Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event ‘Number One on the Call Sheet,’ premiering on Friday, March 28.
With unprecedented access and candid interviews, the doc takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honour legends, while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.
The two-parter delivers an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through his Foxxhole Productions with Datari Turner, Kevin Hart produces through HartBeat and Dan Cogan produces through Story Syndicate.
With Foxx and Hart lending their voices to the documentary,...
With unprecedented access and candid interviews, the doc takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honour legends, while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.
The two-parter delivers an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through his Foxxhole Productions with Datari Turner, Kevin Hart produces through HartBeat and Dan Cogan produces through Story Syndicate.
With Foxx and Hart lending their voices to the documentary,...
- 2/27/2025
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for the two-part documentary film event Number One on the Call Sheet, premiering on Friday, March 28. With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Number One on the Call Sheet takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women.
They shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honor legends while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.
Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Angela Bassett shares, “‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ celebrates the grit, strength and brilliance of those who came before us while uplifting the next generation. It’s an honor to pay homage to the legends, and shine a light on the limitless possibilities ahead for Black and brown talent.”
Academy Award-winner director Reginald Hudlin says of Black Leading Men in Hollywood,...
They shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honor legends while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.
Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Angela Bassett shares, “‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ celebrates the grit, strength and brilliance of those who came before us while uplifting the next generation. It’s an honor to pay homage to the legends, and shine a light on the limitless possibilities ahead for Black and brown talent.”
Academy Award-winner director Reginald Hudlin says of Black Leading Men in Hollywood,...
- 2/27/2025
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event Number One on the Call Sheet, premiering on Friday, March 28. With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Number One on the Call Sheet takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success, and honor legends, while recognizing the next generation’s enormous potential.
Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men In Hollywood and Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women In Hollywood deliver an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through...
Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men In Hollywood and Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women In Hollywood deliver an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Jamie Foxx produces through...
- 2/27/2025
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Former Brainstorm Media CEO Meyer Shwarzstein has revealed several projects being developed at his new Los Angeles-based development, financing and production company Another Brainy Idea.
In development as a feature is Landfillharmonic, based on a 2015 documentary that won awards at festivals including SXSW. The film, written by José Rivera and directed by Marcos Bernstein, will centre on a teacher who leads an orchestra of children using instruments made from landfill refuse. Producers are Rodolfo Madero, Michael Richter and Shwarzstein. Executive producers include Alejandra Amarilla, Rick Berg and Jonathan Dana.
In development as a drama series is an adaptation of The Talented Ribkins,...
In development as a feature is Landfillharmonic, based on a 2015 documentary that won awards at festivals including SXSW. The film, written by José Rivera and directed by Marcos Bernstein, will centre on a teacher who leads an orchestra of children using instruments made from landfill refuse. Producers are Rodolfo Madero, Michael Richter and Shwarzstein. Executive producers include Alejandra Amarilla, Rick Berg and Jonathan Dana.
In development as a drama series is an adaptation of The Talented Ribkins,...
- 2/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
Being in the entertainment industry is challenging but comes with rewards, so when I was asked to talk about what Black history meant to me, I couldn’t start the conversation without mentioning the history of Black casting directors who made it possible for me to be in the position I am in now.
I am blessed to have been mentored by a casting legends Jaki Brown and Kimberly Hardin, two phenomenal women whose shoulders I stand on. They gave me an opportunity and platform to be a part of some of the greatest history in Black cinema.
There is also Monica Swan, Chemin Bernard and Robi Reed, who have all played a big part in the history of Hollywood, paving the way in championing diversity both on and off the screen.
Reuben Cannon, the first Black casting director in Hollywood, stated “African Americans don’t get the respect they deserve in Hollywood.
I am blessed to have been mentored by a casting legends Jaki Brown and Kimberly Hardin, two phenomenal women whose shoulders I stand on. They gave me an opportunity and platform to be a part of some of the greatest history in Black cinema.
There is also Monica Swan, Chemin Bernard and Robi Reed, who have all played a big part in the history of Hollywood, paving the way in championing diversity both on and off the screen.
Reuben Cannon, the first Black casting director in Hollywood, stated “African Americans don’t get the respect they deserve in Hollywood.
- 2/28/2021
- by Leah Daniels Butler
- Variety Film + TV
The Casting Society of America has set its 35th annual Artios Awards for January 30, 2020, with ceremonies to be held simultaneously in Los Angeles, New York and London. The awards honor the contribution of casting directors to film, TV and theater.
The Los Angeles ceremony will be held at the Beverly Hilton, with the other venues not yet locked down. Nominations in the TV and theater categories will be announced September 24, with feature film nominees to be revealed January 2 (see the full timeline below).
Timed to this year’s awards season, the society today also kicked off its inaugural archival project that features video interviews with some of the industry’s leading casting directors released each week leading up to the awards show. First up is Juliet Taylor.
Other subjects include Reuben Cannon, Mike Fenton, Jane Jenkins & Janet Hirshenson, Wallis Nicita and newly elected Motion Picture Academy president David Rubin.
“Our new archival project is the perfect way to ramp up to the 35th Artios Awards, as it allows us to further share the remarkable stories and acknowledge the lasting contributions casting directors have made to film, television and theater,” Csa VP Rich Mento said.
Here’s the full 2020 timeline:
August 28
Open 1st ballot – Television and Theatre
September 20
Close 1st ballot – Television and Theatre
September 24
Television and Theatre Nominees Announced
Open final ballot – Television and Theatre
October 7
Close final ballot – Television and Theatre
November 5
Open submissions – Features
December 6
Close submissions – Features
December 9
Open 1st ballot – Features
January 1, 2020
Close 1st ballot – Features
January 2, 2020
Feature Nominees Announced
Open final ballot – Features
January 15, 2020
Close final ballot – Features
January 30, 2020
35th Artios Awards...
The Los Angeles ceremony will be held at the Beverly Hilton, with the other venues not yet locked down. Nominations in the TV and theater categories will be announced September 24, with feature film nominees to be revealed January 2 (see the full timeline below).
Timed to this year’s awards season, the society today also kicked off its inaugural archival project that features video interviews with some of the industry’s leading casting directors released each week leading up to the awards show. First up is Juliet Taylor.
Other subjects include Reuben Cannon, Mike Fenton, Jane Jenkins & Janet Hirshenson, Wallis Nicita and newly elected Motion Picture Academy president David Rubin.
“Our new archival project is the perfect way to ramp up to the 35th Artios Awards, as it allows us to further share the remarkable stories and acknowledge the lasting contributions casting directors have made to film, television and theater,” Csa VP Rich Mento said.
Here’s the full 2020 timeline:
August 28
Open 1st ballot – Television and Theatre
September 20
Close 1st ballot – Television and Theatre
September 24
Television and Theatre Nominees Announced
Open final ballot – Television and Theatre
October 7
Close final ballot – Television and Theatre
November 5
Open submissions – Features
December 6
Close submissions – Features
December 9
Open 1st ballot – Features
January 1, 2020
Close 1st ballot – Features
January 2, 2020
Feature Nominees Announced
Open final ballot – Features
January 15, 2020
Close final ballot – Features
January 30, 2020
35th Artios Awards...
- 8/22/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been a couple months since the last edition of What’s Up Doc? placed Michael Moore’s surprise world premiere of Where To Invade Next at the top of this list and in the meantime much shuffling has taken place and much time has been spent on various new endeavors (namely my Buffalo-based film series, Cultivate Cinema Circle). Finally taking its rightful place at the top, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hagedus’ Unlocking the Cage is in the midst of being scored by composer James Lavino, according to Lavino’s own personal site. Though the project has been taking shape at its own leisurely pace, I’d expect to see the film making its festival debut in early 2016.
