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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Louis Gossett, Jr. at the 75th Academy Awards. Credit/Provider: AMPAS.
Preview:
Actor Louis Gossett Jr. has died, aged 87.
He starred in movies including ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and ‘The Color Purple’.
Gossett Jr. won an Academy Award in 1983.
Louis Gossett Jr., the beloved, Academy Award and Emmy-winning actor, has died at the age of 87.
He’s being remembered for his acting work on stage and screens, but he was also an accomplished writer, producer and director who engaged in social activism and looked to make peoples’ lives better.
Louis Gossett, Jr. in ‘Iron Eagle’. Photo: TriStar Pictures.
Gossett was born May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. Gossett made his stage debut at 17 in a school production of ‘You Can’t Take It with You’. He’d soon successfully audition for the Broadway production ‘Take a Giant Step’, then perform in a star-making supporting role in the hit ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ in 1959.
A talented musician as well as an actor, he balanced his initial Broadway and other stage career with appearances at New York City folk clubs. He won acclaim appearing in the long-running show ‘Jean Genet’s The Blacks’ alongside James Earl Jones, Roscoe Lee Browne, Cicely Tyson, and more.
Louis Gossett Jr: Memorable TV and Movie Roles
(L to R) Richard Gere and Louis Gossett, Jr. in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
On the small screen, Gossett began working in the late 1960s and early 1970s on series such as ‘The Invaders’ and ‘Daktari’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Longstreet’, ‘The Mod Squad’ and ‘Good Times’.
His most famous TV role, though, was on acclaimed miniseries ‘Roots’, which earned him an Emmy. It would be just one highlight in a televisual career that continued through 2019’s adaptation of ‘Watchmen’.
Gossett had an incredibly long and successful career in movies, working since the 1960s almost non-stop, kicked off by reprising his ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ role in the 1961 movie version.
The crowning achievement of his career was as tough-as-nails Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. The role saw him become the first Black actor to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and he also scored a Golden Globe.
Here is Gossett Jr.’s family’s statement on his passing:
“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Taylor Hackford, who directed Gossett Jr. to his Oscar in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, paid tribute:
“The role of Master Sargent Foley in ‘An Officer and A Gentlemen’ was written as a white man. When I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, FLA, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black & Brown enlisted men had ‘make-or-break’ control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots. At that moment I changed the casting profile for Sergeant Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me –– I knew and admired his stage work. He told me that he’d served in the US Army as a Ranger, so in addition to being an accomplished actor, he knew military life –– I hired him on the spot. Louis’ Sergeant Foley may have been the first Black character in American cinema to have absolute authority over white characters. The Academy recognized his consummate performance by voting him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He definitely deserved it.”
Gossett Jr. is survived by sons Satie Gossett and Sharron, and his nephew, the actor Robert Gossett.
Motion Picture Cast, ‘Oppenheimer.’ Photo: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock for SAG.
Preview:
‘Oppenheimer’ dominated the movie section of the 2024 SAG Awards.
In the TV categories, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Beef were predictable winners.
The show was carried by Netflix for the first time.
This year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony happened Saturday evening, and while they’re extremely limited in their Oscar prognostication (since this is all about acting), there were still few surprises, but shared love among a variety of movies and shows.
Perhaps the most unusual element was the venue –– not the location, but the fact that it is being carried live via Netflix after years on broadcast cable.
On the movie front, ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ led the nominations, with the former taking Motion Picture Cast, Male Actor in a Leading Role for Cillian Murphy (does this point to him taking the Oscar instead of ‘The Holdovers’ Paul Giamatti?) and Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Robert Downey Jr. (who is a big Oscar favorite for playing Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s film). “Why me? Why now? Why do things seem to be going my way?,” RDJ quipped. “Unlike my fellow nominees, I will never grow tired from the sound of my own voice….”
(L to R) Male Actor in a Leading Role – Motion Picture, Cillian Murphy, ‘Oppenheimer’ – with Robert Downey Jr. 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG .
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ only saw Lily Gladstone winning another award as Female Actor in a Lead Role, while ‘The Holdovers’ Da’Vine Joy Randolph added Female Actor in a Supporting Role to her considerable collection, pointing to her surely nabbing an Oscar next month.
