Category Archives: Movies

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Observation

HBO Max gets Huge Boost from Warner Brothers: All 2021 films to stream free same day in theaters

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Immediate streaming option set after unprecedented, game-changing announcement

Warner Bros. has announced it will be releasing its 2021 movies in a unique hybrid, consumer-focused, yet very 2020 way.  Warner Bros. will release its films theatrically worldwide, while also adding exclusive access to the HBO Max streaming platform on the same day for a one month period (U.S. only). 

HBO Max and Warner Bros. are both owned by WarnerMedia, which is owned by AT&T.

This shift and strategic response by WarnerMedia is a game changer and highlights a major shift industry’s are recognizing in how viewers consume entertainment, or at least for the next year.  

There will be a wide range of releases on HBO Max throughout 2021 for every all types of movie lovers. Alongside Wonder Woman:1984 for Christmas release 2020, there will be an additional 17 movies to be released over the next 12 months.

  • The Little Things
  • Judas and the Black Messiah
  • Tom & Jerry
  • Godzilla vs. Kong
  • Mortal Kombat
  • Those Who Wish Me Dead
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
  • In The Heights
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • The Suicide Squad
  • Reminiscence
  • Malignant
  • Dune
  • The Many Saints of Newark
  • King Richard
  • Cry Macho
  • Matrix 4

The only other studio that is currently set up for dual release besides Warner Bros with HBO Max, is Disney with Disney+, which certainly will help to secure its position in the top tier of the very competitive world of streaming entertainment.  

Only time will tell if the pandemic will permanently alter the way we watch movies. Yet if  given  the option of getting access to blockbuster films at home and on the same exact date as the theatrical release, poses a serious question to how theaters will react.  

“No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”

-Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios

What will come of Theater Chains and the future of the movie viewing experience

he debut for WB’s slate of movies to hit streaming services concurrently with theater releases, will undoubtedly have drastic consequences for the the already hard-pressed and struggling theaters.

Warner Bros. made mention that the hybrid release is strictly due to the pandemic, yet it’s unclear how the studio will navigate with movie releases for 2022 and beyond given the new model they are setting into motion.

Movie theater stock prices fell on the news. AMC shares dropped more than 15 percent, while Cinemark was down 14.5 percent.

Following the announcement, theater chain AMC’s CEO and president, Adam Aron made note they have “already commenced an immediate and urgent dialogue with the leadership of Warner on this subject.” He continued by saying “As for AMC, we will do all in our power to ensure that Warner does not do so at our expense. We will aggressively pursue economic terms that preserve our business.”

Theaters like AMC were agreeable to the one time exception of the Wonder Woman:1984 release to both theaters and streaming, however it appears they are less on board with the decision to upload  the entirety of 2021’s schedule of films with that same release model.

Another large theater chain, Cinemark, wasn’t able to comment on how the hybrid model would impact its theaters in the long-term,  “In light of the current operating environment, we are making near-term booking decisions on a film-by-film basis,”  said a spokesperson. 

It’s hard to not to have seen something like this coming.  Streaming videos are been on the rise. Earlier this year Disney+  released  “Mulan” and Universal released “King of Staten Island” and “Trolls: World Tour” straight to on-demand platforms.  

Warner Bros and HBO are doing it a little differently.  What has been typical during the pandemic, is the rise of premium video-on- demand (PVOD) where viewers are given access to blockbusters on the same day as theater release but you have to pay a premium price, upwards of $30.   Yet in the case of WB’s 2021 movies, if you are already a HBO Max subscriber, you get to watch these movies at no additional charge, other than your monthly fee. Compared to a PVOD price of $30 for one movie, $14.99 a month for the 17 movies for 2021 is a no brainer. 

Even though, announcements like those for WB are in a way a form of the studio experimenting to see what works while we are in a pandemic, there’s some major signs that this is the beginning of the end for movie theaters. 

It’s unclear whether the dual release model will become the new precedent for how Warner Bro operators in business, as currently only 2021 films are on the table.  However, at present,  theaters, like Regal Cinema are nearly at the brink of bankruptcy.   

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Observation

HBO Max / Warner Bros. news Cast a Shadow over the Future of Live Cinema

A more permanent “new normal” appears to be emerging in effort to adapt to a post-pandemic future

The debut for WB’s slate of movies to hit streaming services concurrently with theater releases, will undoubtedly have drastic consequences for the the already hard-pressed and struggling theaters.

Warner Bros. made mention that the hybrid release is strictly due to the pandemic, yet it’s unclear how the studio will navigate with movie releases for 2022 and beyond given the new model they are setting into motion.

Movie theater stock prices fell on the news. AMC shares dropped more than 15 percent, while Cinemark was down 14.5 percent.

Following the announcement, theater chain AMC’s CEO and president, Adam Aron made note they have “already commenced an immediate and urgent dialogue with the leadership of Warner on this subject.” He continued by saying “As for AMC, we will do all in our power to ensure that Warner does not do so at our expense. We will aggressively pursue economic terms that preserve our business.”

Read More: In a blow to the future of live cinema – Regal shutting down all U.S. 536 theaters

Theaters like AMC were agreeable to the one time exception of the Wonder Woman:1984 release to both theaters and streaming, however it appears they appear less thrilled to be on-board with the decision to upload the entirety of 2021’s schedule of films with that same release model.

Another large theater chain, Cinemark, wasn’t able to comment on how the hybrid model would impact its theaters in the long-term,  “In light of the current operating environment, we are making near-term booking decisions on a film-by-film basis,”  said a spokesperson. 

Read More: New Streaming Ideas for Holiday Season Entertainment

It’s hard to not to have seen something like this coming.  Streaming videos are been on the rise. Earlier this year Disney+  released  “Mulan” and Universal released “King of Staten Island” and “Trolls: World Tour” straight to on-demand platforms.  

Future evolution of entertainment distribution is a big unknown, like nearly everything else

Warner Bros and HBO are doing it a little differently.  What has been typical during the pandemic, is the increased number of options for premium video-on-demand (PVOD) where viewers are given access to blockbusters on the same day as theater release but are required to pay a premium price, in some cases upwards of $30. 

Yet in the case of WB’s 2021 movies, provided you are already a HBO Max subscriber, you will be able to watch these movies at no additional charge, other than your monthly fee. Compared to a PVOD price of $30 for one movie, $14.99 a month for the 17 movies for 2021 seems like a no-brainer. 

