Moviefone Editorial

Tag: roots

  • Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies Aged 91

    Quincy Jones in 'Quincy'. Photo: Netflix.
    Quincy Jones in ‘Quincy’. Photo: Netflix.

    Preview:

    • Musical icon Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91.
    • He enjoyed a long, successful career almost impossible to sum up in one sentence.
    • Jones will be best remembered for his work as a composer, producer, songwriter and performer.

    Quincy Jones, long acknowledged as a titan of music and movies, died Sunday at the age of 91.

    The legendary performer, composer, producer and songsmith’s death was announced by his family in a statement to the Associated Press:

    “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him. He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

    Jones, whose work spanned decades and saw him win 28 Grammys, score nominations for seven Oscars, an Emmy, a Tony and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, will be remembered for the impact he had on so many people’s lives through his music and his collaborations with other talented performers.

    Related Article: ‘Roots’ and ‘Good Times’ Actor John Amos Has Died Aged 84

    Quincy Jones: Early Life and Career

    Quincy Jones in 'Quincy'. Photo: Netflix.
    Quincy Jones in ‘Quincy’. Photo: Netflix.

    Born in Chicago in 1933 and raised in Seattle, Jones’ early years were tough, but he found an escape in music.

    He studied music theory and composition as a trumpet player and went on to attend Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, but left before completing his degree to tour with bandleader Lionel Hampton.

    In the 1950s, Jones worked with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Count Basie, carving out his reputation as an arranger and conductor.

    Jones worked for decades with other musical icons including Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Betty Carter, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Minnie Ripperton, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, James Ingram and Tamia, among many others.

    For Michael Jackson, he produced “Thriller”, which won eight Grammys and became a cultural milestone. He also produced two more of Jackson’s bestselling albums, “Off the Wall” and “Bad.”

    An active charity worker and activist, he gathered 1985 supergroup USA for Africa megahit “We Are the World,” whose sales supported African famine relief. Jones co-wrote the song with Lionel Richie.

    Quincy Jones: Film and TV work

    (L to R) Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in 'In the Heat of the Night'. Photo: United Artists.
    (L to R) Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in ‘In the Heat of the Night’. Photo: United Artists.

    For movie fans, Jones has a firm place in hearts and minds as the composer behind a huge swathe of scores. He was the first Black composer to score a major motion picture via ‘The Pawnbroker,’ in 1964.

    His scores included ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ ‘In Cold Blood,’ ‘Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,’ ‘The Out-of-Towners,’ ‘They Call Me Mr. Tibbs,’ ‘The Wiz’ and ‘The Color Purple.’

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    That latter title also cemented his reputation as a producer, since he helped shepherd different incarnations of ‘The Color Purple’ to screen and stage, including last year’s movie musical.

    On the small screen, Jones was an executive producer of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ ‘Mad TV,’ ‘The Jenny Jones Show’ and the 1996 Oscars, in addition to writing music or scores for ‘Ironside,’ ‘The Bill Cosby Show,’ ‘Roots,’ ‘Mad TV’ and, most famously, ‘Sanford & Son.’

    Quincy Jones: Tributes Pour In

    Quincy Jones. Photo: Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition.
    Quincy Jones. Photo: Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition.

    It’s a testament to Jones’ enduring legacy across the entertainment spectrum that a wide variety of performers from the world of both music and film are paying tribute.

    Rapper and actor LL Cool J took to Instagram to write the following:

    “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”

    And actor Michael Caine (for whom Jones produced the score for ‘The Italian Job’ wrote on twitter:

    “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”

    Jones is survived by his seven children, including actor Rashida Jones.

    Quincy Jones in 'Quincy'. Photo: Netflix.
    Quincy Jones in ‘Quincy’. Photo: Netflix.

    List of Quincy Jones Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Quincy Jones Movies On Amazon

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  • Actor John Amos Dies Aged 84

    John Amos in 'The West Wing'. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.
    John Amos in ‘The West Wing’. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.

    Preview: 

    • Actor John Amos has died aged 84.
    • He was best known for roles in ‘Roots,’ ‘Good Times’ and ‘The West Wing.’
    • Amos’ son paid tribute to his “heart of gold.”