TV-wise, there were even fewer shockers since the delayed Emmys and other shows had featured many of the same winners. So ‘The Bear’ duo Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri once again took the stage to collect trophies (both deserving winners, even though the debate remains as to whether the tension-filled show is truly a comedy), as well as being part of the series wining the Comedy ensemble award. ‘Succession’ meanwhile, nabbed the Drama Ensemble trophy.
A mild surprise given what has happened so far? Pedro Pascal took Male Actor in a Drama Series for ‘The Last of Us’, beating out ‘Succession’s Kieran Culkin. Pascal was typically charming, admitting he’d thought he was allowed to get a little drunk and concerned he was making a fool of himself.
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Motion Picture Cast, ‘Oppenheimer’ 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Credit: Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Male Actor in a Leading Role – Motion Picture, Cillian Murphy, ‘Oppenheimer’ 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Credit: Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Female Actor in a Leading Role – Motion Picture, Lily Gladstone, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Female Actor in a Comedy Series, Ayo Edebiri, ‘The Bear’ 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Credit: Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Male Actor in a Comedy Series, Jeremy Allen White, ‘The Bear’ 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Show, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA – 24 Feb 2024. Credit: Photo by Christopher Polk/Shutterstock for SAG.
It will officially begin on January 23rd when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announce the Oscar nominees, with the 96th Oscars Ceremony scheduled for March 10th.
Moviefone is making its Oscar nomination predictions for the major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, ahead of the nominee announcements on January 23rd.
Let’s begin!
BEST PICTURE
Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
The 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards were handed out Sunday evening.
‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Barbie’ and ‘The Holdovers’ took home multiple trophies.
‘Succession’, ‘Beef’ and ‘The Bear’ also did well.
Awards season continued on Sunday evening with the trophies handed out by the Critics Choice Association at Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hanger on Sunday night.
There were, it must be admitted, few surprises –– ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Barbie’ and ‘The Holdovers’ continued their cinematic award dominance, while on the small screen front, creative teams from ‘Succession’, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Beef’ found themselves on the stage making speeches.
Emma Stone won for ‘Poor Things’, while Robert Downey Jr. lifted another award for his role in ‘Oppenheimer’ and gave a funny speech referencing negative reviews he’s been given through the years.
It was somewhat disappointing to see certain categories reduced to mentions on cards before and after commercial breaks –– you can’t imagine the winners of the Screenplay and Score categories were thrilled to be consigned to a brief mention. Host Chelsea Handler (who included a dig at Golden Globes host Jo Koy in her funny opening monologue) even went rogue –– or at least as rogue as the show’s producers would allow –– and brought Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig to up to accept Best Comedy, which had been another of the card categories.
(Front Row L to R) Christopher Denham as Klaus Fuchs, Seth Neddermeyer is Devon Bostick, Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer, Gustaf Skarsgård is Hans Bethe, and Josh Peck is Kenneth Bainbridge in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Eric Roth & Martin Scorsese – ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
(L to R) Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer, Olli Haaskivi is Edward Condon, Matt Damon is Leslie Groves, and Dane Dehaan is Kenneth Nichols in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
(L to R) Emily Blunt is Kitty Oppenheimer and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Barbie’ and ‘The Holdovers’ are all up for Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In the TV categories, ‘Succession’ and ‘The Bear’ dominated again.
The ceremony will screen on Netflix this year.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards mark an important pre-Oscars date in the awards season calendar. Unlike, say, the Golden Globes, they represent what performers are likely to vote for in terms of their peers when it comes to the big night.
Meanwhile, the TV side sees a return for a veteran awards-scooper – Tony Shalhoub, who has won many prizes for his work in both ‘Monk’ and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. He’s back this year for TV movie ‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case’.
Netflix’s ‘Beef’, meanwhile, has been scoring plenty of kudos, and the cast is back on the lists for these awards. Still, big hitters such as ‘Succession’, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ are also present (with ‘Succession’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ carrying the weight of the last chance to reward them now they’ve concluded).
You can imagine that certain nominees must be using up original ways to react to their various nominations, but the likes of Paul Giamatti and Emma Stone still found something to say when called up by Variety.
Here’s what Giamatti said about his nomination for ‘The Holdovers’:
“I’m perpetually in a state of shock throughout this. I’m just kind of amazed to be singled out this way. It’s fantastic. It’s awesome. But it’s always just surprised, but very pleasantly surprised.”