There is a 30-day availability limitation currently set on these special same-day release titles, but that would likely only be an issue if you wanted to sign up for a single month to game the system, so to speak.

It does appear to be the case that this announcement and others that may be soon to come, still represent a  form of experimentation by WB / HBO max to see what works during a pandemic. At the same time, there are some major signs that this is the beginning of the end for movie theaters, at least as the primary vehicle for the initial release phase of major feature films. 

It’s unclear whether the dual release model will set a permanent new precedent for how Warner Brothers conducts its business, as currently only 2021 films are on the table. Come 2022 it is also possible that the entire entertainment landscape will be unrecognizable, since, for example, theater chains, such as Regal Cinema, are already at the brink of bankruptcy.

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Matrix 4, Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs. Kong will stream on HBO Max at Theater Launch

Entire WB slate will have simultaneous HBO max availability

Warner Bros. has announced it will be releasing its 2021 movies in a unique hybrid, consumer-focused, yet very 2020 way.  Warner Bros. will release its films theatrically worldwide, while also adding exclusive access to the HBO Max streaming platform on the same day for a one month period (U.S. only). 

Among the 17 titles now slated to be available on HBO max on the same day of theatrical release are Matrix 4, Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs. Kong. There will be no “video-on-demand” uncharge as long as you are an HBO max member. There is also a 30 day limitation on the availability of each title from the day of release, with an unknown “dark” period until it would, presumably, become available again as part of the general HBO max offerings. 

Strong enticement to subscribe if you tend to enjoy WB films and other HBO exclusives

Although, for example, DreamWorks Animation sequel Trolls World Tour was made available for rental, and Disney’s Mulan was on Disney Plus in September, in both cases there was an up-charge to stream them and considered at the time to be “early” for streaming release and therefore require this extra payment to view. HBO max, due to it’s affiliation to Warner Brothers, will be offering its films for no extra charge as long as you have a membership.

It’s also important to note that HBO Max has discontinued the previously established weeklong free trial. So, for example it you want to see Wonder Woman on December 25th or stream any of the upcoming films, a minimum of one month of the service, which is $15 would have to be paid or, in some cases you might be able to take a regular HBO subscription and use it to snag a free upgrade to HBO max. There may also be specials to sign up that can be found, with a little sleuthing on your part.

“No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021.

With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films.

We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”

-Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios
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Celebrities, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Ryan Reynold’s Match.com Ad perfectly encapsulates the hellish year that is 2020

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A “Match Made in Hell”  

2020 has been a hard one, almost everyone can easily say, they were affected negatively one way or another by the raging pandemic, whether reasons be economic, physical or even our personal relationships. 

Actor and director Ryan Reynolds and his production company, Maximum Effort, hilariously delivered to viewers just how crazy this year has been in an extremely entertaining video ad for the online dating service Match.com. 

Reynolds, who is known for his quirky sense of humor described the commercial as a “A Love Story for the ages. Or at least this age”. 

The devil himself, Satan is seen swiping on the doing app and matches with a woman with the user name “2020”. We see Satan and 2020 go on a series of date, including working out at a socially distanced gym, starting a dumpster fire, stealing armfuls of toilet paper, and eating scorching hot chili peppers at an empty sporting stadium. The two break all the rules and jokingly references in some form or another exaggerations on some of the struggles, limitations and restrictions set for covid-19.

The ad ends with the couple, in love, watching what looks like the end of the world, an apocalyptic backdrop with asteroids destroying buildings and the city around them. With the truly devilish end comment “ I just don’t want this year to end”. Although, unquestionably we all can’t wait for 2021 and better times to come. This ad brings much levity to the seriousness brought on this year.

The cherry on top is, we get to hear Taylor Swift’s romantic ballad and 2008 smash hit “Love Story” play in the background. Swift who is in the process of re-recording her songs due to battling with Scooter Braun, gave Reynolds a sneak peak for the advert. 

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Celebrities, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Bryan Cranston in Showtime’s ’Your Honor’: Judge for yourself how it stacks up to ‘Breaking Bad’

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Can this Tangled web of political and criminal drama entrance for 10 episodes? 

Emmy award winner, Bryan Cranston, most popularly known as his character Walter White in the television series “Breaking Bad” is back for a new series. 

The upcoming dramatic crime limited series will be on the premium channel Showtime.  The miniseries “Your Honor” premiers Sunday, Dec 6 at 10/9 c.  Users that subscribe to Showtime via Amazon Prime video can also watch from there. 

The premise of the show as provided by Showtime, is about  Michael Desiato, a New Orleans judge played by Cranston, who is forced to confront his own deepest convictions when his son Hunter played by Hunter Doohan is involved in a hit and run that involved an organized crime family.

 As a storm of vengeance, lies and deceit threatens his whole world, Michael faces a series of increasingly impossible choices.  The show posits the moral dilemma, and uncovers just how far an honest man and father will go to save his son’s life. 

“It’s never clean, and that’s what makes good drama,” Cranston says. “It’s a very exciting and compelling spiral of events played out in 10 episodes.”

The miniseries has already started to trickle out reviews, some of which have said that it is bad, however most are comparing apples to oranges to his extraordinary work playing a high school chemistry teacher turned drug lord. Check out this weekend and see for yourself. 

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

DISCOVERY+ Streaming Launch & wide Roll-out of Hulu Watch Party Feature

Above: Photo / Discovery

New and interesting options for streaming entertainment coming 2021

Discovery is behind a handful of networks including: Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, ID, OWN, TLC and Animal Planet.  The company will be joining as a new contender in the so-called streaming wars with the big hitters like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Peacock. This year, the only new streaming platform, Quibi, launched and within the same year, rather tragically called in quits. 

The service will be available among all the major device platforms that will include smart TV’s, web based, phones and tablets.  There was no mention to specific platforms, more information will likely be disclosed closer to the start date. Those that are customers of Verizon unlimited wireless will be able to opt for 12 free months of Discovery. 

Discovery+ is set to launch its new streaming platform at the beginning of next year on Jan 4, 2021.  The monthly price will have the option of $4.99 with ads, or $2 extra for $6.99 a month without adds. Discovery+ launched last month in UK and Ireland, with plans to expand to more than 25 additional international markets, including the US next year. 

The new streaming service will have over 55,000 episodes of TV in its arsenal.  Discovery will provide of entertainment with a wide mixture of shows in its library, as well as movies and new and exclusive original content.   There are reports of plans for shows including the likes of Chip and Goanna Gaines (Fixer Upper), David Attenborough, comedian Kevin Hart, and big name chefs like Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiss. 