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
- 11/5/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Interesting... An screen adaptation of Lydia R. Diamond's play Stick Fly has been ordered by HBO. You'll recall that a recent Broadway run of the play was produced by Alicia Keys and Reuben Cannon, with Kenny Leon directing, and a cast that included Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Dulé Hill, Mekhi Phifer, Tracie Thoms, and Condola Rashad, who was nominated for a Tony Award (Best Featured Actress) for her performance. As I recall, the play was met with mixed reviews, opening on December 08, 2011, and closing on February 26, 2012. Stick Fly chronicles the a weekend of...
- 12/19/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Tomorrow, November 8, begins Atlanta's BronzeLens Film Festival, with more than 50 films representing the United States, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. Among the highlights, Sarah Blecher's acclaimed South African drama Otelo Burning opens the festival on Thursday night, while documentary The Contradictions of Fair Hope, from S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf, screens Friday. The festival also features a series of panels and events with Roger Bobb, Stephanie Allain, Reuben Cannon, Kathie Fong Yoneda and Pearl Cleage throughout the week. Find full details in the schedule below: Legendary casting director and producer Reuben...
- 11/7/2012
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
HollywoodNews.com: Alicia Keys is producing a Broadway play. Why not? She’s conquered pop music, that’s for sure. The play, “Stick Fly,” will star Ruben Santiago Hudson, Mekhi Phifer (“ER”), Tracie Thoms, and Dule Hill (from the show “Psych”). Lydia Diamond wrote the play, which will be directed by Kenny Leon. Santiago-Hudson is one of the best actors of his generation, so this is particularly exciting.
That Alicia has gotten involved in this also shows how interesting her career has become. The lead producers are Nelle Nugent, Alicia Keys, Samuel Nappi, Reuben Cannon, Sharon A. Carr/Patricia Klausner, Huntington Theatre Company, Dan Frishwasser, Charles Salameno in association with Joseph Sirola & Eric Falkenstein. “Stick Fly” opens December 8th at the intimate Cort Theater on West 48th St.
Photo by PRPhotos
To read more go to SHOWBIZ411
To see celebrity photo galleries click here
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
That Alicia has gotten involved in this also shows how interesting her career has become. The lead producers are Nelle Nugent, Alicia Keys, Samuel Nappi, Reuben Cannon, Sharon A. Carr/Patricia Klausner, Huntington Theatre Company, Dan Frishwasser, Charles Salameno in association with Joseph Sirola & Eric Falkenstein. “Stick Fly” opens December 8th at the intimate Cort Theater on West 48th St.
Photo by PRPhotos
To read more go to SHOWBIZ411
To see celebrity photo galleries click here
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
- 9/8/2011
- by Roger Friedman
- Hollywoodnews.com
Richard Halpern, Destenee attend Destenee's Turn it Up music video release party at Cafe Entourage in Hollywood.Photo copyright curtis sabir / PR Photos. Destenee attends Destenee's Turn it Up music video release party at Cafe Entourage in Hollywood.Photo copyright curtis sabir / PR Photos. Noemi Torres, Destenee attend Destenee's Turn it Up music video release party at Cafe Entourage in Hollywood.Photo copyright curtis sabir / PR Photos. Reuben Cannon, Destenee attend Destenee's Turn it Up music video release party at Cafe Entourage in Hollywood.Photo copyright curtis sabir / PR Photos. Noemi Torres, Destenee attend Destenee's Turn it Up music video release party at Cafe Entourage in Hollywood.Photo copyright curtis sabir / PR Photos. 08/25/2011 -...
- 8/30/2011
- by M&C
- Monsters and Critics
See interview clips from Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, including Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The Lionsgate release opens on April 22nd. We also have interviews with producers Reuben Cannon and Rober M. Bobb. Catch all the videos under the featured video below. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years...
- 4/18/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See interview clips from Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, including Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The Lionsgate release opens on April 22nd. We also have interviews with producers Reuben Cannon and Rober M. Bobb. Catch all the videos under the featured video below. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years...
- 4/18/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See interview clips from Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, including Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The Lionsgate release opens on April 22nd. We also have interviews with producers Reuben Cannon and Rober M. Bobb. Catch all the videos under the featured video below. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years...
- 4/18/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See interview clips from Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, including Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The Lionsgate release opens on April 22nd. We also have interviews with producers Reuben Cannon and Rober M. Bobb. Catch all the videos under the featured video below. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years...
- 4/18/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
If you missed last night’s episode, you can listen to it now! Another lively discussion on the Shadow and Act Livecast, recorded last night, Wednesday, April 13th, from 8Pm to 9Pm Est.
Myself, Tambay, Stephanie, Cynthia and frequent Shadow And Act commenter CareyCarey spent an hour sharing our thoughts on some of the hottest topics from the blog: Morgan Freeman’s recent comments, Reuben Cannon’s comment about Tyler Perry spawning a new generation of filmmakers, Yaya DaCosta—could she be the new Hollywood It Girl? Birth of A Nation almost 100 years later and more!
Several of you dropped into our chatroom, shared your thoughts and asked questions, which was great!
You can listen to the full hour using the player below; Or you can also subscribe via iTunes (Here), where you can download and transfer to your mobile listening device, or via RSS (Here) if you prefer.
Enjoy!
Myself, Tambay, Stephanie, Cynthia and frequent Shadow And Act commenter CareyCarey spent an hour sharing our thoughts on some of the hottest topics from the blog: Morgan Freeman’s recent comments, Reuben Cannon’s comment about Tyler Perry spawning a new generation of filmmakers, Yaya DaCosta—could she be the new Hollywood It Girl? Birth of A Nation almost 100 years later and more!
Several of you dropped into our chatroom, shared your thoughts and asked questions, which was great!
You can listen to the full hour using the player below; Or you can also subscribe via iTunes (Here), where you can download and transfer to your mobile listening device, or via RSS (Here) if you prefer.
Enjoy!
- 4/14/2011
- by Monique
- ShadowAndAct
So… I was just reading This piece on the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye website, posted yesterday, in which Reuben Cannon, Tyler Perry’s long-time producing partner, and an industry veteran of film and TV, and a Chicago native, is interviewed about his roots, his successes, working with Tyler Perry, and the future.
You can read the entire interview Here; but, first let me draw your attention to a portion of it that struck me; specifically… the interviewer asks Cannon for names of any up-and-coming filmmakers/actors/producers/etc that we should be looking out for.
And Cannon answers… “You mean beyond Tyler Perry? Well, look at him. Like [President] Obama is the new face of politics, he is the new face of film in as much as he offers innovative thinking and not looking at traditional models of filmmaking to achieve what he has achieved. He’s trying to enlighten and entertain,...
You can read the entire interview Here; but, first let me draw your attention to a portion of it that struck me; specifically… the interviewer asks Cannon for names of any up-and-coming filmmakers/actors/producers/etc that we should be looking out for.
And Cannon answers… “You mean beyond Tyler Perry? Well, look at him. Like [President] Obama is the new face of politics, he is the new face of film in as much as he offers innovative thinking and not looking at traditional models of filmmaking to achieve what he has achieved. He’s trying to enlighten and entertain,...
- 4/8/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
See a new poster from Madea's Big Happy Family, directed, written and starring Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Mos, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davi, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perr, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The poster spoofs Jersey Shore and Snooki Polizzi, aptly called "Georgia Shore." This is the fifth clever poster (and one basic) from the Lionsgate comedy which opens April 22nd. Tyler Perry also produces alongside frequent collaborator Reuben Cannon and Roger M. Bobb. Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Synopsis: Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children...
