The only reason Murder Mystery 2 or even its predecessor exists is as a star vehicle in the most literal sense of the word. The recipe is simple: Sign Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, put them in glamorous locations with lots of action and schtick, and then set it loose on a global platform – Netflix – that can easily sell these kinds of recognizable shenanigans in all points of the world. It worked in 2019, and it works again now, only this time with the action and stunts so ramped up they almost overtake the plot, such as it is. The template and characters were firmly established in the original which had our stars caught up in a murder in which they were suspects, but eventually save the day before the entire cast of characters wind up dead in the process.
It is a familiar trope for movies to pair big lovable...
It is a familiar trope for movies to pair big lovable...
- 3/31/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Buckle in for more exotic locations with Adam Sandler and company. Netflix has just released a first-look clip from the sequel to the Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston comedy Murder Mystery 2. In the new clip, Sandler and Aniston’s characters arrive at a private island where they meet up with their Maharaja friend, played by Adeel Akhtar, and get introduced to his bride-to-be, played by Mélanie Laurent of Inglourious Basterds.
The official synopsis for the film from Netflix reads,
“Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.
The official synopsis for the film from Netflix reads,
“Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.
- 3/8/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Netflix is back in the Adam Sandler business. On Monday, Netflix released the first official trailer for “Murder Mystery 2,” which serves as a sequel to the 2019 film “Murder Mystery,” and is directed by Jeremy Garelick.
In the film, it has been four years after solving their first murder mystery and Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Jennifer Aniston) “are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.”
You can watch the trailer here:
In addition to Sandler and Aniston, the new film stars Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Annie Mumolo, Tony Goldwyn, and Mark Strong. It was written...
In the film, it has been four years after solving their first murder mystery and Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Jennifer Aniston) “are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.”
You can watch the trailer here:
In addition to Sandler and Aniston, the new film stars Melanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Annie Mumolo, Tony Goldwyn, and Mark Strong. It was written...
- 1/30/2023
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
It’s deux or die – their joke, not ours – with the new trailer for Murder Mystery 2, the Netflix sequel that pairs Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston as the married couple with a knack for sleuthing and trouble.
When last we saw them in Murder Mystery, New York cop Nick (Sandler) and wife Audrey (Aniston) were on a European vacation when they got framed for the death of an elderly billionaire and were forced to go on the run.
Now they’re back, and this time they’re full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island.
Set four years after the action of the first movie, Murder Mystery 2 finds the sleuths in the midst of trouble yet again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon...
When last we saw them in Murder Mystery, New York cop Nick (Sandler) and wife Audrey (Aniston) were on a European vacation when they got framed for the death of an elderly billionaire and were forced to go on the run.
Now they’re back, and this time they’re full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island.
Set four years after the action of the first movie, Murder Mystery 2 finds the sleuths in the midst of trouble yet again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon...
- 1/30/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are back for another raucous, deadly adventure in “Murder Mystery 2.”
Netflix dropped the first trailer to the anticipated sequel on Monday, showcasing a new murder mystery after Sandler’s Nick and Aniston’s Audrey are invited to a private island for a wedding – with fatal results.
“We’re not gonna be invited anywhere ever again,” Aniston quips in the trailer.
Per an official synopsis from Netflix, the film takes four years after the action of “Murder Mystery.”
Also Read:
Netflix Sets Release Dates for ‘Extraction 2,’ David Fincher’s ‘The Killer,’ Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’ and More (Video)
“Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island,” the release reads. “But trouble follows the Spitzes again...
Netflix dropped the first trailer to the anticipated sequel on Monday, showcasing a new murder mystery after Sandler’s Nick and Aniston’s Audrey are invited to a private island for a wedding – with fatal results.
“We’re not gonna be invited anywhere ever again,” Aniston quips in the trailer.
Per an official synopsis from Netflix, the film takes four years after the action of “Murder Mystery.”
Also Read:
Netflix Sets Release Dates for ‘Extraction 2,’ David Fincher’s ‘The Killer,’ Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon’ and More (Video)
“Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island,” the release reads. “But trouble follows the Spitzes again...
- 1/30/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
If you enjoyed Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and are yearning for more whodunnit comedy set in exotic locales, Netflix has your back as the streaming service has just released the trailer for the sequel to Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston‘s 2019 comedy, Murder Mystery. Murder Mystery 2 reunites Sandler with Aniston on their third collaboration after Just Go with It and the first Murder Mystery. This time, the mystery ends up taking our duo to Paris and will feature an all-new ensemble cast.
The official Netflix synopsis reads,
“Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after...
The official Netflix synopsis reads,
“Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after...
- 1/30/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston are (back) on the case.
The stars of Netflix’s aptly titled “Murder Mystery” action-comedy return for the sequel, which charts a kidnapping from a private island to Paris. The official synopsis of “Murder Mystery 2” reads: Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Aniston) are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.
“Murder Mystery 2” sends Nick and Audrey Spitz on a high-stakes case that finally gives them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful…...
The stars of Netflix’s aptly titled “Murder Mystery” action-comedy return for the sequel, which charts a kidnapping from a private island to Paris. The official synopsis of “Murder Mystery 2” reads: Four years after solving their first murder mystery, Nick and Audrey Spitz (Sandler and Aniston) are now full-time detectives struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground when they’re invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja (Adeel Akhtar) on his private island. But trouble follows the Spitzes again when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin — making each glamorous guest, family member, and the bride herself a suspect.
“Murder Mystery 2” sends Nick and Audrey Spitz on a high-stakes case that finally gives them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful…...
- 1/30/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Netflix has dropped the first trailer for “Murder Mystery 2,” bringing back stars Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston for another thrilling adventure.
In “Murder Mystery 2,” Audrey and Nick Spitz (Aniston and Sandler) now run a struggling private eye agency when their friend, the Maharaja, gets kidnapped at his wedding, leaving the full-time detectives in the middle of an international abduction.
The 2019 “Murder Mystery” movie followed the Spitzes on a European vacation to refresh their marriage. However, their plans turned south when the cop and his wife were framed for murdering a billionaire, leading to an epic whodunnit adventure. The original film was massively successful, being streamed by over 30 million accounts in its first three days. It ended 2019 as Netflix’s most popular release, followed by “Stranger Things 3” in second place.
The “Murder Mystery” sequel’s cast includes returning actors Adeel Akhtar (Maharajah) and John Kani (Colonel Ulenga), with Mark Strong,...
In “Murder Mystery 2,” Audrey and Nick Spitz (Aniston and Sandler) now run a struggling private eye agency when their friend, the Maharaja, gets kidnapped at his wedding, leaving the full-time detectives in the middle of an international abduction.
