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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‘Battle of the Sexes’ Premieres To Rave Reviews At Telluride

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By Creative Media Times

Fox Searchlight Pictures


Emma Stone may be headed back to Oscar glory and make history after her latest film, ‘Battle of the Sexes’ premiered to rave reviews at the Telluride Film Festival. The sports comedy-drama film from directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) was written by Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and stars Emma Stone as legendary tennis player Billie Jean King.

Stone, who recently won an Academy Award for Best Actress for playing an aspiring actress in last year’s La La Land, was in Colorado on Saturday to promote her new movie ahead of the film’s release later this month. Billie Jean King was also at the premiere screening.

The plot is loosely based on the eponymous battle of the sexes tennis match in 1973 when King was a 29, against Bobby Riggs (played in the film by Steve Carell,) then 55-years-old. King won the match in three sets, and the win became a milestone in public acceptance of women’s tennis. There was heavy media attention leading to the match as a few months earlier, Riggs won a similar match against Margaret Court, while King founded the Women’s Tennis Association.

Also in the film are Bill Pullman, Elisabeth Shue and Sarah Silverman. ‘Battle of the Sexes’ will again be screening at the Toronto International Film Festival next week, followed by a limited release on September 22.

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Summer 2017’s Top 10 Films At The U.S. Boxoffice

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By Creative Media Times

Labor Day weekend is here and its time to look back at the films that ruled the summer box office season. The season’s box-office has been trailing last year’s receipts for the past several weeks now, and the lack of marquee title last month exacerbates the slump. There’s a few franchise films that seemed sure bets on paper that eventually fell short, and there’s also some big budget studio films that relied on overseas market to recoup production costs.

As bad as that sounds, its not all bad news. Three superhero film came to save the day as Wonder Woman, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Spiderman: Homecoming all ending up in the top 3, Christopher Nolan’s high-risk gamble Dunkirk lived up to expectations, while Edgar Wright’s original, modestly budgeted film Baby Driver crossed $100 million.

Movie-going business is also expected to rebound next weekend, as analyst project an unusually high turnout for New Line/Warner Brothers release of Stephen King’s “IT”, with projections as high as $70 million, an extremely high bar for the horror genre. “IT” will be followed by more potential hits such as “Mother!”, “Kingsman The Golden Circle” and “Ninjago” all throughout September, proof that in the movie business, even with all the talk of box-office slump, there is always next week to look forward to.

Here’s the top 10 grossing films of summer 2017 at the US boxoffice:

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Paul Bettany Joins Han Solo Spinoff

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“The Outer Rim just got a little bit wilder,” director Ron Howard posted on twitter Friday, with the post accompanied by a picture of the two on the sets, hinting Paul Bettany’s involvement in his untitled Han Solo movie.

But it was the post the followed which confirmed it: “It’s my third opportunity to work with Paul. He’s a blast & so talented.” The two have worked together in A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code.

Though its not confirmed what role he will play in the film, fans speculate that he will play the character which Michael K. Williams vacated. Williams was supposed to play a “half-human, half-animal” in the film. Though Deadline is reporting that Bettany will be “playing a completely different character.”

Bettany is no stranger to big budget films, having appeared as Vision in Marvel films “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Captain America: Civil War”, a role he is set to bring back in next summer’s Avengers: Infinity War.

Ron Howard joined the project last June after original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were reportedly fired due to “creative differences.” Focusing on the adventures of Han Solo, and stars lden Ehrenreich in the title role, “Han Solo” is currently scheduled for release on May 25, 2018.

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New Trailer For Takashi Miike’s “Blade Of The Immortal”

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Takashi Miike’s latest film “Blade Of The Immortal” gets a red band treatment, fitting for its bloody content and its not for the squeamish. See trailer below.

For those unaware, keep in mind before watching the trailer that the legendary Japanese director is never one to shy away from blood and extreme violence that is stylistically a major part of his film’s themes which defined his career, and this trailer proves just that.

Based on the eponymous manga series by Hiroaki Samura, Blade of the Immortal is Miike’s 100th film. The film is set to premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas this month of September, and then later nationwide on November 3, 2017.

