Current Events And Horror Collide In New ‘Candyman’ Teaser

By

-

June 29, 2020

“What’s Candyman?” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character asks Coleman Domingo in the new and creepy 30-second teaser for the upcoming Candyman remake/sequel. Over a harrowing operatic soundtrack, Domingo tells Abdul-Mateen, and in turn, us, how Candyman isn’t just an urban legend but a series of repeated tragedies. “Pain like that lasts forever,” he says. “Candyman is how we deal with the fact that these things happened. That they are still happening!”

Like all Jordan Peele’s horror projects (Us, Get Out), this version of the 1992’s horror classic will use the urban legend to illude to bigger issues around race in society. In the short trailer alone it references slavery, violence, and police brutality.

The official synopsis is as follows:

For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy and his girlfriend, gallery director Brianna Cartwright, move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials. With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini Green old-timer exposes Anthony to the tragically horrific nature of the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to maintain his status in the Chicago art world, Anthony begins to explore these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, unknowingly opening a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifyingly viral wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

This new teaser combines scenes from the previous trailer with bits from the animated shadow puppet short released last week. It’s also the first time with this new movie that we’ve heard Candyman’s voice. “Tell everyone,” he commands at the trailer’s end.

Peele produced and wrote the film with Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta, who also directed it. Along with Abdul Mateen II and Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarret, and Tony Todd, who played the original Candyman, is set to star. As of now it’s supposed to be released in theater Sept. 25th, but we will see if that gets pushed back due to Covid-19.

Watch the Candyman trailer below.

AMC Theatres Delays Reopening To July 30th After ‘Tenet’ And ‘Mulan’ Moves

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

So you know how we’ve been sorta kidding, sorta not-kidding about Tenet controlling the fate of movie theatres? Well, that just got taken to a new level with the news that AMC is delaying its reopening plan. Why? Because Tenet moved out of July and into August.

Deadline reports AMC has changed the reopen date for 450 theaters from July 15th as originally intended, to July 30th, in response to Tenet moving to August 12th. The film was going to launch on July 17th, then when it became clear the coronavirus wasn’t going anywhere it moved to July 31st, and then again to its current date.

The other factor contributing to this was Disney’s moving of Mulan, which also moved a couple of times until it landed on August 21st. With no big movies opening for the entire month of July, what’s the point in opening? So people can swarm in to see The Broken Hearts Gallery? Oh wait, that just got moved today to August 7th.

“We continue to devote extraordinary resources into our plan to operate our theatres with a hyper commitment to the safety and health of our guests and associates, notably in the United States through our new AMC Safe & Clean initiative,” said AMC CEO Adam Aron. “Our theatre general managers across the U.S. started working full time again today and are back in their theatres gearing up to get their buildings fully ready just a few weeks from now for moviegoers. That happy day, when we can welcome guests back into most of our U.S. theatres, will be Thursday, July 30.”

Okay, so what happens when/if/probably when August isn’t far enough away and Tenet moves yet again? What does AMC do then? What about Regal and the other major theatre chains? If Tenet, Mulan, Bill & Ted 3, and other films don’t come out in due course, what happens to AMC which is on the brink of financial ruin? Here’s hoping they are considering some alternatives because COVID-19 isn’t really cooperating, is it?

Ray Fisher “Forcefully Retracts” Any Cheerleading He Did For Joss Whedon’s ‘Justice League’

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

Damn, man. Ray Fisher just went hard on Joss Whedon’s version of Justice League. It seems the Cyborg actor is pretty embarrassed that he went out on tour and publicly championed for Whedon’s cut of the failed superhero movie. In fact, he attacks the film in a new tweet, pointing to one specific moment, one I personally attended, when he backed Whedon during a Justice League panel at Comic-Con…

I’d like to take a moment to forcefully retract every bit of this statement: pic.twitter.com/1ECwwu6TG1

— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) June 29, 2020

“I’d like to take a moment to forcefully retract every bit of this statement.”

Damn, son. With the Snyder Cut coming to HBO Max, it’s clear that Fisher is ready to get the moment in the spotlight that he was denied. See, Zack Snyder’s version of Justice League included an expanded role for Victor Stone aka Cyborg. The cut Whedon delivered drastically reduced Cyborg’s storyline, and when the movie bombed he was left out in the cold. That planned Cyborg spinoff? Dead in the water. Meanwhile, Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, and Henry Cavill all have shit goin’ on in the DCEU.

Perhaps Fisher believes Snyder’s Justice League can change his fortunes? Maybe. Cyborg is expected to pop up in The Flash, but it does seem like the character has become an afterthought.

