movies
CelebrityVarietyArbitrator in Charlotte Kirk Case Took Dubious View of ‘Sex Trafficking’ Claim
The arbitrator who ordered actress Charlotte Kirk not to disclose details of a confidential settlement agreement took a dubious view of Kirk's claim that she was the victim of "sex trafficking." The arbitrator, retired judge Ann Kough, issued a confidential ruling on July 11 ordering Kirk, directors Joshua Newton and Neil Marshall, and attorney John […]
EntertainmentVarietyMira Nair’s ‘Monsoon Wedding’ Musical to Open in India, Singapore in 2021
The new version of Mira Nair's "Monsoon Wedding" stage musical will now open in India, followed by Singapore, in 2021, the director has revealed. The stage adaptation of Nair's 2001 Venice Golden Lion winning film was due to open this summer in the U.K. at the Leeds Playhouse and London's Roundhouse immediately after, but the […]
PoliticsVarietyJoe Biden Accuses Trump of Using Russian ‘Plant’ in Final Debate
Democratic challenger Joe Biden accused President Trump of trafficking in Russian disinformation in the final debate on Thursday, and asked Americans to weigh each candidate's character in deciding how to vote. Trump brought up allegations involving Joe Biden's son Hunter, referring to the "laptop from hell" cited in a New York Post story about the […]
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘Nationtime’ Film Review: Restored 1972 Doc Captures a Political Movement at a Turning Point
With a Republican president running for re-election, leading Black activists and artists assemble to map out political challenges and to demand representation from the two major parties. The year in question, however, is 1972, as a new 4K restoration of William Greaves’ documentary “Nationtime” arrives in virtual theaters via Kino Marquee.Filmed at the 1972 National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana (and unseen at its complete length for decades), this documentary captures a specific moment in time and a political struggle that continues to this day. The war in Vietnam may be long finished, but the governmental clout of corporations that profit off the subjugation of poor communities of color remains as strong today as it ever was.Assembled as a response to having Black issues overlooked by both parties in an election year, the convention sought to establish a national unity platform in advance of the 1972 Republican and Democratic conventions. Some 10,000 political figures, activists, and artists were in attendance, and while the convention closed without a consensus, the gathering did produce the Gary Declaration, which stated, in part, “The Black Agenda assumes that no truly basic change for our benefit takes place in Black or white America unless we Black people organize to initiate that change.”Also Read: Pulled 'Black-ish' Episode About Politics, Race Finally Made Available on HuluDirector Greaves, who died in 2014, had one foot in the world of journalism (as executive producer of the influential news-magazine show “Black Journal”) and the other in experimental cinema, most famously for his groundbreaking “Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One.” “Nationtime” seems to fall in the middle; he’s interested in documenting the convention as it unfolds, with most of the film’s action taking place on the stage and no interviews being conducted by the filmmaker. But while Sidney Poitier provides explicative narration to the proceedings, Harry Belafonte (who also appeared at the event) pops up every so often on the soundtrack to recite poetry.(That mix of poetry and political activism feels like a direct influence on the films that Marlon Riggs would make in the following decade, and which are currently featured on the Criterion Channel.)Also Read: No, 'Black Panther' Was Not Named After the Black Panther PartyThere are moments where it feels as though “Nationtime” is made for an audience that’s more versed in the politics of the moment and more aware of the details of how the convention went; we see playwright Amiri Baraka, in his role as convention chair, attempting to stop the Michigan delegation from walking out over a dispute regarding the agenda, but the movie never stops to explain either side of the dispute or what specific agenda items caused the disagreement.Still, even if the film avoids digging into some of the political detail, it’s a vivid portrait of a once-in-a-lifetime gathering: The lineup included such dynamic speakers as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, comedian Dick Gregory, and Gary mayor Richard Hatcher, who offers the kind of rousing opening remarks that can inspire even a roomful of people who are about to subject themselves to several days’ worth of meetings and parliamentary procedures.Watch Video: 'Borat' Sequel Trailer: Sacha Baron Cohen Crashes CPAC Convention Dressed as TrumpAs Michael Phillips recently observed in the Chicago Tribune, the lead-up to a contentious presidential election has offered a boomlet of content about the political process, from the “West Wing” reunion to the streaming debut of the Broadway hit “What the Constitution Means to Me” to Steve James’ series “City So Real” to this fascinating restoration. (Add to this list Frederick Wiseman’s forthcoming “City Hall,” a celebration of democracy through the lens of grassroots political involvement at the local level.)What unites this wave of titles is an examination of process; democratic politics isn’t one figurehead swooping in and braying, “I and I alone can fix this.” It’s community-building and human interaction, and it takes both passion and compassion, not to mention patience and some degree of idealism. The fight for equality rages on, but historical snapshots like “Nationtime” remind us of both the long road to justice and the hard work that goes into paving the way.Read original story ‘Nationtime’ Film Review: Restored 1972 Doc Captures a Political Movement at a Turning Point At TheWrap
