Category Archives: Entertainment

Radiohead Among Nominees For 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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By Armando

Parlophone – EMI


It seems like it was only yesterday that Radiohead released their debut single “Creep,” the quintessential track from their album “Pablo Honey” which brought them worldwide success.

But that was 1992, making the influential English alternative rock band seemingly a shoo-in for induction on their first year of eligibility to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where performers qualify for induction 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording.

Along with Rage Against the Machine, Dire Straits, Judas Priest, among others, Radiohead is one of 9 first-time nominees for 2018 induction class. In total, there are 19 nominated artists announced on Tuesday.

By December this list will be truncated to five and revealed as Class of 2018. They will then be inducted during a ceremony at the Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio on April 14th, 2018, an annual musical occasion which includes numerous performances by both the inductees and the presenters.

According to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame website, fans will be able to participate in the selection process by selecting 5 artists at a time. This will comprise the “fan ballot” and will be tallied alongside the ballots from Rock Hall voting body, which is a group of more than 900 artists, historians and music-industry professionals.

Throughout the past, inductees include some of the most influential names in rock history, such as Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Jackson 5. Last year, Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Baez, Journey, Pearl Jam, Tupak Shakur, and Yes comprised the 2017 Hall of Fame class.

For the full list of nominees, click here.

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Jenna Mattison on Her Directorial Debut The Sound, and Being A Headstrong Filmmaker

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Jenna Mattison


By Niy Birden

In Jenna Mattison’s directorial debut for “The Sound”, we experience Rose McGowan as Kelly, a completely in-for-it-all ghost buster who finds herself uncovering secrets of the death of a suicide victim in a subway station. Through social media and thoughtful, star-studded interactions both living and dead, we get to see the emotional breakthrough for a character based in survival and deep emotional and mental pain. But the character of Jenna Mattison I’ve found, is a far more interesting character, and like Kelly, has many sides.

Q: The film seems like an antithesis of your acting work- Is this by design?
J: You know, I had an injury about 10 years ago, and went through subsequent surgeries over 5 to 6 years and that essentially ended my acting career. And during that time period, I went deaf on one side…it was insane. And when something that intense happens to you, it changes your perspective a lot. And it kind of makes you a more soulful person, may be in ways darker? [laughs] So when I wrote the sound, it was definitely different than my previous writing because it was a very different experience for me. And within that, my writing as a filmmaker changed.

Q: Did you put a lot of your experience in the film, or find yourself seeing some similarities in there?

J: I wouldn’t say that, but definitely the importance of sound, you know, for someone who has had their hearing damaged. And you realize..how much, how we hear. And how we see the world, because it also changes because it gets heightened. You just realize how important it is. And so I got really interested in sound, and then this sort of you know, came out of that.

Q: How do you compare the creative process of doing a darker plot vs softer characters? Which inspire you more?

The Sound


J: I’m into all sorts of different things, so I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m really one or the other, but I do really enjoy sort of getting into characters and people that are a bit broken, that their lives (past) have shadowed their view of the world and kind of made them a bit darker, so yeah I guess in that, that is a reflection of the person I’ve grown to become since my injury and, you know…the [sarcastic]“nightmare that happened to me” [laughs].

We then started talking about how her injury was an empowering one, especially since women are really held into looking a certain way on screen.

Continue reading →

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First “Tomb Raider” Poster Highlight Star Alicia Vikander

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By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros. Picture

Warner Bros. and MGM has debut the first poster of “Tomb Raider”, which features Alicia Vikander ready for action, ahead of the first trailer’s release on Tuesday. Fans of the franchise also got their first look of the film in an action packed 15-second teaser trailer posted on Twitter (see below.)

The badass poster shows the Oscar-winning Vikander wearing shirt and jeans, looking over the shoulder, her back bleeding and holding a climbing ax that harks back to the 2013 Tomb Raider video game of the same name that inspired the movie.

Vikander plays the beautiful archaeologist-adventurer Lara Croft, a role that brought blockbuster stardom to Angelina Jolie in 2001’s original Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and it’s sequel two years later in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.

In this reboot, Croft sets out on a high-stakes adventure to a mysterious island where her father, who disappeared seven years ago, was last seen.

Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Roar Uthaug, the film also features Daniel Wu, Walton Goggins, Hannah John-Kamen as Sophie, Antonio Aakeel and Dominic West. Tomb Raider is set to be released in March 2018.

