Warwick Davis in a scene from ‘Willow’ (Photo Courtesy of Lucasfilm)
Warwick Davis is set to reprise his role from the popular 1988 film in the new series Willow, set up at Disney+. Lucasfilm announced the series and confirmed Davis won’t be the only connection to the original movie. Willow director Ron Howard is on board as executive producer and the film’s screenwriter, Bob Dolman, will serve as a consulting producer.
Crazy Rich Asians‘ Jon M. Chu is attached to direct the series’ pilot from a script by Jonathan Kasdan. Chu will also executive produce along with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, and showrunners Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow).
“Growing up in the ’80s, Willow has had a profound effect on me,” said Chu. “The story of the bravest heroes in the least likely places allowed me, an Asian-American kid growing up in a Chinese restaurant looking to go to Hollywood, to believe in the power of our own will, determination and of course, inner magic. So the fact that I get to work with my heroes from Kathleen Kennedy to Ron Howard is bigger than a dream come-true. It’s a bucket-list moment for me. Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle have added such groundbreaking new characters and delightful surprises to this timeless story that I can’t wait for the world to come along on this epic journey with us.”
According to Lucasfilm, the series is set after the events that transpired in the feature film and introduces “all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its namesake hero, Willow Ufgood, performed once again by the unmatchable Warwick Davis.”
“It’s creatively exciting to not only revisit the world and characters first conceived by George Lucas, Bob Dolman and myself but to see it take flight in such fresh, fun and cinematic ways through the imagination of Jon Kasdan and Team Willow,” stated Howard. “This isn’t a nostalgic throw-back, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”
Filming is expected to begin next year in Wales where the original movie was shot.
“So many fans have asked me over the years if Willow will make a return, and now I’m thrilled to tell them that he will indeed,” said Davis. “Many have told me they grew up with Willow and that the film has influenced how they view heroism in our own world. If Willow Ufgood can represent the heroic potential in all of us, then he is a character I am extremely honored to reprise.”
“This is an exciting new era for storytelling at Lucasfilm,” explained Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “Jon Chu’s vision, coupled with the writing of Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle, is going to take Willow into new and exciting directions for the series. Reuniting Ron Howard and Warwick Davis in the world of Willow is something that they’ve both wanted to do for some time, and I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible team we’ve put together to bring this series to Disney+.”
Taylor Schilling and Roberta Colindrez in ‘Monsterland’ episode 5 (Photo by: Barbara Nitke/Hulu)
Nathan Ballingrud’s short story collection North American Lake Monsters springs to life in Hulu’s horror anthology series, Monsterland. Each of the eight episodes that make up Monsterland focus on a unique supernatural tale told with a different cast and in different settings.
Emmy nominee Taylor Schilling (Orange Is the New Black) leads the cast of season one episode five, “Plainfield, Illinois.” The episode explores the relationship of a couple, played by Schilling and Roberta Colindrez, as they push the boundaries between life and death. Schilling joined Monsterland showrunner and executive producer Mary Laws for a virtual roundtable discussion during New York Comic Con to discuss the source material and Schilling’s riveting (and disturbing) episode.
All episodes of Monsterland are currently streaming on Hulu. (Warning: There are episode five spoilers ahead.)
What type of research did you do to better understand what your character was dealing with, both in terms of having bipolar disorder and also turning into a zombie?
Taylor Schilling: “I think that I had many moments where I felt like I was experiencing my life as a horror film. And it feels that way and it feels that heightened. I think a lot of times it’s just when a script is very well written and feels very emotionally solvent, logical, it’s really just a little bit of detective work to figure out, to connect the dots from what’s happening there to what’s happening other places.
This piece made a hell of a lot more sense to me than other more seemingly simple things I’ve done.”
What made you look at the source material and believe it was perfect for an anthology series?
Mary Laws: “Well, the source material itself sort of feels like an anthology series. You know, Nathan’s book is…I mean, first of all, it’s truly beautiful. The depth of character in his book is astonishing and I think as a writer you get sent a lot of (intellectual property) all the time. I took one look at the first story in his book, which is our pilot episode, and I thought, ‘Oh my god I have to do this. I’ve never read anything like this.’
It was such an incredible portrait of a really complicated, young single mother that I felt like, ‘Oh, I’ve never seen that person on screen before.’ And that’s sort of when I always know I have to do it – to put things and people on screen that don’t usually get that spotlight.
But the book itself is a collection of short stories and so every story kind of felt like it was its own tiny little moment in time about a human sort of wrestling inside a pothole they had fallen into in their life. I felt like that was just an amazing stage to be able to play on and tell stories about a lot of different broken people and why they do the monstrous things that they do, a real exploration of humanity.”
What is it that draws you to the supernatural and horror genre?
Mary Laws: “Oh my gosh I just love it! Isn’t it fun? I was talking to a friend of mine a while back and said, ‘I just don’t know how I would ever write anything that’s just stark naturalism.’ I feel like I am so fortunate to sort of put the way that I see the world, emotionally, into these metaphors of zombies, of monsters and demons. I think it’s just a really exciting way to talk about the actual horror of the world is through this lens. So, I’m just drawn to it.
I think as an audience member I’m actually drawn to a lot of naturalism though, maybe because it feels like something I can’t do. But I don’t know – I love it.”
How did you go about finding the directors of each episode?
Mary Laws: “I watched a lot. I mean, some of the directors I’d known because I’d worked with them previously and I felt so lucky to have a chance to work with them on this project. But then others, it was exploration. Recommendations from Hulu, recommendations from our studio Annapurna, recommendations from our writing team. I mean, we were just looking for really incredible auteur-style directors who could come in and really put their fingerprints all over an episode, which is really exciting to me because I think directors don’t usually have that kind of opportunity in television. Everything is sort of supposed to be in a style set. But this, I think every episode is a little bit different and quite unique which I think is a result of us having eight really brilliant, different styles, different backgrounds, different kinds of directors come to the material.