The 2019 “Murder Mystery” movie followed the Spitzes on a European vacation to refresh their marriage. However, their plans turned south when the cop and his wife were framed for murdering a billionaire, leading to an epic whodunnit adventure. The original film was massively successful, being streamed by over 30 million accounts in its first three days. It ended 2019 as Netflix’s most popular release, followed by “Stranger Things 3” in second place.
The “Murder Mystery” sequel’s cast includes returning actors Adeel Akhtar (Maharajah) and John Kani (Colonel Ulenga), with Mark Strong,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Twice a month Joe Lipsett will dissect a new Amityville Horror film to explore how the “franchise” has evolved in increasingly ludicrous directions. This is “The Amityville IP.”
What’s fun about writing this series based on first time watches is that I only have a cursory awareness of the weird places the franchise goes. When Amityville is discussed in horror circles, you hear about “the one with the clock” or “the one with the dollhouse,” as well as insinuations that at some point the films go completely off the rail.
That means that pressing play on each successive entry is accompanied by an “is this it?” question: Is this one of the infamous entries? Is this where the franchise loses its way?
I’m happy to report that while The Evil Escapes isn’t a great film, it certainly isn’t a horrible entry in the series. If anything,...
What’s fun about writing this series based on first time watches is that I only have a cursory awareness of the weird places the franchise goes. When Amityville is discussed in horror circles, you hear about “the one with the clock” or “the one with the dollhouse,” as well as insinuations that at some point the films go completely off the rail.
That means that pressing play on each successive entry is accompanied by an “is this it?” question: Is this one of the infamous entries? Is this where the franchise loses its way?
I’m happy to report that while The Evil Escapes isn’t a great film, it certainly isn’t a horrible entry in the series. If anything,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
Click here to read the full article.
Stomp, the award-winning percussion, rhythm and comedy production created by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell, will take its final off-Broadway bow this winter.
On Tuesday, producers announced the long-running show would close, with its final performance at the Orpheum Theatre set for Jan. 8, 2023. The closing is “due to declining ticket sales,” a spokesperson for the production told The Hollywood Reporter.
“We are so proud that the East Village and the Orpheum Theatre has been Stomp’s home for so many wonderful years and want to thank our producers and our amazing cast, crew and front-of-house staff, all of whom have worked so hard for so long to make the show such a success,” Cresswell and McNicholas said in a statement. “They have always given 100 percent to every audience, from the very beginning in 1994 to the post-lockdown audiences of 2022. We want to thank everyone...
Stomp, the award-winning percussion, rhythm and comedy production created by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell, will take its final off-Broadway bow this winter.
On Tuesday, producers announced the long-running show would close, with its final performance at the Orpheum Theatre set for Jan. 8, 2023. The closing is “due to declining ticket sales,” a spokesperson for the production told The Hollywood Reporter.
“We are so proud that the East Village and the Orpheum Theatre has been Stomp’s home for so many wonderful years and want to thank our producers and our amazing cast, crew and front-of-house staff, all of whom have worked so hard for so long to make the show such a success,” Cresswell and McNicholas said in a statement. “They have always given 100 percent to every audience, from the very beginning in 1994 to the post-lockdown audiences of 2022. We want to thank everyone...
- 12/6/2022
- by Abbey White and Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stomp, the percussive Off Broadway staple that has drawn tourists and locals to its East Village theater for nearly 30 years, will close on January 8, 2023, producers announced today.
The show, which combines percussion, movement, comedy and everyday objects transformed into musical instruments, will continue its North American and European tours.
Though producers didn’t specify a reason for the closure, New York tourism and the theater industry has yet to fully recover to pre-Covid levels. Stomp was among New York’s first stage productions to resume performances after the 15-month 2020-21 shutdown, resuming its drumbeats on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Stomp‘s team of producers said in a statement today, “We fell in love with Stomp when we first saw it in Europe and when we brought this hard-to-describe show here, we imagined that it would find an audience. We could not have imagined the remarkable success it would enjoy, becoming part of popular culture,...
The show, which combines percussion, movement, comedy and everyday objects transformed into musical instruments, will continue its North American and European tours.
Though producers didn’t specify a reason for the closure, New York tourism and the theater industry has yet to fully recover to pre-Covid levels. Stomp was among New York’s first stage productions to resume performances after the 15-month 2020-21 shutdown, resuming its drumbeats on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Stomp‘s team of producers said in a statement today, “We fell in love with Stomp when we first saw it in Europe and when we brought this hard-to-describe show here, we imagined that it would find an audience. We could not have imagined the remarkable success it would enjoy, becoming part of popular culture,...
- 12/6/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
East Los Angeles College was a team of destiny in 2020 — and then Covid changed all our fates.
Well, the Elac Huskies and head hoops coach John Mosley are back — and so are Greg Whiteley’s cameras for Season 2 of Netflix sports-documentary series “Last Chance U: Basketball.” The sophomore season for the spinoff of Whiteley’s Juco football docuseries “Last Chance U” will premiere December 13 on the streaming service. Netflix released a trailer on Tuesday; check it out below.
Beyond Mosley, you won’t see a whole lot of familiar faces in the sneak preview. That’s kind of the nature of prestige junior college sports — or at least, it is if all goes according to plan. But before the dreams of a major transfer can take place, the talented players, many of whom lost Division I scholarships for behavioral and/or academic reasons, will attempt to gel enough to win a championship.
Well, the Elac Huskies and head hoops coach John Mosley are back — and so are Greg Whiteley’s cameras for Season 2 of Netflix sports-documentary series “Last Chance U: Basketball.” The sophomore season for the spinoff of Whiteley’s Juco football docuseries “Last Chance U” will premiere December 13 on the streaming service. Netflix released a trailer on Tuesday; check it out below.
Beyond Mosley, you won’t see a whole lot of familiar faces in the sneak preview. That’s kind of the nature of prestige junior college sports — or at least, it is if all goes according to plan. But before the dreams of a major transfer can take place, the talented players, many of whom lost Division I scholarships for behavioral and/or academic reasons, will attempt to gel enough to win a championship.
- 11/15/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
As Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston get embroiled in another international caper for “Murder Mystery 2,” the Netflix sequel has rounded out its ensemble cast.
Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, Tony Goldwyn, Annie Mumolo and Zurin Villanueva have signed on for second installment, with Adeel Akhtar’s Maharajah and John Kani’s Colonel Ulenga returning.
“Murder Mystery” was a massive hit for Netflix, breaking viewership records upon its 2019 debut with the streamer reporting close to 30.9 million households tuned in over the first 3 days of release. “Murder Mystery 2” will be directed by Jeremy Garelick from a script by James Vanderbilt, with revisions by Garelick.
