Advertisement
Home Blog Page 979

Christina Aguilera Performs “Loyal Brave True” from ‘Mulan’

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera contributes the new original song “Loyal Brave True” to Disney’s live-action Mulan. The just-released gorgeous music video was directed by Niki Caro, director of Mulan, and foregoes scenes, instead spotlighting Aguilera’s performance.

“Loyal Brave True” was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan, and Billy Crabtree. Christina Aguilera is also contributing a new recording of 1998’s “Reflection” written by David Zippel and Matthew Wilder to the film’s soundtrack. The soundtrack is dropping on September 4, 2020.

Disney recently announced they’ve moved Mulan from a theatrical release to a release on Disney+’s streaming service. The action-adventure film will be available to Disney+ subscribers to stream or download for $29.99 beginning September 4th.

The cast of Mulan is led by Yifei Liu as Mulan, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Tzi Ma as Zhou, and Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan. Yoson An is Honghui, Ron Yuan is Sergeant Qiang, Gong Li is Xianniang, and Jet Li plays the Emperor.

Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin wrote the screenplay. Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, and Jason Reed produced, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington, and Mario Iscovich executive producing.

Christina Aguilera Mulan
Christina Aguilera (Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios)

Mulan Plot:

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s Mulan, in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.

Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

 

‘The 100’ Season 7 Episode 12 Photos: Preview of “The Stranger”

The final season of The CW’s The 100 continues with episode 12, “The Stranger,” airing on August 19, 2020. Season seven episode 12 was directed by Amanda Row from a script by Blythe Ann Johnson.

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.

“The Stranger” Plot: NEW DAY – It’s a new day in Sanctum. Clarke (Taylor), Octavia (Avgeropoulos), Raven (Morgan), and Echo (Teles) struggle with a new foe.

A Look Back at Season 6, Courtesy of The CW:

For five seasons our heroes did whatever it took to survive on Earth…and nothing worked. Earth was unsurvivable, lost to them forever. What was not lost: hope. After 125 years in cryosleep, traveling through the stars, our heroes woke up to a new home, a final gift from dearly-departed friends. A place where they can try again. They’re given one simple task: do better. Be the good guys.

With this credo in mind Clarke and Bellamy lead a group down to this mysterious world, hoping to start anew, to finally find peace. But old habits die hard and when they stumble across an idyllic society, it quickly becomes clear that not everything on Sanctum is as perfect as it seems. Despite their determination to do better, threats both seen and unseen will once again force our heroes to fight for their lives and the future of humanity.

The 100 Season 7 Episode 12
John Pyper-Ferguson as Bill Cadogan and Bob Morley as Bellamy in ‘The 100’ season 7 episode 12 (Photo: Bettina Strauss / 2020 The CW Network)
The 100 Season 7 Episode 12
Bob Morley as Bellamy, Jessica Harmon as Niylah and Jarod Joseph as Miller in season 7 episode 12 (Photo: Bettina Strauss / 2020 The CW Network)
The 100 Season 7 Episode 12
Richard Harmon as Murphy and Luisa d’Oliveira as Emori in season 7 episode 12 (Photo: Bettina Strauss / 2020 The CW Network)
The 100 Season 7 Episode 12
Chuku Modu as Gabriel in season 7 episode 12 (Photo: Bettina Strauss / 2020 The CW Network)
The 100 Season 7 Episode 12
Tasya Teles as Echo and Bob Morley as Bellamy (Photo: Diyah Pera / 2020 The CW Network)




‘Unhinged’ New Retro Trailer: Russell Crowe Drives Angry

A minor altercation in traffic escalates into a deadly bout of road rage in Unhinged starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator). Solstice Studios’ latest trailer for the action thriller has a retro vibe and lays out a list of what not to do while driving.

In addition to Russell Crowe, the cast of the R-rated drama includes Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman, Austin P. McKenzie, and Jimmi Simpson. Derrick Borte (American Dreamer) directed from a screenplay by Carl Ellsworth, with Lisa Ellzey, Mark Gill, and Andrew Gunn producing. Guy Botham, Crystal Bourbeau, Mary C. Russell, Christopher Milburn, Gareth West, Peter Touche, and Anders Erden executive produced.

Solstice Studios is releasing Unhinged only in theaters on August 21, 2020.

