The eighth annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert for God's Love We Deliver is thrilled to announce Dave Grohl will join the evening’s performance lineup and Martin Short will join for a special guest appearance.
Love Rocks NYC will now also be shown as a livestream event from the historic Beacon Theatre in NYC at 8:00pmET on Thursday, March 7. Fans in NYC and elsewhere can experience this memorable night of music by signing up at loverocksnyc.com to access a livestream link to the concert via Veeps.com.
Veeps All Access subscribers can tune in for free or fans can purchase an individual show ticket for $20 while also helping support the organization as $20 = 2 Meals for New Yorkers living with severe and chronic illness. Additional seats are also being released today and fans can purchase through www.ticketmaster.com.
Executive produced by iconic international fashion designer John Varvatos, NYC...
Love Rocks NYC will now also be shown as a livestream event from the historic Beacon Theatre in NYC at 8:00pmET on Thursday, March 7. Fans in NYC and elsewhere can experience this memorable night of music by signing up at loverocksnyc.com to access a livestream link to the concert via Veeps.com.
Veeps All Access subscribers can tune in for free or fans can purchase an individual show ticket for $20 while also helping support the organization as $20 = 2 Meals for New Yorkers living with severe and chronic illness. Additional seats are also being released today and fans can purchase through www.ticketmaster.com.
Executive produced by iconic international fashion designer John Varvatos, NYC...
- 3/5/2024
- Look to the Stars
The eighth annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert is set to go down this Thursday, March 7th, at the Beacon Theater in New York, with a lineup featuring Dave Grohl, The Black Keys, Hozier, Conan O’Brien, Martin Short, and many more.
Raising funds for the meal-providing charitable organization God’s Love We Deliver, the Love Rocks benefit concert has been a celebrated fundraising campaign since it was first launched in 2017. Now, as its eighth iteration approaches, the organization reports that its benefit concerts have raised a total of $30 million, providing 3 million meals to New Yorkers living with illnesses. Tickets for the show are on-sale now (get your here).
Filling out the lineup for Love Rocks NYC 2024 are Nile Rodgers, Tom Morello, Don Felder, Bettye Lavette, Joss Stone, Allison Russell, Emily King, Marcus King, Lucius, Larkin Poe, Trombone Shorty, Luke Spiller (The Struts), Quinn Sullivan, Bernie Williams, and more, plus additional...
Raising funds for the meal-providing charitable organization God’s Love We Deliver, the Love Rocks benefit concert has been a celebrated fundraising campaign since it was first launched in 2017. Now, as its eighth iteration approaches, the organization reports that its benefit concerts have raised a total of $30 million, providing 3 million meals to New Yorkers living with illnesses. Tickets for the show are on-sale now (get your here).
Filling out the lineup for Love Rocks NYC 2024 are Nile Rodgers, Tom Morello, Don Felder, Bettye Lavette, Joss Stone, Allison Russell, Emily King, Marcus King, Lucius, Larkin Poe, Trombone Shorty, Luke Spiller (The Struts), Quinn Sullivan, Bernie Williams, and more, plus additional...
- 3/5/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
Love Rocks NYC, the benefit concert for God’s Love We Deliver, will return for its eighth year on March 7. The annual event will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, Tracy Morgan, and Jim Gaffigan at the Beacon Theatre. The 2024 lineup will feature performances from Hozier, The Black Keys, Allison Russell, Nile Rodgers, Trombone Shorty, and more.
Dave Grohl and Martin Short have also joined the event, which will be livestreamed via Veeps. To access the livestream, visit the Love Rocks NYC website to sign up.
Music director and band leader...
Dave Grohl and Martin Short have also joined the event, which will be livestreamed via Veeps. To access the livestream, visit the Love Rocks NYC website to sign up.
Music director and band leader...
- 3/4/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Prosthetic makeup artists Kazu Hiro and Barrie Gower and editor Tatiana S. Riegel were among the industry heavyweights who landed Creative Arts Emmy nominations on Tuesday morning.
Two-time Oscar winner Hiro landed an Outstanding Prosthetics Emmy nomination for his transformation of Sean Penn in Starz’s “Gaslit.” Hiro often spent up to two and a half hours a day transforming Penn into Attorney General John Mitchell.
Gower, a three-time Emmy winner for “Game of Thrones,” served as Special Makeup Effects Department Head on “Stranger Things” and also scored an Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup nomination.
Gower was the mastermind behind creating the prosthetics for the show’s villain, Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. The costume ended up being separated into about 24 or 25 different pieces, made from foam latex or silicone rubber material: A top of head piece, a chin appliance, a five kilogram shoulder piece, chest and back appliances, three separate...
Two-time Oscar winner Hiro landed an Outstanding Prosthetics Emmy nomination for his transformation of Sean Penn in Starz’s “Gaslit.” Hiro often spent up to two and a half hours a day transforming Penn into Attorney General John Mitchell.
Gower, a three-time Emmy winner for “Game of Thrones,” served as Special Makeup Effects Department Head on “Stranger Things” and also scored an Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup nomination.
Gower was the mastermind behind creating the prosthetics for the show’s villain, Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. The costume ended up being separated into about 24 or 25 different pieces, made from foam latex or silicone rubber material: A top of head piece, a chin appliance, a five kilogram shoulder piece, chest and back appliances, three separate...
- 7/12/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Little Kids Rock, the national nonprofit on a mission to transform lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in public schools across the country, today unveiled the lineup of honorees and musical guests for its 20th Anniversary benefit taking place May 17 in New York City.
Presented by Hot Topic Foundation, the event will be emceed by SiriusXM Hits1’s host of The Morning Mash Up, Nicole Ryan.
Music Industry Icon Mavis Staples will receive the Peace & Freedom Award at the event. Staples is a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; civil rights icon; Grammy Award-winner; chart-topping soul/gospel/R&b pioneer; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House.
Johnny Rzeznik, best known as the guitarist, front man and a founding member of rock band, Goo Goo Dolls,...
Presented by Hot Topic Foundation, the event will be emceed by SiriusXM Hits1’s host of The Morning Mash Up, Nicole Ryan.
Music Industry Icon Mavis Staples will receive the Peace & Freedom Award at the event. Staples is a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; civil rights icon; Grammy Award-winner; chart-topping soul/gospel/R&b pioneer; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House.
Johnny Rzeznik, best known as the guitarist, front man and a founding member of rock band, Goo Goo Dolls,...
- 5/13/2022
- Look to the Stars
Whitney Houston may have passed away more than nine and a half years ago, but a new documentary on the multi-octave singer is hoping to keep her memory alive, while promising to reveal new “intimate details” about one of the most iconic performers of all time.
Superstar: Whitney Houston is a new ABC special from the producers behind 20/20, and arrives on the heels of what would have been the late singer’s 58th birthday on August 9th. The one-hour special kicks off ABC’s new Superstar series, which the...
Superstar: Whitney Houston is a new ABC special from the producers behind 20/20, and arrives on the heels of what would have been the late singer’s 58th birthday on August 9th. The one-hour special kicks off ABC’s new Superstar series, which the...
- 8/11/2021
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Meet the artisans behind the best looks, VFX, lenses and designs in film and TV in the last year, from sci-fi to contemporary productions, these behind the scenes craftspeople add dimensions and layers to the directors’ vision.
