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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 04/26/2024 |
| Running Time: 131 |
| Rated: R |
| Cast: Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, Mike Faist, Nada Despotovich, Naheem Garcia and A.J. Lister. |
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| Crew: Director: Luca Guadagnino. Producers: Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Rachel O'Connor, Daniela Venturelli, Kim H. Winther, Amy Pascal and Darnell Appling. Executive Producers: Bernard Bellew, Lorenzo Mieli and Kevin Ulrich.
Screenwriter: Justin Kuritzkes. Cinematographer: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Despite the buzz, "Challengers," the latest film from director Luca Guadagnino ("Bones and All"), arrives amid high anticipation, but struggles to meet the lofty expectations set by his previous work.
The narrative of this sports drama meanders, becoming entangled in its complexity. The film's components, from the jarring score by Oscar winner's Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, to the flashbacks and erratic cinematography, become downright exhausting.
In addition, the film's lascivious and stereotyped depiction of its lead female star, Zendaya ("Dune: Part Two") is troublingly objectified and for me further undermined the movie's appeal.
In "Challengers," Zendaya portrays Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, guiding her husband Art (Mike Faist, "The Bikeriders" and "West Side Story") through a challenging phase in his career. Her dedication to his success often comes at the expense of time with their daughter Lily (A. J. Lister, TV's "A Haunting"), though Tashi's parents (Nada Despotovich, TV's "Castle Rock") and Naheem Garcia, "The Holdovers") provide a supportive family network.
Spanning over 13 years, "Challengers" shuttles viewers through time at warp speed. The plot pivots around a big tennis match between Art and his rival Patrick Zweig (Josh O, Connor, "Lee"), who also shares a past with Tashi.
Both men are at a professional impasse, with Patrick's career dwindling and Art grappling with waning ambition. Tashi's unwavering support is his lifeline, as she encourages him to regain his form through smaller victories.
Despite Tashi's outward stance, her unresolved emotions for Patrick simmer beneath the surface. The rivalry for her affections occasionally borders on the farcical.
Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes ("City on Fire") teases a subtext between Art and Patrick, leaving audiences to speculate amidst suggestive imagery. However, it's Tashi that is the big tease in "Challengers" and who has Art and Patrick lusting for her at every turn. She even refers to them as her "little white boys."
While "Challengers" starts off promising, it soon overstays its welcome. Visually appealing with some eye-catching tennis sequences, the film ultimately falls flat.
Zendaya, doubling as co-producer, continues to explore bold and new ventures. Although "Challengers" may not be her crowning achievement, it is sure to garner the talented actress considerable attention even as bigger and better things come her way.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For "CHALLENGERS"
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: PG-13
Opens: 04/19/2024
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Rated: R
Opens: 04/19/2024
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Rated: R
Opens: 04/19/2024
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Rated: R
Opens: 04/05/2024
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/29/2024
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/22/2024
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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: POLAR RESCUE
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 102
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Chi-Leung Law and Donnie Yen
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"POLAR RESCUE"
Set against the sprawling beauty of Northeast China’s snow-covered mountains, the icy thriller, "Polar Rescue"--a.k.a. "Come Back Home" (Sou jiu) --stars martial arts master Donnie Yen ("John Wick: Chapter 4") who finds his life quickly torn apart when a family outing turns tragic.
De, portrayed by Yen, has a seemingly picture-perfect family. He has a lovely wife named Xuan (Cecilia Han, "Flashover" and "The Golden Doll"). His daughter is sweet and adorable. His young son Lele (Yuan Jinhui) not so much.
In fact, this kid is a spoiled brat. De and Lele have had their share of spats, but on this trip, Lele is completely out of control and refuses to listen to his father. Lele and De have a huge argument about not being able to get to Lake Tian--an area Lele likes-- due to road closures.
Honestly, this kid needs more than a time out. I can't imagine any of my childhood friends calling their dad a Bastard and living to talk about it. Plus, Lele even pushes his mother down.
