Author

Joe Henkel

Joe is a movie lover, YouTuber, filmmaker and writer for the Knockturnal.

EntertainmentTVVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Josha Stradowski, Daniel Henney and more talk Wheel of Time Season 2

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

The Wheel of Time premieres Season 2 on September 1.

Based on the best-selling novels, The Wheel of Time returns for season 2. The extremely successful books by Robert Jordan have led to this incredible Amazon original series. In season one, Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski) learns about his great power as The Dragon Reborn. An army of powerful women become desperate to protect their world from the Dark One and his friends face new threats in Season Two.

The Knockturnal interviewed the stars of this series. (Note: This interview was completed before the SAG strike.) We spoke with Josha Stradowski, Daniel Henney, Ceara Coveney, Marcus Rutherford and Donal Finn. We asked Marcus about his relationship with the source material when building his character, he said, “It’s so useful to have it there. There’s all these journeys and relationships that you can pay homage with.” Daniel explained the joy he experiences playing Lan, “It’s kind of what you dream of as an actor to be able to have a character that can take you so many places.”

Watch the Wheel of Time Season 2 on Prime Video starting September 1.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentTVVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Joshua Bassett and Cast Talk High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season Four

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season four is streaming now on Disney+.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series returns for their forth and final season. This season they return to the iconic East High to perform the play “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”  The students soon find out they will be filming “High School Musical 4: The Reunion” movie at their school. The new season brings back characters from the show, but also characters from the original trilogy return.

We recently interviewed Joshua Bassett (“Ricky”), Sofia Wylie (“Gina”), Dara Reneé (“Kourtney”), Frankie Rodriguez (“Carlos”) and Julia Lester (“Ashlyn”) about this wild new season. Joshua Basset said about the new season, “it’s pretty crazy because we have actual crew members who are playing crew members in the show.” He explained that there were cameras everywhere in the story, “there were times where I didn’t even realize that I was on camera because I thought it was a fake camera. And ‘Josh, why do you have your phone in your hand?’ I thought that they weren’t filming me.” They other actors shared their excitement about how “meta” the show gets and the emotion of a final season.

Watch season four as all eight new episodes of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” are streaming now on Disney+.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentTVVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Jake Johnson and Ophelia Lovibond talk MINX Season 2!

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

Watch Minx Season 2 on Starz starting July 21.

Minx follows Joyce as she creates a magazine for women and teams up with Doug. Set in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Joyce and Doug strive to find success with the magazine. In season 2, after they find success they have to decide what direction they continue to follow with their work.

We recently interviewed the cast of the show Ophelia Lovibond (Joyce Prigger), Jake Johnson (Doug Renetti), Idara Victor (Tina), Jessica Lowe (Bambi), Lennon Parham (Shelly), Oscar Montoya (Richie), and Elizabeth Perkins (Constance). Jake Johnson, who executive produced the series, explained what happened after HBO dropped Minx. After season 2 was canceled Jake told us that there were other streamers that wanted them, “We got word that there were three other streamers that were betting on us. So we knew pretty quickly we were going to find a home. And it was just a matter of of those three new streamers who was going to be the most aggressive and Starz became the most aggressive.”

We talked to the cast about their characters and the developments going into season 2. Ophelia Lovibond told us about the development of the magazine and success Joyce experiences puts her in a new position in season 2. Ophelia said, “She’s got the power now. She’s aware that the tables have turned and she’s gained ground, but she’s there’s hesitancy there because she just knows that there’s something about them. There’s something holding her back and then when when Doug comes with the idea of Constance publishing it, she’s makes a move there, but she’s definitely in a more she’s got more agency this time.” Joyce and the crew team up to continue the success of their magazine.

The second season of Minx begins premieres midnight Friday, July 21 only on Starz.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentTVVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Shannon Lee, Andrew Koji, Jason Tobin and More…

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

Warrior Season Three is now streaming on HBO Max.

From the writings of martial arts legend Bruce Lee is the HBO series Warrior.  The concept for this TV show was written over 40 years ago by Bruce Lee. The first two seasons were produced and distributed by Cinemax. The show was then canceled until it moved to Max (formally HBO Max), then in April 2021 they renewed a third season.

Warrior follows Ah Sahm, a skilled martial artist who immigrates to San Francisco in search of his sister. Set in the late 19th century he is caught up in a violent gang war as soon as he arrives. He is the discovered by Young jun who takes Ah Sahm under his wing and brings him into his gang. Season three raises the stakes as we follow Ah Sahm deeper into this violent and desperate world.

The Knockturnal recently interviewed some of the show’s cast and creators. We interviewed actors Andrew Koji (Ah Sahm), Jason Tobin (Young Jun), Dianne Doan (Mai Ling), Olivia Cheng (Ah Toy) and Hoon Lee (Wang Chao). Hoon also worked as a writer on season 3. We also interviewed Jonathan Troppper (creator, executive producer, writer), Shannon Lee(executive producer, Bruce Lee’s daughter), Josh Stoddard (writer, showrunner), and Evan Endicott (writer, showrunner).