Mandy Moore
Showrunner Austin Winsberg found in Moore a choreographer who took his concept of a woman who can hear people’s innermost thoughts in song and give it kinetic life and depth. One particularly powerful segment involved the Deaf West Theater, which signed “Fight Song” while dancing in a university library. “The biggest challenge for me was determining how cinematic dance and movement would be used as a vehicle for storytelling. Dance would not just be a visual spectacle on ‘Zoey’s,’ we would use dance to evoke emotion and further explain what a character is feeling,” says Moore, who earned an Emmy this year for her work on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Mandy Moore
Showrunner Austin Winsberg found in Moore a choreographer who took his concept of a woman who can hear people’s innermost thoughts in song and give it kinetic life and depth. One particularly powerful segment involved the Deaf West Theater, which signed “Fight Song” while dancing in a university library. “The biggest challenge for me was determining how cinematic dance and movement would be used as a vehicle for storytelling. Dance would not just be a visual spectacle on ‘Zoey’s,’ we would use dance to evoke emotion and further explain what a character is feeling,” says Moore, who earned an Emmy this year for her work on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
- 11/5/2020
- by Carole Horst, Andrew Barker, Shalini Dore, Eli Countryman, Tomris Laffly, Janet W. Lee, Danielle Turchiano, Jazz Tangcay and Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
On the heels of their genre-hopping collaboration with pop-r&b group Boyz II Men, Asheville, North Carolina bluegrass superstars Steep Canyon Rangers have teamed with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra for the March 6th release of their latest LP, Be Still Moses. The forthcoming album reworks nearly a dozen of the Grammy-winning band’s hit tunes and rare cuts, melding the Rangers’ earthy, organic sound with the symphony’s lush string arrangements, and further shining a spotlight on Asheville’s close-knit artistic community.
The latest track to be unveiled from the...
The latest track to be unveiled from the...
- 1/9/2020
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
In August, Steep Canyon Rangers released a studio collaboration with Boyz II Men that blended their bluegrass musicianship with the harmonies of the Philadelphia soul stalwarts. “Be Still Moses” received its live debut when the two groups shared the stage in Nashville on Sunday.
Performing a headlining show at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Boyz II Men welcomed Steep Canyon Rangers halfway through their set to re-create “Be Still Moses” with additional help from 12 members of the Asheville Symphony and conductor Michael Bearden. It was a majestic take on the song,...
Performing a headlining show at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Boyz II Men welcomed Steep Canyon Rangers halfway through their set to re-create “Be Still Moses” with additional help from 12 members of the Asheville Symphony and conductor Michael Bearden. It was a majestic take on the song,...
- 10/10/2019
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Musical history has never been as accessible as it is in the streaming era. At the same time, it’s remarkably disposable: A recent study by the British Phonographic Industry revealed that music from the Sixties accounted for just 6.4% of all streams in the U.K. in 2017. Streamers prefer the recent past by a stunning margin: Music from the 2000s accounted for 60.4% of listening.
Numbers like that add urgency to the imperative to preserve the oldies, and that’s part of what drives the new Netflix show Motown Magic, which...
Numbers like that add urgency to the imperative to preserve the oldies, and that’s part of what drives the new Netflix show Motown Magic, which...
- 12/4/2018
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
Host George Lopez will be joined by celebrity golfers for his fourth annual Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting The Lopez Foundation at the Riviera Country Club, 1250 Capri Drive, Pacific Palisades on Monday, May 2.
Celebrity guests teeing off at the event include Aimee Garcia, Andy Garcia, Anthony Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, Billy Bush, Cedric the Entertainer, Cheech Marin, Dave Annable, Don Cheadle, Jack Wagner, Jimmy Jam, Joe Mantegna, Kenny G, Kevin Dobson, Kevin Nealon, Matt Lanter, Michael Bearden, Michael Clarke Duncan, Michael Pena, Michelle Rodriguez, Omarosa, Ray Romano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tony Dovolani, William Devane, Joe Regalbuto and many others.
The Fourth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic and 2011 Audi quattro Cup will benefit The Lopez Foundation. The tournament format is “Two Man Modified Best Ball” of fivesomes with full handicap. The Charity’s mission is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health, as...
Celebrity guests teeing off at the event include Aimee Garcia, Andy Garcia, Anthony Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, Billy Bush, Cedric the Entertainer, Cheech Marin, Dave Annable, Don Cheadle, Jack Wagner, Jimmy Jam, Joe Mantegna, Kenny G, Kevin Dobson, Kevin Nealon, Matt Lanter, Michael Bearden, Michael Clarke Duncan, Michael Pena, Michelle Rodriguez, Omarosa, Ray Romano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tony Dovolani, William Devane, Joe Regalbuto and many others.
The Fourth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic and 2011 Audi quattro Cup will benefit The Lopez Foundation. The tournament format is “Two Man Modified Best Ball” of fivesomes with full handicap. The Charity’s mission is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health, as...
- 5/1/2011
- Look to the Stars
Here's "Extra's" roundup of talk show guests for the week of Jan. 10 - 14, including Paula Abdul on "Ellen" and Queen Latifah stopping by "The View." Vince Vaughn stays up late for "Late Show with David Letterman," and Seth Rogen checks-in at the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Daytime
"The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
Mon 1/10: Dennis Quaid, Nicki Minaj
Tues 1/11: Paula Abdul, Richard Simmons
Wed 1/12: Jenny McCarthy, Chris Harrison
Thurs 1/13: Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks...
Daytime
"The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
Mon 1/10: Dennis Quaid, Nicki Minaj
Tues 1/11: Paula Abdul, Richard Simmons
Wed 1/12: Jenny McCarthy, Chris Harrison
Thurs 1/13: Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks...
- 1/10/2011
- Extra
North Hollywood, CA, July 30, 2010 – Four-time Emmy® Award recipient Glenn Weiss and two-time Emmy® Award recipient Steve Bass have been named to the 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards production team, Executive Producer Don Mischer announced today. Weiss returns as Director and Bass as Production Designer of the telecast, airing live coast-to-coast on Sunday, August 29 (8:00 Pm Et / 5:00 Pm Pt) on NBC from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Also returning to the Primetime Emmys for an encore performance, is the 17-piece “dream team” band under the direction of Steve Jordan and David Paich and comprised of renowned rock, jazz and studio greats, including guitarists Dean Parks and Ray Parker, Jr., keyboardist Michael Bearden, saxophonist Tom Scott, bassist Darryl Jones and percussionist Lenny Castro. As Executive Producer of seven Tony Awards and Director of the last ten, Glenn Weiss has received four Primetime Emmy Awards. Aside from collaborating with...
- 7/31/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
What's the best word to describe the latest addition to late night television? "What-cha!"
Stand-up comedian, sitcom star and movie star George Lopez will add the job of talk show host to his resume beginning tonight. "Lopez Tonight" will showcase the comic's talents and will provide a forum for a variety of musical acts.
Tonight's premiere episode will feature rock legend Carlos Santana as Lopez's first scheduled guest and part of the musical lineup. The "Black Magic Woman" artist will join Lopez's house band, led by Michael Bearden, whose recent work includes the Michael Jackson film "This Is It." Bearden will be leading a tribute to the late King of Pop as part of the show.
Santana is the first of many musical stars who will be visiting the set of "Lopez Tonight." Also scheduled to appear within coming episodes are Marc Anthony, Morissey, Slash, Akon, Lmfao, Jay Sean, Amerie,...
Stand-up comedian, sitcom star and movie star George Lopez will add the job of talk show host to his resume beginning tonight. "Lopez Tonight" will showcase the comic's talents and will provide a forum for a variety of musical acts.
Tonight's premiere episode will feature rock legend Carlos Santana as Lopez's first scheduled guest and part of the musical lineup. The "Black Magic Woman" artist will join Lopez's house band, led by Michael Bearden, whose recent work includes the Michael Jackson film "This Is It." Bearden will be leading a tribute to the late King of Pop as part of the show.