When they pull over, De decides he's going to finally teach Lele a lesson. So, he drives off with his wife and daughter to find a nearby restroom and leaves Lele. In less than 10 minutes they return to the area looking for him and Lele is nowhere to be found.
At first, De thinks the kid is just hiding out and messing with him because of their argument. But, after nearly an hour with no sign of Lele, De and Xuan are scared to death. How could this happen? And why would De be so foolish to do such a thing? Hours pass and now everyone is freaking out.
Even when De calls the police to report his missing son, their first question is “How did you lose him?” The Chief of Police, (Hou Tianlai, "Only the River Flows") is especially skeptical and surprised by De's actions. He organizes a huge search team to find Lele. As the weather worsens, it's looking grim that Lele is alive. The rescue is truly a race against time.
The anger and hostility between De and Xuan grow and things get worse when an avalanche strikes and nearly takes out half the first responders.
A major plot twist shifts the narrative, propelling “Polar Rescue” into an intense nailbiter.
The film’s breathtaking set pieces, from the treacherous frozen lake to the perilous mountain slopes, are a testament to the visionary direction of Chi-Leung Law ("Double Tap"/"The Bullet Vanishes") and Donnie Yen.
“Polar Rescue” is one of Yen's best movies and the ending is downright bone chilling.
(Highly Recommended).
"Polar Rescue” is in Mandarin with English subtitles. It debuts March 26 on Blu-ray and Digital.
Check Out This Trailer For "POLAR RESCUE"
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Title: BORN TO FLY
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 128
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Liu Xiaoshi
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"BORN TO FLY"
The only thing missing from this "Top Gun: Maverick" knockoff, "Born to Fly" is Tom Cruise.
The Chinese drama from director Liu Xiaoshi and co-writer Guan Gui ("Silence of Smoke") debuts March 26 on DVD.
In “Born to Fly” Lei Yu (played by Wang Yibo) plays a young, hotshot air force pilot. His exceptional skills catch the attention of commanding officer Zhang Ting (portrayed by Jun Hu), who selects him for China’s air force stealth fighters test pilot program.
The movie follows Lei’s journey as he faces physical and emotional challenges.
Although it's a pretty basic film, there is a bit of drama that develops between rivals Lei and Deng Fang (Yosh Yu, "Creations of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms") and a mild, blossoming romance with Lei and base doctor, Dongyu Zhou ("Under the Light").
While the story occasionally sputters, the aerial action in "Born to Fly" soars. The CGI looks realistic, and the dogfights are stylishly choreographed. "Born to Fly" isn't as exciting as "Top Gun: Maverick," but it's still a solid, high-flying adventure.
(Recommended).
"Born to Fly” will be released March 26 on Blu-ray and Digital.
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Title: RIDE ON
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 90
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Larry Yang
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"RIDE ON"
Look who is back. It's Jackie Chan. It's been a minute since we've seen the affable actor on screen.
I’m still waiting for the "official" word on "Rush Hour 4." Both Chan and Chris Tucker have said in recent interviews they are on board and want to make it happen. Hopefully soon.
Until then, you can check out Chan in "Ride On," a comical, sappy and heartwarming movie from director/writer Larry Yang ("Another Shot" and "Mountain Cry").
"Ride On" is really a sentimental ode to stuntmen and animal performers.
In "Ride On," Chan plays Lao Luo, a washed-up stuntman who used to be all the rage in the movie industry. No one could even think about doing some of the amazing stunts that Lao would perform on his trusted horse, Red Hare. They were quite a pair back in the day.
Now, he makes a meager living posing for tourists at the movie studio with Red Hare.
Lao still has that adventurous streak in him and Red Hare isn't ready to ride off into the sunset either. Here's the thing. The movie industry has changed, and Lao's financial situation is dire. He's deep in debt and the collectors want to seize Red Hare. Lao can't let that happen.
