Tuesday, February 28, 2017

New "Alien: Covenant" Trailer, "Last Supper" Prelude Posted


20th Century Fox sent us the trailer for Ridley Scott's upcoming "Alien: Covenant." I have to tell you that I'm extremely cautiously optimistic after being so disappointed in "Prometheus." After trying to steer away from "Prometheus" being tied to "Alien," here we have the director right back where he started with the franchise. You can check out the trailer after the jump. We also posted the "Alien: Covenant" short film, "Prelude: Last Supper," which came out last week.


"Alien: Covenant"
Sci Fi-Thriller
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demiรกn Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England, Benjamin Rigby

Synopsis:
Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with "Alien: Covenant," a new chapter in his groundbreaking "Alien" franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.


The "Prologue: Last Supper" short introduces the crew of the mission. Set aboard the Covenant, a colonization ship on its way to a remote planet to form a new human settlement, the main crew (all couples) and their android, Walter, enjoy one last meal together before cryosleep.

Conceived by Ridley Scott and 3AM, directed by Luke Scott, and produced by RSA Films.

"Alien: Covenant" Official Channels:
SITE: AlienCovenant.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AlienAnthology/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/AlienAnthology
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/AlienAnthology/

#AlienCovenant

"Alien: Covenant" hits theaters everywhere on May 19, 2017.

New "Alien: Covenant" Trailer, "Last Supper" Prelude Posted


20th Century Fox sent us the trailer for Ridley Scott's upcoming "Alien: Covenant." I have to tell you that I'm extremely cautiously optimistic after being so disappointed in "Prometheus." After trying to steer away from "Prometheus" being tied to "Alien," here we have the director right back where he started with the franchise. You can check out the trailer after the jump. We also posted the "Alien: Covenant" short film, "Prelude: Last Supper," which came out last week.

Monday, February 27, 2017

New Behind-the-Scenes "Iron Fist" Pics Posted


Netflix posted some new behind-the-scenes images from the upcoming "Iron Fist" series. I really haven't been following any of the Marvel shows on Netflix or any other network. "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." was a major disappointment and, aside from glancing at a few of the parts with the Punisher, "Daredevil" doesn't really catch my fancy, either. I've never read a single issue of Iron Fist and doubt I'll ever get around to watching it. For those who are interested, you can see more of the pictures at /Film.

Danny Rand is not a white savior. Danny Rand can hardly save himself, let alone an entire race of people. He is a very complicated, vulnerable individual. He doesn’t just show up, like, ‘Hey dudes, I’ve just learned martial arts! I’m going to save the world.’ Actually, it’s the complete opposite. He’s gone through and suffered immense trauma and he is struggling to claim his own sanity and identity back.

"Iron Fist" Season 1 hits Netflix March 17.

New Behind-the-Scenes "Iron Fist" Pics Posted


Netflix posted some new behind-the-scenes images from the upcoming "Iron Fist" series. I really haven't been following any of the Marvel shows on Netflix or any other network. "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." was a major disappointment and, aside from glancing at a few of the parts with the Punisher, "Daredevil" doesn't really catch my fancy, either. I've never read a single issue of Iron Fist and doubt I'll ever get around to watching it. For those who are interested, you can see more of the pictures at /Film.

Danny Rand is not a white savior. Danny Rand can hardly save himself, let alone an entire race of people. He is a very complicated, vulnerable individual. He doesn’t just show up, like, ‘Hey dudes, I’ve just learned martial arts! I’m going to save the world.’ Actually, it’s the complete opposite. He’s gone through and suffered immense trauma and he is struggling to claim his own sanity and identity back.

"Iron Fist" Season 1 hits Netflix March 17.

KISS Exercises Their Freedom to Rock for Thackerville, OK


KISS has been a proven rock and roll institution now for over four decades. They've conquered not only the album sales charts and live music venues of the world, but the band has been begrudgingly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well. KISS definitely earned the right to call their own shots.