The Plot:

“Academy Award winner Russell Crowe stars in Unhinged, a timely psychological thriller that explores the fragile balance of a society pushed to the edge, taking something we’ve all experienced – road rage – to an unpredictable and terrifying conclusion. Rachel (Pistorius) is running late to work when she has an altercation at a traffic light with a stranger (Crowe) whose life has left him feeling powerless and invisible.

Soon, Rachel finds herself and everyone she loves the target of a man who decides to make one last mark upon the world by teaching her a series of deadly lessons. What follows is a dangerous game of cat and mouse that proves you never know just how close you are to someone who is about to become unhinged.”

Unhinged Film Poster

‘Welcome to the Blumhouse’ Thrillers Spotlight Emerging Filmmakers

Welcome to the Blumhouse

Amazon Studios and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television joined forces for Welcome to the Blumhouse, eight original genre movies spotlighting emerging filmmakers and diverse casts. The films that make up Welcome to the Blumhouse are, according to Amazon, connected by the common themes of “family and love as redemptive or destructive forces.”

“We are excited to launch Welcome to the Blumhouse with this exhilarating and provocative slate of original films for the first time ever on Prime Video. This collection from diverse and emerging filmmakers was a thrill to put together with our wonderful partners at Blumhouse Television,” stated Julie Rapaport, Co-Head of Movies for Amazon Studios. “These chilling stories have something for everyone – ready to fright and delight genre fans and newcomers alike – and we are excited to share them with our global Prime Video customers.”

“We’re beyond excited that the visions of these talented filmmakers will finally be seen by genre fans around the world, especially during this time when people are seeking to escape and be entertained. And we love the innovative idea of programming like the classic drive-in or repertory theater experience,” said Marci Wiseman and Jeremy Gold, co-presidents Blumhouse Television. “Amazon have been incredible partners, linking arms and supporting the creative visions throughout the process of making these films.”

The first four films will premiere as double features in October 2020 on Amazon Prime Video. The second batch of four original thrillers will arrive in 2021.

The Lie from writer/director Veena Sud (The Killing) and Black Box from writer/director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr will debut on October 6th. Evil Eye directed by Elan Dassani and Rajeev Dassani (A Day’s Work) and writer/director Zu Quirke’s 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.




‘The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special’ Takes Fans to Chewie’s Homeworld

The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
‘The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special’ Logo

Star Wars fans will have a special way to celebrate Chewbacca’s homeworld of Kashyyykes and Life Day in 2020. Disney+ has announced LEGO and Star Wars have teamed up on The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special set to air on the subscription streaming service on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

The holiday special will feature Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, and Rose, and is set immediately after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Ken Cunningham directs from a script by co-executive producer David Shayne, with James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone executive producing. The special’s an Atomic Cartoons, LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm production.

The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special Details, Courtesy of Disney+

The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special reunites Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose and the droids for a joyous feast on Life Day, a holiday first introduced in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. The new LEGO special is the first to debut on Disney+ and will continue the rich legacy of collaboration between Lucasfilm and LEGO—playful adventures told in the endearingly irreverent way that only LEGO Star Wars co-branded content can.

Rey leaves her friends to prepare for Life Day as she sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit?

The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
A scene from the November 2020 holiday special (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)
The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
A scene from the celebration of Life Day (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)




Dolly Parton’s Ringing in the Holidays with ‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’

Dolly Parton A Holly Dolly Christmas
Dolly Parton’s ‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’ (Photo Credit: Stacie Huckeba / Courtesy of Butterfly Records, LLC)

Apparently it’s not too early to start thinking about the winter holidays. Dolly Parton’s prepared to get fans in a holiday mood beginning in October with the release of her holiday-themed album, A Holly Dolly Christmas, available to pre-order now via shop.dollyparton.com and smarturl.it/AHollyDollyChristmas.

Dropping on October 2, 2020, the upcoming album marks Dolly Parton’s first holiday album in three decades.

“I am so excited to announce my new Christmas album A Holly Dolly Christmas. I have recorded several Christmas classics like “Holly Jolly Christmas,” as well as some new material that I hope might become Christmas classics. I’ve recorded 5 duets with 5 very special artists as you can see,” stated Dolly. “I figured since everybody probably wouldn’t get to celebrate Christmas as usual this year, I wanted to be creative instead of sitting around at the house this summer. So I put on my mask, gloves and practiced social distancing, as well as all of the wonderful musicians and singers, and we proceeded to put together what I think is some of the best work that I’ve ever done.