He's so embarrassed, but reaches out to his estranged daughter Luo Xiaobao (Haocun Liu, "One Second") to help him. She's still working her way through college and is tapped out for money, but her law school graduate boyfriend Lu Naihua (Kevin Guo, TV's "My Heroic Husband") is loaded and comes from a wealthy family. She suggests Lu can tell Lao what his options are.
Lao isn't too worried about his safety because he can easily handle all the goons that are foolish to try and fight him.
Chan may have lost a step, but he's still got some moves and is quite funny during the fights scenes and makes the baddies pay for trying to steal Red Hare. When Lao's brawl goes viral, everyone wants to know who this guy is.
That leads to him getting back in the game and doing some movies with Red Hare. It also allows his daughter to come around and appreciate what a legend her father was and really still is.
The daddy/daughter moments in "Ride On" are earned and touching. Chan is just so likeable in everything he does and "Ride On" further showcases his talents as a martial arts legend, comedian and all-around actor.
Not to be overlooked is the horse, Red Hare. He's always ready for his close-up and is a real scene-stealer. "Ride On" is a genuinely charming and feel-good, family movie.
(Highly Recommended).
Editor's Note: "Ride On" debuts on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD Oct. 24. The bonus content includes two featurettes and an English dub.
Check Out This Trailer For "RIDE ON"
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Title: GANGNAM ZOMBIE
Year Released: 2023
Running Time: 82
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Soo-sung Lee
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"GANGNAM ZOMBIE"
Full disclosure. I love zombie movies. So, naturally when asked to screen "Gangnam Zombie," I couldn't resist. The title alone piqued my interest.
Directed by Soo-sung Lee ("Memories" and "House With A View"), "Gangnam Zombie," is a low budget, fun and funny horror/comedy with just enough jump scares. It's currently available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD.
"Gangnam Zombie" stars Il-Joo Ji ("Blades of Blood"), Park Ji-yeon ("Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp"), from the chart-topping girl group T-ara, and Cho Kyung-hoon ("North Korean Guys").
The movie centers around the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Despite it being Christmas Eve, many of the residents of Seoul Korea's Gangnam district are still nervous and on edge since other COVID variants are on the rise. That's certainly reason to be alarmed, but what is really taking shape in the area is even more frightening.
What starts off as a typical workday, turns into much more when several people start exhibiting odd symptoms and quickly get sick.
No one quite knows why, but it appears this sickness can be traced to a theif who was bitten by an infected cat. Suddenly this guy is aimlessly walking the streets and has developed an insatiable desire for raw meat and human flesh.
A group of young people have gathered to watch him stumble along. They aren't willing to try and help him and it's easy to see why. He's a bloody, scary-looking mess. Besides, they'd rather record all his shocking behavior on their cell phones and post it on social media.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-Seok (Il-Joo Ji) is a taekwondo champion struggling to make ends meet and pay the rent from his lame vlog job. That's because his silly boss has run out of ideas for their YouTube channel. So, they all have to lie when the mall's landlord (Jung Yi-joo) comes to collect.
That's the least of their problems because zombies have descended on the mall. Now it's up to Hyeon-Seok to put his martial arts skills to use and protect his love interest Min-jeong (Park Ji-yeon) and others while trying to escape from these vicious zombies.
The special effects in "Gangnam Zombie" are rather limited, but still pretty effective particularly the closeup, bloody shots of all the zombies.
This is one of those movies, that doesn't reinvent the genre in any way, but you'll have a good time watching it with a group of your closest horror film friends.
(Recommended).
Editor's Note: Take a look at the trailer for "Gangnam Zombie" which is currently available on Digital, Blu Ray, and DVD.
"GANGNAM ZOMBIE"
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES CELEBRATES MAY THE 4TH
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will present a Star Wars-inspired May the 4th Celebration: Across the Galaxy on May 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. ( PDT).
