The My 00’s Playlist Tour is stacked with rap and R&b artists reuniting to perform their biggest hits as they tour the U.S. in 2024. Among the headliners: “Foolish” singer Ashanti. The now-43-year-old joined several rappers in Corpus Christi, Texas, over the weekend, sparking rumors about her possible pregnancy.
Ja Rule and Ashanti perform on January 26, 2024 | Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
Ashanti stepped onstage with Ja Rule to perform their 2002 hit song, “Mesmerize.” The pair were clearly enjoying themselves onstage as Ja donned a black Amiri sweatsuit and black Amiri hat.
Ashanti performs on January 26, 2024 | Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
The R&b singer danced with her backup performers while wearing large hoop earrings, layered pearl necklaces, and a blinged-out Givenchy sweatshirt. Thigh-high leather boots showed off her curves and fanned the flames of pregnancy rumors. The oversized fit of the sweatshirt also hinted at a tummy cover-up.
Ja Rule and Ashanti...
Ja Rule and Ashanti perform on January 26, 2024 | Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
Ashanti stepped onstage with Ja Rule to perform their 2002 hit song, “Mesmerize.” The pair were clearly enjoying themselves onstage as Ja donned a black Amiri sweatsuit and black Amiri hat.
Ashanti performs on January 26, 2024 | Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage
The R&b singer danced with her backup performers while wearing large hoop earrings, layered pearl necklaces, and a blinged-out Givenchy sweatshirt. Thigh-high leather boots showed off her curves and fanned the flames of pregnancy rumors. The oversized fit of the sweatshirt also hinted at a tummy cover-up.
Ja Rule and Ashanti...
- 1/30/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
December is the start of the holiday season for most in the United States, and in Texas, those holidays include the end of the high school football season! The 2023 Texas Uil high school football state championship series continues on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Ct when the Malakoff Tigers take on the Franklin Lions in the 3A Division I state championship game on Bally Sports Southwest. The best way to see the game at no cost is with a 7-Day Free Trial of Bally Sports+.
How to Watch 2023 Texas 3A Division I High School Football State Championship Game, Malakoff vs. Franklin When: Thursday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Ct Location: AT&T Stadium | 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 TV: Bally Sports Southwest Stream: Watch with a seven-day free trial of Bally Sports+. Watch Malakoff vs. Franklin Free $19.99+ / month ballysports.com Enjoy a one-week free trial to Ball Sports+ to watch Texas high...
How to Watch 2023 Texas 3A Division I High School Football State Championship Game, Malakoff vs. Franklin When: Thursday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Ct Location: AT&T Stadium | 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 TV: Bally Sports Southwest Stream: Watch with a seven-day free trial of Bally Sports+. Watch Malakoff vs. Franklin Free $19.99+ / month ballysports.com Enjoy a one-week free trial to Ball Sports+ to watch Texas high...
- 12/14/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
If the biggest, hookiest songs of 2023 are united by anything, it’s the insurgents who made them. For one, English singer PinkPantheress made good on her underground fandom with a remix of “Boy’s a Liar,” featuring raspy-voiced female rapper of the moment Ice Spice, whose eye-rolling attitude ingeniously cuts against her own unguardedly emotional pop minimalism.
Others similarly subverted expectations of what makes a hit. Troye Sivan ditched his moody bedroom-pop roots for unashamedly horny bangers that confront our collective hang-ups about what a gay artist should deliver. The aggro sonic hijinks of hyperpop duo 100 gecs coalesced into something strangely beautiful and profound, especially on “Hollywood Baby,” a satire of Barbie-fied showbiz aspirations that’s at least partly aimed at themselves.
Rock noise of the less blaring kind flourished elsewhere, proving that the genre was never dead, just slyly mutating. Lana Del Rey, reigning queen of the extremely extended cut,...
Others similarly subverted expectations of what makes a hit. Troye Sivan ditched his moody bedroom-pop roots for unashamedly horny bangers that confront our collective hang-ups about what a gay artist should deliver. The aggro sonic hijinks of hyperpop duo 100 gecs coalesced into something strangely beautiful and profound, especially on “Hollywood Baby,” a satire of Barbie-fied showbiz aspirations that’s at least partly aimed at themselves.
Rock noise of the less blaring kind flourished elsewhere, proving that the genre was never dead, just slyly mutating. Lana Del Rey, reigning queen of the extremely extended cut,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Slant Staff
- Slant Magazine
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, Investigation Discovery will air the Season 19 Episode 24 of “48 Hours on ID” titled “Where is Diana Duve?” This episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of Diana Duve.
Diana Duve was last seen leaving a bar in Vero Beach, Florida, with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Mike Jones. Her mother became deeply concerned when Diana didn’t make her daily phone call, something she consistently did.
The episode follows the investigation into Diana’s disappearance, shedding light on the details surrounding that fateful night. Viewers can expect a gripping account of the efforts to unravel the mystery and discover the truth about Diana Duve’s whereabouts.
Tune in to Investigation Discovery on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, to witness the compelling journey to find answers in the case of “Where is Diana Duve?”
Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 1 November 2023 on Investigation Discovery
48 Hours on ID Where is Diana Duve?...
Diana Duve was last seen leaving a bar in Vero Beach, Florida, with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Mike Jones. Her mother became deeply concerned when Diana didn’t make her daily phone call, something she consistently did.
The episode follows the investigation into Diana’s disappearance, shedding light on the details surrounding that fateful night. Viewers can expect a gripping account of the efforts to unravel the mystery and discover the truth about Diana Duve’s whereabouts.
Tune in to Investigation Discovery on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, to witness the compelling journey to find answers in the case of “Where is Diana Duve?”
Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 1 November 2023 on Investigation Discovery
48 Hours on ID Where is Diana Duve?...
- 10/27/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Editor’s note: Jesse Andrews is author of the novel Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which is one of five books pulled from the library shelves of high schools within the purview of Tallahassee, Florida-based Leon County Schools superintendent Rock Hanna, after the Leon County chapter of the conservative group Moms for Liberty petitioned the schools to remove the book because of the frank depiction of sex and gender identity issues. The others include Push, the Sapphire-penned book that inspired the film Precious; Doomed by Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk; Lucky by Alice Sebold; and Dead End by Jason Meyer. Still being scrutinized is an autobiography of tennis great Billie Jean King, because it discusses her sexuality. This has been an ongoing theme precipitated by policies passed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative Republicans. DeSantis is running for president and probably figured to ride his brawl with Disney into the White House,...
- 7/18/2023
- by Jesse Andrews
- Deadline Film + TV
The conceit of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is that Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are humans from Earth who, thanks to a rogue pipe, are sucked into the alternate dimension of the Mushroom Kingdom. Said realm is populated by curious mushroom-shaped people, talking apes, sentient penguins, and an evil fire-breathing Koopa who seeks a wife. There also appears to be another human living there in the form of Princess Peach, the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, although it's implied that she may be from a tertiary dimension altogether.