“We’ll see, but people love our channels… We’ve never been stronger to the cable bundle.” he continued to say about the networks are “effectively like the NFL times five right now for women.”

-CEO David Zaslav

Haven’t joined in on a Watch Party? 

Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have had watch party features for a while now.  Hulu and Disney+ are now rolling out its own versions, to allow for friends and family to share some entertainment connectedness. 

Hulu started testing the new feature back in May for select users that allowed for a group up to eight people to watch TV shows and movies together.  Through the website, the party can chat with one another throughout the videos, commenting in real time, even allowing their own playback feature (in case you have to grab a snack).  

The then limited feature is now fully functional and available for all on-demand Hulu subscribers (those that have ad-free or ad-supported options).  There should now be a “Watch Party” icon on Hulu’s main page, once in, you will be provided a link that can be shared to up to seven other Hulu subscribers. When all members have joined, the initiator (the host) starts the show or movie.  The feature is only supported on Hulu.com, so it will not be accessible through the app.

Disney+ also recently rolled out its own version of a watch party, called “GroupWatch”. The main difference, however is group members are limited to reacting through emojis, with no options yet for written communication.

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Celebrities, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

‘Juno’ star Elliot Page’s transgender coming-out trends worldwide: massive curiosity and encouragement

Above: Photo / Netflix

The meaning of him coming out for the LGBTQ community and beyond

Elliot Page, formerly known as Ellen, announced Tuesday,  he identifies as a gender non-binary transgender person and uses both he/him and they/them for pronouns.  If you are not familiar with the term, gender non-binary, it means that someones gender identity and who they know themselves to be is neither man nor woman. And the use of pronouns, as we all have them, whether we are conscious of it or not, for a transgender person, they preferred pronouns are a way of showing and giving respect for who someone authentically is.  

He took to his social media to post the very candid letter.   Below is a portion of the letter, the entirety can be seen on the below post from Elliot’s Twitter.

“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.

I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life. I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey.

I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community.

Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place.”

This disclosure from Page, is a game changer for the entertainment industry, as it will give more trans visibility on screen.  Hollywood has been in need of the depiction of more accurate representation in TV shows and movies.  Even though Elliot announcing he was transgender is for obvious personal reasons, there also comes significant and impactful steps that affect the audience. 

Page known for his breakout role in “Juno”, as well as other varied characters including  work in “X-Men”, “Inception”, “Tallulah, “Whit It!” and much more.  Currently starring in Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy”, reports for next season, Page will continue to play the cisgender woman, with no plans to change the character’s gender.  Netflix does have plans to change the credits for all his past work. 

Prior to the announcement, Page has been one of the most visible and publicly gay actors in Hollywood.  Now, Page will be one, if not the, highest profile actor that has publicly identified as transgender. There are a small but growing number of out tran actors and public figures including: Laverne Cox,  Chaz Bono, Caitlyn Jenner, Jazz Jennings, Brian Michael Smith and Trace Lysette.   

GLAAD’s Director of Transgender Media, Nick Adams, commented on the announcement: 

“Elliot Page has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people. He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”

Anytime anyone is able to be their authentic selves, that should be celebrated. Coming out as transgender takes strength and vulnerability, Elliot sharing in such a public way is incredibly up-lifting. 

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Observation

Trump’s Speech hilariously mirrors and mimics ‘Legally Blonde’ movie

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Elle Woods for President 

A TikTok video by Truth Lies Shenanigans (@tlsliveshow) has shown the uncanny similarities of a speech in the comedy film “Legally Blonde” and a speech from Donald Trump. The TikTok went viral, and hilariously, Trump is now being accused of plagiarism.   

The words are not verbatim, yet the messages between the fictional character, Elle Woods played by Reese Witherspoon and Trump are hilariously nearly identical in nature. 

Elle Woods: “We take our next steps into the world…It is with passion…Courage of conviction…And most importantly…Have faith in yourself…We did it!”

Trump: “You must go forth into the world…Passion…Courage and your conviction…Most importantly…Be true to yourself…I did it!”

During “The Tonight Show” Jimmy Fallon also pointed out that Trump’s commencement speech at Liberty University in Virginia, back in 2017, eerily matches Elle Wood’s speech she gives to her fellow graduates at Harvard Law school. 

Coincidentally or not, Legally Blonde is also making a come back.  “Legally Blonde” originally premiered back in 2001, with the sequel in 2003.  MGM announced back in October that the 3rd installment of the film will be coming sometime around May 2022.  

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

New Streaming Ideas for Holiday Season Entertainment

Above: Photo Collage / Lynxotic

A spate of new titles are being added to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more

Because of COVID-19, 2020 will go down in history as one of the most unique years for movies. With theaters closed, blockbusters delayed, and dozens of highly anticipated films getting siphoned off to streaming services, there hasn’t been any major box office highs or prestigious content for the big screen. Given the state of the world, this reality will likely continue through December, robbing the holiday season of its traditional major releases. 

Thank goodness we have a variety of streaming platforms and many new releases for the month of December and beyond for some much needed holiday entertainment.

Nevertheless, a handful of pictures are still pushing for late 2020 premieres. Not all hope is lost for a Christmas-time movie watching experience. Here are a few anticipated films that plan on coming out before the end of the year…

Happiest Season

Today, a new Christmas romantic comedy has dropped, “Happiness Season” just in time for the long 4 day Thanksgiving holiday.  This film is a little unique in that the focus centers around two lesbian women.  Kristen Stewart (in real life openly gay) plays Abby and Mackenzie Davis plays Harper, a happy couple, whose relationship is put to the test.

Diego Maradona

A look at the career of celebrated football player Diego Armando Maradona. On 5th July 1984, Diego Maradona arrived in Naples for a world-record fee. The world’s most celebrated football icon and the most passionate but dangerous city in Europe were a perfect match for each other. A documentary “Diego Maradona,” which was directed by Filmmaker Asif Kapadia and released in 2019, tweeted his disbelief that the larger-than-life figure had passed away

https://youtu.be/vDXon6NtO8o

Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions

Taylor Swift delighted fans everywhere with a seemingly out of the blue announcement of her latest project. The concert film will be available exclusively on Disney+ streaming platform. The intimate “Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” will premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at midnight. The film was shot in September 2020 at the upstate New York studio, ‘The Long Pond’ alongside Swift’s co-producers Aaron Dessner (The National) and Jack Antonoff (Bleachers).

Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy, the movie based on the 2016 book, a memoir written by J.D. Vance that tells his story of the difficulties growing up with his drug-addicted mother in the small working-class town in the Appalachians. As rings true in the book, Vance’s character preserves through hardwork to ultimately take on a better path that leads to his acceptance into Yale. 

Wonder Woman: 1984

Patty Jenkins’ sequel to 2017’s “Wonder Woman” was originally slated for a June release, but got perpetually pushed back because of the virus. Now, it is holding onto a Christmas Day theatrical debut. Gal Gadot returns as the titular heroin alongside Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig in this ninth installment to the DC Extended Universe.

Above: Photo “Coming 2 America”

Coming 2 America

After returning to host “Saturday Night Live” and starring in Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name,” legendary comedian Eddie Murphy effectively reentered the zeitgeist in 2019. Therefore, hopes were high for his late sequel to the 1988 classic, “Coming To America.” Although made for the theaters, this 2020 film will now be available exclusively on Amazon Prime starting December 18th. 

Mank

A film historian’s film if there ever was one, the David Fincher-directed “Mank” stars Gary Oldman as real-life screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz. Shot in black-and-white, the biopic focuses on Mankiewicz’s alcoholism and tumultuous experience writing “Citizen Kane” during Hollywood’s Golden Age. This Oscar-bait movie has already started its limited theatrical run, but will find a home on Netflix come December 4th.

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/pixar/soul/soul-trailer-3_h1080p.mov

Above:Official Trailer / Disney’s Soul

Soul

Pixar’s last theatrical release was terribly timed. The critically acclaimed, but commercially underwhelming “Onward” hit theaters the same weekend that the pandemic heated up in America and moviegoers were urged to stay at home. This next Disney-Pixar outing will thus go directly to streaming via Disney+. Available on Christmas Day, “Soul” is the first Pixar feature not to have a big-screen premiere. 

Midnight Sky

Netflix went all in for this George Clooney-directed science fiction adaptation. It’s a story about a man (played by Clooney) living on post-apocalyptic Earth and communicating with astronauts as they make their way back to the shambled planet. The film will stream on December 23rd and in this unique case, 2020 might actually add some timely relevance to the plot.

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/fox/free-guy/free-guy-trailer-1_h1080p.mov

Above: Official Trailer of Free Guy / 20th Century Fox

Free Guy

Riding on the coattails of “Deadpool” and “Detective Pikachu,” Disney’s “Free Guy” is the latest action-comedy to star Ryan Reynolds as a happy-go-lucky protagonist. With a plot involving virtual reality, the movie puts an ordinary guy in extraordinary circumstances for some hilarious thrills. Carried over from 20th Century Fox and not based on any pre-existing IP, “Free Guy” is a bit of a gamble. We’ll find out if it pays off on when it hits theaters on the eleventh. 

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-trailer-1_h1080p.mov

Above: Official Trailer of Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter

Another prospective theatrical release for December, Sony’s “Monster Hunter” plans to premiere on the 30th. Based off of the popular video game series of the same title, “Monster Hunter” promises a hybrid of war, science fiction, and fantasy delights. Director Paul W.S. Anderson has missed the mark with his video game adaptations before, but we cannot deny that huge spectacles projected on the big screen are something we’ve been deprived of this year, and therefore deeply crave.

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Kristen Stewart in ‘Happiest Season’ brings LGBTQ cheer in the Hulu holiday romance

Above: Photo from “Happiest Season / Courtesy of Hulu

 Praise for Stewart in first “Out and Proud” Christmas movie 

Around this time of year, there are usually a handful of beloved holiday movies like “Home Alone, “Family Stone” and many more.   Today, a new Christmas romantic comedy has dropped, “Happiness Season” just in time for the long 4 day Thanksgiving holiday.  This film is a little unique in that the focus centers around two lesbian women.  

Read More: Taylor Swift’s surprise concert only on Disney+ – Check out when to watch ‘Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions’

The now streaming movie was originally meant for a theatrical release, yet due to the current climate, found its way to the Hulu streaming platform. 

Kristen Stewart (in real life openly gay) plays Abby and Mackenzie Davis plays Harper, a happy couple, whose relationship is put to the test. Harper invites Abby back to her parents for the holidays. Only during the drive is it revealed that her family doesn’t know she is gay and hasn’t yet come out to anyone in the family.   Abby has to pose as a straight friend.   Bonus, the hilarious Dan Levy, plays John, Abby’s best friend. 

“it’s really nice to watch a movie that you get to completely rid yourself of that [feeling] knowing that you can laugh at that experience and that catharsis knowing that what you’re getting is an earned happiness. You get to laugh at these weird fears of saying the wrong thing around someone’s family or not being able to lie very well so maybe they’ll know I’m gay.”

-Kristen Stewart 

Director Clea DuVall, who is openly out herself, commented on the film, “I love Christmas movies but I had never really seen myself represented in one before”.  Her take away goal was “wanting to feel like I was seeing me in a movie like this, which I had never seen before. And my experience is not unique. I’m not the only one going through it. So there has to be a lot of other people who are also feeling underrepresented.” 

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Books, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

The new movie ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ on Netflix is sparking major controversy

Above: Photo Courtesy of Netflix “Hillbilly Elegy”

…To Stream or Not To Stream, that is the question? 

Hillbilly Elegy, now on Netflix, is a movie based on the 2016 book, a memoir written by J.D. Vance, that tells his story of the difficulties growing up with his drug-addicted mother in a small working-class town in the Appalachians. As rings true in the book, Vance’s character preservers, through hard work, ultimately to take on a better path that leads to his acceptance into Yale. 

The book became a best-seller, somewhat unexpectedly, with Harper Collins only initially running 10,000 copies, but then found themselves quickly having to  reprint.  Released during the time that the 2016 election was beginning to build steam, it was said to have gained its popularity, by giving both Democrats and Republican readers a better understanding of Donald Trump’s voter base.

Soon after the debut of book and massive success, Ron Howard’s production company bought the filming rights, in 2017, and then Netflix won the bidding war to finance the movie, a $45 million deal. The film is directed by Ron Howard and executive-produced by the author. 

After the release of the movie on Nov. 24, 2020 many critics had mixed reviews. Ranging from Oscar worthy to “worst movie ever”.  

The source of the controversy, no doubt, stems from how the movie plays out the “hillbilly” aspect of the narrative.  Some say that the depiction of the characters, while based on Vance’s life, only serves to further reinforce stereotypes of poor white America. 

