Here’s a look at the new trailer for BEASTS OF NO NATION, the powerful new film written and directed by Emmy Award winner Cary Fukunaga (True Detective, Sin Nombre) and starring Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
The movie will debut Friday, October 16, 2015 worldwide on Netflix and on the same day in select U.S. theaters.
BEASTS OF NO NATION is based on the highly acclaimed novel by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala, bringing to life the gripping tale of Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in the civil war of an African country.
Newcomer Abraham Attah gives a stunning portrayal of Agu, while Elba dominates the screen in the role of Commandant, a warlord who takes in Agu and instructs him in the ways of war.
The film is produced by Amy Kaufman and Cary Fukunaga (who previously worked together on Sin Nombre), Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker and Dan Crown for Red Crown Productions, along with Elba. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King are executive producers for Participant Media and Donna Gigliotti is executive producer for Levantine Films.
U.S. film distribution company Bleecker Street will partner with Netflix to distribute the film to theaters.
To celebrate the opening of EuropaCorp’s upcoming film, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED, WAMG is giving away a Luc Besson (Producer/Writer) Blu-ray movie pack and a $100 Nike gift card.
The movie pack includes Lucy, retailing at $14.96, and The Transporter Trilogy, retailing at $34.27.
The Blu-rays and Nike gift card also come with a mini poster and cool movie swag, including a 28 oz Travel Bottle, a Tool Kit with a Tire Storage Case, and a 3 in 1 Travel Set.
ADD YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. We will contact the winner by email.
1. Must have a U.S. mailing address.
2. No purchase necessary.
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Prizing courtesy of EuropaCorp
Frank Martin (played by newcomer Ed Skrein), a former special-ops mercenary, is now living a less perilous life – or so he thinks – transporting classified packages for questionable people. When Frank’s father (Ray Stevenson) pays him a visit in the south of France, their father-son bonding weekend takes a turn for the worse when Frank is engaged by a cunning femme-fatale, Anna (Loan Chabanol), and her three seductive sidekicks to orchestrate the bank heist of the century.
Frank must use his covert expertise and knowledge of fast cars, fast driving and fast women to outrun a sinister Russian kingpin, and worse than that, he is thrust into a dangerous game of chess with a team of gorgeous women out for revenge.
From the producers of LUCY and the TAKEN trilogy, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED is a fresh personification of the iconic role of Frank Martin, that launches the high-octane franchise into the present-day and introduces it to the next generation of thrill-seekers.
Directed by Camille Delamarre, THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED hits theaters and IMAX on September 4, 2015.
Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley give us a pair of well-drawn, likeable characters as a New Yorker learning to drive from a Indian-American driving instructor, in LEARNING TO DRIVE.
LEARNING TO DRIVE is the kind of little film – smart, often funny, thoughtful – for grown-ups seen too little in theaters. But what really makes this film are the careful crafted, lived-in performances by Kingsley and Clarkson.
A cross-cultural story about two people driving around might bring “Driving Miss Daisy” to mind, but this film is really nothing like that sentimental tale. Although this story is built around a New Yorker learning to drive, the film is really about taking the wheel of one’s own life, a lesson for both the student and the teacher.
In St. Louis, like most of the country, nearly everyone learns to drive, usually as a teenager. In New York, it is a different case. Many people never learn to drive there, instead using public transportation and cabs. So it takes a certain courage and determination for a middle-aged woman to decide to learn to drive in a culture where not everyone does.
Patricia Clarkson plays Wendy Shields, a successful, well-known book critic whose college professor husband suddenly announces he is leaving her for another woman. Her husband gives her the news at a restaurant, hoping to limit the drama, but when he tries to leave, shocked Wendy jumps in his cab and continues asking him why The cab driver, a South Asian immigrant named Darwan (Kingsley), politely pretends not to hear what is going on in his back seat but he is clearly moved by her heartbroken reaction. The husband asks the cabbie to pull over, gets out and tells the cabbie to drive her home.
The next day, Wendy finds comfort from the couple’s only child Tasha (Grace Gummer), who is home from her college in upstate New York. Tasha wants to be supportive but turns down her mother’s request that she transfer to a university in town. So if Wendy wants to see her, she’ll have to drive there. Which means, she will have to learn to drive. When she calls a driving school, the instructor that shows up at her door is the same cabbie who drove her home, the second of his two jobs.
