Michael Jackson‘s Bad includes many of his most impressive songs. The writer of one of the album’s songs said it came from God. That’s fascinating, considering that the music video for the tune includes images of some of the most famous religious leaders who ever lived.
Michael Jackson knew a song from ‘Bad’ came from God even though nobody told him that
“Man in the Mirror” was co-written by Siedah Garrett. Grett might be most known for duetting with the King of Pop on his hit ballad “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” During an interview with Blue Railroad, she said “Man in the Mirror” came from God. Despite this, she didn’t directly tell Jackson about its origins.
“My answer to him was that ‘I asked for it,'” she said. “I didn’t mention God because I didn’t know where he was as far as religion goes.
Michael Jackson knew a song from ‘Bad’ came from God even though nobody told him that
“Man in the Mirror” was co-written by Siedah Garrett. Grett might be most known for duetting with the King of Pop on his hit ballad “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” During an interview with Blue Railroad, she said “Man in the Mirror” came from God. Despite this, she didn’t directly tell Jackson about its origins.
“My answer to him was that ‘I asked for it,'” she said. “I didn’t mention God because I didn’t know where he was as far as religion goes.
- 4/23/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Michael Jackson‘s brother, Jermaine Jackson of The Jackson 5, made a bold statement about the King of Pop. Jermaine felt his brother’s life would have been saved if he had made one decision. Interestingly, it is a decision Jermaine made himself.
Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, wanted him to convert to another religion
During a 2010 BBC interview quoted by Praise 102.1, Jermaine said a conversion to Islam would have saved the “Thriller” singer. “God is so powerful,” Jermaine said. “[Michael] was studying. He was reading a lot of books, because I brought him books from Saudi Arabia. I brought him books from Bahrain.”
Jermaine explained he wanted Michael to relocate to Bahrain, a small Muslim nation. “I was the one who originally put him in Bahrain because I wanted him to get out of America because it was having a cherry-picking time on my brother,” he revealed.
Jermaine went on...
Michael Jackson’s brother, Jermaine Jackson, wanted him to convert to another religion
During a 2010 BBC interview quoted by Praise 102.1, Jermaine said a conversion to Islam would have saved the “Thriller” singer. “God is so powerful,” Jermaine said. “[Michael] was studying. He was reading a lot of books, because I brought him books from Saudi Arabia. I brought him books from Bahrain.”
Jermaine explained he wanted Michael to relocate to Bahrain, a small Muslim nation. “I was the one who originally put him in Bahrain because I wanted him to get out of America because it was having a cherry-picking time on my brother,” he revealed.
Jermaine went on...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Other than making records, what do Green Day, the Notorious B.I.G., classic crooners Perry Como and Johnny Mathis, Latin music giant Héctor Lavoe, and the late Bill Withers have in common? Not much, until today: Works by all those musicians, and over a dozen more, were announced as the latest additions to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Signed off on by then-president Bill Clinton in 2000, the Registry has aimed to collect recordings —musical performances, speeches, and other audio — deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically important.” The first...
Signed off on by then-president Bill Clinton in 2000, the Registry has aimed to collect recordings —musical performances, speeches, and other audio — deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically important.” The first...
- 4/16/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
As the 56th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s April 4th, 1968 assassination approaches, we’d like to make a suggestion for anyone looking for content about the late civil-rights leader: Season 4 of National Geographic‘s insightful and effective Genius. Entitled MLK/X and starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. (The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) as King and Malcolm X, respectively, the eight-episode bio-series charted the concurrent yet dramatically divergent paths both men trod during one of the most important eras of modern history. It’s also filled with information many viewers may not be aware of (they only met once?!). But far from a musty retelling, the series—as Genius has so far done with Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and Einstein—digs beneath the facade of the famous men to examine what drove them and, as Harrison, Jr. puts it, amplify the fact that anyone can make a difference.
- 3/21/2024
- TV Insider
John Oliver took a subtle swipe at Deadline’s coverage of Last Week Tonight in the latest episode of his HBO show.
The British comedian mocked this very publication in a segment about medicine, doctors and state medical boards.
We were the latest television target after Oliver slammed Dancing with the Stars in a segment about North Carolina Republican Mark Robinson, who compared it to Stalin’s showtrials.
Deadline regularly covers Oliver’s salvos on a Sunday and we found ourselves in a somewhat meta situation, recapping his jolly jab at us. It was not unlike our coverage of Hasan Minhaj’s speech at the Independent Spirit Awards, where he said that we have the “web layout of a Craigslist ad” but admitted this site “governs our lives”.
The Deadline reference came after a clip from Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star (the second ding at Disney given that...
The British comedian mocked this very publication in a segment about medicine, doctors and state medical boards.
We were the latest television target after Oliver slammed Dancing with the Stars in a segment about North Carolina Republican Mark Robinson, who compared it to Stalin’s showtrials.
Deadline regularly covers Oliver’s salvos on a Sunday and we found ourselves in a somewhat meta situation, recapping his jolly jab at us. It was not unlike our coverage of Hasan Minhaj’s speech at the Independent Spirit Awards, where he said that we have the “web layout of a Craigslist ad” but admitted this site “governs our lives”.
The Deadline reference came after a clip from Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star (the second ding at Disney given that...
- 3/11/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Republicans in North Carolina have selected Mark Robinson as their nominee in the swing state’s 2024 gubernatorial race. Robinson — the state’s first Black lieutenant governor, who will now face Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein in the general election — has a richer history of bigoted commentary than any major-party political candidate in recent memory. He has leveled truly vile attacks against Muslims, Jews, women, and the LGBTQ community, while pushing a torrent of conspiracy theories about everything from Covid-19 to the 2020 election. He also loves Donald Trump.
Trump loves him back,...
Trump loves him back,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez and Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Palestine has been a major issue around the world, as the Idf’s military operation in the wake of the October 7th attack by Hamas has resulted in unprecedented civilian casualities.Protesters have taken to the streets and public figures have advocated for Palestine in a variety of ways. For Palestinian-American artist Phay, it took time to find the best words to encapsulate his thoughts — and he decided to put them to song on “Watermelon Seeds,” a poignant reflection on the plight of his people.
- 3/8/2024
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
After eight years of Democratic leadership, North Carolina’s next governor could be a guy with a long history of shitposting on Facebook.
Mark Robinson, the winner of the state’s Republican primary for governor on Tuesday, has served as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor since 2021. He shot into the national spotlight in part by devoting himself to Donald Trump and making a slew of incendiary, deeply bigoted comments. Trump has endorsed Robinson for the state’s top job, and even called him “Martin Luther King on steroids” at a recent campaign event.