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“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Wins At Toronto Film Festival

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By Creative Media Times

Fox Searchlight Pictures


Director Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy drama “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” was a surprise winner at Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, winning the Grolsch People’s Choice Award, the event’s top prize. First runner up went to Craig Gillespie’s “I, Tonya”, the Tonya Harding biopic which stars Margot Robbie.

‘Three Billboards’, which screened at the Venice Film Festival earlier in the month where it took best screenplay, stars Frances McDormand as a grieving mom whose daughter was brutally raped and murdered. She then decided to commission the titular three billboards to protest and find the killer after no arrests have been made.

Considered an early harbinger for paths to the awards season, the award is voted by the TIFF moviegoers. Winners and runners up films at Toronto in the past such as “Spotlight,” “12 Years A Slave,” “The King’s Speech” and “La La Land” have gone on receive Oscar nominations. For the past 10 years, only 2011’s winner “Where Do We Go Now?” failed to score an Academy Awards best-picture nomination.

Written by Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” also stars Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, John Hawkes and Peter Dinklage. The film is currently scheduled for a Nov. 10 release.

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First Look At David Harbour as Hellboy

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By Creative Media Times

Lionsgate

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola gives fans their first glimpse of David Harbour as Hellboy on Wednesday, posting a photo of the actor in character on social media. “Holy crap… first look #hellboy,” Mignola posted with the photo.

Harbour’s version of the powerful demon looks accurate to comics, and is not entirely a different look from that of Ron Perlman who played the role in the 2004 original and on it’s sequel in 2008, Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

The character’s latest iteration does look grittier and imposing, more realistically muscular, and has longer locks of hair .

Set to be directed by Neil Marshall, the currently untitled Hellboy reboot also stars Ian McShane, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Lane and Daniel Dae Kim.

With the release of the image, production is moving quickly as principal photography expected to get underway this month. The film is expected to be shot in U.K. and Bulgaria. The film is set to be released next year, but no specific release date has been announced.

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JJ Abrams To Direct Star Wars: Episode IX

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By Creative Media Times

Lucasfilm

“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

JJ Abrams’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a dynamite at the boxoffice, $2.06 billion worldwide making it the third highest-grossing film of all time, including unadjusted $936 million domestically, above Titanic and Avatar.

As such, the director responsible for reintroducing the beloved characters of the franchise to a new generation of fans is arguably a perfect choice to close the trilogy. Abrams will co-write the film with Chris Terrio.

Last week, Lucasfilm announced that Colin Trevorrow will no longer be directing Star Wars: Episode IX. According to the statement, the split was a mutual decision.

Abrams is currently not attached to direct any film, which makes one wonder why he was not initially pursued. Though its possible his involvement with Mission: Impossible 6 and HBO’s Westworld as producer might have something to do with that.

Principal photography for Star Wars: Episode IX is expected to start early 2018 with the film’s release scheduled to be May 24, 2019.

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Patty Jenkins Officially Directing “Wonder Woman” Sequel

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By Creative Media Times

DC/WB


Jenkins led Wonder Woman to critical and commercial success this summer, and on Monday, the director officially closed the deal to helm the sequel after a lengthy negotiation process, Variety reported.

To fans, this is more of a confirmation and less a surprise as Jenkins was widely speculated to return. While Wonder Woman broke multiple boxoffice records during it’s theatrical run, its been reported that Jenkins was already working on a script.

What is a revelation however is the amount she’s expected to receive for the job. According to the report, Jenkins is said to be paid “in the $8 million dollar range to write, direct and produce.” A substantial jump from the $1 million she was paid for the original.

This makes her the highest paid director of all time, above Nancy Meyers (What Women Want, Something’s Gotta Give and The Holiday), who reportedly earned $5 million per film during her heyday. And as with similar deals, her fortunes could rise further given the “back-end of boxoffice grosses” deal included in the contract.

Gal Gadot is also set to reprise her role as the Amazonian warrior princess, and will next be seen in this November’s Justice League superhero team up. Wonder Woman 2 is currently scheduled to open in theaters on December 13, 2019.

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Director Colin Trevorrow Exits “Star Wars: Episode IX”

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By Creative Media Times

Lucasfilm


Lucasfilm announced Tuesday that Colin Trevorrow will no longer be directing Star Wars: Episode IX. According to the statement, the split was a mutual decision.

Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.

Lucasfilm currently has not announced a replacement. There is also no clear reason for decision, though according to The Hollywood Reporter,”script issues” was the main culprit. “Script issues have continued to be an issue during Episode IX’s development, with Trevorrow having had repeated stabs at multiple drafts.”