This film takes a smart, drily witty, literary spin that quashes any drift towards the sentimental. The strength of this charming, warm, often funny film is the appealing characters Clarkson and Kingsley build up. The two actors have great chemistry together and bring a little romantic attraction, never acted on, that gives a little extra boost. A lesser film would make this all about the New Yorker, but this film rounds out both characters.
Because of the cab ride, Darwan understands a little more of what Wendy is going through and as he guides her through the basics of driving, he builds up her confidence for taking control of her own life. Darwan’s calm effortlessness in teaching these dual lessons suggest this is not the first time he has helped a middle-aged New York woman find new self-confidence in driving. However, as the story unfolds, Darwan and Wendy become more like friends, and Darwan learns from Wendy as well as the reverse, as he faces his own life changes.
Darwan lives in Queens, in an apartment he shares with a bunch of other Sikh men, a minority religion in the Indian subcontinent men. Most of his roommates, including his nephew, are not in the country legally but Darwan is a legal resident, granted political asylum to escape persecution for his religion and political beliefs. Back home, he was a professor at a university, here he teaches driving and moonlights driving a cab. An immigration raid scatters his roommates and he finds himself living alone, which prompts him to finally agree to his sister’s plan to find him a wife in their village back in India, an idea he had resisted previously.
Since Sikh men wear turbans, they are often mistaken in this country for Muslims, and the film touches on that fact in one scene. While Wendy copes with her pending divorce, her role in the its end and explores her new life, Darwan gets some help from her about romancing his new wife, who arrives uncertain about adjusting to her new country. The film keeps things light but always intelligent
LEARNING TO DRIVE is a charming little film, with fine performances, appealing characters and nice little message about both friendship and learning something new, no matter your age.
LEARNING TO DRIVE opens Friday, September 4, at Plaza Frontenac Cinema.
Here’s a look at the new STAR WARS toys that are out today!
Merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated new movie STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS launched at retailers around the globe as ‘Force Friday’ officially got underway. Hot off the heels of the 18+ hour global live unboxing event on YouTube where highlights of the new product range were officially unveiled, the celebration continued as more than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. opened their doors at midnight for fans to be among the first to discover new Star Wars products.
LEGO Star Wars Millenium Falcon..Licensee: LEGO.MSRP: $149.99.Available: September 4. .One of the most iconic starships of the Star Wars saga is back, and it?s leaner and meaner than ever before! As featured in exciting scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this latest LEGO? version of the Millennium Falcon is crammed with new and updated external features, including an even more streamlined and detailed design, detachable cockpit with space for 2 minifigures, rotating top and bottom laser turrets with hatch and space for a minifigure, dual spring-loaded tools, sensor dish, ramp and an entrance hatch. Open up the hull plates to reveal even more great new and updated details inside, including the main hold with seating area and holochess board, more detailed hyperdrive, secret compartment, extra boxes and cables, and storage for spring-loaded tool. And of course no LEGO Millennium Falcon model would be complete without Han Solo and Chewbacca, as well as other great characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Activate the hyperdrive and set course for LEGO Star Wars fun! Includes 6 minifigures with assorted accessories: Rey, Finn, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Tasu Leech and a Kanjiklub Gang Member, plus a BB-8 Astromech Droid.Kylo Ren Costume for Kids – Star Wars: The Force Awakens. .Available at Disney Store.MSRP: $59.95.Available: September 4. .Our Kylo Ren Costume for Kids transforms your Star Wars fan into the mysterious dark warrior from the newest installment of the epic saga. The ankle-length cloak comes with pants, hooded cape, gloves and mask.Star Wars BB-8..Licensee: Sphero.MSRP: $149.99.Available: September 4. .Meet BB-8, the app-enabled Droid by Sphero. This Droid?s personality begins to shine the second it wakes up. BB-8 is playful, personable, and true to the Star Wars galaxy. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and perk up when you give voice commands. Watch your Droid explore autonomously, guide BB-8 yourself with the companion app, or create and view holographic recordings. BB-8 is more than a toy ? it?s your companion.Star Wars? Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber Licensee: Hasbro MSRP: $49.99 Available: September 4 The definitive lightsaber of the Bladebulders system provides kids with the unique components needed to create 100+ combinations from their imagination. The Jedi Master Lightsaber comes with a main lightsaber featuring lights and sounds, two independently-lit lightdaggers, expansion hilt, two elbow connectors, dual connector, and cross connector. Requires three AAA batteries, included.JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS: MOVING TARGET: A PRINCESS LEIA ADVENTURE.By Cecil Castellucci and Jason Fry.Illustrated by Phil Noto.Disney LucasFilm Press.On sale: September, 4, 2015.Price: $12.99 US/$13.99 CAN.ISBN: 978-1-4847-2497-2/eBook: 978-1-4847-2501-6.Ages: 10 ? 14.Available: Wherever books and eBooks are sold.Short Description: In this story, set between Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia must lead a ragtag group of rebels on a treacherous decoy mission against the evil Galactic Empire..Long Description: Reeling from their disastrous defeat on Hoth, the heroic freedom fighters of the REBEL ALLIANCE have scattered throughout space, pursued by the agents of the sinister GALACTIC EMPIRE. One rebel task force protects PRINCESS LEIA, bearing her in secrecy from star to star. As the last survivor of Alderaan?s House of Organa, Leia is a symbol of freedom, hunted by the Empire she has opposed for so long. The struggle against imperial tyranny has claimed many rebel lives. As the Empire closes in, Leia resolves to make a sacrifice of her own, lest the cause of freedom be extinguished from the galaxy?.JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS: SMUGGLER’S RUN: A HAN SOLO ADVENTURE.By Greg Rucka.Illustrated by Phil Noto.Disney LucasFilm Press.On sale: September, 4, 2015.Price: $12.99 US/$13.99 CAN.ISBN: 978-1-4847-2495-8/eBook: 978-1-4847-2499-6.Ages: 10 ? 14.Available: Wherever books and eBooks are sold.Short Description: In this story, set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Han and Chewie must fly the Millennium Falcon on a top-secret mission for the Rebellion, while evading ruthless bounty hunters and a relentless imperial agent..Long Description: It is a period of civil war. The heroic freedom fighters of the REBEL ALLIANCE have won their most important victory thus far with the destruction of the Empire?s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR. But the Rebellion has no time to savor its victory. The evil Galactic Empire has recognized the threat the rebels pose, and is now searching the galaxy for any and all information that will lead to the final destruction of the freedom fighters. For the MILLENNIUM FALCON?s crew, who saved the life of Luke Skywalker during the Battle of Yavin, their involvement with the rebels is at an end. Now HAN SOLO and CHEWBACCA hope to take their reward and settle some old debts?Enter the battle with Kylo Ren?s personal Command Shuttle! This fantastic, highly detailed starship has loads of features, including opening front, rear and bottom storage bays; wing-mounted, spring-loaded shooters and detachable tool racks. And when you?re ready for even more action, activate the amazing extending wing function! It?s time to hunt down the enemy and play out your own great scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Includes 6 minifigures with assorted accessories: Kylo Ren, General Hux, First Order Officer, 2 First Order Crew and a First Order Stormtrooper Officer.
CAPTION: Star Wars Elite Series Die Cast Action Figures..Available at Disney Store September 4th..SRP: $24.95 each..Introducing the Star Wars Elite Series by Disney Store, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures. Figures included in the initial launch include the highly trained warrior Finn; the resilient survivor Rey and cylindrical droid BB-8; the First Order loyalist Captain Phasma; and the dark warrior Kylo Ren. Add these die cast figures to your collection for epic adventures anywhere…Star Wars: The Black Series 6-Inch Figure Assortment..Licensee: HASBRO .MSRP: $19.99.Available: September 4.Age: 4+. .The most anticipated film of the year, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, comes to life with STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES for the ultimate collection! Each new 6-inch scale figure is highly articulated and exceptionally detailed. Characters include FINN (JAKKU), REY (JAKKU) with BB-8, KYLO REN, CAPTAIN PHASMA, FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER, CHEWBACCA, POE DAMERON, CONSTABLE ZUVIO, FIRST ORDER SNOWTROOPER and more. Each sold separately.Hot Wheels? Star Wars Kylo RenTM and BB-8 Character Cars *Embargo lifts at 11:30 local time on 9/3 (22:30 EDT on 9/2)* Licensee: Mattel MSRP: $3.49 each Available: September 4 This sleek, ominous racecar takes command of the road with the speed and intensity of the dark warrior, Kylo Ren. The villain?s mysterious hood drapes over the rear fenders of the vehicle to cloak its identity, while the cockpit captures the form of his warrior-like helmet. Kylo Ren?s tri-bladed Lightsaber runs along the side trim, using the power of the Force to thrust this machine into hyperdrive with a fiery burst of propulsion! Lively spirit and quick intelligence radiate from this engaging hot rod, always ready to spin into action like the loyal Droid, BB-8?. Geometric curves and seamlessly integrated wheels give the vehicle a high-tech appeal, enhanced by its exposed motor and ingenious electrical components. A low dome completes its compact profile, ensuring a speedy dash into action when the rear booster ignites.