That's exactly what the powerhouse four-piece super-group has been doing lately. KISS can easily pack out five-digit capacity venues, and they still do all over the globe. However, lately they've been visiting cities they've never been to or haven't graced with their presence in years on the Freedom to Rock tour. One of those stops was for a sold out audience of 3,500 lucky fans in Thackerville, OK at the Winstar World Casino and Resort's Global Event Center.


The show at Winstar World Casino and Resort's Global Event Center was a more intimate experience than what I've had before at a KISS concert. Although the word "intimate" might sound ridiculous to some, seeing the Hottest Band in the World in a room that only holds 3,500 is much different than seeing them in an outdoor amphitheater or arena that holds 15,000 to 20,000 people. Unlike mezzanine seats or the back wall of the lawn thousands upon thousands of yards from the stage, there really wasn't a bad seat in the house.


Since the Freedom to Rock tour was at a smaller venue, the massive KISS stage set-up they usually have was scaled down just a tiny bit. As far as spectacle is concerned, it didn't affect the quality of the experience. The band had less room to perform in, but they made the most out of every square inch. The fire and explosions weren't as big as they usually are for a full-scale KISS show, but they were as big as was legally allowed inside the Winstar World Casino and Resort's Global Event Center.


One thing that wasn't affected by the size of the venue was the performances of every member of KISS. Decked out in the costumes the band wore for their "Creatures of the Night" tour in the early 1980s, each one brought their A-game to the set. Numbers included a greatest hits playlist of essential songs from 1973's self-titled album all the way up to 1998's "Psycho Circus." They even pulled out a couple numbers I haven't seen them perform in many years. They played "Flaming Youth" from 1976's "Destroyer" and "Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll" from 1974's "Hotter Than Hell."


Starchild Paul Stanley strutted across the stage and delivered the operatic vocals and wailing we've all come to expect from the charismatic vocalist of KISS. Although he shares lead vocal duties with Demon Gene Simmons, Stanley does most of the talking between songs and manages to work the audience into a frenzy. He was unable to do his usual flying number to the center of the audience, but didn't let that stop him from demanding the undivided attention of all 3,500 fans gathered in the Global Event Center.


Demon Gene Simmons found a way to balance the fearsome and intimidating stomping around and tongue flicking with a fun sense of humor that includes making faces at the crowd, spitting water on them, and just goofing around in general. He performed his famous fire-breathing and blood-spitting in a cloud of green fog, but didn't float up into the rafters like he usually does. Instead, he just rolled into "War Machine" from 1982's "Creatures of the Night." It was interesting to see him change things up a bit by not singing "God of Thunder," although it is one of my favorites.


Spaceman Tommy Thayer exhibited the lead guitar talent we've come to expect from him in the past fifteen years. He perfectly blends Ace Frehley's signature lines with his own energetic handiwork. Thayer shot rockets from his guitar head, as he's known to do, after taking over lead vocal duties on original guitarist / singer Frehley's "Shock Me" from 1977's "Love Gun." Although I understand that there's only so many songs you can fit into a set list from an iconic group like KISS, I do wish Tommy could perform one of his own cosmic tunes off of either 2009's "Sonic Boom" or 2012's "Monster." "When Lightning Strikes" or "Outta This World" are both great songs that completely embody the spirit of the Spaceman, yet give Thayer a chance to continue to make the persona his own.


Catman Eric Singer pounded away on the drums as they levitated up and down during the 90-minute set. He lent his soulful voice to "Black Diamond," which original drummer Peter Criss sang on the band's self-titled album. Once again, I understand most KISS concert-goers want to hear the hits, but I would love to see Singer perform one of the newer songs he sings off of "Sonic Boom" or "Monster."


At one point, Paul Stanley asked the crowd to raise their hands if the show at the Winstar World Casino and Resort's Global Event Center was their first time to see the band. I was surprised when many of them raised their hands or vocally responded. I would say over half the audience replied yes to Stanley's question. Paul looked out at the crowd and addressed the newest KISS Army members.