Kent Wells produced the album. As you know, Kent has been my friend, bandleader and producer for many years. He’s outdone himself on this one. I’m just hoping that you’re gonna love it as much as we loved putting it together. So enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

A Holly Dolly Christmas will feature duets with Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, and her brother, Randy Parton. The Dolly Parton / Michael Bublé duet, “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas,” will be the album’s first single.

A Holly Dolly Christmas Track Listing:

1. Holly Jolly Christmas – Dolly Parton
2. Christmas Is (feat. Miley Cyrus) – Dolly Parton
3. Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas – Dolly Parton, Michael Bublé
4. Christmas On The Square – Dolly Parton
5. Circle Of Love – Dolly Parton
6. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Dolly Parton, Jimmy Fallon
7. Comin’ Home For Christmas – Dolly Parton
8. Christmas Where We Are (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus) – Dolly Parton
9. Pretty Paper – Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson
10. Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Dolly Parton
11. You Are My Christmas (feat. Randy Parton) – Dolly Parton
12. Mary, Did You Know? – Dolly Parton




‘The Devil All the Time’ First Look Trailer, Poster, and Photos

Netflix has just released the official trailer for the dramatic thriller The Devil All the Time, based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock. The trailer’s release was accompanied by new photos and the film’s poster.

The impressive ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, Sebastian Stan, and Bill Skarsgård. Haley Bennett, Harry Melling, Eliza Scanlen, Pokey LaFarge, and Mia Wasikowska also star in the film adaptation of Pollock’s award-winning book.

Antonio Campos (The Sinner) and Paulo Campos wrote the screenplay, with Antonio directing. Randall Poster, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riva Marker, and Max Born are involved as producers.

Netflix has set a September 16, 2020 release date.

The Plot, Courtesy of Netflix:

In Knockemstiff, Ohio and its neighboring backwoods, sinister characters — an unholy preacher (Pattinson), twisted couple (Clarke and Keough), and crooked sheriff (Sebastian tan) — converge around young Arvin Russell (Holland) as he fights the evil forces that threaten him and his family. Spanning the time between World War II and the Vietnam war, director Antonio Campos’ The Devil All the Time renders a seductive and horrific landscape that pits the just against the corrupted.

The Devil All the Time
Tom Holland as Arvin Russell in ‘The Devil All the Time’ (Photo Cr. Glen Wilson/Netflix © 2020)
The Devil All the Time
Robert Pattinson as Preston Teagardin (Photo Cr. Glen Wilson/Netflix © 2020)
The Devil All the Time
Bill Skarsgård as Willard Russell and Michael Banks Repeta as Arvin Russell (9 Years Old) (Photo Cr. Glen Wilson/Netflix © 2020)
The Devil All the Time
Jason Clarke as Carl Henderson and Riley Keough as Sandy Henderson (Photo Cr. Glen Wilson/Netflix © 2020)
The Devil All the Time Poster



‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ Docuseries Offers a Peek Behind the Scenes

Animal Kingdom

Disney+ has set a September 25, 2020 premiere date for National Geographic’s Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new docu-series provides viewers with a look behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT.

Josh Gad (Frozen‘s “Olaf”) will narrate the eight-episode nature series.

“Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom captures the spirit of these two world-famous parks and its animals and ushers that feeling directly into viewers’ living rooms,” said Gad. “Each episode, we get to know these animals intimately and are immersed in the magic of Disney, and it’s been a joy giving voice to this ultimate adventure.”

“Whether you have visited our parks hundreds of times, or you are being introduced for the first time through Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, viewers will get an unparalleled, all-new experience as they meet some of the most intriguing animals in our care,” explained Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks. “I’m extremely proud of the work our team does to accomplish and deliver on Disney’s commitment to best-in-class animal care and conservation as we aim to live in harmony with nature and protect the wondrous wildlife on our planet.”

Series Details, Courtesy of Disney+

Filmed across five months, the series incorporates cutting-edge technology, including custom-built GoPro enclosures, 18-foot cranes and underwater camera systems, to highlight the magic found in every crevice of the kingdom. Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom dives into the details of each park, unveiling the multifaceted aspects of animal care, operations and Imagineering. Viewers get up close to veterinarians working in one of the world’s most advanced animal health facilities as they solve a menagerie of medical mysteries and revolutionize the care they give to their animals.