Today, merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated new movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens launched at retailers around the globe as ‘Force Friday’ officially got underway. Hot off the heels of the 18+ hour global live unboxing event on YouTube where highlights of the new product range were officially unveiled, the celebration continued as more than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. opened their doors at midnight for fans to be among the first to discover new Star Wars products.
“We’ve been working closely with the filmmakers to bring the characters and storylines from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to life through an exciting array of products, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans around the world,” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products.
Starting in Sydney and ending at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media hosted an epic global live event to unveil key Star Wars: The Force Awakens products. Fans who tuned in to theStar Wars YouTube page were able to see the following toys unboxed by top digital stars from the Maker Studios network:
Sydney: Star Wars BladeBuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber toy from Hasbro
Tokyo: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Big Figs(31” and 48”) from JAKKS Pacific
Hong Kong: Hot Wheels® Star Wars character car assortment and Escape from Jakku™ Starship playset from Mattel
Seoul: LEGO Star WarsPoe’s X-Wing Fighter™
Paris: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber, a Disney Store exclusive
Madrid: Star Wars Micro Machines First Order Star Destroyer from Hasbro
Berlin: LEGO Star WarsKylo Ren’s Command Shuttle™
London: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Elite Series die-cast figure assortment, a Disney Store exclusive
Rio de Janeiro:Star Wars Black Series 6” figure assortment from Hasbro
‘Good Morning America’ (New York): LEGO Star WarsMillennium Falcon™ and Star Wars BB-8 from Sphero
Toronto: Star Wars Remote Controlled Millennium Falcon Quad and X-Wing Starfighter from Air Hogs, Spin Master
Chicago: Star Wars: The Force AwakensRole Play for kids exclusive to Disney Store
Mexico City: Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe NERF Blaster from Hasbro
San Francisco: Star Wars Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Hasbro
Los Angeles: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Poe Dameron’s X-Wing Vehicle from Hasbro
Additionally, fans tuning in to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on ABC were treated to a fun product reveal with Jimmy and his security guard sidekick Guillermo, showcasing Star Wars: The Force Awakens Voice Changing Masks exclusive to Disney Store.
Beyond lightsabers, construction sets, figures and collectibles, fans can find products across a wide variety of categories, including apparel for all members of the family, home décor, lifestyle accessories, books and more. New Star Wars products can be found around the world at mass and specialty retailers, such as Amazon.com, Kohl’s, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, as well as Disney Store and disneystore.com.
Highlights from the merchandise line found in the U.S. include:
– A large collection of exclusive merchandise from Disney Store including role play items, talking action figures and figure play sets, along with themed apparel, tech accessories, mugs, journals and more
– J. Crew apparel for men, women and kids featuring the fan-favorite “Chewie, we’re home” scene of Chewbacca and Han Solo from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer
– A Star Wars collection of Rock & Republic® misses apparel and Mighty Fine juniors apparel offers female fans graphic tees, leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies and dresses available at Kohl’s
– The ultimate Millennium Falcon children’s bed from Pottery Barn Kids, looking like something seen from a galaxy far, far away
– A villainous take on home merchandise featuring new characters from the Dark Side, such as First Order Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren available at JCPenney
To preserve the integrity of key movie moments, an additional wave of products will be released closer to the film’s debut, when fans will be able to find additional items featuring the newest characters, including Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-8 and more. On December 18, a Play Set based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens will become available for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment of the best-selling “toys-to-life” video game from Disney Interactive.