The Mario Bros. don't just come from Earth, but from Brooklyn specifically, and are of Italian descent. That means their local neighborhood is replete with recognizable Earth items. Although, seeing as "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is based on a Nintendo game from the 1980s, all the Mario Bros.' Earth ephemera are based directly on 1980s Nintendo games.
The Mario Bros. don't just come from Earth, but from Brooklyn specifically, and are of Italian descent. That means their local neighborhood is replete with recognizable Earth items. Although, seeing as "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is based on a Nintendo game from the 1980s, all the Mario Bros.' Earth ephemera are based directly on 1980s Nintendo games.
- 4/5/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Yvette Nicole Brown (Disenchanted), Page Kennedy (The Upshaws), and Cameron Fuller (Zatima) have joined the cast of buddy action-comedy Code 3 opposite Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery, and Aimee Carrero. Production is currently underway.
Brown plays Shanice, an experienced Ems supervisor who is always in control—well, most of the time. She knows Randy (Wilson), someone with who she has a colorful past. Shanice knows he’s burnt out and jaded, but she also knows he’s the best paramedic they’ve got, and she respects him for it.
Kennedy plays Officer Tagert, a police officer who frequently runs into Randy and Mike (Howery) in their ambulance on various calls. Tagert knows the system well and prefers that on any given call, the victim winds up going to the hospital, in which case it’s the paramedics’ paperwork, not his. Tagert doesn’t seem to mind helping them out when he can.
Brown plays Shanice, an experienced Ems supervisor who is always in control—well, most of the time. She knows Randy (Wilson), someone with who she has a colorful past. Shanice knows he’s burnt out and jaded, but she also knows he’s the best paramedic they’ve got, and she respects him for it.
Kennedy plays Officer Tagert, a police officer who frequently runs into Randy and Mike (Howery) in their ambulance on various calls. Tagert knows the system well and prefers that on any given call, the victim winds up going to the hospital, in which case it’s the paramedics’ paperwork, not his. Tagert doesn’t seem to mind helping them out when he can.
- 2/10/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Aimee Carrero (The Menu) is set to lead the buddy action-comedy Code 3 opposite Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery. Production is set to begin in February.
She will portray Jessica, a newbie paramedic who is eager to learn is well-trained, and is superb under pressure. In the 24-hour shift where she’s training to replace Randy (Wilson), she’s in for an incredible day of surprises and realizations.
The film, by director Christopher Leone, follows a day in the life of two overworked, underpaid, and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One Emt is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.
The script for Code 3 hails from Leone and former paramedic Patrick Pianezza.
She will portray Jessica, a newbie paramedic who is eager to learn is well-trained, and is superb under pressure. In the 24-hour shift where she’s training to replace Randy (Wilson), she’s in for an incredible day of surprises and realizations.
The film, by director Christopher Leone, follows a day in the life of two overworked, underpaid, and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One Emt is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.
The script for Code 3 hails from Leone and former paramedic Patrick Pianezza.
- 1/30/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rainn Wilson (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) have closed deals to exec produce and star in Code 3 — a buddy action-comedy from Wayfarer Studios and Circle of Confusion, which is heading into production in Los Angeles next month.
The film from director Christopher Leone (Parallels) follows a day-in-the-life of two overworked, underpaid and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One Emt is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.
The script for Code 3 is from former paramedic, Patrick Pianezza, and Leone. Wayfarer Studios has tapped Angela Cardon to oversee the project for the company and will serve as its sole financier. Producers are Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer,...
The film from director Christopher Leone (Parallels) follows a day-in-the-life of two overworked, underpaid and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One Emt is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.
The script for Code 3 is from former paramedic, Patrick Pianezza, and Leone. Wayfarer Studios has tapped Angela Cardon to oversee the project for the company and will serve as its sole financier. Producers are Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof for Wayfarer,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Verve has appointed founding partner Bill Weinstein to the position of CEO, the first in the agency’s 13-year history.
In his newly created position, Weinstein’s responsibilities will “continue to evolve,” though he will remain working in his capacity representing clients, “an indication of Verve’s continued commitment to its core tenet of advocating for creative talent across all levels of the company,” per the agency.
Weinstein’s clients include J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay (“Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”), Sara Hess (“House of the Dragon”), Jac Schaeffer, Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Mike Jones, Adele Lim (“Crazy Rich Asians”), Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out”), John August (“Aladdin”), Allison Schroeder (“Hidden Figures”), Brian K Vaughan (“Paper Girls”), James Schamus and Geoffrey Fletcher (“Precious”).
The decision to appoint Weinstein to Verve’s first-ever CEO was announced internally last week by fellow founding Verve partners Adam Levine and Bryan Besser in an all-company meeting.
In his newly created position, Weinstein’s responsibilities will “continue to evolve,” though he will remain working in his capacity representing clients, “an indication of Verve’s continued commitment to its core tenet of advocating for creative talent across all levels of the company,” per the agency.
Weinstein’s clients include J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay (“Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”), Sara Hess (“House of the Dragon”), Jac Schaeffer, Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Mike Jones, Adele Lim (“Crazy Rich Asians”), Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out”), John August (“Aladdin”), Allison Schroeder (“Hidden Figures”), Brian K Vaughan (“Paper Girls”), James Schamus and Geoffrey Fletcher (“Precious”).
The decision to appoint Weinstein to Verve’s first-ever CEO was announced internally last week by fellow founding Verve partners Adam Levine and Bryan Besser in an all-company meeting.
- 1/18/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
On the eve of its anniversary, Verve has tapped founding Partner Bill Weinstein as the first CEO in the agency’s thirteen years. The decision was made by the Partnership and announced by his fellow Founding Partners Adam Levine and Bryan Besser in an all-company meeting with a grateful and excited Weinstein thanking each member of the Verve community for their support and belief.
In the heartfelt speech from Besser and Levine, they highlighted the need to provide additional structure as the independent agency adds resources to its core film and television business while continuing to expand into new areas of client representation.
“As we continue to evolve, we recognize the need to formalize the managerial organization of our business to bring greater accountability, efficiency, and excellence to our core mission of advocating on behalf of creative talent,” Said Besser on behalf of the Partnership.
The appointment comes on the...
In the heartfelt speech from Besser and Levine, they highlighted the need to provide additional structure as the independent agency adds resources to its core film and television business while continuing to expand into new areas of client representation.
“As we continue to evolve, we recognize the need to formalize the managerial organization of our business to bring greater accountability, efficiency, and excellence to our core mission of advocating on behalf of creative talent,” Said Besser on behalf of the Partnership.
The appointment comes on the...