Santana is the first of many musical stars who will be visiting the set of "Lopez Tonight." Also scheduled to appear within coming episodes are Marc Anthony, Morissey, Slash, Akon, Lmfao, Jay Sean, Amerie,...
- 11/9/2009
- icelebz.com
MoviesOnline recently sat down with Michael Jackson’s musical director, Michael Bearden, to talk about his new film, Michael Jackson’s This Is It, which offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this past summer in London’s O2 Arena.
Bearden is an accomplished musical director/keyboardist/arranger/composer for a diverse range of musical superstars. He has performed and/or recorded with some of popular music’s giants including: Sting, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Chaka Kahn, Patti Austin, James Ingrahm, Patti Labelle, Yoko Ono, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Yossou NDour, Boz Scaggs, Lenny Kravitz, Luther Vandross, Issac Hayes, Aaron Neville, Edie Brickell, Jon Bonjovi and legends Nancy Wilson, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Liza Minelli, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles and served...
Bearden is an accomplished musical director/keyboardist/arranger/composer for a diverse range of musical superstars. He has performed and/or recorded with some of popular music’s giants including: Sting, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Chaka Kahn, Patti Austin, James Ingrahm, Patti Labelle, Yoko Ono, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Yossou NDour, Boz Scaggs, Lenny Kravitz, Luther Vandross, Issac Hayes, Aaron Neville, Edie Brickell, Jon Bonjovi and legends Nancy Wilson, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Liza Minelli, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles and served...
- 11/5/2009
- MoviesOnline.ca
New York, NY, November 2, 2009—This week: Miramax, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. There’s an incredibly telling moment at the heart of “This Is It,” Kenny Ortega’s new documentary about Michael Jackson. It comes as Jackson and his musical director Michael Bearden are working out a stirring rendition of “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Bearden and Jackson aren’t quite seeing eye-to-eye on the song’s tempo. “I want it like I wrote …...
- 11/2/2009
- Indiewire
Michael Jackson "This Is It" movie delivered a great,up close look at Mj. Columbia Pictures released the new Michael Jackson documentary/film earlier this week. Along with Michael Jackson, it starred: Kenny Ortega, Travis Payne, Michael Bearden, Dorian Holley, Judith Hill, Orianthi, Tommy Organ, and, Bashiri Johnson. The film showed up close, behind the scenes, footage, that was taken from over 100 hours of rehearsal footage. The rehearsal footage was from between March and June of this year. It showed interviews with the background dancers that were chosen to perform with Michael,and showed footage of their whole audition process. It showed Michael performing some of his greatest hits like: Billy Jean,Thriller,Human Nature, Beat It,Smooth Criminal, and The Way You Make Me feel, to name a few.
- 11/1/2009
- by Andre@ontheflix
- OnTheFlix
There are few things in life that make your heart soar and change your perspective on the world as much as Michael Jackson did. I first met Michael in October 1978 while I was working as a photographer for the Los Angeles Film Exposition and was assigned to cover the gala West Coast premiere of The Wiz.
Michael attended the premiere and opening night party of the movie at the Plitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family and Diana Ross among others. He was a sweet, gentle spirit -- friendly, soft-spoken, and a consummate professional. Even then, Michael had an undeniable power and presence that only grew as he matured as a solo artist.
Seeing him first moonwalk, hearing him sing and watching him perform was an exhilarating, life altering experience. It was as if in every performance he gave us a little piece of his soul.
Michael attended the premiere and opening night party of the movie at the Plitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family and Diana Ross among others. He was a sweet, gentle spirit -- friendly, soft-spoken, and a consummate professional. Even then, Michael had an undeniable power and presence that only grew as he matured as a solo artist.
Seeing him first moonwalk, hearing him sing and watching him perform was an exhilarating, life altering experience. It was as if in every performance he gave us a little piece of his soul.
- 10/31/2009
- MoviesOnline.ca
So what was it really like working with Michael Jackson? What did Jackson say to him the night before he died? Michael Bearden, the musical director for Jackson’s “This is It” tour, tells us in the clip below. As we noted in our review, Bearden is the only crew member who has regular conversations with Jackson instead of merely genuflecting every time he moon walks by. Bearden, who is the musical director for George Lopez’s new talk show, “Lopez Tonight,” which launches Nov. 9, had worked with Jackson for the first time nearly 10 years ago. But Mj is far...
- 10/29/2009
- Hitfix
This Is It is being sold, yes, as a chronicle of the last moments of Michael Jackson's life. But it's also an interesting story about artistic collaboration, making real characters out of people like director Kenny Ortega, musical director Michael Bearden, and choreographer Travis Payne, all of whom are seen in the film working with Jackson and the rest of the crew, putting their heads together to create a spectacle like none other. Payne, who first worked with Jackson as a dancer in 1992's video for "Remember The Time," talked to me last week about how Jackson is different from any other artist he's ever worked with, how he decided that the rehearsal footage should be seen in public, and the side of Michael he knew, separate from the public persona. You can see Payne, Jackson and all the others in This Is It, in theaters everywhere today. You've...
- 10/28/2009
- cinemablend.com
'I said, 'Don't believe that. I just left Michael. I just saw him. He's fine,'' Michael Bearden says of his reaction to the news of Jackson's death.
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
The crew that worked with Michael Jackson while he prepared for his 50-show This Is It concert run in London had no idea about the unfortunate events that were to come; in fact, many of the people involved felt that the final rehearsals were incredible and a sign of what was to come from the King of Pop.
"Michael stood out in front of the stage with me and looked at the rehearsal and said, 'This is the dream. This is the dream, good Kenny. You did it,' " director Kenny Ortega told MTV News. "I think there was this feeling in the room, in the air — we...
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
The crew that worked with Michael Jackson while he prepared for his 50-show This Is It concert run in London had no idea about the unfortunate events that were to come; in fact, many of the people involved felt that the final rehearsals were incredible and a sign of what was to come from the King of Pop.
"Michael stood out in front of the stage with me and looked at the rehearsal and said, 'This is the dream. This is the dream, good Kenny. You did it,' " director Kenny Ortega told MTV News. "I think there was this feeling in the room, in the air — we...
- 10/28/2009
- MTV Movie News
Know the ins and outs of the rock doc before you head to the theater.
By Eric Ditzian
Orianthi and Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
"It's an adventure — it's a great adventure," Michael Jackson said of his sold-out series of 50 London concerts. "We want to take them places they've never been before."
That plan never got the chance to become a reality. "This Is It," the documentary of the live shows that almost came to pass, could easily have been called, "What Might Have Been." On Wednesday (October 28), when the film opens for a limited, two-week release, the world will finally catch a glimpse of the greatest comeback that never was — his iconic dance moves, his classic tunes, the stunning stage show and all. MTV News has been assiduously following every development of the film, from its initial rumors to the first footage to the pending red-carpet premiere.
By Eric Ditzian
Orianthi and Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
"It's an adventure — it's a great adventure," Michael Jackson said of his sold-out series of 50 London concerts. "We want to take them places they've never been before."
That plan never got the chance to become a reality. "This Is It," the documentary of the live shows that almost came to pass, could easily have been called, "What Might Have Been." On Wednesday (October 28), when the film opens for a limited, two-week release, the world will finally catch a glimpse of the greatest comeback that never was — his iconic dance moves, his classic tunes, the stunning stage show and all. MTV News has been assiduously following every development of the film, from its initial rumors to the first footage to the pending red-carpet premiere.