“Thank you SAG!!! This nomination is a profound honor. I’m hugely grateful to Yorgos Lanthimos, our producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe and Searchlight Pictures. I still can’t believe I got to work alongside Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, and the rest of this incredible cast.”
Brett Goldstein in ‘Ted Lasso’ season 2, now streaming on Apple TV+.
‘Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein, who plays the gruff Roy Kent, had a typically sweary response:
“F*** me! It’s such a lovely and huge honor to be nominated with these absolute screen legends, including my favorite captain! First SAG pulls together a historic deal, and now this! Is there nothing they can’t do?! It means so f***ing much to even be considered in this conversation by my fellow actors. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And shoutout to my Greyhounds, the best ensemble you could ever get to play with. I love you all. What a thing.”
Screen Actors Guild: Full Movie Nominee List
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
(L to R) Martin Short as Oliver, Selena Gomez as Mabel, and Steve Martin as Charles in Hulu’s ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards will stream live globally on Netflix on February 24th.
(L to R) Kinsley Ben-Adir, Ryan Gosling as Ken, and Ncuti Gatwa in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.
In theaters on December 25th, ‘The Color Purple’ represents just the latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book following Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1985 drama and the 2004 stage play musical from which this new movie draws its inspiration.
Both the first movie and the stage musical are tough acts to follow, to say nothing of the impactful original novel. But, under the direction of Blitz Bazawule, the new film proves to be a powerful story driven by some excellent performances.
Though it has a lot to live up to, ‘The Color Purple’ does indeed work, breathing fresh, impressive life into the story as it did on stage.
It doesn’t hurt that the cast offer memorable performances, successfully selling the music side while also delivering on the dramatics. This is, at times an uncomfortable film to watch –– by design, since it tells the story of women facing horrific repression and racism while managing to push through.
Produced by Oprah Winfrey (who co-starred in the original), the latest take on the tale will have you reaching for the tissues and punching the air, sometimes at the same time.
While Marcus Gardley’s script makes some tweaks to both| Alice Walker’s novel and Marsha Norman’s musical book, they make sense for this merging of two formats and keep the new musical movie feeling of a piece with both previous versions.
You’ll be gripped by Celie’s story as she deals with an unwanted forced marriage to man who effectively treats her like a servant while satisfying himself elsewhere to separation from her beloved sister and all the other indignities loaded upon her.
Yet, aside from a couple of bravura sequences (one which takes place on a giant gramophone record is particularly effective and creative), the direction from Blitz Bazawule –– whose previous work includes thriller ‘The Burial of Kojo’ and Beyoncé’s ‘Black is King’ visual album –– is largely standard, which lets the performers shine.
It must be said, though, that the visual directorial side of the movie is the weakest aspect, largely rescued by the commitment of the people on screen. The big dance numbers are ably directed, but they don’t feel special in general.
As mentioned, this is a collection of veterans doing excellent work and star-making performances for some of the newer faces.
Prime among them is Fantasia Barrino, who makes her movie debut after success in the music and on stage, where she took over the Celie role in the musical. She’s fantastic here, bringing believable grief, pain, joy and resilience to the screen, her character’s journey giving her plenty to work with.
It’s not just her show, though: Danielle Brooks (of ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘Peacemaker’) also does great work as Sofia, making a complicated character (she’s initially presented as a verbally abusive loudmouth, but is given other shades to play as we dig into her story also) soar and fully making the role her own in a movie where there are a host of great turns. A sequence where the consequence of her actions turns out to be particularly tough is a real experience.
Taraji P. Henson, who sang to previously memorable effect in ‘Hustle and Flow’, is here blues singer Shug Avery, the vivacious subject of Mister’s (Colman Domingo) affection but soon becomes even more important to Celie in terms of inspiration and freedom.
The younger Celie and her sister Nettie are brought to winning life by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and ‘The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey, and while their screentime is relatively short, they wring every ounce out of it, setting the foundation upon which Barrino builds.
Around the lead characters orbits a rogue’s gallery and men and others, especially Domingo as Celie’s wayward, dismissive husband, who is more than just a villain –– he has his own issues, including pressure from his father.