Other critics note that the movie tries to sell the “pick yourself up by the bootstraps” type of made-for-film-fantasy while ignoring the very real hardships of addiction and systematic inequalities.  

The star-studded cast includes Glenn Close as J.D’s Mamaw (grandmother) and Amy Adams as Bev (his mother). The film is said to be a mostly straightforward adaptation of Vance’s book. The movie is now available to stream through the Netflix platform.   

Below is some additional information from the publisher about the 2016 book adapted to the new released film.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis 

Click to see “Hillbilly Elegy”
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Also available on Amazon.

Part memoir, part historical and social analysis, J. D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy is a fascinating consideration of class, culture, and the American dream.

Vance’s grandparents were “dirt poor and in love.” They got married and moved north from Kentucky to Ohio in the hopes of escaping the dreadful poverty around them. Their grandchild (the author) graduated from Yale Law School, a conventional marker of their success in achieving upward mobility for their family. But Vance cautions that is only the short version. The slightly longer version is that his grandparents, aunt, uncle, and mother struggled to varying degrees with the demands of their new middle class life and they, and Vance himself, still carry around the demons of their chaotic family history.

Delving into his own personal story and drawing on a wide array of sociological studies, Vance takes us deep into working class life in the Appalachian region. This demographic of our country has been slowly disintegrating over forty years, and Vance provides a searching and clear-eyed attempt to understand when and how “hillbillies” lost faith in any hope of upward mobility, and in opportunities to come.

At times funny, disturbing, and deeply moving, this is a family history that is also a troubling meditation on the loss of the American dream for a large portion of this country.

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Breaking News, Entertainment, Movies, News, Sports

Diego Maradona, Argentine Soccer G.O.A.T. and World Cup Winner, Dead at 60

Confirmed to Reuters, by his attorney, Diego Maradona, one of, if not the, greatest soccer player of all time has died at 60. Various outlets in Latin America have reported that the cause of death was a heart attack and that he died  in his home, after, two weeks prior he had undergone urgent surgery to repair a brain bleed.

Prime video documentary series chronicled his life and career

Currently in the works at Amazon Prime Video is a scripted bio-series based on his life, “Maradona: Sueño Bendito,” which is being produced by BTF Media and is directed by Alejandro Aimetta. Three actors will play Maradona in the series: Juan Palomino (adult), Nazareno Casero (adolescent) and Nicolás Goldschmidt (child). The series will cover events over the span of his entire life.

Above: Maradona Sueno Bendito Photo Credit: Amazon Prime Video

Also from Amazon Prime Video is a documentary “Diego Maradona,” which was directed by Filmmaker Asif Kapadia and released in 2019, tweeted his disbelief that the larger-than-life figure had passed away.

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Trump Transition Chaos is subject of Obama produced ‘The G Word’: Netflix Comedy

Above: Photo Collage / Lynxotic

Art meets and imitates life squared in new Comedy series inspired by Trump and Produced by the Obamas

Barack and Michelle Obama are producing a sketch comedy series for Netflix inspired by Trump’s 2016 presidential win and transition. The Obamas’ production company “Higher Ground” will bring in U.S. comedian to host the show, which has been titled,  “The G Word with Adam Conover”. Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions has a multi-year agreement to produce films and series (both scripted and unscripted) for Netflix.

Read More: Barack Obama invokes Navy Seals as way to remove Trump from WH in flashback to Bin Laden Take-down

Click to see “The Fifth Risk”
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The streaming series is loosely inspired by the book “The Fifth Risk” by Michael Lewis. Written in 2018 his book is about the narrative of the Trump administration’s botched presidential transition, and takes us into the engine rooms of a government under attack by its leaders through willful ignorance and greed. 

Interestingly, Barack Obama was himself a topic and participated, to some degree, in the transition and it is interesting to imagine what, if any, insight he may have been able to ad to the comedic potential of the subject matter. 

The Federal Government manages a vast array of critical services that are meant to keep us safe and underpin our lives, from ensuring the safety of our food and drugs and predicting extreme weather events to tracking and locating black market uranium before the terrorists do. Trump’s lack of interest or ability in managing the transition, let alone the Government itself, is the basic fodder for the comedic premise.

BoJack Horseman treatment could yield fantastic and funny results

Adam Conover confirmed the news on Twitter; “Very happy to finally be able to share this news: I’m creating a new comedy series for Netflix about the federal government. It’s called The G Word, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”

Conover is known for “Adam Ruins Everything” and “BoJack Horseman” and will use his comedic chops to blend sketch comedy with documentary elements, as the focus of the show is, in normal times, a pretty serious one,  the government.  

Netflix’s press release shared a little more light into what the show will bring to viewers:

”Using fast-paced visual comedy, Conover reveals the profound power and complexity of the U.S. government, introduces viewers to the heroic civil servants who make it work, and takes an incisive satirical look at its shortcomings.”

NETFLIX PRESS RELEASE

Filming is set to begin sometime early 2021, during the same general time as  Barack Obama’s former vice president Joe Biden will be taking office as the 26th President.  

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Music

Nicki Minaj joins HBO Max in upcoming 6 Part Documentary Series

Video
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1329850697702117378/pu/vid/720x880/M1frM1CPiF9hkw3m.mp4?tag=10

Announcement dropped on 10th Anniversary  of ‘ Pink Friday’

Nicki Minaj (Onika Tanya Maraj ) has struck a deal with HBO Max, which will consist of 6 half-hour episodes of the docu-series for the streaming platform.  

Click to See “Pink Friday” available on Amazon.

The news came on the 10th Anniversary of her album “Pink Friday”.

The series is set to follow Minaj’s life, letting fans explore both her personal and professional life, highlighting her accomplishments in the rap genre. The series name remains untitled. 

The rapper, posted on her social media account, alongside  the short clip above, she wrote: ““I am beyond grateful & excited to share this news with you guys today. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have #HBOMAX on board to help me tell my story in this delicate & memorable way. A way that my fans will love forever. This doc is next level.

I can promise you that. ? Follow @hbomax @hbomaxpop & @bronstudios to get the updates you’ll need. Love you. #NickiMinajHBOMAX ITS GOIN DOWN!!!! BASEMENT!!!!!”