- 10/28/2009
- MTV Movie News
'I'm glad we left some things out,' Michael Bearden says of decision to exclude announcement of King of Pop's passing.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ryan J. Downey
Michael Bearden
Photo: MTV News
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" is a celebration of the concerts that could have been. That's why when music supervisor Michael Bearden, along with director Kenny Ortega and choreographer Travis Payne, were putting the film together, they left out any scenes that address Jackson's untimely passing in June. Bearden revealed that while cameras were rolling when the tragic news was announced, you won't see that in the film.
"I'm glad we left some things out," Bearden, who also served as associate producer on the film, told MTV News after the premiere Tuesday night in Los Angeles. "Especially the announcement of his passing."
The crew involved in cutting together the film had very specific reasons why...
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ryan J. Downey
Michael Bearden
Photo: MTV News
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" is a celebration of the concerts that could have been. That's why when music supervisor Michael Bearden, along with director Kenny Ortega and choreographer Travis Payne, were putting the film together, they left out any scenes that address Jackson's untimely passing in June. Bearden revealed that while cameras were rolling when the tragic news was announced, you won't see that in the film.
"I'm glad we left some things out," Bearden, who also served as associate producer on the film, told MTV News after the premiere Tuesday night in Los Angeles. "Especially the announcement of his passing."
The crew involved in cutting together the film had very specific reasons why...
- 10/28/2009
- MTV Movie News
Chicago – Even a rhythmless zombie will be able to siphon Michael Jackson’s prowess now. And this time, this is it.
If you thought the king of pop wouldn’t deliver on his latest bout of 50 sold-out worldwide concerts, think again. “Michael Jackson’s This is It” takes you on a raw ride behind the scenes, pulls at all the right heartstrings and unleashes what the late master performer would have done had he not passed much too young.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The 112 minutes of this Michael Jackson legacy – comprised of footage leading up to his very last weeks on Earth – fly by as you try to prevent the closing credits from scrolling too soon. No matter your musical taste, there likely isn’t a tune in this concert film that you won’t recognize (perhaps except for one about Mj’s green love for our “sick” planet).
The documentary and its...
If you thought the king of pop wouldn’t deliver on his latest bout of 50 sold-out worldwide concerts, think again. “Michael Jackson’s This is It” takes you on a raw ride behind the scenes, pulls at all the right heartstrings and unleashes what the late master performer would have done had he not passed much too young.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The 112 minutes of this Michael Jackson legacy – comprised of footage leading up to his very last weeks on Earth – fly by as you try to prevent the closing credits from scrolling too soon. No matter your musical taste, there likely isn’t a tune in this concert film that you won’t recognize (perhaps except for one about Mj’s green love for our “sick” planet).
The documentary and its...
- 10/28/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Even a rhythmless zombie will be able to siphon Michael Jackson’s prowess now. And this time, this is it.
If you thought the king of pop wouldn’t deliver on his latest bout of 50 sold-out worldwide concerts, think again. “Michael Jackson’s This is It” literally takes you behind the scenes, pulls at all the right memorable heartstrings and unleashes what the late master performer would have had he not passed much too young.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The 112 minutes of this new and last Michael Jackson legacy – comprised of footage leading up to his very last weeks on Earth – fly by as you try to prevent the closing credits from scrolling too soon. No matter your musical taste, there likely isn’t a tune in this concert film that you won’t recognize – except for one about Mj’s green love for our “sick” planet.
The documentary and its CD...
If you thought the king of pop wouldn’t deliver on his latest bout of 50 sold-out worldwide concerts, think again. “Michael Jackson’s This is It” literally takes you behind the scenes, pulls at all the right memorable heartstrings and unleashes what the late master performer would have had he not passed much too young.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
The 112 minutes of this new and last Michael Jackson legacy – comprised of footage leading up to his very last weeks on Earth – fly by as you try to prevent the closing credits from scrolling too soon. No matter your musical taste, there likely isn’t a tune in this concert film that you won’t recognize – except for one about Mj’s green love for our “sick” planet.
The documentary and its CD...
- 10/28/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
'I'm so excited the world gets to see that Michael we saw,' dancer Kaplow says.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ryan J. Downey
Michael Jackson in "This Is It"
Photo: Sony
Though they participated in the rehearsals that comprise the footage of "Michael Jackson's This Is It," the dancers, musicians and producers working on Jackson's London concerts still find the movie moving.
"To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, or if I even wanted to see it yet, but it was a big weight lifted off my shoulders," dancer Kaplow told MTV News. "It was beautiful. I'm so excited the world gets to see that Michael we saw. The Michael we knew, that we rehearsed with all the time. That's real. That's him."
Music supervisor Michael Bearden, who was also an associate producer on the film, says that it was incredible watching "This Is It" in...
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ryan J. Downey
Michael Jackson in "This Is It"
Photo: Sony
Though they participated in the rehearsals that comprise the footage of "Michael Jackson's This Is It," the dancers, musicians and producers working on Jackson's London concerts still find the movie moving.
"To be honest, I didn't know what to expect, or if I even wanted to see it yet, but it was a big weight lifted off my shoulders," dancer Kaplow told MTV News. "It was beautiful. I'm so excited the world gets to see that Michael we saw. The Michael we knew, that we rehearsed with all the time. That's real. That's him."
Music supervisor Michael Bearden, who was also an associate producer on the film, says that it was incredible watching "This Is It" in...
- 10/28/2009
- MTV Movie News
We've been crowing about it for weeks now, but the main event has finally arrived. "Michael Jackson's This Is It" had its world premiere and MTV was right there to give you the blow-by-blow straight from the red carpet. Our on the spot live blog coverage was supplemented by a series of in-depth write-ups about the movie, so put on your reading glasses and get ready to start clicking.
The first thing to check out is Jocelyn Vena's report from the carpet, with quotes from "American Idol" stars Adam Lambert and David Cook on the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson. "Michael wasn't afraid of just being himself," Lambert said. "Michael didn't conform to one style of music. He did his own thing. That's the thing that makes me tick."
There are other remembrances of Michael too, and from people with closer ties. 'Nsync member and former stagemate Jc Chasez recalls...
The first thing to check out is Jocelyn Vena's report from the carpet, with quotes from "American Idol" stars Adam Lambert and David Cook on the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson. "Michael wasn't afraid of just being himself," Lambert said. "Michael didn't conform to one style of music. He did his own thing. That's the thing that makes me tick."
There are other remembrances of Michael too, and from people with closer ties. 'Nsync member and former stagemate Jc Chasez recalls...
- 10/28/2009
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
David Cook, Ashley Tisdale and others walk the red carpet, while the crew for Mj's planned comeback shows offer behind-the-scenes revelations.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
Michael's brothers, Randy, Tito and Marlon Jackson arrive at the Nokia Theatre in Hollywood
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Getty Images
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and celebrities, fans and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?...
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
Michael's brothers, Randy, Tito and Marlon Jackson arrive at the Nokia Theatre in Hollywood
Photo: Robyn Beck/ Getty Images
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and celebrities, fans and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?...
- 10/27/2009
- MTV Movie News
David Cook, Ashley Tisdale and others walk the red carpet, while the crew for Mj's planned comeback shows offer behind-the-scenes revelations.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
David Cook
Photo: MTV News
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and celebrities, fans and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?" Cook said on the red carpet. "It's incredible to be here to honor Michael Jackson.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
David Cook
Photo: MTV News
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and celebrities, fans and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?" Cook said on the red carpet. "It's incredible to be here to honor Michael Jackson.
- 10/27/2009
- MTV Music News
David Cook, Ashley Tisdale and others walk the red carpet, while the crew for Mj's planned comeback shows offer behind-the-scenes revelations.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
David Cook
Photo: MTV News
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?" David Cook said on the red carpet. "It's incredible to be here to honor Michael Jackson.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway and Tim Kash
David Cook
Photo: MTV News
Fans and colleagues of Michael Jackson turned out Tuesday night (October 27) to remember the King of Pop at the Los Angeles premiere of "Michael Jackson's This Is It." On MTV News' premiere special, Tim Kash and Sway were live from the red carpet, and the crew involved with Jackson's planned London comeback shows revealed what it was like behind-the-scenes with a superstar.