"Tonight is going to be a night you'll never forget. Nobody forgets their first KISS!"

You can see more pictures from KISS's show at the Winstar World Casino and Resort's Global Event Center right here.

KISS Exercises Their Freedom to Rock for Thackerville, OK


KISS has been a proven rock and roll institution now for over four decades. They've conquered not only the album sales charts and live music venues of the world, but the band has been begrudgingly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well. KISS definitely earned the right to call their own shots.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Blu-ray Review: "Arrival"


Being what I would consider "thinking man's" science fiction, "Arrival" has some extremely interesting concepts to explore. The special effects, cinematography, musical score, and emotionally charged storyline makes it a breathtaking watch, as well. In the end, the film leaves you asking yourself some interesting questions in quiet reflection. "Arrival" is definitely not the type of movie you can just immediately process and walk away from.


When mysterious spacecrafts touch down across the globe, an elite team - lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) - is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers - and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity in "Arrival."


Some might consider "Arrival" to be slow-moving and too talky. It's definitely not an action film. If anything, I would consider it to be a well-paced exercise in anticipation.


I still wouldn't say I agree with all the award-winning accolades it's receiving. Although "Arrival" is a good movie, it still has some issues. For one, I felt like the lead character figured things out a lot quicker than she should have.


"Arrival" is rated PG-13 for brief strong language. There's no onscreen violence, aside from some news reports featuring looting. The profanity could've been cut as well. It certainly doesn't add anything to the film.


Bonus materials for the Blu-ray version of "Arrival" include a few featurettes. "Acoustic Signatures: The Sound Design," "External Recurrance: The Score," "Nonlinear Thinking: The Editorial Process," "Principles of Time: Memory & Language," "Xenolinguistics: Understanding 'Arrival'" all explore different aspects of the making of the film.


"Arrival" was released on November 11, 2016. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve ("Blade Runner 2049," "Sicario"). The cast includes Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker. The running time is 116 minutes.

Rating: ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ

"Arrival" is available now on 4K UltraHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD.


Blu-ray Review: "Arrival"


Being what I would consider "thinking man's" science fiction, "Arrival" has some extremely interesting concepts to explore. The special effects, cinematography, musical score, and emotionally charged storyline makes it a breathtaking watch, as well. In the end, the film leaves you asking yourself some interesting questions in quiet reflection. "Arrival" is definitely not the type of movie you can just immediately process and walk away from.

Star-Lord and Drax Represent in New "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" Pic


Empire posted a new picture from "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Since it features Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Dave Bautista as Drax, we figured someone out there would want to see it. Yep, it's them staring intensely at something. We'll find out what it is on May 5, 2017.

Star-Lord and Drax Represent in New "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" Pic


Empire posted a new picture from "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Since it features Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Dave Bautista as Drax, we figured someone out there would want to see it. Yep, it's them staring intensely at something. We'll find out what it is on May 5, 2017.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Coming Home April 4th!


Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first of the Star Wars standalone films, has established its place within the Star Wars universe and the hearts of moviegoers, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S. Fans can own the epic action-adventure thriller -- nominated for two Academy Awards® -- early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4.

Never-before-seen “Rogue One” bonus material will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.


Bonus features include*:

*A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.

*Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen. 

*Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.

*K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.

*Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.

*Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects. 

*The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.

*Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.

*The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes – back to the screen.

*Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.

*Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, p.g.a., Allison Shearmur, p.g.a. (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Cinderella”) and Simon Emanuel, p.g.a. (“The Dark Knight Rises”). Veteran ILM visual effects supervisor John Knoll, (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) whom shares a long history with the Star Wars films, is executive producer alongside Jason McGatlin (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “War of the Worlds”).

The story is by John Knoll and Gary Whitta (“The Book of Eli,” “After Earth”), and the screenplay was written by Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass,” “About a Boy”) and Tony Gilroy (“The Bourne Legacy,” “Michael Clayton”).            

Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything,” “Like Crazy”) heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna (“Milk,” “Elysium”). Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline,” “Animal Kingdom”), Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale,” TV’s “Hannibal”), Alan Tudyk (“Frozen,” “I, Robot”), Riz Ahmed (“Nightcrawler,” “Jason Bourne”) and Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland,” “The Butler”). The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen (“Ip Man,” “Blade II”) and Jiang Wen (“Let the Bullets Fly,” “The Sun Also Rises”). In addition, Anthony Daniels (“Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”) reprises his role of C-3PO, marking his eighth appearance in a Star Wars film.

To create the distinctive and contemporary look of the film, Edwards chose revered cinematographer Greig Fraser (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Foxcatcher”). Visual effects supervisors John Knoll and Mohen Leo (Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man,” “The Martian”) team up with special effects supervisor Neil Corbould (“Black Hawk Down,” “Saving Private Ryan”) and ILM animation supervisor Hal Hickel (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest,” “Iron Man”).

Star Wars veteran Doug Chiang (Star Wars Episodes I and II, “Forrest Gump”) and Neil Lamont (supervising art director on “The Force Awakens” and the “Harry Potter” film series) join forces as production designers, and Neal Scanlan (“Prometheus”) returns to do special creature effects, having recently worked on “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Additional key crew include costume designers Dave Crossman (costume supervisor on The Force Awakens and the “Harry Potter” film series) and Glyn Dillon (“The Force Awakens” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service” costume concept artist), as well as stunt coordinator Rob Inch (“The Force Awakens,” “World War Z”).

The music is by composer Michael Giacchino (“Star Trek Beyond,” “Zootopia”), with original Star Wars music by John Williams. The editors for the film are John Gilroy, ACE (“Nightcrawler,” “The Bourne Legacy”), Jabez Olssen (“The Hobbit” trilogy) and Colin Goudie (“Monsters”).

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 133 min.
RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray 3D Feature Film 2.39:1; Blu-ray Feature Film 2.39:1; DVD Feature Film 2.39:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray - English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks; DVD - English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio Language Tracks
LANGUAGES: English, French & Spanish
SUBTITLES: English SDH, French & Spanish


"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Coming Home April 4th!


Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first of the Star Wars standalone films, has established its place within the Star Wars universe and the hearts of moviegoers, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S. Fans can own the epic action-adventure thriller -- nominated for two Academy Awards® -- early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4.

Never-before-seen “Rogue One” bonus material will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Trailer: Robert Redford Makes "The Discovery"


Netflix is releasing director Charlie McDowell's sci-fi film "The Discovery" and provided us with a trailer to spread the word. The concept and storyline for the movie sounds very interesting and disturbing. You can see the video and read a description of "The Discovery" after the jump.


What would you do if there was proof of an afterlife? The answer to this question is rivetingly explored in "The Discovery," where world-renowned physicist Doctor Thomas Harber (Robert Redford) is able to scientifically prove the existence of an afterlife—but with dire consequences. His estranged son, Will (Jason Segel), tries to confront the situation by returning to the New England–esque island where he grew up. He crosses paths with Isla (Rooney Mara), who’s returning to the island for mysterious reasons of her own. The tale unfolds over the ensuing days as the regret of past choices forces these lost characters to reflect on how they’ve gotten to where they are.

"The Discovery" arrives on Netflix on March 31, 2017.

Trailer: Robert Redford Makes "The Discovery"


Netflix is releasing director Charlie McDowell's sci-fi film "The Discovery" and provided us with a trailer to spread the word. The concept and storyline for the movie sounds very interesting and disturbing. You can see the video and read a description of "The Discovery" after the jump.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Go Behind the Magic of ILM's Work on Marvel's "Doctor Strange"


ILMVFX posted a video highlighting the Oscar Nominated Visual Effects behind the Hong Kong time-warp in Marvel Studios "Doctor Strange." The video is entitled "Behind the Magic: Creating the Time Warp in Doctor Strange" and can bee seen after the jump.