Here’s the synopsis for the film:

“Samurai Manji has taken a lot of lives, both innocent and guilty, and now lives life in feudal Japan as a criminal. After being cursed with immortality until he kills enough evil men, Manji meets a young girl who enlists him to be her body-guard. Swearing loyalty, protection and vengeance against the group of sword fighters who slaughtered her family, the unlikely duo set on a remarkable quest to make right against those who did them wrong.”

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“Downsizing” Opens Venice Film Festival

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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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Cherry Jones, Flea, Xavier Dolan, Troye Sivan Join “Boy Erased”

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Joel Edgerton’s coming-of-age drama “Boy Erased” is getting cast additions. Emmy and Tony Award winner Cherry Jones (“Transparent”, “24”) and Red Hot Chili Peppers’s Grammy Award winner Michael “Flea” Balzary are joining the cast of film.

Also joining the cast are Xavier Dolan (I Killed My Mother), singer/songwriter and YouTube personality Troye Sivan, Emily Hinkler (Tyler Perry’s Boo 2), Jesse LaTourette (Z Nation), David Joseph Craig (The Gift), Théodore Pellerin (It’s Only the End of the World), and Britton Sear (Unfinished Business, HBO’s “Vice Principals”).

Already part of the film are previously announced cast members Lucas Hedges, fresh from his Manchester by the Sea nomination earlier this year, Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman, as well as the Australian actor and filmmaker himself Joel Edgerton.

The film is also being produced by Edgerton and Anonymous Content’s Kerry Kohansky-Roberts and Steve Golin, an Academy Award-winning producer of Best Picture Oscar winner Spotlight. Edgerton last directed 2015’s psychological thriller The Gift, his directorial debut which got him a nomination for the Directors Guild of America Award for “Outstanding Directing – First-Time Feature Film”.

The film tells the story of Jared (Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Kidman and Crowe) at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith. Boy Erased is the true story of one young man’s struggle to find himself while being forced to question every aspect of his identity.

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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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Disney Commits $1M To Harvey Relief Efforts. Hearst, Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Google and others also donate

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By Creative Media Times

Walt Disney Company and ABC television station KTRK-TV in Houston have committed to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to help those who are affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”

Additionally, Disney will host a “Day of Giving” benefit which kicks off on morning newscasts of ABC local affiliates Thursday, August 31, then continues over to Good Morning America. Throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney as well as across all related social media, there will be a “call to action” to donate to the American Red Cross, with donations going to those affected by the storm.

The Hearst Corporation is donating $1 million to the Greater Houston Red Cross. Hearst also will match employee donations up to an additional $1 million to the Red Cross’s efforts. Here is the full text of the announcement:

PepsiCo is also making commitments, which includes a $1 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to the American Red Cross.

As it has done in the past, Apple is promoting donations through a link on iTunes, as well as its website, as do Amazon, Google and Walmart.

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First Trailer for Broken Lizard’s “Super Troopers 2”

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Fox Searchlight Pictures

“Super Troopers 2” won’t be in theaters until next year, but the film already has a new red band trailer, and it looks like the hilarious team is back to their shenanigans on the highways of Vermont.

There is good reason the characters’ antics will please its fans. Though the film was not a massive hit during it’s theatrical run, the film did emerged as a cult classic since it’s release. That fan-base who responded after Broken Lizard started a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, eventually raising $4.4 million, allowing them to film the sequel.

Comedy troupe Broken Lizard consisting of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske, return as writers. The team also stars in the film with Rob Lowe co-starring, while Chandrasekhar is directing.

Fox Searchlight Pictures will release “Super Troopers 2”, slated for April 20, 2018, 17 years after the original film’s release.

Here’s the film’s official synopsis:

Everyone’s favorite cops are back (by popular demand) with the long anticipated follow up to the cult comedy classic: Super Troopers 2. When the United States and Canada get into a dispute about the location of the actual border, the Super Troopers – Mac, Thorny, Foster, Rabbit and Farva – are called in to set up a new Highway Patrol station in the contested area. Our heroes quickly revert to their own brand of unconventional police work.

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