Corey Hawkins, as Sofia’s first husband, a man with dreams of opening a juke joint (for music and drinking), is a likeable presence among some much more troublesome male figures. Be under no illusion, though: this is the women’s’ film through and through.
Balancing the traumatic side of the story with redemption and elation, ‘The Color Purple’ will surely be a player in the awards season, particularly for its lead cast. It manages to tread the line between the original book, the first movie and the stage musical, this is a successful blend of the three and its own thing at the same time.
Is it the best musical of the season? We’ve a feeling the sheer inventiveness of ‘Wonka’ presents a challenge, but for classic old-school belted songs sharing space with deep drama and historical perspective, this one is hard to beat.
‘The Color Purple’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘The Color Purple’?
‘The Color Purple’ is a decades-spanning tale of love and resilience and of one woman’s journey to independence.
Celie (Fantasia Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Who else is in ‘The Color Purple’?
The movie’s cast also includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
And once again, it’s ‘Barbie’s year, as Greta Gerwig’s film leads the contenders, having earned 18 nominations overall.
In addition to Best Picture, Best Comedy, and Best Hair and Makeup nods, the film racked up several acting nominations including Best Actress for Margot Robbie, Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling and Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera. Ariana Greenblatt is also up for Best Young Actor/Actress, and the cast garnered a Best Acting Ensemble nomination. Greta Gerwig earned a nod for Best Director and both Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are contenders for Best Original Screenplay.
Elsewhere, the likes of ‘Poor Things’ and ‘Oppenheimer’, AKA ‘Barbie’s big awards seasons fellows, took 13 nominations each.
And unlike the Globes, the working journalists of the Critics Choice spread the love even further with more movies seeing recognition –– or at least being in the running to secure it.
(L to R) Rachel McAdams as Barbara Dimon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ Photo Credit: Dana Hawley.
(L to R) Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry and Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo in ‘May December.’ Photo: Francois Duhamel / courtesy of Netflix.
(L to R) Tom Conti is Albert Einstein and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Kelly Fremon Craig – ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’
(L to R) Rupert Friend as “Montana”, Stephen Park as “Roger Cho”, Hope Davis as “Sandy Borden”, Jason Schwartzman as “Augie Steenbeck”, Tilda Swinton as “Dr. Hickenlooper”, Jeffrey Wright as “General Gibson”, Tony Revolori as “Aide-de-Camp”, Bob Balaban as “Larkings Executive”, Mike Maggart as “Detective #2”, Fisher Stevens as “Detective #1” in writer/director Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features.
Suzie Davies, Charlotte Dirickx – ‘Saltburn’
Ruth De Jong, Claire Kaufman – Oppenheimer’
Jack Fisk, Adam Willis – ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer – ‘Barbie’
James Price, Shona Heath, Szusza Mihalek – ‘Poor Things’
CCA CEO Joey Berlin had this to say about this year’s nominated movies:
“We are so excited to celebrate this year’s remarkable projects, performances, and the people who made it all possible at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards. This year saw an incredible number of blockbuster hits and beautiful stories brought to life in these exceptional films.”
When will the Critics Choice Awards be on TV this year?
The awards ceremony will air live on The CW on Sunday, January 14th, 2024.
Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.
The impact of the writers and actors’ strikes continue to be felt in Hollywood. As studio representatives and the Writers Guild/SAG-AFTRA (the latter of which represents performers) argue in the press and over social media about fair contracts, the big companies are facing the prospect of releasing expensive titles without name stars available to promote them.
So, what are they doing? Delaying the movies, of course! The latest to push their plans back to next year is Warner Bros., which has just announced a big shift for ‘Dune: Part Two’ to March next year.
Director Denis Villeneuve’s giant science fiction action epic, the follow-up to 2021’s successful first entry, and the continued adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sprawling tome, had been set for a November 3rd theatrical release.
And it positions ‘Dune: Part Two’ as an awards player, hoping to replicate the success of the first part –– which scored 10 Oscar nominations and won six.
With a shift to March 15th, 2024, it’s unlikely to qualify for next year’s Oscars (that, though, remains to be seen, since, like TV awards the Emmys, the Oscars could shift themselves if the strikes continue).
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is in production right now and will be in theaters on March 15th next year. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.
