Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- How 'Gilmore Girls' Changed My Life in the Best Way Possible
- Your Guide to TV's Biggest New Summer Shows
- 7 Movie Theme Parks That Need to Happen Yesterday
- What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: May 4 - May 10
- Sela Ward to Play U.S. President in 'Independence Day 2'
- Nigel Terry, Star of 'Excalibur' and 'The Lion in Winter,' Dies at 69
- 7 Things That Need to Happen in the 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Movie
- Simon Pegg & Robin Williams Can Do 'Absolutely Anything' in New Trailer
- New 'Star Wars' Character Photos Reveal Big 'Force Awakens' Spoilers
- Watch an Exclusive Preview of 'George Lucas on the Digital Revolution'
- Kardashians to 'Speak Candidly' About Bruce Jenner in New Two-Part E! Special
- Watch Sofia Vergara Give Reese Witherspoon a Hard Time in Our 'Hot Pursuit' Unscripted
- 'Star Trek' Actress Grace Lee Whitney Dies at Age 85
- 'Game of Thrones' Star 'Disappointed' About Ser Barristan Book Change
- Why Didn't 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Open Bigger at the Box Office?
- J.K. Rowling to Apologize for One 'Harry Potter' Death a Year, Starting Now
- New 'Suicide Squad' Photos Showcase Deadshot and Harley Quinn, Skip Joker
- 27 Perfectly Hilarious Star Wars Memes
- Recap of 'Revenge' Season 4, Episode 22: Plea
- 'Game of Thrones' Recap: Shocking End to Sad, Stupid, Sweet Season 5, Episode 4
| How 'Gilmore Girls' Changed My Life in the Best Way Possible Posted:  My mom and I watch a lot of television together. Binge-watching shows is one of our bonding experiences, and it isn't just about lying on the couch and watch seven straight hours of TV. We'll watch everything from "Game of Thrones" to "Parks and Recreation" together, and then we'll take the time to discuss our favorite characters, our conspiracy theories, our opinions on any moral and psychological complexities the show may have. It's a fun way to spend time with my mom, while also giving me the opportunity to watch some quality TV. The first show that we ever watched together in this way was "Gilmore Girls," and it definitely affected both of our lives for the better.Way back when I was in seventh grade, my mom and I decided to rent the DVDs for the first season of "Gilmore Girls" from the library. (Wow, it's been only seven years and that's already a pretty dated sentence.) We instantly clicked with Lorelai and Rory: my mom is a working single mother, and I was definitely an ambitious and precocious child. While Rory was slightly older than I was, I was inspired by her dedication to academics and her knowledge of classic literature. I was already preoccupied with doing well in school, but I wanted to be just like Rory, so I started reading many of the books that she mentioned in the show. My love for "Gilmore Girls" kick-started my years-long binge of fine literature. I read everything from "Les Miserables" to "The Count of Monte Cristo," from "Candide" to "Vanity Fair," from "Anna Karenina" to "Jane Eyre." (Of course, I was around 13 when I read all these books, so it's entirely possible that many of the themes went over my head.) But not only did the Gilmore girls inspire me to be better, they helped my mom and I have a stronger relationship. Whenever Rory or Lorelai did something stupid, which was rather often, my mom and I would analyze their onscreen actions and then discuss what we would do instead. "Gilmore Girls" encouraged us to be more honest with each other, and also more trusting. It's hard to be a single mom or an only daughter, and "Gilmore Girls" reflected our struggles and our fun times. It made us think about our successes and the ways in which we could still improve. I've talked to other girls who watched the show with their moms, and even if they weren't in the same single parent situation, all of them have said that "Gilmore Girls" really helped to improve and strengthen their relationships with their mothers. While I think that "Gilmore Girls" had a sharp decline in quality in its later seasons, the messages of the earlier episodes were very important to me, to my mom, and to both of us as a unit. Whenever people ask me what media changed my life, I always have a shortlist of answers, and "Gilmore Girls" is definitely at the top. Many family TV shows have attempted to follow its lead, but to be honest, nothing can follow "Gilmore Girls." Grace Segers is a student at Tufts University and a contributor to Moviefone's Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Your Guide to TV's Biggest New Summer Shows Posted: Summer doesn't have to just be all reruns and binge-watching when it comes to TV -- there's a whole slew of brand new programming just waiting to be watched. 2015's roster features the outrageous game show and variety stunt events that you might expect from a summer slate (one of them even involves human darts, but more on that later), but there are also series just around the corner that feature major players like David Duchovny, Jack Black, and Jane Fonda. Not sure what you might want to sample this season? We've rounded up some of summer's biggest new TV shows, so you can learn more and find out exactly when you can catch 'em.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 7 Movie Theme Parks That Need to Happen Yesterday Posted:  Movies and theme parks coming together isn't a new thing, but The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has shown that a single franchise has the capability of carrying an entire park or section of a park rather than just being a single ride. So today, let's take a look at 7 movie franchises we'd like see turned into full-blown theme parks.This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| What's New on Netflix, TV, Digital, and DVD/Blu-ray This Week: May 4 - May 10 Posted:  At a loss for what to watch this week? From new DVDs and Blu-rays, to what's streaming on Netflix, we've got you covered.New on DVD and Blu-ray "Selma" This Oscar nominee for Best Picture is set in 1965, but it still feels timely in 2015. "Selma" chronicles the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo), resulting in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. "Selma" had its digital release on April 21, but it's available on DVD/Blu-ray, Netflix (via DVD/Blu-ray), and Redbox on May 5. The Blu-ray includes deleted and extended scenes, behind-the-scenes documentaries, newsreels, and feature commentary from director Ava DuVernay and Oyelowo. Check out this exclusive clip on the making of the movie.  "Fifty Shades of Grey" How steamy do you like your "Fifty Shades"? The first movie in the series was available on Digital HD on May 1 but it's out on Blu-ray and DVD on Friday, May 8. The Blu-ray comes with tons of bonus features, including both the unrated (!!!) and theatrical versions of the movie, plus interviews, profiles, music videos and a lot more. "Mr. Turner" Mike Leigh's biography of eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (Timothy Spall) was nominated for four Oscars, and earned Spall a win for Best Actor at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Blu-ray extras include a making-of feature, "The Many Colors of Mr. Turner." TV Worth Watching "Gotham" (Monday on FOX at 8 p.m. EST) May sweeps month has begun, which means just about every night features another season finale. Tonight marks the 22nd and final episode of "Gotham's" strong first season. Watch the battle between good and evil rage on in "All Happy Families Are Alike." "Once Upon a Time" and "Revenge" (Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m.) Another battle between good and evil, aka "heroes" and "villains," is happening over in the magical world of OUAT. Season 4 has a two-hour ending on May 10, with "Operation Mongoose Part 1" and "Part 2" directly following each other. Right after that two-hour finale, at 10 p.m., is the series finale of "Revenge." Fans have been promised "shocking things" and "epic emotional moments" to end Emily's story, so don't miss out. "The Good Wife" (Sunday on CBS at 9 p.m.) Some fans were disappointed with how Kalinda departed the show, but the Season 6 finale is still unmissable. Besides, better to fade into the mist than go out like Will Gardner, right? "The Good Wife" isn't exactly overlooked, but its clever plotting and character development remain underappreciated in the wider TV world. Maybe it's the title. New on Netflix "Grace and Frankie" Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin headline this Netflix original series, which premieres its 13 episodes on May 8. Longtime rivals Grace (Fonda) and Frankie (Tomlin) are brought together when their husbands announce they are in love and plan to get married. Awkward! "The Adventures of Puss in Boots" Netflix launched the first five episodes of its "Shrek" TV show spinoff in January, and you can watch five additional episodes starting May 8. "A Few Best Men" This 2011 Australian comedy follows a newly engaged young man who rounds up his friends from England to come be his best men at the Aussie wedding. Chaos ensues. Co-stars Rebel Wilson and Olivia Newton-John, and available to watch May 5. New Video on Demand, Rental Streaming, and Digital Only "Jupiter Ascending" (iTunes) Mila Kunis plays Jupiter Jones, who discovers her destiny as an intergalactic heiress and must help protect the people of Earth. Not the best-reviewed movie, but it does have a great cast, so watch it for Kunis and/or co-stars Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, and Eddie Redmayne. Available on iTunes starting May 5. "Mortdecai" (iTunes) Johnny Depp's action comedy was panned, but everything from "Jupiter Ascending" still applies, and it's out the same day. See it for Depp and/or Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Paul Bettany, Olivia Munn, and Jeff Goldblum. "Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas" (Amazon Prime) If you're a fan of Tyler Perry's Madea, you'll probably be a fan of this holiday movie available May 8. Madea is coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit for Christmas, but they are the ones in for a surprise when they arrive. Shenanigans ensue. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Sela Ward to Play U.S. President in 'Independence Day 2' Posted: Ward -- last seen on the big screen in "Gone Girl" -- will fill in for Bill Pullman, who played scene-stealing President Thomas Whitmore in the 1996 original flick. Pullman will return as the retired Whitmore for the follow-up, directed once again by Roland Emmerich. In addition to Ward, fellow fresh faces joining the cast include "Hunger Games" star Liam Hemsworth (playing Whitmore's son-in-law), Jessie Usher (playing a grown-up version of Will Smith's stepson from the first flick), Charlotte Gainsbourg ("Nymphomaniac"), and Joey King ("Wish I Was Here"). Returnees from the original include Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, and Vivica A. Fox. We can't wait to see Ward take her place in the Oval Office. Here's hoping she can deliver an equally-epic speech like Pullman's from the first flick -- and maybe take flight in a fighter jet of her own. We can dream, right? "Independence Day 2" -- renamed from "ID Forever" -- is due in theaters in June 24, 2016. [via: Deadline] Photo credit: Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nigel Terry, Star of 'Excalibur' and 'The Lion in Winter,' Dies at 69 Posted: Terry was a prolific theater actor who took part in numerous prominent productions from England's National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, including multiple plays by William Shakespeare and Moliere. But while his film work took a backseat to the stage, Terry nevertheless left his mark on movies thanks to key roles in several Hollywood films, ranging from awards bait and arthouse fare to big-budget epics. Terry made his film debut in "The Lion in Winter," the lavish 1968 period piece starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole, which also marked the feature debuts of Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton. Following that Oscar-winning flick, however, Terry remained under the radar in Hollywood, until he turned up in the starring role in 1981's "Excalibur," playing King Arthur opposite Helen Mirren. He became somewhat of a muse for Derek Jarman, most notably starring in the director's 1986 biopic "Caravaggio." Terry's last major film role came in 2004, in the sword and sandals epic "Troy," which reunited him with O'Toole. Terry died April 30 of emphysemia near his home in Cornwall, England. [via: The Guardian] Photo credit: ROSIE HALLAM/PA IMAGES MOVED ACROSS This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 7 Things That Need to Happen in the 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Movie Posted:  Harry Potter may have cast his final spell back in 2011, but that doesn't mean the magical world that J.K. Rowling created will be going away anytime soon. A new film trilogy based on the Hogwarts textbook, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is on its way with the first installment set to arrive in theaters on November 18th, 2016 and though the plot along with many other aspects of the film remains a mystery (Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander?), we're grabbing our wands, casting Lumos and shedding some light on our list of 7 thing that need to happen in the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" movie.This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Simon