I just chose directors whose work I deeply, truly admired and that I wanted to learn from.”
How do you get into the mindset of someone who’s mentally and physically deteriorating and losing herself as you’re going along in this project?
Taylor Schilling: “I think it’s closer than one would imagine. For me, when the external pieces match the puzzle pieces of the internal landscape it’s really fun. It’s really fun. Everything coalesces and you just can kind of slalom down the slope. So, I think it was a pleasure.”
Was it easier to find her at the beginning of her journey or the end of her journey?
Taylor Schilling: “I think that she was seeking freedom throughout the piece in a really aggressive way. She developed a sense of relief by the end of her story, and that was fun. There were no more constraints. That was really exciting and fun.”
You’ve mentioned you’re not a big horror fan, but you do like psychological thrillers. What is it about them that interests you?
Taylor Schilling: “I’m not opposed to horror films; it’s just never what I click on. It’s not what I’m immediately taken by. That said, any kind of psychological thriller piece where I feel bent emotionally, I feel emotionally manipulated and frightened – I’m all in. I get scared by that. A jump scare I’m like, ‘Really?’ It doesn’t really do much for me. But I want to feel like I’m losing my mind. The mind is really what gets me.
And that’s kind of how I felt about The Prodigy, too. I was fascinated by that woman. And that’s all you can do as an actor, sort of see what comes and then say, ‘Let’s give it a shot. Let’s see how it turns out.’ But that’s what I like. Both (Monsterland and The Prodigy) related in that way, that it felt like the razor’s edge of reality was melting for both of the women in those projects.”
The CW’s unveiled new photos from Pandora season two episode four, “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’.” Episode four was directed by Brea Grant from a script by Susan Estelle Jansen and will air on Sunday, October 25, 2020.
The season two cast includes Priscilla Quintana as Jax Zhou, Oliver Dench as Xander, Tina Casciani as Tierney, and Ben Radcliffe as Ralen. Noah Huntley plays Professor Donovan Osborn, Akshay Kumar is Jett Annamali, Nicole Castillo-Mavromatis is Zazi Nichols, and Vikash Bhai plays Professor Martin Shral.
“Beyond Here Lies Nothin'” Plot: NIGHTMARES COME TRUE – Jax (Quintana) and the team go in search of a lost alien race that may be the key to saving the Universe, but on the way, find themselves plagued by disturbing nightmares that arise out of each individual’s personal traumas and most personal fears.
Pandora Description, Courtesy of The CW:
Set in the year 2199, Pandora is a sci-fi action series about a resourceful young woman who has lost everything but finds a new life at Earth’s Space Training Academy where she and her friends learn to defend the Galaxy from threats, both alien and human. With time running out before the universe is annihilated by an enigmatic alien race, only a misfit band of heroes – the “Pandora,” Jax, along with her friends, Captain Xander Duvall and the alien Ralen, can save us all from destruction.
Fox’s Filthy Rich returns from a two-week break with season one episode four, “Romans 8:30.” After the disastrous events of episode three, episode four opens on what seems to be a much more relaxing note. Rose (Aubrey Dollar) has invited Ginger (Melia Kreiling), Tina (Rachel York), and Jason (Mark L. Young) to the country house to get away from it all and they’re happy for the opportunity to relax.
Rose is ready to play host for the weekend, and she takes special care of Jason. Ginger’s mom, Tina, is still tense, even though Rose assures her they have dogs and guns. After Tina walks away to look around the place, Ginger shows Rose the photo the stranger left on the car outside the motel. It’s an old photo of Tina, and Ginger has no idea how the man is connected to her mom.
At the same moment Rose is assuring two of her new siblings they can relax and get to know each other without Margaret hovering, Margaret (Kim Cattrall) shows up with a huge entourage. Tina notices the men accompanying Margaret and panics. She’s sure they’ll kill her if they see her.
Margaret has a private chat with Franklin (Steve Harris) who’s concerned about how she’s handling these powerful investors. Margaret believes she can’t afford to alienate these men but promises she won’t give them any more of Sunny Club.
Meanwhile, the investors in question are toasting Eugene. Reverend Paul Luke Thomas (Aaron Lazar) complains Eugene left behind a “crap show,” and Eric (Corey Cott) elaborates saying the bayou missions are a disaster. They blame Eugene and Townes Dockerty (Carl Palmer) assures Eric he’ll get them fixed up.
When Townes references the “1820” as being a family, Eric admits he doesn’t know what 1820 is. Reverend Paul describes the 1820 as a small group of businessmen who break bread and study scripture in secret. They offer Eric the chance to take over Eugene’s seat in the group.
And speaking of Eugene (Gerald McRaney), the not-so-dead family patriarch is in jail after stealing from the store where he was temporarily employed. An officer enters the interrogation room with a massive folder. Apparently, Eugene has quite a few skeletons hidden in his closet.
Back at the mansion, Rose takes Ginger and Tina up to her workshop. It’s full of clothes, materials, and other design supplies. Tina’s incredibly worried about being in the same house as Rose’s “uncles” and doesn’t want to take a chance on being seen.
After Rose leaves to get something to calm Tina’s nerves, Tina warns her daughter men like the ones downstairs rule the world.
The next time we see Eugene he’s in prison clothes helping other inmates clear a sugarcane field while loudly complaining. He claims to be innocent and is upset he never got to make a phone call. He’s hit across the face with a baton by the same Corrections officer who he spoke to in prison. (Nothing to do with Eugene’s storyline makes a bit of sense.)
Antonio (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) and his son are helping Margaret in the kitchen as Rose walks in. Grabbing a bottle of wine, she sarcastically thanks her mom for inviting her to the party (she didn’t) but doesn’t reveal Tina and Ginger are upstairs.