“Nicki Minaj is a multi-faceted artist, businesswoman, and innovator as well as force to be reckoned with. It’s a privilege to bring this project to HBO Max and provide our viewers with unprecedented access to her life,”

-Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max

The project will be directed by Michael John Warren, who has worked with Minaj in the past as well as other rappers, including Jay-Z’s “Fade to Black” movie back in 2004. 

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Apple, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Tech

AppleTV+ tags PBS new Partner for Live Broadcast of ‘Peanuts’ Holiday Specials

Video
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1329133535266037760/vid/720x720/wqs6l_6ifGp9g5aa.mp4?tag=13

Above: video for peanuts holiday special on appletv+ and pbs

AppleTV+ partners with PBS to give viewers some holiday cheer 

In October, Apple announced it was teaming up with Peanuts Worldwide and gained the exclusive rights for all “Peanuts” assets, including the beloved specials: “Its The Great Pumpkin, CharlieBrown”, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for AppleTV+ video streaming. 

After the acquisition, many Americans worried they might miss “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as it was no longer available for broadcast television, which would have been the first time in several decades that this Holiday tradition would be unavailable to a wider audience. Rest assured, Peanuts fans, for the remaining holiday season, luckily, the Peanuts gang will be back on television, for either via broadcast on PBS or to stream on AppleTV+.  

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AppleTV+ will launch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” on Nov 18 and it will be available to stream free from Nov 25-27. The Thanksgiving special will be aired on PBS on Nov 22 at 7:30 p.m.  In December, AppleTV+ will also premiere “ A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec 4, with the holiday special available to enjoy for free from Dec 11-13.  The holiday special will also air on PBS on Dec 13 at 7:30 p.m.  The specials will be ad-free. 

Apple established ties with Peanuts back in 2018, the agreement initially called for the company to help develop new series and specials featuring the iconic comic strip characters: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Peppermint Patty.  Apple has since produced brand new animated Apple originals like “Snoopy in Space”, which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy and will include a second second. As well as the upcoming brand new original AppleTV+ series “The Snoopy Show” set for release in Feb 2021. 

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

‘Wonder Woman: 1984’ gets Twin Release on HBO Max and in Theaters on Christmas Day

Video
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Above : Promotional video for “wonder woman: 1984” on hbo max

HBO option will not have uncharge giving viewers a safe stay-at-home option

“Wonder Woman: 1984” (WW84) has had a bumpy road finding a release date. The DC follow-up to Patty Jenkins’ sensational 2017 “Wonder Woman” was originally meant to hit theaters last year, on December 2019, but the studio pushed the movie back to a summer release date in June, then again for October, and now, finally, will be released in theaters and HBO Max on the same day, Christmas day. 

Read More: Justice League releases brand new Black and White Trailer for upcoming HBO Max 2021 movie release

“We appreciate how patient audiences have been and given the great anticipation around ‘Wonder Woman 1984,’ we are grateful to be able to make this terrifically entertaining movie widely available in these challenging times,” 

-Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, said in a statement.
Click to Preorder “Release The Snyder Cut” 
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The announcement by Warner Bros came on Thursday, Nov 18. The decision to release the movie both in theaters and the streaming platform comes when more than 250,000 people have died from the coronavirus pandemic. The surge of new cases may deter fans from going to see it in a theater so a simultaneous streaming debut could boost numbers as well as subscriptions for HBO.  

 It has been reported that WW84 will not cost anything extra  to stream on HBO Max other than the monthly subscription fee of $14.99 and will be available to watch for one month within the U.S. In addition, this week, WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max would be available on Amazon’s Fire Stick. It is still not available with Roku streaming technology.

Read More: Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland star in the new trailer for the upcoming sci-fi thriller, Chaos Walking

Gal Gadot, who stars as the DC Comics superhero, as well as director Patty Jenkens both posted statements on their social media accounts sharing the news of the release of their movie. 

Great Throwback Aesthetic in Stark Contrast to Our Somber Times

What really sticks out in”WW84″ right now is not the diegetic loopholes, but the novel, vibrant aesthetic. With a few exceptions, DCEU movies often get criticism for their grey pallet and overly-sinister energy. Fans frequently plead for Warner Brothers to offer a bit more color and optimism to the franchise, citing Disney’s Marvel films as exemplars for comic book adaptation.

Chris Pine also returns from the original “Wonder Woman” cast, reprising his role as love-interest Steve Trevor. Conspicuously, his character unambiguously died in a plane crash at the end of the first film, but the trailer seems to find him alive and well.

From the rainbow tinted posters to the electrifying trailer, the movie is clearly invested in the 1984 setting. It looks like a disco-infused, fun-filled superhero flick, with quality humor, captivating visuals, and a strong cast to carry it along—Pedro Pascal from “The Madalorian” is playing the main villain!

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Books, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies

Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland star in the new trailer for the upcoming sci-fi thriller, ‘Chaos Walking’

Video
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1329217450055852035/vid/1280x720/LelLKjhJBezxZvW8.mp4?tag=13

Above: Official Trailer for “Chaos Walking / Lionsgate

Early test of 2021 Box-office likely from this Star-filled $100 million Sci-fi Thriller

The 1st official trailer for the upcoming sci-fi action-thriller, starring Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland, “Chaos Walking”, was just released. The Doug Liman directed YA movie is a Lionsgate production and  is currently scheduled for release on Jan. 22, 2021. 

Read More: Justice League releases brand new Black and White Trailer for upcoming HBO Max 2021 movie release

“Release” these days can have a lot of meanings. The upcoming Wonder Woman 1984 dual theatrical / HBO Max release has all eyes on it, for a possible formula to succeed at the box office in this radically changed environment. 

Click to see “The Knife of Never Letting Go“
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Also available on Amazon.

If WW84 does boffo @ holiday / Christmas, using this novel approach, Chaos Walking could be a follow-up trend-extender, so stay tuned for release details closer to the official date.

The film is inspired by the 2008 book “The Knife of Never Letting Go” by Patrick Ness, the first of his Chaos Walking series.  Set in the future, Daisy Ridley plays character Viola, who crash lands on another planet, a planet in which all the women have disappeared.  All the men have been infected with “the Noise” germ, that put their thoughts on display.  Viola teams up with Tom Hollands character, Todd Hewitt and vows to protect her, all the while learning to channel “his own inner power and unlock the planet’s dark secrets,” per Lionsgate’s description.

Chaos Walking began filming back in the beautiful, pre-pandemic days of 2017, for the originally planned March 2019 release.  Because the two stars were also juggling other movies, Tom Holland filming Spider-Man and Daisy Ridley busy filming Star Wars, it was difficult to get the leads to finalize all production until 2020.  