This is the second time this year that a high profile director has parted ways with Lucasfilm. Last June, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were also removed of their directing duties on the Han Solo prequel due to “creative differences.” The duo were replaced by Ron Howard.

Trevorrow directed Jurassic World (2015) which was a missive global hit, a success that partly influenced Lucasfilm to hire him for Episode IX. He also recently co-wrote the J. A. Bayona helmed Jurassic World sequel with Derek Connolly. But this summer, Trevorrow has not been as lucky. He directed this summer’s highly anticipated “The Book of Henry” which failed to spark at the boxoffice.

Principal photography for Star Wars: Episode IX is expected to start early 2018 with the film’s release scheduled to be May 24, 2019.

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“Downsizing” Opens Venice Film Festival

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By Creative Media Times

Paramount Pictures


Alexander Payne‘s “Downsizing” opened the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 30 where the film was met with applause, and already there’s strong early buzz on the film’s awards potential.

The sci-fi comedy stars Matt Damon as an occupational therapist shrunken to four inches tall along with his wife, played by Kristen Wiig, as they search for a better life. Christoph Waltz also co-star as their aging partyboy neighbor. Jason Sudeikis, Laura Dern, Alec Baldwin, Neil Patrick Harris and Margo Martindale also star in the film.

Most of the reviews so far have been very positive. It currently have an 84 score on Metacritic.com and an 89% fresh rating from Rottentomatoes.com averaged from 18 reviews. Hollywood Reporter‘s Todd McCarthy called the film “captivating, funny and possessed of a surprise-filled zig-zag structure that makes it impossible to anticipate where it’s headed,” while Owen Gleiberman of Variety describes it as “a ticklish and resonant crowd-pleaser for grown-ups.” The Guardian raves about Payne: “He never puts a foot wrong, rustling up a picture that is as bright as a button and as sharp as a tack. Downsizing contains multitudes. Inside, it’s a giant.”

Many reviews so far praise Hong Chau, with Hollywood Reporter calling her performance “sensational in this unlikely role”, while Variety describes her Ngoc Lan as ” the film’s most surprising character.” Chau plays a Vietnamese activist shrunk against her will by the government.

These past few years, Venice Film Festival has launched award winning films as seen with “La La Land,” which opened last year’s festival, and “Birdman” which did so in 2014. The former went on to win six Oscar trophies, while the latter won Best Picture.

Downsizing will next be playing at the Toronto International Film Festival which should give clearer indication of the film’s critical consensus.

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Coldplay Dedicates a New Song to Houston, Vows To Never Play It Again

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Eric Gasa

Coldplay | Youtube | flyrodu


In times of natural disaster some celebrities donate money, others dedicate tweets, Coldplay on the other hand writes songs of hope. At a Miami concert on Monday night, the band gathered around the microphone to share their sentiments about Hurricane Harvey raging in Houston which resulted in the band canceling tour dates there. Though the band was sorry for not making the show, they sure showed their spirit with their voices and instruments.

“This is because we all grew up loving country music, and of course that’s kind of what we think of when we go to Texas,” said singer Chris Martin, “This is a new song and we’ll never play it again. It’s a once-off. Called ‘Houston’.”

Though hailing from London, Coldplay played the crowd a short, twangy little number that differed from their usual chromatic, pop rock songs. The southern lilt of Martin’s guitar seemed to assuage worries about the storm.

The crowd at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium cheered as Martin rattled off Texas cities in the lyrics:

“I’m dreamin’ of when I get back to Houston
I’m dreamin’ of that very special place.
I’m dreamin’ of when Houston has no problems
In that city where they send you into space.
I’m dreamin’ of when I get back to Texas
Corpus Christi, Harris County, Galveston.”

Martin tried his best country impression with his staunch British accent but in the end his heart shone through. It wasn’t exactly Johnny Cash but during times like these any help that raises the spirit is help enough. As Eric Zichella, an audience member at the show told CNN, “The atmosphere was electric. It was the most memorable moment of the show.”

“From Miami, we’re sending love to Houston,” Martin crooned.

But Coldplay weren’t the only artists to send their regards to The Lone Star State. Rapper, Drake made a heartfelt post on Instagram while Houston’s own Beyoncé is set “To implement a plan to help as many as we can.” probably through her philanthropic program, BeyGOOD.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart also made public contributions as well as the Kardashians who have pledged $500,000 to the Salvation Army and Red Cross.

Regardless of creed, class, or contribution, the political differences in this country have been set aside to better help Houston in its time of need. Some may give their money but Coldplay lent their art for the people of Houston that night in Miami; a British band giving hope to an all-American city.

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