Get ready for an intense episode of “Chicago P.D.” airing this Wednesday, May 1st, at 10:00 Pm on NBC. In Season 11 Episode 10, titled “Buried Pieces,” tensions rise as Detective Upton finds herself entangled in a gripping decades-old missing persons case linked to Petrovic, a name synonymous with danger and intrigue in the streets of Chicago.
When a young child arrives at the district seeking assistance, Upton becomes consumed by the quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she navigates a web of secrets and lies, determined to bring closure to those affected by the tragedy.
Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the episode unfolds, with gripping twists and turns that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss out on the drama and suspense as “Chicago P.D.” delivers another compelling installment this Wednesday at 10:00 Pm on NBC.
When a young child arrives at the district seeking assistance, Upton becomes consumed by the quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she navigates a web of secrets and lies, determined to bring closure to those affected by the tragedy.
Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the episode unfolds, with gripping twists and turns that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss out on the drama and suspense as “Chicago P.D.” delivers another compelling installment this Wednesday at 10:00 Pm on NBC.
- 4/24/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Becky G took the Oscars stage to perform “The Fire Inside” from the Eva Longoria-directed film Flamin’ Hot.
Diane Warren wrote the song for the film about Richard Montañez, the Frito-Lay janitor who became an executive after inventing Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Ahead of the ceremony at the Dolby Theater, Longoria talked about the excitement her directorial debut getting some recognition at the Academy Awards.
“I have goosebumps. I can’t believe it. I can because Diane Warren wrote the song, so she’s a genius and Becky G is a genius,” Longoria told Laverne Cox on Live from E! red carpet coverage. “Their performance tonight… You will never be more proud to be a Latino and a Chicano, but Becky’s thought and love that she put into this performance tonight is going to blow everybody away. She has some special guest from Inglewood.”
She continued, “We don’t ever get this platform.
Diane Warren wrote the song for the film about Richard Montañez, the Frito-Lay janitor who became an executive after inventing Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Ahead of the ceremony at the Dolby Theater, Longoria talked about the excitement her directorial debut getting some recognition at the Academy Awards.
“I have goosebumps. I can’t believe it. I can because Diane Warren wrote the song, so she’s a genius and Becky G is a genius,” Longoria told Laverne Cox on Live from E! red carpet coverage. “Their performance tonight… You will never be more proud to be a Latino and a Chicano, but Becky’s thought and love that she put into this performance tonight is going to blow everybody away. She has some special guest from Inglewood.”
She continued, “We don’t ever get this platform.
- 3/11/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Earlier this morning, Amazon revealed that it was laying off several hundred employees across Prime Video and Amazon Studios as part of a review of its business.
Details have emerged about the cuts, which were described by one source close to the company as a “bloodbath”. Senior execs let go include Nancy Cotton, Arturo Interian, Marcy Kaplan, Chris Castallo and Uri Fleming across different divisions.
Most of the exits are a result of the integration of Lindsay Sloane’s MGM Scripted Television team alongside MGM+ and the Barry Poznick-led MGM Alternative TV under Chris Brearton, VP, Corporate Strategy, Prime Video and Studios. Sloane and Poznick’s teams will continue to work closely with the studios teams in developing for Prime Video and also will continue to produce for outside networks and streamers.
Also impacted by layoffs in a consolidation move are multiple other Amazon MGM Studios teams, including Studio Marketing,...
Details have emerged about the cuts, which were described by one source close to the company as a “bloodbath”. Senior execs let go include Nancy Cotton, Arturo Interian, Marcy Kaplan, Chris Castallo and Uri Fleming across different divisions.
Most of the exits are a result of the integration of Lindsay Sloane’s MGM Scripted Television team alongside MGM+ and the Barry Poznick-led MGM Alternative TV under Chris Brearton, VP, Corporate Strategy, Prime Video and Studios. Sloane and Poznick’s teams will continue to work closely with the studios teams in developing for Prime Video and also will continue to produce for outside networks and streamers.
Also impacted by layoffs in a consolidation move are multiple other Amazon MGM Studios teams, including Studio Marketing,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: President Joe Biden said that Flamin’ Hot was “the first-ever public screening of a film focused on the Hispanic community at the White House,” just before the Disney+/Hulu project was shown before a crowd of several hundred on the South Lawn.
Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and director Eva Longoria walked out together to make brief remarks to the crowd, who were spread out on blankets and munching on chips and, of course, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The movie is the story of Frito Lay janitor Richard Montañez, who claimed to have invented the snack, although the origin story is in dispute. Montañez rose in the ranks at Frito Lay to become a marketing executive and “played a key role in accelerating the growth of our Flamin’ Hot Brand and other brands particularly through his Hispanic marketing efforts,” according to the company.