Sandler and Aniston produce the project under their respective banners. Also producing are Tripp Vinson for Vinson Films, James Stern for Endgame Entertainment and Vanderbilt. Executive producers are Barry Bernardi, Kevin Grady, Kyle Newacheck, Tim Herlihy, Beau Flynn, Julie Goldstein and Lucas Smith.
Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, Tony Goldwyn, Annie Mumolo and Zurin Villanueva have signed on for second installment, with Adeel Akhtar’s Maharajah and John Kani’s Colonel Ulenga returning.
“Murder Mystery” was a massive hit for Netflix, breaking viewership records upon its 2019 debut with the streamer reporting close to 30.9 million households tuned in over the first 3 days of release. “Murder Mystery 2” will be directed by Jeremy Garelick from a script by James Vanderbilt, with revisions by Garelick.
Sandler and Aniston produce the project under their respective banners. Also producing are Tripp Vinson for Vinson Films, James Stern for Endgame Entertainment and Vanderbilt. Executive producers are Barry Bernardi, Kevin Grady, Kyle Newacheck, Tim Herlihy, Beau Flynn, Julie Goldstein and Lucas Smith.
- 1/24/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Home Entertainment has announced that the cult favorite Looper is coming to 4K Ultra HD libraries with a new release February 15.
Synopsis
In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good…until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, and also starring Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels.
Disc Details & Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by the filmmakers
• All-new Director-approved Dolby Atmos audio...
Synopsis
In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good…until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, and also starring Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels.
Disc Details & Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by the filmmakers
• All-new Director-approved Dolby Atmos audio...
- 12/9/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Silver Linings Playbook is headed to Broadway — at least that’s the plan, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
James D. Stern, the veteran producer and director for stage and screen, who won best musical Tonys for The Producers and Hairspray, has acquired the rights to develop the 2012 motion picture — which was adapted from Matthew Quick‘s novel of the same name, was directed by David O. Russell and starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence — into a musical theater production.
“I’ve thought Silver Linings Playbook would make a perfect musical since it was first released,” Stern tells THR. “I am thrilled to now be moving ...
James D. Stern, the veteran producer and director for stage and screen, who won best musical Tonys for The Producers and Hairspray, has acquired the rights to develop the 2012 motion picture — which was adapted from Matthew Quick‘s novel of the same name, was directed by David O. Russell and starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence — into a musical theater production.
“I’ve thought Silver Linings Playbook would make a perfect musical since it was first released,” Stern tells THR. “I am thrilled to now be moving ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Silver Linings Playbook is headed to Broadway — at least that’s the plan, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
James D. Stern, the veteran producer and director for stage and screen, who won best musical Tonys for The Producers and Hairspray, has acquired the rights to develop the 2012 motion picture — which was adapted from Matthew Quick‘s novel of the same name, was directed by David O. Russell and starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence — into a musical theater production.
“I’ve thought Silver Linings Playbook would make a perfect musical since it was first released,” Stern tells THR. “I am thrilled to now be moving ...
James D. Stern, the veteran producer and director for stage and screen, who won best musical Tonys for The Producers and Hairspray, has acquired the rights to develop the 2012 motion picture — which was adapted from Matthew Quick‘s novel of the same name, was directed by David O. Russell and starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence — into a musical theater production.
“I’ve thought Silver Linings Playbook would make a perfect musical since it was first released,” Stern tells THR. “I am thrilled to now be moving ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lace ‘em up, fans of top-notch sports docs: Netflix has renewed “Last Chance U: Basketball” for a second season and ordered what the streaming service is calling “Volume 2” of the excellent feature-length documentary series “Untold.”
The second season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” will return to East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) and head coach John Mosley. “Untold: Volume 2” will consist of four new stories told over four weeks, including a two-part film on Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te’o. Directed by Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, that one will feature interviews with Manti Te’o and the catfisher behind the hoax, Netflix said.
Additionally, Netflix has ordered a new docuseries, “Bad Sport,” which examines “six unbelievable stories at the intersection of sports and crime.”
“Bad Sport” episodes include the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic figure skating scandal; superstar Indycar driver Randy Lanier’s marijuana-smuggling operation; the Arizona State University basketball point-shaving...
The second season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” will return to East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) and head coach John Mosley. “Untold: Volume 2” will consist of four new stories told over four weeks, including a two-part film on Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te’o. Directed by Ryan Duffy and Tony Vainuku, that one will feature interviews with Manti Te’o and the catfisher behind the hoax, Netflix said.
Additionally, Netflix has ordered a new docuseries, “Bad Sport,” which examines “six unbelievable stories at the intersection of sports and crime.”
“Bad Sport” episodes include the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic figure skating scandal; superstar Indycar driver Randy Lanier’s marijuana-smuggling operation; the Arizona State University basketball point-shaving...
- 9/10/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
In today’s TV news roundup, “South Park” premiered a preview clip of its coronavirus-themed special and Paramount Plus’ shared with Variety an exclusive clip from true-crime docuseries “For Heaven’s Sake.”
Casting
Matthew Sato has been cast as Kai, a series regular role, in Disney Plus‘ new “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.,” portraying the brother of lead Dr. Lahela Kamealoha (Peyton Elizabeth Lee). Described as Lahela’s “hot older brother,” he is a charming, emotionally intelligent and charismatic guy who sometimes struggled with book smarts. The woman-centered reboot of ABC‘s “Doogie Howser” follows Lahela, a 16-year-old genius doctor in Hawaii. While she still lives with her family and barely has her driver’s license, her days are filled with making vital life-changing decisions. The series is written and executive produced by Kourtney Kang, along with Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Dayna and Jesse Bochco. Kasdan will direct the first episode.
Casting
Matthew Sato has been cast as Kai, a series regular role, in Disney Plus‘ new “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.,” portraying the brother of lead Dr. Lahela Kamealoha (Peyton Elizabeth Lee). Described as Lahela’s “hot older brother,” he is a charming, emotionally intelligent and charismatic guy who sometimes struggled with book smarts. The woman-centered reboot of ABC‘s “Doogie Howser” follows Lahela, a 16-year-old genius doctor in Hawaii. While she still lives with her family and barely has her driver’s license, her days are filled with making vital life-changing decisions. The series is written and executive produced by Kourtney Kang, along with Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Dayna and Jesse Bochco. Kasdan will direct the first episode.
- 3/4/2021
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix released the trailer for Greg Whiteley’s “Last Chance U: Basketball” docuseries on Wednesday, and the two-minute preview’s flurry of slam dunks will not disappoint. Nor will the franchise’s latest fiery coach, John Mosley.