PoliticsThe Wrap33 Hollywood Stars for Donald Trump in 2020 (Photos)
With the election just two weeks away, here are the stars who will be voting for President Donald Trump’s second term in 2020.“This November, we must vote to help keep President Trump in office, so he can carry the torch for this land of the free” Voight said in a July 22 Twitter video. -Jon VoightAfter the Senate acquitted Trump on impeachment charges, the rapper/rocker posted a picture of himself with the President at a golf course. -Kid RockIn November 2019, “Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson appeared at a Louisiana Trump rally, with his father Phil. -Willie RobertsonGary Busey, who appeared on the fourth season of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” still considers the president “one of his best friends.” -Gary BuseyActor Stephen Baldwin constantly shows his support for the President on Twitter and most recently tweeted, TRUMP2020ToSaveAmerica“I think he’s fantastic. I love him. I think he’d make a great president. He’s not a politician, and he doesn’t care what anybody thinks.” -Stephen Baldwin“WHAT THE F**K! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT,” 50 Cent recently revealed on his Instagram after seeing Biden’s tax plan.Jesse James, who endorsed Trump in the 2016 election still occasionally retweets the President and his supporters. -Jesse James“I’m a big fan of your father’s,” former NFL coach Mike Ditka told Donald Trump Jr in July 2020. -Mike Ditka“God bless real Michigan. God bless real America. God bless the greatest president in our lifetime, Donald Trump,” Musician Ted Nugent said recently at a Michigan rally.Actor Scott Baio who endorsed Trump in 2016, was recently interviewed by Lara Trump on the campaign’s official website. -Scott Baio“I highly commend you for ur boundless energy & willingness to solve problems,” said actress Kristie Alley about the President on Twitter. -Kirstie Alley“I think he’s doing a great job,” said former Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon. “Unfortunately, people don’t really want to hear the truth that’s out there.”“The country is doing fantastic,” Antonio Sabato Jr. told Variety in March. “I think he’ll be elected by 100 million votes.”Former “Clueless” star Stacey Dash describes herself as one of the WomenForTrump in her Twitter Bio.UFC President Dana White appeared at the 2020 Republic National Convention and said, “We need President Trump’s leadership, now more than ever.”“I’ll take him any day over any of these bums. Trump2020” – James Woods“I think Trump, no matter what anybody thinks of him, is doing a good job at trying to get these states — and all of the American people — what they need,” – Dennis Quaid.Comedian Roseanne Barr tweeted a picture of herself wearing a “Trump 2020” baseball cap with the caption, “2020 vision.”“I have full and complete faith in the president,” Dean Cain told Lara Trump in May 2020.Former “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Kristy Swanson in March tweeted, “An honor to meet you Mr. President.”Former NFL great Hershel Walker spoke at the RNC in August and tweeted, “TRUMP PENCE 2020”“Thank you for being the best President ever,” tweeted Diamond and Silk.Mariano Rivera, the Former Yankee pitcher who was awarded the Medal of Freedom from the President in 2019 said, “He’s doing the best for the United States.”“Phenomenal President. Quite possibly the USA,” tweeted UFC fighter Conor McGregor back in January. “Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him.”Country star and former “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant Trace Adkins sung the national anthem at the Republican National Convention in August.Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington appeared in a July 2020 promotional interview, supporting the President.“We’re on the very front end of this right now, and I feel comfortable and confident that because of strong leadership,” said Elisabeth Hasselbeck on “The View” in March supporting the President’s coronavirus response.Former “Entertainment Tonight” anchor Mary Hart hosted the President’s controversial July 4th celebration at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota back in July.“Joe Biden’s America was mass-incarcerating Black men,” said Former NFL Safety Jack Brewer in a recent ad for the President. “President Trump set them free.”“He is literally going to go down in history as one of our greatest Presidents,” said “Pawn Stars” Rick Harrison at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie sported a “Trump 2020” on his car at NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, back in July.UFC fighter Colby Covington recently supported the President on his Instagram saying, “Had a tremendous time yesterday with @erictrump & @carlos_e_gavidia at the MAGA Boat Parade in Miami!”“I walk with a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat — Latinos for Trump,” former UFC fighter Tito Ortiz said on Fox Business in December 2019.Read original story 33 Hollywood Stars for Donald Trump in 2020 (Photos) At TheWrap