    John Amos, a beloved, accomplished actor whose career spanned more than five decades, has died. He passed away from natural causes on August 21st, but his family has waited to confirm the news.

    Amos’ passing was announced by his son, Kelly Christopher Amos:

    “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… And he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life, most recently in ‘Suits: LA’ playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”

    Related Article: Groundbreaking, Academy Award-Winning Actor Louis Gossett Jr. Dies, Aged 87

    John Amos: Early life and Career

    (L to R) John Amos and Esther Rolle in 'Good Times'. Photo: Tandem Productions.
    (L to R) John Amos and Esther Rolle in ‘Good Times’. Photo: Tandem Productions.

    John Alan Amos Jr. was born on December 27th, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. His father drove a tractor-trailer and worked as a mechanic, and his mother, Annabelle, was a housekeeper who eventually went back to school and became a nutritionist.

    His mother cleaned the home of a cartoonist who drew for the Archie comics, and that led to Amos and a friend attending a taping of radio’s ‘The Archie Show’ at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. “It blew my imagination wide open,” he later said.

    Amos was a multi-talented young man –– he drew cartoons and wrote for his high school newspaper, acted in a school production of ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’ and also found time to be a star running back.

    Football initially seemed like it might be his calling, and he won scholarships to Long Beach City College in California and then Colorado State University, where the Rams had the longest losing streak in the nation at the time.

    Undeterred, he played with or tried out for a variety of other teams, but after failing to find success in both the States and Canada, he switched to stand-up comedy and television writing, which in turn saw him encouraged to head to Los Angeles, where he landed a writing and performing job on a syndicated TV variety show hosted by radio personalities Al Lohman and Roger Barkley.

    That in turn led to work writing and performing in sketches on the 1969 CBS variety program ‘The Leslie Uggams Show.’ Two producers there, Lorenzo Music and Dave Davis, were developing a series for Mary Tyler Moore and thought he might be a good fit for it.

    John Amos: TV work

    (Center) John Amos and the cast of 'Good Times'. Photo: Tandem Productions.
    (Center) John Amos and the cast of ‘Good Times’. Photo: Tandem Productions.

    The actor was indeed a good fit; he ended up playing meteorologist Gordy Howard on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ while also landing an Emmy for portraying Toby, the older version of Kuna Kinte, in groundbreaking 1977 miniseries ‘Roots.’

    His success on ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ and elsewhere landed him another plum gig: that of James Evans Sr. on ‘Good Times.’ He appeared for several episodes on ‘Maude’ to set the new show up and starred for three seasons until what he perceived as silly and stereotypical storylines for his character’s son, and, after complaining publicly and to the producers, he was killed off at the start of Season 4.

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    Still, he went on to enjoy a prolific career as a guest star on TV, including ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ (as Will Smith’s stepfather), ‘Hunter,’ ‘The District,’ ‘Men in Trees,’ ‘All About the Andersons’ (as Anthony Anderson’s father) and the Netflix drama ‘The Ranch.’

    To fans of ‘The West Wing,’ he’ll be forever remembered as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Amos most recently worked on the upcoming ‘Suits: LA’ playing himself.

    John Amos: Movie Career

    John Amos in 'Coming to America'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    John Amos in ‘Coming to America’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Kicking off his movie career, Amos started in Melvin Van Peebles‘ blaxploitation classic ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song‘.

    His films included the likes of ‘Coming to America,’ ‘Beastmaster,’ ‘Die Hard 2, ‘Lock Up,’ ‘The World’s Greatest Athlete,’ ‘Let’s Do It Again,’ ‘Ricochet,’ ‘Night Trap’, ‘The Players Club,’ ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘Because of Charley.’

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    During a brief fallow time in his screen work in the 1990s, Amos wrote and starred in the one-man play ‘Halley’s Comet,’ about an 87-year-old man who ruminates about the state of the world while he waits in the woods for the coming of “the comet.” He toured all over the U.S. and in several overseas cities with the play for more than two decades.

    In addition to K.C., Amos is survived by his daughter, Shannon, both from his first marriage to Noel “Noni” Mickelson.