Mark Robinson, the winner of the state’s Republican primary for governor on Tuesday, has served as North Carolina’s lieutenant governor since 2021. He shot into the national spotlight in part by devoting himself to Donald Trump and making a slew of incendiary, deeply bigoted comments. Trump has endorsed Robinson for the state’s top job, and even called him “Martin Luther King on steroids” at a recent campaign event.
- 3/6/2024
- by Jeremy Childs
- Rollingstone.com
Taraji P. Henson showed off one of her tattoos as she took to the stage at the American Black Film Festival Honors on Sunday night.
“I got this tattoo a year ago, ‘The truth,’” she said, raising her left arm to the crowd, “because at the end of the day, that’s all we have, our truth. And if you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your time to tell the truth. Because by you telling the truth, you’re setting yourself free and somebody else free. But if you stay quiet, nothing changes.”
Henson was the female recipient of ABFF’s Excellence in the Arts Award, presented to her by longtime friend and Baby Boy co-star Tyrese. While on the promotional tour for The Color Purple at the end of last year, Henson spoke out about the pay disparity for Black actresses,...
“I got this tattoo a year ago, ‘The truth,’” she said, raising her left arm to the crowd, “because at the end of the day, that’s all we have, our truth. And if you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your time to tell the truth. Because by you telling the truth, you’re setting yourself free and somebody else free. But if you stay quiet, nothing changes.”
Henson was the female recipient of ABFF’s Excellence in the Arts Award, presented to her by longtime friend and Baby Boy co-star Tyrese. While on the promotional tour for The Color Purple at the end of last year, Henson spoke out about the pay disparity for Black actresses,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles have kept him in the news over the last few months. Majors was tried on assault charges amidst the high-profile lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. The lawsuit resulted in Majors being dropped from several projects. He was eventually found guilty and fired by Marvel Studios as well.
Jonathan Majors in Creed 3
The lawsuit has also been the subject of intense speculation, discussion, and media scrutiny. Mark Anthony Neal, an expert on African-American studies has presented a new take on the case and cited racial stigma as the primary reason for the verdict coming against Majors. Here is what Neal had to say about the Jonathan Majors lawsuit and why he feels the actor’s fate was already sealed.
Suggested“This brother is done”: Jonathan Majors’ Goose is Cooked, More Abuse Allegations Shatter His Career African-American Studies Expert Talks Racist Stigma in...
Jonathan Majors in Creed 3
The lawsuit has also been the subject of intense speculation, discussion, and media scrutiny. Mark Anthony Neal, an expert on African-American studies has presented a new take on the case and cited racial stigma as the primary reason for the verdict coming against Majors. Here is what Neal had to say about the Jonathan Majors lawsuit and why he feels the actor’s fate was already sealed.
Suggested“This brother is done”: Jonathan Majors’ Goose is Cooked, More Abuse Allegations Shatter His Career African-American Studies Expert Talks Racist Stigma in...
- 2/26/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Saturday Night Live set its sights on The Floor, Fox’s new game show hosted by Rob Lowe that has contestants facing off in a series of quiz duels.
On SNL’s version, tonight’s host Shane Gillis played the defending champion David, who triumphed in the first round by correctly identifying a glass of orange juice.
But when it came time to identify famous faces, Gillis was continually stumped by a series of pictures featuring Black politicians and personalities. As pictures of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou, Colin Powell and Aretha Franklin flashed on the screen, a panicked Gillis said things like “I know him, but I’m nervous” or “I’m a huge fan of hers” without saying their actual names.
Fear even had him miss the names of Stephen Curry and Oprah Winfrey.
But when an image of Cleveland from Family Guy appears, Gillis’ David gets it right.
On SNL’s version, tonight’s host Shane Gillis played the defending champion David, who triumphed in the first round by correctly identifying a glass of orange juice.
But when it came time to identify famous faces, Gillis was continually stumped by a series of pictures featuring Black politicians and personalities. As pictures of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou, Colin Powell and Aretha Franklin flashed on the screen, a panicked Gillis said things like “I know him, but I’m nervous” or “I’m a huge fan of hers” without saying their actual names.
Fear even had him miss the names of Stephen Curry and Oprah Winfrey.
But when an image of Cleveland from Family Guy appears, Gillis’ David gets it right.
- 2/25/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Donald Trump, who was sued by the Justice Department in 1973 for discriminating against Black tenants, told a group of Black conservative voters that “a lot of people” have said his four indictments are the reason that “Black people like me.” In the same breath, Trump painted himself as a victim of discrimination.
Addressing the Black Conservative Federation Honors Gala in Columbia, South Carolina, on Friday evening, Trump boasted about the pardons he gave out while in office, and continued to falsely lament that the 91 charges against him were all part...
Addressing the Black Conservative Federation Honors Gala in Columbia, South Carolina, on Friday evening, Trump boasted about the pardons he gave out while in office, and continued to falsely lament that the 91 charges against him were all part...
- 2/24/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Aml Ameen, who portrays Dr.Martin Luther King in Rustin, reveals that he’s in talks with Film4 and the BFI to direct and star in the sequel to holiday romance Boxing Day, his feature directorial debut — and he has a second film, a crime saga called Night and Day that he wants to make soon.
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Elvis Presley‘s “If I Can Dream” isn’t just a stunning song. It’s a stunning song that changed the entire arc of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s career. In retrospect, Priscilla Presley called the song “a blessing.”
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ and ‘If I Can Dream’ bookended a bad era
Elvis’ “Bossa Nova Baby” is not one of his most famous songs today. It should be more remembered today because its release was a serious demarcation point in his career. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says it reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Afterward, Elvis wouldn’t have a top 10 single for five-and-a-half years, save for a cover of the religious song “Crying in the Chapel.”
“If I Can Dream” gave Elvis new momentum. Walter Earl Brown, a member of the group The Skylarks, wrote the song for the ’68 Comeback Special because...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ and ‘If I Can Dream’ bookended a bad era
Elvis’ “Bossa Nova Baby” is not one of his most famous songs today. It should be more remembered today because its release was a serious demarcation point in his career. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits says it reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Afterward, Elvis wouldn’t have a top 10 single for five-and-a-half years, save for a cover of the religious song “Crying in the Chapel.”
“If I Can Dream” gave Elvis new momentum. Walter Earl Brown, a member of the group The Skylarks, wrote the song for the ’68 Comeback Special because...
- 2/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Insofar as calling out disingenuous-seeming celebrities goes, Bono is pretty low-hanging fruit. But that hasn’t stopped Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters from lashing out at the U2 frontman in a recent interview, calling him an “enormous shit” for his support of Israel during the nation’s ongoing conflict with Hamas and occupation of Palestine.