David Cook told us about his cover of Jackson's "Billie Jean," which helped him win the seventh season of "American Idol." "You want to do songs people know, and who doesn't know Michael Jackson?" David Cook said on the red carpet. "It's incredible to be here to honor Michael Jackson.
- 10/27/2009
- MTV Music News
'We were up 20 hours a day working on this thing,' music supervisor Michael Bearden recalls.
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
It probably comes as no surprise that when Michael Jackson was planning his This Is It shows for London's O2 arena, he wanted them to be grandiose. The pop star used his well-documented artistic vision and work ethic to make sure every detail was right.
The people who worked with Jackson on those shows remember how hard he worked to make sure the shows would go off without a hitch.
"We were up 20 hours a day working on this thing, deciphering notes that Michael wanted that he had just given us," music supervisor Michael Bearden told MTV News. "I mean, just hands-on with everything he did. Just very passionate. Professionalism is what he was all about."
Jackson never stopped coming...
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
It probably comes as no surprise that when Michael Jackson was planning his This Is It shows for London's O2 arena, he wanted them to be grandiose. The pop star used his well-documented artistic vision and work ethic to make sure every detail was right.
The people who worked with Jackson on those shows remember how hard he worked to make sure the shows would go off without a hitch.
"We were up 20 hours a day working on this thing, deciphering notes that Michael wanted that he had just given us," music supervisor Michael Bearden told MTV News. "I mean, just hands-on with everything he did. Just very passionate. Professionalism is what he was all about."
Jackson never stopped coming...
- 10/27/2009
- MTV Movie News
Dancers recall pop star's stage tricks, designer cologne.
By Eric Ditzian
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
By now, everyone knows that when Michael Jackson died, he had been exhaustively preparing for a series of London comeback shows massive in scale and mind-blowing in presentation. What everyone doesn't know is what the King of Pop was like during the final phase of his life. On Tuesday night (October 27) at 8:30 p.m. Et, MTV News will try to fill in those biographical blanks when we air a live, secret-filled special from the red-carpet premiere of "This Is It," the documentary about Mj's efforts to launch those concerts.
But for now, we're giving you a little taste of what you'll see on the special, hosted by Sway and Tim Kash.
For example, what's the deal with Jackson's iconic socks — stark white and sticking out from beneath his high-cuffed pants?...
By Eric Ditzian
Michael Jackson in "Michael Jackson's This Is It"
Photo: Sony/ Aeg
By now, everyone knows that when Michael Jackson died, he had been exhaustively preparing for a series of London comeback shows massive in scale and mind-blowing in presentation. What everyone doesn't know is what the King of Pop was like during the final phase of his life. On Tuesday night (October 27) at 8:30 p.m. Et, MTV News will try to fill in those biographical blanks when we air a live, secret-filled special from the red-carpet premiere of "This Is It," the documentary about Mj's efforts to launch those concerts.
But for now, we're giving you a little taste of what you'll see on the special, hosted by Sway and Tim Kash.
For example, what's the deal with Jackson's iconic socks — stark white and sticking out from beneath his high-cuffed pants?...
- 10/27/2009
- MTV Movie News
The name 'This Is It' was a message about saving the Earth, music supervisor Michael Bearden explains.
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Bearden
Photo: MTV News
Even when the chips were down for Michael Jackson, his fans came out in droves to stand by their man. So when Jackson was planning his This Is It concerts at London's O2 arena, those loyal supporters where at the forefront of his mind.
"All artists have egos, but Mj was just probably the kindest, sweetest artist I've ever worked with," Michael Bearden, the music supervisor for the concerts, told MTV News. "He wasn't onstage for him, he was onstage for his fans. He loved his fans. Loved, loved, loved his fans, and so everything he did was for them, he would say to me, 'We need ... production value. You can't cheat the audience. You can't cheat the fans.' So, he didn't...
By Jocelyn Vena
Michael Bearden
Photo: MTV News
Even when the chips were down for Michael Jackson, his fans came out in droves to stand by their man. So when Jackson was planning his This Is It concerts at London's O2 arena, those loyal supporters where at the forefront of his mind.
"All artists have egos, but Mj was just probably the kindest, sweetest artist I've ever worked with," Michael Bearden, the music supervisor for the concerts, told MTV News. "He wasn't onstage for him, he was onstage for his fans. He loved his fans. Loved, loved, loved his fans, and so everything he did was for them, he would say to me, 'We need ... production value. You can't cheat the audience. You can't cheat the fans.' So, he didn't...
- 10/26/2009
- MTV Music News
Michael Bearden, musical director for Michael Jackson's "This Is It" tour, just told TMZ the Coroner's findings debunk naysayers who claimed Jackson was too weak to perform.The Coroner's report concluded Jackson may have been balding but his heart was strong and there was no alcohol or illegal drugs in his system.Bearden says Jackson was definitely up to performing the 50-plus concert dates in London.Bearden was just named the band leader for...
- 10/1/2009
- TMZ
For the first time since 2004, the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will feature a live band as part of the telecast, being broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 20 (8:00-11:00 Pm, Et/Pt) on the CBS Television Network. The 17-piece band includes guitarists Dean Parks (America, Steely Dan), Ray Parker, Jr. (Raydio, "Ghostbusters"), keyboardist Michael Bearden (Michael Jackson's last music director), Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Tom Scott, bassist Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones) and percussionist Lenny Castro (Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton). The all-star ensemble will be on-stage throughout the show.
- 9/20/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Justin Timberlake will be among the numerous celebrities attending this year's Primetime Emmy Awards. The singer slash actor who had won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at recent Creative Arts Emmy Awards, will be presenting a category on the Sunday, September 20 event.
Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the Emmy this year will be one star-studded affair as in the past few days the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced several names who will be presenters. The latest batch, which would be the third, include Patricia Arquette, David Boreanaz, Jon Cryer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rob Lowe, Tracy Morgan, Hayden Panettiere, Bob Newhart, Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Michael J. Fox and Ellen Burstyn.
Over at the music department, Sarah McLachlan is confirmed to perform live during the "In Memoriam" segment. Also, for the first time in the show's history, the event is going to present live music by...
Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the Emmy this year will be one star-studded affair as in the past few days the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced several names who will be presenters. The latest batch, which would be the third, include Patricia Arquette, David Boreanaz, Jon Cryer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rob Lowe, Tracy Morgan, Hayden Panettiere, Bob Newhart, Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Michael J. Fox and Ellen Burstyn.
Over at the music department, Sarah McLachlan is confirmed to perform live during the "In Memoriam" segment. Also, for the first time in the show's history, the event is going to present live music by...
- 9/18/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
On August 29th, Michael Jackson would have turned 51 years old. To celebrate the birthday of the late superstar, Bet is airing a series of specials over the weekend devoted to the King of Pop.
The first, "Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar," airs Thursday, August 27th. The one-hour documentary follows Jackson's early music career with the Jackson 5, to his best-selling solo albums. It includes interview footage with Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Quincy Jones, Liz Taylor, and more.
"Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop," premiering Friday, August 28th, is a two-hour documentary featuring rare interview footage that hasn't been seen in 25 years. "Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn't Know," also premieres Friday, and showcases 10 things Bet believes viewers don't know about the King of Pop.
Finally, "Michael Jackson: Our Icon" is a half-hour special compromised of exclusive footage from Jackson's late 2007 Ebony photo shoot as well as appearances...