- 3/23/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See a new poster from Madea's Big Happy Family, directed, written and starring Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Mos, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davi, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perr, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid and Teyana Taylor. The poster spoofs Jersey Shore and Snooki Polizzi, aptly called "Georgia Shore." This is the fifth clever poster (and one basic) from the Lionsgate comedy which opens April 22nd. Tyler Perry also produces alongside frequent collaborator Reuben Cannon and Roger M. Bobb. Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Synopsis: Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or...
- 3/23/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Watch the new trailer for Madea’S Big Happy Family. What’s the funniest thing that happened when your whole family got together?
Synopsis:
Madea, everyone.s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can.t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It.s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter.and...
Synopsis:
Madea, everyone.s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can.t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It.s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter.and...
- 3/3/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Madea's Big Happy Family trailer has arrived, joining the recent hilarious new posters from the Tyler Perry comedy which opens April 22nd. Perry stars, directs and writes the comedy drama as well as producing alongside frequent collaborator Reuben Cannon and Roger M. Bobb. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband...
- 2/9/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Madea's Big Happy Family trailer has arrived, joining the recent hilarious new posters from the Tyler Perry comedy which opens April 22nd. Perry stars, directs and writes the comedy drama as well as producing alongside frequent collaborator Reuben Cannon and Roger M. Bobb. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband...
- 2/9/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Poster which is cleverly designed as a classic we all know - The Godfather. Except this time around, it's hilariously made "The Godmother." The Lionsgate comedy/drama opens on April 22nd and is helmed and written by Tyler Perry who produces alongside longtime collaborator Reuben Cannon as well as Robert M. Bobb. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems...
- 1/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Poster which is cleverly designed as a classic we all know - The Godfather. Except this time around, it's hilariously made "The Godmother." The Lionsgate comedy/drama opens on April 22nd and is helmed and written by Tyler Perry who produces alongside longtime collaborator Reuben Cannon as well as Robert M. Bobb. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems...
- 1/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family Poster which is cleverly designed as a classic we all know - The Godfather. Except this time around, it's hilariously made "The Godmother." The Lionsgate comedy/drama opens on April 22nd and is helmed and written by Tyler Perry who produces alongside longtime collaborator Reuben Cannon as well as Robert M. Bobb. Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems...
- 1/20/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See new clips including behind-the-scenes looks and interviews with Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, Malik Yoba, Tasha Smith, Roger M. Bobb and producer Reuben Cannon. The Lionsgate release opens on April 2nd and is rated PG-13. Reuniting the same charismatic cast and characters from his hit comedy/drama, Why Did I Get Married, Tyler Perry brings us the next chapter in the lives of eight college friends struggling with the challenges of marital life in Why Did I Get Married Too. Gathered together in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion, four close couples eagerly reconnect, sharing news about their lives and relationships. But their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheila’s ex-husband, Mike, who hopes to break up her new marriage with Troy and win her back. The others soon realize they too...
- 3/25/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
If you've never seen Dee Wallace in a film then you probably don't watch movies, because at this moment she has 179 credits to her name as a professional actress, 18 of those projects yet to be released- which led me to first ask her where in the world she found the time to call me for a phone interview yesterday afternoon. She somehow made time for me to ask her a few questions about her career and life in the entertainment industry, and provided some really cool behind the scenes stories to some of the biggest movies ever made.
Dee Wallace has worked with directors like Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante, Rob Zombie, and Blake Edwards- there's a reason that prestigious directors like these have called on her time and time again, and if you look at films like The Howling, Cujo, E.T., or The Frighteners , that reason will be clearly evident.
Dee Wallace has worked with directors like Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante, Rob Zombie, and Blake Edwards- there's a reason that prestigious directors like these have called on her time and time again, and if you look at films like The Howling, Cujo, E.T., or The Frighteners , that reason will be clearly evident.
- 12/10/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Jason Anders)
- Fangoria
The first trailer was added from "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?" which finds theatres on April 2nd next year. Starring are Tyler Perry, Sharon Leal, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott and Lamman Rucker. Tyler Perry directs from his own screenplay as well as producing along with Reuben Cannon. Reuniting the same charismatic cast and characters from his hit comedy/drama, Why Did I Get Married, Tyler Perry brings us the next chapter in the lives of eight college friends struggling with the challenges of marital life in Why Did I Get Married Too. Gathered together in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion, four close couples eagerly reconnect, sharing news about their lives and relationships. But their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheila’s ex-husband, Mike, who hopes to break up her new marriage with Troy and win her back. The...
- 11/10/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See a new clip from "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself," starring Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Brian J. White, Mary J. Blige and Hope Olaide Wilson. Reuben Cannon produces alongside Perry. Catch it on September 11th via Lionsgate. When Madea, America’s favorite pistol-packing grandma, catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of Raymond, her married boyfriend...
- 9/9/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Mariah Carey has posted a short statement on her Twitter, denying rumor saying that her new album will be called "MC3". Claiming she "can't really define the new album yet," she notes, "Its not called MC3 or whatever."
Apparently busy with whole process of getting the album done, Mariah reveals she has just finished 2 songs and will be back to studio to finish the others. She explains, " Just finished 2 songs. ... Back in the studio. Loving this song!!!!!! don't wanna be too ra ra dramatic about this but I'm just happy bout it and hope you will be 2."
The rumor of Mariah Carey's new album being titled "MC3" emerged back in January. At that time, singer/songwriter The-Dream said an interview with Los Angeles radio station Kiis-fm, "I've been working on this Mariah Carey thing for the last four days. Her working title for this next album, which is what I call it,...
Apparently busy with whole process of getting the album done, Mariah reveals she has just finished 2 songs and will be back to studio to finish the others. She explains, " Just finished 2 songs. ... Back in the studio. Loving this song!!!!!! don't wanna be too ra ra dramatic about this but I'm just happy bout it and hope you will be 2."
The rumor of Mariah Carey's new album being titled "MC3" emerged back in January. At that time, singer/songwriter The-Dream said an interview with Los Angeles radio station Kiis-fm, "I've been working on this Mariah Carey thing for the last four days. Her working title for this next album, which is what I call it,...
- 3/3/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
A couple days away from its theatrical release, "Madea Goes to Jail" has been given a red carpet treatment as Lionsgate Films threw a New York premiere on Wednesday, February 18. Held at AMC Loews Lincoln Center in New York, the special screening event was attended by movie stars and musicians among others.
From the cast ensemble, Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Aisha Hinds, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito and Robin Coleman were all making an appearance on the evening. Joining them were producer Reuben Cannon and those making the cameo in the movie, including TV personality Sherri Shepherd and Judge Greg Mathis.
Aside from the cast and crew of "Madea Goes to Jail", the event also saw other actors, such as Chyna Layne of "Cadillac Records", Dennis L.A. White and Naturi Naughton of "Notorious" and Gabourey Sidibe of "Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire". R 'n' B singers,...
From the cast ensemble, Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Aisha Hinds, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito and Robin Coleman were all making an appearance on the evening. Joining them were producer Reuben Cannon and those making the cameo in the movie, including TV personality Sherri Shepherd and Judge Greg Mathis.
Aside from the cast and crew of "Madea Goes to Jail", the event also saw other actors, such as Chyna Layne of "Cadillac Records", Dennis L.A. White and Naturi Naughton of "Notorious" and Gabourey Sidibe of "Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire". R 'n' B singers,...