The comments came in a recent discussion between Waters and Al Jazeera, in which the Pink Floyd songsmith reaffirmed his condemnation of Israel’s policy towards Palestine, and emphasized the importance of speaking out against war-mongering politics. When asked what he would say to artists who’ve remained quiet during this time, Waters turned his ire towards Bono.
“Anybody who knows Bono should go and pick him up by his ankles and shake him until he stops being an enormous shit,” Waters said, referring to a recent U2 performance at the Sphere where Bono expressed...
The comments came in a recent discussion between Waters and Al Jazeera, in which the Pink Floyd songsmith reaffirmed his condemnation of Israel’s policy towards Palestine, and emphasized the importance of speaking out against war-mongering politics. When asked what he would say to artists who’ve remained quiet during this time, Waters turned his ire towards Bono.
“Anybody who knows Bono should go and pick him up by his ankles and shake him until he stops being an enormous shit,” Waters said, referring to a recent U2 performance at the Sphere where Bono expressed...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
“When we finished the film, there were 2,000 banned books, and now there are 6,000,” says Trish Adlesic, one of three directors of the Oscar-nominated short The ABCs of Book Banning.
The documentary, which is the directorial debut of veteran doc executive Sheila Nevins and is also directed by Nazenet Habtezghi, looks at America’s book-banning endeavors through the eyes of school-age children. The short is bookended by someone on the other end of the generational spectrum: Grace Linn, the 101-year-old free speech advocate whose visit to a Florida school board meeting went viral after she showed a quilt she had made displaying the titles of banned books and compared banning to the Nazis’ burning of books. “Both are done for the same reason,” Linn said. “Fear of knowledge.” Adlesic talks to THR about making the short and her hope to screen it for a book-banning organization.
When did you and the...
The documentary, which is the directorial debut of veteran doc executive Sheila Nevins and is also directed by Nazenet Habtezghi, looks at America’s book-banning endeavors through the eyes of school-age children. The short is bookended by someone on the other end of the generational spectrum: Grace Linn, the 101-year-old free speech advocate whose visit to a Florida school board meeting went viral after she showed a quilt she had made displaying the titles of banned books and compared banning to the Nazis’ burning of books. “Both are done for the same reason,” Linn said. “Fear of knowledge.” Adlesic talks to THR about making the short and her hope to screen it for a book-banning organization.
When did you and the...
- 2/17/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Shortly after the April 4, 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., a California school teacher named Harriet Glickman sent a letter to Peanuts creator Charles. M. Schulz. In it, she asked him to introduce a Black character to Charlie Brown’s world, in hopes of helping ease the racial tensions roiling the country at the time. While Schulz admitted it was a great idea, his original response was one of concern that such a move might appear condescending. Nevertheless, Glickman persisted and today we have Franklin Armstrong, who is finally getting his origin story explored in Apple TV+‘s Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin. “The flack [my dad] got from that was tremendous,” recalls Craig Schulz of the character’s debut on July 31, 1968. “A lot of backlash, a lot of nasty letters, editors threatening to pull the comic strip from their newspapers and so forth… For him, it had been quite the dilemma...
- 2/15/2024
- TV Insider
Exclusive: What does it take to become Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr? David Oyelowo took on the challenge for Ava DuVernay’s underrated 2014 film Selma. It’s all there in Becoming King, a new documentary coming to Paramount+.
The 1965 march through the segregationist state of Alabama resulted in brutal beatings by local authorities and white vigilante groups as activist marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge en route to the state house in Montgomery. They didn’t get there, that day. Called Bloody Sunday, the nationally televised footage was shocking and shameful, and it left activist and future congressman John Lewis with a fractured skull. Six days later, President Lyndon Johnson had seen enough and gave a nationwide TV address pledging support for a National Voting Rights bill that became law after he introduced it in Congress. It was a milestone moment.
Oyelowo’s long preparation to play Dr. King...
The 1965 march through the segregationist state of Alabama resulted in brutal beatings by local authorities and white vigilante groups as activist marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge en route to the state house in Montgomery. They didn’t get there, that day. Called Bloody Sunday, the nationally televised footage was shocking and shameful, and it left activist and future congressman John Lewis with a fractured skull. Six days later, President Lyndon Johnson had seen enough and gave a nationwide TV address pledging support for a National Voting Rights bill that became law after he introduced it in Congress. It was a milestone moment.
Oyelowo’s long preparation to play Dr. King...
- 2/14/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Glenn Danzig is such a big Elvis Presley fan that he’s covered numerous songs by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Danzig said that Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special was a response to various cultural forces of the time, including hippies. He has a point.
Glenn Danzig felt Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special’ was a response to the British Invasion
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Mother” singer was asked what he thought of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special. “I remember watching it as a kid and thinking, ‘Wow. This is pretty cool,'” he recalled. “He basically hadn’t done any live performing.
“He came back from the Army and was just doing movies,” he said. “Then all this stuff was happening like the British Invasion and the Mod thing and hippies. I think he was like, ‘Where’s my place?’ So he went, ‘I’m Elvis. This is my place.
Glenn Danzig felt Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special’ was a response to the British Invasion
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Mother” singer was asked what he thought of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special. “I remember watching it as a kid and thinking, ‘Wow. This is pretty cool,'” he recalled. “He basically hadn’t done any live performing.
“He came back from the Army and was just doing movies,” he said. “Then all this stuff was happening like the British Invasion and the Mod thing and hippies. I think he was like, ‘Where’s my place?’ So he went, ‘I’m Elvis. This is my place.
- 2/11/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: The American Black Film Festival Honors said Tuesday that Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the recipient of its 2024 Rising Star Award, presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their success and future promise in the film and television industry.
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. wants audiences to take from “Genius: MLK/X” the idea of “community”: “Both of these men were supported by equally, if not more intelligent women. And also we had Bayard Rustin, we had Ella Baker, we had Ralph Abernathy. There’s so many incredible leaders in these times,” so “if somebody wants to be courageous and bold enough to say something and act on it and be active in this country, we have to champion that.”
The eight-episode “MLK/X” tells the parallel stories of the two title civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. (Harrison) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre), as well as their respective wives Coretta Scott King (Weruche Opia) and Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson). The four actors discussed the series at the New York City premiere on February 1 at the Paley Museum, along with co-star Griffin Matthews (who plays Rustin) and showrunners Damione Macedon...
The eight-episode “MLK/X” tells the parallel stories of the two title civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. (Harrison) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre), as well as their respective wives Coretta Scott King (Weruche Opia) and Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson). The four actors discussed the series at the New York City premiere on February 1 at the Paley Museum, along with co-star Griffin Matthews (who plays Rustin) and showrunners Damione Macedon...