Biden said that it was “fitting that...
Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and director Eva Longoria walked out together to make brief remarks to the crowd, who were spread out on blankets and munching on chips and, of course, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The movie is the story of Frito Lay janitor Richard Montañez, who claimed to have invented the snack, although the origin story is in dispute. Montañez rose in the ranks at Frito Lay to become a marketing executive and “played a key role in accelerating the growth of our Flamin’ Hot Brand and other brands particularly through his Hispanic marketing efforts,” according to the company.
Biden said that it was “fitting that...
- 6/16/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
A biopic of a different flavor is on its way to streaming: “Flamin' Hot” arrives on both Disney+ and Hulu on Friday, June 9. The comedy-drama feature, directed by Eva Longoria, tells the story of how the world’s favorite dangerously cheesy snack, the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto, came to be, all thanks to a Frito Lay janitor and a broken Cheetos machine, even if the veracity of the story has since been called into question. You can watch with a subscription to Disney+. You can watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Hulu.
How to Watch 'Flamin' Hot' When: Friday, June 9, 2023 Where: Disney+, Hulu Stream: Watch with a subscription to Disney+ and 30-Day Free Trial of Hulu. Sign Up Now$7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $12.99 a month ($13 savings).
30-Day Free Trial$7.99+ / month hulu.com About 'Flamin' Hot'
“Flamin’ Hot” tells the inspiring story of Richard Montañez,...
How to Watch 'Flamin' Hot' When: Friday, June 9, 2023 Where: Disney+, Hulu Stream: Watch with a subscription to Disney+ and 30-Day Free Trial of Hulu. Sign Up Now$7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $12.99 a month ($13 savings).
30-Day Free Trial$7.99+ / month hulu.com About 'Flamin' Hot'
“Flamin’ Hot” tells the inspiring story of Richard Montañez,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Searchlight’s Flamin’ Hot trailer delves into the true story behind the popular (but messy) Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera) stars as Richard Montañez, the janitor at a Frito-Lay factory who helped turn the industry around by cooking up a spicy version of the cheesy snack food.
“My journey is the journey of billions of people,” said the real Richard Montañez. “Being Mexican, being born in a labor camp, I’ve been fighting my whole life. I don’t know what it’s like not to fight.”
Director Eva Longoria calls Montañez the godfather of Hispanic marketing.
“That was his gift: seeing that nobody was paying attention to the Hispanic consumer. His gift wasn’t making a recipe in a chemical lab. His genius and talent and where he broke through was saying, ‘You guys, there’s a huge segment of the population in the United States that nobody is paying attention to,...
“My journey is the journey of billions of people,” said the real Richard Montañez. “Being Mexican, being born in a labor camp, I’ve been fighting my whole life. I don’t know what it’s like not to fight.”
Director Eva Longoria calls Montañez the godfather of Hispanic marketing.
“That was his gift: seeing that nobody was paying attention to the Hispanic consumer. His gift wasn’t making a recipe in a chemical lab. His genius and talent and where he broke through was saying, ‘You guys, there’s a huge segment of the population in the United States that nobody is paying attention to,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The first trailer for Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, has dropped and reveals Jesse Garcia playing Richard Montañez, a go-getting Mexican American who in real life claims he went from working as a janitor at Frito-Lay to inventing the successful Flamin’ Hot Cheetos snack product.
“Spicy? See, that’s how I got here,” Montañez says at one point as the Searchlight Pictures teaser recalls his youthful past in gangs and committing petty crimes, before Longoria’s rags-to-riches story has him inventing the salty Cheetos snack for Frito-Lay.
The trailer, which Garcia narrates, shows the breakthrough moment when he discovers that adding chili seasoning to Cheetos will bring a delicious heat to the snack product and potentially woo a far wider U.S. market. “I got an idea. It’s a spicy chip. It’s gonna change everything,” Montañez tells his skeptical floor manager, played by Matt Walsh.
Other...
“Spicy? See, that’s how I got here,” Montañez says at one point as the Searchlight Pictures teaser recalls his youthful past in gangs and committing petty crimes, before Longoria’s rags-to-riches story has him inventing the salty Cheetos snack for Frito-Lay.
The trailer, which Garcia narrates, shows the breakthrough moment when he discovers that adding chili seasoning to Cheetos will bring a delicious heat to the snack product and potentially woo a far wider U.S. market. “I got an idea. It’s a spicy chip. It’s gonna change everything,” Montañez tells his skeptical floor manager, played by Matt Walsh.
Other...