Pegg & Robin Williams Can Do 'Absolutely Anything' in New Trailer Posted:  The late Robin Williams was a chameleonic actor who proved that there was nothing he couldn't do onscreen, and that's especially true in the new trailer for "Absolutely Anything," one of his last film roles. Williams puts his gift for voice acting to use as supporting character Dennis -- who just so happens to be a dog, given the ability to talk by his suddenly all-powerful master, Neil (Simon Pegg). It turns out that a group of aliens (voiced by the members of the Monty Python gang) have arbitrarily decided to bestow one earthling with supernatural capabilities to see if he or she will use them for good -- and based on that choice, decide whether the human race is worth saving from obliteration. Neil is the one selected for this cosmic experiment, and similarly to Jim Carrey in "Bruce Almighty," he initially has some self-serving fun with his new abilities: making his clothes put on themselves, buffing up his physique, spying on his hot neighbor (Kate Beckinsale). Soon, though, Neil realizes that he should probably put those powers to better use, though of course, that plan doesn't exactly pan out, either (declaring that all dead people should be brought back to life results in a bunch of gross zombies roaming the streets). It's unclear just how far Neil needs to go to appease the aliens, though we imagine things work out for everyone in the end. Here's hoping he and Dennis can live happily ever after. "Absolutely Anything" also stars Rob Riggle and Eddie Izzard. It opens in the U.K. on August 14; a U.S. release date is forthcoming. Photo credit: YouTube This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New 'Star Wars' Character Photos Reveal Big 'Force Awakens' Spoilers Posted:  May the Fourth continues to rule, and now there's more to celebrate. More "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" characters were just revealed, or at least confirmed, in new photos shared by Vanity Fair. As a bonus, one more "big character reveal" is said to be coming from the June issue, and if you head to Vanity Fair's site you can sign up for the newsletter and the final photo will be e-mailed to you tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5) at 4 p.m. It's something to look forward to!Annie Leibovitz took photos of the cast for the new issue, which features Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewie, and newbies Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and BB-8 on the cover. Inside, awesome new photos show Adam Driver as "next-generation bad guy Kylo Ren" as he "commands snowtroopers loyal to the evil First Order on the frozen plains of their secret base." So he is a villain, and he was the one who was swinging the three-pronged lightsaber of the first teaser. Photos also show that Lupita Nyongo'o will play a CGI character, Maz Kanata, and one group caption notes, "Galactic travelers, smugglers, and other assorted riffraff fill the main hall of pirate Maz Kanata's castle." So she plays a pirate with a castle. Leibovitz also shared a photo of "Dashing Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac)" as he poses "alongside his trusty X-wing fighter." Check out all the photos at Vanity Fair, and watch this on-set video with the cast: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will be released in theaters on December 18, 2015. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Watch an Exclusive Preview of 'George Lucas on the Digital Revolution' Posted:  Today is a "Star Wars" holiday thanks largely to one great man: George Lucas. As the sun now stands, we are proud to report that #MayThe4thBeWithYou is trending over the royal princess's name announcement. Most impressive. Lucas's birthday is actually on May 14, if you want to start baking that mini Death Star cake. In the meantime, here's something special from the master himself, a clip from a new, never-before-seen interview, "George Lucas on the Digital Revolution."Watch the video to hear Lucas discuss the evolution of digital technology and see those changes come to life on set. You can see the full feature through select digital retailers and on Disney Movies Anywhere starting May the Fourth, aka today. This comes on the heels of The Star Wars Digital Movie Collection release on April 10, and in anticipation of "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" arriving on December 18, with these other movies close behind. May the Fourth be with you each and every day! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Kardashians to 'Speak Candidly' About Bruce Jenner in New Two-Part E! Special Posted:  The Kardashians aren't known to cede the spotlight easily and E! just announced another special that will showcase how the family adjusts to Bruce Jenner's transition.Bruce Jenner revealed his intention to transition into a woman during a "20/20" interview with Diane Sawyer. E! then confirmed it will air a new eight-part docuseries on Bruce's journey, premiering July 26. But before that airs, E! just announced, there will be a two-part special called "Keeping Up with the Kardashians: About Bruce." Part 1 will air Sunday, May 17 at 9 p.m., with Part 2 continuing on Monday, May 18 at 9 p.m.  Who will say what in "About Bruce"? According to E!, Bruce's ex-wife Kris Jenner, and daughters and stepchildren Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, Kylie and Scott will "speak candidly with Bruce, ask many questions and begin to understand the tough journey he's been on his entire life. Through difficult and direct conversations, the family's unfiltered reactions are surprising, thoughtful and ultimately compassionate and supportive." The special promises to "capture intimate conversations and intensely emotional moments that Bruce Jenner has with his Kardashian family as they discuss his transition. [It] will take an earnest look at the family's struggle to process their own feelings as they work through hearing from Bruce directly about finally living life as the person he's always known himself to be." E! will also air family home video footage to remind viewers and the family "of the special times they spent with Bruce as a father, husband and friend, and serves as inspiration for the memories they'll create as Bruce lives his 'new normal.'"By the time all of the specials and interviews have aired, viewers will be more intimately familiar with the Kardashians than ever. But maybe, for once, the focus will really be on Bruce and not the rest of the family. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Watch Sofia Vergara Give Reese Witherspoon a Hard Time in Our 'Hot Pursuit' Unscripted Posted:  Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon have great chemistry -- on-screen and off. It's also clear from countless Instagram posts and red carpet moments that the pair are pretty good friends -- and what are good friends without the ability to take some gentle (or not-so-gentle) ribbing from one another now and again? Not good friends at all.That's why it was no surprise that, when the pair sat down to film the latest episode of Moviefone's Unscripted, the "Hot Pursuit" stars enjoyed taking shots at each other (well, mostly Sofia at Reese, but we're not complaining) -- all in the name of good fun. Watch for yourself and decide what makes you giggle quietly in your cubicle more: hearing Sofia say "Reese Witherspoon" over and over, listening to her revel in giving Reese a hard time for her less-than-stellar Spanish skills, or Reese delivering what could be considered the most accurate Sofia Vergara impression to ever hit the internet. "Ay, I beg you!" "Hot Pursuit," starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, opens nationwide May 8th. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Star Trek' Actress Grace Lee Whitney Dies at Age 85 Posted: She lived long. She prospered. Grace Lee Whitney achieved icon status as Yeoman Janice Rand in the original "Star Trek" series and spent 35 years helping fellow recovering alcoholics fight addiction. She died of natural causes on May 1 in Coarsegold, CA, at age 85. Whitney only played Yeoman Rand in the first eight episodes of the Shatner/Kirk TV series, and -- the Associated Press reports -- in her autobiography, "The Longest Trek: My Tour of the Galaxy," she admitted her acting career was essentially halted by her alcoholism. She ultimately got help and regained her career with help from Leonard Nimoy, aka Spock, who also died in early 2015. Whitney returned for the movies "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" and "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country." She was a regular on the "Star Trek" convention circuit for years but, her family emphasized to NBC News, the star would prefer to be remembered for being a "successful survivor of addiction." And so we shall. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Game of Thrones' Star 'Disappointed' About Ser Barristan Book Change Posted:  "Game of Thrones" just had a game-changing night with Season 5, Episode 4. The "Sons of the Harpy" slayed our good friend Ser Barristan Selmy, who is still alive in the book, assisting Daenerys Targaryen and holding down the fort for her.It wasn't 100 percent clear to fans whether Ser Barristan and Grey Worm died in the final scene of Episode 4, but -- sadly -- all hopes for Ser Grandfather were put to rest in Entertainment Weekly's exit interview with actor Ian McElhinney. McElhinney explained how he found out about his character's death, and it's actually pretty clever of him to deduce it just from his filming schedule: Come on, he deserves some extra scenes just for sleuthing that out! McElhinney was asked what he'd say to book readers who are upset that Ser B is already gone. He did praise Ser Barristan's end scene with Dany as very well written, adding that he was happy with the way his character's story ended. He's keeping it classy -- and it was great to see Barristan the Bold die during battle, as he would've wanted. But still. Dany just lost her closest friend and historical link to Westeros and fans lost a great hero who had so much more to give. But that's "Game of Thrones" for you. Hopefully Rhaegar is waiting for Ser Barristan with a song, and we'll have to wait and see how Dany responds to this Harpy treachery. (One good "Dracarys" should melt those masks right off. Just a suggestion.) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Why Didn't 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Open Bigger at the Box Office? Posted:  Before this weekend, the only question about "Avengers: Age of Ultron" was how big it was going to be. Would it break the opening-weekend record set by the first "Avengers" three years ago? But now that the weekend is over, the only question about the sequel's debut is: Why wasn't it bigger?It seems churlish to be disappointed by the second biggest three-day opening of all time, estimated at $187.7 million. But the first "Avengers" premiered with $207.4 million, and until Friday, the sequel was tracking to open even bigger, around $210 million, according to many experts and Disney's own most optimistic projections. Instead, "Ultron" opened 9.5 percent below "Avengers," whose windfall seems even more impressive in retrospect, since it occurred when ticket prices were slightly lower than they are now. Again, if we weren't talking about sales in the $200 million range, and a movie underperformed expectations by $22 million, heads would roll. What's behind the film's weaker-than-expected performance? So far, Disney has been blaming... Floyd Mayweather. Yep, apparently, the boxer walloped more than Manny Pacquiao on Saturday. He also beat up on the Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, and the rest of the Marvel heroes. Well, not just Mayweather. Saturday was a perfect storm of high-profile sporting events. Besides the much-touted boxing match, there was the Kentucky Derby, NBA and NHL playoff games, and some big-deal baseball games, including Yankees vs. Red Sox. So that's a whole lot of eyeballs that were too busy watching sports to watch the superhero-vs.-robot competition in theaters, noted Disney Executive Vice President for Theatrical Distribution Dave Hollis. "If not for the distractions, we would have seen a bigger number," Hollis told Moviefone. He observed that, on Saturday, the film did 31 percent of its business after 5 p.m. (at the time of peak interest in the fight and the horse race). By contrast, he said, the first "Avengers" did 37 percent of its first-Saturday business after 5 p.m., while the figure rose to 41 percent for "Iron Man 3" (now the movie with the third-biggest opening weekend ever). Hollis said that competition from the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout came as something of a surprise, given that Disney parked "Ultron" on the first weekend of May 2015 a couple years ago, while the fight was scheduled only three or four months ago. When that happened, Hollis said, "there was an immediate recognition that this could be a distraction." And while the studio responded with more aggressive marketing, "as much as you can prepare for it, the movie being great is our best defense." There's also some evidence that the movie skewed especially fanboy-ish. Disney polling showed that the audience was 59 percent male and 59 percent over 25. Plus, the big drop-off between Friday and Saturday (from $84.5 million to $57.2 million) suggests that the most ardent Marvel fans came out to see the