Star Wars Remote Controlled X-Wing Starfighter. .Licensee: Spinmaster.MSRP: $6.99.Available: September 4. .Take on the Empire with the real flying Remote Control X-Wing from Air Hogs! Fly into attack position as a Rebel Alliance pilot and experience the thrill of Star Wars outdoors! The X-Wing uses ducted propellers to power its flight letting you recreate your favorite scenes. The X-Wing Starfighter uses 2.4GHz communication for superior control and delivers a flying range of up to 250 feet away! Built from durable high-density foam, the X-Wing?s authentic design stands up against the toughest crash landings. Bring home the epic adventures of Star Wars and experience the thrill of outdoors Remote Control flight with the X-Wing Star Fighter From Air Hogs!Star Wars Remote Controlled Millennium Falcon Quad..Licensee: Spinmaster.MSRP: $109.99.Available: September 4. .Fly the most iconic ship in the Star Wars universe! The Ultimate Millennium Falcon takes flight with the power of quad rotors concealed in the body of the ship. Its authentic lights and sounds bring the Millennium Falcon to life as you fly. Activate Hyperspace mode on the remote control and hold on for a fully loaded hyperspace journey. With 2.4GHz communication, you can control the Millennium Falcon up to 200 feet away! Join the rebellion and bring Star Wars home with the Millennium Falcon Quad from Air Hogs!.
Star Wars NERF First Order Stormtrooper Deluxe Blaster..Licensee: Hasbro..MSRP: $39.99..Available: September 4..The fight to restore order to the galaxy comes home with the first-ever STAR WARS NERF blasters! Battle against the Resistance with this blaster that comes with a 12-dart clip, slam-fire action, removable sight, detachable stock and twelve NERF darts that fire up to 65 feet!..Kylo Ren Lightsaber – Star Wars: The Force Awakens. .Available at Disney Store.MSRP: $29.95.Available: September 4. .Step into the action of Star Wars: The Force Awakens when you wield our Kylo Ren Lightsaber featuring the mysterious villain’s distinctive cross hilt blades, lights, motion-sensor sounds, battle-clash rumble and dueling effects.Star Wars Micro Machines First Order Star Destroyer Playset ..Licensee: Hasbro.MSRP: $39.99.Available: September 4. .The fate of the galaxy fits in the palm of your hand with these all-new Star Wars Micro Machines playsets! What appears to be the evil Kylo Ren?s flagship the First Order Star Destroyer opens to become a battleground playset, as Poe Dameron?s X-Wing Fighter faces off with a battle-damaged first order tie fighter, while Finn battles Kylo Ren. Playset comes with two microfigures and two micro machines vehicles, as well as a firing missile and simulated flight!Star Wars: The Black Series 6-Inch Figure Assortment..Licensee: HASBRO .MSRP: $19.99.Available: September 4.Age: 4+. .The most anticipated film of the year, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, comes to life with STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES for the ultimate collection! Each new 6-inch scale figure is highly articulated and exceptionally detailed. Characters include FINN (JAKKU), REY (JAKKU) with BB-8, KYLO REN, CAPTAIN PHASMA, FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER, CHEWBACCA, POE DAMERON, CONSTABLE ZUVIO, FIRST ORDER SNOWTROOPER and more. Each sold separately.
This year has already seen several extraordinary feature-length documentaries, many of which were pulled from the popular arts. Actually some excellent examples focused on the music world, with LAMBERT & STAMP and AMY attracting a great deal of acclaim (and quite a bit early Oscar-buzz). This new release delves into another art, the art (and it really is one) of acting, by giving us a peek at a true legend of stage and screen. Often actors become a touchstone, a symbol for the decade in which they garnered their greatest triumphs. In the 1950’s, the two actors who truly exploded onto the scene were James Dean and Marlon Brando. While Dean was a bright, shooting star snuffed out by tragedy after just three films, Brando rode a bumpy rocket, with highs and lows, into the next century. Biographies have filled the bookshelves through the years, but what did he think of his life and work? Film maker Stevan Riley was granted unlimited access to artifacts controlled by the late actor’s estate, literally bags and boxes full of audio recordings, hundreds of reels and cassettes. Combining those with rare home movies and videos, Riley delivers a unique profile with LISTEN TO ME MARLON.