Having already binged the whole season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” (which Netflix is insisting on calling “Last Chance U: Basketball” Season 1 and Not “Last Chance U” Season 6) via screeners, this writer can assure you that Mosley is nicer than most of those football guys from the first five seasons. He’s just… passionate.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
As TheWrap previously first revealed, “Last Chance U: Basketball” premieres in its entirety on March 10 on Netflix. We also posted the first teaser from this first roundball season — watch that here.
Over the course of eight episodes, viewers will follow the East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) in their high stakes chase...
Having already binged the whole season of “Last Chance U: Basketball” (which Netflix is insisting on calling “Last Chance U: Basketball” Season 1 and Not “Last Chance U” Season 6) via screeners, this writer can assure you that Mosley is nicer than most of those football guys from the first five seasons. He’s just… passionate.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
As TheWrap previously first revealed, “Last Chance U: Basketball” premieres in its entirety on March 10 on Netflix. We also posted the first teaser from this first roundball season — watch that here.
Over the course of eight episodes, viewers will follow the East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) in their high stakes chase...
- 3/3/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix revealed the release date and teaser for “Last Chance U: Basketball,” and Disney Channel announced the voice cast for “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil’s Dinosaur.”
Dates
Netflix revealed that “Last Chance U: Basketball,” a spinoff of Greg Whiteley’s football-centric docuseries, will premiere globally on March 10. Over the course of eight episodes, the show will follow the East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) in their high stakes chase to an unprecedented California state basketball championship. Led by head coach John Mosley, the Elac team consists of former D1 recruits and powerhouse athletes hustling to showcase their college potential, but the players are tested as they battle adversity, inner demons and emotions on and off the court. In addition to Whiteley, Joe Labracio, Lucas Smith and James D. Stern serve as executive producers on “Last Chance U: Basketball.” Co-executive producers on the project include Andrew Fried,...
Dates
Netflix revealed that “Last Chance U: Basketball,” a spinoff of Greg Whiteley’s football-centric docuseries, will premiere globally on March 10. Over the course of eight episodes, the show will follow the East Los Angeles College Huskies (Elac) in their high stakes chase to an unprecedented California state basketball championship. Led by head coach John Mosley, the Elac team consists of former D1 recruits and powerhouse athletes hustling to showcase their college potential, but the players are tested as they battle adversity, inner demons and emotions on and off the court. In addition to Whiteley, Joe Labracio, Lucas Smith and James D. Stern serve as executive producers on “Last Chance U: Basketball.” Co-executive producers on the project include Andrew Fried,...
- 2/10/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
“Last Chance U” is heading from the football field to the hardcourt for “Last Chance U: Basketball,” a spinoff of Greg Whiteley’s excellent Netflix docuseries. The new series, chronicles the 2019-20 season of junior-college hoops in California, will launch on March 10, 2021, TheWrap has learned.
We can also reveal the new show’s first teaser, in which Elac head coach John Mosley promises: “It’s hard as hell here.”
Watch that via the video above.
“Basketball builds character? Not necessarily,” Mosley says in the first-look video. “Basketball reveals.”
“Last Chance U: Basketball” provides an “honest, gritty look inside the world of community college basketball,” according to Netflix’s synopsis. Having seen the entirety of Season 1, we can sign off on that.
We can also co-sign that whole thing about “character” the passionate coach/preacher says in our sneak peek.
Over the course of eight episodes, viewers will follow the East...
We can also reveal the new show’s first teaser, in which Elac head coach John Mosley promises: “It’s hard as hell here.”
Watch that via the video above.
“Basketball builds character? Not necessarily,” Mosley says in the first-look video. “Basketball reveals.”
“Last Chance U: Basketball” provides an “honest, gritty look inside the world of community college basketball,” according to Netflix’s synopsis. Having seen the entirety of Season 1, we can sign off on that.
We can also co-sign that whole thing about “character” the passionate coach/preacher says in our sneak peek.
Over the course of eight episodes, viewers will follow the East...
- 2/10/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
“The thing about making a documentary is you’ve gotta be lucky, and anybody who doesn’t tell you that is not telling you the whole truth,” says James D. Stern, the co-director, with Fernando Villena, of the Netflix documentary feature Giving Voice.
The “luckiest” aspects of this film, which intersperses footage of six young contestants in an August Wilson monologue competition with interviews about the late playwright, is that the filmmakers wound up picking six remarkable kids to follow, and also secured the participation of his most celebrated collaborators, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. (Davis and John Legend are EPs of the film,...
The “luckiest” aspects of this film, which intersperses footage of six young contestants in an August Wilson monologue competition with interviews about the late playwright, is that the filmmakers wound up picking six remarkable kids to follow, and also secured the participation of his most celebrated collaborators, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. (Davis and John Legend are EPs of the film,...
“The thing about making a documentary is you’ve gotta be lucky, and anybody who doesn’t tell you that is not telling you the whole truth,” says James D. Stern, the co-director, with Fernando Villena, of the Netflix documentary feature Giving Voice.
The “luckiest” aspects of this film, which intersperses footage of six young contestants in an August Wilson monologue competition with interviews about the late playwright, is that the filmmakers wound up picking six remarkable kids to follow, and also secured the participation of his most celebrated collaborators, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. (Davis and John Legend are EPs of the film,...
The “luckiest” aspects of this film, which intersperses footage of six young contestants in an August Wilson monologue competition with interviews about the late playwright, is that the filmmakers wound up picking six remarkable kids to follow, and also secured the participation of his most celebrated collaborators, Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. (Davis and John Legend are EPs of the film,...
Crip Camp, the Netflix documentary about a unique summer camp for disabled kids and its role propelling the disability rights movement, won Best Feature at the International Documentary Association’s IDA Awards, in something of an upset.
The film directed by Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht (the latter attended the titular camp as a teen) also won the ABC News VideoSource Award, recognizing its skillful use of archival video from the 1970s to 1990s.
“I want to thank everybody at Camp Jened, the staff, the counselors and the campers,” said an emotional LeBrecht as he, Newnham and producer Sara Bolder accepted the award. “My life set a course when I went there and you all are responsible for this–you are so much a part of this award.”
Newnham added, “The hippie teens and counselors of Camp Jened could never have imagined the wide-reaching impact that their brief utopian community...
The film directed by Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht (the latter attended the titular camp as a teen) also won the ABC News VideoSource Award, recognizing its skillful use of archival video from the 1970s to 1990s.
“I want to thank everybody at Camp Jened, the staff, the counselors and the campers,” said an emotional LeBrecht as he, Newnham and producer Sara Bolder accepted the award. “My life set a course when I went there and you all are responsible for this–you are so much a part of this award.”
Newnham added, “The hippie teens and counselors of Camp Jened could never have imagined the wide-reaching impact that their brief utopian community...