Margaret’s disturbed to learn from Becky (Olivia Macklin) that Eric and the other men are all in Eugene’s study. She grabs a cake, ready to use it as an excuse to break up the group.
The men suggest Eric should go into politics. The 1820 helps promising men start up their businesses, and these men want to help Eric with Sunny Club. He explains that’s his mother’s business and they’ll need to speak with her.
Margaret barges in and asks Eric to retrieve the forks and plates. She takes his seat and asks what they’ve been talking about without her. They lie and freeze her out. Margaret leaves, but not before asking Paul to step out with her for a moment.
Paul explains these investors want the same stake in Sunny Club they have in the Sunshine Network. Margaret refuses and Paul warns her if she doesn’t back down, she should prepare for a hostile takeover.
Now that they’re alone, Ginger gets Tina to explain who the men are and why she’s scared. Tina admits the men came to Vegas when she was a young showgirl. They were there for a Christian business leaders convention and Eugene was the only one who wasn’t drunk.
And now here’s the first big reveal… Tina was paid $10,000 by Eugene’s friends to seduce him in a room that was wired. They filmed it so they’d have something to hold over him. She and Eugene fell in love and when she found out she was pregnant, the men downstairs sent the crazy guy who was in the motel parking lot to warn her she’d be killed if she ever spoke of that first night with Eugene.
“I raised you in the shadows to save your life,” says Tina. She’s ashamed and believes Eugene was truly a good man until he met her.
As Tina’s confessing, she’s unaware Rose is standing outside the door listening in.
Antonio’s mom shows up in a taxi, upset he’s getting so close to Margaret. She can’t believe Antonio actually likes Margaret; he was only supposed to be pretending. He sends her away before she can make any more of a scene.
Alone in his room, Eric’s logged into the porn site to talk with Ginger’s sister, Rachel (Aqueela Zoll). Since he’s going into politics, she warns him they need to stop talking. Eric disagrees because they’re friends and can still share their thoughts. Rachel believes emotional intimacy can lead to physical intimacy, but he quickly tells her it won’t because he’s married. (Remember, Ginger told Rachel to record every session with Eric and the other powerful men.)
Eric’s forced to slam the laptop shut when Margaret enters his room. Margaret wants to talk about how the men are making him an errand boy, and Eric points out she’s the one who sends him on actual errands. Meanwhile, they want him in politics and ultimately in the governor’s mansion.
Margaret grabs a shotgun and asks Eric to accompany her.
Jason’s having his own issue with these strangers. One of the ladies won’t stop hitting on him and he’s forced to run to Rose for protection. Rose admits the woman, Veronica, is a slut and doesn’t think she’s Jason’s type.
Rose confesses she was engaged to the son of one of her “uncles” and she called it off when he cheated. “All of the men that I thought were family are monsters. For all I know, you are too,” she says before sending Jason away. Rose definitely needs some alone time.
Margaret finds the men preparing for a duck hunt. She hands Virgil Eugene’s gun and he claims to be honored. She also announces that while Eugene might have promised them part of Sunny Club, he also told her that it was hers and hers alone. She proposes a deal. She’ll retain ownership and give them a cut of the action as no-bid contractors.
The men want to talk it over with Franklin, but Margaret squashes that idea since it’s her company. Townes offers to buy her out instead, but Margaret puts him in his place by saying that would mess up Veronica’s trust fund.
When they ask about the 20% of Sunny Club profits that will flow into the charities, she reminds them only Eric is in charge of that. “He’s the only truly honorable man I know,” says Margaret.
Meeting adjourned, Eric heads out to shoot a pig with Jason and Antonio. Antonio refuses to use a gun so Eric hands it to Jason. Jason’s sad about the idea of shooting the pig because it’s “just chillin’.” Eric reminds him he eats bacon. A very drunk and horny Veronica is Jason’s way out of the situation as she arrives with drinks. Jason takes off for the house with her, rather than stick around to shoot a pig.
Eugene finds out from a fellow prisoner that the field he’s working in is owned by Virgil Love. Eugene’s happy about that turn of events as he’s a buddy of Virgil’s. Plus, it means his own home is just up the road.
The Corrections officer assures Eugene he can stay and do his time or try and outrun justice. He decides his best option is to make a run for it.
Rose is apparently tired of secrets and fills Margaret in on Eugene and Tina’s relationship.
And now we’ve arrived at our second major twist of the episode… Veronica is actually Jason’s mom and she’s sleeping with Franklin. They’ve been together quite a while and Franklin was responsible for finding Jason a good family when he was just a baby. Margaret only assumed he hired a private detective to find Jason, and now that Eugene’s gone Franklin thinks Veronica should claim her son.
She won’t do that. Instead, she reminds him they need to take the secret to their graves.
So, Veronica’s not really flirting with Jason; she’s just excited about spending time getting to know her son.
Tina and Ginger are still discussing Eugene and the men when Margaret and Rose bust in. Margaret apologizes right off the bat and calls the men monsters. Margaret assures them the men will get what’s coming to them and God will take care of them.
The women decide to take matters into their own hands by forming a ladies table. Margaret thinks that together they’ll be just as powerful as these disgusting men. She wants to expose their weaknesses while helping each other. Margaret suggests that physically and emotionally the best place for Tina right now is rehab. It’s also the safest place. Ginger’s not convinced Margaret is sincere, but Tina understands Margaret is truly trying to help.
Ginger fairly quickly comes around after she gets Margaret to agree to leave her business alone. “Long live the ladies table,” announces Rose.
A short while later, Margaret opens a closet she only opens up once a year. Inside are fur coats, and the wealthy wives squeal with delight over having the opportunity to wear them for a few hours without anyone judging them.