The first, "Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar," airs Thursday, August 27th. The one-hour documentary follows Jackson's early music career with the Jackson 5, to his best-selling solo albums. It includes interview footage with Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Quincy Jones, Liz Taylor, and more.
"Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop," premiering Friday, August 28th, is a two-hour documentary featuring rare interview footage that hasn't been seen in 25 years. "Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn't Know," also premieres Friday, and showcases 10 things Bet believes viewers don't know about the King of Pop.
Finally, "Michael Jackson: Our Icon" is a half-hour special compromised of exclusive footage from Jackson's late 2007 Ebony photo shoot as well as appearances...
- 8/27/2009
- icelebz.com
On August 29th, Michael Jackson would have turned 51 years old. To celebrate the birthday of the late superstar, Bet is airing a series of specials over the weekend devoted to the King of Pop.
The first, "Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar," airs Thursday, August 27th. The one-hour documentary follows Jackson's early music career with the Jackson 5, to his best-selling solo albums. It includes interview footage with Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Quincy Jones, Liz Taylor, and more.
"Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop," premiering Friday, August 28th, is a two-hour documentary featuring rare interview footage that hasn't been seen in 25 years. "Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn't Know," also premieres Friday, and showcases 10 things Bet believes viewers don't know about the King of Pop.
Finally, "Michael Jackson: Our Icon" is a half-hour special compromised of exclusive footage from Jackson's late 2007 Ebony photo shoot as well as appearances...
The first, "Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar," airs Thursday, August 27th. The one-hour documentary follows Jackson's early music career with the Jackson 5, to his best-selling solo albums. It includes interview footage with Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Quincy Jones, Liz Taylor, and more.
"Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop," premiering Friday, August 28th, is a two-hour documentary featuring rare interview footage that hasn't been seen in 25 years. "Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn't Know," also premieres Friday, and showcases 10 things Bet believes viewers don't know about the King of Pop.
Finally, "Michael Jackson: Our Icon" is a half-hour special compromised of exclusive footage from Jackson's late 2007 Ebony photo shoot as well as appearances...
- 8/27/2009
- icelebz.com
The funeral of a beloved elder aunt is the catalyst for a family's flat-footed soul searching in the ultra-earnest "Constellation". An accomplished cast that includes Billy Dee Williams, Lesley Ann Warren and Rae Dawn Chong struggles to elevate material that rarely gets deeper than a daytime soap, though it tries mightily. The theme of forbidden interracial love and its resonance through the generations could draw female viewers. But while the film, which opens today, is not without affecting moments, the preponderance of lifeless, stilted scenes will not generate positive word-of-mouth.
As the sophomore feature from screenwriter-director Jordan Walker-Pearlman, "Constellation" is a particular disappointment; his 2000 debut, "The Visit", was a potent and affecting drama that announced Hill Harper as a performer of no small talent. Harper delivers some of the best work in "Constellation", but the film remains an ungainly exploration of one family's emotional legacy.
The black Boxers gather in Huntsville, Ala., after the death of Carmel (Gabrielle Union), who 50 years earlier was in love with a white boy, Bear Korngold (Daniel Bess). In the midcentury Deep South, he hadn't the nerve to follow his heart and marry her. In the present day, played by David Clennon with clenched-jaw introspection, he is an unmarried gent who organizes Carmel's funeral.
Only her brother, Helms (Williams), knows that Carmel and Bear were at one time more than friends. Now a Paris-based artist -- the kind who knots a silk cravat around his neck -- Helms keeps an emotional distance from his two daughters, half-sisters Lucy Melissa De Sousa) and the flintier Rosa (Zoe Saldana). But he turns on the charm with their mothers (Warren and Chong, both of whom are good at showing their wary characters captivated despite themselves). Rosa, who was especially close to Carmel, must confront her lingering pain over a bad breakup with Errol (Harper). A womanizer and sensitive photographer, he shows up for the funeral eager to try again.
The story proceeds fitfully via flashbacks and excruciating psychologizing. Characters repeatedly explain their feelings in dully staged restaurant scenes, while Carmel's narration from death abounds in precious poetic language. With the exception of Harper, Saldana and Williams, the performers look uncomfortable, which is not surprising given the awkward exposition required of them.
In the rare -- and usually wordless -- moments when Walker-Pearlman takes his characters into unpredictable territory, mysterious and compelling things do happen, as when Williams' self-important lion wanders into a neighborhood barbecue and loses it. But otherwise heavy-handedness prevails, with the schmaltzy original score as unconvincing as the script. An over-reliance on song, from pop to Puccini to Ellington to hip-hop, doesn't compensate for what's lacking in the storytelling.
CONSTELLATION
Bigger Pictures
A CodeBlack Entertainment/DaWa Movies presentation in association with Starship and Encounter Studios
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Producers: Shannon Murphy, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Executive producers: Nancy Archuleta, Gabe Nieto, Morris Ruskin
Co-executive producer: Kristi Gamble
Director of photography: John Demps
Production designer: Liba Daniels
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson, Stanley A. Smith
Costume designer: Jeanette Guillermo
Editor: Alison Learned Wolf
Cast:
Carmel Boxer: Gabrielle Union
Errol: Hill Harper
Helms Boxer: Billy Dee Williams
Rosa: Zoe Saldana
Lucy: Melissa De Sousa
Nancy: Lesley Ann Warren
Jenita: Rae Dawn Chong
Bear: David Clennon
Celeste: Ever Carradine
Young Bear: Daniel Bess
Forrest Boxer: Clarence Williams III
Running time -- 96 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
As the sophomore feature from screenwriter-director Jordan Walker-Pearlman, "Constellation" is a particular disappointment; his 2000 debut, "The Visit", was a potent and affecting drama that announced Hill Harper as a performer of no small talent. Harper delivers some of the best work in "Constellation", but the film remains an ungainly exploration of one family's emotional legacy.
The black Boxers gather in Huntsville, Ala., after the death of Carmel (Gabrielle Union), who 50 years earlier was in love with a white boy, Bear Korngold (Daniel Bess). In the midcentury Deep South, he hadn't the nerve to follow his heart and marry her. In the present day, played by David Clennon with clenched-jaw introspection, he is an unmarried gent who organizes Carmel's funeral.
Only her brother, Helms (Williams), knows that Carmel and Bear were at one time more than friends. Now a Paris-based artist -- the kind who knots a silk cravat around his neck -- Helms keeps an emotional distance from his two daughters, half-sisters Lucy Melissa De Sousa) and the flintier Rosa (Zoe Saldana). But he turns on the charm with their mothers (Warren and Chong, both of whom are good at showing their wary characters captivated despite themselves). Rosa, who was especially close to Carmel, must confront her lingering pain over a bad breakup with Errol (Harper). A womanizer and sensitive photographer, he shows up for the funeral eager to try again.
The story proceeds fitfully via flashbacks and excruciating psychologizing. Characters repeatedly explain their feelings in dully staged restaurant scenes, while Carmel's narration from death abounds in precious poetic language. With the exception of Harper, Saldana and Williams, the performers look uncomfortable, which is not surprising given the awkward exposition required of them.
In the rare -- and usually wordless -- moments when Walker-Pearlman takes his characters into unpredictable territory, mysterious and compelling things do happen, as when Williams' self-important lion wanders into a neighborhood barbecue and loses it. But otherwise heavy-handedness prevails, with the schmaltzy original score as unconvincing as the script. An over-reliance on song, from pop to Puccini to Ellington to hip-hop, doesn't compensate for what's lacking in the storytelling.
