Rita Moreno – We Are Movie Geeks

FAST X – Review

So, I stated in a review from a couple of weeks ago that the Summer movie season has officially begun with the early May foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And just when does the movie madness kick in, where’s the big action blockbusters? Well, it goes full-throttle right now as we shift (see what I’m doing here) from the MCU to the F&FU (maybe I should leave off that last letter). We can officially call this one of our most enduring film franchises as it’s now well over 21 (so don’t imbibe before sliding into the driver’s seat). This weekend, and for a few weeks thereafter, action enthusiasts will buckle up at the multiplex for FAST X. And man, you can pop your corn on those searing engines.

Just like today’s big streaming release, this one starts with a flashback, to the big stunt set piece from FAST FIVE. That’s when our heroes trekked to Rio in order to literally rip a big armored safe from the wall of the HQ of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). As radio comic Jerry Cologna said (aging myself here), “Ah, something new’s been added”. Turns out that part of the big chase was Hernan’s son, Dante (Jason Momoa), who took a dip as his pop was offed. And now we’re back to today as Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) hosts a big outdoor feast for his visiting grandmother Abuelita (Rita Moreno). Oh, and it’s also a going away party for the agency-backed mission in Rome lead by, appropriately, Roman (Tyrese Gibson), aided by Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Han (Sung Kang), and, of course, Tej (Ludacris). All seems right until they get a surprise late-night visitor, former enemy Cipher (Charlize Theron), who is badly wounded. Seems that she and her crew were ambushed by Dante and his squad. Dom contacts his man with US intel, Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) who has no knowledge of the Rome mission. It’s a set-up, a trap! It’s off to Italy for Dom and his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), who arrive just in time for Dante’s frame job. The Toretto crew is thought to have unleashed a big explosive device that almost levels Vatican City. Letty is nabbed, while Dom embarks on a globe-wide hunt for Dante, with the new agency head Aimes (Alan Ritchson) in hot pursuit. Luckily Mr. Nobody’s daughter Tess (Brie Larson) believes in Dom, as does brother Jakob (John Cena) and a reluctant Shaw (Jason Statham).

The action is so, well, F&F, it’s tough to focus on principal performances. Of course, the lead is, once again, Diesel, who is the anchor and father figure to his “famlee”, offering sage advice and mentorship to “little B’, a bit of romance to Letty, and snarling retorts to all the baddies. And the main one this time is the scenery-chewing Momoa, who seems to truly enjoy channeling his “dark side” as the gleefully sadistic Dante. Imagine the crossed DNA of the Joker (one scene actually recreates a bit of the 1989 BATMAN) and Fabio (could this be his audition for DC’s “Lobo”). Although many of the one-liners are “groaners”, nobody can accuse him of “phoning it in” even as he seems too “campy” for a fellow avenging his father. Theron gets to go more villainess in the last act, while MCU sister Larson flexes her martial arts chops while engaging in verbal showdowns with Ritchson. Coming off her recent triumph in the D&D flick, Rodriguez is a full warrior queen. Cena scores some laughs as the affable protector of Dom’s nephew, while Statham flaunts that surly attitude as Shaw. Naturally, we get to see Gibson and Ludacris bicker and squabble in bits that were tiresome three movies ago. And it’s nice to see screen vets Moreno and Helen Mirren even though they have little to do other than lend their still white-hot charisma.

The traffic cop in the director’s chair this time out is Louis Leterrier, who is able to keep the film moving even as it slows down for some exposition that builds to another “can we top this” action set piece. And that’s in between the many locale changes, swiftly going from Rome to LA, to London to Puerto Rico and Portugal, with a side trek through the frozen tundra. What’s truly surprising is that the script, for one scene as Aimes gloms over the history of Dom’s crew, actually goes “meta” even veering into satire as it embraces the absurdity of the stunts (monitors behind Aimes replay clips from previous entries). So, yes they know it’s some goofball…stuff. It’s odd that they start with a sequence from FIVE since that’s the one that perhaps began the “break from reality” along with physics and gravity. And I know these flicks are review-proof since anyone that’s been exposed to the franchise knows what they’re “getting into”, despite what will probably be an irritating final act (at least they’re placated with a nifty mid-credits scene). If you approach this with the proper frame of mind, you’ll enjoy the wonky excess (and I’m including Momoa) of FAST X. For the rest of us, at least it’s well short of three hours. Whew!

