Category Archives: Entertainment

First look: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

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Here’s your first look at Marvel’s next big bag coming to the big screen. It’s Ultron, as in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, the super intelligent AI performed by veteran actor James Spader int he upcoming Avengers sequel. The ‘bot covers the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly along with Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America. Across two articles posted online, EW shares Ultron’s origin story that has been tweaked from the comic books.

For better or worse (trust us, it’s worse), his Tony Stark has devised a plan that won’t require him to put on the Iron Man suit anymore, and should allow Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the Hulk to get some much needed R&R as well. His solution is Ultron, self-aware, self-teaching, artificial intelligence designed to help assess threats, and direct Stark’s Iron Legion of drones to battle evildoers instead. The only problem? Ultron (played by James Spader through performance-capture technology) lacks the human touch, and his superior intellect quickly determines that life on Earth would go a lot smoother if he just got rid of Public Enemy No. 1: Human beings.

Learn more at EW (here and here), and click this link to view a batch from fresh pictures from the Age of Ultron set.

The Avengers sequel zooms into theatres May 1, 2015.

Movie trailer round-up: ‘The Zero Theorem’, ‘Hector and the Search For Happiness’ & ‘Big Hero 6’

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Terry Gilliam, the director behind 2009’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and classics like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is cooking up a new, trippy film called The Zero Theorem. Christoph Waltz stars as Qohen Leth, an eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst who works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence—or the lack thereof—once and for all. It’s a movie that intends to explore the meaning of life and it hopes to address that lofty question with an acute sense of wit, imagination, some far-out visuals. The Zero Theorem releases September 19.

Jump after the break to view more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘The Zero Theorem’, ‘Hector and the Search For Happiness’ & ‘Big Hero 6’ →

Harry Potter returns!

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…In a Rita Skeeter column penned by J.K. Rowling. It’s a 1500 word “article” posted at Pottermore.com written in the voice of the fictional Daily Prophet gossip columnist who is known to report false information more often than not. Though the article and its contents must be taken with a grain of salt like anything else Rita Skeeter writes, it’s a short-lived fun look at what Potter and his closest pals have been up to since the Battle of Hogwarts.

It’s the Quidditch World Cup Final and “Dumbledore’s Army” has shown up in support. Harry is “about to turn 34″ and “there are a couple of threads of silver in the famous Auror’s black hair, but he continues to wear the distinctive round glasses that some might say are better suited to a style-deficient twelve-year-old,” rambles Skeeter. “The famous lightning scar has company: Potter is sporting a nasty cut over his right cheekbone.” Intrigue!

The post also catches Potterheads up with Ron Weasley and his family, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood. Though the post was orignially locked into Pottermore.com and required registration to read, the Internet (read: Reddit) has provided an easier way to view it in full: click here.

At the TCAs promoting his upcoming comedy A Young Doctor’s Notebook & Other Stories, real life’s Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe commented on the new HP material that surfaced. “I don’t know. My inclination is to say ‘No,'” said Radcliffe when asking if he’d ever reprise the role on the big screen again. “It’s not even hypothetical at the moment. What she’s written, I haven’t read it yet. I am going to read it. But [it is], as I understand it, a very short piece that I’m not sure it, of itself, worthy of adaptation to film.” Later, he added, “He’s at least sorta 12 years older in it than I am now, so I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that for a long time, I’m hoping.”

Here’s to hoping Rowling steps into Skeeter’s slippery shoes again for another update on our favorite albeit aging wizards.

[Quotes via HitFix]

Coldplay incites a jubilant block party in “A Sky Full of Stars” music video

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The four members of Coldplay, led by frontman Chris Martin, leisurely bounce along the streets of Sydney, Australia grooving to their EDM-tweaked, Avicii-produced Ghost Stories single “A Sky Full of Stars” in this fun music video made special for the tune. Martin and co. are dressed up as one-man-bands donning instruments like guitars, drums, harmonicas, and bicycle horns, roaming the streets and candidly interacting with a growing crowd that follows them on their four minute musical journey. Smash play and join in on the confettied festivities!

New music: Nile Rodgers & The Weeknd release hot tracks

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Nile Rodgers, who is still beaming from his recent collaboration with Daft Punk on songs like “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself to Dance,” is reigniting his solo career with the new single “Do What You Wanna Do.” The disco groove featuring Nile’s unmistakable guitar riffs is addictive and it’s definitely a hot track for the summer. The Chic band member has been grooving since the ’70s pumping out classics like “Le Freak” and “Everybody Dance;” this new track, along with the Daft Punk collaborations, solidly proves that the Nile Rodgers river still runs. Preorder his latest cut at iTunes today; it releases Aug. 10.