    (Center) John Amos and the cast of 'Good Times'. Photo: Tandem Productions.
    (Center) John Amos and the cast of ‘Good Times’. Photo: Tandem Productions.

    List of John Amos Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy John Amos Movies On Amazon

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  • Legendary Actor James Earl Jones Dies Aged 93

    James Earl Jones in 'Coming to America.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    James Earl Jones in ‘Coming to America.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Legendary actor James Earl Jones passes away at 93
    • He was best known for his role as the voice of Darth Vader
    • Jones is one of the few actors who have won the EGOT

    Distinguished actor James Earl Jones passed away this Monday in his home in Dutchess County, New York, at the age of 93. Jones is known for roles such as the voice of Darth Vador in ‘Star Wars’, Terence Mann in ‘Field of Dreams,’ and the voice of Mufasa in ‘The Lion King.’

    Jones had a prominent career both on the big screen and on stage, and is known as one of the few actors to have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). During his 60-year career, Jones has about 200 credits, including ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Field of Dreams,’ ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Conan the Barbarian,’ ‘The Sandlot’ and more.

    A Look Back At His Work

    James Earl Jones as Darth Vader in 'Star Wars'. Photo: Lucasfilm.
    James Earl Jones as Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’. Photo: Lucasfilm.

    James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, MS. Overcoming his stutter as a child, Jones made his Broadway debut in the play ‘The Egghead’ in 1957. Soon, he became one of the best-known Shakespearean actors of the time, acting in plays such as Othello, King Lear, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and more.

    He made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr. Lovestreange or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ as young Lt. Lothar Sogg. In 1970, Jones played the lead role of Jack Johnson in ‘The Great White Hope’, which will earn him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. He was the second African-American male performer to be nominated for the award.

    Jones went on to make his mark as the voice of Darth Vader in the ‘Star Wars’ trilogy in 1977. A voice so iconic and commanding, with quotes like “No, I am your father.”, “I find your lack of faith disturbing” is forever ingrained in pop culture

    Stars Remembering James Earl Jones

    (L to R) James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan in 'Field of Dreams.' Photo:
    (L to R) James Earl Jones, Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan in ‘Field of Dreams.’ Photo:
    Universal Pictures.

    During his long career, Jones worked with an extensive list of actors, directors, and producers, who paid tribute to to him:

    Mark Hamill wrote “RIP dad” next to a heartbreak emoji on his X account, as well as the below statement to The Associated Press:

    “One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to ‘Star Wars’ were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed.”

    Actor LeVar Burton also wrote on X:

    James Earl Jones… there will never be another of his particular combination of graces.

    — LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 9, 2024

    Disney CEO Bob Iger released the following in a statement:

    “From the gentle wisdom of Mufasa to the menacing threat of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones gave voice to some of the greatest characters in cinema history. A celebrated stage actor with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name, the stories he brought to life with a uniquely commanding presence and a true richness of spirit have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.”

    Actress Octavia Spencer posted her sentiment on Instagram:

    “Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Octavia Spencer (@octaviaspencer)

    Jones was married to Cecilia Hart, who passed in 2016. He is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones.

    James Earl Jones as the voice of Mufasa in 'The Lion King'. Photo: Disney.
    James Earl Jones as the voice of Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’. Photo: Disney.

    James Earl Jones Movies:

    Buy James Earl Jones Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Shaft’ Actor Richard Roundtree is Dead At 81

    'Shaft's Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree.
    (L to R) ‘Shaft’s Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree.

    Preview

    • Actor Richard Roundtree, best remembered for playing detective John Shaft, has died.
    • Roundtree was 81 and had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.
    • Co-stars and those influenced by him have paid tribute to his memorable work.

    Actor Richard Roundtree, who will be forever linked to cult movie detective John Shaft from 1971’s ‘Shaft,’ has died. He was 81.

    Roundtree, a famous breast cancer survivor, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died surrounded by family at his bedside.

    His agency, and manager Patrick McMinn, released a statement about his death:

    “Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree. His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

    “Trailblazing” is as good a term as any for Roundtree, who portrayed the first Black private detective on screen. Yet while he’ll most closely be identified with his Blaxploitation career and particularly the iconic Shaft character, the actor enjoyed a long run of work on screens big and small.