- 1/17/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
“Crip Camp” has been named the best documentary of 2020 at the 36th annual IDA Documentary Awards, the International Documentary Association announced on Saturday at a virtual ceremony.
The film, about an upstate New York summer camp for disabled teens that helped launch the disability rights movement, also won the ABC News VideoSource Award for its use of archival footage and finished as runner-up to “My Octopus Teacher” for the Pare Lorentz Award.
“Crip Camp,” a Netflix film that premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, won in a category whose other nominees were “Collective,” “Gunda,” “MLK/FBI,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Reunited,” “Softie,” “Time,” “The Truffle Hunters” and “Welcome to Chechnya.”
Garrett Bradley won the best director award for “Time” and also won the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award for that film.
In the television categories, awards went to “American Experience” for curated series, “Last Chance U” for episodic series and...
The film, about an upstate New York summer camp for disabled teens that helped launch the disability rights movement, also won the ABC News VideoSource Award for its use of archival footage and finished as runner-up to “My Octopus Teacher” for the Pare Lorentz Award.
“Crip Camp,” a Netflix film that premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, won in a category whose other nominees were “Collective,” “Gunda,” “MLK/FBI,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Reunited,” “Softie,” “Time,” “The Truffle Hunters” and “Welcome to Chechnya.”
Garrett Bradley won the best director award for “Time” and also won the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award for that film.
In the television categories, awards went to “American Experience” for curated series, “Last Chance U” for episodic series and...
- 1/17/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The International Documentary Association has announced the winners of the 36th annual IDA Documentary Awards, with “Crip Camp” taking home the top prize.
The ceremony was hosted by actor Willie Garson, with musical entertainment from Ruby Ibarra, who performed the theme from “A Thousand Cuts.”
Directed by Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht, “Crip Camp” received the best feature award as well as the ABC News VideoSource award. Garrett Bradley won best director for his film “Time,” while “John Was Trying to Contact Aliens” from Matthew Killip received the best short award. “Dick Johnson Is Dead” took home the awards for best writing and best editing.
Besides “Crip Camp,” the nominees for best feature included “Collective,” “Gunda,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Softie,” “The Truffle Hunters,” “MLK/FBI,” “Reunited,” “Time” and “Welcome to Chechnya.” Nominees for best director besides Bradley included Newnham and LeBrecht for “Crip Camp,” Jerry Rothwell for “The Reason I Jump,...
The ceremony was hosted by actor Willie Garson, with musical entertainment from Ruby Ibarra, who performed the theme from “A Thousand Cuts.”
Directed by Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht, “Crip Camp” received the best feature award as well as the ABC News VideoSource award. Garrett Bradley won best director for his film “Time,” while “John Was Trying to Contact Aliens” from Matthew Killip received the best short award. “Dick Johnson Is Dead” took home the awards for best writing and best editing.
Besides “Crip Camp,” the nominees for best feature included “Collective,” “Gunda,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Softie,” “The Truffle Hunters,” “MLK/FBI,” “Reunited,” “Time” and “Welcome to Chechnya.” Nominees for best director besides Bradley included Newnham and LeBrecht for “Crip Camp,” Jerry Rothwell for “The Reason I Jump,...
- 1/17/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The International Documentary Association’s annual awards is usually a bustling get-together for the film and television non-fiction community. The 36th iteration was the usual pandemic-era virtual version, sans networking, but with returning host Willie Garson. “This past year has not been normal in any way,” said outgoing IDA executive director Simon Kilmurry. “If 2020/2021 has shown us anything, it’s that even with all the challenges we face and the grief we’ve had, the work of storytellers is essential.”
At the end of the streamlined affair, Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht’s “Crip Camp” (Netflix) took home both the Best Feature Award and ABC News VideoSource Award. “It’s one of the major civil rights stories of American history that had been forgotten,” said Newnham.
LeBrecht thanked Sundance for its support, as well as Camp Jened, he said: “My life set a course when I went there. You are all responsible,...
At the end of the streamlined affair, Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht’s “Crip Camp” (Netflix) took home both the Best Feature Award and ABC News VideoSource Award. “It’s one of the major civil rights stories of American history that had been forgotten,” said Newnham.
LeBrecht thanked Sundance for its support, as well as Camp Jened, he said: “My life set a course when I went there. You are all responsible,...
- 1/17/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The International Documentary Association’s annual awards is usually a bustling get-together for the film and television non-fiction community. The 36th iteration was the usual pandemic-era virtual version, sans networking, but with returning host Willie Garson. “This past year has not been normal in any way,” said outgoing IDA executive director Simon Kilmurry. “If 2020/2021 has shown us anything, it’s that even with all the challenges we face and the grief we’ve had, the work of storytellers is essential.”
At the end of the streamlined affair, Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht’s “Crip Camp” (Netflix) took home both the Best Feature Award and ABC News VideoSource Award. “It’s one of the major civil rights stories of American history that had been forgotten,” said Newnham.
LeBrecht thanked Sundance for its support, as well as Camp Jened, he said: “My life set a course when I went there. You are all responsible,...
At the end of the streamlined affair, Nicole Newnham and Jim LeBrecht’s “Crip Camp” (Netflix) took home both the Best Feature Award and ABC News VideoSource Award. “It’s one of the major civil rights stories of American history that had been forgotten,” said Newnham.
LeBrecht thanked Sundance for its support, as well as Camp Jened, he said: “My life set a course when I went there. You are all responsible,...
- 1/17/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
True to its title, “Giving Voice” amplifies the lives and talents of half a dozen high school students from different American cities who aim to be finalists in the national August Wilson monologue competition. Co-directors James D. Stern and Fernando Villena’s inspirational documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival pre-pandemic, chronicles Wilson’s work and how it impacts the lives of these youngsters. Produced by musician John Legend, “Giving Voice” adds marquee value to its six unknowns by including appearances by Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, who co-starred in the 2016 adaptation of his Pulitzer-winning play, “Fences.”
Among the film’s subjects, Nia Sarfo prepares a monologue from “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” In between her studies, she trains hard in hope of becoming a professional actress. This is the second time around for Freedom Martin, whereas Cody Merridith represents the kid with raw talent. With no formal acting training,...
Among the film’s subjects, Nia Sarfo prepares a monologue from “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” In between her studies, she trains hard in hope of becoming a professional actress. This is the second time around for Freedom Martin, whereas Cody Merridith represents the kid with raw talent. With no formal acting training,...