Click after the break to hear something new from crooner Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd. Continue reading New music: Nile Rodgers & The Weeknd release hot tracks →

‘Sherlock’ renewed for series four, a special in the works

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It’s official: Everyone’s favorite high-functioning sociopath and his trusty sidekick are returning for more adventures. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are set to reprise their roles as William Sherlock Scott Holmes and Dr. John Hamish Watson, respectively, in a fourth series plus a one-off special. In other words, four feature-length installments of Sherlock are in the works!

Series co-creator, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat: “A special, plus a new series of three episodes – it’s a record-breaking run! Of course, it’s far too early to say what’s coming, but we’re reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you’d expect…”

Co-creator, writer, executive producer, and co-star Mark Gatiss: “Series Four! At last ! It’s always special to return to Sherlock but this time it’s even more special as we’re doing… a Special! Not only THAT, we’ll then be shooting three more episodes which will take Sherlock and John Watson into deeper and darker water than ever before. The whole Sherlock team are terrifically excited to return for four new adventures. The Game is on – again!”

Executive producer Sue Vertue: “It’s taken a little while to get the dates sorted as none of the boys are exactly sitting back twiddling their thumbs but there was unanimous goodwill to make this work, so we’re thrilled that 221b is going to be inhabited again.”

Though it did incorporate some head-scratching cases inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the most recent series of Sherlock deviated from the show’s usual formula in order to really explore the relationship between the sleuth partners. It was all handled with grace and humor (a Sherlock staple), and now that the show has truly defined their harmonious accord it can test its limits. In the words of Gatiss, The Game is on–again!

The special shoots in January 2015 (with rumored signs pointing to a Christmas 2015 air date), and production on series four will begin later next year (with a likely 2016 air date). What I should have said before: The Wait is on–again!

[Via BBC]

TV reminder: 5 premieres to look out for in July

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Summer has arrived! Now that you’ve binged OITNB and revisited the Dome, it’s time to jump into new worlds including Halle Berry’s Extant and Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain. Skip after the break for the full rundown of anticipated July premieres you can’t miss. Continue reading TV reminder: 5 premieres to look out for in July →

‘The Walking Dead’ season 5 underaway

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Production on The Walking Dead season 5 is officially underway and here’s a clip to prove it! In it you’ll hear from a number of cast members and show producers.

“It’s the most ambitious first episode I think we’ve attempted,” says Andrew Lincoln aka leader Rick Grimes. Adds Steven Yeun aka Glenn: “It’s a great welcome to the season.”

Lincoln talks about how the upcoming season is about hierarchy. “A lot of people are going to work out where they belong in the group.” That is, if they can find a way out of Train Car A…

The Walking Dead returns this October on AMC. And don’t forget to tune into a Talking Dead special airing Sunday, July 6 at 9PM; host Chris Hardwick, Dead showrunner Scott M. Gimple, and actress Aisha Tyler will discuss what’s in store for season 5.

Bateman, Day & Sudeikis return in ‘Horrible Bosses 2’

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Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis reunite in Horrible Bosses 2, the sequel to the breakout 2011 comedy. Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx return and new additions include Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz. The logline goes like this:

Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick (Bateman), Dale (Day) and Kurt (Sudeikis) decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in “Horrible Bosses 2.” But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. 

This is merely a teaser trailer but it hits all the right notes. Sean Anders (That’s My Boy, Sex Drive) directs and co-wrote the script with John Morris (We’re The Millers, She’s Out of My League). Out November 26.

‘Breaking Bad’ spinoff ‘Better Call Saul’ coming in 2015, renewed for season 2, may incorporate ‘Bad’ favorites

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Better Call Saul is coming soon and here’s your first look at the Breaking Bad prequel series starring Bob Odenkirk as the scheming lawyer Saul Goodman. Standing to his right are executive producer Peter Gould (a former Bad exec producer and the inventor of the Saul character) and Bad mastermind Vince Gilligan (who will serve as co-showrunner on Saul alongside Gould and direct the series pilot).

Some new information has surfaced since AMC announced the highly anticipated Breaking Bad spinoff. First of all, the new series was originally intended to premiere this November, but the network decided that more time was needed to prep so now Saul Goodman won’t return to our screens until early 2015. Such news typically stings, but AMC is putting a damper on that by greenlighting a 13-episode second season before the first 10 episodes even launch! That’s right–Bad fans who intend to flock to Saul are already guaranteed a healthy serving of 23 episodes of Gilligan and Gould’s next drama.