- 5/10/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spice up your viewing with the online debut of the new trailer from Fox Searchlight Pictures about the gang member who became a janitor and then became a snack mogul in Flamin’ Hot. Actress Eva Longoria, best known for her comedic turn on Desperate Housewives, steps behind the camera to for this family-friendly story in her directorial feature film debut. Longoria compiles a cast including Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera, Tony Shaloub, Matt Walsh, Pepe Serna, Bobby Soto, Jimmy Gonzalez, Brice Gonzalez, Vanessa Martinez, Fabian Alomar, Mario Ponce, and Hunter Jones.
The synopsis from Fox Searchlight reads,
Flamin’ Hot is the inspiring true story of Ricardo Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who as a Frito Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic, global, pop culture phenomenon.
Interestingly, the Frito-Lay company disputes the accuracy...
The synopsis from Fox Searchlight reads,
Flamin’ Hot is the inspiring true story of Ricardo Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who as a Frito Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic, global, pop culture phenomenon.
Interestingly, the Frito-Lay company disputes the accuracy...
- 5/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Two's a coincidence, but three films about the origins of real-life brands releasing in the span of a few months? That's a trend.
On the heels of "Tetris" and "Air" comes "Flamin' Hot," the latest entry in the growing sub-genre that /Film's Rafael Motamayor has referred to as "the brand movie or product biopic (the prodpic?)." This time, the focus is on Richard Montañez, who rose from being a humble janitor at a Frito-Lay factory to a successful businessman and the self-proclaimed creator of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The film is based on Montañez's memoir, "A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive," and was directed by former "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria, drawing from Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette's script.
Similar to "Tetris," Longoria's brand movie will be skipping theaters to release directly to streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally -- although,...
On the heels of "Tetris" and "Air" comes "Flamin' Hot," the latest entry in the growing sub-genre that /Film's Rafael Motamayor has referred to as "the brand movie or product biopic (the prodpic?)." This time, the focus is on Richard Montañez, who rose from being a humble janitor at a Frito-Lay factory to a successful businessman and the self-proclaimed creator of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The film is based on Montañez's memoir, "A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive," and was directed by former "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria, drawing from Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette's script.
Similar to "Tetris," Longoria's brand movie will be skipping theaters to release directly to streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally -- although,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Flamin' Hot," a biopic about the man who claimed to create Flamin' Hot Cheetos, sounds like a "30 Rock" joke on paper. And unfortunately, the new film from director Eva Longoria plays out like a "30 Rock" joke stretched to agonizing lengths — a broad, hokey collection of cliches that pauses every five minutes for a new speech from a new character who lays out why this unlikely story is so important.
You can feel the movie demanding your cheers.
Let's forget for a moment that the subject of the film is almost certainly a liar, as the LA Times reported in 2021 that Richard Montanez's rags-to-riches story of rising from janitor to executive at Frito-Lay as the inventor of Flamin' Hot Cheetos is largely bogus, and that he's taking credit for the work of an entire team of people who actually developed and brought the massively popular snack to market. Does...
You can feel the movie demanding your cheers.
Let's forget for a moment that the subject of the film is almost certainly a liar, as the LA Times reported in 2021 that Richard Montanez's rags-to-riches story of rising from janitor to executive at Frito-Lay as the inventor of Flamin' Hot Cheetos is largely bogus, and that he's taking credit for the work of an entire team of people who actually developed and brought the massively popular snack to market. Does...
- 3/12/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Once a month, Tanya Saracho’s Ojalá Production’s headquarters in Los Angeles transforms into a safe circle of trust for the Latina Squad — where more than 80 Latin executives gather to recommend projects and up-and-comers to their Hollywood peers whose companies may be a better fit.
The uber-connected Latina Squad may seem like a well-kept industry secret. But within the entertainment industry powers-that-be, the coalition is making moves. Founded by Ojalá’s head of development and production Christine Dávila in 2021, the group consists of female executives who get together to discuss their creative needs, provide emotional support and share about the film and television projects they’re working on. The high-powered Squad includes CBS’ Adriana Martínez Barrón, Showtime’s Danielle De Jesus, Entertainment One’s Jacqueline Sacerio and Skydance’s Aimee Rivera, who tell The Hollywood Reporter that countless success stories have come out of their meet-ups,...
Once a month, Tanya Saracho’s Ojalá Production’s headquarters in Los Angeles transforms into a safe circle of trust for the Latina Squad — where more than 80 Latin executives gather to recommend projects and up-and-comers to their Hollywood peers whose companies may be a better fit.
