teresa palmer – We Are Movie Geeks

WAMG Giveaway: Win A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES Season Two on Blu-Ray – Available August 17th

RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, will release season two of the hit fantasy/sci-fi drama series A Discovery of Witches on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 17, 2021.The series originally aired on the AMC streaming platforms Sundance Now and Shudder earlier this year and is currently airing linearly on AMC. Check out this trailer:

Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES Season Two. We Are Movie Geeks has two to give away (and one DVD set) Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite fantasy/sci-fi drama series is (I’d say GAME OF THRONES. It’s so easy!)

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

A Discovery of Witches Season 2 isbased on the “All Souls” trilogy by Deborah Harkness. The series stars Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) as Diana Bishop, Matthew Goode (“Downton Abbey”) as Matthew Clairmont, Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who” ) as Sarah Bishop, Valarie Pettiford (“The Blacklist”) as Em, Trevor Eve (“The Politician’s Wife” ) as Gerbert, Malin Buska (The Girl King) as Satu, Lindsay Duncan (“Sherlock” ) as Ysabeau De Clermont, Owen Teale (“Game of Thrones” ) as Peter Knox, Gregg Chillin (“Da Vinci’s Demons”) as Domenico, Aiysha Hart (“Line of Duty”) as Miriam, Edward Bluemel (“Killing Eve”) as Marcus, Daniel Ezra (All American) as Nathaniel and Aisling Loftus (War & Peace) as Sophie.Season 2 guest stars include Tom Hughes (“Victoria”) as Kit Marlowe, Shelia Hancock (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas) as Goody Alsop, Steven Cree (“Outlander”) as Gallowglass and James Purefoy (“Altered Carbon”) as Philippe De Clermont. A Discovery of Witches Season 2 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray for an SRP of $34.99.

After narrowly escaping the Congregation of vampires, witches, and daemons, Diana and Matthew are hiding in time in the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London. Here, they must find a powerful witch teacher to help Diana control her magic and search for the elusive Book of Life. Enemies are everywhere, the threat to witches is growing, and Diana and Matthew’s romance faces a barrage of new threats– from within as much as without. They must overcome deep personal fears and jealousies, baring their darkest secrets to one another if they are to stay alive, stay together, and find a way back to the present day.

While Matthew and Diana hide out in Elizabethan London, back in present day, Diana’s beloved aunts, Sarah and Em, must take shelter with notorious witch hunter Ysabeau de Clermont at her ancestral home, Sept-Tours. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Marcus and Miriam take on Matthew’s mantle to protect daemons Nathaniel and Sophie, whose pregnancy is advancing. And Gerbert, Knox, Satu, and Domenico are determined to hunt down every clue they can to Diana’s and Matthew’s disappearance, and the secrets their allies are keeping from them.

Bonus Features on the DVD and Blu-ray include:

· The Story of A Discovery of Witches

· Can Love Survive

· Creating Elizabethan London

WARM BODIES Coming To 4K Ultra HD On October 3rd

The unique romantic comedy with a paranormal twist, Warm Bodies, arrives on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital HD) for the first time ever on October 3 from Lionsgate.

In this story about the power of human connection, Nicholas Hoult stars as an unusual zombie who forms a special relationship with a human girl as they struggle to survive during a zombie epidemic. (Review)

Rounding out the all-star cast is Teresa Palmer, Emmy^® winner Rob Corddry (Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama, “Childrens Hospital,” 2008) and two-time Academy Award^® nominee John Malkovich (Best Supporting Actor, 1993, In the Line of Fire, and 1984, Places in the Heart).

4K Ultra HD provides over four times the resolution of Full HD and includes Dolby Vision™ high-dynamic range (HDR) to deliver the brightest, most vivid and realistic color with the greatest contrast.