- 2/5/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
The trailer for the latest Apple TV+ Charlie Brown special is here, and no offense to Peppermint Patty, Lucy, and the rest of the crew, but this looks like it's set to be the best Peanuts character spotlight story yet. The new animated special is titled "Welcome Home, Franklin," and it's set to finally shine a light on Franklin, Charlie Brown's laid back friend who joined the comic strip in 1968. Notably, Franklin is the only Black character in the main Peanuts gang lineup that's featured prominently in several of the most popular specials, and his role in the friend group has led to plenty of memeing and criticism over the years.
In the social media age, Franklin is perhaps best known for his appearance in "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," where he's seated awkwardly far across the table from all of his white friends. Screencaps from the 1973 special tend to go viral around the holiday season,...
In the social media age, Franklin is perhaps best known for his appearance in "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," where he's seated awkwardly far across the table from all of his white friends. Screencaps from the 1973 special tend to go viral around the holiday season,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The latest season of Disney and National Geographic's Genius docudrama, titled Genius: MLK/X, focuses on two civil rights icons, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.
In previous seasons, Genius spotlighted one historical figure, such as Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.
But for Season 4, the anthology opted for what The Hollywood Reporter described as a chronological "compare and contrast essay," highlighting both the differences and commonalities between the two leaders, along with a supporting cast of historical characters.
Read full article on The Direct.
In previous seasons, Genius spotlighted one historical figure, such as Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.
But for Season 4, the anthology opted for what The Hollywood Reporter described as a chronological "compare and contrast essay," highlighting both the differences and commonalities between the two leaders, along with a supporting cast of historical characters.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/2/2024
- by Savannah Sanders
- The Direct
On February 1, 2024, National Geographic premiered the fourth season of “Genius,” which centers on two icons of the civil rights movement: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. “Genius: MLK/X” stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre in the titular roles, with a supporting cast that includes Weruche Opia, Jayme Lawson, Jalyn Hall and the late Ron Cephas Jones.
The limited series puts an intense focus on the formative years of Martin and Malcolm, showing how their experiences and relationships as young children and teens shaped and influenced the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and Martin’s graduation from Boston University begin their respective journeys that will one day change the nation, but also begin a budding rivalry.
Executive produced by Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, the pilot episode is written by playwright Jeff Stetson (“The Meeting”) and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples.
The limited series puts an intense focus on the formative years of Martin and Malcolm, showing how their experiences and relationships as young children and teens shaped and influenced the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and Martin’s graduation from Boston University begin their respective journeys that will one day change the nation, but also begin a budding rivalry.
Executive produced by Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, the pilot episode is written by playwright Jeff Stetson (“The Meeting”) and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples.
- 2/2/2024
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
Get ready for an intense and thought-provoking episode of “Genius: MLK/X” as Season 4 continues with Episode 4 titled “Watch the Throne.” This powerful installment is set to air on National Geographic at 10:10 Pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024, and it promises to be a defining moment in the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
In this gripping episode, Martin Luther King Jr. faces a harrowing attack that forces him to confront his own mortality. The aftermath of this attack leaves him grappling with profound questions about his leadership and the sacrifices required to lead a movement.
Meanwhile, Malcolm X seizes an opportunity to elevate the profile of the Nation of Islam (Noi). His strategic mind and determination to empower his community take center stage as he works tirelessly to further the Noi’s influence.
“Watch the Throne” delves deep into the complexities of leadership, activism, and personal sacrifice.
In this gripping episode, Martin Luther King Jr. faces a harrowing attack that forces him to confront his own mortality. The aftermath of this attack leaves him grappling with profound questions about his leadership and the sacrifices required to lead a movement.
Meanwhile, Malcolm X seizes an opportunity to elevate the profile of the Nation of Islam (Noi). His strategic mind and determination to empower his community take center stage as he works tirelessly to further the Noi’s influence.
“Watch the Throne” delves deep into the complexities of leadership, activism, and personal sacrifice.
- 2/1/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
About an hour into the brief and dazzling Bushman, the central character announces, “I need a hamburger,” and then the screen goes black for a few seconds. When the movie resumes, it’s no longer a drama enlivened by a streetwise documentary sensibility, but a work of straight-up nonfiction. Relying on stills in this last stretch but maintaining the visual fluency of the preceding story, the final 10 minutes recount why director David Schickele stopped filming for a year: He was working instead on securing a release from prison for his wrongfully imprisoned leading man.
There are strong parallels between Gabriel, the onscreen outsider, and Paul Eyam Nzie Okpokam, the man who plays him. Both grew up in a Nigerian village. Like Gabriel, Okpokam was a graduate student at San Francisco State College. Schickele’s screenplay was to have ended with Gabriel being deported after falling into trouble with the law.
There are strong parallels between Gabriel, the onscreen outsider, and Paul Eyam Nzie Okpokam, the man who plays him. Both grew up in a Nigerian village. Like Gabriel, Okpokam was a graduate student at San Francisco State College. Schickele’s screenplay was to have ended with Gabriel being deported after falling into trouble with the law.
- 1/31/2024
- by Sheri Linden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are some roles that are nearly impossible to turn down. For actors Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, they had the fortune of playing two giants of the civil rights movement in Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, respectively, in the latest instalment of Nat Geo’s running series ‘Genius’.
This latest season, entitled ‘Genius: MLK/X’ takes us back in time, offering a candid exploration into the lives of the two aforementioned activists, renowned for wanting the same thing, though doing so in different ways. We spoke to the two actors gifted with these roles and asked exactly how they prepare to play icons of this nature. They speak about the character’s differences, and their somewhat less publicised similarities.
Watch the full interview with Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Aaron Pierre here:
Synopsis
Setting the series apart from other retellings, Genius: MLK/X explores simultaneously the formative years, pioneering accomplishments,...
This latest season, entitled ‘Genius: MLK/X’ takes us back in time, offering a candid exploration into the lives of the two aforementioned activists, renowned for wanting the same thing, though doing so in different ways. We spoke to the two actors gifted with these roles and asked exactly how they prepare to play icons of this nature. They speak about the character’s differences, and their somewhat less publicised similarities.
Watch the full interview with Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Aaron Pierre here:
Synopsis
Setting the series apart from other retellings, Genius: MLK/X explores simultaneously the formative years, pioneering accomplishments,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The premiere of National Geographic’s “Genius: MLK/X” was held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, January 29. Following a star-studded red carpet and screening of the first episode titled “Graduation,” a panel was hosted by civil rights advocate and law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. Panelists included executive producers Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Brian Grazer, actors Kelvin Harrison Jr., Weruche Opia (Coretta Scott King), Aaron Pierre (Malolm X), Jayme Lawson (Betty Shabazz), showrunners Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Madedon, director Channing Godfrey Peoples and writer Jeff Stetson. Read the partial transcript from the event below.