Also, there’s this: Jonathan Banks aka Bad‘s dearly departed Mike Ehrmantraut is joining Odenkirk as a series regular! And that’s not all. Gould recently spilled to The New York Daily News that “perhaps some of [Better Call Saul] takes place before Breaking Bad, during Breaking Bad, and after Breaking Bad.” So what does this mean? “That gives us the ability to bring back characters that were killed on Breaking Bad.” Boom. All hail Walter White and his prodigal son Jesse Pinkman?

As exciting as that may sound–Bad favorites, dead or otherwise, returning to the small screen–Gould assures viewers that his new show “stands on it own, is its own story, and is a brand extension” and will not rely on flashy guest spots from Bad alumni. Still, leaving the door open for Mr. White and Jesse “Magnets, Bitch!” Pinkman to return for more mayhem is an exciting proposition to say the least.

AMC president Charlie Collier said the following surrounding the news of Better Call Saul‘s premiere date shift and early season 2 renewal: “Production on Better Call Saul is underway and we could not be more proud of nor more excited about the work to date. We join the fans in eager anticipation for this series and today we happily confirm that our initial Saul order is for two seasons and a total of 23 episodes. When introducing any series, especially one with the DNA of Breaking Bad, there are countless factors to consider in making sure the show gets the launch it deserves. We have a strong history with Vince, Peter, Bob, the studio and so many involved with this production; we are enjoying the process on ‘Saul’ and all share a focus on making it a true television event. No half measures.”

Community revived! Sixth season coming to Yahoo this fall

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Darkest timeline begone! Not even two months after NBC cancelled cult-comedy Community an online suitor–namely, Yahoo–stepped up to the plate to revive it for a 13-episode sixth season. That’s right, Human Beings; we are one step closer to fulfilling our #sixseasonsandamovie destiny.

Everyone is on board for the new season that will debut online at Yahoo Screen this fall; that includes show creator Dan Harmon and executive producers Chris McKenna, Russ Krasnoff, and Gary Foster as well as the cast: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong, and the Dean himself Jim Rash. Chevy Chase exited the show prior to season 5, and Donald Glover set sail early last season; Harmon had publicly stated that if a season 6 were to get greenlit he would pursue Glover for a Troy Barnes comeback.

What makes this special announcement even more exciting is that it truly did come down to the wire. After the Peacock network axed it, backing studio Sony Pictures TV almost immediately started shopping it around to various suiters, network, cable and otherwise. Shortly after talks broke down with Hulu last week, hope really began to wane since Sony had until June 30 (today!) to get the series picked up somewhere before cast’s contracts expired. So, in a truly 11th hour decision, Sony sold a sixth season to Yahoo and now you can breath a heavy sigh of relief and allow anticipation to ramp up.

Dan Harmon released the following statement today: I am very pleased that Community will be returning for its predestined sixth season on Yahoo. I look forward to bringing our beloved NBC sitcom to a larger audience by moving it online. I vow to dominate our new competition. Rest easy, Big Bang Theory. Look out, Bang Bus!”

“The fans spoke and we listened. Thanks to Yahoo, and the amazing team that makes Community great, we’ve avoided the Darkest Timeline yet again and plan to deliver a fantastic season,” said Zack Van Amburg, president of programming and production at Sony Pictures TV. Added Jamie Erlicht, president of programming and production: “You can’t get to six seasons and a movie without a 6th season. Yahoo is the perfect home for the continuation of this journey.”

And frontman Joel McHale reminds Community fans that an online-exclusive season might bring a very interesting twist to the sitcom. “The reports of our cancelation have been greatly exaggerated.’ —Mark Twain (The other version of this quote has been wrong for years). # SixSeasonsAndaMovie is real. Thank you Sony. Thank you Yahoo. Thank you Dan Harmon.  And thank you to the greatest f%$#ing fans in the history of the human race. It’s the Internet. We can swear now.”

[Via Yahoo; Deadline; EW]

Lloyd & Harry return in full form in new ‘Dumber and Dumber To’ trailer

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On Monday night during their guest stint on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels debuted the first official trailer for their upcoming highly anticipated sequel, Dumb and Dumber To. 20 years later Carrey’s Lloyd and Daniels’ Harry still shine here in the first footage from the Farrelly brothers latest comedy. The trailer actually is really, really funny and I’d be surprised if your level of excitement for this long-gestating film doesn’t jump sky high within the first minute of the clip.

The Mutt Cutts van rides again November 14. Watch the trailer after the break. Continue reading Lloyd & Harry return in full form in new ‘Dumber and Dumber To’ trailer →