Colin Kaepernick And Ava DuVernay Team For Netflix Series ‘Colin In Black & White’

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

Colin Kaepernick wasn’t the first to publicly protest the police brutality and racism plaguing this country, but it was his silent protests in 2016 that launched a national conversation. By quietly kneeling during the National Anthem ahead of his NFL games, Kaepernick lit a fuse that continues to burn, despite some people in very high places pretending his protests were somehow unpatriotic. In an interesting turn, the murder of George Floyd has completely turned public perception in Kaepernick’s favor, making his story one that people want to see told.

And so, it’s happening. Kaepernick is teaming up with Ava DuVernay and Netflix for a TV series titled Colin in Black & White. And no, this isn’t about his time as an NFL QB, it’ll center on his formative high school years that inspired his current activism. Kaepernick was a black kid taken in by a white family, and dealt with his share of identity issues as a result.

The series will be written by Michael Starrbury, who co-wrote DuVernay’s When They See Us. He’s also attached to pen the upcoming heist comedy The Come Up from Hair Love director Matthew A. Cherry. Starrbury has already written the scripts so production could begin quickly.

“With his act of protest, Colin Kaepernick ignited a national conversation about race and justice with far-reaching consequences for football, culture and for him, personally,” said DuVernay. “Colin’s story has much to say about identity, sports and the enduring spirit of protest and resilience. I couldn’t be happier than to tell this story with the team at Netflix.”

Kaepernick said, “Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens. We seek to give new perspective to the differing realities that Black people face. We explore the racial conflicts I faced as an adopted Black man in a white community, during my high school years. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life in collaboration with Ava for the world to see.”

Sundance 2021 Will Be Partially Online, Expands Presence To 20 Cities Nationwide

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

The film festival circuit has been hit hard by COVID-19, just as everything else has, with events going exclusively online, or canceled outright. But with 2021 on the horizon, the first big festival of the new year, Sundance, is starting to shed light on its plans to deal with the altered state of the world.

Sundance’s new director, Tabitha Jackson, has begun to look at the future of the festival and how it will be held moving forward. While nothing concrete is in place, Jackson’s vision is clearly inspired by the global pandemic, economic realities, and access…

“An edition respectful of the public health situation, responsive to the moment, and reimagined in and for extraordinary times; An edition doubling down on our values of access, equity, inclusivity, and independence; An expanded Festival in which we preserve the possibility of in-person gathering while providing access to those unable or unwilling to travel; A unique celebration of independent cinema and community; A single festival expressed locally, globally, in-person, and online.”

Out of necessity, Sundance programming will be made available outside of Park City, Utah and into other parts of the country and the world. With COVID-19 drastically reducing air travel and closing down theaters, the need for Sundance to expand became immediate…

“The 2021 Sundance Film Festival will be a grand partnership of communities. It will take place live in Utah and in at least 20 independent and community cinemas across the U.S. and beyond.”

Jackson continued, “While the full program plays out in Utah, each of our partners will host a bespoke slate from the official selection alongside complementary programming of their own. Their communities acting as vibrant hubs of creativity, maker culture, and adventurous audiences.”

There will also be a key online component, not just for access films but for panel discussions, Q&As, and more.

“At the center of all our planning, the 2021 Sundance Film Festival will have an online home, making the festival accessible in a way it never has been before,” Jackson said. “Audiences will have the opportunity to view the curated program and take part in discussions and special live events online via a brand-new platform.”

As someone who adores going to Sundance and looks forward to it every year, I’m anxious to hear more. Does this mean programming will be made available to everybody, like Comic-Con is doing next month? Probably not, but what’s the point of expanding accessibility if you don’t make it easier to access? So we’ll see what happens and what Sundance 2021 ultimately looks like.

Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to take place from January 21st-31st.

‘Black Is King’ Teaser: Beyonce’s ‘The Lion King’-Inspired Visual Album Hits Disney+ In July

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

Surprise!!! The Queen B is dropping a new visual album on Disney+ next month! Beyonce will be releasing Black is King, inspired by last year’s The Lion King-inspired album The Gift.

Black is King was written, directed, and exec-produced by Beyonce, who has been developing it for a year since the release of The Gift. This will be interesting, because Beyonce is speaking directly to black families with a powerful message that will “reimagine the lessons of “The Lion King” for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.” This isn’t the kind of thing we would expect from the notoriously timid folks at Disney, but I guess when it’s Beyonce you kinda let her do her own thing, right? That’s the smart move.

SYNOPSIS: The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne. These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power. “Black Is King” is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.

Black is King hits Disney+ on July 31st.