Margaret says the coats are all thanks to Eugene’s wealthy mother. She glances at a painting as she speaks and the woman in the painting looks just like store clerk Juliette (Juliette Lewis). Wait, no…so Juliette from the store is Eugene’s mom? Sister? A ghost? Why was she in that store and why did he steal from her? I stand behind my assertion his storyline is a mess.
Eric finds his wife and has a chat, admitting Jason and Antonio are nicer than he assumed. He also tells his wife Virgil Love wants to groom him for lieutenant governor. He’s a bit horny but she pushes him off, reminding him she’s already pregnant.
Eric grabs his laptop and leaves, suggesting she get some rest.
After Margaret leaves, Ginger asks Rose if she really trusts her mom. Is the ladies table thing legit? Rose believes it is.
Their discussion’s interrupted when Ginger receives a video from her girls. It’s of Antonio’s mom who’s working off her anger by subbing in for Rachel with a customer who likes it rough. The customer turns out to be Virgil Love. Rose is disgusted knowing Virgil visited the porn site from this very house.
Later, Jason’s packed his bags and is saying goodbye to Rose. He’s sorry about how men have treated her in the past and doesn’t think she should be with a liar. He says he loves her and she replies, “You are the only true thing in my life, Jason.”
He corrects her, reminding her he’s Mark. They continue kissing and fall into bed.
Night falls and the party continues, with Franklin finally meeting up with Margaret. She gives him an update on her meeting with the 1820 and how she made the men contractors. Franklin’s upset and believes she just gave them all a way into Sunny Club that Eugene would never have allowed. He knows Eugene wanted Sunny Club to remain solely hers and her move gave the men too much leverage.
Eugene watches the party going on from the nearby woods. He emerges and is greeted by the woman who rescued him from the swamp, the Corrections officer, and his mom/sister/aunt/whatever/Juliette. She welcomes him home and he continues walking toward his house. Of course, the women aren’t really there and he’s actually alone as he watches Margaret pray by a tree, away from their guests. (I’ve figured it out. The Eugene character is just a leftover idea from some other TV project that somehow found its way into Filthy Rich.)
Anyway… Eugene’s hiding behind a tree as he hears Margaret ask, “How many more times must I forgive Eugene?”
Eugene pauses by the trees as Margaret returns to her guests.
Ginger’s asleep as Tina dons a wedding dress designed by Rose as well as one of the remaining fur coats. She’s come downstairs and appears to be heading out to the party when she spots Eugene. (He’s now made it unseen into the house.) He places his finger over her lips and she takes off the fur coat, draping it over his shoulders. She gently strokes his face and then watches as he walks out the front door, still wearing the prison attire and now a fur coat.
Margaret walks in the same door seconds later. She spots Tina making her way upstairs and says, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
Lionsgate’s released a new trailer for the romantic drama Wander Darkly starring Sienna Miller and Diego Luna. The film was introduced on the festival circuit and was an official Sundance Film Festival selection. Audiences will get a chance to check it out on December 11, 2020 in select theaters and On Demand.
Sienna Miller and Diego Luna’s co-stars include Beth Grant, Aimee Carrero, Tory Kittles, and Vanessa Bayer.
Tara Miele wrote and directed the R-rated drama, with Lynette Howell Taylor, Samantha Housman, Shivani Rawat, and Monica Levinson producing. Miele’s behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Carolina Costa, editor Tamara Meem and Alex O’Flinn, production designer Katie Byron, and costume designer Christopher Lawrence.
The Plot, Courtesy of Lionsgate:
In Wander Darkly, a traumatic accident leaves a couple, Adrienne (Miller) and Matteo (Luna), in a surreal state of being that takes them on a disorienting journey through the duality of their shared moments. By reliving fond recollections from the beginning of their romance while also navigating the overwhelming truths of their present, they must rediscover the love that truly binds them together.
Writer/director Tara Miele offers a profound new perspective on the delicate nature of relationships with this emotionally moving story about a couple who must reflect on their past in order to face their uncertain future.
Sienna Miller and Diego Luna star in ‘Wander Darkly’ (Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Carolina Costa)
Netflix has just released the official trailer and poster for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom starring Oscar winner Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. The music-driven drama is based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s play and is set to make an Oscar run in theaters beginning in November. It’ll arrive on Netflix on December 18, 2020.
Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (in his final film, may he rest in peace) are joined by Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Jonny Coyne, Taylour Paige, Jeremy Shamos, Dusan Brown, and Joshua Harto for what’s described as a celebration of “transformative power of the blues and the artists who refuse to let society’s prejudices dictate their worth.”
Five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe (Lackawanna Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) directed and Ruben Santiago-Hudson adapted Wilson’s play for the screen. Denzel Washington, Todd Black, and Dany Wolf produced, with Constanza Romero executive producing.
Wolfe’s behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Tobias Schliessler, production designer Mark Ricker, costume designer Ann Roth, editor Andrew Mondshein, and composer Branford Marsalis.
The Plot:
Tensions and temperatures rise over the course of an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago as a band of musicians await trailblazing performer, the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey. Late to the session, the fearless, fiery Ma engages in a battle of wills with her white manager and producer over control of her music. As the band waits in the studio’s claustrophobic rehearsal room, ambitious trumpeter Levee (Boseman) — who has an eye for Ma’s girlfriend and is determined to stake his own claim on the music industry — spurs his fellow musicians into an eruption of stories revealing truths that will forever change the course of their lives.
The trailer for All My Life opens with a voiceover delivered by Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) explaining the average person lives 27,375 days. The trailer then goes on to briefly touch on key points in a young couple’s releationship, including the devastating news that one has been diagnosed with cancer.