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    Early life

    Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971's 'Shaft.'
    Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971’s ‘Shaft.’ Photo: MGM.

    Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.

    He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in ‘The Great White Hope’ off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself –– a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.

    The role of John Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective, changed Roundtree’s life and the course of Hollywood by introducing him as an unapologetic protagonist and subterranean fighter of crime.

    He went on to play the role in the sequels ‘Shaft’s Big Score!’ and ‘Shaft in Africa’ as well as the short-lived 1973 ‘Shaft’ TV series.

    The actor’s many film credits include 1981’s ‘Inchon’, ‘City Heat‘ (1984) as well as ‘Se7en’, ‘George of the Jungle’, ‘Body of Influence’, ‘Amityville: A New Generation’, and ‘What Men Want’. He was last seen in Paul Weitz’s comedy ‘Moving On’.

    Related Article: Suzanne Somers of ‘Three’s Company’ and ‘Step By Step’ Dies At Age 76

    TV roles

    Leslie Uggams and Rochard Roundtree in 'Roots.'
    (L to R) Leslie Uggams and Richard Roundtree in ‘Roots.’ Photo: Warner Bros Television.

    On the small screen, Roundtree had one of his best opportunities in the breakthrough miniseries ‘Roots’, playing a handsome, well-groomed carriage driver with whom Kizzy (Leslie Uggams) falls in love until she sees that when the master (George Hamilton) calls, Roundtree grovels.

    Roundtree starred in the miniseries ‘AD’ and had a supporting role in the series ‘Outlaws’ (CBS, 1986-1987) as Ice McAdams. He was part of the cast of the short-lived multi-racial NBC daytime drama ‘Generations,’ playing a doctor forced to live in hiding for 15 years for a murder he did not commit. He also appeared in a number of sitcoms and other series, including ‘Being Mary Jane’.

    Tributes from co-stars

    'Shaft's Richard Roundtree.
    ‘Shaft’s Richard Roundtree.

    Roundtree reprised his most famous role in the 2000 John Singleton movie ‘Shaft’, starring Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2019 Tim Story-directed sequel.

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    Jackson took to Instagram to pay tribute:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzcJOspbAT/

     

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    Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree in ‘Being Mary Jane’, tweeted her own tribute:

     

    Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971's 'Shaft.'
    Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971’s ‘Shaft.’ Photo: MGM.

    Richard Roundtree Movies:

    Buy Richard Roundtree Movies On Amazon

    To watch our exclusive interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree about 2019’s ‘Shaft,’ please click on the video player below.

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  • 9 Essential Quincy Jones Film Scores (& 3 From TV)

    9 Essential Quincy Jones Film Scores (& 3 From TV)

  • ‘Roots’ Premieres to Solid Ratings, Despite Tough Critics & Competition

    Even airing across multiple networks, the 1977 miniseries. We’ll probably never again have a series watched by 130 million people. But the first night of the 2016 “Roots” did pretty well on History, A&E, and Lifetime (plus the Lifetime Movie Network), especially when you consider tough competition from Game 7 of NBA playoffs, the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals, and even “The Bachelorette,” not to mention people just out at Memorial Day events.

    According to Deadline, Monday’s initial broadcast of the four-night “Roots” event was watched by 5.3 million people, and it picked up more viewers through two more repeats that night, for a total of 8.5 million viewers. As they noted, that’s the biggest overall audience for a cable miniseries opening in three years, since “Bonnie & Clyde” opened to 9.8 million viewers in December 2013. Unfortunately, it didn’t come anywhere near History’s “Hatfields & McCoys,” which also had a Memorial Day opening in 2012, and picked up 13.9 million viewers. “The Bible” also premiered high with 13.1 million viewers in March of 2013.


    TV By the Numbers added that “Roots” drew 1.8 million viewers in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic on Monday, which translates to a 1.4 rating. “That will likely rank it third for the night across all of TV, behind a record-setting NBA playoff game on TNT and ‘The Bachelorette’ on ABC.”