Written for the screen and directed by Jonathan Levine (The Night Before, 50/50) and based on the best-selling novel by Isaac Marion, the Warm Bodies 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

A funny new twist on a classic love story, Warm Bodies is a poignant tale about the power of human connection. After a zombie epidemic, R (a highly unusual zombie) encounters Julie (a human survivor), and rescues her from a zombie attack. Julie sees that R is different from the other zombies, and as the two form a special relationship in their struggle for survival, R becomes increasingly more human – setting off an exciting, romantic, and often comical chain of events that begins to transform the other zombies and maybe even the whole lifeless world.

4K ULTRA HD/BLU-RAY/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

Featurettes
- “Boy Meets, Er, Doesn’t Eat Girl”
- “R&J”
- “A Little Less Dead”
- “Extreme Zombie Makeover!”
- “A Wreck in Progress”
- “Bustin’ Caps”
- “Beware the Boneys”
- “Whimsical Sweetness: Teresa Palmer’s Warm Bodies Home Movies”
- “Zombie Acting Tips with Rob Corddry”
Audio Commentary with Screenwriter/Director Jonathan Levine and Actors Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer
Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary by Director Jonathan Levine
“Shrug & Groan” Gag Reel
Theatrical Trailer

CAST

Nicholas Hoult Mad Max: Fury Road, X-Men franchise, About a Boy

Teresa Palmer Hacksaw Ridge, Lights Out, I Am Number Four

Rob Corddry Hot Tub Time Machine, “Ballers,” “Childrens Hospital”

and John Malkovich Dangerous Liaisons, Being John Malkovich, Burn After Reading

Rating: PG-13 for zombie violence and some language

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of HACKSAW RIDGE In St. Louis

Lionsgate has released two new clips from director Mel Gibson’s HACKSAW RIDGE.

HACKSAW RIDGE is the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon, as he believed that while the war was justified, killing was nevertheless wrong. As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Also starring Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn, the film opens in theaters Nov. 4.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of HACKSAW RIDGE on Nov. 1 at 7pm in the St. Louis area.

Answer the Following:

With films that span from the classic, Academy Award® Best Picture-winning Braveheart to The Patriot, We Were Soldiers, The Passion of the Christ and his most recently directed film, the Mayan civilization epic APOCALYPTO, Gibson has become known for meshing big themes with atmospheric style that takes audiences into revealing worlds.

How many Oscars has Mel Gibson won?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

R for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence including grisly bloody images.

http://www.hacksawridge.movie/

Andrew Garfield Is Featured In Emotional First Trailer For Mel Gibson’s Drama HACKSAW RIDGE

As an army medic, he single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

From Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson (BRAVEHEART), here’s a first look at the powerful new trailer. The film will open in November – prior to Veterans Day 2016.

Learn more about this American solider at undertheradar.military.com/2016/07/the-bravest-conscientious-objector

The movie also stars Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn.

Opening during awards season, HACKSAW RIDGE bows in theaters November 4.

Visit the official site: www.HacksawRidge.Movie
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HacksawRidge
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/HacksawRidge
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HacksawRidge
Hashtag: #HacksawRidge

Director Mel Gibson on the set of HACKSAW RIDGE. Photo Credit: Mark Rogers/Lionsgate

LIGHTS OUT – Review

Anything could be lurking in the darkness. Imagining what could be hiding in the shadows opens a door to all sorts of nightmarish visuals. Horror films frequently fall back on characters nervously peering into the dark unknown, while audiences grip the armrests with sweaty palms. It’s an effective horror tool that will continue on film after film long after the lights turn back on in the theater.

LIGHTS OUT builds an entire film around the threat of sleeping without a nightlight. It’s a simple enough idea that could then be taken in many directions. David Sandberg builds upon his own 2 and a half minute short film in such a way that the wealth of possibilities hiding in the darkness has now become rather limited. In the process of creating a more personal and dramatic story, he has actually restricted the depth of what the darkness can hold.