The uber-connected Latina Squad may seem like a well-kept industry secret. But within the entertainment industry powers-that-be, the coalition is making moves. Founded by Ojalá’s head of development and production Christine Dávila in 2021, the group consists of female executives who get together to discuss their creative needs, provide emotional support and share about the film and television projects they’re working on. The high-powered Squad includes CBS’ Adriana Martínez Barrón, Showtime’s Danielle De Jesus, Entertainment One’s Jacqueline Sacerio and Skydance’s Aimee Rivera, who tell The Hollywood Reporter that countless success stories have come out of their meet-ups,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eva Longoria has wrapped production on her directorial feature debut, Searchlight Pictures’ “Flamin’ Hot.”
“I’m so honored to have led this team in telling a beautiful story where people can see themselves in these characters and are inspired by the endless beauty and talent that is so rich in our community,” Longoria tells Variety exclusively. “Every day we were on set, I was reminded again and again by our amazing cast and crew that our community is smart, creative and endlessly talented.”
From a script by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez, the film tells the story of Richard Montañez, a Mexican American who turned the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos snack into a global pop culture phenomenon. The film is produced by DeVon Franklin (“Breakthrough”) for Franklin Entertainment. Searchlight has yet to set a release date.
“From the moment I found Richard Montañez’s story, I was inspired by...
“I’m so honored to have led this team in telling a beautiful story where people can see themselves in these characters and are inspired by the endless beauty and talent that is so rich in our community,” Longoria tells Variety exclusively. “Every day we were on set, I was reminded again and again by our amazing cast and crew that our community is smart, creative and endlessly talented.”
From a script by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez, the film tells the story of Richard Montañez, a Mexican American who turned the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos snack into a global pop culture phenomenon. The film is produced by DeVon Franklin (“Breakthrough”) for Franklin Entertainment. Searchlight has yet to set a release date.
“From the moment I found Richard Montañez’s story, I was inspired by...
- 8/23/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
When vlogger Vanessa Martinez started to lose her locks from the use of hair extensions, she decided to make a bold move and a start fresh. The influencer shaved off all of her hair, revealing a bald head to her 2.1 million YouTube subscribers.
In a video that has garnered over 870,000 views, Martinez not only explains the reasoning behind her audacious cut but also shows the severe bald patches throughout her scalp. “As you guys can see, I have extensions in. This is not my own hair,” Martinez said. “No matter what extensions you put in your hair, you’re going...
In a video that has garnered over 870,000 views, Martinez not only explains the reasoning behind her audacious cut but also shows the severe bald patches throughout her scalp. “As you guys can see, I have extensions in. This is not my own hair,” Martinez said. “No matter what extensions you put in your hair, you’re going...
- 2/6/2018
- by Thatiana Diaz
- PEOPLE.com
Filmmaker Mariette Monpierre’s touching and beautiful feature film debut, “Elza,” screens at the Pan African Film Festival tomorrow night, Saturday, February 11 at 7:00p, and again on Monday February 13 at 6:10p. Read Vanessa Martinez’s review of the film (published… Continue Reading →...
- 2/10/2017
- by Sergio Mims
- ShadowAndAct
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his...
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his...
- 2/10/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has released a lineup, along with new photos and dates, of their upcoming movies for 2015.
From dinosaurs to fairy tales, super heroes to galaxies far, far away, one of the most anticipated films next year is from director Steven Spielberg.
©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Tom Hanks (left) stars in Spielberg’s (right) Untitled Cold War spy thriller, which is the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
“This is one of the more astonishing stories about the Cold War I’d ever heard. James Donovan is a hero to me and Tom made him so completely accessible. I’ve always wanted to make a spy...
From dinosaurs to fairy tales, super heroes to galaxies far, far away, one of the most anticipated films next year is from director Steven Spielberg.
©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Tom Hanks (left) stars in Spielberg’s (right) Untitled Cold War spy thriller, which is the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
“This is one of the more astonishing stories about the Cold War I’d ever heard. James Donovan is a hero to me and Tom made him so completely accessible. I’ve always wanted to make a spy...
- 12/30/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
We’ve got another trailer for you to check out for Disney’s upcoming inspiring sports movie, McFarland, USA. The film stars Kevin Costner, and it looks like a great little story. I like it when Disney makes sports films. They are almost always really good and worth watching.
McFarland, USA focuses on the true story of a group of distance runners, and it has that inspirational feel that fans look for in these kinds of films. It also stars Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, and Chris Ellis. Here's the synopsis:
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White...
McFarland, USA focuses on the true story of a group of distance runners, and it has that inspirational feel that fans look for in these kinds of films. It also stars Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, and Chris Ellis. Here's the synopsis:
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White...
- 12/28/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Disney has revealed the first poster for McFarland USA.
The film stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez and Chris Ellis.
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the...