From its opening moments, Riley establishes an almost dream-like state, as if we’re drifting through Marlon’s memories. First is a taste of his eccentric side (the first of many) as he explains how his head has been “scanned” in order to produce an immortal digital version of himself, he refers to it as the future of acting (hey, he was on to something!). With those words, his floating white image pops up on a screen at his now deserted Malibu estate, a pixellated halo surrounding his head making it seem like a talking comet (perhaps from Krypton, since it recalls his role as Jor-El). The camera weaves through the haunted empty beach home as we’re jolted to the violent family scandal that engulfed Marlon during his later years. Then we’re back to the beginning, far away from “la-la land”, landing in the now empty heartland home in Omaha, Nebraska where Marlon endured a fractured childhood with a broken, boozing mother and a bullying father. Riley then treats us to a mini-history of the Actors Studio, with an emphasis on his teacher/mentor Irene Adler (highlighted by great footage of a TV interview she did with Bob Crane, of all people!). He speaks of his Broadway breakthrough in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and his fear that people would think that he really was the brutal Stanley. Of course Hollywood would take notice. Via the screen test footage and publicity stills we can understand the impact he made, this brooding, young celluloid god brushing past the established, now middle-aged leading men like Gable and Cooper. Most surprising we see an ebullient, grinning Brando leaping to the stage to accept his ON THE WATERFRONT Best Actor Oscar from screen icon Bette Davis (it would be quite a different story 18 years later). There’s the artistic clashes with director Lewis milestone on MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY and much later with Frances Ford Coppola on APOCALYPSE NOW (this after Coppola jump-started his stagnant film career by bucking the studio and casting him as THE GODFATHER). We can hear the embarrassment in his voice as Brando decries his jobs in silly films like A COUNTESS FROM HONG KONG and CANDY.
But perhaps more compelling than his career, we get an intimate glimpse at Brando’s life and loves. There’s his passion for social causes, marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 60’s, and speaking out for Native Americans in the 1970’s on TV with Dick Cavett. Happily Brando didn’t avoid the tube like most major stars, we hear him on NBC’s “Today Show” and see him with his father on Edward R Murrow’s “Person to Person”. And, of course there’s that other passion, and Marlon indulged that as he played the field during those early days of stardom. The film’s funniest moments may be the footage of him flirting shamelessly, his mischievous eyes twinkling, with a couple of female interviewers during a press junket (could anyone resist his charms?). Unfortunately he had a tough time settling down, as his wives take him to court (one even takes a swing at him). But there’s the joy he receives from his many children…and ultimately the heartbreak, as murder and suicide destroys his treasured siblings.
This is a most unconventional biography, nothing like a TV news magazine piece, or an hour of A&E’s cable TV bios. Brando makes a very compelling narrator, even as we hear his self-hypnosis tapes (listening to yourself trying to put you under…fa-reaky!). Before the later scandals, Riley gives us a wonderful look at his playful side, particularly in some home movie footage of him clowning with Montgomery Clift and Kevin McCarthy! Plus there’s behind the scenes color film on the set of WATERFRONT! This is a haunting, mesmerizing journey through the mind of an acting icon whose influence continues to this day. For film fans LISTEN TO ME MARLON is more than worth a listen and a look.
4 Out of 5
LISTEN TO ME MARLON opens everywhere and screens exclusively in St. Louis at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas
In the action-packed historical epic DRAGON BLADE, Jackie Chan delivers fantastic action choreography and one of his best acting performances. Written and directed by Daniel Lee, John Cusack and Adrien Brody also star in the massive production purported to be one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made.
Despite it’s title, DRAGON BLADE has zero dragons and no supernatural elements. Set during the Han Dynasty, the plot follows Huo An (Chan), a peacekeeper and leader of the Silk Road Protection Squad, and Lucius (Cusack), the exiled Roman with his legion of soldiers. They join forces to defend a city from evil Tiberius (Brody) and his army.
Huo An and his men are framed for treason and given an impossible deadline to complete a trading outpost under construction in a pivotal spot on the Silk Road. When Huo An encounters Lucius, they realize they can trade shelter and protection for Roman engineering and construction skills. A great sequence full of interesting details shows the Romans planning and leading the project.
During the fighting, construction, celebrating, dancing and singing, the villain and his army march closer to the outpost where Lucius is protecting Tiberius’ young brother, also in exile.
