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  • Zendaya Edition: Bits & Pieces

    Zendaya Edition: Bits & Pieces

    Zendaya Edition: Bits & Pieces.

    AWAY is about a boy travelling across an island on a motorcycle, trying to escape a dark spirit and get back home. Along the way he makes a series of connections with different animals and reflects on the possible ways he ended up on the island. Part dream, part reality, AWAY explores our common, universal need to find a connection.

    Told through harrowing first-person interviews, gripping archival footage and spectacular original photography, this four-part series represents the definitive telling of this iconic L.A. real-life horror story, painting a portrait of how it felt to live in fear at a time when absolutely anyone could be the Night Stalker’s next victim. Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is directed by Tiller Russell and executive produced by Russell, Tim Walsh, Eli Holzman, and Aaron Saidman.

    This female-driven story, blending the occult with contemporary familial issues, stars Candis Hergaard as Claire and Jayne Wisener as Anna, cousins who share a mysterious connection to a dark family secret. Following the death of Clare’s grandmother, ancient spirits are unleashed and the women must do battle with ‘Lilith’, a malevolent female spirit who has returned to claim possession of Anna’s unborn child.

    Song Without a Name (Canción Sin Nombre) is set in Peru in 1988. The country is in the grip of a devastating political crisis. Georgina, a young woman from the Andes, has her newborn daughter stolen, after giving birth at a fake health clinic. The desperate search for her baby leads her to Pedro, a young and tenacious investigative journalist who will stop at nothing to get to the truth.

    The hotly-anticipated SYNCHRONIC from directorial duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, starring A-listers Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie, is ready to send audiences on a gripping ride.  Signature Entertainment will release this haunting sci-fi film on home premiere January 29.

    Meet David before Bowie. One of the greatest icons in music history; But who was the young man behind the many faces? In 1971, a 24 year old David Bowie embarks on his first road trip to America with Mercury Records publicist Ron Oberman, only to be met with a world not yet ready for him. STARDUST offers a glimpse behind the curtain of the moments that inspired the creation of Bowie’s first and most memorable alter ego Ziggy Stardust, capturing the turning point that cemented his career as one of the world’s greatest cultural icons.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK-gyjwAH8Q

    The directorial debut of internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-Grammy nominee and pop icon Sia, Music is a powerful, original and celebratory artistic statement and a compelling reinvention of the screen musical.

    In the 35 years since his death, Truman Capote has remained a source of curiosity to many. His works, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, have maintained their place in the literary canon of great twentieth century American literature and still appeal to readers across the globe today.

    Eureka Entertainment to release THE LUCKY STARS 3-FILM COLLECTION: Winners and SinnersMy Lucky Stars; and Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. Three Action Comedy Classics starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao will be presented on Blu-ray from brand new restorations as a part of the Eureka Classics range from 22 March 2021. The first print run of 2000 copies will feature a Limited-Edition O-card Slipcase and Collector’s Booklet.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLM53dDnaqo&feature=youtu.be

    Zendaya Edition: Bits & Pieces

  • Godzilla vs Kong, Conjuring 3, The Suicide Squad: Warner Teases 2021 in Pictures

    Godzilla vs Kong, Conjuring 3, The Suicide Squad: Warner Teases 2021 in Pictures

    Godzilla vs Kong, Conjuring 3, The Suicide Squad: Warner Teases 2021 in Pictures.

    People have very different ways of spending their leisure time: some read books, some go to play at the online casino free, and some watch and wait for new movies. As a matter of fact, movie lovers are waiting for the good news that Warner Brothers confirms its strategy of releasing movies in 2021 on HBO Max. A great year awaits us with the studio’s titles, most of which are teased in a video. On the program, there are “Godzilla vs Kong”, “Conjuring 3”, “Space Jam 2”, the first frame of “Malignant”, and “The Suicide Squad.”

    Warner Bros. Insists on Cooperation With HBO Max

    Everyone remembers that last December, Warner Bros. threw a paving stone in the pond when they announced that all of their 2021 films would be ending on HBO Max for a month, at the same time as the theatrical release. The strategy provoked debate, with many disappointed upon arrival. The authors, inevitably, who for the most part want their films to be reserved for theaters. Exhibitors, too, who know what this means for their business (threat of illegal downloading, reduced attendance). 

    In a new promotional video, the HBO Max platform has just teased the upcoming titles and the main releases are showing a little bit more. Starting with Godzilla vs Kong, which takes a few seconds to show the two stars get in each other’s faces. We had already had this preview via a leak but it is now possible to have it in good quality. What an irony that this movie opens the video, when we know that Legendary (who co-produces), is working to prevent his (and Dune’s) arrival on HBO Max so early. There is little time left to counter Warner, the release of the movie having been brought forward to March 26th in the USA.

    First Images of Malignant and Space Jam 2

    This 30-second video condenses new footage from several highly anticipated films, such as the official first seconds of Space Jam: A New Legacy, a few more or less fresh footage from Space Jam: A New Legacy, a brief preview of Conjuring 3: Under the Devil’s Spell, and the very first image of Malignant, the upcoming horror film by James Wan.

  • Moloka’i Bound: Review

    Moloka’i Bound: Review

    Moloka’i Bound: Review. By Liam Trump.

    The simplistic nature that many short films are able to achieve always amazes me. It’s a natural atmosphere that many feature-length films rarely try to accomplish for fear of being too dull or boring. Short films like Alika Maikau’s Moloka’i Bound is a perfect example of presenting this type of just that. 

