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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 07/26/2024 |
| Running Time: 127 |
| Rated: R |
| Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Leslie Uggams, Matthew Macfadyen, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Chris Hemsworth and Jon Favreau. |
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| Crew: Director: Shawn Levy. Producers: Shawn Levy, Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Mitchell Bell, and Lauren Shuler Donner. Executive Producers: Louis D' Esposito, George Dewey, Wendy Jacobson, Simon Kinberg, Jonathan Komack Martin, Josh McLaglen, Mary McLaglen and Paul Wernick. Screenwriters: Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Music: Rob Simonsen. Cinematographer: George Richmond. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
The highly anticipated Marvel superhero movie, "Deadpool & Wolverine," took me by surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
This film caters to die-hard Marvel fans who relish bloody violence, crude humor, and are well-versed in pop culture.
Even then, the rapid-fire jokes and witty banter between Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, "IF") and Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, TV's "Faraway Downs") come at you so quickly that even the most devoted Marvel aficionado might need a repeat viewing to catch them all.
I attended a non-press screening of "Deadpool & Wolverine” and the audience was diverse, spanning various ages and ethnic backgrounds. As we exited the theater the unanimous sentiment was a big thumbs up for the film.
One standout aspect for me was the eclectic soundtrack, which featured songs from *NSYNC ("Bye, Bye, Bye"), The Platters "Only You (And You Alone"), Aretha Franklin's Royal Philharmonic version of ("You're All I Need to Get By"), and Fergie's "Glamorous," among others.
Directed by Shawn Levy ("The Boogeyman"), "Deadpool & Wolverine" kicks off with Wade Wilson (Reynolds) navigating life without his beloved Vanessa (Morena Baccarin, TV's "The Flash").
Wade is really not happy working as a used car salesman. His best friend Peter (Rob Delaney, TV's "Dinner with the Parents") knows he needs to suit up and do his superhero thing.
Call it luck or perhaps divine intervention, but Wade's world is about to suddenly change thanks to Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen, TV's "Succession"), an agent of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) who is overseeing a project to speed up the death of the Earth-10005 universe by using the "Time Ripper." It's a machine which can mercy kill timelines. He has an assignment for Wade that requires him to time travel to another universe and assemble with The Avengers. Why Wade?
Well, there is a catch. Wade still takes the bait and travels to different worlds searching for Wolverine only to discover the TVA has no use for him. They leave him in some deserted universe. Now it's up to Deadpool and Wolverine to fight back, but it won't be easy. In their path is Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin, "My Policeman"), the twin sister of Charles Xavier (X-Men). She is a mutant with telekinetic/telepathic powers and a score to settle.
Don't fret too much over the silly plot. "Deadpool & Wolverine" is meant to be enjoyed for its unabashed absurdity and juvenile humor.
And while Jackman and Reynolds are the star attractions, it sure is good to see Wesley Snipes as "Blade" in the mix too. I just wish Blind Al (Leslie Uggams, "American Fiction") had more screen time, but she makes the most of her small role.
Alongside epic fight scenes, "Deadpool and Wolverine" is peppered with cameos by Henry Cavill, Channing Tatum, and Chris Hemsworth, adding to its star-studded appeal. And let's not forget the post-credits scene, an unmissable cherry on top.
So, whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan or simply in search of some fun entertainment this weekend, "Deadpool & Wolverine" is a pretty good choice.
Look At This Trailer For "DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image... |
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Rated: R
Opens: 07/26/2024
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 07/19/2024
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Rated: R
Opens: 07/19/2024
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 07/12/2024
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Rated: R
Opens: 07/12/2024
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 06/28/2024
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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH
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Title: MAHOGANY
Year Released: 1975
Running Time: 109
Production Company: Paramount Pictures
Director: Berry Gordy, Tony Richardson and Jack Wormser
Director of Photography: David Watkin
Screenwriter: John Byrum and Toni Amber
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
REVIEW: DIANA ROSS AND BILLY DEE WILLIAMS DAZZLE IN "MAHOGANY"
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to?
Do you know? Do you get what you're hoping for? When you look behind you, there's no open doors. What are you hoping for? Do you know? "Theme from Mahogany...