Along with Jackie Chan’s surprisingly deep acting performance, DRAGON BLADE showcases impressive production and costume design and always has something interesting to look at. The battle scenes are huge and well-executed. It’s somewhat undermined by doing too much in an effort to appeal to several different audiences. It has some jarring shifts in tone from violent drama to comedic slapstick and an odd conflict of accents and acting styles. Cusack at times gives off a “What am I doing here?” vibe while Brody goes in the opposite direction with some intense line readings.
Overall, fans of Jackie Chan, historical epics and great action, expertly filmed, will appreciate the results.
DRAGON BLADE opens in Select Theaters and On-Demand September 4, 2015.
Sony Pictures has unveiled a new poster for the new James Bond film, SPECTRE.
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.
Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.
As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.
SPECTRE, the twenty-fourth installment in the James Bond franchise, will be released in IMAX theatres globally on November 6, 2015.
From Fox Searchlight comes the new poster for director John Crowley’s BROOKLYN.
BROOKLYN tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City.
The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.
Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters also star.
Opening in select theaters on November 6, BROOKLYN made its premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and is an “Official Selection” at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Lakeshore Records will release the soundtrack featuring the score by Golden Globe Nominee Michael Brook (INTO THE WILD).
Paramount Pictures’ PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION, the sixth film in the blockbuster horror franchise, will premiere in RealD 3D closing night of the Screamfest Horror Film Festival on Thursday, October 22nd at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
The screening marks the series’ return to the largest and longest running horror film festival in the U.S., where the first “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY” film made its debut in 2007.
“We are thrilled to have the ‘PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION’ premiere close this year’s festival,” said Rachel Belofsky, Screamfest Founder and Festival Director. “We are so proud of Oren Peli and his success with the franchise. It’s great to have him back in the festival where it all began.”
“It’s incredibly exciting, and somewhat surreal, to premiere the final installment of the ‘PARANORMAL ACTIVITY’ series at Screamfest where the first film premiered eight years ago,” said producer Oren Peli, who directed, produced and wrote the original “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.” “These films continued to be made because of the incredible fans that supported them from the very beginning, so I look forward to bringing the series back to its roots to honor them.”
As a tribute to the original film’s most passionate fans, for the first time ever, Screamfest will expand nationwide with special advance screenings of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION in the 12 markets in which the first film opened with “Demand It” fan screenings before its theatrical run in 2009.
The new film will play in Ann Arbor, MI; Baton Rouge, LA; Boulder, CO; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Orlando, FL; Santa Cruz, CA; Seattle, WA; State College, PA; and Tucson, AZ on October 22nd.
See the unseen in PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION – the horrifying conclusion to the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films in theaters on October 23rd.
The film is produced by Jason Blum and Oren Peli, based on the film PARANORMAL ACTIVITY by Oren Peli. Story by Brantley Aufill and Jason Harry Pagan & Andrew Deutschman, with a screenplay by Jason Harry Pagan & Andrew Deutschman and Adam Robitel & Gavin Heffernan. Directed by Gregory Plotkin. Starring Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Dan Gill, Ivy George, Jessica Brown, Chloe Csengery, Don McManus, Hallie Foote and Cara Pifko.
The 2015 Screamfest Film Festival will run October 13th through October 22nd at TCL Chinese Theater. Tickets are available at http://screamfestla.com.
Producers Julie Lynn and Bonnie Curtis will produce the 7th Annual Governors Awards for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced today.
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be presented to Debbie Reynolds, and Honorary Awards will be presented to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
“Julie and Bonnie are incredibly talented producers – the perfect team to help us celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees,” said Boone Isaacs.
“We are honored and thrilled by this opportunity, as we have such deep respect for The Academy,” said Lynn and Curtis. “With masterful artists like Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Rowlands, and Mr. Lee to celebrate, the evening might just produce itself!”
Lynn formed Mockingbird Pictures in 1999, with Curtis joining as a partner in 2011. Together they have produced five films, including “Last Days in the Desert,” “5 to 7,” “The Face of Love,” “Albert Nobbs,” which received three Oscar nominations, and the upcoming “The Sweet Life.”
Lynn’s other credits include “Mother and Child” and “The Jane Austen Book Club.” For the past two years, Lynn has served as producer of the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Awards Presentation & Live Read with director Rodrigo Garcia. Prior to joining Mockingbird, Curtis spent 15 years with Steven Spielberg at Amblin and DreamWorks, producing such films as “Minority Report” and “AI,” as well as co-producing “Saving Private Ryan.”
The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”
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