CONSTELLATION
Bigger Pictures
A CodeBlack Entertainment/DaWa Movies presentation in association with Starship and Encounter Studios
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Producers: Shannon Murphy, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Executive producers: Nancy Archuleta, Gabe Nieto, Morris Ruskin
Co-executive producer: Kristi Gamble
Director of photography: John Demps
Production designer: Liba Daniels
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson, Stanley A. Smith
Costume designer: Jeanette Guillermo
Editor: Alison Learned Wolf
Cast:
Carmel Boxer: Gabrielle Union
Errol: Hill Harper
Helms Boxer: Billy Dee Williams
Rosa: Zoe Saldana
Lucy: Melissa De Sousa
Nancy: Lesley Ann Warren
Jenita: Rae Dawn Chong
Bear: David Clennon
Celeste: Ever Carradine
Young Bear: Daniel Bess
Forrest Boxer: Clarence Williams III
Running time -- 96 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Visiting one lone theater (Laemmle's Sunset 5 in West Hollywood for one noon show daily) in a bid for awards consideration, writer-producer-director Jordan Walker-Pearlman's "The Visit" is already a winner and a triumphant first release from New York-based Urbanworld Films. Destined, hopefully, to reach more moviegoers at a later date, the low-budget drama about a fractured black family earned a Special Recognition from the National Board of Review as well as several kudos from festivals and NAACP Image Awards nominations for supporting actors Billy Dee Williams and Marla Gibbs.
Hill Harper ("Loving Jezebel", CBS' "City of Angels") heads a great cast in this absorbing, moving adaptation of Kosmond Russell's play. Based on Russell's relationship with his brother in an Ohio prison, "The Visit" is structured around the emotionally charged encounters between incarcerated Alex Harper) and his family members who reluctantly come to see him. Walker-Pearlman, in his feature screenwriting debut, adapts the material with nary a false step.
The film opens with Alex's successful older brother Tony (Obba Babatunde) visiting the prison for the first time in 10 months. Sentenced to 25 years for a rape he claims he didn't commit, Alex is deeply hurt by his family's abandoning him to his fate. He also has AIDS, and fears he will die in prison. It has been five years since Alex saw his parents, and he reaches out to Tony for help.
Admitting to the prison psychiatrist (Phylicia Rashad) that he's made mistakes in the past but maintaining his innocence, Alex gets his wish when his parents come for a short, poignant reunion. But while his sympathetic mother (Gibbs) listens to him and reasserts her unconditional love, Alex's father (Williams) has long ago made up his mind that his younger son deserves his punishment. This first encounter with his father ends on a depressing note as they have a joyless group photo taken to remember the occasion.
After this visit and others during the course of the film, Alex has fantasy dreams of a better life where love, understanding and happiness outshine the drab, dangerous prison environment. There are several flashbacks, including young Alex's disappointment when Tony departs for college. Beaten down and desperate but not equating himself anymore with the "guys" who brought him down into the "dirt," Alex is calm and cooperative when he comes before a parole board in one of the film's most astonishing and beautifully executed sequences.
Talia Shire, David Clennon, Glynn Turman, Efrain Figueroa and Amy Stiller play the parole board members, who argue before even seeing Alex when they discover his medical condition. This peek into the process of official redemption provides a complex counterpoint to the struggle Alex has with his domineering, incredibly stubborn father, who cannot forgive his son for the character flaws he inherited and not becoming a "real man."
Another visitor, Alex's childhood friend Felicia Rae Dawn Chong), shows him how a kindred soul can overcome unthinkably grim life events. An ex-drug addict like Alex, Felicia killed her abusive father but has successfully returned to lead a good life. During the nine months the film covers, Alex achieves a spiritual reawakening that resurrects his frayed soul even as he physically weakens and his freedom is denied.
Filmed mostly at the decommissioned Lincoln Heights jail in Los Angeles, "The Visit" has a conservative yet forceful style that brings out the best in all of the performers. Harper is superb, and Williams delivers one of the best supporting performances of the year. Gibbs, Chong, Babatunde and Rashad likewise display all their considerable talents in one of the most important and satisfying films of the year.
THE VISIT
Urbanworld Films
Screenwriter-producer-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Based on the play by: Kosmond Russell
Executive producers: Vicky Pike, Morris Ruskin, Stacy Spikes
Director of photography: John Ndiaga Demps
Production designer: John Larena
Editors: Alison Learned, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Costume designer: Carlos Rosario
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson,
Ramsey Lewis, Wallace Roney, Stanley A. Smith
Color/stereo
Cast:
Alex: Hill Harper
Tony: Obba Babatunde
Henry Waters: Billy Dee Williams
Lois Waters: Marla Gibbs
Felicia McDonald: Rae Dawn Chong
Dr. Coles: Phylicia Rashad
Marilyn Coffey: Talia Shire
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Hill Harper ("Loving Jezebel", CBS' "City of Angels") heads a great cast in this absorbing, moving adaptation of Kosmond Russell's play. Based on Russell's relationship with his brother in an Ohio prison, "The Visit" is structured around the emotionally charged encounters between incarcerated Alex Harper) and his family members who reluctantly come to see him. Walker-Pearlman, in his feature screenwriting debut, adapts the material with nary a false step.
The film opens with Alex's successful older brother Tony (Obba Babatunde) visiting the prison for the first time in 10 months. Sentenced to 25 years for a rape he claims he didn't commit, Alex is deeply hurt by his family's abandoning him to his fate. He also has AIDS, and fears he will die in prison. It has been five years since Alex saw his parents, and he reaches out to Tony for help.
Admitting to the prison psychiatrist (Phylicia Rashad) that he's made mistakes in the past but maintaining his innocence, Alex gets his wish when his parents come for a short, poignant reunion. But while his sympathetic mother (Gibbs) listens to him and reasserts her unconditional love, Alex's father (Williams) has long ago made up his mind that his younger son deserves his punishment. This first encounter with his father ends on a depressing note as they have a joyless group photo taken to remember the occasion.
After this visit and others during the course of the film, Alex has fantasy dreams of a better life where love, understanding and happiness outshine the drab, dangerous prison environment. There are several flashbacks, including young Alex's disappointment when Tony departs for college. Beaten down and desperate but not equating himself anymore with the "guys" who brought him down into the "dirt," Alex is calm and cooperative when he comes before a parole board in one of the film's most astonishing and beautifully executed sequences.
Talia Shire, David Clennon, Glynn Turman, Efrain Figueroa and Amy Stiller play the parole board members, who argue before even seeing Alex when they discover his medical condition. This peek into the process of official redemption provides a complex counterpoint to the struggle Alex has with his domineering, incredibly stubborn father, who cannot forgive his son for the character flaws he inherited and not becoming a "real man."
Another visitor, Alex's childhood friend Felicia Rae Dawn Chong), shows him how a kindred soul can overcome unthinkably grim life events. An ex-drug addict like Alex, Felicia killed her abusive father but has successfully returned to lead a good life. During the nine months the film covers, Alex achieves a spiritual reawakening that resurrects his frayed soul even as he physically weakens and his freedom is denied.
Filmed mostly at the decommissioned Lincoln Heights jail in Los Angeles, "The Visit" has a conservative yet forceful style that brings out the best in all of the performers. Harper is superb, and Williams delivers one of the best supporting performances of the year. Gibbs, Chong, Babatunde and Rashad likewise display all their considerable talents in one of the most important and satisfying films of the year.