- 2/19/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
See from interview video clips, new clips, spots, trailers"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." Movie Jungle has interviews with Tyler Perry, Reuben Cannon, Derek Luke Robin Coleman, Tamela Mann, David Mann, Vanessa Ferlito, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Judge Mathis, Ion Overman and Ronreaco Lea. There are spots, trailers and clips from the film as well. All videos are within the same player for your embedding ease of use. Tyler Perry writes and directs the Lionsgate distributed comedy which comes out next weekend (February 20th). ...
- 2/13/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See from interview video clips, new clips, spots, trailers"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." Movie Jungle has interviews with Tyler Perry, Reuben Cannon, Derek Luke Robin Coleman, Tamela Mann, David Mann, Vanessa Ferlito, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Judge Mathis, Ion Overman and Ronreaco Lea. There are spots, trailers and clips from the film as well. All videos are within the same player for your embedding ease of use. Tyler Perry writes and directs the Lionsgate distributed comedy which comes out next weekend (February 20th).
- 2/13/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See from interview video clips, new clips, spots, trailers"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail." Movie Jungle has interviews with Tyler Perry, Reuben Cannon, Derek Luke Robin Coleman, Tamela Mann, David Mann, Vanessa Ferlito, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Judge Mathis, Ion Overman and Ronreaco Lea. There are spots, trailers and clips from the film as well. All videos are within the same player for your embedding ease of use. Tyler Perry writes and directs the Lionsgate distributed comedy which comes out next weekend (February 20th).
- 2/13/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Rumor has it, Mariah Carey will be entering recording room with her husband Nick Cannon's brother, Reuben Cannon, for a duet. The collaboration single is claimed to be included as one of the new materials for Reuben's not-yet-titled debut album.
"Reuben and Mariah are doing a duet together for Reuben's first album," an insider from music industry tells E! Online. "They are meeting at the end of the month with Mariah's record label, Universal Music Group, to seal the deal, and Reuben is thrilled."
Mariah as well as Nick's management teams have been silent when referring to the issue. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Reuben, who has signed a deal with Lavert Entertainment, teases out, "Reuben Cannon is working on some really amazing things right now."...
"Reuben and Mariah are doing a duet together for Reuben's first album," an insider from music industry tells E! Online. "They are meeting at the end of the month with Mariah's record label, Universal Music Group, to seal the deal, and Reuben is thrilled."
Mariah as well as Nick's management teams have been silent when referring to the issue. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Reuben, who has signed a deal with Lavert Entertainment, teases out, "Reuben Cannon is working on some really amazing things right now."...
- 1/22/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Mariah Carey is keeping it all in the family. E! News has learned the R&B diva is lending her pipes to promote the new album from Reuben Cannon, aka the younger brother of Mr. Mariah, Nick Cannon. "Reuben and Mariah are doing a duet together for Reuben's first album," an industry source tells us. "They are meeting at the end of the month with Mariah's record label, Universal Music Group, to seal the deal, and Reuben is thrilled." Reuben Cannon was recently signed with Lavert Entertainment and is halfway through recording his album, slated for release later this year. There was no comment on the collaboration from the Carey and...
- 1/21/2009
- E! Online
Perry gets his 'Girl': it's Union
Gabrielle Union will star in Tyler Perry's latest Lionsgate film, Daddy's Little Girl. Written by Perry, the reverse-Cinderella tale centers on a successful attorney (Union) who falls in love with a janitor who is a single father of three children. This relationship causes a rift between the woman and her father, as he hoped she would marry wealthy. The film is being produced by Reuben Cannon and will shoot in the summer in Atlanta. Union most recently starred in ABC's short-lived series Night Stalker and next appears in Running With Scissors. Other feature credits include The Honeymooners, Bad Boys II and Deliver Us From Eva. She is repped by UTA and manager Jeff Morrone.
- 5/23/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Perry stays in Lionsgate fold with 'Girl'
LAS VEGAS -- Tyler Perry is staying in the Lionsgate family. The multihyphenate, whose Madea's Family Reunion debuted last month in the top spot with $30 million, has signed on to write, produce and direct Daddy's Little Girl for the independent studio. Lionsgate released Reunion, which also held the No. 1 position in its second weekend in theaters, as well as Perry's previous boxoffice topper, Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Reuben Cannon (Reunion, Diary) will join Perry as producer of Daddy's Little Girl, which is described as a reverse Cinderella (Cinderfella) tale about a young, beautiful, successful female attorney who falls in love with a janitor and single father of three daughters. Despite strong objections from the attorney's father, love triumphs in the end.
- 3/16/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Perry stays in Lionsgate fold with 'Girl'
LAS VEGAS -- Tyler Perry is staying in the Lionsgate family. The multihyphenate, whose Madea's Family Reunion debuted last month in the top spot with $30 million, has signed on to write, produce and direct Daddy's Little Girl for the independent studio. Lionsgate released Reunion, which also held the No. 1 position in its second weekend in theaters, as well as Perry's previous boxoffice topper, Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Reuben Cannon (Reunion, Diary) will join Perry as producer of Daddy's Little Girl, which is described as a reverse Cinderella (Cinderfella) tale about a young, beautiful, successful female attorney who falls in love with a janitor and single father of three daughters. Despite strong objections from the attorney's father, love triumphs in the end.
- 3/15/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diary of a Mad Black Woman
"Diary of a Mad Black Woman" is a strange hybrid, part romance-novel melodrama and part broad sketch comedy. Even more strange is that, in an awkward split-personality way, it works some of the time. Cutting through the schmaltz of the wronged-woman scenario are glorious third-act gospel contributions and the comic shenanigans of scripter-producer-actor-composer Tyler Perry. Despite its over-the-top sensibility and uneven performances, "Diary" has sleeper potential along the lines of last year's "Woman, Thou Art Loosed", which also toplined the dexterous and gifted Kimberly Elise.
Perry's script, based on his grassroots-hit play, paints emotions and character types with broad strokes. The soap-opera setup is ludicrous, but debuting feature helmer Darren Grant finds a certain groove for the material as inspirational, blessedly non-preachy entertainment. Even when grappling with matters as weighty as anger, forgiveness and faith, one of the film's endearing qualities is its refusal to take itself too seriously -- which would be hard to do with Perry in drag as the main character's grandmother.
Helen (Elise), the starry-eyed wife of respected attorney Charles (Steve Harris), endures his outrageous cruelty with such equanimity that she seems to have been beamed in from 1952, or maybe another planet. Her measured diary entries, heard in voice-over, cut the cad way too much slack. Helen is sympathetic only because Charles is such a creep; she's an empty shell whose only interest is being a perfect wife. Helen's happily-ever-after fantasy shatters when, on their 18th anniversary, he physically tosses her out of their Versailles-size Atlanta estate, his evil girlfriend (Lisa Marcos) at his side.
As Helen travels the bumpy road to self-knowledge, Grandma Madea is a crucial emotional support. The strongest of three characters Perry plays in the film, Madea's a straight-talking, pistol-packing voice of righteously funny anger. Perry's other roles are crotchety, pot-smoking Uncle Joe (less of a hoot than he's meant to be) and Joe Son's Brian, a good-guy lawyer who's given up on trying to help his estranged junkie wife (Tamara Taylor).
Madea snaps Helen out of her pining and into working-class reality, with time out for sweet revenge. Offering a more forgiving brand of wisdom are Helen's mother (Cicely Tyson) and new love interest, Orlando (Shemar Moore), a Harlequin-cover hunk with a heart of gold. Real-life concerns aside, the film definitely believes in fairy tales. But the story takes a few extreme turns on the way to romantic bliss. Just when Helen seems too saintlike to be true, her pent-up fury toward her ex emerges in a huge way. Elise is up to the melodrama, from refined and repressed to fierce and vengeful.