    “Roots” aired another episode Tuesday, and continues Wednesday and Thursday. As The Hollywood Reporter noted in its story on the premiere night ratings, “The real pressure on Roots now is not necessarily to sustain its audience on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — but to grow that number with DVR and on-demand plays. A+E also is angling for prestige, premiering the mini within the window for 2016 Emmy eligibility. The critical response bodes well for that, with Roots averaging 83 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic.”

    The critics who watched it may have approved, but there are some critics who advocated for viewers to skip “Roots,” in some cases because the original was considered a classic. Snoop Dogg posted an Instagram video saying he wouldn’t watch “Roots” because it’s time for more TV series and films about the modern successes of African-Americans, instead of more stories about slavery. That post went viral just before the premiere, and it’s possible it had an affect on viewers. “Roots” producer Will Packer responded to critics of the remake, telling the Tallahassee Democrat, “I don’t think we should get too comfortable as a country, as a society or as a race of people. I think this is a story that’s important enough it should be told in repeated ways.”

    “Roots” continues from 9 to 11:21 p.m. tonight.

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  • What’s New on TV, Netflix, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: May 30-June 5

    At a loss for what to watch this week? From new TV, we’ve got you covered.

    New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital Only

    “London Has Fallen”
    It’s Memorial Day in the U.S., so instead of watching our landmarks get blown up on screen, why not head across the pond and see how the U.K. likes it. “London Has Fallen” has its Digital HD release on May 31, then on disc/demand June 14. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, and company return for this sequel to “Olympus Has Fallen,” following the aftermath of the British Prime Minster’s death. Bonus features include “The Making of London Has Fallen,” featuring interviews with cast and crew; and “Guns, Knives & Explosives,” delving deeper into Butler’s character, Mike Banning, and the extensive training he needed to play a Secret Service agent.

    Check out this exclusive clip on the logistics of making the film, including making sure there are enough trousers for the actors to wear. Really!

    “Hello, My Name Is Doris”
    Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field leads an all-star cast (Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root, Natasha Lyonne) in this coming-of-age-story about a quirky 60-something woman who takes a chance on love with a much-younger new co-worker (“New Girl” star Greenfield). Catch it on Digital May 31, then Blu-ray and DVD June 14. Extras include an alternate opening, deleted and extended scenes, and filmmaker commentary.

    “Strawberry Shortcake: Campberry Stories”
    Here’s one for the kids. (Or for you — grown-ups can be Strawberry Shortcake fans, too. Not here to judge.) Follow SS and her friends on their annual campout in Very Beautiful Meadow when they decide to see who can tell the most outrageous story. It’s available on Digital HD platforms May 31.

    TV Worth Watching

    “Roots” (Monday on A&E, Lifetime, and History at 9 p.m.)
    This remake of the landmark 1977 TV miniseries will run over four consecutive nights, starting Memorial Day, simulcast on the History Channel and sister networks, A&E and Lifetime. The eight-hour miniseries stars Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose, T.I., Matthew Goode, Mekhi Phifer, and James Purefoy, with Malachi Kirby as Kunta Kinte.

    Watch the powerful trailer:

    “POV: Of Men and War” (Monday on PBS at 10 p.m.)
    Here’s another strong option for Memorial Day viewing. This latest episode of PBS’s POV documentary series follows a dozen combat veterans and their families as the soldiers undergo intense residential PTSD therapy at the Pathway Home, a unique specialized care facility. Filmmaker Laurent Bécue-Renard reveals the enduring consequences of PTSD and the role treatment can play in helping soldiers reclaim their lives.

    “Outcast” (Friday at 10 p.m. on Cinemax)
    Cinemax’s new horror series, based on the comic by “The Walking Dead” creator Robert Kirkman, debuts June 3. “Outcast” follows Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit), who has been plagued by possession since he was a child. He sets out to find answers, but what he discovers could mean the end of life on Earth. (Eh. That’s OK. We had a good run.) The first season has 10 episodes and it already has a Season 2 renewal, so you don’t have to worry about being left high and dry if you get hooked.

    Check out the Season 1 trailer:

    “Feed the Beast” (Sunday on AMC at 10 p.m.)
    David Schwimmer and Jim Sturgess star in this new crime drama (based on a Danish series) about two best friends who open a restaurant together in their hometown of the Bronx. According to the AMC’s synopsis, “Together, they take on the insanity of the New York restaurant world, and navigate its underbelly of petty criminals, corrupt officials and violent mobsters.” The original start date was May 31, but it got moved to June 5, to air after “Preacher.”