THE VISIT
Urbanworld Films
Screenwriter-producer-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Based on the play by: Kosmond Russell
Executive producers: Vicky Pike, Morris Ruskin, Stacy Spikes
Director of photography: John Ndiaga Demps
Production designer: John Larena
Editors: Alison Learned, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Costume designer: Carlos Rosario
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson,
Ramsey Lewis, Wallace Roney, Stanley A. Smith
Color/stereo
Cast:
Alex: Hill Harper
Tony: Obba Babatunde
Henry Waters: Billy Dee Williams
Lois Waters: Marla Gibbs
Felicia McDonald: Rae Dawn Chong
Dr. Coles: Phylicia Rashad
Marilyn Coffey: Talia Shire
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Visiting one lone theater (Laemmle's Sunset 5 in West Hollywood for one noon show daily) in a bid for awards consideration, writer-producer-director Jordan Walker-Pearlman's "The Visit" is already a winner and a triumphant first release from New York-based Urbanworld Films. Destined, hopefully, to reach more moviegoers at a later date, the low-budget drama about a fractured black family earned a Special Recognition from the National Board of Review as well as several kudos from festivals and NAACP Image Awards nominations for supporting actors Billy Dee Williams and Marla Gibbs.
Hill Harper ("Loving Jezebel", CBS' "City of Angels") heads a great cast in this absorbing, moving adaptation of Kosmond Russell's play. Based on Russell's relationship with his brother in an Ohio prison, "The Visit" is structured around the emotionally charged encounters between incarcerated Alex Harper) and his family members who reluctantly come to see him. Walker-Pearlman, in his feature screenwriting debut, adapts the material with nary a false step.
The film opens with Alex's successful older brother Tony (Obba Babatunde) visiting the prison for the first time in 10 months. Sentenced to 25 years for a rape he claims he didn't commit, Alex is deeply hurt by his family's abandoning him to his fate. He also has AIDS, and fears he will die in prison. It has been five years since Alex saw his parents, and he reaches out to Tony for help.
Admitting to the prison psychiatrist (Phylicia Rashad) that he's made mistakes in the past but maintaining his innocence, Alex gets his wish when his parents come for a short, poignant reunion. But while his sympathetic mother (Gibbs) listens to him and reasserts her unconditional love, Alex's father (Williams) has long ago made up his mind that his younger son deserves his punishment. This first encounter with his father ends on a depressing note as they have a joyless group photo taken to remember the occasion.
After this visit and others during the course of the film, Alex has fantasy dreams of a better life where love, understanding and happiness outshine the drab, dangerous prison environment. There are several flashbacks, including young Alex's disappointment when Tony departs for college. Beaten down and desperate but not equating himself anymore with the "guys" who brought him down into the "dirt," Alex is calm and cooperative when he comes before a parole board in one of the film's most astonishing and beautifully executed sequences.
Talia Shire, David Clennon, Glynn Turman, Efrain Figueroa and Amy Stiller play the parole board members, who argue before even seeing Alex when they discover his medical condition. This peek into the process of official redemption provides a complex counterpoint to the struggle Alex has with his domineering, incredibly stubborn father, who cannot forgive his son for the character flaws he inherited and not becoming a "real man."
Another visitor, Alex's childhood friend Felicia Rae Dawn Chong), shows him how a kindred soul can overcome unthinkably grim life events. An ex-drug addict like Alex, Felicia killed her abusive father but has successfully returned to lead a good life. During the nine months the film covers, Alex achieves a spiritual reawakening that resurrects his frayed soul even as he physically weakens and his freedom is denied.
Filmed mostly at the decommissioned Lincoln Heights jail in Los Angeles, "The Visit" has a conservative yet forceful style that brings out the best in all of the performers. Harper is superb, and Williams delivers one of the best supporting performances of the year. Gibbs, Chong, Babatunde and Rashad likewise display all their considerable talents in one of the most important and satisfying films of the year.
THE VISIT
Urbanworld Films
Screenwriter-producer-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Based on the play by: Kosmond Russell
Executive producers: Vicky Pike, Morris Ruskin, Stacy Spikes
Director of photography: John Ndiaga Demps
Production designer: John Larena
Editors: Alison Learned, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Costume designer: Carlos Rosario
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson,
Ramsey Lewis, Wallace Roney, Stanley A. Smith
Color/stereo
Cast:
Alex: Hill Harper
Tony: Obba Babatunde
Henry Waters: Billy Dee Williams
Lois Waters: Marla Gibbs
Felicia McDonald: Rae Dawn Chong
Dr. Coles: Phylicia Rashad
Marilyn Coffey: Talia Shire
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Hill Harper ("Loving Jezebel", CBS' "City of Angels") heads a great cast in this absorbing, moving adaptation of Kosmond Russell's play. Based on Russell's relationship with his brother in an Ohio prison, "The Visit" is structured around the emotionally charged encounters between incarcerated Alex Harper) and his family members who reluctantly come to see him. Walker-Pearlman, in his feature screenwriting debut, adapts the material with nary a false step.
The film opens with Alex's successful older brother Tony (Obba Babatunde) visiting the prison for the first time in 10 months. Sentenced to 25 years for a rape he claims he didn't commit, Alex is deeply hurt by his family's abandoning him to his fate. He also has AIDS, and fears he will die in prison. It has been five years since Alex saw his parents, and he reaches out to Tony for help.
Admitting to the prison psychiatrist (Phylicia Rashad) that he's made mistakes in the past but maintaining his innocence, Alex gets his wish when his parents come for a short, poignant reunion. But while his sympathetic mother (Gibbs) listens to him and reasserts her unconditional love, Alex's father (Williams) has long ago made up his mind that his younger son deserves his punishment. This first encounter with his father ends on a depressing note as they have a joyless group photo taken to remember the occasion.
After this visit and others during the course of the film, Alex has fantasy dreams of a better life where love, understanding and happiness outshine the drab, dangerous prison environment. There are several flashbacks, including young Alex's disappointment when Tony departs for college. Beaten down and desperate but not equating himself anymore with the "guys" who brought him down into the "dirt," Alex is calm and cooperative when he comes before a parole board in one of the film's most astonishing and beautifully executed sequences.
Talia Shire, David Clennon, Glynn Turman, Efrain Figueroa and Amy Stiller play the parole board members, who argue before even seeing Alex when they discover his medical condition. This peek into the process of official redemption provides a complex counterpoint to the struggle Alex has with his domineering, incredibly stubborn father, who cannot forgive his son for the character flaws he inherited and not becoming a "real man."
Another visitor, Alex's childhood friend Felicia Rae Dawn Chong), shows him how a kindred soul can overcome unthinkably grim life events. An ex-drug addict like Alex, Felicia killed her abusive father but has successfully returned to lead a good life. During the nine months the film covers, Alex achieves a spiritual reawakening that resurrects his frayed soul even as he physically weakens and his freedom is denied.
Filmed mostly at the decommissioned Lincoln Heights jail in Los Angeles, "The Visit" has a conservative yet forceful style that brings out the best in all of the performers. Harper is superb, and Williams delivers one of the best supporting performances of the year. Gibbs, Chong, Babatunde and Rashad likewise display all their considerable talents in one of the most important and satisfying films of the year.
THE VISIT
Urbanworld Films
Screenwriter-producer-director: Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Based on the play by: Kosmond Russell
Executive producers: Vicky Pike, Morris Ruskin, Stacy Spikes
Director of photography: John Ndiaga Demps
Production designer: John Larena
Editors: Alison Learned, Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Costume designer: Carlos Rosario
Music: Michael Bearden, Stefan Dickerson,
Ramsey Lewis, Wallace Roney, Stanley A. Smith
Color/stereo
Cast:
Alex: Hill Harper
Tony: Obba Babatunde
Henry Waters: Billy Dee Williams
Lois Waters: Marla Gibbs
Felicia McDonald: Rae Dawn Chong
Dr. Coles: Phylicia Rashad
Marilyn Coffey: Talia Shire
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 12/18/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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