For all its false steps, "Diary" is refreshing in the way it explores the burden of anger and matters of faith without being cloying or judgmental. Technical contributions are OK within the budget's constraints. And a spirit-shaking, roof-raising gospel performance -- courtesy of Taylor, Terrell Carter and other extraordinary singers -- could have moviegoers on their feet.
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN
Lions Gate Films
A Tyler Perry Co. production in association with BET Films
Credits:
Director: Darren Grant
Writer: Tyler Perry
Producers: Reuben Cannon, Tyler Perry
Executive producers: Michael Paseornek, John Dellaverson, Robert L. Johnson
Director of photography: David Claessen
Production designer: Ina Mayhew
Music: Elvin Ross, Tyler Perry
Co-producer: Mike Upton
Costume designer: Keith Lewis
Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire
Cast:
Helen: Kimberly Elise
Charles: Steve Harris
Madea/Joe/Brian: Tyler Perry
Myrtle: Cicely Tyson
Orlando: Shemar Moore
Debrah: Tamara Taylor
Brenda: Lisa Marcos
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 117 mins...
Perry's script, based on his grassroots-hit play, paints emotions and character types with broad strokes. The soap-opera setup is ludicrous, but debuting feature helmer Darren Grant finds a certain groove for the material as inspirational, blessedly non-preachy entertainment. Even when grappling with matters as weighty as anger, forgiveness and faith, one of the film's endearing qualities is its refusal to take itself too seriously -- which would be hard to do with Perry in drag as the main character's grandmother.
Helen (Elise), the starry-eyed wife of respected attorney Charles (Steve Harris), endures his outrageous cruelty with such equanimity that she seems to have been beamed in from 1952, or maybe another planet. Her measured diary entries, heard in voice-over, cut the cad way too much slack. Helen is sympathetic only because Charles is such a creep; she's an empty shell whose only interest is being a perfect wife. Helen's happily-ever-after fantasy shatters when, on their 18th anniversary, he physically tosses her out of their Versailles-size Atlanta estate, his evil girlfriend (Lisa Marcos) at his side.
As Helen travels the bumpy road to self-knowledge, Grandma Madea is a crucial emotional support. The strongest of three characters Perry plays in the film, Madea's a straight-talking, pistol-packing voice of righteously funny anger. Perry's other roles are crotchety, pot-smoking Uncle Joe (less of a hoot than he's meant to be) and Joe Son's Brian, a good-guy lawyer who's given up on trying to help his estranged junkie wife (Tamara Taylor).
Madea snaps Helen out of her pining and into working-class reality, with time out for sweet revenge. Offering a more forgiving brand of wisdom are Helen's mother (Cicely Tyson) and new love interest, Orlando (Shemar Moore), a Harlequin-cover hunk with a heart of gold. Real-life concerns aside, the film definitely believes in fairy tales. But the story takes a few extreme turns on the way to romantic bliss. Just when Helen seems too saintlike to be true, her pent-up fury toward her ex emerges in a huge way. Elise is up to the melodrama, from refined and repressed to fierce and vengeful.
For all its false steps, "Diary" is refreshing in the way it explores the burden of anger and matters of faith without being cloying or judgmental. Technical contributions are OK within the budget's constraints. And a spirit-shaking, roof-raising gospel performance -- courtesy of Taylor, Terrell Carter and other extraordinary singers -- could have moviegoers on their feet.
DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN
Lions Gate Films
A Tyler Perry Co. production in association with BET Films
Credits:
Director: Darren Grant
Writer: Tyler Perry
Producers: Reuben Cannon, Tyler Perry
Executive producers: Michael Paseornek, John Dellaverson, Robert L. Johnson
Director of photography: David Claessen
Production designer: Ina Mayhew
Music: Elvin Ross, Tyler Perry
Co-producer: Mike Upton
Costume designer: Keith Lewis
Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire
Cast:
Helen: Kimberly Elise
Charles: Steve Harris
Madea/Joe/Brian: Tyler Perry
Myrtle: Cicely Tyson
Orlando: Shemar Moore
Debrah: Tamara Taylor
Brenda: Lisa Marcos
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 117 mins...
- 3/11/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elise elected to 'Candidate' redo for Par, Demme
Kimberly Elise will reunite with co-star Denzel Washington and director Jonathan Demme in the upcoming Paramount Pictures remake of The Manchurian Candidate. Elise starred opposite Washington in New Line Cinema's John Q., while the actress worked with Demme on Touchstone Pictures' Beloved. She will play the girlfriend of Washington's character, a Desert Storm war leader who is disgraced for having discounted terrorist theories. Candidate is being produced by Scott Rudin from a Daniel Pyne script. Elise next stars as a recovering crack addict in the upcoming indie drama Woman Thou Art Loose, which is being produced by Reuben Cannon Prods. Elise is repped by Writers & Artists Agency and Untitled Entertainment.
- 9/16/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film review: 'Carpenter's Vampires'
A twangy, western-like riff on the familiar gory tune of killing vampires, John Carpenter's latest opus after the forgettable "Escape From L.A". is even more tinny storywise, while lead James Woods is the only screamer of note in the humdrum cast.
The timing couldn't be better, but Columbia's Halloween release will probably shrivel up like a 3-day-old carved pumpkin after a strong opening weekend. There's not much new for fans of the genre, except a dusty, cowboys-and-bloodsuckers tone that's far from the erotic/gothic milieu of Bram Stoker and Anne Rice.
Setting itself up as a tongue-in-cheek horror-adventure with its perfunctory introduction to a gang of Vatican mercenaries led by Jack Crow (James Woods), "John Carpenter's Vampires" has such working-class touches as the well-equipped, lethal handymen using a truck with a winch to haul doomed ghouls into the sunlight.
The many undead ones hiss and attack and are hard to kill. This last condition affords Woods several opportunities to let loose in maniacal fits of violence and cursing. He's easily the wildest thing in the movie. Set in the current day, the gruesome show almost gets in gear with the arrival of vengeful Valek Thomas Ian Griffith), a 600-year-old "master" who butchers Crow's flock.
Surviving the bloodbath in a sleazy nightclub are Crow, his right-hand guy Montoya (Daniel Baldwin) and bitten-but-not-yet-dangerous hooker Katrina (Sheryl Lee). As the movie progresses, Katrina suffers much verbal and physical abuse from Crow and Montoya in an ongoing "joke," with the dazed woman indeed turning into a monster.
Along with the tough-hombres-doing-a-nasty-job misogyny, our skewering, decapitating heroes are not exactly good Catholics, even though they are advised by one Cardinal Alba (Maximilian Schell) and joined by eager new recruit Father Adam (Tim Guinee) in the search for Valek. On the way to the final showdown, Montoya becomes infected and tries to hide it, while Crow in the heat of the hunt takes time out to rough up rookie Father Adam.
Not even Valek has much of a presence in this one-sided affair, which revels in the bad-boy protagonists throughout, with Carpenter's repetitive rock-music score smothering everything. Apart from some spooky getups and OK special effects, the bad guys are featureless and not half as scary as the good guys.
JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES
Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures and Largo Entertainment present
A Storm King production
Director: John Carpenter
Screenwriter: Don Jakoby
Producer: Sandy King
Executive producer: Barr Potter
Director of photography: Gary B. Kibbe
Production designer: Thomas A. Walsh
Editor: Edward A. Warschilka
Costume designer: Robin Michel Bush
Music: John Carpenter
Casting: Reuben Cannon, Eddie Dunlop
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jack Crow: James Woods
Montoya: Daniel Baldwin
Katrina: Sheryl Lee
Valek: Thomas Ian Griffith
Cardinal Alba: Maximilian Schell
Father Adam Guiteau: Tim Guinee
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
The timing couldn't be better, but Columbia's Halloween release will probably shrivel up like a 3-day-old carved pumpkin after a strong opening weekend. There's not much new for fans of the genre, except a dusty, cowboys-and-bloodsuckers tone that's far from the erotic/gothic milieu of Bram Stoker and Anne Rice.