- 1/18/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Gold Derby’s experts currently list the Pixar film “Luca” in fourth place in their Best Animated Feature odds. Twenty experts predict Disney’s “Encanto” will win, while one forecasts Netflix’s “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” and one chooses Neon’s “Flee.” The only film listed behind “Luca” at the moment is Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
But I would suggest “Luca” should get more attention and consideration in the category because it’s a marvelously inventive tale of friendship, love, the need for change, and finding your own path. Telling the story of a half-human, half-sea monster who experiences an unforgettable seaside summer on the Italian Riviera, “Luca” marks the feature directorial debut of Enrico Casarosa, director of the Oscar-nominated 2011 Pixar short, “La Luna.” The original story was penned by Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones.
See 2022 Oscar nominations: Full list of nominees in all 23 categories at...
But I would suggest “Luca” should get more attention and consideration in the category because it’s a marvelously inventive tale of friendship, love, the need for change, and finding your own path. Telling the story of a half-human, half-sea monster who experiences an unforgettable seaside summer on the Italian Riviera, “Luca” marks the feature directorial debut of Enrico Casarosa, director of the Oscar-nominated 2011 Pixar short, “La Luna.” The original story was penned by Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones.
See 2022 Oscar nominations: Full list of nominees in all 23 categories at...
- 3/16/2022
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Editors note: Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series debuts and celebrates the scripts of films that will be factors in this year’s movie awards race.
His name is Luca. He lives on the ocean floor. If you subscribe to Disney+ you may have seen him before.
Pixar’s latest movie takes a different perspective on the ocean from Finding Nemo. Where Nemo anthropomorphized real marine life, Luca creates a world of sea monsters, though they are also a family just like humans. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) wants to go exploring, but his mother Daniela (Maya Rudolph) wants to keep him close and safe.
Fellow sea monster Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) shows Luca they can turn human when they emerge from the water. So, Luca spends the summer palling around with Alberto in the seaside town of Portorosso, where they make friends with Giulia (Emma Berman). But, any water...
His name is Luca. He lives on the ocean floor. If you subscribe to Disney+ you may have seen him before.
Pixar’s latest movie takes a different perspective on the ocean from Finding Nemo. Where Nemo anthropomorphized real marine life, Luca creates a world of sea monsters, though they are also a family just like humans. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) wants to go exploring, but his mother Daniela (Maya Rudolph) wants to keep him close and safe.
Fellow sea monster Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) shows Luca they can turn human when they emerge from the water. So, Luca spends the summer palling around with Alberto in the seaside town of Portorosso, where they make friends with Giulia (Emma Berman). But, any water...
- 1/22/2022
- by Fred Topel
- Deadline Film + TV
Is it possible that every best picture nominee this year will be about families? Among the 2021 Oscar contenders are “Belfast,” “Coda,” “Dune,” “King Richard,” “Mass,” “Parallel Mothers” and “The Power of the Dog” and there are plenty of other serious contenders with a similar focus.
It’s not unusual for drama to center on families; that’s been going on since the 5th century B.C., when Aeschylus wrote his “Oresteia.”
However, it Is unusual for one subject to dominate the Oscar roster.
Usually the Academy Awards offer a mix of topics, as last year when the eight Bp contenders included two family-centric pieces, “The Father” and “Minari.” That modest percentage has been pretty consistent since the Oscars expanded the category with the 2009 films.
Many of the 2021 movies were planned long before Covid, so it’s interesting that they arrive at such a timely moment.
Sian Heder, the writer-director of “Coda,...
It’s not unusual for drama to center on families; that’s been going on since the 5th century B.C., when Aeschylus wrote his “Oresteia.”
However, it Is unusual for one subject to dominate the Oscar roster.
Usually the Academy Awards offer a mix of topics, as last year when the eight Bp contenders included two family-centric pieces, “The Father” and “Minari.” That modest percentage has been pretty consistent since the Oscars expanded the category with the 2009 films.
Many of the 2021 movies were planned long before Covid, so it’s interesting that they arrive at such a timely moment.
Sian Heder, the writer-director of “Coda,...
- 1/11/2022
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
The Black List, an annual ranking of Hollywood’s best unproduced screenplays, has unleashed its 2021 edition — a smattering of delicious pop biopics, true crime and even a psychodrama about Mickey Rourke appearing on “The Masked Singer.”
Founded in 2005 by Franklin Leonard, the list surveys top studio and development executives asking them to share the scripts they adored but haven’t yet greenlit. The rankings are then cross-referenced, and popularity is calculated by the frequency a title appears (the “mentions”).
The top script on this year’s list is “Cauliflower,” an intense drama from writer Daniel Jackson.
“Under the cruel guidance of a mysterious coach, an ambitious high school wrestler struggles to become a state champion while battling a bizarre infection in his ear that both makes him dominant in his sport and threatens his sanity,” the synopsis reads. The script was mentioned 32 times across rankings. Jackson is repped by UTA and Bellevue.
Founded in 2005 by Franklin Leonard, the list surveys top studio and development executives asking them to share the scripts they adored but haven’t yet greenlit. The rankings are then cross-referenced, and popularity is calculated by the frequency a title appears (the “mentions”).
The top script on this year’s list is “Cauliflower,” an intense drama from writer Daniel Jackson.
“Under the cruel guidance of a mysterious coach, an ambitious high school wrestler struggles to become a state champion while battling a bizarre infection in his ear that both makes him dominant in his sport and threatens his sanity,” the synopsis reads. The script was mentioned 32 times across rankings. Jackson is repped by UTA and Bellevue.
- 12/13/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
A spin-off of High Maintenance, starring Yael Stone, and a comedic crime series from Jungle Entertainment are among the 21 projects that will share in more than $600,000 in story development funding from Screen Australia.
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
The slate includes 14 feature films, six television dramas and an online project, with 11 titles supported through the Generate Fund and 10 through the Premium Fund.
Screen Australia’s head of development Nerida Moore, who will depart the agency in December after nine years, said she felt privileged to support more many creative projects and people during the time she has left in the role.
“This is an exciting mix of projects and it’s great to support creatives expand on their careers and take on new challenges, including producer Alex White working on her first TV series, and writer Arka Das and writer/director Hannah Hilliard on their debut feature films,” he said.
“The shared vision we are...
- 10/18/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Chicago – Even as an adult, I am still in awe of how effective animated features are as narrative vehicles. As a kid, it was the thing I would consume the most, gorging myself into a stupor.