2 Out of 4

FAST X is now playing in theatres everywhere

See Jason Momoa And Vin Diesel In FAST X Big Game Spot

Watch the thrilling Big Game spot for FAST X, hitting theaters May 19.

Fast X, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga, launches the final chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular global franchises, now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and characters as when it began.

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.

In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decapitated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know was that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price.

Brie Larson is Tess in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier

Jason Momoa is Dante in FAST X, directed by Louis Leterrier

https://www.fastxmovie.com/

Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his own 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance.

Directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron.

The film also features an extraordinary new cast including Oscar® winner Brie Larson as Tess, a rogue representative from the Agency; Alan Richtson (Reacher) as Aimes, the new head of the Agency who doesn’t hold the same fondness for Dom’s crew as his predecessor, Mr. Nobody; Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad) as a Brazilian street racer with a powerful tie to Dom’s past; and legendary Oscar® winner Rita Moreno as Dom and Mia’s Abuelita Toretto.

Fast X is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Samantha Vincent. The executive producers are Joseph M. Caracciolo, Jr., David Cain, Chris Morgan, Amanda Lewis and Mark Bomback.

80 FOR BRADY – Review

*Rita Moreno plays Maura, Jane Fonda plays Trish, Sally Field plays Betty, and Lily Tomlin plays Lou in 80 For Brady from Paramount Pictures.*

You might expect a Superbowl movie to be about a dad and his son who loves football, but 80 FOR BRADY is something else – a comedy starring some great iconic actresses – Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, and Jane Fonda – about four best friends in their 80s and 70s who love football, and particularly Tom Brady, and dream of going to the Super Bowl. Brady, now the oldest pro quarterback ever in the NFL, serves a a producer but the real thrill is that cast of those other seasoned pros.

Inspired by a true story, 80 FOR BRADY was written by Sarah Haskins and Emily Halpern (BOOKSMART) and is directed by Kyle Marvin. The stars play four these long-time best friends who first bonded as fans of Tom Brady, back in his early days. Now, prompted by a radio contest for tickets, they are determined to go to the 2017 Super Bowl to see their hero play for the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons. Lou (Lily Tomlin), a cancer survivor, sparks the idea for this trip of a lifetime, and hatches the plan to win the radio contest for tickets. Math professor Betty (Sally Field) calculates the steep odds against them, but they are all game to try for one last grand adventure. Both Maura (Rita Moreno) and Trish (Jane Fonda) are quickly on-board. Maura is a sharp-witted widow who is still grieving and living at the assisted living facility her late husband needed, even though she clearly does not belong there. Jane Fonda’s Trish is a former local TV spokes-model turned romance writer (whose novels revolve around another NFL player Rob Gronkowski), who has an amazing collection of wigs and a penchant for falling in love too quickly. With plucky determination and some amazing luck, these pals dance around obstacles in their way, tossing off quips and one-liners in their bedazzled jerseys, and charming the heck out of us.

These iconic pros are awfully cute and funny in this light bit of sports comedy. Sometimes these all-star casts don’t work but this one sure does, as they have great chemistry together and the skill to spin familiar stuff into laughs and bits of warm moments.

Actually, this marvelous cast is the best thing about this light sports-themed diversion. They squeeze every bit of entertainment out of this buddy-movie iteration. We’ve seen several movies about aging male friends in this kind of adventure, so it is nice to finally give the women their chance. You don’t need to be a football fan to enjoy this comic treat – a cinematic chips and chicken wings snack.

These seasoned pros are effortless in entertaining us with this thin material, as they dodge their way past problems, win a hot wings contest, dominate a poker game, crash an A-list party and get loopy after accidentally ingesting drugs (a sequence that includes a room full of Guy Fieri copies). Tom Brady appears periodically, like an inspirational figure who gives encouragement to Lou in little fantasy moments anytime she sees his image on a poster or a big screen.