film right away, and that more casual viewers didn't feel the urgency. Hollis said, however, that the enthusiastic fan response on Friday would only help "Ultron" over the long run. The first-day filmgoers would serve as "ambassadors to spread the good word," he said. He noted that the film has received an A grade from CinemaScore, indicating very strong word-of-mouth, as well as generally positive reviews. Indeed, the coming weeks should reveal the movie's legs. It helped that there wasn't much competition this weekend from other movies ("The Age of Adaline," "Furious 7," and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" were nearly tied for second place, with only about $6 million each), and next weekend should be similarly soft, with only female buddy/action comedy "Hot Pursuit" as wide-release counterprogramming. Competition's a little stiffer the following weekend, with "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Pitch Perfect 2" opening wide. "Ultron" won't have the easy ride that "Furious 7" did last month, but it's going to be at least two (and maybe four) weeks before it faces a serious challenge. Plus, the "Avengers" sequel has already earned $439 million overseas, having opened elsewhere around the world on April 22. It's been No. 1 in every market so far, its worldwide total stands at an estimated $627 million, and it seems well on its way to reaching the $1.2 billion international take of "Iron Man 3," and perhaps even the $1.5 billion take of the initial "Avengers." Still, there must be a lot of pundits with egg on their faces this weekend. Some predicted an premiere as high as $215 to $225 million for "Ultron." Hollis insisted that Disney was always projecting a debut of between $200 and $210 million. "No one was more conservative than we were," he said. Even so, the sequel underperformed Disney's most conservative projection by $12 million. Its per-screen average, an enviable $43,886, is still $3,812 behind the opening per-screen average for "Avengers," and that movie's $47,698 average was at 2012 ticket prices. Over the theatrical life of the film, couldn't this difference accumulate into a shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars below what Disney and Marvel hoped to gross? "It's hard to be anything but enthusiastic and excited about where we stand," Hollis said of the "Ultron" domestic debut. "The day that $188 million is underperforming is the day to walk away from the business." This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| J.K. Rowling to Apologize for One 'Harry Potter' Death a Year, Starting Now Posted:  As you probably knew, honored, and celebrated in your own way, May 2 marked the 17th anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. [A moment of silence, please.] "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling chose the anniversary to launch a new tradition: apologizing for people she's killed off. She tweeted her first regret, her reason for it, and her plan to do the same every year at this time. So mark your calendar and cross your fingers for your favorite to be honored in this strange, but still somehow compelling new way next year.Here are the author's tweets: Congratulations to Fred Weasley for being the first apology. It's fitting to start with him, since he was a major casualty of the Battle of Hogwarts. George would probably appreciate Fred being honored first -- and maybe make a little joke about not quite hearing her right, so could she repeat it every day. Any thoughts on who might be next? That fan asked about Lupin and Tonks, but you could add any number of characters -- Sirius Black, Dumbledore, Snape, etc. We're pulling for you, Severus! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New 'Suicide Squad' Photos Showcase Deadshot and Harley Quinn, Skip Joker Posted:  "Suicide Squad" director David Ayer spent his Sunday treating fans to two new photos of the team. One was marked "Task Force X assembled and ready. #SuicideSquad," and the other showed a full-length shot of Will Smith's Deadshot in full badass mode: That's quite a look. You'd never know that was Will Smith in there. Missing, once again: Jared Leto's Joker, who got his own character reveal last week, separate from the rest of the group. When Ayer shared the first cast photo just of the actors, Leto was also not included. Is he not part of the task force? Perhaps his storyline is separate from the core group. Nine characters did make the cut for the group photo, with Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn front and center. That doesn't seem like an accident. This is an "all eyes on Harley Quinn" moment, and since a lot of fans grew up watching Harley in those animated Batman cartoons in the '90s, many eyes will remain on Harley in the movie. Fans are already judging each character compared to what they've seen before or expected to see, especially Harley Quinn. In addition to Robbie and Smith (who also co-starred in "Focus"), the "Squad" is meant to include Adam Beach as Slipknot, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Karen Fukuhara as Katana (kneeling), Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, and Jay Hernandez as El Diablo. That's not the full cast, but fans will have to stay tuned to see everyone's roles. And maybe if we all play nice, Ayer will share more full character profiles like he did for Deadshot. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 27 Perfectly Hilarious Star Wars Memes Posted: "May the 4th be with you." You're going to hear that a lot today, because May 4th is a magical, 24-hour window in which all manner of fans -- aficionados, diehards, 'shippers, collectors, geeks, Princess Leia lookalikes, etc. -- come together (IRL and online) to celebrate their love for George Lucas's ultimate gift to world: Star Wars. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's Star Wars Day. In honor of this auspicious occasion, and to remember that we are just 227 days from the next installment in the über franchise, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," we've rounded up the best, most hilariously spot-on memes from a galaxy far, far away.