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NEW ON DVD
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Title: WAITING FOR DALI
Year Released: 2024
Running Time: 114
Production Company: FishCorb Films/Arlong Productions
Director: David Pujol
Review By: Lana Wilson-Combs
"WAITING FOR DALI"
I was pleasantly surprised by the delightful Spanish dramedy "Waiting for Dali," from director and screenwriter David Pujol ("Salvador Dalí: In Search of Immortality").
The film's blend of humor and quirky charm effortlessly draws viewers into its unique world.
"Waiting for Dali," which is presented in Spanish and French with English subtitles, is a feast for foodies.
Set in 1974 against the backdrop of political upheaval in Barcelona during Francisco Franco's dictatorship, the story revolves around two brothers: Fernando (Ivan Massague, TV's "Raising Voices") and Alberto (Pol Lopez, TV's "See You in Another Life"). Seeking refuge, they find themselves in the picturesque seaside town of Cadaques, Spain.
With nothing but their culinary talents—honed in Barcelona—the brothers land jobs at El Surreal, a quaint restaurant with breathtaking views, owned by the charismatic but eccentric Jules (Jose Garcia, "Meet the Leroys"). Jules, a die-hard Salvador Dalí fan, dreams of the artist visiting his restaurant. He meticulously prepares extravagant meals in hopes of attracting Dalí, though the artist has yet to make an appearance.
Amidst the culinary escapades at El Surreal, romantic tensions simmer as Jules's enchanting daughter Lola (Clara Ponsot, TV's "Polar Park") falls for Fernando. Capitalizing on his culinary skills, Fernando takes charge of the kitchen, impressing Jules and intensifying the anticipation for Dali's elusive visit.
As El Surreal gains popularity among tourists and locals alike, tensions escalate between the authorities and a group of agitators led by Alberto. The uncertainty threatens the restaurant's newfound success and raises questions about Dalí's anticipated arrival.
"Waiting for Dali" is a captivating blend of gastronomic delights, romantic entanglements, and historical context.
Director/screenwriter David Pujol's keen storytelling and attention to period detail enrich this whimsical dramedy.
Don't miss "Waiting for Dali" which is available on VOD June 18. It's a refreshing summer gem filled with warmth and humor.
(Highly Recommended).
Editor's Note: "Waiting for Dali" is available June 18 on VOD.
Check Out This Trailer For "WAITING FOR DALI"
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Title: BLIND WAR
Year Released: 2022
Running Time: 103
Production Company: Go Well USA
Director: Suiqiang Huo
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"BLIND WAR"
I've got to hand it to Well Go USA. the powerhouse American indie and international film distributor based in Plano, Texas strikes again with their latest cinematic offering, "Blind War."
This movie wastes no time plunging viewers headfirst into a whirlwind of jaw-dropping action.
In "Blind War" Andy On ("Cruel War" and "Abduction") stars as Dong Gu, a SWAT captain tasked with his team handling a terrorist attack at a courthouse. The mayhem becomes so intense that Dong Gu winds up losing his sight after a flash grenade explosion.
He's devastated by his failure to take command of the situation. As far as he's concerned, his life is over. He's even been kicked off the police force.
Everyday Dong Gu sinks further into depression. Fortunately, he has a beautiful, young, and musically gifted daughter (Yaqi Zhang, "Demon Sealer Bureau"). She becomes a beacon of hope and strength, guiding her father through the darkest of times.
Just when it seemed that Dong Gu was becoming a bit more self-reliant, his life is shattered once again when some baddies that he wronged from the past are now seeking revenge and they kidnap his daughter.
Big mistake.
Dong Gu may have lost his sight, but his combat prowess has never been more lethal. Consequently, he must rely on his other senses to outsmart and outmaneuver his daughter's captors.
The fighting scenes in "Blind War" are deliriously exciting. While watching the movie with my husband--who is also a huge martial arts fan--he often turned to me and said, "this movie is amazing, spectacular."
It truly is especially if you're a fan of old school 1980s and 1990s karate movies. Director Suiqiang Huo masterfully choreographs a ballet of bullets and martial arts that harkens back to the golden era of action cinema. His vision is bold, his execution daring, and the result is a movie that's as much a nod to the classics as it is a trailblazer in its own right.
Oh, and Xing Yang (TV's "Age of Awakening") is another reason you'll enjoy "Blind War." She emerges as Dong Gu's unexpected ally, proving her mettle in a male-dominated arena.