World-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure. Instead, he discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality in "Doctor Strange."

"Doctor Strange" comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on February 28th, 2017. It's available in Digital HD right now.

Go Behind the Magic of ILM's Work on Marvel's "Doctor Strange"


ILMVFX posted a video highlighting the Oscar Nominated Visual Effects behind the Hong Kong time-warp in Marvel Studios "Doctor Strange." The video is entitled "Behind the Magic: Creating the Time Warp in Doctor Strange" and can bee seen after the jump.

Blu-ray Review: "Justice League Dark"


Reflecting on "Justice League Dark," I'm left asking one simple question. "How can you NOT put together a stellar 75-minute movie based upon all these characters with so much source material written about them? What we get here feels like a string of patched-together action scenes starring our favorite heroes. And these sacred icons are made to do battle with a supernatural poop monster? Is this "The Superhero Movie 2?"



When innocent civilians begin committing unthinkable crimes across Metropolis, Gotham City and beyond, Batman must call upon mystical counterparts to eradicate this demonic threat to the planet. Enter Justice League Dark, reluctantly led by the Hellblazer himself, John Constantine. Like Batman, Constantine is a cunning, often cynical loner who is the best at his chosen profession – but quickly realizes the sinister forces plaguing the planet will require help from other supernatural alliances. Forming a new “league” with sorceress Zatanna, otherworldly Deadman, and Jason Blood and his powerful alter ego Etrigan the Demon, this team of Dark Arts specialists must unravel the mystery of Earth’s supernatural plague and contend with the rising, powerful villainous forces behind the siege – before it’s too late for all of mankind in "Justice League Dark."


Although there's some disturbing moments in the first part of the movie, I found the R-rating for "Justice League Dark" to be unmerited. We're really not looking at anything more than a PG-13 even with frightening and intense scenes and profanity. I'm hoping that this new fad of R-rated comic book movies will blow over soon.


I was very happy to see the return of Swamp Thing to the screen even if he wasn't in a majority of the film. Voice actor Roger Cross ("The Strain," "Arrow") matched the character and gave him the presence he commands. It was also nice to see him play a pivotal role in the story.


A couple of the characters felt miscast and distracted me throughout my viewing of "Justice League Dark." Both Deadman and Felix Faust didn't match my visions of what those characters would sound like. Of course, this is just my personal preference. However, I expected something a bit more deep and threatening from a muscular deceased apparition and a powerful magician.


Something else to mention is the amount of magical chanting and incantations found in "Justice League Dark." This would go without saying for a movie featuring John Constantine, Zatanna, Felix Faust, and the dark arts. As a Christian, I'm a firm believer in the power of words. I just wanted to lay that out here for others who might share my beliefs.


The Blu-ray edition of "Justice League Dark" contains some great special features. They include a sneak peek at "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract," "The Story of Swamp Thing" featurette, "Did You Know?" featurette, 2016 NY Comic Con Panel featurette, sneak peek at "Justice League: Gods and Monsters," sneak peek at "Justice League: Doom," and "From the DC Vault" we get two bonus episodes – "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," “Dawn of the Dead Man!” as well as "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," “Trials of the Demon!” I found "The Story of Swamp Thing" featurette more entertaining than "Justice League Dark."


"Justice League Dark" was released on February 7, 2017. It was directed by Jay Oliva ("Batman: Bad Blood," "Batman vs. Robin"). The voice cast includes Matt Ryan, Camilla Luddington, Jason O'Mara, Ray Chase, Enrico Colantoni, Roger Cross, Rosario Dawson, and Jerry O'Connell. The running time is 75 minutes.

Rating: ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ

"Justice League Dark" is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and HD Digital.


Blu-ray Review: "Justice League Dark"


Reflecting on "Justice League Dark," I'm left asking one simple question. "How can you NOT put together a stellar 75-minute movie based upon all these characters with so much source material written about them? What we get here feels like a string of patched-together action scenes starring our favorite heroes. And these sacred icons are made to do battle with a supernatural poop monster? Is this "The Superhero Movie 2?"