Episode 1 (“Graduation”) is an intense focus on the formative years of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and their experiences and relationships as young children and teens that shape and influence the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and King’s graduation from Boston University...
Episode 1 (“Graduation”) is an intense focus on the formative years of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and their experiences and relationships as young children and teens that shape and influence the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and King’s graduation from Boston University...
- 1/31/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Chris Rock is set to direct the English language remake of the Oscar-winning Another Round: more here.
The Oscar-winning 2020 black comedy Another Round is a superb film, a mainstream-leaning movie about drink dependency starring Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. Thomas Vinterberg directed the film, and around the time Another Round became a hit, there was talk of an English-language remake.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company Appian Way picked up the rights, and there’s been development work presumably going on since around that time. Not that there’s been much word on the project popping up in the press.
Now, though: some news. As you’d expect, given the headline and the fact that this non-ai-generated article exists.
Chris Rock is returning to directing for the English-language Another Round. Stuart Bloomberg had penned a draft of the script, yet there’s now going to be a new writer...
The Oscar-winning 2020 black comedy Another Round is a superb film, a mainstream-leaning movie about drink dependency starring Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. Thomas Vinterberg directed the film, and around the time Another Round became a hit, there was talk of an English-language remake.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company Appian Way picked up the rights, and there’s been development work presumably going on since around that time. Not that there’s been much word on the project popping up in the press.
Now, though: some news. As you’d expect, given the headline and the fact that this non-ai-generated article exists.
Chris Rock is returning to directing for the English-language Another Round. Stuart Bloomberg had penned a draft of the script, yet there’s now going to be a new writer...
- 1/30/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
It has taken a couple of years, but there is some forward movement on development for an English-language remake of Thomas Vinterberg's dark comedy Another Round. Depending on your feelings towards the original, this may not be considered good news, but Chris Rock is now aboard to direct a new take on the film.
Another Round, which took home Best International Film at the Oscars in 2021, follows Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), who learns there is an obscure philosophical theory that humans should have been born with a small amount of alcohol in our blood; that modest inebriation opens our minds to the world around us, diminishing problems and increasing creativity.
So Martin and three of his friends, all weary high school teachers, embark on a risky experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout the workday. Initial results are positive, but as the units are knocked back and stakes are raised,...
Another Round, which took home Best International Film at the Oscars in 2021, follows Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), who learns there is an obscure philosophical theory that humans should have been born with a small amount of alcohol in our blood; that modest inebriation opens our minds to the world around us, diminishing problems and increasing creativity.
So Martin and three of his friends, all weary high school teachers, embark on a risky experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout the workday. Initial results are positive, but as the units are knocked back and stakes are raised,...
- 1/29/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Kelly Clarkson needs to make her way to the Sphere to see U2!
On Friday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host and musician performed a cover of U2’s “Mysterious Love” during her Kellyoke segment.
“She’s the wave, she turns the tide/She sees the man inside the child,” Clarkson sang. “It’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right/She moves in mysterious ways, yeah.”
“Mysterious Love” was originally featured on one of the group’s biggest albums, Achtung Baby, which dropped...
On Friday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host and musician performed a cover of U2’s “Mysterious Love” during her Kellyoke segment.
“She’s the wave, she turns the tide/She sees the man inside the child,” Clarkson sang. “It’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right/She moves in mysterious ways, yeah.”
“Mysterious Love” was originally featured on one of the group’s biggest albums, Achtung Baby, which dropped...
- 1/27/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Updated with full list, more details: The nominations for the 96th Oscars unveiled Tuesday has focused the race around a real Best Picture competition between Universal’s Oppenheimer (13 nominations), Apple Original Films’ Killers of the Flower Moon (10 noms), Searchlight’s Poor Things (11 noms) and Warner Bros’ Barbie (eight noms).
That means an impressive 21 nominations for Barbenheimer, the one-two summer punch that had a collective gross of almost $2.4 billion at the global box office, and did as much to restore moviegoing as Tom Cruise and Top Gun: Maverick did the previous year as the business struggled to rebound from the pandemic. Oppenheimer and Barbie got to fully promote their films right before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that hindered many of the other films that bowed in the fall because guild members were forbidden from stumping for their films.
See the full list of today’s nominees below, including noms by film and distributor.
That means an impressive 21 nominations for Barbenheimer, the one-two summer punch that had a collective gross of almost $2.4 billion at the global box office, and did as much to restore moviegoing as Tom Cruise and Top Gun: Maverick did the previous year as the business struggled to rebound from the pandemic. Oppenheimer and Barbie got to fully promote their films right before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that hindered many of the other films that bowed in the fall because guild members were forbidden from stumping for their films.
See the full list of today’s nominees below, including noms by film and distributor.
- 1/23/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Norman Jewison is dead at the age of 97. For over four decades he sustained a career of films that became major box office hits as well as others that presented current social issues in a Hollywood context (with some combining the two). He died peacefully at his home on Saturday January 20.
“In the Heat of the Night,” which beat “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Graduate” for the Best Picture Oscar for 1967, is the most obvious example of Jewison’s talent for turning tough subjects into hit movies. It grossed (adjusted to current prices) over $200 million, with it already having become a major success before it won five Oscars. Ironically, the racially-charged story about a Northern Black detective (Sidney Poitier) investigating a murder and confronting a racist Southern police chief wons its Oscars in a ceremony delayed by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Norman Frederick Jewison was born on July 21, 1926 in Toronto,...
“In the Heat of the Night,” which beat “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Graduate” for the Best Picture Oscar for 1967, is the most obvious example of Jewison’s talent for turning tough subjects into hit movies. It grossed (adjusted to current prices) over $200 million, with it already having become a major success before it won five Oscars. Ironically, the racially-charged story about a Northern Black detective (Sidney Poitier) investigating a murder and confronting a racist Southern police chief wons its Oscars in a ceremony delayed by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Norman Frederick Jewison was born on July 21, 1926 in Toronto,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
A young Black man (Myles Frost) leaves a convenience store just after making a purchase. He puts the hood on his sweatshirt up, and continues on his way, all the while talking to someone on the phone. He suddenly realizes that a truck has been following him as he walks, looping around the block to pass him several times. It takes a moment, but we realize what we are seeing is the moment just before the murder of Trayvon Martin, an incident that set off rallies and protests across the United States. And it’s a moment that becomes pivotal to Pulitzer Award-winning writer and journalist Isabel Wilkerson (played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in the film). She’s asked to write an article about the case in light of the discovery of audio tapes shedding new light on the events of that evening. Wilkerson eventually turns down the request because, for her,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Katherine Matthews
- Bollyspice
British star David Oyelowo feels it has taken a decade for Selma and his iconic portrayal of Dr Martin Luther King to find its audience and acknowledges Brad Pitt for telling him to be patient.