    New on DVD and Blu-ray

    “Triple 9”
    A veteran cop and his rookie nephew uncover a conspiracy that hits close to home in “Triple 9,” which arrives on DVD, Blu-ray, and On Demand May 31. Every other great actor in Hollywood is in this movie, including Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Kate Winslet, Clifton Collins Jr., Teresa Palmer, Michael K. Williams, and Gal Gadot. Extras include deleted scenes and a behind-the-scenes look the making of the thriller.

    Check out this exclusive deleted scene starring Woody Harrelson as Sgt. Detective Jeffrey Allen:

    “Pride + Prejudice + Zombies”
    The Bennett sisters and Mr. Darcy are force to slay zombies in the adaptation Jane Austen never saw coming for her classic novel. Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston Matt Smith, Charles Dance, and Lena Headey star in the film, which is out on DVD and Blu-ray May 31. The DVD has tw featurettes, and the Blu-ray has four featurettes, plus deleted scenes, a gag reel, and “Mr. Collins Line-o-rama.”

    “Gods of Egypt”
    This is SPARTA! a pretty big week for Gerard Butler releases. You can watch him as London falls, and then here in Egypt for this battle between good and evil. Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau play rival gods Set and Horus, who both want to rule the universe. The Blu-ray and DVD, out May 31, include six featurettes, including behind-the-scenes videos on the costumes, hair, makeup, location, visual effects, stunts, action, and casting.
    “Race”
    This sports biography, based on track-and-field athlete Jesse Owens’s real-life triumphs at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, comes out on Blu-ray an DVD on May 31. Bonus features for both versions include “The Making of Race,” with interviews from the cast and filmmakers’ ” Becoming Jesse Owens,” featuring Stephan James and director Stephen Hopkins; and ” The Owens Sisters,” with Jesse’s three daughters sharing unique insight into their father’s life.

    New on Netflix
    It’s a new month, and that means a ton of stuff is being added to Netflix as of June 1, and some other stuff is going bye-bye. Hold on to your butts, ’cause three of the new titles coming Wednesday are dino-mite:

    “Jurassic Park” (1993)
    “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997)
    “Jurassic Park III” (2001)

    “Hibana: Spark” (Netflix Original)
    Netflix is debuting Season 1 of this new series on June 2, based on the award-winning book by Naoki Matayoshi. It’s set in Japan (with Japanese subtitles) and follows the friendship and conflict between two comedians who search for meaning in life and comedy.

    “Pretty Little Liars” Season 6
    Also on June 2, Netflix will start streaming the 20 episodes of PLL Season 6. You should have just enough time to watch them all before Season 7 premieres June 21 on Freeform.

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  • ‘Roots’ Remake Stacks Cast With Oscar Winners Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin

    Whitaker and PaquinA&E’s “Roots” remake is drawing even more acclaimed actors to its cast. TV Line reports that Forest Whitaker (“Last King of Scotland”) and Anna Paquin (“The Piano,” “True Blood”) have signed onto the eight-hour miniseries. They join Laurence Fishburne, who will portray “Roots” author Alex Haley.

    The classic 1977 miniseries told the story of Kunta Kinte, from his capture in The Gambia in West Africa to his capture and enslavement in Virginia. It traced his family’s struggles in slavery for generations, through the end of the Civil War.

    In the remake, newcomers Malachi Kirby will play the iconic role of Kunta Kinte. Whitaker is his mentor, Fiddler, while Paquin is Nancy Holt, the wife of a Confederate soldier.

    In addition to the Oscar winners, “Roots” has also added several actors to the cast, including: Derek Luke as Silla Ba Dibba, who trains Mandinka warriors; Anika Noni Rose as Kunta Kinte’s daughter, Kizzy; “Tudors” star Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the social-climbing, uneducated slave owner Tom Lea; and “Walking Dead” actor Chad L. Coleman as one of Lea’s slaves.

    The “Roots” remake is currently filming and will air over four nights on A&E, Lifetime, and History sometime next year.

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