There isn't a wasted or dull moment in "Blind War." You've got to see it to believe it.
(Highly Recommended).
"Blind War" is available June 11 on VOD and Blu-ray.
Check Out This Trailer For "BLIND WAR"
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Title: EXHUMA
Year Released: 2024
Running Time: 135
Production Company: Well Go USA
Director: Jang Jae-Hyun
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"EXHUMA"
The Korean horror film "Exhuma," directed/written by Jang Jae-Hyun ("Svaha: The Sixth Finger"), delivers a gripping tale of a family ensnared by a malevolent supernatural force.
"Exhuma" isn't just a ghost story—it's a generational curse that haunts the bloodline of a Los Angeles dynasty.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the narrative revolves around the renowned shaman Lee Hwarim (Kim Go-Eun, "Hero") and her apprentice Yoon Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun, TV's "Sweet Home").
Their mission is to delve into the abyss of the paranormal to unravel the sinister happenings that plague the firstborns of each generation. It's a curse so dark and malignant that it really threatens most anyone in its path.
Assisting them in this spectral quest is mortician Yeong-geun (Yoo Hai-jin, "Dog Days"), whose knowledge of the dead is as deep as the graves he tends, and Kim Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik, TV's "Big Bet"), a feng shui master whose wisdom might be the key to breaking the cycle of terror.
The investigation leads them to a desolate gravesite nestled within sacred grounds. Yet, the unearthly aura surrounding the area foreshadows impending doom or it could be their salvation as they go deeper into the dark secrets buried within. As the tension mounts, each excavation unearths more than mere remains; it unleashes a malevolent curse of unimaginable proportions.
Talk about luring you in.
Director Jang Jae-Hyun masterfully crafts an atmosphere rife with dread, where every moment drips with palpable unease. From the eerie landscapes to the haunting score, "Exhuma" immerses you in a world where terror lurks at every turn. It's a puzzle box of fear, devilishly designed to leave you questioning even the shadows in your room.
With stellar performances from its cast and a plot woven with intricate layers of suspense, "Exhuma" is an excellent horror flick and a testament to the enduring allure of Korean horror cinema.
(Highly Recommended).
Check Out This Trailer For "EXHUMA"
"Exhuma" is currently available on VOD.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
CATHERINE LAGA'AIA CAST AS MOANA IN DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION "MOANA"
Catherine Laga'aia (pictured), will be voyaging to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people in Disney's upcoming live action "Moana."
"I'm really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites," said the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native. "My grandfather comes from Fa'aala, Palauli, in Savai'i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of 'Upolu in Samoa. I'm honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."
The cast also includes Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana's no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana's playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala. Previously announced, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.
Releasing in theaters on July 10, 2026, "Moana" is directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed "Hamilton" on Broadway and Disney+, "Grease Live" and the first and last episodes of Hulu's lauded limited series "We Were the Lucky Ones."
Said Kail, "I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there's no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too."
Production of "Moana" kicks off this summer and will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure, the production begins filming this summer. The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also serve as producer. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller have been tapped for the project. Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation, wrote the screenplay for 2016's "Moana," and Miller is a Samoan writer who created Netflix's "Thai Cave Rescue" and co-founded the non-profit Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK).
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
LIONSGATE STUDIOS TO DISTRIBUTE FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA'S MAGNUM OPUS "MEGALOPOLIS"
Lionsgate Studios has signed a deal to distribute Francis Ford Coppola's epic "Megalopolis," fresh off its electrifying debut in Cannes, in theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
The agreement extends the studio's longstanding partnership with Coppola and his American Zoetrope banner. Lionsgate Studios previously distributed many of the visionary filmmaker's greatest masterpieces on home entertainment, including "Apocalypse Now," "Final Cut," "The Conversation," "The Cotton Club Encore," "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" and "One from the Heart: Reprise."
Lionsgate Studios will also handle the distribution of Megalopolis across all home entertainment platforms.
"Megalopolis" will be released in domestic theaters and in IMAX on Sept. 27. Through separate deals, the film previously secured distribution in the UK (Entertainment Film Distributors Limited), France (Le Pacte), Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (Constantin Film), Italy (Eagle Pictures), Spain (Tripictures), Australia (Madman Entertainment), Benelux (September Films), Bulgaria (Profilm), the Czech Republic and Slovakia (Film Europe), Ex-Yugoslavia (MCF Megacom Film), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Hungary (Mozinet), Israel (Lev Cinemas), Morocco (Facility Event), Portugal (Midas Filmes), Romania (Independenta Film), Scandinavia (Njutafilms), and Turkey (Bir Film).