David Oyelowo is one of Britain’s leading actors, and his unforgettable portrayal of Martin Luther King in 2014’s Selma still serves as one of the career highs for a performer who has plenty of them. However, Oyelowo has spoken in the past about the film’s reception and what a strange time it was for him. Despite clearly inhabiting the role, the actor was overlooked at the Oscars and the film itself came under some fire for historical inaccuracy.
Recalls the actor, ‘“There was this controversy about whether the film was historically accurate. Plus, there was “the whole Oscar thing and #oscarsowhite, all this noise around the film, as opposed to what the film was.
David Oyelowo is one of Britain’s leading actors, and his unforgettable portrayal of Martin Luther King in 2014’s Selma still serves as one of the career highs for a performer who has plenty of them. However, Oyelowo has spoken in the past about the film’s reception and what a strange time it was for him. Despite clearly inhabiting the role, the actor was overlooked at the Oscars and the film itself came under some fire for historical inaccuracy.
Recalls the actor, ‘“There was this controversy about whether the film was historically accurate. Plus, there was “the whole Oscar thing and #oscarsowhite, all this noise around the film, as opposed to what the film was.
- 1/17/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
David Oyelowo said Brad Pitt, an executive producer of Selma, gave him a valuable piece of advice about not rushing to determine any film’s ultimate place in the culture.
Upon its initial release in December 2014, Oyelowo recalled in an appearance Tuesday at the NATPE Global conference in Miami, “there was this controversy about whether the film was historically accurate.” Plus, there was “the whole Oscar thing and #oscarsowhite, all this noise around the film, as opposed to what the film was.”
Despite acclaim for Oyelowo’s performance as Dr. Martin Luther King and overall support from critics and awards voters, the film received just two Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, winning only for Best Original Song. Its global box office total was a muted $67.8 million.
Pitt told Oyelowo, who was upset about all of the turmoil, “‘Don’t worry about any of that,” the actor recalled. “You...
Upon its initial release in December 2014, Oyelowo recalled in an appearance Tuesday at the NATPE Global conference in Miami, “there was this controversy about whether the film was historically accurate.” Plus, there was “the whole Oscar thing and #oscarsowhite, all this noise around the film, as opposed to what the film was.”
Despite acclaim for Oyelowo’s performance as Dr. Martin Luther King and overall support from critics and awards voters, the film received just two Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, winning only for Best Original Song. Its global box office total was a muted $67.8 million.
Pitt told Oyelowo, who was upset about all of the turmoil, “‘Don’t worry about any of that,” the actor recalled. “You...
- 1/17/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
This year’s Emmy Awards were all about TV reunions, while audiences around the country got to see the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Cheers” reunite, there were some unofficial ones that didn’t make the live broadcast.
Take the “Yellowjackets” cast and crew, who got back together before the show started.
The show was nominated for two Emmys including best drama series and lead actress in a drama for Melanie Lynskey. Hours before the show aired, the teen cast including Liv Hewson, Courtney Eaton, Sophie Nélisse, Sammi Hanratty and Kevin Alves had gathered in the lobby, chatting and taking selfies before doors to the main theater were open. They were joined by Warren Kole and later director Karyn Kusama and showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, as well as Tawny Cypress.
Yes, season 3 is being written and the show is expected to be back in production in late May.
Take the “Yellowjackets” cast and crew, who got back together before the show started.
The show was nominated for two Emmys including best drama series and lead actress in a drama for Melanie Lynskey. Hours before the show aired, the teen cast including Liv Hewson, Courtney Eaton, Sophie Nélisse, Sammi Hanratty and Kevin Alves had gathered in the lobby, chatting and taking selfies before doors to the main theater were open. They were joined by Warren Kole and later director Karyn Kusama and showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, as well as Tawny Cypress.
Yes, season 3 is being written and the show is expected to be back in production in late May.
- 1/16/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The actor’s suggestion in a roundtable interview is more common sense than provocation, the phrase speaking to a homophobic media that no longer calls the shots
Andrew Scott is capable of many things but giving a dull interview seems not to be among them. Last year, he was splendidly decrying the tyranny of the standing ovation in modern theatre. Now, in one of those cosy Hollywood Reporter roundtable discussions which proliferate during awards season, he has challenged a piece of outdated rhetoric from an era when queerness was synonymous with shame.
The moment arose when the moderator Scott Feinberg singled out Scott, who stars in Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers as a screenwriter magically reunited with the parents who died when he was 12, and Colman Domingo, who plays Martin Luther King’s advisor Bayard Rustin in the Netflix biopic Rustin, as “openly gay actors playing openly gay...
Andrew Scott is capable of many things but giving a dull interview seems not to be among them. Last year, he was splendidly decrying the tyranny of the standing ovation in modern theatre. Now, in one of those cosy Hollywood Reporter roundtable discussions which proliferate during awards season, he has challenged a piece of outdated rhetoric from an era when queerness was synonymous with shame.
The moment arose when the moderator Scott Feinberg singled out Scott, who stars in Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers as a screenwriter magically reunited with the parents who died when he was 12, and Colman Domingo, who plays Martin Luther King’s advisor Bayard Rustin in the Netflix biopic Rustin, as “openly gay actors playing openly gay...
- 1/16/2024
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Cast reunions! A weepy Christina Applegate! Alexis Colby!
Anthony Anderson’s mom?
The postponed Emmys had far more great moments than bad, thank goodness — starting with the brisk, git’ ‘er done pace, which seemed particularly on brand for the scrappier-than-ever Fox. And though the night was packed with far too many anti-climactic moments (as if any show other than Succession would rack up all the trophies), the meet-cutes on stage made for fun TV and the sentimental interpretation of the title song from Friends during the In Memoriam segment was both appropriate and absolutely heartbreaking.
Best Moments
Anthony Anderson’s opening monologue, which began with him walking into his own “Mister Anderson’s Neighborhood.” After throwing off his fur coat, he then sat down at a piano and, joined by a chorus from Compton, sang a medley of title songs like “Good...
Anthony Anderson’s mom?