Growing up, Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) was never really sure of what was and wasn’t real when the lights went out. Now that Rebecca is older and has moved out of the house, she doesn’t experience the shadowy woman in the night. However, now her little brother, Martin (Gabriel Bateman), is experiencing the same thing. The frightening entity seems connected to their despondent mother (Maria Bello), so it is now up to Rebecca to help save her younger brother from the darkness.

I applaud the film more for delivering strong characters instead of strong scares. A swapping of the typical relationship roles brings an interesting twist to the main female lead, Rebecca. She is the strong and more aloof one in her relationship, while he’s the more needy and clingy type – she very specifically doesn’t call him her boyfriend. It’s a refreshing role reversal that isn’t typically presented on film.

Mario Bello is perfectly cast as a distraught mother dealing with her own personal demons. She effectively portrays a mother who is burdened by the very real hardships in her life and the unseen guilt from her past. The ghastly woman in the shadows becomes a metaphorical symbol for Mario Bello’s depression and grief. Horror fans don’t have to be reminded of the sensational THE BABADOOK from 2014, which also used this same “boogeyman as an emotional metaphor” structure. Given the fact that the short film that LIGHTS OUT is based on has zero story, I can’t help but think that screenwriter Eric Heisserer and director David Sandberg might have been inspired by this recent superior film (along with maybe a few other films). Even a flashback sequence or two of the characters as friends in the 60s is presented in the scratchy Super-8 film style that was recently at center stage in SINISTER.

Given the nature of the story, Sandberg has a limited bag of tricks: scratching noises are heard off-screen, a shadowy figure stands silently in the dark and then disappears in the light, and elongated fingers pull a person into the darkness. These tried but true scares are repeated again and again. Given the short running time, I can’t help but think that a few of the scares might have been more effective if they had a little more setup, drawing out the tension for both the characters and the audience. As a result, there’s a familiar beat or pattern to the scares that becomes apparent after a while.

That being said, horror fans will still find enough to like about LIGHTS OUT. At 82 minutes, the film moves along at a brisk pace and delivers an in-your-face sound design filled with loud bangs and creepy voices set against a classic horror score. LIGHTS OUT doesn’t offer anything particularly memorable aside from the opening scene, which is essentially a longer but masterfully staged version of the short film. However, it does show the promise of a young horror director who is beginning to find his footing in the dark world of horror.

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

LIGHTS OUT opens in theaters July 22

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of LIGHTS OUT In St. Louis

From producer James Wan (“The Conjuring”) comes LIGHTS OUT – a tale of an unknown terror that lurks in the dark.

When Rebecca left home, she thought she left her childhood fears behind. Growing up, she was never really sure of what was and wasn’t real when the lights went out…and now her little brother, Martin, is experiencing the same unexplained and terrifying events that had once tested her sanity and threatened her safety. A frightening entity with a mysterious attachment to their mother, Sophie, has reemerged.

But this time, as Rebecca gets closer to unlocking the truth, there is no denying that all their lives are in danger…once the lights go out.

Starring Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Billy Burke, Alexander DiPersia and Maria Bello, LIGHTS OUT opens in theaters July 22.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of LIGHTS OUT on July 18 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

From torches and candles to LEDs. Street lamps, headlights, neon, flares. Since the origin of our existence, humans have sought ways to escape the encroaching shadows and the frightful things they conceal. But beyond fear and foreboding, what if there truly was something malignant that lived in the dark?

Are you terrified of the dark and what do you think is in it?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

This film has been rated PG-13 for terror throughout, violence including disturbing images, some thematic material and brief drug content.

Visit the film’s official site: lightsoutmovie.com

Photo Credit: COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Keep The Lights When You Watch The Terrifying New Trailer For LIGHTS OUT

From producer James Wan (“The Conjuring”) comes a tale of an unknown terror that lurks in the dark.

But this time, as Rebecca gets closer to unlocking the truth, there is no denying that all their lives are in danger…once the lights go out.

Check out the creepy and unsettling trailer for LIGHTS OUT.