    Above all, Maikau aims to develop his characters in the short amount of runtime that Moloka’i Bound takes up. The characters Kainoa (Holden Mandrial-Santos) and Jonathan (Austin Tucker) mirror each other to a certain extent and this adds a great deal of context to what ultimately occurs at the end of the film.

    It’s seen right from the beginning that Kainoa wants a bond with Jonathan but can’t because of the circumstances. He tries to connect at the beginning with Jonathan. Even though he has a weak relationship with Jonathan he makes the effort. He has experience that’s vital to him and he wants to make sure that Jonathan is not going down the same path he did. 

    The interaction between Kainoa and Jonathan starts quite abruptly. This is to show how Kainoa can’t just show up to talk to Jonathan whenever he wants and has to catch him when no one else is around. He tells him not to smoke and fixes his slipper for him. Jonathan starts opens up since it’s implied that he doesn’t have a father figure in his life. By the end they’ve understood each other’s general personality, but are far from having 

    The dialogue given between Jonathan and Kainoa has The actors both give solid performances that aren’t too over-the-top or too meek. The dynamic that’s written for them makes watching their brief conversation engaging. 

    Maikau delves into themes relating to love and companionship. These themes dictate everything having to do with Kainoa’s actions and both of them wanting a strong relationship with each other. While it is Kainoa’s fault that their relationship couldn’t have prospered, other factors went in making it so that his mistakes would not be forgotten.

    Overall, Alika Maikau’s Moloka’i Bound is a solid short film. It doesn’t rely on style alone; it more so focuses on the fractured relationship that Jonathan and Kainoa have found themselves in. Even so, the Hawaiian setting is captured very well and none of the technical aspects stuck out as being out of place. This is well made short film that I’ll probably be watching again in the future. 

  • Ham: A Musical Memoir – Review

    Ham: A Musical Memoir – Review

    In 1983, Sam Harris was the winner of the biggest talent show in the world – Star Search. Long before talent shows became a franchise, Harris was the biggest star and travelled the world, most famously singing his rendition of Somewhere over The Rainbow.

    However, the seemingly sudden and meteoric rise to fame for Harris didn’t come out of nowhere. Sam Harris must have come out of the womb singing and dancing as it was surely in his blood. Years later and after a long and celebrated musical theatre career, Harris wrote his autobiography entitled Ham: Slices of Life which told readers all about his life long before Star Search and long after.

    Not content with stopping there though, Harris and his musical partner, Todd Shroeder decided that the next best way to tell Sam’s story was on the stage. Ham: A Musical Memoir is the story of Sam Harris’ life told by Harris himself in the only way that he can.

    Directed by Andrew Putshoegl, Ham: A Musical Memoir is the off Broadway show where Sam Harris and his accompanying pianist tell the audience all about Harris’ humble beginnings in the Midwest and how despite his outgoing personality, he never felt like he fitted in.

    Harris’ story may be a familiar one to all those who have either been through growing up gay or different in any other way, but his story may resonate with many different people and could even inspire people, giving them hope that one day things could get better.

    Harris’ stage presence, warmth and wicked sense of humour are what drive the show. Paired with some very catchy original songs, Harris seems like a seasoned veteran of his craft. He knows who he is, what he does and how it may come across to other people and he just doesn’t seem to care.

    Following his story with songs, impressions of characters from his life and career and Ham: A Musical Memoir is great fun for those who have known him since Star Search and for fans who love musical theatre. Harris’ show makes the audience grin from ear to ear.

  • Tony Parker The Final Shot: Review

    Tony Parker The Final Shot: Review

    As a sports fanatic, I eagerly anticipate films that construct a behind-the-scenes viewpoint of sport’s lavish world. We fans may see one truth on the court, but there’s always a complex reality outside of our preconceived notions. Director Florent Bodin’s latest documentary Tony Parker: The Final Shot attempts to uncover the French point guard’s unprecedented journey to superstardom. There’s a fascinating tale of perseverance and self-discovery within Parker’s story, but Bodin’s effort mostly settles for simplistic truths.

    The Final Shot examines the career of Tony Parker. After becoming a fixture on the youth basketball scene, Parker would become an unheralded draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs. His determination led him to become arguably the greatest French basketball player, earning multiple championships on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

    For audiences unaware of Parker’s history, The Final Shot capably lays out a snapshot of his storied career. Similar to the guard’s acrobatic finishes, Bodin’s visual slickness presents archived footage with an uptempo pace. His usage of zeitgeist songs and speedy edits properly convey basketball’s exciting allures. The balance of high-flying highlights and emotive reflection also works ably enough to draw audiences in. When Bodin goes behind the current, themes of personal evolution and acceptance are ripe for deeper examinations (I particularly enjoyed the scenes set in 2019, where Parker wrestles with starting over on a new team).

    The Final Shot sadly misses the net on any meaningful exploration. Similar to other recent documentaries, Bodin’s effort indulges in shameless hero worship that says little of note about Parker’s life. Throughout the slapdash narrative (the film haphazardly jumps around his timeline), Bodin hits Wikipedia milestones without ever delving beneath the surface of these events. I’d love to know what drew Parker towards basketball or any potential hardships that he encountered along the way, but the buttoned-up timidness prevents audiences from learning much of anything about the guard (a certain controversial publicity moment is never even addressed).

    I don’t know who The Final Shot is for. The film’s target audience of diehard basketball fans already knows about Parker’s many milestones, while the shallow dive into his image leaves nothing personal for uninitiated audiences to attach to. I am sure there are fascinating wrinkles to the star’s journey, yet the presentation represents a fairly by-the-numbers tale desperately lacking in specificity.

    I love basketball as much as the next person, but The Final Shot‘s formulaic delivery restrains its intriguing subject at every turn.