- 12/9/2020
- by Valerie Complex
- Variety Film + TV
"You have a lot of labels put on you... and somewhere in there is who you really are." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for Giving Voice, an award-winning documentary created by producers / filmmakers James D. Stern & Fernando Villena. This premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won an Audience Awards as the Festival Favorite. This film follows the annual August Wilson Monologue competition and the thousands of high schoolers who enter the competition for the opportunity to perform on Broadway. We've featured trailers for a few other doc films about these kind of events, including Don't Be Nice about a poetry slam team. Executive producer Viola Davis, with Fences co-star Denzel Washington, share the impact that Wilson’s timeless artistry and legacy has had on their careers and their hopes for the young people carrying it forward. The film also features the original song "Never Break" from John Legend.
- 11/19/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement, but it was the subsequent viral footage of Jacob Blake shot in the back seven times by a police officer with his children in the back seat in Kenosha, Wisconsin that was the pivot point for the National Basketball Association and its players as they embraced a growing political role that will be felt when record numbers of Black voters show up at polling places tomorrow.
That is the premise of …Like You Never Voted Before, a documentary being shot right now by a group of hoops-connected filmmakers who are following players and team executive and employees going into tomorrow’s Presidential Elections. The NBA is cooperating and numerous of its players are taking part.
The film is produced by Mandalay Sports Media in association with Endgame Entertainment, Wavelength Productions, and Park Pictures. Mike Tollin...
That is the premise of …Like You Never Voted Before, a documentary being shot right now by a group of hoops-connected filmmakers who are following players and team executive and employees going into tomorrow’s Presidential Elections. The NBA is cooperating and numerous of its players are taking part.
The film is produced by Mandalay Sports Media in association with Endgame Entertainment, Wavelength Productions, and Park Pictures. Mike Tollin...
- 11/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the documentary “Giving Voice” and will release it on the streaming service later this year.
“Giving Voice” won the Sundance Film Festival favorite award, a plaudit that’s selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened at the 2020 event.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, “Giving Voice” follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. It features the original song “Never Break” performed by John Legend.
“This is my fifth project with Netflix and nothing thrills me more than to be able to bring ‘Giving Voice’ to a place that I consider home,” Stern said.
The movie was produced by Endgame Entertainment and Pilgrim Media Group Production, in association with Endeavor Content, Impact Partners, Get Lifted Film Co and JuVee Productions. Stern and Villena also produced the film,...
“Giving Voice” won the Sundance Film Festival favorite award, a plaudit that’s selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened at the 2020 event.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, “Giving Voice” follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. It features the original song “Never Break” performed by John Legend.
“This is my fifth project with Netflix and nothing thrills me more than to be able to bring ‘Giving Voice’ to a place that I consider home,” Stern said.
The movie was produced by Endgame Entertainment and Pilgrim Media Group Production, in association with Endeavor Content, Impact Partners, Get Lifted Film Co and JuVee Productions. Stern and Villena also produced the film,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to “Giving Voice,” a documentary about the August Wilson Monologue Competition that won the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“Giving Voice” is directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena and follows six students as they advance through the monologue competition, which highlights the work of the playwright behind “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” and allows winners the chance to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
The documentary specifically looks at students from public schools pursuing careers in performance arts, and it uses Wilson’s words to focus on the black experience in America and how words and voices can be ignited to inspire change. Netflix plans to release “Giving Voice” later this year.
Also Read: Watch Dave Chappelle Respond to George Floyd's Death in Surprise Netflix Special '8:46' (Video)
“This is my fifth project...
“Giving Voice” is directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena and follows six students as they advance through the monologue competition, which highlights the work of the playwright behind “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson” and allows winners the chance to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway.
The documentary specifically looks at students from public schools pursuing careers in performance arts, and it uses Wilson’s words to focus on the black experience in America and how words and voices can be ignited to inspire change. Netflix plans to release “Giving Voice” later this year.
Also Read: Watch Dave Chappelle Respond to George Floyd's Death in Surprise Netflix Special '8:46' (Video)
“This is my fifth project...
- 6/18/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Netflix has secured the right to Giving Voice, the James D. Stern and Fernando Villena-directed documentary which earned the Festival Favorite Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The pic, which will be released in the streamer later this year, surrounds a new generation of performers and follows the emotional journey of six students as they advance through the high-stakes August Wilson Monologue Competition, an event that highlights the work of one of America’s preeminent playwrights. The national event brings Wilson’s work to public school students pursuing careers in the performance arts. The students who commit to the demanding and rewarding competition process are encouraged to explore themselves and the world around them through the monologues from Wilson’s century cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
It also features an original song, Never Break, performed by John Legend and written Legend,...
The pic, which will be released in the streamer later this year, surrounds a new generation of performers and follows the emotional journey of six students as they advance through the high-stakes August Wilson Monologue Competition, an event that highlights the work of one of America’s preeminent playwrights. The national event brings Wilson’s work to public school students pursuing careers in the performance arts. The students who commit to the demanding and rewarding competition process are encouraged to explore themselves and the world around them through the monologues from Wilson’s century cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
It also features an original song, Never Break, performed by John Legend and written Legend,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has taken the worldwide rights to Giving Voice, the Sundance Audience Award winner.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, Giving Voice follows six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City for the opportunity to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway. The competition has students explore themselves and the world around them through monologues from playwright August Wilson’s cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
The streaming giant will release the documentary later this year.
Meanwhile, the film adaptation of ...
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, Giving Voice follows six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City for the opportunity to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway. The competition has students explore themselves and the world around them through monologues from playwright August Wilson’s cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
The streaming giant will release the documentary later this year.
Meanwhile, the film adaptation of ...
- 6/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Netflix has taken the worldwide rights to Giving Voice, the Sundance Audience Award winner.
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, Giving Voice follows six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City for the opportunity to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway. The competition has students explore themselves and the world around them through monologues from playwright August Wilson’s cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
The streaming giant will release the documentary later this year.
Meanwhile, the film adaptation of ...
Directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, Giving Voice follows six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City for the opportunity to perform at the August Wilson Theater on Broadway. The competition has students explore themselves and the world around them through monologues from playwright August Wilson’s cycle of ten plays focused on the Black experience in America.
The streaming giant will release the documentary later this year.
Meanwhile, the film adaptation of ...
- 6/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Giving Voice” has won the Festival Favorite Award, selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Sundance Institute made the announcement Tuesday, noting that “Boys State” and “On The Record” were the runner-ups for the award. Others in contention were “Binti,” “Crip Camp,” “The Fight,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Softie,” “Uncle Frank,” and “Welcome to Chechnya.
“Giving Voice,” directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. The film was produced by Stern and Villena along with Karen Bove, Schoen Smith and Craig Piligian.
“This film is a compelling and inspiring portrait of six remarkable young people as they discover their power,” said John Cooper, director of the festival. “We’re thrilled that it resonated with audiences at this...
