Category Archives: Entertainment

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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MTV VMAs 2017: At The Red Carpet

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Red carpet arrivals @ the Forum in Inglewood, California, for the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. 

from left: Jason Koenig, Jennie Pegouskie, Ed Sheeran
from left: Jason Koenig, Jennie Pegouskie, Ed Sheeran
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Photographer Armando
AIPhotoImaging.com

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Celebrate 30 Years of Star Trek: The Next Generation with New Book Critiquing Its Alien Lifeforms

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A Field Guide to the Aliens of Star Trek: The Next Generation
By Joshua Chapman, an 11-Year-Old Boy in 1991, Available September 12

Grab a cup of tea (Earl Grey, hot) and enjoy a good read in your command chair. In honor of Star Trek: TNG’s 30th anniversary this September, Devastator Press – the only all-humor press in America – is releasing A Field Guide to the Aliens of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The guide is an informative, exhaustive, and surprisingly personal ranking of every alien lifeform in the series and the TNG films, as written by a boy in the ’90s.

The book collects a series of popular handmade zines attributed to “Joshua Chapman,” thousands of which sold in bookstores across the country. Chapman allegedly began the zines as a class project when he was 11-years-old and the hit sci-fi series was still on the air. He continued rating aliens through his awkward teen years. The book was edited and compiled by Zachary Auburn, author of the bestselling satire How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety.
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Black-ish Spin off Series Grown-ish set to Premiere Early 2018

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By Cameron Pridmore

ABC


The winter television line up just keeps getting better and better, a new spin off series is set to premiere in the first half of 2018. ABC has ordered 13 episodes of “grown-ish” which is a spin off of the smash hit black-ish starring Anthony Anderson. This new series is going to feature Yara Shahidi reprising her role as Zoey Johnson, this time experience college life without her parents. The show will take place in current setting, where Zoey has gone off on her own to college and must now adapt to a different kind of life. The show which is going to feature an entirely new cast, looks to focus on some of the tougher issues that are facing young college students today but with a comedic take.

While it is still unknown yet what part Anthony Anderson will play in this new series, we can rest be assured that he will at least make a few cameo appearances. The original series Black-ish which premiered in 2014, quickly became a smash hit already lasting four seasons and going strong. The series which is known for tackling the tough issues of race and family in America, while adding a comedic kick to it. The show has won countless awards, and the new spin off series hopes to ride this wave. Obviously with all that has gone on so far, the plot line seems juicy enough. Zoey had already been fighting with her dad about religion and other topics, building up to the premiere of this series, so we can only wonder what she will do while on her own.
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Daniel Craig Confirms Return As James Bond

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By Armando

Daniel Craig
Photo: AI Photo Imaging

The actor confirms to Stephen Colbert that he will return to the role for ‘Bond 25’. “Yes,” Craig replied point-blank when asked the question. Craig also said that he always wanted to return, and “just want to go out on a high note.”

During the show, Craig acknowledge that he has been cagey about whether he will or will not return for the role. Speculation and rumors heightened after New York Times published an article last month about his future on the role but no official announcement was made by the studio.

But it appears Craig has known for “a couple of months”: “We’ve been discussing it, we’ve just been trying to figure things out. I always wanted to. I just needed a break,” he explained.

Craig made his debut as 007 in 2006’s Casino Royale, and since then has appeared in two more Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre. All of these films have been massive hits, with one in particular Skyfall, grossing north of a billion dollars worldwide.

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade will work on the script. Both also worked on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre. The film will be produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and is slated for release in November 2019.

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Netflix Buys Comic Book Company Millarworld

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By Armando


Netflix is following the footsteps of Disney and is delving deep into the world of comic-book franchises. Streaming giant Netflix has bought Millarworld, marking the company’s first acquisition, this according to the company’s press release.

“This is only the third time in history a major comic book company has been purchased at this level,” said Millar. “I’m so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans. Netflix is the future and Millarworld couldn’t have a better home.”

There is obvious reason for Netflix to be inspired by this purchase. In 2009, Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion, which proved to be an artistic and financial success.

Netflix has been more focused on TV series the past few years, funding original shows and acquiring original content for it’s library such as House of Cards. Though the company has picked up streaming rights for various smaller films, it started its venture into big-budget blockbusters such as later this year’s “Bright” starring Will Smith which reportedly cost $90 million to produce.

Millarworld was launched by Scottish comic book writer Mark Millar who once worked for both DC and Marvel Comics. The company has published Wanted and Kick-Ass, both of which were adapted into film. 2014’s spy-action comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service was also based on Millar’s work.

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Aliens, Shakespeare, and Diversity: An Interview with Sci-Fi Star, Cas Anvar

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Eric Gasa

THE STRAIN — Season Four – Pictured: Cas Anvar as Sanjay Desai. CR: Russ Martin/FX


Cas Anvar’s career is part occupation, part dream come true. Not very often does a Sci-Fi nerd grow up to become a Sci-Fi actor but for the rising Anvar, he enjoys the best of both worlds. Anvar can be found in a number of roles in big titles, from Argo and the Oscar-nominated ROOM, to the galaxy’s top fighter pilot in SyFy’s, The Expanse.

I had the opportunity to chat with Anvar one afternoon in preparation of the latest episode of his FX show, The Strain, where he plays the part of the nefarious Sanjay Desai. The Strain airs this Sunday, August 6, at 10 pm EP. Though our time was brief, Anvar spared none of it when sharing his excitement for his work and what lies on the road ahead.

EG: How did you get into acting?

Cas Anvar: I’ve been doing it my whole life since I was in high school. I was introduced to acting through Shakespeare actually. Started in theatre. Went to the National Theatre School of Canada. Started my own Shakespeare company after that and have been acting ever since.

Who were some of your inspirations as a young actor?

That’s an interesting question. I really admire Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey Jr.

Was starring in a Sci-Fi program always a dream of yours? Were you a huge Sci-Fi fan growing up?

I’ve always been a huge nerd. I grew up with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror games, comic books, and all that stuff. I went to Comic Con as a kid and never imagined that I would be on the other side of that table signing autographs one day. Playing in something like The Expanse where I get to play a Han Solo character with wisecracks and one-liners, is a huge thrill for me.

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From Russia With Love: BUBBLE STUDIOS at the Comic-Con festival in San Diego

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By Creative Media Times

BUBBLE STUDIOS


Russian film company Bubble Studios were at San Diego Comic-Con a couple of weeks ago. The team premiered their short film “Major Grom” and it looks like they have a hit as the film was very well received.

The SDCC screening was followed by a Q&A where the film’s creators answered questions from attendees. Present during the exhibition was Artyom Gabrelyanov, founder of BUBBLE comic book publishing house, as well as chief editor Roman Kotkov, artist Natalia Zaidova, and the head of the studio, Vladimir Besedin.

From the press release: “The plot is centered around the story of an experienced detective from St. Petersburg named Igor Grom, who, by chance, happens to witness a bank robbery. In spite of possible danger, Igor Grom decides to stop the criminals on his own.”

Early this year, “Major Grom” held its international premiere at Berlinale on February 11, 2017, followed shortly after by a Russian premiere on February 19, 2017.

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