The film stars Teresa Palmer (“Triple 9”) as Rebecca; Gabriel Bateman (“Annabelle”) as Martin; Billy Burke (the “Twilight” franchise) as Martin’s father, Paul; Alexander DiPersia (“Forever”) as Rebecca’s boyfriend, Bret; and Maria Bello (“Prisoners”) as Sophie.

LIGHTS OUT marks the feature film directorial debut of David F. Sandberg, who directed the film from a screenplay by Eric Heisserer (“Final Destination 5”), based on Sandberg’s own short film.

This film has been rated PG-13 for terror throughout, violence including disturbing images, some thematic material and brief drug content.

The movie opens in theaters on July 22.

Visit the official site: LightsOutMovie.com

Teresa Palmer And Maria Bello Star In Scary First Trailer For LIGHTS OUT

From producer James Wan (THE CONJURING) comes a tale of an unknown terror that lurks in the dark.

But this time, as Rebecca gets closer to unlocking the truth, there is no denying that all their lives are in danger…once the lights go out.

Watch the new trailer… with the lights on.

LIGHTS OUT marks the feature film directorial debut of David F. Sandberg, who directed the film from a screenplay by Eric Heisserer (“Final Destination 5”), based on Sandberg’s own short film. James Wan, Lawrence Grey and Heisserer produced the film, with Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter and Richard Brener serving as executive producers.

LIGHTS OUT heads into theaters July 22.

Visit the official site http://LightsOutMovie.com

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of TRIPLE 9 In St. Louis

In TRIPLE 9, a crew of dirty cops is blackmailed by the Russian mob to execute a virtually impossible heist. The only way to pull it off is to manufacture a 999, police code for “officer down”. Their plan is turned upside down when the unsuspecting rookie they set up to die foils the attack, triggering a breakneck, action-packed finale filled with double-crosses, greed and revenge.

From director John Hillcoat (LAWLESS), the film stars Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul and Norman Reedus.

TRIPLE 9 opens in theaters on February 26.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of TRIPLE 9 on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

An Australian film director, screenwriter, name John Hillcoat’s 2009 and 2005 films.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary

RATING: R for “strong violence and language throughout, drug use and some nudity.”

Visit the official site: www.triple9movie.com

(Left to right) Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kate Winslet in TRIPLE 9.

THE CHOICE (2016) – The Review

2016 is five weeks old, so the new model is rolling off the assembly line. You might think I’m referring to an automobile company like Ford or Lincoln. Well, we are dealing with a brand name, one associated with popular novels instead of cars. Stephen King is still king of the horror/suspense novels, John Grisham has the legal thrillers, and Nicholas Sparks is best known for the swoony, sweeping romance paperbacks that fill the spinner racks at airport gift shops and often protrude from the tops of canvas beach bags. His best sellers quickly grabbed the attention of the movie studios, and almost a dozen have been translated to the big screen (easy to see why since they don’t require costly CGI action set pieces or big name superstars since Sparks is the name that draws ’em in). Back to the assembly line reference, there’s been a new film adaptation annually for the last five years. Last year was THE LONGEST RIDE, and the 2016 edition is THE CHOICE. Will it be a lauded critical smash like THE NOTEBOOK or a campy guilty pleasure like SAFE HAVEN? That choice will soon be made…