Setting itself up as a tongue-in-cheek horror-adventure with its perfunctory introduction to a gang of Vatican mercenaries led by Jack Crow (James Woods), "John Carpenter's Vampires" has such working-class touches as the well-equipped, lethal handymen using a truck with a winch to haul doomed ghouls into the sunlight.
The many undead ones hiss and attack and are hard to kill. This last condition affords Woods several opportunities to let loose in maniacal fits of violence and cursing. He's easily the wildest thing in the movie. Set in the current day, the gruesome show almost gets in gear with the arrival of vengeful Valek Thomas Ian Griffith), a 600-year-old "master" who butchers Crow's flock.
Surviving the bloodbath in a sleazy nightclub are Crow, his right-hand guy Montoya (Daniel Baldwin) and bitten-but-not-yet-dangerous hooker Katrina (Sheryl Lee). As the movie progresses, Katrina suffers much verbal and physical abuse from Crow and Montoya in an ongoing "joke," with the dazed woman indeed turning into a monster.
Along with the tough-hombres-doing-a-nasty-job misogyny, our skewering, decapitating heroes are not exactly good Catholics, even though they are advised by one Cardinal Alba (Maximilian Schell) and joined by eager new recruit Father Adam (Tim Guinee) in the search for Valek. On the way to the final showdown, Montoya becomes infected and tries to hide it, while Crow in the heat of the hunt takes time out to rough up rookie Father Adam.
Not even Valek has much of a presence in this one-sided affair, which revels in the bad-boy protagonists throughout, with Carpenter's repetitive rock-music score smothering everything. Apart from some spooky getups and OK special effects, the bad guys are featureless and not half as scary as the good guys.
JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES
Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures and Largo Entertainment present
A Storm King production
Director: John Carpenter
Screenwriter: Don Jakoby
Producer: Sandy King
Executive producer: Barr Potter
Director of photography: Gary B. Kibbe
Production designer: Thomas A. Walsh
Editor: Edward A. Warschilka
Costume designer: Robin Michel Bush
Music: John Carpenter
Casting: Reuben Cannon, Eddie Dunlop
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jack Crow: James Woods
Montoya: Daniel Baldwin
Katrina: Sheryl Lee
Valek: Thomas Ian Griffith
Cardinal Alba: Maximilian Schell
Father Adam Guiteau: Tim Guinee
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 10/31/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film review: 'Down in the Delta'
Miramax's "Down in the Delta" is a riveting, inspiring tale of one black family's rebirth.
Featuring a splendid lead performance by Alfre Woodard and directed with compassion and deliberate delicacy by Maya Angelou, "Delta" will warm viewers' hearts with its universal sensibility.
In this sobering production -- a Miramax, Showtime presentation -- Woodard stars as Loretta, an addled alcoholic-druggie staggering around Chicago's Cabrini Green while her two young children, Thomas (Mpho Koaho) and Tracy (Kulani Hassen), are left to the matriarchal care of Loretta's solid mother, Rosa (Mary Alice).
So far, Thomas is the only kid in his project not packing and Rosa fears it's only a number of weeks before he, too, will tote a gun. Loretta's personal disintegration is so steep that Rosa fears her daughter will soon overdose.
In Rosa's practical and caring mind, there's only one option -- send them down to the old family home in the South and get them off the mean streets for at least one summer.
Above all, "Delta" is a story of rebirth, albeit not always a smooth one. Loretta and the kids find the backwaters of the Mississippi delta alien territory. Their kindly kinfolk, namely the elderly patriarch Earl (Al Freeman Jr.) also find them perplexing.
But Earl, with his calm and loving manner, takes them into his grand old home and nurtures them. It's a sometimes rocky process, but he even gets Loretta to work in his chicken restaurant -- the only consistent job she's had on her feet.
Laced with loving wisdom and bolstered by unflinching realism, "Delta" is a marvelous story. Credit scriptwriter Myron Goble for sobering, uplifting writing and director Angelou for lyrical and kindly direction.
Yet it's the performances that are the most winning, chilling part of "Delta". Woodard, with her druggie twitches eventually abating to strong-willed determination, is an absolute marvel. She takes her performance to her character's most demeaning depths and then, along the way to regeneration, shows all the tremors of physical and ethical recovery.
As the steady and gentle Earl, Freeman gives a performances that is steely in its gentleness.
Alice exudes familial strength as Loretta's saintly but wily mother, while Koaho is splendidly exuberant as Loretta's do-right boy.
Wesley Snipes does a strong turn as Earl's successful son, a complex performance showing the conflicts of material success.
From William Wages' warm-hued cinematography to Stanley Clarke's artful musical tonalities, "Down in the Delta" is a work of superb storytelling.
DOWN IN THE DELTA
Miramax Films
Showtime presents
an Amen Ra Films and Chris/Rose Prod.
Producers: Rick Rosenberg, Bob Christiansen, Victor McGauley, Wesley Snipes, Reuben Cannon
Director: Maya Angelou
Screenwriter: Myron Goble
Director of photography: William Wages
Production designer: Lindsey Hermer-Bell
Editor: Nancy Richardson
Co-producers: Terri Farnsworth, Myron Goble, Alfre Woodard
Music: Stanley Clarke
Casting: Reuben Cannon & Associates
Costume designer: Maxyne Baker
Color/stereo
Cast:
Loretta: Alfre Woodard
Earl: Al Freeman Jr.
Rosa Lynn: Mary Alice
Annie: Esther Rolle
Zenia: Loretta Devine
Will: Wesley Snipes
Thomas: Mpho Koaho
Tracy: Kulani Hassen
Monica: Anne Marie Johnson
Running time -- 111 minutes...
Featuring a splendid lead performance by Alfre Woodard and directed with compassion and deliberate delicacy by Maya Angelou, "Delta" will warm viewers' hearts with its universal sensibility.
In this sobering production -- a Miramax, Showtime presentation -- Woodard stars as Loretta, an addled alcoholic-druggie staggering around Chicago's Cabrini Green while her two young children, Thomas (Mpho Koaho) and Tracy (Kulani Hassen), are left to the matriarchal care of Loretta's solid mother, Rosa (Mary Alice).
So far, Thomas is the only kid in his project not packing and Rosa fears it's only a number of weeks before he, too, will tote a gun. Loretta's personal disintegration is so steep that Rosa fears her daughter will soon overdose.
In Rosa's practical and caring mind, there's only one option -- send them down to the old family home in the South and get them off the mean streets for at least one summer.
Above all, "Delta" is a story of rebirth, albeit not always a smooth one. Loretta and the kids find the backwaters of the Mississippi delta alien territory. Their kindly kinfolk, namely the elderly patriarch Earl (Al Freeman Jr.) also find them perplexing.
But Earl, with his calm and loving manner, takes them into his grand old home and nurtures them. It's a sometimes rocky process, but he even gets Loretta to work in his chicken restaurant -- the only consistent job she's had on her feet.
Laced with loving wisdom and bolstered by unflinching realism, "Delta" is a marvelous story. Credit scriptwriter Myron Goble for sobering, uplifting writing and director Angelou for lyrical and kindly direction.
Yet it's the performances that are the most winning, chilling part of "Delta". Woodard, with her druggie twitches eventually abating to strong-willed determination, is an absolute marvel. She takes her performance to her character's most demeaning depths and then, along the way to regeneration, shows all the tremors of physical and ethical recovery.