Based on a true story, the cast of the romantic drama is led by Rothe as Jennifer Carter and Shadowhunters‘ Harry Shum Jr as Solomon Chau. Kyle Allen, Chrissie Fit, Jay Pharoah, Marielle Scott, and Keala Settle also star.
The real Jenn Carter had this to say about the film:
“Every love story has its highs and lows, and mine and Sol’s was no different. In the year that he proposed to me during a flash mob, orchestrated with the help of our family and friends, Sol was also diagnosed with liver cancer. We were two very ordinary individuals who found ourselves in a very extraordinary situation. We had the choice to either give in to the fear that Sol’s cancer prognosis had laid upon us, or, to move forward with every ounce of love and support we’d be given, making the most of our time we had left together. Our family and friends, our community, and even complete strangers stepped in to help make the last few months of Sol’s life memorable.
Everyone who had the privilege to witness Sol during his darkest hours will remember him as the one in the room with the biggest smile; the one who wanted to make sure that everyone around him was okay; and the one who took the challenges that life had given him and found a way to make the most of it. He will always be someone who gave the world his all, and in his time of need, the world gave it right back.
It is an honor to be sharing our story with the world through this film.”
Marc Meyers (My Friend Dahmer, Human Capital) directed from a screenplay by Todd Rosenberg. Broken Road Productions’ Todd Garner and Sean Robins produced, with Robin Mulcahy Fisichella and Gina Matthews executive producing.
Universal Pictures is planning a December 4, 2020 release.
The Plot:
Based on the powerful true love story that inspired an entire nation, All My Life follows the journey of an engaged couple who make the difficult decision to accelerate their wedding in the wake of a devastating discovery.
Jennifer Carter (Rothe) and Solomon Chau (Shum Jr) are a sweet, fun-loving, newly engaged couple whose whole life seems ahead of them. But when Sol is diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in December, their plans for a summer wedding become impossible.
In a race against time, Jenn and Sol’s friends and family launch an online fundraiser to help the couple create their dream wedding in just two weeks. In the process, they unleash an outpouring of generosity and attention from people around the world who want to celebrate the power of love with them.
Through it all, Jenn and Sol’s commitment to each other only deepens, becoming a heartwarming reminder that the strength of true love knows no limits.
Nothing says let’s celebrate the winter holidays like 90 degree weather in mid-October, am I right? Nevertheless, Netflix is getting a head start on spreading Christmas cheer with the release of the official The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two trailer. The streaming service is also showing off a new poster for the family-friendly comedy arriving in November.
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn return as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, reprising their roles from 2018’s The Christmas Chronicles. The cast also includes Jahzir Bruno, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Julian Dennison, Tyrese Gibson, Judah Lewis, and Darby Camp.
Clay Kaytis was at the helm of the first film while the sequel has Chris Columbus (Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Home Alone 1 & 2, Harry Potter 1 & 2) directing. Columbus also co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Lieberman and produces along with Kurt Russell, Mark Radcliffe, and Michael Barnathan.
Netflix is planning on releasing the holiday comedy in select theater in November and on Netflix on November 25, 2020.
The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:
It’s been two years since siblings Kate (Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Lewis) saved Christmas, and a lot has changed. Kate, now a cynical teenager, is reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend (Gibson) and his son Jack (Bruno). Unwilling to accept this new version of her family, Kate decides to run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus (Russell).
The Christmas Chronicles 2 is an action-packed adventure for the whole family that’s full of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.
Glynn Turman as Doctor Senator in ‘Fargo’ season 4 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris/FX)
The body count rises as we make it to the halfway point of FX’s Fargo season four. Episode five, “The Birthplace of Civilization,” kicks off with the police raiding a jazz club where Loy Cannon’s son, Lemuel (Matthew Elam), is hanging out enjoying the band. The raid was arranged by Josto (Jason Schwartzman) who’s standing across the street gloating as it goes down. He tells his brother, Gaetano (Salvatore Esposito), this is how you take down Loy’s criminal enterprise.
And speaking of Loy (Chris Rock), he’s with his men delivering the 300 stolen guns to Mortie Kellerman (Kai Lennox). Loy reminds Mortie that by accepting the weapons, he’s pledging his loyalty. Mortie’s told they’ll call him when they need him.
After the gun business is wrapped up, Loy issues orders to head to the funeral home and get the address of where the women who robbed his place are holed up. Loy claims the funeral home is now his and if the Smutnys don’t divulge the whereabouts, they’ll pay with their lives.
Loy’s interrupted by the arrival of cops. Detective Odis Weff (Jack Huston) leads the group raiding the warehouse, lying that Loy’s men are breaking the law. He picks up the bag of money next to Loy and claims it as his.
Loy reveals he knows who Odis is and he’s heard the story of what Odis did during the war. He explains to all those within earshot that Odis was in charge of sweeping for landmines. One day he simply laid down in the grass and failed to do his job. As a result, a colonel was blown to pieces after Odis lied and said the field was cleared.
Odis tells the officers to take everyone except Loy into custody. Odis warns Loy that Josto Fadda sent him to deliver a reminder he needs to stick to the deal.
U.S. Marshal Dick ‘Deafy’ Wickware (Timothy Olyphant) is hidden in the dark, seated in his car and watching Loy’s warehouse. He witnesses Odis walking out with a large bag.
Over at the hospital, Nurse Oraetta Mayflower (Jessie Buckley) is trying to nap as she sits by an extremely ill patient’s bed. He’s groaning in pain and Oraetta shushes him.
Ethelrida (E’myri Crutchfield) is at home working on a letter to Dr. Harvard. She’s put two-and-two together and realizes Oraetta has been killing patients. Her father comes in and reminds her it’s time for bed, and she asks what laudanum is used for. She admits to seeing it at Oraetta’s place, and Thurman (Andrew Bird) explains it’s a very powerful painkiller.