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Recap of 'Revenge' Season 4, Episode 22: Plea Posted:  Remember last week when ABC was like "'Revenge' is ending forever, bye!" and you started sobbing hysterically? Well, this week was the penultimate episode, and things are not going well for Emily Thorne. Mostly because she's in jail and everyone thinks she's a murderer, no big deal. Get caught up on everything you need to know about Emily's revengenda before the show heads into its last episode ever on Sunday, May 10! Emily Gets Out of Jail, Promptly Returns To Jail Last week Emily was hauled into the slammer for Victoria Grayson's murder, which is problematic for several reasons: 1) orange is not her color, 2) she never got to confess her undying love for Jack "Shirtless For No Reason" Porter, and 3) her bitter ex-boyfriend, Officer Ben, is dead set on seeing her ruined. The good news is Emily ends up being granted bail and put on house arrest. The bad news is she gets caught trying to hunt down Mason Treadwell (girl just can't help herself), and is once again thrown behind bars. The silver-lining is that she chats to some random backwoods townies and basically confirms that Victoria's alive and trying to blend in with the commoners. Emily Tells Jack How She Feels, Margaux Gets Arrested Jack and Emily are end-game on "Revenge" (total OTP up in here), and this week Em finally declares her feels during an awkward hang session on the porch. This display of affection promts Jack to a) smile insanely, and b) drive four hours into New York City to tell Margaux that Em was set up. While on this completely useless mission, Jack uses his detective skills to find out that Margaux shuttled Victoria's co-conspirator, Mason Treadwell, to a trailer park -- which means she's complicit in Queen V's evil plan! So, what's Em's not-as-evil plan? She has Margaux framed for stealing diamonds, which lands her in jail. Naturally, Em sneaks out of her own cell and bullies Margaux into spilling the beans, and this French media mogul reveals that Victoria faked her death. Called it! Em calls up Officer Ben to tell him the good news (turns out Victoria used an unclaimed dead body at the scene of her death), but unfortunately Ben's like "bye, Felicia" and totally rejects her. Sounds like someone's still thirsty for their ex-girlfriend.... Courtney Love Gets Her Kill On, It's Amazing Not to make you spiral into a fit of depression, but David Clarke was given six months to live this week. Honestly, if "Revenge" ends with David dying, the producers have just been trolling us. In other news, Charlotte is back (Remember her? Anyone?), and she has no interest in attending her mom's funeral -- something we learn when Louise Ellis pays her a visit. However, Charlotte does place a seed of doubt in Louise's mind by telling her that Victoria faked her death once before -- and when Louise finds a black hoodie in Queen V's hotel room (the same one Margaux wore to fake-attack her) she tells Officer Ben. This good cop is finally convinced that Em might be telling the truth, so he does some sleuthing, and -- surprise, surprise -- finds Mrs. Grayson herself. Of course, Courtney Love wanders up and kills Ben on Margaux's orders, so it looks like Victoria is safe. Bless this woman's agent for getting her on this show. Burning questions. We got 'em! 1. Now that Ben's dead, who will fight to release Emily from prison? 2. Is David Clarke going to die? Unacceptable. Don't do this to us, "Revenge"! 3. Will Louise realize she's been played, or continue believing Margaux's lies? 4. Will Emily kill Victoria during the season finale? 5. Speaking of the finale: how is this show going to end?! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Game of Thrones' Recap: Shocking End to Sad, Stupid, Sweet Season 5, Episode 4 Posted:  Bloody fanatics! The Sons of the Harpy. The Faith Militant. The Sand Snakes. Melisandre's Boobs. Extremists are taking over "Game of Thrones" Season 5. In Episode 4, "The Sons of the Harpy," the bells tolled for what looked like both Ser Barristan Selmy and Grey Worm. But maybe not. A certain scene was teased in the trailer that we haven't seen yet, concerning Missandei and Grey Worm. (See end of post) Either that's on his deathbed or he makes it.But Daenerys Targaryen appears to have lost Ser Barristan -- her best friend, protector and adviser -- just as her former adviser, Ser Jorah Mormont, is sailing back to her with another potential ally in Tyrion Lannister. Oh, Ser Barristan. Apparently he is truly gone, since actor Ian McElhinney talked to Entertainment Weekly about his final scene. This is still another major twist from the book, but maybe Rhaegar is waiting for Barristan with a song. Jaime and Bronn were just talking about how they want to die; as a silver lining, this is probably how Ser B would choose to go -- alongside a friend and ally, after they both fought valiantly against the odds. It's hard to know how Dany will or should react. Hizdahr zo Loraq was just making his pitch about how the fighting pits are tradition, and tradition is the only thing that the former slaves and masters have in common in Meereen. So will that finally be the argument that sways her opinion to open the pits? She seems to underestimate Hizdahr, but he may be the good cop to the faceless bad.  A lot happened in "Sons of the Harpy," and if you were bored by this one, the Sand Snakes should bury you up to your neck and put scorpions on your face because you simply cannot be pleased. Jaime and Bronn got to Dorne, Ellaria and the Sand Snakes planned their attack, Sansa has to pray for Stannis to successfully save her from the Boltons (Stannis was kind of a hero this episode, and we never expect to write that sentence again), Jon got to second base with Melisandre, and Cersei thinks she made a big move against Margaery by reviving the Faith Militant but she really just took away her own power and gave it to people who hate corruption and hypocrisy. If you're Cersei, the last thing you should do is empower people who sniff out sinners like yourself and lock them away. Stupid move. But when Cersei feels threatened, she acts from pride and fear, not logic.You know what should happen? The Sons of the Harpy should face off against The Faith Militant. Open the fighting pits and make them the first match.  Read on for a full recap of Episode 4:Opening credits: We head to King's Landing, Winterfell, The Wall, Braavos, Meereen, Dorne. Yes, they finally show us Dorne's intro -- cool snake! Not that queen, silly The episode opens after sunset, with a boat coming in. Ser Jorah punches someone, pays him, and takes his boat. Tyrion is trying to get away because he assumes he'll be taken to Cersei. This is what you get for getting bored in that wheelhouse. Poor Varys -- where is he now? Still on the way to Meereen? Jaime & Bronn go for a sail The bromance buddies sail past Tarth. Ah. The Sapphire Isle. Jaime must think of Brienne. Bronn wants to know why they're on a pirate ship instead of an official Lannister ship. Jaime says they'll get off at Sunspear and row to shore at night. Bronn has been to Dorne - "The Dornish are crazy. All they want to die is fight and f-uck, f-ck and fight." Jaime: "You should be happy to go back, then." Bronn said they're going to be doing a lot of fighting but they probably won't get to stick around for the rest, not after they kidnap the princess. Even Bronn knows Myrcella is not Jaime's "niece." Why is Jaime doing this? "It has to be me." Bronn also knows Jaime set his brother free. If Jaime ever sees Tyrion again he'll split him in two. Poor Tyrion is not having the best week.  