This exciting event will include photo opportunities with favorite fan-built droids R2-D2 and BB8, a Star Wars-inspired collaborative mural and other art-making activities, a sneak peek guided tour of our second iteration of the Inventing Worlds and Characters: Encounters gallery, and a special presentation of the Dykstraflex computerized camera control system used to film the original Star Wars trilogy. Visitors can enjoy a one-day-only 15 percent discount on select Star Wars merchandise at the Academy Museum Store, and screenings of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Discount valid in-store only on select Star Wars merchandise; does not apply to online orders.
Discounts cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Star Wars-themed costumes and participate in a costume contest for a chance to win a prize.
PLEASE NOTE:The following are not allowed when dressing in costume at the Academy Museum: body paint, props and toy weapons, and/or full-face coverings. Guests in costume are subject to search at the discretion of Academy Museum staff at any time, and we reserve the right to refuse entry for any reason. Costume contest is open to ticketholders for the 7:30 pm screening.
HERE IS THE SCHEDULE:
10:30 a.m. to noon and 2–4 p.m. (BB8 and R2-D2 Meet and Greet) at the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Community Mural) at The Walt Disney Company Piazza.
11a.m. "Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi" (1983) at the David Geffen Theater.
Noon and at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Jump to Lightspeed – Encounters Tours | Level 3, Rolex Gallery.
12:30-1:30pm, 2:30-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. the Dykstraflex Live Demonstration at the Spielberg Family Gallery.
1 p.m. Force Training Demonstration at the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby.
12:30 to 4:30 p.m., May the 4th Art-Making Activities at Shirley Temple Education Studio.
7:30 p.m. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016) at the David Geffen Theater.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is located at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.
SCREENING DETAILS: 11 a.m. "Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi" (1983) at the David Geffen Theater (DCP) The final episode in the "Star Wars" trilogy begins as Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), stunned by the news of his true parentage, makes a desperate attempt to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. Soon the construction of a new Death Star leads to a confrontation with Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) as well as a decisive battle against the Empire, with the unexpected help of the plucky Ewoks. The film received Academy Award nominations for its art direction, sound, sound effects editing, and John Williams’s original score, and received a Special Achievement Award for its spectacular visual effects.
7:30 p.m. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" in 4K (2016) at the David Geffen Theater (DCP). The first live-action "Star Wars" feature to spin off from the principal saga tells of the events leading up to "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" (1977), as Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), the daughter of a disgraced scientist in league with the Empire, teams up with a ragtag team of rebels to uncover the secret to destroying their enemy's newest weapon, the Death Star. One of the grittiest of all the Star Wars films—and the inspiration for the critically acclaimed TV series "Andor"--"Rogue One" is a gripping adventure boasting Academy Award–nominated sound mixing and visual effects, moody cinematography by Greig Fraser (Dune (2021)), and a rousing score in the John Williams tradition by Michael Giacchino.
Film Screenings: Film screening tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (age 62+), and $5 for students and children (age 17-). Matinees are $5 for all. Ticket prices for Academy Museum members are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students, children, and matinee-goers.
TICKETS: Tickets to the Academy Museum are available only through advance online reservations via the Academy Museum's website and mobile app. Access to fan-built droids R2-D2 and BB8 photo opportunities and education studio activities are complimentary with the purchase of General Admission. General admission tickets for the museum's exhibitions are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors (age 62+), and $15 for students. Admission for visitors ages 17 and younger, and for California residents with an EBT card, is free.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM:
The Academy Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. The museum advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano, the museum's campus contains the restored and revitalized historic Saban Building—formerly known as the May Company building (1939)—and a soaring spherical addition. Together, these buildings contain 50,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, two state-of-the-art theaters, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, and beautiful public spaces that are free and open to the public. These include: The Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, which houses the Spielberg Family Gallery, Academy Museum Store, and Fanny’s restaurant and café. The Academy Museum exhibition galleries and store are open six days a week from 10am to 6pm and are closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day.
IMAGE CREDIT: Left to right: American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; ©Academy Museum Foundation, Photo by: Michael Baker; ©Academy Museum Foundation.
PROGRAM CREDIT: Academy Museum film programming supported by the Richard Roth Foundation.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
"THE WALL OF LIFE" BY SHIRLEY MACLAINE
Crown, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, will publish "The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime" by Academy Award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author Shirley MacLaine.