As the steady and gentle Earl, Freeman gives a performances that is steely in its gentleness.
Alice exudes familial strength as Loretta's saintly but wily mother, while Koaho is splendidly exuberant as Loretta's do-right boy.
Wesley Snipes does a strong turn as Earl's successful son, a complex performance showing the conflicts of material success.
From William Wages' warm-hued cinematography to Stanley Clarke's artful musical tonalities, "Down in the Delta" is a work of superb storytelling.
DOWN IN THE DELTA
Miramax Films
Showtime presents
an Amen Ra Films and Chris/Rose Prod.
Producers: Rick Rosenberg, Bob Christiansen, Victor McGauley, Wesley Snipes, Reuben Cannon
Director: Maya Angelou
Screenwriter: Myron Goble
Director of photography: William Wages
Production designer: Lindsey Hermer-Bell
Editor: Nancy Richardson
Co-producers: Terri Farnsworth, Myron Goble, Alfre Woodard
Music: Stanley Clarke
Casting: Reuben Cannon & Associates
Costume designer: Maxyne Baker
Color/stereo
Cast:
Loretta: Alfre Woodard
Earl: Al Freeman Jr.
Rosa Lynn: Mary Alice
Annie: Esther Rolle
Zenia: Loretta Devine
Will: Wesley Snipes
Thomas: Mpho Koaho
Tracy: Kulani Hassen
Monica: Anne Marie Johnson
Running time -- 111 minutes...
- 9/18/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film review: 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love'
If it were a '40s romantic comedy, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" might be titled "Testimony of Three Wives".
A dark, dramatic biopic based on the downsliding life of doo-wopper Frankie Lymon, who rose to fame on the titular song, "Fools" stars Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox and Lela Rochon as the women who were married to Lymon and whose court fight over his royalty "estate" clue us to Lymon's sorry life, a drug-filled saga that had too little "doo" and way too much "wop."
Boasting some great late '50s and early '60s rock sounds, this Warner Bros. film, unfortunately, spins back and forth narratively so much that it has trouble settling into a consistent story rpm and is likely to get only a short play time at the boxoffice despite the excellent lead performances and nostalgic rock 'n' roll sound track.
Frankie Lymon (Larenz Tate) was short, cute and smooth. In the early '60s he was a star, lighting up the roadshow venues with his electric personality and, most popularly, his hit song -- "Why Do Fools Fall in Love". Even by rock star standards, Frankie had a way with the ladies: they adored him and, with his slight frame and boyish looks, he brought out their motherly instincts as well. According to Tina Andrews' fact-based screenplay, Frankie attracted all kinds as we readily see in the three very different women who vie for the royalties he supposedly acquired following his death by overdose. In a court battle, which very much resembles a game show owing to the varied nature of Limon's wives, Widow No. 1 is Zola Taylor (Berry), a former Platters singer and female rock star; Widow No. 2 is Elizabeth (Fox) a streetwise, petty criminal, and Widow No. 3 is Elmira (Rochon), a demure Southern schoolteacher. Frankie had a rather loose regard for bigamy laws, and all three contend that they are the true wife of the late singer. Each has a story and, as you'd expect, they're not exactly airtight.
In essence, Frankie's life and career is refracted through the prism of these three women's viewpoints and, not surprisingly, each paints a startlingly different portrait of the troubled entertainer. With most of the film told in flashback with multiple viewpoints, we're given a textural portrait that is both entertaining and illuminating. Best, this includes some great rock 'n' roll period stuff as well, early Alan Freed shows with such groups as the Shirelles, Little Richard and the Platters performing up and through the mid-'60s on shows including "Hullaballoo". Most of this is engaging, especially owing to the gritty and glossy lead performances, but some of the period evocation is a bit scratchy: '60s protesters come across as variety-show entertainers and the authenticity is muddled by the all-too-obvious studio-lot look of the settings. Like all music bios, we get the feeling that much of the story is grooved according to which music rights were available -- it's odd to see the mid-'60s in rock history with only a one-line mention of the Beatles and a cursory selection of songs that, overall, gives us no "Satisfaction".
The high note of this affectionate production is in the performances, especially Fox as the sultry bad-girl who decides to take on the music-industry practice of producers plastering their name on the writing credits of pop songs for royalties. Fox's don't-mess-with-me demeanor is a powerful pack of facial expressions, body language and attitude. She's reached back for some moves we haven't seen before. High praise also to Berry for her sassy, splashy performance as Frankie's songstress/wife, while Rochon is splendidly credible as Frankie's provincial Southern schoolmarm wife. As the troubled Frankie, Larenz Tate is a perfect blend of charisma and self-destructiveness. Once again, Paul Mazursky is outstanding in a supporting role, hitting all the right slimy notes in his role as a sleazy music producer.
Despite the artificial, studio look of much of the film, light up the applause meter for Cary White's garish, eye-catching, pink-patched production design, perfectly conveying the excess and transience of the characters and the era.
WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE
Warner Bros.
Producers: Paul Hall, Stephen Nemeth
Director: Gregory Nava
Screenwriter: Tina Andrews
Executive producers: Gregory Nava, Mark Allan, Harold Bronson
Director of photography: Edward Lachman
Production designer: Cary White
Editor: Nancy Richardson
Music: Stephen James Taylor
Costume designer: Elisabetta Beraldo
Casting: Reuben Cannon
Sound mixer: Veda Campbell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Zola Taylor: Halle Berry
Elizabeth Waters: Vivica A. Fox
Emira Eagle: Lela Rochon
Frankie Lymon: Larenz Tate
Little Richard: Himself
Morris Levy: Paul Mazursky
Herman Santiago: Alexis Cruz
Sherman: J. August Richards
Running time -- 123 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
A dark, dramatic biopic based on the downsliding life of doo-wopper Frankie Lymon, who rose to fame on the titular song, "Fools" stars Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox and Lela Rochon as the women who were married to Lymon and whose court fight over his royalty "estate" clue us to Lymon's sorry life, a drug-filled saga that had too little "doo" and way too much "wop."
Boasting some great late '50s and early '60s rock sounds, this Warner Bros. film, unfortunately, spins back and forth narratively so much that it has trouble settling into a consistent story rpm and is likely to get only a short play time at the boxoffice despite the excellent lead performances and nostalgic rock 'n' roll sound track.
Frankie Lymon (Larenz Tate) was short, cute and smooth. In the early '60s he was a star, lighting up the roadshow venues with his electric personality and, most popularly, his hit song -- "Why Do Fools Fall in Love". Even by rock star standards, Frankie had a way with the ladies: they adored him and, with his slight frame and boyish looks, he brought out their motherly instincts as well. According to Tina Andrews' fact-based screenplay, Frankie attracted all kinds as we readily see in the three very different women who vie for the royalties he supposedly acquired following his death by overdose. In a court battle, which very much resembles a game show owing to the varied nature of Limon's wives, Widow No. 1 is Zola Taylor (Berry), a former Platters singer and female rock star; Widow No. 2 is Elizabeth (Fox) a streetwise, petty criminal, and Widow No. 3 is Elmira (Rochon), a demure Southern schoolteacher. Frankie had a rather loose regard for bigamy laws, and all three contend that they are the true wife of the late singer. Each has a story and, as you'd expect, they're not exactly airtight.