Iron Bank wants moneyThe Iron Bank is looking for debts paid, but the crown can only afford to send half of what they ask. However, Mace Tyrell says they, House Tyrell, could front the money and the crown could pay them back in time. Nice try, but Cersei does not want to give the Tyrells more power. "You've already given us too much." She wants them to negotiate better terms with The Iron Bank. In person. The Master of Coin, Mace Tyrell, is being sent to Braavos. Ser Meryn will go with him. Pycelle notes that the small council grows smaller and smaller, but it's still not small enough for Cersei. High Sparrow gets Faith Militant Cersei tells the High Sparrow she thinks the faith needs a sword again, to re-authorize the Faith Militant. "An army in service to the gods themselves." After offering that, Cersei talks about a great sinner in their very midst, "shielded by gold and privilege." She appears to mean Ser Loras Tyrell, who is gay, but she could be speaking of herself.  The Faith Militant go nutsThey set to work right away, bashing stuff in King's Landing and raiding brothels. They seem to enjoy their violence a week bit too much. Lancel and others get tattoos on their foreheads, and each one should read "batsh-t crazy." Littlefinger's brothel is raided, and Olliver -- the guy who was having sex with Loras Tyrell a couple of weeks ago and Prince Oberyn last season -- observes a "boy f--ker" being slaughtered like a pig. Speaking of Loras, he is arrested by Lancel, for breaking the laws of gods and men. Margaery asks Tommen why her brother is in a cell. Tommen said he didn't do it; she argues that they both know who did. "She's jealous you're not hers anymore." Dim bulb Tommen is confused, since he still thinks Margaery and Cersei get along. Margaery gets Tommen to promise to set Ser Loras free. So Tommen goes to Cersei and demands that Loras be free. Cersei said she's not holding Ser Loras. She suggests Tommen speak to the High Sparrow, and she's sure he'll release the boy. If ever we needed evidence that Tommen is too young, too naive, too sweet, and just too wrong in every way to rule Westeros, we're getting it now.  Tommen's visitThis should be interesting. The Faith Militant block the king on the stairs. "His holiness is praying. He will not be disturbed." Tommen's kingsguard says they'll kill the rabble if he wants. Everyone is watching. What will Tommen do? People are calling "filthy bastard" and "born in sin." "Abomination." They have no respect for him. They know he's all Lannister. He has been usurped by the army Cersei empowered. So Tommen has to go back to Margaery with his tail between his legs. Margaery goes to send for her grandmother, says she needs to be with her family. This is the downside of a weak king. Yeah, he's easy for you to manipulate, but he has no backbone. He's easy for anyone to manipulate. But it's good to hear Lady Olenna will be returning. It's time for her to pull a Tywin Lannister and lay down the law. The Baratheons chat about Jon Snow Selyse Baratheon disapproves (of course) of Jon Snow as Lord Commander. "A bastard by some tavern slut." Stannis: "Perhaps. That was not Ned Stark's way." Does Stannis suspect the truth? Selyse says she should've given Stannis a son, instead she gave him weakness and deformity, meaning the adorable perfection that is Shireen. Cue Melisandre saying those scars mean nothing to the lord of light. Melisandre doesn't want to be left behind when they march on Winterfell. Stannis says he needs her. She needs to serve her lord. She's watching Jon too. This is like a soap opera love triangle.  Mel & Jon - his new ginger girlfriend?Jon is signing letters, written by Sam, to ask for men from the great lords. There's one to Roose Bolton. Jon, at first, refuses to sign, since the Boltons killed his brother Robb. (If you're Jon, do you care about Catelyn Stark's death, after the way she treated him? Discuss.) But Sam makes his argument and Jon signs. Melisandre comes in for some kind of booty call. One of the perks of leadership? She asks him to come with them when they ride south. He knows Winterfell better than anyone. Doesn't he want to chase the rats out of it? Jon said Castle Black is his home now. The King's Watch takes no part in the wars of the Seven Kingdoms. Mel: "There is only one war. Life against death." She says she'll show him what he's fighting for. No visions. No magic. Just life. She bears her breasts and lets him feel her up from, um, lady parts up. Mel says there's power in him. He resists it and that's his mistake. Embrace it. He feels her up then pulls his hand away. He does love gingers! She wants to do the deed with him but he says he can't. He swore a vow. He loved another. "The dead don't need lovers. Only the living." He stops her hand. "I know. But I still love her." Awwww. Mel's parting words: "You know nothing, Jon Snow." He just can't escape that line.  Sweet father/daughter sceneSee. Sometimes Stannis isn't so bad. Sweet Shireen comes into his office and he asks if she's lonely. She said she's just bored. She's glad they didn't leave her behind, since she knows her mother didn't want to bring her. Shireen asks if he's ashamed of her. He pauses, then tells the story of how she got greyscale. A Dornish trader brought a wooden doll shortly after her birth and Stannis bought it and put it in Shireen's cradle, pressed it to her cheek. "By the time we burned the doll it was too late." He was told she would die, or it would be slow. He was told to send her away. He told them all to go to hell. He called in every healer and maester around the world. They stopped the disease and saved her life, because she didn't belong across the world with The Stone Men. She's Princess Shireen of House Baratheon and his daughter. She hugs him. He is awkward about it, but that's about as sweet as it gets for him. He's kind of having a moment this week, from this scene with Shireen to basically being Sansa's best chance of not being raped or flayed.  