Sundance Institute made the announcement Tuesday, noting that “Boys State” and “On The Record” were the runner-ups for the award. Others in contention were “Binti,” “Crip Camp,” “The Fight,” “The Reason I Jump,” “Softie,” “Uncle Frank,” and “Welcome to Chechnya.
“Giving Voice,” directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena, follows the lives of six students as they compete against fellow high schoolers from around the country in the August Wilson Monologue Competition in New York City. The film was produced by Stern and Villena along with Karen Bove, Schoen Smith and Craig Piligian.
“This film is a compelling and inspiring portrait of six remarkable young people as they discover their power,” said John Cooper, director of the festival. “We’re thrilled that it resonated with audiences at this...
- 2/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Giving Voice, the film from James D. Stern and Fernando Villena that had bowed in the Documentary Features section at the Sundance Film Festival, has won the event’s Festival Favorite Award. The honor, separate from the juried and audience awards handed out Saturday as the festival wrapped its 2020 edition, is selected by audience votes from the 128 features screened in Park City this year.
The festival said runners-up for the Festival Favorite Award were On the Record, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s documentary about the female accusers of media mogul Russell Simmons, and Boys State, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s pic that follows a social experiment in which a thousand 17-year-old boys from Texas join to build a representative government from the ground up.
Boys State won the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary section on Saturday night.
Giving Voice follows the lives of six students...
The festival said runners-up for the Festival Favorite Award were On the Record, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s documentary about the female accusers of media mogul Russell Simmons, and Boys State, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s pic that follows a social experiment in which a thousand 17-year-old boys from Texas join to build a representative government from the ground up.
Boys State won the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary section on Saturday night.
Giving Voice follows the lives of six students...
- 2/4/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Every year, thousands of high school students from all over the country gather in New York City to recite a monologue from the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson as part of a Broadway competition. Wilson’s existing 10 plays each take place during a distinct decade in the twentieth century, drawing from the African American experience. Directors James D. Stern and Fernando Villena closely follow a handful of the competing students in Giving Voice, watching them grapple with their own forming perspectives on their lived realities. Cinematographer Jonathan Narducci briefly speaks about the experience of shooting verité. Filmmaker: How […]...
- 1/27/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Every year, thousands of high school students from all over the country gather in New York City to recite a monologue from the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson as part of a Broadway competition. Wilson’s existing 10 plays each take place during a distinct decade in the twentieth century, drawing from the African American experience. Directors James D. Stern and Fernando Villena closely follow a handful of the competing students in Giving Voice, watching them grapple with their own forming perspectives on their lived realities. Cinematographer Jonathan Narducci briefly speaks about the experience of shooting verité. Filmmaker: How […]...
- 1/27/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
August Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of “Fences,” “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” and more, is one of America’s preeminent playwrights, chronicling the African-American experience with 10 plays, set in different decades of the 20th century. Now, every year, thousands of high-school students from across the country gather on Broadway, in New York City, to perform one of his monologues in an exciting, high-stakes competition.
Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, the feature documentary, “Giving Voice,” closely follows the lives of six of the students as they meticulously workshop their individual performances, with the hopes of embodying Wilson’s legacy. The Monologue Competition was featured in the 2012 documentary “The Start of Dreams”, directed by the Horne Brothers, and it told the story of Tony Award-nominated director Kenny Leon, and his efforts to use his celebrity to expose kids across the country to the world of theater. It was also featured...
Premiering at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, the feature documentary, “Giving Voice,” closely follows the lives of six of the students as they meticulously workshop their individual performances, with the hopes of embodying Wilson’s legacy. The Monologue Competition was featured in the 2012 documentary “The Start of Dreams”, directed by the Horne Brothers, and it told the story of Tony Award-nominated director Kenny Leon, and his efforts to use his celebrity to expose kids across the country to the world of theater. It was also featured...
- 1/25/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
At this year’s Sundance Film Festival four documentaries spotlight adolescents who inspire change while also holding a mirror up to a society that provoked their pain and path to resistance.
In Kim Snyder’s “Us Kids” the director focuses her lens on a handful of teenagers who survived the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. which claimed 17 lives. The docu examines the lasting trauma of gun violence while also chronicling determined young survivors who speak out against the national gun-violence epidemic and develop the March For Our Lives movement.
Snyder, who directed the 2016 doc “Newtown” about Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as well as the 2018 nonfiction short “Notes from Dunblane: Lesson from a School Shooting,” had no intention of making another film about gun violence.
“I was very weirdly and karmically in Florida the week of the (Parkland) shooting,” recalls Snyder. “Within days...
In Kim Snyder’s “Us Kids” the director focuses her lens on a handful of teenagers who survived the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. which claimed 17 lives. The docu examines the lasting trauma of gun violence while also chronicling determined young survivors who speak out against the national gun-violence epidemic and develop the March For Our Lives movement.
Snyder, who directed the 2016 doc “Newtown” about Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as well as the 2018 nonfiction short “Notes from Dunblane: Lesson from a School Shooting,” had no intention of making another film about gun violence.
“I was very weirdly and karmically in Florida the week of the (Parkland) shooting,” recalls Snyder. “Within days...
- 1/24/2020
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Actors Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek are heading to the future with Mike Cahill‘s, Amazon and Endgame Entertainment vehicle, “Bliss.” The project began principal photography in Los Angeles and Croatia this week with shooting and post-production scheduled for the next few months. Cahill’s latest is a science fiction drama written by the filmmaker with Endgame Entertainment’s James D. Stern producing and Lucas Smith serving as executive producer.
Continue reading Salma Hayek & Owen Wilson Begin Production On Mike Cahill’s New Amazon Sci-Fi Drama ‘Bliss’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Salma Hayek & Owen Wilson Begin Production On Mike Cahill’s New Amazon Sci-Fi Drama ‘Bliss’ at The Playlist.
- 6/21/2019
- by Julia Teti
- The Playlist
Salma Hayek and Owen Wilson have been tapped to star in Bliss, an Amazon Studios sci-fi drama written by Mike Cahill, who is also directing the pic which is currently filming in La.
The story follows recently divorced Greg (Wilson) who meets the enchanting Isabel (Hayek), a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. She believes they are living in an ugly, harsh world simulation inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss. Doubtful at first, Greg eventually discovers there may be some truth to Isabel’s wild conspiracy theory.
Endgame Entertainment’s James D. Stern is producing, with the company’s Lucas Smith serving as executive producer. Marsha Swinton will also executive produce.
Hayek is repped by CAA, Management 360, and Laird & Sobel; Wilson by UTA, Cahill by Wme and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
The story follows recently divorced Greg (Wilson) who meets the enchanting Isabel (Hayek), a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. She believes they are living in an ugly, harsh world simulation inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss. Doubtful at first, Greg eventually discovers there may be some truth to Isabel’s wild conspiracy theory.