Recently added territories are the Middle East (Cinewaves), Poland (Gutek), Ukraine and Baltics (Ad Astra), Tunisia (Retinia), Indonesia (Prima Cinema), and the Philippines (Pioneer).
"Goodfellas" is in advanced negotiations for Latin America and Brazil, and in negotiations with the rest of Asia.
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group said, "Francis (Coppola) is a legend. For many of us, his gifts to cinema were one of the inspirations to devote our own careers to film. It is a true privilege to work with him, and to bring this incredible, audacious, and utterly unique movie to theatrical audiences. At Lionsgate, we strive to be a home for bold and daring artists, and Megalopolis proves there is no one more bold or daring than the maestro, Francis Ford Coppola."
Coppola added, "One rule of business I've always followed and prioritized (to my benefit) is to continue working with companies and teams who over time have proven to be good friends as well as great collaborators. This is why I am thrilled to have Adam Fogelson and Lionsgate Studios release "Megalopolis." I am confident they will apply the same tender love and care given to "Apocalypse Now," which is currently in its 45th year of astounding revenue and appreciation."
Starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman, "Megalopolis" is a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America.
The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.
Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.
Written, produced, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film is produced by Fred Roos, Barry Hirsch, and Michael Bederman, and executive produced by Anahid Nazarian, Barrie Osborne, and Darren Demetre.
Coppola's producer and longtime lawyer, Barry Hirsch of Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof + Fishman, oversaw the deal on behalf of American Zoetrope. Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis oversaw the deal for Lionsgate. Lionsgate holds approximately 87 percent of the outstanding shares of newly launched Lionsgate Studios.
ABOUT LIONSGATE:
Lionsgate encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations and the STARZ premium global subscription platform, bringing a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a more than 20,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.
ABOUT LIONSGATE STUDIOS:
Lionsgate Studios is one of the world's leading standalone, pure play, publicly traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate's bold and entrepreneurial culture.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
SEASON 2 OF LUCASFILM’S ORIGINAL ANIMATED SERIES "STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES" COMING TO DISNEY+ AND DISNEY JR. AUG. 14
The second season of "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures," Lucasfilm's original animated series, will debut on Disney+ and Disney Jr. on Aug. 14, with the second half of the season arriving in early 2025. In addition, a series of shorts from "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" Season 2 will debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+ on Aug. 2.
Set 200 years before "The Phantom Menace," during the High Republic era, "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" follows Jedi younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.
"Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" Season 2 follows the younglings as they continue their training and embark on even bigger missions across the galaxy. Helping to lead the younglings on these missions is Master Zia's new Padawan, Wes Vinik, and his astromech R0-M1. As they continue their training and grow in the ways of the Force, the young Jedi will travel to new planets with new and old friends and encounter adversaries like The Ganguls, who are growing in their pirate ranks…
Produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary for Disney+ and Disney Jr., "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" is executive produced by Lucasfilm's James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes.
Michael Olson is showrunner and executive producer; Elliot M. Bour is Supervising director and Co-Executive Producer; and Lamont Magee is consulting producer. Production services by Icon Creative.
"Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" stars JeCobi Swain as Kai Brightstar, Juliet Donenfeld as Lys Solay, Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs, Emma Berman as Nash Durango, Trey Murphy as Taborr/Cyrus Vuundir, Nasim Pedrad as Master Zia Zanna, Gunnar Sizemore as Wes Vinik, and Piotr Michael as Master Yoda.
Plus, a new 2D-animated digital series entitled "Fun with Nubs" is now available on StarWarsKids.com and Youtube.com/StarWarsKids. The series follows the comedic misadventures of Nubs and RJ-83, as they take on tasks across Tenoo.
ABOUT DISNEY+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star, and in the U.S., Disney Bundle subscribers can also access extensive Hulu content, including next day TV and Hulu Original titles, on Disney+. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney's long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios.
Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service, as part of the Disney Bundle in the U.S. that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, or as part of Combo+ in Latin America with Star+, the standalone general entertainment and sports streaming service in the region. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
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