BusinessVarietyElon Musk Sells the Gene Wilder House to Wilder’s Nephew
Much as he's done in business, Elon Musk appears to be blazing his own trail when it comes to buying and selling houses. After listing all six of his Bel Air estates earlier this year to much fanfare, the Tesla and SpaceX tycoon is proving the naysayers wrong, slowly but surely unloading each of the […]
PoliticsVarietyKamala Harris Shares Campaign Trail Playlist in Instagram Live With Miley Cyrus
Sen. Kamala Harris joined Miley Cyrus via Instagram Live on Thursday to discuss the importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election and how young people can make a difference in today's political environment. Joining the call from her recording studio, Cyrus expressed she is "honored in a kind of a state of disbelief" to […]
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘Borat’ Sequel Drops Right Before the Final Trump-Biden Debate Starts
Update: Though a watch party for the “Borat” sequel was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PT, the movie hit Amazon Prime Video shortly before 5:30 p.m. PT.In a particularly inspired bit of trolling, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” the sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat,” launched just before the start of the final Donald Trump-Joe Biden presidential debate on Thursday evening.The movie became available on Amazon Prime Video as of 5:23 p.m. PT, according to a tweet from the director. Viewers can also join in on a live watch party that begins at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET that will be followed by a Q&A session and “dance party” with Baron Cohen’s Borat.So, to recap: You can either watch the debate that had to add a mute button to keep Trump from constantly interrupting and talking over Biden, or you can watch “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.”Also Read: Rudy Giuliani Says He Was 'Tucking in My Shirt' in 'Borat' SceneDirected by Jason Woliner and starring Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” comes 14 years after the original “Borat” film, a satirical mockumentary following a fictional Kazakh journalist who travels to the U.S. In the sequel, Baron Cohen’s Borat returns to the U.S. to bring a gift to Vice President Mike Pence in the hopes that President Trump will consider Kazakhstan to be a U.S. ally, alongside Russia, North Korea, and Brazil. Hijinks ensue when the gift — a monkey — is no longer an option, and Borat finds that his daughter (played by Bakalova) has stowed away in the monkey’s crate during the journey.The movie gained more attention this week on social media when critics’ reviews of the films published and it came out that Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, appeared to be in a compromising scene with his hands down his pants. (Giuliani has argued that he was just tucking in his shirt.)RSVP for the watch party here or watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video.Read original story ‘Borat’ Sequel Drops Right Before the Final Trump-Biden Debate Starts At TheWrap
LifestyleVarietyBridget Fonda, Danny Elfman List Back-to-Back Historic Mansions
Retired actor and Hollywood scion Bridget Fonda — of the Fonda family — and musician Danny Elfman, former frontman of the seminal 1980s New Wave band Oingo Boingo and a prolific, four-time Oscar nominated film composer ("Milk," "Men in Black"), have concurrently hoisted not just one but both of their eclectically appointed mansions in L.A.’s […]
EntertainmentVarietyLee Min Ho Among Six Cast in ‘Pachinko’ Series at Apple
Apple has officially announced the cast for its "Pachinko" series, with Korean superstar Lee Min Ho among those starring in the series. Set to begin production on Oct. 26, "Pachinko" is an adaptation of the Min Jin Lee novel of the same name. It chronicles the hopes and dreams of four generations of a Korean […]
PoliticsVarietyHow to Watch the Final 2020 Presidential Debate
Thursday's debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will mark the second and last time both presidential candidates will talk one-on-one before Election Day. The event takes place after the previously scheduled debate on Oct. 15 was cancelled following Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. This week's hour-and-a-half debate will take place starting at […]
EntertainmentVariety‘Prodigal Son’ Books Chris Grismer for Season 2 (TV News Roundup)
In today’s TV news roundup, Chris Grismer will join Fox's "Prodigal Son" as co-executive producing director, and Audible unveiled a multi-project deal with LeBron James and Maverick Carter's The SpringHill Company. DATES Apple TV Plus’ “Servant,” executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, will return for its second season Jan. 15. Lauren Ambrose ("Six Feet Under"), […]