The story begins in the usual Sparks backdrop, sunny North Carolina. To be precise, it’s the picture perfect coastal town of Beaufort. Hunky Travis Parker (Benjamin Walker) steers his fishing boat while grimly contemplating…the choice (title!). Flashback jump seven years to his carefree bachelor days as his married pals marvel at his luck with the ladies (a real playa”), but are concerned when his “on-again, off-again” paramour, the raven-haired beauty Monica (Alexandra Daddario) flits back into his life. Back at “casa de Travis” he hosts a loud cookout, which disrupts the studying of his new next door neighbor, medical student Gabby Holland (Teresa Parker),who’s working at the local hospital alongside her beau Dr. Yan (Tom Welling). During the course of their first conservation Gabby berates Travis for his loud music (“Black Betty” fer’ gosh sakes!) and accuses his dog, good ole’ Moby, of knocking up her sweet pooch Molly. He recommends a local animal health clinic as she storms off. Observing this, his sister (Maggie Grace) remarks, “You are in trouble!” When Gabby takes Molly to the clinic, she’s stunned to learn that it’s run by Travis (he’s a vet?!) and his kindly widowed papa, Shep (Tom Wilkinson). She sees a softer, kinder side of him and when Ryan goes to Atlanta on business, she joins Travis, Steph, and their married buddies for a day on the boat. Which leads into a late supper, which leads to….But what will happen when Ryan returns, since this is more than a fling for this “good time” good ole’ boy? This romantic crisis will eventually lead to that present day “choice”.

The strength of these romances depends on the couple at its center, and these two talented actors make a noble effort to bring the tale to life (the bar was set impossibly high with McAdams and Gosling in THE NOTEBOOK). Walker (perhaps best known as ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER) exudes lots of laid back southern charm, but he’s more believable as the smitten suitor than the “can’t miss” ladykiller (the early scene of him talking up a couple of blonde bikini babes seems forced since he doesn’t have great “game”…talking about your dog’s swimming ability? uh huh). Still he’s got the longing, soulful looks down pat, although he often seems to be a cousin of them Duke boys than a pet doctor. And what is with those wisps of hair blocking his ears? Either grow a pair of 70’s sideburns or shave! Sorry it distracted me. Palmer (WARM BODIES) is a radiant screen presence, her blond locks almost a halo around her dazzling smile making her early scenes feigning annoyance with Travis a tough sell. We just know that her defenses will melt in the NC sun. Their romantic rivals aren’t written strong enough in order to be threats to this couple. We’re told that Daddario’s flighty temptress plays with the heart of Travis, but in her random appearances (Monica just shows up unexpectedly like Stratham in FURIOUS SEVEN) she’s pleasant (and actually instigates the exit that brings the T & G back together). Welling also seems a nice enough fella, certainly undeserving of his treatment. He’s the embodiment of that “rom-com” cliche made famous by the flick THE BAXTER, who has little to do aside from looking great in a lab coat and getting brushed aside. Wilkinson essays a Sparks mainstay, the older character played by a screen vet (Alan Alda in THE LONGEST RIDE, Gerald McRaney in THE BEST OF ME, etc…) who has to talk some sense to the ‘young-uns and make sure they end up together. He’s always a terrific addition to any film, but aside from a hesitant romance with a “dogmamma” divorce’, he never gets to shine.

This highlights much of the film’s problems: everybody is jes’ so nice. Neither one of the leads is trapped in awful relationships till they meet (cute). Monica and Ryan are okay (hey, maybe they end up together after the final fade out). I will credit Sparks for doing away with a couple of clichés that pop up in several flicks. There’s no evil ex-hubby or suitors (or parents) conspiring to keep the couple apart. And , thankfully, no little kids in jeopardy (SAFE HAVEN, THE LUCKY ONE), but he does get this couple drenched in a sudden shower (THE BEST OF ME, etc.), along with the wonders of old record albums. Can’t give up all those sure-fire, go to moments, I guess. One sequence circles spirituality (when his mum passed Travis rejected religion while Shep embraced it) briefly, perhaps in a bid for the growing faith-based film audience, but it’s dropped by the film’s last act concerning the big “choice”. It’s a delicate ethical one, which the film glides pass in order for a “feel good” finale. The location, and actor, are pretty, but without any palpable chemistry between the two leads and little conflict the movie’s bland. Eliminating many of the campy Sparks trademarks, THE CHOICE, is more believable, but ultimately forgettable. Maybe the 2017 model will be a better ride.

1.5 Out of 5

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