The series introduces viewers to enchanting animals that have their own unique personalities and family dynamics, inviting fans of Disney, nature and animals to spend time with all the parks’ residents in brand-new ways, including the following:

  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail — Hang out with the newest member of the gorilla troop, baby Grace, named after the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and help her dad and troop leader, Gino, celebrate his 39th birthday.
  • Harambe Wildlife Reserve — Meet animal keeper Rory and come face to knee with his best friend, supermom Masai giraffe Kenya; play fetch with black rhino Badru and his keeper, Katie.
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris — Swing past a day spa as keeper Nicole gives two hyenas a bath in the hopes that they’ll be as endearing to guests as they are to her; watch Dakari, the alpha male African lion, reign over his land; and meet Kinsey, the alpha lioness, who’s the real ruler of the pride.
  • Discovery Island — Stop by the love nest of Carri and Bones, an endangered vulture couple, as animal keeper Tricia sets the mood for mating and steps up as eggsitter.
  • Tiger Temple — Witness animal care experts employing extra creativity to keep critically endangered Sumatran tigers Anala and Sohni entertained.
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT — Plunge in with some of the 3,000 ocean animals that call it home, including an injured wild sea turtle, Harry; rescued manatees Lil’ Joe and Lou; Darby, a pregnant spotted eagle ray; and aquarist Amanda, who is also expecting.




‘One of Us Is Lying’ Mystery Drama Ordered to Series at Peacock

One of Us Is Lying

NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, has given a series order to One of Us Is Lying, a young adult mystery drama. The series is based on Karen M. McManus’ bestselling novel and has Darío Madrona (co-creator of Elite, Los Protegidos, and Vive cantando) on board as the season one showrunner.

The series is set to star Marianly Tejada (The Purge), Cooper van Grootel (Go!), Annalisa Cochrane (Into the Dark: Pure), Chibuikem Uche (Ghost Draft), Barrett Carnahan (Grown-ish), Jessica McLeod (You Me Her), and Melissa Collazo (Swamp Thing).

Series creator Madrona is serving as an executive producer along with Erica Saleh (Evil), John Sacchi, and Matt Groesch. Sacchi and Groesch’s 5 More Minutes Productions developed the pilot which Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) directed and Saleh wrote.

Per Peacock’s official announcement, season one has an eight-episode order. The streaming service did not announce a targeted premiere date.

McManus’ popular novel has spent 132 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list. It’s also earned Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year, ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and CBC Teen Choice Book Award nominations.

The Plot, Courtesy of Peacock:

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five high schoolers walk into detention and only four make it out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.




Sarah Cooper Gets Her Own Netflix Comedy Special

Sarah Cooper Everything's Fine
SARAH COOPER in ‘SARAH COOPER: EVERYTHING’S FINE’ (Cr. LACEY TERRELL/NETFLIX © 2020)

Social media star Sarah Cooper will be headlining her own variety special on Netflix. Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine is expected to premiere this fall and has actress/writer/director Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black) attached to direct.

Maya Rudolph (soon to be super busy on SNL), Danielle Renfrew Behrens, and Lyonne will executive produce via their production company Animal Pictures. Cooper, Paula Pell, AGI Entertainment’s Chris Burns, and Irony Point’s Dan Powell are also attached as executive producers.

Cooper captured the attention of millions of TikTok and Twitter users – including celebs such as Chrissy Teigen, Cher, Bette Midler, and Lin-Manuel Miranda – with her lip-sync impressions of President Trump. She’s gained hundreds of thousands of followers with her “How to…” videos, which she launched in April 2020. Her “How to Medical” video alone has been viewed more than 20 million times.

Before becoming a breakout social media star, Cooper was a writer and correspondent on CBS All Access’ Old News pilot from producer Stephen Colbert. She’s also written the bestsellers 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings and How to be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings.

Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine Details, Courtesy of Netflix:

“Best-selling author and comedian Sarah Cooper will bring her unique talent to Netflix with Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine, a variety special full of vignettes dealing with issues of politics, race, gender, class, and other light subjects. Sarah will be joined by a fantastic array of special guests who will participate in short interviews, sketches and more shenanigans.”

 

Trending