The cartoons didn’t even have to follow any set story structure, especially when some of my favorites included a cowardly dog, a cow and chicken as siblings, and even an underwater sponge that is friends with an aquatic squirrel.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
The cartoons didn’t even have to follow any set story structure, especially when some of my favorites included a cowardly dog, a cow and chicken as siblings, and even an underwater sponge that is friends with an aquatic squirrel.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
- 6/21/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Even as an adult, I am still in awe of how effective animated features are as narrative vehicles. As a kid, it was the thing I would consume the most, gorging myself into a stupor. The cartoons didn’t even have to follow any set story structure, especially when some of my favorites included a cowardly dog, a cow and chicken as siblings, and even an underwater sponge that is friends with an aquatic squirrel.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
- 6/20/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Even as an adult, I am still in awe of how effective animated features are as narrative vehicles. As a kid, it was the thing I would consume the most, gorging myself into a stupor. The cartoons didn’t even have to follow any set story structure, especially when some of my favorites included a cowardly dog, a cow and chicken as siblings, and even an underwater sponge that is friends with an aquatic squirrel.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
Rating: 2.0/5.0
Utter nonsense, but as a kid, it easily became my main source of lessons during my formative years (for better or worse). As an adult, I can still enjoy a good animated show or film now that I am able to view it through the lens of an adult who remembers what it was like being a child. That’s how I can tell when something is reductively insulting to the viewer, and...
- 6/20/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
For quite some time now, films released by Pixar Animation Studios have held a certain level of gravitas and audiences have come to expect something special with almost every release. The latest offering from studio, Luca, while not on the level of its best films, is a charming and often endearing tale of a young person finding his place in the world while, at the same time, striving to make it better for others around him as well. In short, it’s a story and lesson that couldn’t come at a better time.
Set in a seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this coming-of-age story about a young boy named Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) and his adventures with a newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer) as they explore the world above the water for the first time. Both Luca and Alberto are, after all, sea...
Set in a seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this coming-of-age story about a young boy named Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) and his adventures with a newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer) as they explore the world above the water for the first time. Both Luca and Alberto are, after all, sea...
- 6/18/2021
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
With the exception of the tot-friendly, adult-numbing “The Good Dinosaur” (2015), “Luca” is as much of a trifle as the Pixar Animation Studios have ever come up with. That sounds like a harsh judgment, but in light of Pixar’s recent track record there are worse things you could say. My own feeling, while far from universal, is that in the last five years some of the most ambitious Pixar projects have gone off the track. , as well as a perfectly pleasant fish-out-of-water fable — literally, since it’s about a boy sea monster who longs to go ashore.
The early parts are set under the sea, and if you’re thinking “The Little Mermaid” meets “Finding Nemo,” you wouldn’t be too far off. “Luca” is a film for kiddies that unabashedly recycles old formulas. Yet it’s built around one original minor trope of fairy-tale nonsense: In this movie, when...
The early parts are set under the sea, and if you’re thinking “The Little Mermaid” meets “Finding Nemo,” you wouldn’t be too far off. “Luca” is a film for kiddies that unabashedly recycles old formulas. Yet it’s built around one original minor trope of fairy-tale nonsense: In this movie, when...
- 6/16/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Family films rarely succeed at one level of storytelling, so it’s particularly impressive that “Luca” operates so well on multiple levels. For children, this is a story about friendship and being true to yourself and coping with parents who are afraid to send you out into the world.
For adults, it’s all that and much more; for LGBTQ+ audiences, in particular, the film offers a powerful metaphor about the closet, about “passing” as something that you are not and about finding the people who will love you when they finally get to know the real you.
That might sound like a lot of heavy material for an animated feature, but Pixar vet Enrico Casarosa’s directorial debut is as light and lovely as a long summer afternoon with a new friend and a cold lemonade. Or a limonata in this case, as the film takes place in an...
For adults, it’s all that and much more; for LGBTQ+ audiences, in particular, the film offers a powerful metaphor about the closet, about “passing” as something that you are not and about finding the people who will love you when they finally get to know the real you.
That might sound like a lot of heavy material for an animated feature, but Pixar vet Enrico Casarosa’s directorial debut is as light and lovely as a long summer afternoon with a new friend and a cold lemonade. Or a limonata in this case, as the film takes place in an...
- 6/16/2021
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
“Nomadland” was the big winner when we announced the 19th Annual Gold Derby Film Awards on Tuesday, April 20. It claimed four awards including Best Picture. Watch our 30-minute winner announcement above. Scroll down for our complete list of winners in all categories, which were decided by more than 2,500 of our registered users.
Chloe Zhao‘s film about a woman (Frances McDormand) coping with loss and looking for work as she lives out of her van was also awarded Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Zhao, in addition to Best Cinematography. But our Derbyites spread the wealth as four other films claimed multiple awards and 13 total films were honored across our 22 categories.
SEE2021 Oscar: Best Supporting Actor nominees have already set records
Though “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” wasn’t one of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture at these awards, it was the second biggest winner with three prizes: Best...
Chloe Zhao‘s film about a woman (Frances McDormand) coping with loss and looking for work as she lives out of her van was also awarded Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Zhao, in addition to Best Cinematography. But our Derbyites spread the wealth as four other films claimed multiple awards and 13 total films were honored across our 22 categories.
SEE2021 Oscar: Best Supporting Actor nominees have already set records
Though “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” wasn’t one of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture at these awards, it was the second biggest winner with three prizes: Best...
- 4/20/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery, Chris Beachum, Marcus James Dixon, Zach Laws, Joyce Eng, Christopher Rosen and Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Pixar’s “Soul” continued its awards season dominance on Friday by winning seven Annie Awards, including feature. The jazzy look at the before-life also won for music, writing (Pete Docter. Mike Jones and Kemp Powers), character animation (Michal Makarewicz), FX, storyboarding (Trevor Jimenez) and editorial.
“Wolfwalkers,” from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Prods. for Apple and Gkids, took home five Annies, including independent feature. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart picked up the Annie for feature direction and the film also won for character design (Federico Pirovano), production design and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh Óg MacTíre). Cartoon Saloon, along with Mother, also scored an award for its sponsored project “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen” for Greenpeace.
The top TV winner of the night was the Netflix series “Hilda,” which took home awards for TV/Media for Children, character animation (David Laliberté) and editorial (John McKinnon).
“Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal...
“Wolfwalkers,” from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Prods. for Apple and Gkids, took home five Annies, including independent feature. Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart picked up the Annie for feature direction and the film also won for character design (Federico Pirovano), production design and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh Óg MacTíre). Cartoon Saloon, along with Mother, also scored an award for its sponsored project “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen” for Greenpeace.
The top TV winner of the night was the Netflix series “Hilda,” which took home awards for TV/Media for Children, character animation (David Laliberté) and editorial (John McKinnon).
“Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal...
- 4/17/2021
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Pixar’s “Soul” and Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers” swept Asifa-Hollywood’s 48th Annie Awards Friday night, with the former grabbing seven animated feature awards and the latter capturing five (plus the sponsored prize for “There’s a Monster in My Kitchen”).