The film stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez and Chris Ellis.
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the...
- 11/11/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Disney has released the first trailer their upcoming sports drama McFarland, USA. I've always enjoyed the sports movies that Disney has made over the years. The last one the studio released was Million Dollar Arm, which I thought was great. This next one that they are releasing focuses on the true story of a group of distance runners, and it has that inspirational feel that fans look for in these kinds of films.
The movie stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, and Chris Ellis. Here's the synopsis:
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner...
The movie stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, and Chris Ellis. Here's the synopsis:
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner...
- 11/9/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Here’s your first look at director Niki Caro’s film McFarland, USA. The trailer stars Kevin Costner and Maria Bello.
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well.
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well.
- 11/3/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
John Sayles’ latest film, Go For Sisters, receives an unceremonious DVD release from Freestyle Digital Media. While it snagged Yolonda Ross a supporting Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards after a muted theatrical release, it seems there will be less ado championing the home viewing release. Denied a Blu-ray option, Edward James Olmos still takes top billing even though the film belongs to actresses Ross and LisaGay Hamilton. Despite the continuation of this maligned marketing, with a little luck, Sayles’ best film in years will hopefully reach the broader audience it deserves.
An independent filmmaker who has been directing films without studio backing since 1979, infamously securing financing through penning genre screenplays (Piranha; Alligator). As such, one can often look forward to the offbeat flavor of his work, a true master of developing the unexpected in relationships between people, often crafted against delirious narratives that are sometimes labyrinthine in scope and...
An independent filmmaker who has been directing films without studio backing since 1979, infamously securing financing through penning genre screenplays (Piranha; Alligator). As such, one can often look forward to the offbeat flavor of his work, a true master of developing the unexpected in relationships between people, often crafted against delirious narratives that are sometimes labyrinthine in scope and...
- 8/26/2014
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Odd List Ryan Lambie Simon Brew 21 Nov 2013 - 05:51
The underappreciated films of 1999 are the focus in our last list of 90s overlooked greats...
The year 1999 was a significant year for film in many ways. Apart from being the year that George Lucas began his Star Wars prequels with The Phantom Menace, it also saw the release of The Blair Witch Project, a horror film which became one of the first to use the internet as a marketing tool, resulting in a massive hit. The Matrix ushered in a new age of special effects filmmaking, arguably paving the way for the superhero blockbusters crowding into multiplexes today.
Mainly, though, 1999 was simply a brilliant year for film. Justly lauded movies like Fight Club, The Green Mile and Eyes Wide Shut aside, there were a huge number of films that didn't get the critical or financial success they deserved - so many,...
The underappreciated films of 1999 are the focus in our last list of 90s overlooked greats...
The year 1999 was a significant year for film in many ways. Apart from being the year that George Lucas began his Star Wars prequels with The Phantom Menace, it also saw the release of The Blair Witch Project, a horror film which became one of the first to use the internet as a marketing tool, resulting in a massive hit. The Matrix ushered in a new age of special effects filmmaking, arguably paving the way for the superhero blockbusters crowding into multiplexes today.
Mainly, though, 1999 was simply a brilliant year for film. Justly lauded movies like Fight Club, The Green Mile and Eyes Wide Shut aside, there were a huge number of films that didn't get the critical or financial success they deserved - so many,...
- 11/20/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Sister Act: Sayles Returns With Glorious Blend of Genre and Character Study
Independent filmmaker John Sayles has been directing films without studio backing since 1979, infamously securing financing through penning genre screenplays (Piranha; Alligator). As such, one can often look forward to the offbeat flavor of his work, a true master of developing the unexpected in relationships between people, often crafted against delirious narratives that are sometimes labyrinthine in scope and undaunted by mainstream expectations of running time restraints. While not every film is a success (his last feature, 2009’s Amigo was one of the few that saw Sayles unable to successfully overcome his budgetary constraints), he’s back with a breath of fresh, effervescent air with Go For Sisters, a character study lodged in a dime store immigration thriller where nothing seems very simple if you take the time to look twice.
We meet Bernice (Lisa Gay Hamilton), a controlling...
Independent filmmaker John Sayles has been directing films without studio backing since 1979, infamously securing financing through penning genre screenplays (Piranha; Alligator). As such, one can often look forward to the offbeat flavor of his work, a true master of developing the unexpected in relationships between people, often crafted against delirious narratives that are sometimes labyrinthine in scope and undaunted by mainstream expectations of running time restraints. While not every film is a success (his last feature, 2009’s Amigo was one of the few that saw Sayles unable to successfully overcome his budgetary constraints), he’s back with a breath of fresh, effervescent air with Go For Sisters, a character study lodged in a dime store immigration thriller where nothing seems very simple if you take the time to look twice.