Ethelrida asks about her aunt, worried she’ll never see her again. Reluctantly, Thurman reveals she’s at a hotel downtown but warns Ethelrida to stay away from there. He also warns his daughter to avoid Oraetta, given the fact they’re now living outside the law. Plus, he’s pretty sure she poisoned the pie she baked them.
Ethelrida doesn’t go straight to bed when her dad leaves. Instead, she finishes the letter warning Dr. Harvard many patients have died in mysterious circumstances under Oraetta’s care.
Over at the Fadda place, Josto chats with Rabbi Milligan (Ben Whishaw) as Rabbi helps Satchel learn math. Josto believes he’s got Loy on the run now and that Gaetano will go home since there isn’t a war to be fought. Rabbi Milligan doesn’t think that’s necessarily true. He’s certain Gaetano’s there to take over…and there’s only one way to assure that won’t happen.
When Josto leaves, Rabbi Milligan warns Satchel to be ready. “When the shooting starts, we vanish,” says Rabbi.
Ethelrida disobeys her dad and heads over to the New Parie Hotel. Her aunt, Zelmare Roulette (Karen Aldridge), and Swanee Capps (Kelsey Asbille) let her in and immediately ask about food. They’re starving since they can’t go out and ecstatic to learn she has some pretzels. Zelmare wants her niece to drink with them, since it’s Ethelrida’s birthday. They need to celebrate now because Zelmare can’t make it to her sister’s house for cake.
Ethelrida asks for advice on what to do if she sees something wrong. Zelmare replies by way of explaining the differences between being a criminal and being an outlaw. She and Swanee are outlaws since they don’t live by any rules.
Many of Loy’s men, along with his son, are locked up in the same jail cell. They argue and place blame but are silent as Josto arrives to speak with them. Josto goes into a lengthy tale about crime stories. He claims Americans root for the guy with the guns who takes what he wants. Americans don’t root for victims unless the takers are Black.
“See, Johnny Society looks at me and they see a fella that’s using crime to get ahead. But you…all they see is crime – and that’s why you’re going to lose,” explains Josto. He tells the men to advise Loy it’s time to surrender.
Rabbi sticks around for a minute after Josto leaves. He wants to know how Loy’s going to respond and learns there’s no going back. He tells them to let Loy know he’ll keep Satchel safe – no matter what.
Dick heads over to Odis’ house and demands to be let in. Dick reveals he knows about the big raid from the prior evening and suggests Odis call him next time if he needs help. He looks around at Odis’ things and spots a photo of a woman. It turns out she’s Odis’ deceased fiancée who was raped and murdered while he was in France. The day he received the news of her murder is the day he laid down in the grass instead of doing his duty and clearing landmines.
Dick reveals he’s ready to go shake some trees to find Zelmare and wants Odis with him. Odis doesn’t want to go, and Dick leaves it at that.
Gaetano and Constant Calamita (Gaetano Bruno) head over to a little restaurant. A waiter’s hanging out outside on a smoke break and watches them cross the street. He chuckles when Gaetano slips on some ice and lands flat on his back. Constant’s first instinct is to take the guy out, but Gaetano holds him back.
They settle in for a cup of coffee and discuss Josto. Constant suggests they make a real move, but Gaetano’s distracted by the coffee. He hates it and can’t believe Americans serve it with milk and sugar. He gives the waiter – the one who laughed at him outside – a hard time about the horrible coffee. He’s also not over the fact the kid laughed when he fell. He shots the waiter in the chest and also takes out another worker who witnessed the shooting go down.
Thurman decorates the house as Dibrell (Anji White) finishes up working on Ethelrida’s birthday cake. Dibrell’s still upset about Thurman accepting money from her sister and doesn’t smile as she puts the finishing touches on the cake.
The decorating’s put on hold when Loy arrives with Fadda’s youngest son, Zero (Jameson Braccioforte). They all take seats at the dining room table as Thurman explains the decorations are for Ethelrida’s 17th birthday. Dibrell’s shocked when Loy says Thurman paid him back with his own money.
After Loy explains he traded his own son for power, the Smutnys realize just how precarious their situation is. Loy instructs them to sign over the deed to their business that afternoon. Dibrell attempts to beg him to reconsider but Loy’s having none of it. He also demands to know where Zelmare is, revealing he knows she’s Dibrell’s sister.
Thurman stumbles through his apology, confessing he didn’t know where Zelmare got the money. When Loy threatens to kill them and wait around for Ethelrida, Thurman and Dibrell know they have no choice but to give up Zelmare’s location.
E’myri Crutchfield as Ethelrida Pearl Smutny in ‘Fargo’ season 4 episode 5 (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris/FX)
Ethelrida’s called into the principal’s office at school. U.S. Marshall Dick Wickware has asked to speak with her, having put all the pieces together. Dick lists the crimes her aunt and Swanee committed that got them convicted and thrown in prison. Ethelrida had no idea her aunt was a vicious killer who murdered a pregnant woman and her husband for $9.58. Swanee was part of a crew of bank robbers who killed a father of three.
Dick knows Ethelrida’s protecting her aunt but believes she should act in a civilized manner now. Ethelrida replies, “Civilized? You know, do you not, that Africa is the birthplace of civilization which means both your ancestors and mine came from the same green savannah.”
Dick’s momentarily stunned but recovers enough to demand Zelmare’s address. If she doesn’t give it up, he’ll see to it that she’s expelled from school.
Loy’s crew arrive at the warehouse after their release from jail. Loy refuses to listen to Leon’s apology for not better protecting Lemuel and instead tasks him with taking his son home. The rest of the men are instructed to arm themselves.
Dick calls in for backup as he heads to the New Parie Hotel. However, he’s beaten to the punch by Loy. Loy’s men bust into the hotel room and after Zelmare and Swanee sass off, Loy says, “God help me, I love a girl with spirit.”