The Black-led, existential fantasy “Soul” took best feature, writing, music, character animation, FX, storyboarding, and editorial. The hand-drawn Irish folk tale “Wolfwalkers” (co-produced by Apple Original Films) countered with best indie feature, direction (Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart), production design, character design, and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh).
Before sweeping the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and PGAs, “Soul” was already in a good position to win the Oscar. Now, after winning the top Annie prize, “Soul” is in a very comfortable position, with six of the last nine Annie winners agreeing with the Academy. This would mark Pixar’s 11th Oscar win for animated feature, and Docter’s third,...
The Black-led, existential fantasy “Soul” took best feature, writing, music, character animation, FX, storyboarding, and editorial. The hand-drawn Irish folk tale “Wolfwalkers” (co-produced by Apple Original Films) countered with best indie feature, direction (Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart), production design, character design, and voice acting (Eva Whittaker as Mebh).
Before sweeping the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and PGAs, “Soul” was already in a good position to win the Oscar. Now, after winning the top Annie prize, “Soul” is in a very comfortable position, with six of the last nine Annie winners agreeing with the Academy. This would mark Pixar’s 11th Oscar win for animated feature, and Docter’s third,...
- 4/17/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Pixar’s Soul and Apple TV+/Gkids’ Wolfwalkers shared the wins in all of the animated feature categories during the 48th Annie Awards, which were presented Friday by Asifa-Hollywood during a virtual ceremony.
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
- 4/17/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pixar’s Soul and Apple TV+/Gkids’ Wolfwalkers shared the wins in all of the animated feature categories during the 48th Annie Awards, which were presented Friday by Asifa-Hollywood during a virtual ceremony.
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
Soul won seven awards including best animated feature, and Wolfwalkers won five including best independent animated feature. Additionally, Wolfwalkers helmers Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart won the category for best direction.
Soul director Pete Docter and co-director Kemp Powers, along with Mike Jones, won the Annie for writing, while Wolfwalkers’ Moore and Stewart, along with María Pareja, additionally picked up the Annie for production design.
Soul also won trophies for editing, FX, character animation and ...
- 4/17/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Thanks to the insightful writing of “Soul” co-director Kemp Powers (who also wrote the Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami”), the barbershop scene is the most important moment in Pixar’s first Black-led feature. It introduces the community that the barbershop provides, and serves as the turning point for jazz pianist Joe (Jamie Foxx) to discover his true purpose in life.
“Joe is a Black man in New York, and part of your time you go through what I call ‘authentic Black spaces,’ where you’re around other people like yourself,” Powers said. “The barbershop scene came from that, and a desire, quite honestly, to see Black hair. When giving notes on the scene about Joe getting a suit from his mom, I also mentioned that Joe needs to get a haircut. Folks said that wasn’t as important as him getting a suit, and I begged to differ. For Joe,...
“Joe is a Black man in New York, and part of your time you go through what I call ‘authentic Black spaces,’ where you’re around other people like yourself,” Powers said. “The barbershop scene came from that, and a desire, quite honestly, to see Black hair. When giving notes on the scene about Joe getting a suit from his mom, I also mentioned that Joe needs to get a haircut. Folks said that wasn’t as important as him getting a suit, and I begged to differ. For Joe,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Pixar’s “Luca” will skip theaters and debut as an exclusive on Disney+, Disney announced Tuesday along with a slew of other date changes and adjustments to the studio’s theatrical release plans.
Like “Soul” before it, “Luca” will be available at no additional charge to Disney+ subscribers on June 18, the same day it was originally meant to hit theaters. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
The release plans for Pixar’s latest are in contrast to the other moves Disney made today for “Black Widow” and “Cruella,” both of which will debut in theaters and on Disney+ on the same day, but as premium video on demand titles through Disney+’s Premier Access.
Releasing exclusively on Disney+ did not hurt “Soul” as being one of the most popular films of the year. It opened...
Like “Soul” before it, “Luca” will be available at no additional charge to Disney+ subscribers on June 18, the same day it was originally meant to hit theaters. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
The release plans for Pixar’s latest are in contrast to the other moves Disney made today for “Black Widow” and “Cruella,” both of which will debut in theaters and on Disney+ on the same day, but as premium video on demand titles through Disney+’s Premier Access.
Releasing exclusively on Disney+ did not hurt “Soul” as being one of the most popular films of the year. It opened...
- 3/23/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Paul Wall is having what appears to be the time of his life. He’s sitting in front of his computer on Zoom, showing me the different Houston-centric backdrops he has pre-loaded. Nrg Stadium, where the Texans play; a diamond-encrusted grill; a modified Cadillac, lowered to the ground with its trunk open to reveal the kind of sound system made especially for his city’s unique style of music. For a stretch of time in the 2000s, Paul Wall and the glistening grill in his mouth were a familiar symbol...
- 3/15/2021
- by Jeff Ihaza
- Rollingstone.com
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series, which highlights the buzziest scripts of awards season, included 12 movies that made the cut in the Oscar nominations Monday morning.
In the Screenplay races, this year Deadline featured seven out of the 10 films including all five films nommed in the Adapted Screenplay category: Amazon Studios’ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and One Night In Miami, Sony Pictures Classics’ The Father, Searchlight’s Nomadland and Netflix’s The White Tiger.
There also are two scripts that received noms in the Original Screenplay category: Warner Bros’ Judas and the Black Messiah and A24’s Minari.
The other Original Screenplay nominees this year were Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman by Emerald Fennell; Amazon Studios’ Sound of Metal by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder, with story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance; and Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 written by Aaron Sorkin, who won the Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 2011 for The Social Network.
In the Screenplay races, this year Deadline featured seven out of the 10 films including all five films nommed in the Adapted Screenplay category: Amazon Studios’ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and One Night In Miami, Sony Pictures Classics’ The Father, Searchlight’s Nomadland and Netflix’s The White Tiger.
There also are two scripts that received noms in the Original Screenplay category: Warner Bros’ Judas and the Black Messiah and A24’s Minari.
The other Original Screenplay nominees this year were Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman by Emerald Fennell; Amazon Studios’ Sound of Metal by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder, with story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance; and Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 written by Aaron Sorkin, who won the Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 2011 for The Social Network.
- 3/15/2021
- by Patrick Hipes and Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
by Nathaniel R
Pixar's Soul centers around a music teacher Joe, who feels he missed his calling. He always wanted to be a famous jazz musician. Through the course of the spiritually minded adventure, which takes us from Earth to The Great Beyond and The Great Before and back again, Joe comes to understand that his calling was to teach. None us know ahead of time where our lives and career might take us. For instance, I was certain I was going to be an illustrator and ended up in Human Resources and now identify as a writer. This is also true of Pixar's Mike Jones. He was once on our side of the movie world as an entertainment journalist but always planned to shoot movies. "I went to NYU film school to be a cinematographer. You have to take a writing course as an undergrad and the teacher took me aside and said,...