Along with Ridley and Holland, Chaos Walking boasts a stacked cast that also includes Nick Jonas, Mads Mikkelsen, Cynthia Erivo, David Oyelowo, Kurt Sutter, and Demián Bichir.

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Breaking News, Entertainment, Movies, Sports

David Beckham is the new FIFA 21 Cover Star and it’s available soon for PS5 and Xbox Series X

Video
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Legend of the Game and Celebrity Icon Returns as EA Sports Next-Gen Cover Star

David Beckham,  The Manchester United, England and Real Madrid football legend as well as current owner of Inter Miami CF, will, once again be a playable character in one of the most famous gaming franchises.  He was just officially announced  as the cover star in EA SPORTS’s FIFA 21 and also return as an Ultimate Team icon. 

Read More: New Exclusive Games for Just-Released Sony Playstation 5 (PS5)

It has been 23 years since Beckham last graced the cover of a FIFA game.  FIFA 21 is out now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC and will have the new digital-only  Beckham Edition cover through the holidays.

“I’m so proud to be returning to EA SPORTS with my FIFA 21 Beckham edition cover,”

“Excited to be back on the pitch as an icon with some of my old teammates!”

— David Beckham
Click here to see “FIFA 21”
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Beckham will receive three ICON cards, with the ratings of those cards to be officially released next week on November 27th, 2020.  

Beckham’s ultimate team icon will be added to the game starting December 4th which is also the date FIFA 21 will be released for the next-gen consoles, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.  Fans will also be able to benefit from dual entitlement/backward compatibility, which will allow gamers to upgrade their copy of the game from PS4 to PS5 or Xbox One to the Series X or S at no additional cost. 

”a player who has transcended the sport and one of the only players to have won league titles in four different countries, playing in the Premier League, La Liga, MLS and Ligue 1, among other great achievements in his career both on and off the pitch,”

—EA Sports FIFA confirming a multi-year ambassadorial agreement

As a way to celebrate Beckham’s return, gamers who play FIFA 21 by Jan. 15, 2021 will receive an un-tradeable unique David Beckham item in FIFA Ultimate Team, also players will receive him as a VOLTA ‘Groundbreaker’ starting Dec. 15, 2020. The untradeable card will be 86-rated and will be based on his time at Real Madrid and will be the first in FUT history to be released featuring a club that the player in question used to play for.  And did I mention this card is one that gamers can earn for free.

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Entertainment, Movies

ABC gambles on ‘Big Sky’ series but Ryan Phillippe Twist in Debut grabs Eyeballs

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At the very least, ABC’s newest show, the mystery drama “Big Sky” is making headlines. 

The show marks writer and director David E. Kelley’s  returns to broadcast TV since 2013. Kelley is more recently known for his shows on HBO platform, “Big Little Lies” and the current show “The Undoing”. Critics have called it “surprising” and compelling – even while grappling with the built-in expectations that such a prolific writer / director / producer over such a long career. 

Read More: Justice League releases brand new Black and White Trailer for upcoming HBO Max 2021 movie release

The series revolves around private detectives Cassie Dewell played by Kylie Bunbury, Cody Hoyt  starring Ryan Phillippe who get together with former police officer Jenny Hoyt played by Katheryn Winnick, who is also Cody’s estranged wife.

The show is located in Montana where the characters team up to solve the kidnapping of two teenage girls and based on C.J. Box’s “The Highway” novels.  The depth of the social and psychological decay begins, over time to expose the dark underbelly of rural America.

The show is available to watch weekly on ABC or streaming on Hulu.

Somewhat of a spoiler alert coming; if you haven’t started the show, the first episode kills off one of the main characters.  A huge twist, at the final seconds of the premiere episode – Ryan Philippe’s character, Cody Hoyt is shot dead.

In an interview, Philippe commented on the premiere’s shocking ending 

“So often in entertainment you can see what’s coming a month away, and to have moments in a series like this where it kind of takes your breath away, when you are absolutely shocked and did not see it coming, it’s exciting to me.”

Kelly’s return to broadcast TV (after success at HBO) is a special event, in and of itself.. ABC, in the midst of a difficult production environment, due to the pandemic, decided, to forego the usual pilot-test phase and signed the show directly to a full series deal.

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Entertainment, Movies

Warner Bros. Drops Tom & Jerry Trailer featuring live action update to Cartoon Classic

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New trailer underscores popular need for soothing, cute content due to world on edge of…

In a comical yet questionable continuation of the trend toward Live-Action – Animation hybrid productions of historic classic films, Warner Brothers released the trailer today for the update to the classic pet rivalry favorite Tom & Jerry. The new version will be the first new release based on the classic characters since 1992, when “Tom and Jerry: The Movie” hit screens across the world. 

Read More: Justice League releases brand new Black and White Trailer for upcoming HBO Max 2021 movie release

This iteration,  directed by Tim Story, has a nouveau-chic cast including Chloe Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Rob Delaney, Ken Jeong, and Colin Jost.

According to Warner Bros, “One of the most beloved rivalries in history is reignited when Jerry moves into New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of “the wedding of the century,” forcing the event’s desperate planner to hire Tom to get rid of him.”

“The ensuing cat and mouse battle threatens to destroy her career, the wedding and possibly the hotel itself. But soon, an even bigger problem arises: a diabolically ambitious staffer conspiring against all three of them.”

Here’s the synopsis:

One of the most beloved rivalries in history is reignited when Jerry moves into New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of “the wedding of the century,” forcing the event’s desperate planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. The ensuing cat and mouse battle threatens to destroy her career, the wedding and possibly the hotel itself. But soon, an even bigger problem arises: a diabolically ambitious staffer conspiring against all three of them.

An eye-popping blend of classic animation and live action, Tom and Jerry’s new big-screen adventure stakes new ground for the iconic characters and forces them to do the unthinkable… work together to save the day.

The movie stars Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass), Michael Peña (American Hustle, Ant-Man), Rob Delaney (Deadpool 2), Colin Jost (How to be Single), and Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians, The Hangover).

The film is directed by Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Think Like a Man, Barbershop) from a script written by Kevin Costello. The film is based on characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.

Tom & Jerry is currently scheduled to be released on March 5th, 2021. Watch the trailer and let us know what you think.