The postponed Emmys had far more great moments than bad, thank goodness — starting with the brisk, git’ ‘er done pace, which seemed particularly on brand for the scrappier-than-ever Fox. And though the night was packed with far too many anti-climactic moments (as if any show other than Succession would rack up all the trophies), the meet-cutes on stage made for fun TV and the sentimental interpretation of the title song from Friends during the In Memoriam segment was both appropriate and absolutely heartbreaking.
Best Moments
Anthony Anderson’s opening monologue, which began with him walking into his own “Mister Anderson’s Neighborhood.” After throwing off his fur coat, he then sat down at a piano and, joined by a chorus from Compton, sang a medley of title songs like “Good...
- 1/16/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: If on MLK Day, you wanted to view a movie that breathes life into the struggles faced by Martin Luther King Jr and his Civil Rights movement cohorts, look no further than Rustin. Directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, the Netflix & Higher Ground drama tells of the title character’s unsung role in making possible the March on Washington D.C., the historical 1963 event where MLK became an icon following his “I have a dream” speech. The awards caliber film was a favorite on the fall festival circuit, and outside of Ava DuVernay’s Selma, it is perhaps the most penetrating look at Dr. King and his coterie of advisors, and the price they all paid in attacking racism and ending segregation in the South.
Deadline: In making Rustin, the story of how activist Bayard Rustin overcame racism and homophobia and organized the 1963 March on Washington where Dr.
Deadline: In making Rustin, the story of how activist Bayard Rustin overcame racism and homophobia and organized the 1963 March on Washington where Dr.
- 1/16/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s perfect timing for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. National Geographic has released the new trailer for their upcoming “Genius” anthology series this holiday and holiday weekend. The latest story in this franchise is “Genius: MLK/X,” which centers obviously on seminal and iconic civil rights era geniuses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Read More: The 70 Most Anticipated TV Shows & Mini-Series Of 2024
The series features two up-and-coming but soon-to-be heavyweight actors in the lead roles: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Continue reading ‘Genius: MLK/X’ Trailer: Kelvin Harrison Plays MLK & Aaron Pierre Is Malcolm X In New February-Set Limited Series at The Playlist.
Read More: The 70 Most Anticipated TV Shows & Mini-Series Of 2024
The series features two up-and-coming but soon-to-be heavyweight actors in the lead roles: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Continue reading ‘Genius: MLK/X’ Trailer: Kelvin Harrison Plays MLK & Aaron Pierre Is Malcolm X In New February-Set Limited Series at The Playlist.
- 1/15/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
MLK Jr. weekend offered something for everyone at the movies, but two new movies exceeded expectations as they took the top two spots despite weather issues across the country. Read on for the weekend box office report.
The past month has mostly been dominated by musicals, so why not one more, as Paramount released “Mean Girls,” based on the popular Broadway musical, which itself was based on Tina Fey‘s popular 2004 comedy film. With a young cast that included Angourie Rice from the “Spider-Man” movies, Reneé Rapp (“Secret Lives of College Girls”), Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”), Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, Christopher Briney and Jenna Fischer, the movie received a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is not too bad for a January release.
After making $3.3 million in Thursday previews (including special Wednesday showings), “Mean Girls” made $11.7 million on Friday (including previews) and is estimated to make $28.5 million over the three-day weekend in 3,791 theaters,...
The past month has mostly been dominated by musicals, so why not one more, as Paramount released “Mean Girls,” based on the popular Broadway musical, which itself was based on Tina Fey‘s popular 2004 comedy film. With a young cast that included Angourie Rice from the “Spider-Man” movies, Reneé Rapp (“Secret Lives of College Girls”), Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”), Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, Christopher Briney and Jenna Fischer, the movie received a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is not too bad for a January release.
After making $3.3 million in Thursday previews (including special Wednesday showings), “Mean Girls” made $11.7 million on Friday (including previews) and is estimated to make $28.5 million over the three-day weekend in 3,791 theaters,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Ahead of Martin Luther King Day, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his family’s role in authorizing government surveillance of the civil rights leader. The presidential hopeful told Politico on Sunday that his father, Robert F. Kennedy, who authorized the wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. while attorney general, and President John F. Kennedy had a “good reason” for doing so.
In the interview, Kennedy Jr. claimed the administration permitted the wiretapping because they were “making big bets on King, particularly in organizing the March on Washington.” He added that...
In the interview, Kennedy Jr. claimed the administration permitted the wiretapping because they were “making big bets on King, particularly in organizing the March on Washington.” He added that...
- 1/15/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Led by the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” (Paramount) and a healthy assist from this year’s Martin Luther King Birthday weekend’s action release “The Beekeeper” (Amazon MGM), grosses nearly matched the same period last year. However, that’s likely the best we’ll see for a while. Theaters will wait until at least March, with its potentially strong franchise/sequel releases, for a better indication of whether 2024 will be as grim as suggested.
The weekend also featured several top awards contenders led by “Poor Things” (Searchlight) in advance of potential Oscar nominations. With a weaker release schedule ahead, these films have the opportunity for better-than-average upticks with plentiful screen availability.
“Mean Girls” was #1 with $28 million, while “The Beekeeper” with Jason Statham took second with a little under $17 million. Both are non-franchise titles and cost $40 million or less. However, both grossed under the respective top two of MLK weekend...
The weekend also featured several top awards contenders led by “Poor Things” (Searchlight) in advance of potential Oscar nominations. With a weaker release schedule ahead, these films have the opportunity for better-than-average upticks with plentiful screen availability.
“Mean Girls” was #1 with $28 million, while “The Beekeeper” with Jason Statham took second with a little under $17 million. Both are non-franchise titles and cost $40 million or less. However, both grossed under the respective top two of MLK weekend...
- 1/14/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
In late 2023, Taraji P. Henson created headlines for her outspoken candor on the press tour for The Color Purple. In various conversations supporting the Warner Bros. film — a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, previously adapted for film in 1985 by director Steven Spielberg — Henson has tearfully relayed her frustrations as a Black woman in Hollywood.
Despite an Oscar nomination and four Emmy nods, Henson has admitted that finding roles that represent her stature as a respected leading lady still proves difficult. “The industry had me thinking I was too edgy, I’m street, I’m this, I’m that, and I ain’t Hollywood pretty. But the fight in me and my purpose, once I understood I had a purpose in this thing, I was like, ‘Oh no,'” she told The Hollywood Reporter in December. “There’s a place for me because there’s a girl...
Despite an Oscar nomination and four Emmy nods, Henson has admitted that finding roles that represent her stature as a respected leading lady still proves difficult. “The industry had me thinking I was too edgy, I’m street, I’m this, I’m that, and I ain’t Hollywood pretty. But the fight in me and my purpose, once I understood I had a purpose in this thing, I was like, ‘Oh no,'” she told The Hollywood Reporter in December. “There’s a place for me because there’s a girl...