And ‘Dune’s shift means some moving around for movies that had already claimed 2024 release slots on Warner Bros.’ calendar: ‘Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire’ had been sitting on the March 15th date but will now stomp off to April 12th.
The Warner Bros. titles join a long list of films that have seen their release dates moved –– Sony is shifting the strategy for based-on-truth GameStop stock comedy drama ‘Dumb Money’, going from a single wide release to a platform that ramps up starting in Los Aneles and New York on September 15th, while the likes of ‘Kraven the Hunter’ and animated sequel ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ are also moving (though the latter is likely due more to its creators finessing the story and animation rather than strike concerns).
‘Barbie’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
Having caused ripples with filmmakers and nervous feelings for already-threatened theater chains during the pandemic by putting a swathe of movies either directly on streaming service HBO Max or releasing them day-and-date online, Warner Bros. was somewhat naturally ready to go all-in on the big s screen as part of its presentation to cinemas bosses.
Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav opened with his commitment to theatrical, adding that the studio has 14 movies planned for cinemas in 2023, looking to ramp up to 20 in the coming years.
“I’m convinced, there is no other place to see a motion picture, to have impacts on all parts of the world…we believe in full windowing of the business, we don’t believe in streaming. We’re in no rush to bring movies to Max,” he said, referring to the to-be-retitled streaming service.
‘The Color Purple’
‘The Color Purple’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
Zaslav has a longstanding business relationship with Oprah Winfrey (he oversaw development on her OWN network) and helped to introduce a project she’s deeply involved with –– the new musical version of Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Color Purple’.
Winfrey took the stage with the movie’s director Blitz Bazawule and told the room it was her first time at CinemaCon. “This is first circle moment for me to be a part of this film,” said Winfrey who starred in that original adaptation of the Alice Walker novel.
Winfrey said that the new musical version brings “magical realism, wholesome family goodness” to the screen. She happily introduced Bazawule,
“We knew you were the director to bring this version to the screen. How did you know you were the one?”
‘The Color Purple’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
Bazawule: “I started this journey with the utmost respect for you, but also for Alice Walker, whose book gave us this amazing story…. At its core it’s about finding your voice, your family and breaking through obstacles which keep you down.”
“We’re going to get the groups in the seats,” said Winfrey, “It’s a celebration of sisterhood.”
They showed off the filled with lush Southern backgrounds, beaches, grand period costumes. We see Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery saying, “I was married to a man I didn’t know”. There’s a shot of a 1920s band set on stage, and Henson adds “We got to show these folks we belong.” The movie stars Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Jon Batiste, Halle Bailey and more.
‘The Color Purple’ will be in theaters on December 25th.
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‘Barbie’
‘Barbie’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
‘The Color Purple’ might indicate prestige, but pink was really the color for both the opening of the presentation –– launched by distribution chiefs Jeff Goldstein and Andrew Cripps who were decked out in hot pink suits with ties and sneakers to match –– and of ‘Barbie’, which has been making waves following its trailer and poster launch.
But the star of the presentation was Gosling –– clad in a pink jacket –– who revealed how the filmmakers helped him find the character of Ken.
Here’s what he said,
“I have to be honest, I had up until this point, I only knew Ken from afar. I didn’t know Ken from within,” the actor explained. “If I’m being really honest, I doubted my Ken-ergy. I didn’t see it. Margot and Greta, I feel like they conjured this out of me somewhere.”
The foursome debuted some unseen footage, which helped flesh out the story of the movie as seen in the recent trailer. Robbie’s title character is seemingly going about her technicolor life until strange things start happening, like cold showers and burnt waffles and then the ultimate ailment — flat feet. Her fellow Barbies suggest she go and see “weird Barbie,” played by Kate McKinnon who offers two options, to go back to her regular Barbie life or real-life as displayed by a stiletto or a Birkenstock.
Barbie then sets off on a journey to the real world and is surprised by Ken who joins her in the backseat of her convertible.
‘Barbie’ drives into theaters on July 21st.
‘Barbie’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
From the looks of the trailer for the giant shark sequel, the filmmakers (including director Ben Wheatley) are doubling down on the monster action, bringing lots more creatures plus a new, bigger Megalodon shark.
Jason Statham returns as the heroic Jonas, seen in the footage leaping into the air on a jet ski to face off against a shark with a sword. Are we getting into ‘Sharknado’ territory? Possibly, but that’s part of the fun.