‘Hair Love’ Director Matthew A. Cherry Takes On Heist Comedy ‘The Come Up’ Starring Lil Rel Howery

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

If you saw the Oscars and wondered why the roar of applause seemed extra loud for Hair Love director Matthew A. Cherry, it’s because his victory is a terrific success story. The ex-NFL player scraped and scrounged to make his award-winning short a reality, and that he was telling a story that taught black girls to love themselves as they are only made it more special. Well, now Cherry is embarking on his feature debut, The Come Up, and details have emerged along with the first cast members.

According to Collider, The Come Up is a heist movie that will star Lil Rel Howery (Brittany Runs a Marathon), the Lucas Bros. (22 Jump Street), and Jermaine Fowler (Sorry to Bother You). The film is being described as a cross between Friday and Ocean’s 11, which is a combo that I think we all can support. Cherry will direct from a script by Michael Starrbury, best known for Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us and The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.

It was Fowler who cooked up the premise, although plot details are being kept under wraps. He will also act as an exec-producer. Heist movies starring black actors are still pretty rare. We get plenty of crime movies but the heist genre has mostly eluded us. That gives Cherry the shot to really put his stamp on things with this movie if it’s a hit.

‘Respect’ Trailer: Jennifer Hudson Demands Your Respect As The “Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 29, 2020

That the Queen of Soul herself, the late Aretha Franklin, is getting her own biopic isn’t a big surprise. The problem, of course, is finding someone who can match her amazing vocal talent, which is why the film Respect stars Grammy and Oscar-winning singer Jennifer Hudson.

Respect is based on the title of Franklin’s unforgettable hit song, and charts the course of a career that led her to be the first female ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. The film seems to be following the standard music biopic model, but the timing on this one couldn’t be better as Franklin saw her rise to fame in the turbulent 1960s. “You have to disturb the peace, when you can’t get no peace”, she can be heard saying in this new teaser.

Joining Hudson in the cast are Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Heather Headley, Marc Maron, Tate Donovan, and Titus Burgess. Good lord, between Hudson, McDonald, and Blige you’ve got some of the most talented singers of the screen and stage altogether in one place. Hudson is coming off her unfortunate, yet powerfully-voiced role in Cats. She won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls.

Directed by Liesl Tommy, Respect opens this December.

‘Retaliation’ Trailer: Orlando Bloom Has An Old Score To Settle

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 28, 2020

The title Retaliation pretty much tells you what to expect from the new thriller led by Orlando Bloom. No, he won’t be firing arrows at orcs or swashbuckling pirates (can you swashbuckle a pirate?), but he plays a blue-color guy seeking revenge for an act committed long ago.

Of course, there’s more to the story than that and secrets that must be unearthed. Retaliation is based on the short film Romans 12:20 by directors the Shammasian Brothers and penned by BAFTA-winning writer Geoff Thompson. It’s also based on a true story, which lends some weight to the story.

SYNOPSIS: Orlando Bloom stars as Malky, a demolition worker whose life receives a seismic shock when, out drinking with friends at a local pub, he sees a disturbing figure from his past: the man he holds responsible for a traumatic childhood incident. Fueled by anger, Malky sets out on a path of vengeance—and discovers that no one can escape the consequences of their sins in this taut thriller.

Also starring Janet Montgomery, Charlie Creed-Miles, and Anne Reid, Retaliation hits digital and VOD on July 24th.

Edgar Wright Teases A Possible ‘Scott Pilgrim’ Anime

By

Travis Hopson

-

June 28, 2020

Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a film I hold in VERY high esteem, and with the 10th anniversary of its release right around the corner, I’ve been wondering if plans were in the works to revisit it somehow. Considered a flop when it opened, cult status soon followed but there was never any serious talk of a live-action sequel. While that doesn’t seem to be possible, Wright recently teased to EW (via ThePlaylist) that more Scott Pilgrim could happen…in anime form.

It was during a script read of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, one attended by Wright and much of the cast, that he dropped news of an animated followup, one that would be done in anime style…

“There’s some plans—and there’s nothing official yet—but there are some plans to revisit the material in an animation way. We’ve been talking with [Bryan Lee O’Malley, creator] and with [Jared LeBoff, executive producer] for a while [about]: What if we did something with the books in anime form? It’s being discussed as we speak.”

There were six volumes of O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, so there’s plenty of ground to cover if they wanted to do sequels. And the anime medium is perfect because O’Malley’s art style was largely influenced by Japanese animation.

Nothing is official, however, so who knows if this happens. Hopefully there will be such an outpouring of love for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World over the next couple of months that it would be foolish not strike while the iron is hot. Hopefully this also means a return of the awesome Scott Pilgrim video game.