in” for thrills and chills.
Four of the films are dropping in October 2020, with the second four planned for a 2021 release. Black Box and The Lie will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 6th. Evil Eye and Nocturne follow on October 13th.
Details on the First Four Films, Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video:
The Lie is written and directed by Veena Sud, and stars Mireille Enos, Peter Sarsgaard and Joey King. When their teenaged daughter confesses to impulsively killing her best friend, two desperate parents attempt to cover up the horrific crime, leading them into a complicated web of lies and deception.
Directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr. and script by Osei-Kuffour Jr. and Stephen Herman, Black Box stars Mamoudou Athie, Phylicia Rashad, Amanda Christine, Tosin Morohunfola, Charmaine Bingwa, and Troy James. After losing his wife and his memory in a car accident, a single father undergoes an agonizing experimental treatment that causes him to question who he really is.
Based off the award-winning, best-selling Audible Original production from writer Madhuri Shekar, Evil Eye is directed by Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani, and stars Sarita Choudhury, Sunita Mani, Omar Maskati, and Bernard White. A seemingly perfect romance turns into a nightmare when a mother becomes convinced her daughter’s new boyfriend has a dark connection to her own past.
Nocturne is written and directed by Zu Quirke in her breakout feature debut. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Madison Iseman, Jacques Colimon, and Ivan Shaw. Inside the halls of an elite arts academy, a timid music student begins to outshine her more accomplished and outgoing twin sister when she discovers a mysterious notebook belonging to a recently deceased classmate.
Sunita Mani as Pallavi and Sarita Choudhury as Usha in ‘Evil Eye’ (Photo Credit: Amazon Studios and Blumhouse Television)