Loy makes them get dressed, informing them he’s going to put them to work as his soldiers.
Dick arrives in the hotel room, but they’re already gone. He spots them being shoved into a car and realizes he was just a minute or two too late.
Doctor Senator (Glynn Turman) is shocked to see Constant Calamita seated in place of Fadda consigliere Ebal Violante at the restaurant. Gaetano’s enjoying some ice cream at a nearby table when Constant asks Doctor to join him at the table. Constant says Doctor’s meetings with Ebal are over. He explains he was once a baby in a box making his way to America on a boat. His mom died on the voyage over and he was alone. He’s telling this story to drive home the point there’s nothing tougher than an orphan in the box.
His threats don’t affect Doctor Senator who issues his own dire warning in return. Doctor explains respect is earned and Ebal had earned it. On the other hand, Constant and Gaetano are just boys making a mess that one day he’ll have to clean up.
Neither Constant nor Gaetano say anything as Doctor rises to leave. Doctor’s made it across the street when Constant exits the restaurant and shoots Doctor multiple times.
Doctor falls to the ground. He’s already dead when Constant shoots him again.
Hours later, night has fallen as Loy and his men stand over Doctor’s dead body. They’re disgusted Doctor Senator’s body is still just laid out in the street. As sirens sound, Loy is ushered into his car.
Charlotte Hope stars in ‘The Spanish Princess’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
Starz’s The Spanish Princess season two’s tagline – “Fight Like a Woman” – truly befits episode two, “Flodden.” Episode one left off with Queen Catherine (Charlotte Hope) declaring her loyalty to England over her homeland of Spain. Her fierce desire to protect and defend England is put to the ultimate test as the Scottish king, James IV, reveals his intention to attack while King Henry is otherwise engaged.
Season two episode two begins with Catherine suffering nightmares while mourning the loss of young baby Henry. King Henry (Ruairi O’Connor) comforts his devastated wife, assuring her they will be strong together.
Daylight finds Catherine and Lina (Stephanie Levi-John) praying in front of Henry IV’s tomb. Lina’s the only person who knows Catherine is pregnant once again, and Catherine confesses she feels like she’s betraying Henry IV with this pregnancy. Lina, who is far along in her own pregnancy, assures her she’s not. She suggests it’s time to tell King Henry about this new development.
King Henry and Queen Catherine meet with their council, and Henry confirms he believes now’s the time to strike France. Catherine thinks her father’s betrayal only makes England stronger.
General Howard (Peter Egan) speaks up, suggesting Henry shouldn’t leave the country to lead the army. It’s brought up that if Henry dies, Edmund de la Pole – although currently incarcerated in the Tower – will try to claim the throne. Catherine speaks up for Edmund, but concern continues to be voiced about the possibility Henry will die in battle and won’t leave an heir to rule.
Catherine’s hand is forced and she reveals she’s pregnant. King Henry and the council all rise after the announcement, with King Henry bowing at her feet and kissing her hand.
“The Queen carries my son as I shall carry the banner of England into France,” declares Henry. “We will be victorious.”
A round of applause follows his declaration.
Later, Catherine attempts to convince Henry that Edmund isn’t a threat. Henry remains undeterred and it’s all but certain now that Edmund must die.
Maggie Pole (Laura Carmichael) learns King Henry has decreed Edmund de la Pole will be executed and begs Catherine to speak with Henry. Maggie’s son, Henry, apologizes for his mother and acknowledges this is the King’s will. Catherine reminds Maggie her cousin led a rebellion and has had three extra years of life, but now the time has come. Edmund finally needs to pay the ultimate price for his actions.
Maggie rushes off to see Edmund, delivering the news in person.
The execution takes place and Henry Pole thanks Queen Catherine for paying the executioner for a sharp blade. Maggie’s bitter about this turn of events and also about the fact her son will be riding off to battle with King Henry.
Over in Scotland, King James’ men attack English soldiers.
Queen Catherine pays a visit to Lina who’s now on home rest in preparation for her upcoming childbirth. She gives Lina a gorgeous brooch for her soon-to-be-born baby, who Catherine believes will be a girl. Lina’s concerned Oviedo won’t be there for the birth since he’ll be fighting alongside King Henry in France. Oviedo (Aaron Cobham) arrives just as they’re discussing this, and Queen Catherine quickly assigns him to stay with her as part of her palace guard.
Oviedo declines the offer. He doesn’t want to stay safe in Westminster; his men look to him on the field of battle.
In Scotland, Meg (Georgie Henley) barges in on a meeting King James (Ray Stevenson) is having with his council. She’s angry Queen Anne of Brittany has sent James a glove. Meg and James have differing opinions as to what the gesture means. Meg believes Anne is signaling James is weak. James thinks it’s just a token of affection.
James is of the mind Queen Anne is “a lady in distress” since Meg’s brother is out to conquer France. Maybe James will lead his men into taking over land in England since Scotland’s treaty with France is older than their treaty with England.
Meg wonders what’s to become of her since she was sent there to keep the peace with Scotland. James points out Henry never paid out Meg’s inheritance, which was part of the deal. Meg’s certain Henry will eventually pay but James knows Henry won’t which makes Scotland’s alliance with England worthless.
King James rallies his men, instructing them to prepare for war. They cheer their King’s orders.
Meanwhile, King Henry tells his people Queen Catherine will be in charge while he’s gone to fight in France. He names her regent of England.
Winter arrives and spring follows as life continues with King Henry still away in France.
Queen Catherine meets with General Howard to discuss the Scottish border raids. He thinks King James has grown bold since a woman was left in charge of England. Catherine reveals she received notice from Meg that King James is planning an invasion. She instructs General Howard to ride north and raise up an army. He replies, “That’s f**king ridiculous.”