While there is a buddy-movie road trip theme, these gals in their 70s and 80s aren’t dumb – no cross-country trek in a questionable vehicle for them. They fly to their destination. Of course, getting out of town itself presents its problems, includes evading an assisted living carer who doesn’t want to interrupt a nap and too much luggage. The adventures grow, in the pre-game hoopla and the game itself. But the first adventure is getting those Superbowl tickets to begin with.

Nothing very unexpected happens and there are plenty of familiar set pieces and some corny jokes (and a few stereotypical ones) but these skilled pros skate past all that, to milk every drop of comedy out of the material. There are mix-ups and mess-ups, and the friends get separated, which allows the stars to be featured in their own comic adventure before coming back together. Each character has her own issues and each star gets her featured moments in between the ensemble scenes. You may find yourself smiling in spite of it all, putty in the hands of Tomlin, Fields, Morano and Fonda.

Besides Tom Brady, there are other celebrity appearances (including a particularly delightful cameo by Patton Oswalt). Sara Gilbert appears as Tomlin’s daughter, calling her from home about her health, and Bob Balaban plays Betty’s befuddled professor husband who depends on her for everything. Guy Fieri hosts the hot wings eating contest and more, and Billy Porter is half-time choreographer Gugu who recruits the gals for a little dancing. Harry Hamlin has a featured part as a retired NFL pro who takes to Fonda’s Trish.

Sure, 80 FOR BRADY is silly and predictable but it is surprisingly charming, due to its delightful cast. Just watching these icons work is a joy, in a story that also has a little anti-ageist, woman-power flare.

80 FOR BRADY opens Friday, Feb, 3, at Plaza Frontenac and other theaters.

RATING: 1.5 out of 4 stars

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of 80 FOR BRADY

Inspired by the true story of four best friends living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.

Starring Academy Award® nominee Lily Tomlin, Academy Award® winner Jane Fonda, Academy Award® winner Rita Moreno and Academy Award® winner Sally Field, with 7-time Super Bowl Champion and producer Tom Brady, 80 FOR BRADY is in-theatres February 3, 2023.

Advance Screening is Wed, February 1^st 7pm @ Marcus Des Peres 14 Cine.

The screening will be filled on a first come first served basis, so we encourage you to arrive early. Seats will not be guaranteed.

Enter at the link below.

SWEEPSTAKES LINK: https://gofobo.com/MMebI28657

https://www.80forbrady.com/home/

Tom Brady on the set of 80 For Brady from Paramount Pictures.

Billy Porter plays Gugu, Rita Moreno plays Maura, Jane Fonda plays Trish and Lily Tomlin plays Lou in 80 For Brady from Paramount Pictures.

WEST SIDE STORY – Review

*Ariana DeBose as Anita (center) in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY. Courtesy of 20th Century Studios*

WEST SIDE STORY is the exception to the rule that remaking a classic is pointless task. In fact, in some ways it is a better film. No wonder with the stellar team behind it – directed Steven Spielberg, script adapted by Tony Kushner, cinematography by Janusz Kaminski, and with executive producer Rita Moreno, the EGOT plus Pulitzer winner (one of the world’s three) who starred in original film as Anita, the only real Puerto Rican cast member in the 1961 film.

WEST SIDE STORY is one of the great classics of musical theater, first on the Broadway stage in 1957 and then in a 1961 movie version, with choreography by Jerome Robbins, music by composer Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by playwright Arthur Laurents. The story, based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” is still set in the same 1957 New York but now the story takes place in a gritty, more realistic setting, with rubble in the streets as well as passersby and vintage cars. Tony Kushner adapted his script from the stage play rather than the movie, so audiences will notices a few differences from the familiar movie, as well as some updates to make the film more accessible for modern audiences. This story takes place in a neighborhood under the shadow of “urban renewal,” the destructive wholesale “clearance” of whole poor neighborhoods for redevelopment for the more affluent. Two juvenile street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, are vying for dominance over the neighborhood, even as it is being emptied to make way for the new Lincoln Center.

The Sharks are recent arrivals from Puerto Rico while the Jets are the descendants of earlier immigrants from Ireland, Italy and Poland, who resent the new arrivals. Against that backdrop, Tony (Ansel Elgort), once a member of the Jets, meets and falls in love with Puerto Rican Maria (Rachel Zegler), the sister of Bernardo (David Alvarez), the leader of the Sharks. Maria lives with her brother and his girlfriend Anita (Ariana DeBose), who has taken the young girl under her wing.