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Entertainment, Movies

Justice League releases brand new Black and White Trailer for upcoming HBO Max 2021 movie release

Video
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Official teaser trailer for snyder cut of justice league

Trailer hints at a major over-haul which led to the upcoming 4 x 1 hour Segments

Zack Snyder let loose a  new trailer on Vero and Twitter for the upcoming “Synder-Cut” of Justice League that will be released on HBO Max in 2021. The director purposely gave fans an opportunity to experience the trailer on the exact 3 year anniversary of the theatrical release of the Justice League, originally released on Nov. 17, 2017. 

Click to Preorder “Release The Snyder Cut”
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The new, crazy Snyder-esque full version will run nearly 4 hours and be jammed-packed with never-before seen footage from the DC FanDome, and this time around, (surprise!), it will be in black and white. He culled the new content from previously-shot clips (of which he no doubt has a boat-load in his archive). Apparently, according to sources, in the release will be separated, and the marathon will get further cut into one hour sections, presumably, to remove the medical dangers that could arise from any binging into a four hour watch-a-thon without a break…

In an even more thrilling tidbit, for the obsessed, there will also be 4-5 minutes of brand new footage, including some featuring Jared Leto is his role as (the new) Joker.  The director shared the new trailer with the hashtag: #UsUnited, as a homage to the now-famous line Batman uttered at the end of the 2017 Justice League. 

https://twitter.com/ZackSnyder/status/1328727811595517953?s=20

An introduction for fans meant to build the buzz, in anticipation of the new longer, darker version to come

The world’s greatest super heroes, the Justice League, comprising of DC’s unprecedented team, including the likes of Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash, who are known to have  fought to restore faith, and recover the humanity in humanity.

“It will be an entirely new thing, and, especially talking to those who have seen the released movie, a new experience apart from that movie.”

-Zack Synder interview / Hollywood Reporter 

The God of Evil himself, Darkseid, as played by Ray Porter, is said to be notably featured within the movie, giving the “Snyder-Cut”  a unique story-arc emphasizing a different and darker perspective, one that only Zack himself can produce. 

Justice League stars:

  • Ben Affleck as Batman
  • Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman
  • Henry Cavill as Superman
  • Amy Adams as Lois Lane
  • Jason Momoa as Aquaman
  • Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta
  • Ezra Miller as The Flash
  • Ray Fisher as Cyborg
  • Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
  • Diane Lane as Martha Kent
  • Ciarán Hinds as Steppenwolf
  • Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
  • J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon
  • Jared Leto as Joker
  • Ray Porter as Darkseid

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Entertainment, Movies

7 New Movies Releasing Soon to Rescue Us for the Holidays

Above: Photo Collage / Lynxotic

Arduous production and distribution woes make for a slimmer Holiday fare: we found the best hopes for 2020

Because of COVID-19, 2020 will go down in history as one of the most unique years for movies. With theaters closed, blockbusters delayed, and dozens of highly anticipated films getting siphoned off to streaming services, there hasn’t been any major box office highs or prestigious content for the big screen. Given the state of the world, this reality will likely continue through December, robbing the holiday season of its traditional major releases. 

Read More: PS5 Launch Day is Officially Here – Available for Black-Friday-like sales today on Walmart, Amazon and others

Nevertheless, a handful of pictures are still pushing for late 2020 premieres. Not all hope is lost for a Christmas-time movie watching experience. Here are a few anticipated films that plan on coming out before the end of the year…

Wonder Woman: 1984

Patty Jenkins’ sequel to 2017’s “Wonder Woman” was originally slated for a June release, but got perpetually pushed back because of the virus. Now, it is holding onto a Christmas Day theatrical debut. Gal Gadot returns as the titular heroin alongside Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig in this ninth installment to the DC Extended Universe.

Above: Photo “Coming 2 America”

Coming 2 America

After returning to host “Saturday Night Live” and starring in Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name,” legendary comedian Eddie Murphy effectively reentered the zeitgeist in 2019. Therefore, hopes were high for his late sequel to the 1988 classic, “Coming To America.” Although made for the theaters, this 2020 film will now be available exclusively on Amazon Prime starting December 18th. 

Mank

A film historian’s film if there ever was one, the David Fincher-directed “Mank” stars Gary Oldman as real-life screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz. Shot in black-and-white, the biopic focuses on Mankiewicz’s alcoholism and tumultuous experience writing “Citizen Kane” during Hollywood’s Golden Age. This Oscar-bait movie has already started its limited theatrical run, but will find a home on Netflix come December 4th.

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/pixar/soul/soul-trailer-3_h1080p.mov

Above:Official Trailer / Disney’s Soul

Soul

Pixar’s last theatrical release was terribly timed. The critically acclaimed, but commercially underwhelming “Onward” hit theaters the same weekend that the pandemic heated up in America and moviegoers were urged to stay at home. This next Disney-Pixar outing will thus go directly to streaming via Disney+. Available on Christmas Day, “Soul” is the first Pixar feature not to have a big-screen premiere. 

Midnight Sky

Netflix went all in for this George Clooney-directed science fiction adaptation. It’s a story about a man (played by Clooney) living on post-apocalyptic Earth and communicating with astronauts as they make their way back to the shambled planet. The film will stream on December 23rd and in this unique case, 2020 might actually add some timely relevance to the plot.

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/fox/free-guy/free-guy-trailer-1_h1080p.mov

Above: Official Trailer of Free Guy / 20th Century Fox

Free Guy

Riding on the coattails of “Deadpool” and “Detective Pikachu,” Disney’s “Free Guy” is the latest action-comedy to star Ryan Reynolds as a happy-go-lucky protagonist. With a plot involving virtual reality, the movie puts an ordinary guy in extraordinary circumstances for some hilarious thrills. Carried over from 20th Century Fox and not based on any pre-existing IP, “Free Guy” is a bit of a gamble. We’ll find out if it pays off on when it hits theaters on the eleventh. 

https://movietrailers.apple.com/movies/sony_pictures/monster-hunter/monster-hunter-trailer-1_h1080p.mov

Above: Official Trailer of Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter

Another prospective theatrical release for December, Sony’s “Monster Hunter” plans to premiere on the 30th. Based off of the popular video game series of the same title, “Monster Hunter” promises a hybrid of war, science fiction, and fantasy delights. Director Paul W.S. Anderson has missed the mark with his video game adaptations before, but we cannot deny that huge spectacles projected on the big screen are something we’ve been deprived of this year, and therefore deeply crave.

Find books on Music, Movies & Entertainment and many other topics at our sister site: Cherrybooks on Bookshop.org

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