Catherine stands strong, commanding him north.
King Henry’s having success in France while England attempts to rally an army to stand against Scotland.
Catherine’s pregnancy continues as does Lina’s. Both approach their due dates worried about their husbands and war.
General Howard sends a note that he’s having difficulty raising an army. Catherine reacts to the news by asking her Chief Armorer to make armor that will keep her unborn child safe.
In Scotland, Meg wakes from a dream to discover James dead in bed and covered in blood. (It’s just a premonition.) She rises to discover King James has already left for the battlefield and asks to be taken to him to warn him of her vision of impending death.
Meg reaches his side on the battlefield and he shows her the vast amount of Scots who’ve gathered to go to war with England.
Catherine prepares to leave to join General Howard, certain her presence will be enough to convince men to take up arms and protect England from Scotland. Maggie Pole warns her it’s a folly, but Catherine proclaims she’s ready to die for her country, if necessary. “I may make James see sense or I may I go to war. But either way, I ride,” says Queen Catherine.
Days later she joins General Howard to gather more men. He’s having a difficult time and she was right to assume her presence would change minds.
England’s ragtag army prepares for what’s in store while General Howard warns Queen Catherine he doesn’t want her near the action. They are far outnumbered and their army isn’t as well trained as Scotland’s.
As they’re arguing a note arrives from Meg arranging a parley.
Charlotte Hope and Georgie Henley in ‘The Spanish Princess’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
Queen Catherine and General Howard ride into Scotland’s army’s camp accompanied by just a few soldiers. They enter King James’ command tent and Meg’s happy to see Catherine. Meg had no idea Catherine would come, being so far along in her pregnancy. Catherine says, “I would not have had to if your husband had not broken our alliance.”
James acknowledges his wife’s dream of Scottish blood flowing if there’s war. He adds that he also had a dream of the Scottish flag flying over the Tower of London. Meg’s shocked to learn from Catherine that her husband is fighting only because he’s been paid gold by King Louis. James assures her he’s actually doing it to restore Scottish pride.
King James informs Queen Catherine that if her troops withdraw, no blood will need to be spilled. Catherine demands James pledge Scottish troops won’t follow them if they choose to retreat. James, believing he’s won, agrees.
After returning to their camp, Catherine gives General Howard the order to prepare for battle. She realized King James was relieved “the frightened woman” was going to flee.
Night falls and the newly recruited army gathers around their Queen. Catherine tells those assembled she was forged in war and her armor protects the future King of England. She speaks to the women in the group, reminding them they would all kill for their children. “Men and women of England, this is your fight. Bring your axes and your knives, your anger, and your pride. Ride with me and my son,” says Catherine.
King James is informed England is not withdrawing. He still assumes Scottish troops can easily wipe out England’s makeshift army. He’s wrong; King James foolishly underestimated Queen Catherine.
The battle’s fierce and bloody, and once Queen Catherine sees King James is fighting alongside his men she rides into battle – against General Howard’s wishes. Queen Catherine’s pulled from her horse in the middle of the fray but is saved by her soldiers. The battle rages around her and Meg watches from safety as King James falls. Catherine witnesses the fatal blows from close range.
Word spreads King James has fallen and the battle is over.
The King’s body is brought back into camp at night, and Meg weeps over her dead husband. Meg turns on Catherine, claiming James was a good man and good father to their two sons. Catherine reminds her James knew the cost. She instructs Meg to return home and keep her oldest son, the heir to the throne, safe. Catherine will get Henry to support Meg as regent until her son’s old enough to be crowned King of Scotland.
Catherine allows Meg to take King James’ body home but declares she’ll take his coat and send it to Henry as a symbol of England’s victory.
Back at Westminster, Lina’s contractions begin and her water breaks. Maggie’s in charge of the group of women attending to Lina, and Princess Mary joins in to help.
Lina delivers twin boys.
Queen Catherine returns to the palace and while her ladies congratulate her on defeating King James, she claims it’s King Henry’s victory. She also reveals French forces fled from King Henry so this is actually his second victory.
Later, in a quiet moment, Maggie apologizes to Catherine for attacking her. Maggie admires Catherine’s strength and determination.
King Henry’s welcomed home by his subjects as Queen Catherine beams with pride and love watching his return. Henry publicly thanks her for sending him King James’ coat, and Catherine downplays her role in beating back Scotland. She calls the victory modest and trifling, given his great victory in France.
King Henry presents her with his gift – the Duke of Longueville in chains. She wonders what to do with a chained Duke and it’s suggested he be placed in the Tower.
King Henry announces they’ll feast that evening.
In a whispered exchange, Catherine urges Henry to join her in her bed that evening. Henry declines the invitation, having learned from Wolsey it could harm the baby.
Catherine confronts Wolsey (Philip Cumbus) about his intrusion into her private affairs. He claims he has every right to do so, given that nothing is more important than King Henry’s heir.
King Henry joins Queen Catherine in the moments before the feast. He reveals the French fled so quickly they left their spurs behind. Henry’s proud of Catherine’s leadership and believes having Meg reigning over Scotland is a happy outcome.
King Henry knights Henry Pole and Charles Brandon (Jordan Renzo) for their courage against the French. Queen Catherine asks for Henry to also give General Howard a commendation, but Henry only jokes that Howard simply held up her skirt hem.
Disappointed and looking a bit pained, Catherine speaks with Maggie and praises her son, Henry. Maggie and Princess Mary admit they believe Catherine deserves to be knighted, but Catherine laughs it off. She confesses she feels tired and leaves the feast while holding her belly.
She’s barely outside when she’s forced to her knees by the pain. She cries out and then begins praying.
King Henry notices Catherine’s missing and goes in search of his wife. He finds her outside, crying while seated in the dirt. Their son has arrived, stillborn, and is on the ground in front of her.