Sansa visits Aunt LyannaSansa is in Winterfell, in the crypt, lighting candles for her ancestors. Littlefinger goes down to visit with her as she stand in front of Lyanna Stark. Father never talked about her but sometimes Sansa would find him down there standing in front of her statue with a candle. Petyr said he saw Lyanna once, with her family, at the great tourney at Harrenhall. Everyone was there. Mad King. King Robert. Lyanna. Rhaegar. The last two riders were Barristan Selmy and Rhaegar. When Rhaegar won, everyone cheered for their prince ... until he rode right past his wife, Elia Martell, and all the smiles died. He lay a crown of winter roses on Lyanna's lap. "How many tens of thousands had to die because Rhaegar chose your aunt?" Sansa: "Yes, he chose her and then he kidnapped her and raped her." Littlefinger just looks at her. Does he know that the story is a little bit different? (R + L = J? Promise me, Ned...) It would be so great to see that tourney, and a lot of the old stories from Lyanna, Robert, Ned and Rhaegar's time. Do a prequel series, HBO!  Littlefinger is leaving ... but Stannis is comingStill in the crypt, Petyr talks strategy. He's dressed for riding. He's going to King's Landing, since Cersei sent for him. He's going to leave Sansa there alone? It won't be for long. Stannis is coming, Petyr said. Once he takes the place from the Boltons, the Northmen will rally to his cause. A betting man would put his money on Stannis, and Petyr is a betting man. (He must be down some coin after the Battle of the Blackwater.) If Stannis takes Winterfell, he'll remove the Boltons and name Sansa wardeness of the North. If Stannis loses, Littlefinger said Sansa should make Ramsay her own. (BARF) She'd better hope Stannis wins. Sansa expects she'll be a married woman by the time he returns. Better hope Ramsay is better to her than most women he knows. And men. Ask Theon/Reek. Then again, Uncle Petyr is almost as creepy as the Boltons. Idea: Set Littlefinger up with Melisandre. He likes redheads and she's pretty creepy too. How would you like to die? Another rowboat scene at night, this one with Bronn and Jaime arriving in Sunspear. Bronn kills a snake by Jaime's head. "Breakfast." Haha. Jaime doesn't care what songs they sing about him when he's dead. Bronn likes the idea of a song about two knights off to rescue a princess. Bronn wants to die in his own keep drinking his own wine watching his sons grovel for his forture. Jaime is disappointed. Bronn: "I've had an exciting life. I want my death to be boring." What about Jaime? He wants to go out in the arms of the woman he loves. Does she want the same thing? Doubt it. Love these two-character bonding scenes - Brienne and Pod, Tyrion and Varys, Bronn and Jaime, Littlefinger and Sansa, etc. They see four Dornish fighters who spot their tracks. Jaime can only take one, if he's slow. They surrender. Bronn gives them fake names, says they are from King's Landing and their ships capsized in the night. They're told to throw their swords in the sand, but Bronn attacks. Poor horse. "That one should be slow enough." Jaime isn't really cut out for this, but his fake hand actually saves him. Bronn wants to take the horses and ride to the Water Gardens, but Jaime insists they (Bronn) bury the men first.  Sand SnakesDorne seems gorgeous, everything on the beach. We see Ellaria ride to see the Sand Snakes, Oberyn's daughters. Ellaria passes on the news that there will be no war, not from Prince Doran. It's up to them to avenge Oberyn's death. They have no army, but Cersei Lannister loves her children, and they have one of them. One of the Sand Snakes says there may be a problem. She unveils a very cool looking new way to interrogate someone - bury him up to his neck with scorpions around his head. The ship's captain who smuggled in Jaime told them about Jaime and Bronn. Ellaria knows Jaime is after Myrcella. The Sand Snakes must choose -- Doran's way and peace or Ellaria's way and war. The three girls (Obara, Nym and Tyene) all choose war. Jorah & Tyrion Tyrion is gagged on the rowboat, but still making a racket so Ser Jorah takes off his gag. Tyrion doesn't know who he is, but says he's going the wrong way. My sister's in Westeros. He's not taking Tyrion to his sister. He's taking Tyrion to Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion laughs. "What a waste of a good kidnapping!" That's where he was going too. Since they are "on the same side," Tyrion wants his hands freed. Ser Jorah doesn't go for it. Tyrion, as clever as always, figures out that he's from the north, down on his luck in Essos, and see the bear sigil. "You're Jorah Mormont." Tyrion knows he must be running, and remembers Jorah was spying on Dany. He passed notes to Varys' little birds. She found out and exiled him and now he's hoping to win back her favor with a gift. It's a "desperate" scheme. Jorah punches him out. That mouth of yours keeps getting you into trouble, Tyrion.  Rhaegar talkDany looks out at the city from the top of the pyramid. Ser Barristan chuckles and remembers all the times her brother, Prince Rhaegar, made him go down into the city. Rhaegar liked to sing to the people. He would pick a spot and sing and collect money. He was good. Rhaegar never liked killing, he loved singing. He'd give the money away, most of the time. Lots of Rhaegar and Lyanna talk tonight, plus Melisandre sensing power to Jon. Hint, hint? It's nice to see Dany laugh, though. Daario shows up and says Hizdahr is there waiting in the audience chamber. There are 50 or 100 others there too. Dany tells Ser Barristan to go and sing a song for her. Ser B gets himself one last showcase scene... Sons of the Harpy butchery Hizdahr makes another pitch for the men to be able to die in glory. Today is the traditional day that starts the fighting. Hizdahr argues that, without tradition, the former slaves and masters have nothing in common. As we see him make his latest pitch to Dany, we also follow Sons of the Harpy in the tunnels and alleys of Meereen. They put their masks on and slit more throats. Meanwhile, the Unsullied are marching in the street. They are lured over by the prostitute who is in legion with the Harpy, and led into a trap. The Unsullied are surrounded by Harpies in masks. Grey Worm is among the fighters and he's knocked down. Ser Barristan hears bells chiming, and rushes to join all the fighters. He's slashed too. What an ending, with the bells. Are they dead?! Do both Barristan and Grey Worm die there in that pool of blood? We haven't seen the clip below yet, from "The Wheel" trailer. Is that Missandei kissing a dead Grey Worm or a live and healing one? It seems hard to believe both Ser B and GW would be allowed to live. This is "Game of Thrones," after all.  Next week In the promo for Episode 5, they show Dany visiting her dragons and presumably reacting to what happened. Was that Barristan's dead body in front of Dany? We also see Sansa in danger, and Jon talking about winter coming. Tyrion also sees a dragon fly and seems in awe, as he should be. In the book, Tyrion knew all about dragons, and he seems likely to keep that knowledge on screen. Meanwhile, they're changing everything else! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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