The Jets are now led by Riff (Mike Faist), Tony’s childhood friend, who hopes to bring his pal back into the gang, at least for a showdown with the Sharks. Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original film, now plays the widow of Doc, the kindly pharmacist who employed and advised Tony, a role that she plays in this version. Corey Stoll plays police detective Lieutenant Schrank and Brian d’Arcy James plays the frustrated Officer Krupke, while Josh Andrés Rivera plays Chino, the Puerto Rican boy that Bernardo has picked out for his sister Maria.

The immigrants theme was ground-breaking in 1957 but that the issue remains timely gives the story a contemporary hook. While the basic story remains the same, there are some changes, Some lyrics and dialog are gently updated to reflect modern sensibilities and address old issues, which gives the film a more contemporary feel. Some songs are sung in a different order or even sung by a different character but the changes do not change the basic story or its audience appeal. These changes seamlessly blended in by using musical arrangements and singing style similar to the 1961 movie.

Casting is also different, as this version corrects some cringe-worthy choices in the original cast, by casting more Hispanics in those roles. Unlike the 1961 film, the stars do their own singing, and both Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler do well in that respect.

Dancing remains a strong point in this film, with several fast, colorful, pulse-raising production numbers that are highlights. While the leads are focal points for songs, the supporting characters lead the dance numbers with Mike Faist as Riff and Ariana DeBose as Anita soaring to impressive heights. Both are triple threats, excelling in acting, singing and dancing, particularly dancing for Faist and singing for DeBose.

This is a musical with so many memorable songs. Highlights include the “America” production number, now opened up on to the streets and even more colorful, and the very funny “Officer Krupke” number, now set in a police station retains its punch. The “Tonight” duet has all the romance audiences could want, and the opening “Jets” number retains all its energy, with a little extra menace added in.

The cinematography by the legendary Janusz Kaminski adds greatly to the film. The strong use of slanting light adds drama, the dance numbers are brilliant and electric, and the night time scenes are filled with stabs of light, from street lights, searchlights, and headlights, adding a jolt of electricity to many scenes.

While some will still cite the 1961 classic film as their favorite, a good case can be made that this one is the better film, meaning Spielberg and Kushner have pulled off the near-impossible – remaking a classic and topping the original.

WEST SIDE STORY opens Friday, Dec. 10, in theaters.

RATING: 4 out of 4 stars

RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT Opens June 18th at The Hi-Pointe in St. Louis

The Hi-Pointe Theater, at 1005 McCausland Ave in St. Louis, is the best place to see movies. RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT opens this Friday June 18th at The Hi-Pointe. The Hi-Pointe’s site can be found HERE

Over a 70+ year career, Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become a celebrated and beloved actor, one of the rare EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award Winners of our time. Born into poverty on a Puerto Rican farm, Moreno and her seamstress mother immigrated to New York City when Moreno was five years old. After studying dance and performing on Broadway, Moreno was cast as any ethnic minority the Hollywood studios needed filled, be it Polynesian, Native American or Egyptian. Despite becoming the first Latina actress to win an Academy Award for her role as Anita in “West Side Story” (1961), the studios continued to offer Moreno lesser roles as stereotypical ethnic minorities, ignoring her proven talent. RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT illuminates the humor and the grace of Moreno, as well as lesser-known struggles faced on her path to stardom, including pernicious Hollywood sexism and abuse, a toxic relationship with Marlon Brando, and serious depression a year before she emerged an Oscar winner. Moreno’s talent and resilience triumphed over adversity, as she broke barriers, fought for representation and forged the path for new generations of artists.

First Look At Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY – Opens In Theaters December 2021

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. Here’s your first look at the trailer released during Sunday’s Oscars telecast.

This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also serves as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score; Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and Grammy®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who served as executive music producer for the film.

The film is produced by Spielberg, Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

From 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company will release “West Side Story” in U.S. theaters on December 10, 2021.

WEST SIDE STORY Starts Friday at The Skyview Drive-in in Belleville, IL

” You all killed him! And my brother, and Riff. Not with bullets, or guns, with hate. Well now I can kill, too, because now I have hate!”