Pixar's Soul centers around a music teacher Joe, who feels he missed his calling. He always wanted to be a famous jazz musician. Through the course of the spiritually minded adventure, which takes us from Earth to The Great Beyond and The Great Before and back again, Joe comes to understand that his calling was to teach. None us know ahead of time where our lives and career might take us. For instance, I was certain I was going to be an illustrator and ended up in Human Resources and now identify as a writer. This is also true of Pixar's Mike Jones. He was once on our side of the movie world as an entertainment journalist but always planned to shoot movies. "I went to NYU film school to be a cinematographer. You have to take a writing course as an undergrad and the teacher took me aside and said,...
- 3/6/2021
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Sorkin may be the most nominated screenwriter at the Golden Globes, with eight of his nine feature scripts garnering nominations, with the exception of “Malice” (1993)., but Oscars is something different. While he feels definitively safe for a nomination,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Sorkin may be the most nominated screenwriter at the Golden Globes, with eight of his nine feature scripts garnering nominations, with the exception of “Malice” (1993)., but Oscars is something different. While he feels definitively safe for a nomination,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Moviegoers think they understand the life of a screenwriter. Thanks to “Sunset Boulevard,” “In a Lonely Place,” “Barton Fink,” “The Player,” “The Muse,” “Seven Psychopaths,” “Adaptation,” “Trumbo,” “Mank” and others, the image is clear: Scripters are friendless, cynical people hunched over a solitary keyboard, plagued by self-doubt and studio interference.
Of course Pixar is the exception to every rule. The three writers of “Soul” — Pete Docter, Mike Jones and Kemp Powers — talk with enthusiasm about the studio’s unique process of daily brainstorming, which is interactive, intense and nonstop.
Not every writer could handle this, but when it works, the result is gangbusters. “Soul” has won multiple honors and looks likely to get more when Oscar nominations are announced March 15.
Docter says it takes four or five years to create an animated film; Pixar doesn’t wait for a script draft before starting the work. “We do a lot of...
Of course Pixar is the exception to every rule. The three writers of “Soul” — Pete Docter, Mike Jones and Kemp Powers — talk with enthusiasm about the studio’s unique process of daily brainstorming, which is interactive, intense and nonstop.
Not every writer could handle this, but when it works, the result is gangbusters. “Soul” has won multiple honors and looks likely to get more when Oscar nominations are announced March 15.
Docter says it takes four or five years to create an animated film; Pixar doesn’t wait for a script draft before starting the work. “We do a lot of...
- 3/2/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Kemp Powers, co-director of Pixar’s “Soul,” is the first Black debut filmmaker to win a Golden Globe in its 78-year-history. In addition to his historic feat, he is also the second Black director to win in this category, following Peter Ramsey, who shared this award with Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bob Persichetti for 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Ramsey was also previously nominated for 2012’s “Rise of the Guardians.” There have only been two other Black directors to win Globes for their films in other categories — Steve McQueen (2014’s “12 Years a Slave”) and Barry Jenkins (2017’s “Moonlight”), who both won as part of the producing teams in best picture (drama). Powers co-wrote the film with director Pete Docter and screenwriter Mike Jones.
Producer Dana Murray, along with co-director and co-writer Pete Docter accepted the award. Powers, who wasn’t present with them, gave his speech via a...
Producer Dana Murray, along with co-director and co-writer Pete Docter accepted the award. Powers, who wasn’t present with them, gave his speech via a...
- 3/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Luca Trailer — Enrico Casarosa‘s Luca (2021) teaser trailer has been released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Pixar. The Luca trailer stars Jacob Tremblay, Maya Rudolph, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jim Gaffigan, Emma Berman, Marco Barricelli, and Saverio Raimondo. Crew Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones wrote the screenplay for Luca. Nicolle Castro was the storyboard [...]
Continue reading: Luca Trailer: Luca experiences an Unforgettable Italian Riviera Seaside Summer in Disney’s 2021 Animated Movie...
Continue reading: Luca Trailer: Luca experiences an Unforgettable Italian Riviera Seaside Summer in Disney’s 2021 Animated Movie...
- 2/26/2021
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Since the academy expanded the Best Picture category at the Oscars in 2010, Best Original Screenplay has gone to writers of a wide-range of genres: dramas; comedies (“Midnight in Paris”); biopics; true-life stories (“Spotlight”); period pictures (“Django Unchained”); war movies (“The Hurt Locker”); sci-fi (“Her”), thrillers (“Parasite”) and horror (“Get Out”). (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2021 Oscars predictions for Best Original Screenplay and be sure to check out our predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay.)
Regardless of the type of film, a nominee needs broad academy support to win this race. Indeed, all 11 of these most recent Best Original Screenplay winners were, at the least, Best Picture nominees. And six of them won the big prize, bringing the total number of Best Picture champs with Oscar-winning original screenplays to 18. By comparison, 41 films have done this on the adapted side.
In 2019, all five nominees for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards...
Regardless of the type of film, a nominee needs broad academy support to win this race. Indeed, all 11 of these most recent Best Original Screenplay winners were, at the least, Best Picture nominees. And six of them won the big prize, bringing the total number of Best Picture champs with Oscar-winning original screenplays to 18. By comparison, 41 films have done this on the adapted side.
In 2019, all five nominees for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards...
- 2/26/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Pixar is inviting viewers to dive into the world of “Luca.” In the upcoming animated film, a boy finds a coming-of-age story in an Italian summer paradise, only to realize that his newfound best friend is a sea monster from a world below the water’s surface.
Jacob Tremblay lends his voice to title character Luca Paguro, a bright and inventive 13-year-old sea monster with endless curiosity — especially when it comes to the mysterious world above the sea. Jack Dylan Grazer voices Alberto Scorfano, the independent, free-spirited teenage sea monster with unbridled enthusiasm for the human world.
Emma Berman provides the voice of Giulia, an outgoing and charming adventurer who befriends Luca and Alberto. Jim Gaffigan voices Lorenzo, Luca’s father. Rounding out the voice cast are Maya Rudolph and Marco Barricelli, who voice Giulia’s parents.
“Luca” will be Pixar’s 24th feature, and director Enrico Casarosa, who helmed the Oscar-winning short “La Luna,...
Jacob Tremblay lends his voice to title character Luca Paguro, a bright and inventive 13-year-old sea monster with endless curiosity — especially when it comes to the mysterious world above the sea. Jack Dylan Grazer voices Alberto Scorfano, the independent, free-spirited teenage sea monster with unbridled enthusiasm for the human world.