We meet Bernice (Lisa Gay Hamilton), a controlling...
- 11/4/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Like the post just below this one, I initially posted this a week ago; and since today is the last day of the year, I thought I'd repost... As we've done every year, for the last 2, here's an S&A year-end video complitation created by our very own Ms Vanessa Martinez (a hat-tip to her for putting in the time, as always), which wraps up the year in cinema of the African Diaspora, as we saw it! The video includes only those films that were released commercially, theatrically, here in the USA (maybe someday, when there's more money and manpower, we'll create a video that's much more comprehensive; but this is what it is for the time being). It...
- 12/31/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
This will likely be my last post for the day. It's Christmas Eve suckas! Although it's certainly quite possible that you might see posts from Sergio, Courtney, Emmanuel, etc... so it doesn't mean there won't be anything after this. As we've done every year, for the last 2, here's an S&A year-end video complitation created by our very own Ms Vanessa Martinez (a hat-tip to her for putting in the time, as always), which wraps up the year in cinema of the African Diaspora, as we saw it! The video includes only those films that were released commercially, theatrically, here in the USA (maybe someday, when there's more money and manpower, we'll create...
- 12/24/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Back in April S & A's Vanessa Martinez gave a really strong positive review (Here) of Supporting Characters, a small indie film that made its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The film, written by co-star Tarik Lowe along with co-writer and director Daniel Schechter, has been called a "masculine romantic comedy" and centers around two buddies (Lowe and co-star Alex Karpovsky) who work as film editors, who are brought in to salvage a stink bomb of a film, directed by a neurotic and desperate film director. While dealing with this headache, the two friends try to cope with their own messy personal and romantic lives. Lowe was quoted...
- 12/17/2012
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
With the 2012 edition of the American Black Film Festival (Abff) in full swing (Vanessa Martinez has been covering the festival for S&A, as I'm sure you've been reading her reviews, and watching her video interviews) I thought I'd revisit a piece I wrote right around this time last year, soon after the 2011 installment of the Abff ended. In re-reading it, I realized that the topics I tackle in the article are still very much of relevance a year later, as the same conversations are still being had, on this blog, and elsewhere, online and off. I also repost it because, when I initially shared this a year ago, this site wasn't read by as many readers as...
- 6/22/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Chicago – In our latest sport/action edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes (increased from 25 admit-twos!) up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Warrior” starring Nick Nolte and rising stars Tom Hardy (Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises”) and Joel Edgerton!
“Warrior” also stars Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dunn, Maximiliano Hernández, Bryan Callen, Sam Sheridan, Fernando Chien, Jake McLaughlin, Vanessa Martinez, Denzel Whitaker, Carlos Miranda and Nick Lehane from writer and director Gavin O’Connor.
The film opens on Sept. 9, 2011. To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Warrior” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Warrior” with Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton.
“Warrior” also stars Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Kevin Dunn, Maximiliano Hernández, Bryan Callen, Sam Sheridan, Fernando Chien, Jake McLaughlin, Vanessa Martinez, Denzel Whitaker, Carlos Miranda and Nick Lehane from writer and director Gavin O’Connor.
The film opens on Sept. 9, 2011. To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Warrior” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Warrior” with Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton.
- 9/1/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A special, documentary-style episode will be airing this week on October 28. We’ve already posted sneak peeks and spoilers for the upcoming episode and now we have promo photos from ABC.
The Doctors Of Seattle Grace Mercy West Are The Subjects Of A Documentary Film Crew, On ABC’S “Grey’S Anatomy”
Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin Reprise Their Roles as Patient Mary and Her Husband, Bill
“These Arms of Mine” – A documentary film crew visits the hospital six months after the shooting to document the road to recovery for doctors and patients. The camera lenses follow Derek, Owen, Mark & Callie as they ambitiously perform a rare arm transplant surgery, Meredith helps Cristina put on a brave face for the cameras, and Bailey’s patient, Mary, returns for her surgery — which marks the first time they’ve all seen of each other since that fateful day — on “Grey’s Anatomy,...
The Doctors Of Seattle Grace Mercy West Are The Subjects Of A Documentary Film Crew, On ABC’S “Grey’S Anatomy”
Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin Reprise Their Roles as Patient Mary and Her Husband, Bill
“These Arms of Mine” – A documentary film crew visits the hospital six months after the shooting to document the road to recovery for doctors and patients. The camera lenses follow Derek, Owen, Mark & Callie as they ambitiously perform a rare arm transplant surgery, Meredith helps Cristina put on a brave face for the cameras, and Bailey’s patient, Mary, returns for her surgery — which marks the first time they’ve all seen of each other since that fateful day — on “Grey’s Anatomy,...