The Skyview Drive-in in Belleville (5700 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226) will be showing WEST SIDE STORY (1961) beginning July 24th. The Skyview’s site can be found HERE . The other screen at the Skyview will be showing SPACE JAM and SPACEBALLS

Visually inventive and emotionally resonant, “West Side Story” is the tale of two warring New York City gangs – the Jets and the Sharks – and the ill-fated love story that springs up in their midst. The film stars Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as her boyfriend Tony, Rita Moreno as Maria’s sister Anita, and George Chakiris as Bernardo. Both Moreno and Chakiris received Oscars® for their indelible work in supporting roles.

By blending realistic settings, stylized choreography, an extraordinary cast of performers and an unforgettable score, “West Side Story” became a cinematic and cultural sensation when it was released in October 1961, grossing $43 million at the box office – equivalent to $500 million in today’s dollars. Its soundtrack, including “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” “America,” “Something’s Coming” and “Somewhere,” has become one of the most iconic in movies history.

10-Time Oscar Winner WEST SIDE STORY Back in Cinemas June 24th & 27th

One of the most beloved and captivating musicals in Hollywood history, “West Side Story” will return to movie theaters for two days only this June as Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies expand the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, which brings legendary motion pictures back to cinemas across the country every month. Further enhancing this big-screen presentation, TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz will introduce the film and present post-show commentary.

Tickets for “West Side Story” will be available beginning Friday, April 20, at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.

From Fathom Events, TCM, Park Circus and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), “West Side Story” will be presented in more than 600 movie theaters on Sunday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 27, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time each day. A complete list of theater locations will be available April 20 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented in its original widescreen aspect ratio, and complete with its original mid-film intermission, “West Side Story” combines a majestic score by Leonard Bernstein with the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. The movie was largely shot in New York City – on what is now the Lincoln Center complex – by co-directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, both of whom received the Oscar® as Best Director.

“‘West Side Story’ really is one of the defining moments in the history of movie musicals,” Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “Seeing it on the big screen is an unforgettable experience that we’re excited to be able to bring to moviegoers all over the country.”

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas^®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Lady Antebellum and Sammy Hagar, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Is Genesis History? and IN OUR HANDS: The Battle for Jerusalem, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 912 locations and 1,427 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz and Saturday daytime host Tiffany Vazquez, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 23rd year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, the TCM Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

TCM is a division of Turner, a Time Warner company, Turner creates and programs branded news, entertainment, sports, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, FilmStruck, Super Deluxe, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE.

RIO 2 Miami Concert & Largest Samba Party At Film’s Premiere – Videos

Twentieth Century Fox’s new animated feature RIO 2 took over Miami, Florida on Friday evening (March 21) for a series of gala events marking the film’s World Premiere.

The celebrations included a screening; a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Attempt of the Largest Samba Party; the groundbreaking ceremony of the City’s Official Walk of Fame, in which the film and two of its stars, Jamie Foxx and Andy Garcia, were the inaugural inductees; and a special concert that featured performances by acclaimed artists Janelle Monáe, Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown and Ester Dean, all of whom contribute to the film’s soundtrack.

Attendees at the World Premiere screening of RIO 2 walked the special “Blu” Carpet (named for one of the film’s characters) and were enveloped by action, music and fun as director Carlos Saldanha reunited his beloved characters in RIO 2.

Rio 2 CONCERT from We Are Movie Geeks on Vimeo.

In the new film, it’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids, after they’re hurtled from Rio to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful and villainous Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all…his father-in-law.

Favorite “Rio” characters are joined by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy winner Bruno Mars, Emmy and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy/Tony/Grammy winner Rita Moreno.

Rio 2 Samba Event Largest Party Attempt from We Are Movie Geeks on Vimeo.

For the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® Attempt of the Largest Samba Party, Fox hosted over 256 dancers – each of whom sported traditional Brazilian garb – to dance a choreographed Samba.

They did indeed succeed in breaking the largest samba dance record!

Just as the Samba is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival, RIO and now RIO 2 celebrated that country’s music and grandeur, and made it come alive with character, color, emotion and fun.

The Official Miami Walk of Fame, Inc. immortalizes the entertainment industry’s biggest names, many of whom are hometown celebrities in entertainment, film, television, theater, sports, music and beyond.