Monday, February 20, 2017

Movie Review: "Newsies: The Broadway Musical"


Fathom Events and Disney brings "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" to movie theaters for three special engagements. Having seen the play both in person and on the big-screen, I will say that "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" definitely enhances the viewer's experience. It can only be described as unforgettably magical. Some of the attendees even dressed up for the screening.

Children dressed up to see "Newsies: The Broadway Musical."
"Newsies: The Broadway Musical" is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly (Jeremy Jordan), a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged ‘newsies,’ who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard) and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.


You're able to get up close and see little details you can't from arena seats or even the front row when watching "Newsies: The Broadway Musical." Sometimes the cameras would get a little too up close and cut out dance steps and jumps, which was disappointing. Overall, the cinematography did a great job capturing all the action on stage.


It was exciting to follow along with the musical numbers as they unfolded in "Newsies: The Broadway Musical." The dancing was astonishing as they leapt through the air. They even used a few classic moves from the original movie.


All the actors have fantastic voices, but there were a few standouts. Of course, lead actor Jeremy Jordan shines in the role of Jack Kelly with a great accent and vocal range. Aisha de Haas's performance as Medda Larkin was great. Kara Lindsay's musical number as Katherine was remarkable and gave me goosebumps. Young Ethan Steiner as Jack's brother, Les, was very expressive and charismatic.


Although "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" doesn't hold an official rating by the MPAA, I would consider it to be PG. It contains mild profanity and mild adult themes, such as kissing and women dressed as burlesque dancers. I felt fine about taking my ten-year-old to see it.


"Newsies: The Broadway Musical" was released in 2017. It was directed by Brett Sullivan ("The Phantom of the Opera," "Love Never Dies"). The cast includes Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Ben Fankhauser, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Steve Blanchard, and Aisha de Haas. The running time is 205 minutes.

Audiences have one last chance to see "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" in theaters on Wednesday, February 22nd. You can get information and tickets for the screening right here.

Rating: ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ

(Review co-written by Lizz Shirey)


Movie Review: "Newsies: The Broadway Musical"


Fathom Events and Disney brings "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" to movie theaters for three special engagements. Having seen the play both in person and on the big-screen, I will say that "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" definitely enhances the viewer's experience. It can only be described as unforgettably magical. Some of the attendees even dressed up for the screening.

New "Get Out" Clip Brings Down the Law


"Get Out" hits theaters this weekend and we've been provided a video clip to promote Blumhouse Productions' newest thriller. You can see it and get more information on the film after the jump.


In Universal Pictures’ "Get Out," a speculative thriller from Blumhouse (producers of "The Visit," "Insidious" series and "The Gift") and the mind of Jordan Peele, when a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister real reason for the invitation.

Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya, "Sicario") and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams, "Girls"), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy (Catherine Keener, "Captain Phillips") and Dean (Bradley Whitford, "The Cabin in the Woods").

At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.

Equal parts gripping thriller and provocative commentary, Get Out is written and directed by Peele ("Key and Peele") and produced by Blumhouse’s Jason Blum, as well as Sean McKittrick ("Donnie Darko," "The Box"), Edward H. Hamm Jr. ("The Box," "Bad Words") and Peele. The film also stars Caleb Landry Jones ("X-Men" series), Stephen Root ("No Country for Old Men"), Milton “Lil Rel” Howery ("The Carmichael Show"), Betty Gabriel ("The Purge: Election Year"), Marcus Henderson ("Pete’s Dragon") and Lakeith Stanfield ("Straight Outta Compton").

"Get Out" hits theaters on Friday, February 24th.

New "Get Out" Clip Brings Down the Law


"Get Out" hits theaters this weekend and we've been provided a video clip to promote Blumhouse Productions' newest thriller. You can see it and get more information on the film after the jump.