The trailer, which was for the room only, showed off plenty of mainstays of the Willy Wonka character, including chocolate that makes one float, and a surprise: Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa, which got big laughs from the crowd. Chalamet called working with Grant as a “dream come true.” He added of the Oompa-Loompa character, “it was a trip.”
Directed by ‘Paddington’s Paul King, the musical movie will sing for its supper (and more likely dessert) in theaters from December 15th.
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‘Dune: Part Two’
‘Dune Part Two’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
Chalamet was back, joined by co-star Zendaya and director Denis Villeneuve on stage to show off teaser footage for the second part of Villeneuve’s giant sci-fi adaptation.
This time, we’re promised more action as Chalamet’s Paul Atreides starts his battle to avenge his murdered family and free the planet Arrakis from the cruel Harkonnens. Zendaya is back –– and actually part of the story this time –– as Chani, a warrior from the native Fremen.
The footage showed some big moments, such as Paul riding one of the native Sandworm creatures, plus new cast members such as Florence Pugh and Austin Butler, who will be Princess Irulan and the calculating sword-slinger Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. Who hopefully doesn’t sound like Elvis Presley.
‘Dune Part Two’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
‘The Nun 2’
There was horror to be found with the sequel to ‘Conjuring’ spin-off ‘The Nun’, with a first look at the new movie, directed by Michael Chaves.
As expected, it’s scary stuff, with young girls playing a dare game that soon turns terrifying. Taissa Farmiga’s Sister Irene is back to help deal with the new demonic threat. Expect freakish goat creatures, rivers of blood and lots of screaming.
Farmiga and co-star Storm Reid took the stage to talk up the film with the former explaining that Sister Irene returns because “she has a strong sense of duty”. Filming at a real abandoned church in France frightened Farmiga so much that she needed an escort to walk her around the location.
‘The Nun’ will vow to frighten audiences on September 8th.
Though James Gunn is away touring the world for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ he sent a video message. Fellow DC Studios CEO Peter Safran was in person to talk up the slate.
Here’s what he said,
“Each of these films not only delivers a stunning cinematic experience that uniquely highlights our iconic DC heroes, but they also blaze a trail forward into our DC universe that we are cracking with our next chapter.”
Neither James Wan nor star Jason Momoa were on hand, though they appeared via video to introduce a new trailer for the aquatic hero’s sequel.
Wan said ‘Aquaman 2’ visits “beautiful, strange new worlds” where it explores “interesting new characters.” “It’s an action-adventure story with a really fun bromance between Arthur (Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson). Orm was a villain the first time around, but this time Arthur needs him.”
As for the trailer, it finds Momoa battling Yahya Abdul Mateen II’s Black Manta –– who this time has his own Trident, and is causing big trouble for our hero, requiring the Orm assist. Oh, and Aquaman has a child now.
The movie swims to theaters on December 20th.
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‘Blue Beetle’
‘Blue Beetle’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
‘Blue Beetle’ director Angel Manuel Soto and star Xolo Maridueña brought an extended trailer for the movie about a young man who becomes an unwitting superhero (at least until he embraces the powers granted him by a weird scarab).
Unlike some other heroes, Maridueña’s Jamie Reyes has a family who knows about his superhero side. “Good luck hiding something from your Latino mother,” Soto said to laughs, while Maridueña described his character as the only superhero who doesn’t seem to want his powers.
‘Blue Beetle’, heads to theaters on August 18th.
‘Blue Beetle’ CinemaCon 2023 Presentation and Press Line, April 25th. Photos By Eric Charbonneau.
A new trailer for ‘The Flash’ was shown, adding in more to the story of Barry Allen’s troubles with the multiverse.
Directed by Andy Muschietti, the superhero film finds Barry (Ezra Miller) causing problems when he uses his powers to save his parents – and breaks the universe in the process. As the trailer shows, he’ll need the help of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl to stop a multiverse variant of ‘Man of Steel’s General Zod (Michael Shannon), who has free rein in a world where heroes don’t appear to exist.
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The trailer promises a lot of action, some quips and Keaton being cool as Bats. The whole movie premiered for the CinemaCon crowd, but most audiences will have to wait until June 16th.