- 10/28/2010
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
A new episode of Grey’s Anatomy will be airing this week on October 28 and ABC has released several sneak peeks. We have four of them for you below.
The Doctors Of Seattle Grace Mercy West Are The Subjects Of A Documentary Film Crew, On ABC’S “Grey’S Anatomy”
Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin Reprise Their Roles as Patient Mary and Her Husband, Bill
“These Arms of Mine” – A documentary film crew visits the hospital six months after the shooting to document the road to recovery for doctors and patients. The camera lenses follow Derek, Owen, Mark & Callie as they ambitiously perform a rare arm transplant surgery, Meredith helps Cristina put on a brave face for the cameras, and Bailey’s patient, Mary, returns for her surgery — which marks the first time they’ve all seen of each other since that fateful day — on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Thursday, October 28 (9:00-10:01 p.
The Doctors Of Seattle Grace Mercy West Are The Subjects Of A Documentary Film Crew, On ABC’S “Grey’S Anatomy”
Mandy Moore and Ryan Devlin Reprise Their Roles as Patient Mary and Her Husband, Bill
“These Arms of Mine” – A documentary film crew visits the hospital six months after the shooting to document the road to recovery for doctors and patients. The camera lenses follow Derek, Owen, Mark & Callie as they ambitiously perform a rare arm transplant surgery, Meredith helps Cristina put on a brave face for the cameras, and Bailey’s patient, Mary, returns for her surgery — which marks the first time they’ve all seen of each other since that fateful day — on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Thursday, October 28 (9:00-10:01 p.
- 10/27/2010
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
"A condition of unknowable outcomes" is the fate in store for the characters and the viewers of John Sayles' latest endeavor.
"Limbo" unspooled Saturday on the last day of the Cannes competition to much derision from critics and festivalgoers, nearly capping a string of disappointments from world-class directors. (The final bomb was dropped later by Peter Greenaway with his widely disliked "8 1/2 Women.")
Unfortunately, there's no uncertainty about the Screen Gems release's tepid reception in store at the boxoffice, though there are many things to admire in the dramatic adventure.
Set in Alaska and filmed in and around Juneau, the picture suffers from a sloppier-than-usual first half for Sayles, who drives home the theme of Alaska's rugged commerciality as an exotic destination for tourists and potential bonanza for developers with a media-assisted sledgehammer.
The story centers on single mom Donna De Angelo Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), whose teenage daughter Noelle (Vanessa Martinez) is severely depressed over her mother's bad luck with men.
Awash with stuff about the sad fate of fish cannery workers and repetitive scenes about arrogant logging and theme-park tycoons, the first hour goes fishing for a plot. It finds one with the budding romance between Donna and a decent -- though marked by a decades-old tragedy -- local, Joe Gastineau (David Strathairn).
While his idea of a cool date is taking Donna to the mouth of a river where migrating salmon can't make it upstream, Joe is an amiable sort and comes to watch her singing act at a local hangout. Mastrantonio splendidly performs several songs and her easily romanced character enjoys the attention, but another of Joe's outings proves to be a big mistake.
This major shift in tone hinges on a poorly handled moment when Joe's recently resurfaced brother Bobby Casey Siemaszko) gives in too easily to the surprise idea of having Donna and Noelle accompany the two brothers on a boat trip that he knows could be dangerous.
Visually unexceptional up to this point, Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler finds his groove amid the glaciers, icy coastal currents and pine forests of the "last frontier," which is not close to being tamed despite the big dreams of the exploiters. The lighthearted boat trip goes bad very quickly -- in one of the film's best sequences -- and the trio of Joe, Donna and Noelle find themselves stranded on an island with no food or shelter and scant clothing against the cold.
They face a long wait before anyone comes looking for them. Mysterious bad guys who have business with Bobby prompt him to give up the search.
Thankfully, Joe knows survival skills, and the three don't perish outright. They trek a little way to a shore where they find an abandoned cabin and build a signal fire. Noelle unearths a young woman's diary and begins to read from it each night. The payoff of this seemingly minor development provides the film's one nicely engineered surprise.
Decidedly less successful is the ending, which involves the castaways' fate landing in the paws of a local fisherman (Kris Kristofferson) who has a history with Joe. One can see what Sayles is striving for -- ties that bind between individuals even as they are, or aren't, defeated by cruel fate -- but it just doesn't come off satisfactorily.
Strathairn has been better, but the longtime Sayles collaborator is well matched with Mastrantonio.