Emma Berman provides the voice of Giulia, an outgoing and charming adventurer who befriends Luca and Alberto. Jim Gaffigan voices Lorenzo, Luca’s father. Rounding out the voice cast are Maya Rudolph and Marco Barricelli, who voice Giulia’s parents.
“Luca” will be Pixar’s 24th feature, and director Enrico Casarosa, who helmed the Oscar-winning short “La Luna,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Black Reel Awards (BRAs), an annual event that recognizes the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora in the global film industry, has unveiled the nominees for its 21st annual awards ceremony. The event, hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (Faaaf), will take place on April 11 virtually across several media platforms.
Leading the pack with 15 nominations is Amazon’s One Night in Miami, the directorial debut from Oscar and past Black Reel Award winner, Regina King, who also received a nom for Outstanding Director. The pic also picked up nominations for Outstanding Picture, Outstanding Actor (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Outstanding Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Screenplay (Kemp Powers).
Warner Bros’ Judas and the Messiah is not too far behind with 12 nominations including Outstanding Picture, Outstanding Actor (Lakeith Stanfield), Outstanding Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya), Outstanding...
Leading the pack with 15 nominations is Amazon’s One Night in Miami, the directorial debut from Oscar and past Black Reel Award winner, Regina King, who also received a nom for Outstanding Director. The pic also picked up nominations for Outstanding Picture, Outstanding Actor (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Outstanding Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Screenplay (Kemp Powers).
Warner Bros’ Judas and the Messiah is not too far behind with 12 nominations including Outstanding Picture, Outstanding Actor (Lakeith Stanfield), Outstanding Supporting Actor (Daniel Kaluuya), Outstanding...
- 2/18/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America Awards announced their nominations where big boosts were given to films like “Judas and the Black Messiah” from Shaka King, “Palm Springs” from Max Barbakow and “The White Tiger” from Ramin Bahrani.
Missing from the lineup, that was eligible, are “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” in the original screenplay category and “First Cow” and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” in the adapted.
The full list of nominations is below:
Original Screenplay
“Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros) – Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King, Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas “Palm Springs” (Hulu/Neon) – Screenplay by Andy Siara, Story by Andy Siara & Max Barbakow “Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features) – Written by Emerald Fennell “Sound of Metal” (Amazon Studios) – Screenplay by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder, Story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) – Written by Aaron Sorkin...
Missing from the lineup, that was eligible, are “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” in the original screenplay category and “First Cow” and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” in the adapted.
The full list of nominations is below:
Original Screenplay
“Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros) – Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King, Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas “Palm Springs” (Hulu/Neon) – Screenplay by Andy Siara, Story by Andy Siara & Max Barbakow “Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features) – Written by Emerald Fennell “Sound of Metal” (Amazon Studios) – Screenplay by Darius Marder & Abraham Marder, Story by Darius Marder & Derek Cianfrance “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) – Written by Aaron Sorkin...
- 2/16/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Every year, the Writers Guild of America leaves out several Oscar-contending screenplays in its award nominations. But this year’s ineligible list is massive, from “Mank” to “Nomadland.” The WGA maintains jurisdiction over whether scripts are produced under a Writer’s Guild contract, and who finally gets credit on a screenplay. The guild insists on withholding non-signatories from being part of the WGA Awards.
That’s why, unlike the other guilds, every year a long list of WGA ineligible indie, British, and animated movies are excluded. A WGA nomination isn’t essential for Oscar nomination; plenty of exceptions include American indie “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Iranian Oscar-winner “A Separation,” Oscar-winning British films “Les Miserables,” and “The Favourite,” and all Pixar animated contenders, from “Up” to “Incredibles 2.” “The Artist” and “The King’s Speech” both won Best Picture without the benefit of a WGA nomination.
The WGA nominees listed below...
That’s why, unlike the other guilds, every year a long list of WGA ineligible indie, British, and animated movies are excluded. A WGA nomination isn’t essential for Oscar nomination; plenty of exceptions include American indie “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Iranian Oscar-winner “A Separation,” Oscar-winning British films “Les Miserables,” and “The Favourite,” and all Pixar animated contenders, from “Up” to “Incredibles 2.” “The Artist” and “The King’s Speech” both won Best Picture without the benefit of a WGA nomination.
The WGA nominees listed below...
- 2/16/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Every year, the Writers Guild of America leaves out several Oscar-contending screenplays in its award nominations. But this year’s ineligible list is massive, from “Mank” to “Nomadland.” The WGA maintains jurisdiction over whether scripts are produced under a Writer’s Guild contract, and who finally gets credit on a screenplay. The guild insists on withholding non-signatories from being part of the WGA Awards.
That’s why, unlike the other guilds, every year a long list of WGA ineligible indie, British, and animated movies are excluded. A WGA nomination isn’t essential for Oscar nomination; plenty of exceptions include American indie “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Iranian Oscar-winner “A Separation,” Oscar-winning British films “Les Miserables,” and “The Favourite,” and all Pixar animated contenders, from “Up” to “Incredibles 2.” “The Artist” and “The King’s Speech” both won Best Picture without the benefit of a WGA nomination.
The WGA nominees listed below...
That’s why, unlike the other guilds, every year a long list of WGA ineligible indie, British, and animated movies are excluded. A WGA nomination isn’t essential for Oscar nomination; plenty of exceptions include American indie “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Iranian Oscar-winner “A Separation,” Oscar-winning British films “Les Miserables,” and “The Favourite,” and all Pixar animated contenders, from “Up” to “Incredibles 2.” “The Artist” and “The King’s Speech” both won Best Picture without the benefit of a WGA nomination.
The WGA nominees listed below...
- 2/16/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”), Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” will be available on digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 23.
The digital and physical releases of “Soul” will include exclusive, never-before-seen deleted scenes and audio commentary by Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Dana Murray. Additionally, fans can find the film packaged as a collectible SteelBook® at Best Buy and packaged with a limited-edition gallery book at Target.
Honored as a recipient of the American Film Institute’s Movie of the Year Award and winner of the National Board of Review’s Best Animated Feature in addition to being included on its Top Films list, “Soul” is “an animated film fit for all ages,” loved by critics and audiences alike. Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes,...
The digital and physical releases of “Soul” will include exclusive, never-before-seen deleted scenes and audio commentary by Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Dana Murray. Additionally, fans can find the film packaged as a collectible SteelBook® at Best Buy and packaged with a limited-edition gallery book at Target.
Honored as a recipient of the American Film Institute’s Movie of the Year Award and winner of the National Board of Review’s Best Animated Feature in addition to being included on its Top Films list, “Soul” is “an animated film fit for all ages,” loved by critics and audiences alike. Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Aaron Sorkin already has a number of awards to his name, many of them Primetime Emmys for his television work, but he could add another statuette to his collection with an Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay for “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” The movie, which debuted on Netflix in October and tells the story of the real-life Chicago 7, who were anti-Vietnam War protesters charged with a number of crimes, including intention to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, is currently leading Gold Derby’s combined odds at 18/5. And frankly, it’s not even a close competition at this point.