In essence, Frankie's life and career is refracted through the prism of these three women's viewpoints and, not surprisingly, each paints a startlingly different portrait of the troubled entertainer. With most of the film told in flashback with multiple viewpoints, we're given a textural portrait that is both entertaining and illuminating. Best, this includes some great rock 'n' roll period stuff as well, early Alan Freed shows with such groups as the Shirelles, Little Richard and the Platters performing up and through the mid-'60s on shows including "Hullaballoo". Most of this is engaging, especially owing to the gritty and glossy lead performances, but some of the period evocation is a bit scratchy: '60s protesters come across as variety-show entertainers and the authenticity is muddled by the all-too-obvious studio-lot look of the settings. Like all music bios, we get the feeling that much of the story is grooved according to which music rights were available -- it's odd to see the mid-'60s in rock history with only a one-line mention of the Beatles and a cursory selection of songs that, overall, gives us no "Satisfaction".
The high note of this affectionate production is in the performances, especially Fox as the sultry bad-girl who decides to take on the music-industry practice of producers plastering their name on the writing credits of pop songs for royalties. Fox's don't-mess-with-me demeanor is a powerful pack of facial expressions, body language and attitude. She's reached back for some moves we haven't seen before. High praise also to Berry for her sassy, splashy performance as Frankie's songstress/wife, while Rochon is splendidly credible as Frankie's provincial Southern schoolmarm wife. As the troubled Frankie, Larenz Tate is a perfect blend of charisma and self-destructiveness. Once again, Paul Mazursky is outstanding in a supporting role, hitting all the right slimy notes in his role as a sleazy music producer.
Despite the artificial, studio look of much of the film, light up the applause meter for Cary White's garish, eye-catching, pink-patched production design, perfectly conveying the excess and transience of the characters and the era.
WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE
Warner Bros.
Producers: Paul Hall, Stephen Nemeth
Director: Gregory Nava
Screenwriter: Tina Andrews
Executive producers: Gregory Nava, Mark Allan, Harold Bronson
Director of photography: Edward Lachman
Production designer: Cary White
Editor: Nancy Richardson
Music: Stephen James Taylor
Costume designer: Elisabetta Beraldo
Casting: Reuben Cannon
Sound mixer: Veda Campbell
Color/stereo
Cast:
Zola Taylor: Halle Berry
Elizabeth Waters: Vivica A. Fox
Emira Eagle: Lela Rochon
Frankie Lymon: Larenz Tate
Little Richard: Himself
Morris Levy: Paul Mazursky
Herman Santiago: Alexis Cruz
Sherman: J. August Richards
Running time -- 123 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 8/10/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film review: 'Code Name: Wolverine'
Fox's thriller "Code Name: Wolverine" does its job efficiently and effectively, albeit at times seemingly stoked on machismo steroids.
Starring Antonio Sabato Jr., this teleflick, based on a Frederick Forsyth story, presents a violent tale of twists and turns that is over the top but yet a cut above. We are presented with Harry Gordini (Sabato), a college professor and ex-Navy SEAL who was code named, you guessed it, Wolverine, and who suddenly finds he must use his military skills while seeking to reconcile with his wife and son in Europe.
When Gordini's suitcase is inadvertently mixed up with a piece of luggage being transported by a drug courier that is said to contain a super-powerful variant of a narcotic worth $200 million, the nastiness begins in earnest. The big, bad drug cartel, represented by a harmful fellow named Adolfo Jones (Danny Quinn), wants the merchandise back.
Add to this mix agents from the DEA, lead by John Baines (Richard Brooks), who want to put the kibosh on the operation. Moreover, Gordini's wife Monica (Traci Lind) has her own connection to clandestine government operations, a fact that makes matters a bit more jittery when she and their young son Joey (Matthew Cox) are snatched by Jones. And though Gordini manages to spring 'em, more bad stuff unalterably follows.
While things can get hyperbolically confused in the course of this two-hour presentation, Sabato and company play it with a certain verve. Sabato, generally sporting a look of dogged determination and skimpy T-shirts, seems to be having fun in the sun. And in this regard, "Wolverine"'s scenes and sights keep the eye engaged, the telefilm shot on location in Italy.
International intrigue, venial villains and hyperventilating action, "Code Name: Wolverine" is political adventure as pumped-up fable: bodies getting speared, boats going kaboom, and bullets exploding into pliant flesh. Yet for all its excesses, the film does hook the viewer, and might even keep one's mind off the more pressing realities of law enforcement as usual. CODE NAME: WOLVERINE
Fox
Citadel Entertainment
in association with Eagles Journey/Fecon
Executive producers Michael Campus,
Rowland Perkins
Supervising producer Karen Danaher-Dorr
Producers Federick Muller, David R. Ginsburg
Associate producers Arla Dietz Baim,
Patti Singer
Director David Jackson
Teleplay Robert T. Megginson
Based on the original story by
Frederick Forsyth
Music Christopher Franke
Production designer Peter Mullins
Art director Livia Borgognoni
Editor Adam Wolfe
Director of photography Denis Maloney
Casting Reuben Cannon & Associates,
Eddie Dunlop
Cast: Antonio Sabato Jr., Traci Lind, Danny Quinn, Richard Brooks, Matthew Cox, Urgano Barberini, Sam Douglas, Brian Protheroe, Jeffrey Wickham
Airdate: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 8-10 p.m.
Starring Antonio Sabato Jr., this teleflick, based on a Frederick Forsyth story, presents a violent tale of twists and turns that is over the top but yet a cut above. We are presented with Harry Gordini (Sabato), a college professor and ex-Navy SEAL who was code named, you guessed it, Wolverine, and who suddenly finds he must use his military skills while seeking to reconcile with his wife and son in Europe.
When Gordini's suitcase is inadvertently mixed up with a piece of luggage being transported by a drug courier that is said to contain a super-powerful variant of a narcotic worth $200 million, the nastiness begins in earnest. The big, bad drug cartel, represented by a harmful fellow named Adolfo Jones (Danny Quinn), wants the merchandise back.
Add to this mix agents from the DEA, lead by John Baines (Richard Brooks), who want to put the kibosh on the operation. Moreover, Gordini's wife Monica (Traci Lind) has her own connection to clandestine government operations, a fact that makes matters a bit more jittery when she and their young son Joey (Matthew Cox) are snatched by Jones. And though Gordini manages to spring 'em, more bad stuff unalterably follows.
While things can get hyperbolically confused in the course of this two-hour presentation, Sabato and company play it with a certain verve. Sabato, generally sporting a look of dogged determination and skimpy T-shirts, seems to be having fun in the sun. And in this regard, "Wolverine"'s scenes and sights keep the eye engaged, the telefilm shot on location in Italy.
International intrigue, venial villains and hyperventilating action, "Code Name: Wolverine" is political adventure as pumped-up fable: bodies getting speared, boats going kaboom, and bullets exploding into pliant flesh. Yet for all its excesses, the film does hook the viewer, and might even keep one's mind off the more pressing realities of law enforcement as usual. CODE NAME: WOLVERINE
Fox
Citadel Entertainment
in association with Eagles Journey/Fecon
Executive producers Michael Campus,
Rowland Perkins
Supervising producer Karen Danaher-Dorr
Producers Federick Muller, David R. Ginsburg
Associate producers Arla Dietz Baim,
Patti Singer
Director David Jackson
Teleplay Robert T. Megginson
Based on the original story by
Frederick Forsyth
Music Christopher Franke
Production designer Peter Mullins
Art director Livia Borgognoni
Editor Adam Wolfe
Director of photography Denis Maloney
Casting Reuben Cannon & Associates,
Eddie Dunlop
Cast: Antonio Sabato Jr., Traci Lind, Danny Quinn, Richard Brooks, Matthew Cox, Urgano Barberini, Sam Douglas, Brian Protheroe, Jeffrey Wickham
Airdate: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 8-10 p.m.
- 12/3/1996
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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