BusinessVarietyDeluxe Appoints Longtime Netflix Exec Anna Lee Chief Strategy Officer
Deluxe, the provider of digital and cloud-based distribution services for studios and production companies, appointed Anna Lee -- a 12-year veteran of Netflix -- to the newly created role of chief strategy officer. Lee reports directly to Deluxe CEO Cyril Drabinsky. She will be responsible for developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining strategic initiatives for the […]
BusinessVarietyMat Vlasic Steps Down as CEO of Bravado, Universal Music’s Merchandise Unit
Mat Vlasic stepped down as CEO of Universal Music Group’s merchandise division Bravado on Thursday, a rep for the company confirmed to Variety. The rep shared the following statement: “Mat Vlasic informed the company that he is stepping down from his role as CEO of Bravado, our global merchandising division. John Habbouch, Bravado’s General Manager […]
EntertainmentVarietyScarlett Johansson to Star in, Produce Sci-Fi Drama ‘Bride’ for Apple, A24
Scarlett Johansson will produce and star in the science-fiction drama "Bride" for Apple and A24 from director Sebastián Lelio. "Bride" follows a woman created to be an ideal wife -- the singular obsession of a brilliant entrepreneur. When she rejects her creator, she's forced to flee her confined existence, confronting a world that sees her […]
BusinessVarietyQuibi Will Cease Service Around Dec. 1, Says It Doesn’t Know Whether Any Content Will Be Available Elsewhere Afterward
Quibi, a day after announcing it will shut down less than seven months after launching, told customers Thursday that it expects to shut off the streaming service "on or about" Dec. 1. The company, led by founder and ex-movie mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg and CEO Meg Whitman, also said it doesn't know what will happen to […]
EntertainmentVariety‘Battlestar Galactica’ Movie Lands Simon Kinberg as Writer, Producer
Fresh from shepherding the "X-Men" franchise for over a decade, Simon Kinberg has signed on to write and produce Universal's feature adaptation of the sci-fi franchise "Battlestar Galactica," Variety has confirmed. Kinberg is joining producer Dylan Clark ("The Batman," "War for the Planet of the Apes"), who has long overseen development on a "BSG" movie […]
EntertainmentThe WrapSimon Kinberg to Write ‘Battlestar Galactica’ for Universal
Simon Kinberg has signed on to write Universal Pictures’ big-screen reboot of “Battlestar Galactica,” according to an individual with knowledge of the project.Kinberg will also produce alongside Dylan Clark who has shepherded the film adaptation for the studio.“‘Battlestar Galactica’ is one of the holy grails in science fiction, and I couldn’t be more excited about bringing something new to the franchise, while honoring what’s made it so iconic and enduring,” Kinberg said in a statement. “I’m so grateful that Dylan and my partners at Universal have trusted me with this incredible universe.”The “Battlestar Galactica” franchise originated in 1978 with the short-lived original series created by Glen A. Larson. It centered on a crew of survivors traveling space on a ship, Galactica, in the aftermath of humanity’s near-extinction in a war with a race of robots called Cylons.Also Read: Idris Elba Teams With Simon Kinberg on Spy Thriller at AppleA 2004 reboot of the series, developed by “Star Trek” alum Ronald D. Moore, ran for four seasons on Syfy (then known as Sci Fi), debuting to widespread critical acclaim and going on to achieve cult status. Cast members included Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park.The franchise has lived on with a number of other ancillary series and movies in the years since, including the one-and-done prequel series “Caprica” in 2010 and the web series-turned-film “Blood & Chrome” in 2013.Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Jay Polidoro and Director of Development Lexi Barta will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.Best known for the “X-Men” franchise, Simon Kinberg co-wrote and directed the spy thriller “The 355” starring Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penelope Cruz, Diane Kruger and Fan Bingbing which is being released by Universal on January 15, 2021. Kinberg created and co-wrote the highly anticipated Apple TV+ series “Invasion,” which is currently in production. He is also producing “Here Comes the Flood,” which was recently picked up by Netflix and will be directed by Jason Bateman, and recently sold the an untitled Idris Elba Africa-set spy romance to Apple.Simon Kinberg is repped by CAA and Jackoway Tyerman.The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.Read original story Simon Kinberg to Write ‘Battlestar Galactica’ for Universal At TheWrap
EntertainmentVariety‘Truth Seekers’ Puts a Genuinely Spooky Spin on Nick Frost and Simon Pegg’s Comedy of Errors: TV Review
It’d be easy to glance at “Truth Seekers” and mistake it for a satirical farce. The new Amazon series comes from Nat Saunders, James Serafinowicz and the vaunted duo of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, who have collaborated on genre comedies like “Shaun of the Dead” and “The World's End.” Starring Frost as a wireless […]