The inaugural star-studded public ceremony took place with the premiere induction of RIO 2, as well as the induction of two of its stars – Academy Award and Grammy Award-Winner, Jamie Foxx, and Miamian Andy Garcia.

The festivities continued with a gala RIO 2 concert event featuring performances by recording artists Janelle Monáe and Ester Dean, Brazilian music legend Sergio Mendes, and fellow Brazilian phenomenon Carlinhos Brown.

Atlantic Records has announced the release of “RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE,” the musical companion to Blue Sky Studio/20thCentury Fox’s upcoming animated musical comedy. The soundtrack album arrives in stores and at all DSPs on March 25th.

“RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE” is available for pre-order now via http://smarturl.it/rio2soundtrack. All pre-orders will receive an instant download of the album’s colorful first single, “What Is Love,” by Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy recording artist Janelle Monáe. “What Is Love” is on sale now as an individual download on the iTunes Store and other digital retailers.

Monáe will herald the release of “RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE” with a special performance of “What Is Love” on an upcoming episode of AMERICAN IDOL XIII, set for Thursday, March 27 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/tape-delayed PT) on FOX.

In addition to “What Is Love,” “RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE” also features the song, “Welcome Back,” performed by GRAMMY®-winning Atlantic recording artist Bruno Mars, who makes his big screen debut in Rio 2 as “Roberto.” The album also gathers brand-new tracks from Mars’ longtime musical collaborator and labelmate, Philip Lawrence; 15-member Sao Paulo percussion group, Barbatuques; renowned Brazilian musician Carlinhos Brown (who received a 2012 Academy Award nomination for his work on the original Rio); and Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento. In honor of the much beloved “Take You To Rio” from Rio, the soundtrack features “Rio Rio,” a new version of the track by Ester Dean, featuring B.o.B. As if all that weren’t enough, “RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE” also presents songs from the film performed by cast members Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx, Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Kristin Chenoweth and Jemaine Clement.

“RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE” was specially curated by Academy Award nominated and GRAMMY-winner Sergio Mendes and Academy Award and GRAMMY nominated composer John Powell – who also teamed up on the first RIO soundtrack.

GRAMMY®-winning soundtrack producer Kevin Weaver (Boardwalk Empire, True Blood – Volumes 1 & 2, Girls) served as Executive Soundtrack Producer for Atlantic Records.

“RIO 2: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE”

(Atlantic)

In Stores and Online March 25^th

COMPLETE TRACKLISTING

What Is Love – Janelle Monáe
Rio Rio – Ester Dean (Featuring B.o.B)
Beautiful Creatures – Barbatuques, Andy Garcia, and Rita Moreno
Welcome Back – Bruno Mars
Ô Vida – Carlinhos Brown and Nina de Freitas
It’s A Jungle Out Here (Brazilian) – Philip Lawrence (Featuring UAKTI)
Don’t Go Away – Anne Hathaway and Flávia Maia
Batucuda Familia – Carlinhos Brown, Siedah Garrett, Jamie Foxx, Rachel Crow, Amy Heidemann, Andy Garcia, and Rita Moreno
Poisonous Love – Kristin Chenoweth and Jemaine Clement
I Will Survive – Jemaine Clement and Kristin Chenoweth
Bola Viva – Carlinhos Brown
Favo De Mel – Milton Nascimento
It’s A Jungle Out Here – Philip Lawrence
What Is Love (Cast) – Janelle Monáe, Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx, and Carlinhos Brown
What Is Love (The GoonRock Mix) – Janelle Monáe*
Angry Birds Rio 2 Theme – Barbatuques *

* Exclusive TARGET Bonus Tracks

Directed by Carlos Saldanha (RIO, ICE AGE) and produced by John C. Donkin and Bruce Anderson (RIO), RIO 2 flies into theatres everywhere April 11th, in 3D.

WEBSITES AND SOCIAL TAGS
YouTube:		http://youtube.com/officialriomovie
Twitter:		@RioMovie https://twitter.com/riomovie
Facebook:		@RioMovies https://www.facebook.com/RioMovies
Hashtag:		#Rio2
Official Site:		http://www.riomovies.com

http://instagram.com/RioMovies

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