A dazzling memoir in photographs, "The Wall of Life" chronicles key moments from her extraordinary life through over 150 images from her personal archive, many of which have never been shared publicly.
Of the publication, Matt Inman, VP, Editorial Director shared: "I've been honored to work with Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine on this celebration of her remarkable life and career. Told with gorgeous photos, and in Shirley's inimitable voice, "The Wall of Life" is a portrait of an artist honing her craft in Virginia ballet studios, on Broadway stages, and through Hollywood's cameras. It's also a love letter to family, good friends, and great stories. But more than anything it's a testament to a life driven by curiosity—one filled with travel, political awareness, metaphysical exploration, and the love of taking risks and asking good questions."
MacLaine stated "About forty-five years ago, I put ten or so framed photographs of friends and family and people I’ve worked with all grouped together on a living room wall in my Malibu home. Everyone who came over loved to look at this montage, and so "The Wall of Life" was born. It has long been a stage for asking questions, and not just for visitors to ask me things,but for me to ask myself to get at a deeper truth, and to question my visitors and understand them more. I’m pleased to share a selection of these photos—and some of the stories behind them—in this book."
With over seventy years on the silver screen, MacLaine has, as she says, "seen it all, done it all, been everywhere, and met everyone." In 1955, she debuted as the lead in "The Trouble with Harry," winning the first of many Golden Globes. From there, her popularity only grew as she amassed a stunning collection of awards, accolades, and experiences, taking her place as a Hollywood icon.
Now, at 90 years old, MacLaine is reflecting on some of her favorite life moments and sharing the pictures that bring them to vivid life. In "The Wall of Life," she shares both intimate family memories (her childhood with her brother Warren Beatty, her decision to leave for New York City at age sixteen, her early work on Broadway, and becoming a mother), as well as moments from a life lived in the public eye (starring in legendary film roles, meeting political luminaries, and developing an interest in spirituality).
Along the way, readers gain greater insight into figures such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Fosse, Bette Davis, Jack Nicholson, the Dalai Lama, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and many more. And whether she's sharing what advice Elvis Presley asked her for, how she consoled close friend Elizabeth Taylor after the death of her husband, or which prime minister she discussed UFOs with, MacLaine offers her most visual and candid book yet, giving readers an unprecedented glance into a life like no other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR SHIRLEY MACLAINE:
Shirley MacLaine is an actress, author, and dancer. Known for her portrayals of quirky, strong-willed, and eccentric women, she has received numerous accolades over her seven-decade career, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, six Golden Globes, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from acting, MacLaine has written numerous books regarding the subjects of metaphysics, spirituality, and reincarnation, as well as a New York Times bestselling memoir, "Out on a Limb."
"The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime" retails for $35 and is available October 22, 2024. It is also available as an audiobook and eBook.
Photo By: Bob Willoughby/ mptvimages.com.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
CRUNCHYROLL REVEALS ENGLISH SUBTITLED TRAILER FOR "HAIKYU!! THE DUMPSTER BATTLE"
Based on the original Weekly Shonen Jump manga series from Haruichi Furudate, "HAIKYU!!" is a slice-of-life sports anime revolving around Shoyo Hinata's love of volleyball.
Inspired by a small-statured player known as the "Little Giant," Hinata creates a team in his last year of middle school. His team is unfortunately matched up against "King of the Court'' Tobio Kageyama's team in their first tournament. Their clashing styles turn into a surprising weapon, but can they beat their rival Nekoma High in the highly anticipated "Dumpster Battle," the long-awaited ultimate showdown between two opposing underdog teams?
""HAIKYU!!" will be released in North America on May 31. It is directed and written by Susumu Mitsunaka. Original story by Haruichi Furudate. Produced by Production I.G. Run time: 85 minutes.
The first four seasons of HAIKYU!! are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Check Out This Trailer For "HAIKYU!!"
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