Martinez ("Lone Star") gives the best performance. Her character has mysterious depths, whereas "Limbo" overall sinks close to the bottom of Sayles' filmography. After the abrupt conclusion, one is at least rewarded with the soulful airs of Bruce Springsteen's original song "Lift Me Up".
LIMBO
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Screen Gems presents a Green/Renzi production
Credits: Writer-director-editor: John Sayles; Producer: Maggie Renzi; Director of photographer: Haskell Wexler; Production designer: Gemma Jackson; Costume designer: Shay Cunliffe; Music: Mason Daring; Casting: Lizzie Martinez. Cast:
Donna De Angelo: Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio; Joe Gastineau: David Strathairn; Noelle De Angelo: Vanessa Martinez; Smilin' Jack: Kris Kristofferson; Bobby Gastineau: Casey Siemaszko; Frankie: Kathryn Grody; Lou: Rita Taggart; Harmon King: Leo Burmester; Albright: Michael Laskin. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 126 minutes.
"Limbo" unspooled Saturday on the last day of the Cannes competition to much derision from critics and festivalgoers, nearly capping a string of disappointments from world-class directors. (The final bomb was dropped later by Peter Greenaway with his widely disliked "8 1/2 Women.")
Unfortunately, there's no uncertainty about the Screen Gems release's tepid reception in store at the boxoffice, though there are many things to admire in the dramatic adventure.
Set in Alaska and filmed in and around Juneau, the picture suffers from a sloppier-than-usual first half for Sayles, who drives home the theme of Alaska's rugged commerciality as an exotic destination for tourists and potential bonanza for developers with a media-assisted sledgehammer.
The story centers on single mom Donna De Angelo Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), whose teenage daughter Noelle (Vanessa Martinez) is severely depressed over her mother's bad luck with men.
Awash with stuff about the sad fate of fish cannery workers and repetitive scenes about arrogant logging and theme-park tycoons, the first hour goes fishing for a plot. It finds one with the budding romance between Donna and a decent -- though marked by a decades-old tragedy -- local, Joe Gastineau (David Strathairn).
While his idea of a cool date is taking Donna to the mouth of a river where migrating salmon can't make it upstream, Joe is an amiable sort and comes to watch her singing act at a local hangout. Mastrantonio splendidly performs several songs and her easily romanced character enjoys the attention, but another of Joe's outings proves to be a big mistake.
This major shift in tone hinges on a poorly handled moment when Joe's recently resurfaced brother Bobby Casey Siemaszko) gives in too easily to the surprise idea of having Donna and Noelle accompany the two brothers on a boat trip that he knows could be dangerous.
Visually unexceptional up to this point, Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler finds his groove amid the glaciers, icy coastal currents and pine forests of the "last frontier," which is not close to being tamed despite the big dreams of the exploiters. The lighthearted boat trip goes bad very quickly -- in one of the film's best sequences -- and the trio of Joe, Donna and Noelle find themselves stranded on an island with no food or shelter and scant clothing against the cold.
They face a long wait before anyone comes looking for them. Mysterious bad guys who have business with Bobby prompt him to give up the search.
Thankfully, Joe knows survival skills, and the three don't perish outright. They trek a little way to a shore where they find an abandoned cabin and build a signal fire. Noelle unearths a young woman's diary and begins to read from it each night. The payoff of this seemingly minor development provides the film's one nicely engineered surprise.
Decidedly less successful is the ending, which involves the castaways' fate landing in the paws of a local fisherman (Kris Kristofferson) who has a history with Joe. One can see what Sayles is striving for -- ties that bind between individuals even as they are, or aren't, defeated by cruel fate -- but it just doesn't come off satisfactorily.
Strathairn has been better, but the longtime Sayles collaborator is well matched with Mastrantonio.
Martinez ("Lone Star") gives the best performance. Her character has mysterious depths, whereas "Limbo" overall sinks close to the bottom of Sayles' filmography. After the abrupt conclusion, one is at least rewarded with the soulful airs of Bruce Springsteen's original song "Lift Me Up".
LIMBO
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Screen Gems presents a Green/Renzi production
Credits: Writer-director-editor: John Sayles; Producer: Maggie Renzi; Director of photographer: Haskell Wexler; Production designer: Gemma Jackson; Costume designer: Shay Cunliffe; Music: Mason Daring; Casting: Lizzie Martinez. Cast:
Donna De Angelo: Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio; Joe Gastineau: David Strathairn; Noelle De Angelo: Vanessa Martinez; Smilin' Jack: Kris Kristofferson; Bobby Gastineau: Casey Siemaszko; Frankie: Kathryn Grody; Lou: Rita Taggart; Harmon King: Leo Burmester; Albright: Michael Laskin. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 126 minutes.
- 5/25/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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