Although the much-hyped “Mank” was close behind the Sorkin-directed film for a while, it started a downward trend soon after its release on Netflix in early December. Written by the late Jack Fincher, “Mank” actually continues to dive in the odds, and this week fell below Lee Isaac Chung‘s “Minari,...
Although the much-hyped “Mank” was close behind the Sorkin-directed film for a while, it started a downward trend soon after its release on Netflix in early December. Written by the late Jack Fincher, “Mank” actually continues to dive in the odds, and this week fell below Lee Isaac Chung‘s “Minari,...
- 2/1/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
On Pixar’s latest Oscar-contending feature Soul, writer/director Pete Docter grappled with worlds both real and imaginary, looking to bring each to life with the same level of care, thought and meticulous detail.
Contemplating the origins of human personalities, the film centers on Joe, a middle school band teacher with dreams of performing as a jazz musician, who is abruptly separated from his body, just as he’s on the cusp of his big break. Subsequently finding himself in a celestial realm known as The Great Before, the musician learns that he must mentor a fledgling soul known as 22, and teach her about the beauty of life on planet Earth, if he ever wants to get back to New York City.
In the case of The Great Before, two-time Oscar winner Docter (who also serves as Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer) would have to engage in the kind of...
Contemplating the origins of human personalities, the film centers on Joe, a middle school band teacher with dreams of performing as a jazz musician, who is abruptly separated from his body, just as he’s on the cusp of his big break. Subsequently finding himself in a celestial realm known as The Great Before, the musician learns that he must mentor a fledgling soul known as 22, and teach her about the beauty of life on planet Earth, if he ever wants to get back to New York City.
In the case of The Great Before, two-time Oscar winner Docter (who also serves as Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer) would have to engage in the kind of...
- 1/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Pixar’s Soul takes viewers to The Great Before, a world where souls find their quirks and passions before manifesting on Earth. The colorful realm rife with pastel-hued spirits was 23 years in the making, when director Pete Docter wondered how his son came into the world with a personality.
“Where did that come from? I thought your personality developed through your interaction with the world,” Docter says.
Set amid the cosmic realms of souls and the bustling streets of New York City, Soul follows frustrated middle-school jazz teacher and pianist Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), who finally get his dream performing gig – until a misstep leads him to his ultimate demise. Hesitant to accept his death, Joe (in spirit form) finds himself in The Great Before, where he meets the unenthusiastic, unmotivated 22 (Tina Fey). In an attempt to help 22 find her purpose and passion, Joe rediscovers what makes life worth living for him.
“Where did that come from? I thought your personality developed through your interaction with the world,” Docter says.
Set amid the cosmic realms of souls and the bustling streets of New York City, Soul follows frustrated middle-school jazz teacher and pianist Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), who finally get his dream performing gig – until a misstep leads him to his ultimate demise. Hesitant to accept his death, Joe (in spirit form) finds himself in The Great Before, where he meets the unenthusiastic, unmotivated 22 (Tina Fey). In an attempt to help 22 find her purpose and passion, Joe rediscovers what makes life worth living for him.
- 1/25/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
The international release of Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” is igniting backlash over the decision to use a white actor to dub the film’s Black lead character. “Soul” has been widely celebrated for being the first Pixar movie to feature a Black main character, in this case a music teacher and jazz musician named Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx in the U.S. release). Director Pete Docter relied on co-director Kemp Powers and co-writer Mike Jones, plus a “cultural brain trust” of Black artists, to ensure the film accurately represented African-American culture. And yet, Joe is dubbed by white actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas in Denmark.
According to The New York Times, Lie Kaas’ voice role in the Danish “Soul” release led to scholars and activists using the national newspaper Berlingske to explain how “the casting was an example of structural racism.” The article resulted in “a fiery controversy, prompting...
According to The New York Times, Lie Kaas’ voice role in the Danish “Soul” release led to scholars and activists using the national newspaper Berlingske to explain how “the casting was an example of structural racism.” The article resulted in “a fiery controversy, prompting...
- 1/21/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Pixar has always been known for the way their films impact viewers on an emotional level and co-writer Mike Jones drew from the experience of when his father passed away to help bring that moment about in “Soul.” The moment towards the end when Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) finds objects in his pocket was drawn from when Jones looked through his dad’s belongings, Jones tells us in our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video above). “I was sitting next to him as he was passing away and as I held his hand, I would think about what’s the most important thing to him as he looks back on his life. Is it failure? Is it success? Or is it the fact that his son is next to him and holding his hand.” He immediately put that perspective into Joe’s character. “It fed right into what we wanted...
- 1/11/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Review After ‘Coco’ and ‘Inside Out’, Pixar comes out with another heart-warming watch that deals with myriad philosophical concepts.Sanjana DeshpandeFacebook/SoulPixar’s latest animation film Soul addresses some perennially troubling, existential questions through its 106-minute run time. The film upholds Pixar’s penchant for dealing with the metaphysical world as seen in its previous films. The film is a new addition to the body of work of directors Pete Docter and Kemps Power at the studio. Soul opens in a cacophonous classroom full of middle school children trying to play jazz and their discontented teacher Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx). The passionate teacher had always aspired to be a jazz player like his late father but couldn’t because his seamstress mother (Phylicia Rashad) wanted him to have a stable job. Soul, unlike Coco – Pixar’s earlier film that was based on the Festival of the Dead celebrated in Mexico...
- 12/29/2020
- by Sanjana
- The News Minute
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on December 24th, 2020, reviewing the new animated film “Soul,” from Disney/Pixar and streaming on Disney+ on December 25th, 2020.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
A musician named Joe (voice of Jamie Foxx) gets his big break, and immediately has an accident that puts his soul into a purgatory-like state. He wants to get back to earth and into his body, but first he has to mentor a lost soul nicknamed “22” (Tina Fey).
“Soul” will stream on Disney+ beginning December 25th. Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Graham Norton and Angela Bassett. Story and Screenplay by Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Mike Jones. Directed by Peter Docter and Kemp Powers. Rated “PG”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Soul”
Soul
Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
A musician named Joe (voice of Jamie Foxx) gets his big break, and immediately has an accident that puts his soul into a purgatory-like state. He wants to get back to earth and into his body, but first he has to mentor a lost soul nicknamed “22” (Tina Fey).
“Soul” will stream on Disney+ beginning December 25th. Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Graham Norton and Angela Bassett. Story and Screenplay by Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Mike Jones. Directed by Peter Docter and Kemp Powers. Rated “PG”
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s full on-air review of “Soul”
Soul
Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios
Click here for Patrick McDonald’s...
- 12/26/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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