EntertainmentThe WrapScarlett Johansson to Star in Sebastian Lelio’s Drama ‘Bride’ at Apple and A24
Scarlett Johansson will star in “Bride,” the next film from the Chilean director of “Gloria Bell” Sebastián Lelio, that will be set up at A24 as part of the studio’s partnership with Apple Original Films.“Bride” is described as a genre-bending story that stars Johansson as a woman who is created and designed by a brilliant entrepreneur to be the ideal wife. But when she rejects her creator and is forced to flee her confined existence, she’s confronted with a world that sees her as a monster. While on the run, she discovers her true identity, some surprising power and the strength to remake herself as her own creation.Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, both writers on “Orange Is the New Black” and the upcoming “Wolfman” movie, will write the screenplay with Lelio, who will direct. A24 will serve as the studio.Johansson will also produce “Bride” along with Jonathan Lia through their company, These Pictures. Keenan Flynn will co-produce.Also Read: 'Black Widow' Stars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh Join a Socially Distanced Fight Club (Video)“It is long overdue for Bride to step out of the shadow of her male counterpart and stand alone,” Johansson said in a statement. “Working alongside Rebecca Angelo and Lauren Schuker Blum, Sebastian and I are extremely excited to emancipate this classic anti-heroine and reanimate her story to reflect the change we see today.”“Bride” is the third film in the first-look partnership between A24 and Apple, which already includes Sofia Coppola’s upcoming “On the Rocks” starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray and “The Sky Is Everywhere” starring Cherry Jones and Jason Segel.Johansson is coming off a massive 2019 in which she was twice nominated for Oscars, including for “Jojo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story,” not to mention starring in “Avengers: Endgame.” She was meant to be seen in Marvel’s “Black Widow” this year, but the film was pushed back into the summer of 2021.Also Read: Todd Haynes' Velvet Underground Documentary Lands at Apple TV+Lelio’s film “A Fantastic Woman” won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and he last directed “Gloria Bell” with Julianne Moore, an English-language remake of his 2013 drama “Gloria.”Johansson and These Pictures are represented by CAA and Morris Yorn. Schuker Blum and Angelo are represented by Management 360 and The Nord Group. Lelio is represented by 42 MP and Management 360 and Granderson Des Rochers.Read original story Scarlett Johansson to Star in Sebastian Lelio’s Drama ‘Bride’ at Apple and A24 At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyAaron Taylor-Johnson Joins Brad Pitt on ‘Bullet Train’ at Sony
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to join the ensemble cast of David Leitch’s action movie "Bullet Train," starring Brad Pitt. The Sony Pictures project is based on Kotaro Isaka's Japanese book "Maria Beetle" and centers on a group of hitmen and assassins with conflicting motives on a train in Tokyo. Zak Olkewitz wrote the script. Kelly McCormick […]
BusinessVarietyMelissa Francis Off Fox News, Fox Business Amid Reports of Pay Disparity Claim
Melissa Francis, a longtime business-news reporter who has been with Fox News Media since 2012, has been off the air since early October after approaching the company earlier this year with claims of pay disparity based on gender discrimination, according to reports in The Los Angeles Times and from social-media journalist Yashar Ali. Francis, who […]
EntertainmentVarietyJennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas Join Variety’s Power of Women Conversations
Variety has announced two additional speakers to its virtual Power of Women summit, presented by Lifetime, taking place on Oct. 28 and 29. Jennifer Lopez, actor, singer and Nuyorican Productions CEO, and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, president of Nuyorican Productions, will discuss their upcoming slate of film and television projects, including Universal Studios’ “Marry Me” with Owen Wilson […]
PoliticsVarietyBiden Ad Focused on Indie Venues Is Pulled as Club Owner Draws Conservative Fire
A commercial for Joe Biden's presidential run, aired during Sunday's NFL games and noted for its licensing of the Beastie Boys' music, has been withdrawn after the Michigan nightclub owner featured in the ad became a target for fire from conservatives. The Biden campaign says it took the ad down in response to "doxxing" and […]
EntertainmentVarietyArmie Hammer and Lily James Insist Netflix’s ‘Rebecca’ Is Not Remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-Winning Film
Despite being based on the same novel, Netflix's latest thriller "Rebecca" is not a remake of Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar-award winning film from 1940. Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” is the legendary director’s only film to ever win the Oscar for best picture. Based on Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel of the same name, his film starred Laurence Olivier […]
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Taiwan welcomes latest US arms deal, says no intention of weapons race with Beijing
South China Morning Post