- 1/14/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Editor’S Note: The following blog originally ran in June of 2020. We’re re-posting it here in honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15. The updated piece includes minor edits and, more importantly, updated info re: streaming availability.
***
In the wake of international protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25, 2020, practically every big-name streaming service quickly assembled, from their selection of available titles, their own specially curated collection of Black cinema. These collections have provided an invaluable resource for film fans of all racial demographics eager to learn more about the troubled history of American racial inequality.
Thankfully, there’s a lot of truly amazing stuff being spotlighted within these curated lists. We’ve plucked out a few (but definitely not all) of our favorite titles below. Whether based on a true story or totally invented, narrative or nonfiction,...
***
In the wake of international protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25, 2020, practically every big-name streaming service quickly assembled, from their selection of available titles, their own specially curated collection of Black cinema. These collections have provided an invaluable resource for film fans of all racial demographics eager to learn more about the troubled history of American racial inequality.
Thankfully, there’s a lot of truly amazing stuff being spotlighted within these curated lists. We’ve plucked out a few (but definitely not all) of our favorite titles below. Whether based on a true story or totally invented, narrative or nonfiction,...
- 1/12/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Drama Series
I ruled out half the nominees immediately, but this is still the strongest single category in the history of the Emmys and I agonized over the other four. I had zero interest in The Crown — I watched the first season because my wife asked me to, then I was done. You couldn’t pay me to watch House of the Dragon — I was a Game of Thrones person, but I watched 10 minutes of this and read the reviews and it just seemed like a money grab. I devoured the first season of Yellowjackets, but it jumped the shark in season two. I love Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, but there have been better seasons of Better Call Saul. I loved The White Lotus — not as much as its first season, but still, Mike White is the best argument for why writers should be allowed to have a writers room of one.
I ruled out half the nominees immediately, but this is still the strongest single category in the history of the Emmys and I agonized over the other four. I had zero interest in The Crown — I watched the first season because my wife asked me to, then I was done. You couldn’t pay me to watch House of the Dragon — I was a Game of Thrones person, but I watched 10 minutes of this and read the reviews and it just seemed like a money grab. I devoured the first season of Yellowjackets, but it jumped the shark in season two. I love Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, but there have been better seasons of Better Call Saul. I loved The White Lotus — not as much as its first season, but still, Mike White is the best argument for why writers should be allowed to have a writers room of one.
- 1/12/2024
- by Anonymous, as told to Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ava DuVernay is one of the most fascinating and trailblazing filmmakers in the business.
She’s an Emmy and BAFTA award winner and an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, whose middle name should be “First.” For 2012’s Middle of Nowhere, she became the first Black woman to win Sundance Film Festival’s best director prize. With 2014’s Selma, the first studio film ever made about Dr. Martin Luther King, she became the first Black woman to direct a film that was nominated for the best director Golden Globe and the first Black woman to direct a film that was nominated for the best picture Oscar. With 2016’s 13th, the first documentary to ever open the New York Film Festival, she became the first Black woman to receive an Oscar nomination as a director in a feature category. With 2018’s A Wrinkle in Time, she became the first Black woman to...
She’s an Emmy and BAFTA award winner and an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, whose middle name should be “First.” For 2012’s Middle of Nowhere, she became the first Black woman to win Sundance Film Festival’s best director prize. With 2014’s Selma, the first studio film ever made about Dr. Martin Luther King, she became the first Black woman to direct a film that was nominated for the best director Golden Globe and the first Black woman to direct a film that was nominated for the best picture Oscar. With 2016’s 13th, the first documentary to ever open the New York Film Festival, she became the first Black woman to receive an Oscar nomination as a director in a feature category. With 2018’s A Wrinkle in Time, she became the first Black woman to...
- 1/12/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In real life, Black civil rights pioneers Martin Luther King and Malcolm X met only once, briefly, in Washington, D.C., in 1964 as both attended a Senate debate.
And the trailer for Disney’s Genius: MLK/X docuseries, which dropped Thursday, opens with that chance Capitol Hill encounter that foreshadowed their dueling movements and personalities.
“We meet at last,” Malcolm X declares as the two black leaders shake hands, while in those years from the church pulpit, prison cells and elsewhere they worked to advance racial equality with competing movements: King favoring nonviolent activism as part of his civil rights struggle, and Muslim leader Malcolm X opting for Black empowerment and self-determination to battle against white supremacy.
Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Disney plans two episodes to bow weekly on National Geographic from Feb. 1, and to then stream on Disney+ and Hulu the day after.
The eight-part...
And the trailer for Disney’s Genius: MLK/X docuseries, which dropped Thursday, opens with that chance Capitol Hill encounter that foreshadowed their dueling movements and personalities.
“We meet at last,” Malcolm X declares as the two black leaders shake hands, while in those years from the church pulpit, prison cells and elsewhere they worked to advance racial equality with competing movements: King favoring nonviolent activism as part of his civil rights struggle, and Muslim leader Malcolm X opting for Black empowerment and self-determination to battle against white supremacy.
Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Disney plans two episodes to bow weekly on National Geographic from Feb. 1, and to then stream on Disney+ and Hulu the day after.
The eight-part...
- 1/11/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Flashback: The #1 grossing film for January 2023 was “Avatar: The Way of Water.” In January 2022, it was “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Both films were #1 on the last weekend of the month as well as the first.
Contrast that with “Wonka” (Warner Bros.), which is a clear success headed for a worldwide gross of over $500 million — but isn’t remotely in the same league. That explains why January is more than 20 percent below last year, but this month has a chance to succeed if it does something entirely different.
Yes, 2024 needs franchise titles and sequels to carry their weight; “Dune Part 2,” “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” all arrive in March. However, to rise above the year’s grim $8 billion projection for domestic gross (down 12 percent from 2023), a whole slew of standalone titles must thrive.
Enter the weekend of January 12. The four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday traditionally boosts grosses,...
Contrast that with “Wonka” (Warner Bros.), which is a clear success headed for a worldwide gross of over $500 million — but isn’t remotely in the same league. That explains why January is more than 20 percent below last year, but this month has a chance to succeed if it does something entirely different.
Yes, 2024 needs franchise titles and sequels to carry their weight; “Dune Part 2,” “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” all arrive in March. However, to rise above the year’s grim $8 billion projection for domestic gross (down 12 percent from 2023), a whole slew of standalone titles must thrive.
Enter the weekend of January 12. The four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday traditionally boosts grosses,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
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