Endgame Entertainment’s James D. Stern is producing, with the company’s Lucas Smith serving as executive producer. Marsha Swinton will also executive produce.
Hayek is repped by CAA, Management 360, and Laird & Sobel; Wilson by UTA, Cahill by Wme and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
- 6/20/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Salma Hayek and Owen Wilson have signed on to star in Amazon’s science-fiction drama “Bliss,” with Mike Cahill directing from his own script.
Wilson portrays a recently divorced man whose life is falling apart when he meets Hayek’s character, a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. She believes they are living in an ugly, harsh simulated world inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss.
Endgame Entertainment’s James D. Stern is producing, with the company’s Lucas Smith serving as executive producer. Marsha Swinton will also executive produce. Production began this week in Los Angeles.
Cahill directed “Another Earth” and “I Origins,” which were released by Fox Searchlight. Both films won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the Sundance Film Festival where they premiered.
Hayek will next star alongside Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne...
Wilson portrays a recently divorced man whose life is falling apart when he meets Hayek’s character, a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. She believes they are living in an ugly, harsh simulated world inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss.
Endgame Entertainment’s James D. Stern is producing, with the company’s Lucas Smith serving as executive producer. Marsha Swinton will also executive produce. Production began this week in Los Angeles.
Cahill directed “Another Earth” and “I Origins,” which were released by Fox Searchlight. Both films won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the Sundance Film Festival where they premiered.
Hayek will next star alongside Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne...
- 6/20/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award-nominees Salma Hayek and Owen Wilson are coming together for a mind-bending love story in “Bliss” from Amazon Studios.
The sci-fi drama was written — and will be directed — by Mike Cahill. Cahill was nominated for two Independent Spirit Award’s for best first feature film and best screenplay for his film “Another Earth,” which he wrote with Brit Marling (“The Oa”).
“Bliss” follows recently divorced Greg (Wilson), whose life is falling apart when he meets the enchanting Isabel (Hayek), a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. Isabel believes they are living in an ugly, harsh world simulation inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss. Doubtful at first, Greg eventually discovers there may be some truth to Isabel’s wild conspiracy theory.
Also Read: Adam Driver Political Thriller 'The Report' Gets September Theatrical...
The sci-fi drama was written — and will be directed — by Mike Cahill. Cahill was nominated for two Independent Spirit Award’s for best first feature film and best screenplay for his film “Another Earth,” which he wrote with Brit Marling (“The Oa”).
“Bliss” follows recently divorced Greg (Wilson), whose life is falling apart when he meets the enchanting Isabel (Hayek), a woman who lives on the streets and is convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is not real. Isabel believes they are living in an ugly, harsh world simulation inside of the beautiful, peaceful “real” world of bliss. Doubtful at first, Greg eventually discovers there may be some truth to Isabel’s wild conspiracy theory.
Also Read: Adam Driver Political Thriller 'The Report' Gets September Theatrical...
- 6/20/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
The International Documentary Assn. announced nominees for the 34th annual Ida Awards Wednesday, spotlighting the best in documentary filmmaking.
Among the feature nominees were mainstays on the circuit so far this year like Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap,” as well as National Geographic’s “Free Solo” and Focus Features’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
In recognition of another banner year for non-fiction cinema, which has been reflected in box office spikes around key titles this year, the Ida expanded the number of nominees in the best feature and short films categories to 10 films.
In “creative recognition” fields, winners and nominees were announced. “Distant Constellation” won the cinematography prize, while “Minding the Gap” took editing. “The Other Side of Everything” won the writing award, and the music category saw a tie, between “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening.”
Additionally, the Ida’s Courage Under...
Among the feature nominees were mainstays on the circuit so far this year like Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap,” as well as National Geographic’s “Free Solo” and Focus Features’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
In recognition of another banner year for non-fiction cinema, which has been reflected in box office spikes around key titles this year, the Ida expanded the number of nominees in the best feature and short films categories to 10 films.
In “creative recognition” fields, winners and nominees were announced. “Distant Constellation” won the cinematography prize, while “Minding the Gap” took editing. “The Other Side of Everything” won the writing award, and the music category saw a tie, between “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening.”
Additionally, the Ida’s Courage Under...
- 10/24/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Other winners include Guillaume Senez and Jafar Panahi.
Belgium’s Guillaume Senez, Iceland’s Benedikt Erlingsson and Iran’s Jafar Panahi were among the award-winners at this year’s Filmfest Hamburg, which ended yesterday (6 October).
The Art Cinema Award went to Benedikt Erlingsson’s political comedy Woman At War which opened the Filmfest on 26 September and will be released in German cinemas by Pandora Filmverleih.
Senez’s second feature Our Battles (his debut was Keeper) won the Critics’ Choice Award which was presented for the first time in collaboration with the Association of German Film Critics (Vdfk).
The family drama...
Belgium’s Guillaume Senez, Iceland’s Benedikt Erlingsson and Iran’s Jafar Panahi were among the award-winners at this year’s Filmfest Hamburg, which ended yesterday (6 October).
The Art Cinema Award went to Benedikt Erlingsson’s political comedy Woman At War which opened the Filmfest on 26 September and will be released in German cinemas by Pandora Filmverleih.
Senez’s second feature Our Battles (his debut was Keeper) won the Critics’ Choice Award which was presented for the first time in collaboration with the Association of German Film Critics (Vdfk).
The family drama...
- 10/8/2018
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
"I've met presidents and famous people all over the place," says Endgame chairman and CEO James D. Stern, whose brother Todd Stern served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change under President Barack Obama. "But I was more nervous to have dinner with Robert Redford than I've ever been to meet anybody else."
Redford stars in Endgame's The Old Man & the Gun (out Sept. 28), marking what the acting legend has said will be his final performance, as a bank robber opposite Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek. It's the ...
Redford stars in Endgame's The Old Man & the Gun (out Sept. 28), marking what the acting legend has said will be his final performance, as a bank robber opposite Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek. It's the ...
- 9/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
"I've met presidents and famous people all over the place," says Endgame chairman and CEO James D. Stern, whose brother Todd Stern served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change under President Barack Obama. "But I was more nervous to have dinner with Robert Redford than I've ever been to meet anybody else."
Redford stars in Endgame's The Old Man & the Gun (out Sept. 28), marking what the acting legend has said will be his final performance, as a bank robber opposite Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek. It's the ...
Redford stars in Endgame's The Old Man & the Gun (out Sept. 28), marking what the acting legend has said will be his final performance, as a bank robber opposite Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek. It's the ...
- 9/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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