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentFilmTVVideo

Exclusive: High Desert Interview with Jay Roach, Christine Taylor and Keir O’Donnell

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

High Desert premieres Wednesday May 17th on AppleTV+.

The new AppleTV+ series High Desert is a fun comedic and dramatic journey directed by Jay Roach. In this series, Patricia Arquette plays a recovering drug addict named Peggy who’s trying to get a fresh start in the desert of Yucca Valley, California. Peggy meets Bruce(Brad Garrett) a washed-up detective and decides to become a private investigator.

The Knockturnal recently interviewed the director Jay Roach who directed all eight episodes. Jay told us that he was compelled to direct this show after hearing Patricia Arquette explain her interesting character. Jay explained why he found Peggy so interesting, “She’s coping with a lot of dysfunctions. But the flipside of her dysfunction is her functionality, where she actually helps a lot of people in the desert and then decides to become a private investigator because who wouldn’t?”

We also spoke with Christine Taylor(Dianne) and Keir O’Donnell(Stewart) who play Peggy’s siblings in this series. Christine explained, “The siblings in this story are sort of a grounding force of Peggy.” Dianne and Stewart attempt to protect Peggy from her ambitious ideas as they grieve the death of their mother. Keir told us that “It’s such a wonderful world with just wild, zany characters…I think a lot of the comedy comes from pain sometimes, and there’s a lot of sort of like heaviness, almost like we’re grieving for our dead mother.”

Watch the three episode premiere of High Desert this Wednesday only on AppleTV with new episodes + on Wednesdays through June 21.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentTVVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Dillon Talks Mayor of Kingstown

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel
Mayor of Kingstown season 1 is now streaming on Paramount+.

Over a year after the release of season one of Mayor of Kingstown, season two has arrived. The Knockturnal spoke with the actors and creator of this series last year and again we spoke to the writer and producer of this show, Hugh Dillon. Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon created and produced this original series. Season two of this series stars Jeremy Renner, Taylor Handley, Tobi Bamtefa, Hugh Dillon, Emma Laird, Dianne Wiest and many more.

The Knockturnal asked Hugh Dillon about the creation and development of this series. Hugh took us back a decade when he was developing this story and the characters with Taylor Sheridan. Taylor was also his acting coach at this time and they encouraged each other to never give up on their dreams. Hugh Dillon called Taylor Sheridan “a force of nature” and “the most loyal” friend he has. For Hugh Dillon his dream was Mayor of Kingstown and the two men have created another season of this dream.

Season two of this series follows the Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner) and his brother Kyle McLusky as they strive to bring order to their town. They tackle the prison systems and injustice in Kingstown along with Ian (Hugh Dillon).

Watch Mayor of Kingstown season one and season two now on Paramount+ with new episodes dropping weekly!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentFilmVideo

EXCLUSIVE: Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr talk Christmas With You

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

Christmas With You is now streaming on Netflix.

In the tradition of heartfelt romantic comedies, Netflix brings a fresh film Christmas With You. It’s a story about a loving and risk-adverse father and a pop star who is desperate for a fresh start. When this pop star, Angelina, sees a post from a young fan, she goes to visit her school. Angelina soon discovers fresh inspiration and a chance at love.

Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr lead in this Christmas rom-com and the Knockturnal recently interviewed these stars. Aimee and Freddie shared their experience creating this movie. Freddie explained how he approached acting in a Christmas film. The creators and film crew helped facilitate the Christmas spirit as they were filming. From the set design to building real snow, the Christmas season stayed alive. Aimee surrendered to the process of developing these creative aspects of her character. Her character Angelina dances and sings and Aimee worked hard to become this pop star. Aimee explained that it was easy to keep the Christmas joy alive while creating this movie.

If you enjoy the usual Christmas rom-coms, you’ll appreciate Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr in this movie. The family dynamic in this movie feels grounded and real. It’s a fun movie to watch during this Christmas season.

Watch Christmas With You now on Netflix!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Video

EXCLUSIVE: Mickey: The Story of a Mouse interviews with Floyd Norman and more

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse is now streaming on Disney+.

Disney brings us a new movie, the true story of their greatest hero: Mickey. In this documentary we discover what has made Mickey so famous and iconic for decades. This story about Mickey is also the story of his creator: Walt Disney. Mickey: The Story of a Mouse follows the history of this character. Featuring interviews with creators, historians and fans this documentary provides a fresh appreciation for what Walt Disney built. This movie also reminds us of why we loved Mickey and Disney as a child and why we still love them.

The Knockturnal recently interviewed some of the artists involved in this film. First we interviewed Floyd Norman, an animation artist that was hired by Disney in 1956. In the film, Floyd shared his experiences working with Walt Disney and animating for Disney. We then interviewed Dr. Carmenita Higginbotham, she’s a prominent art history. She shared her experience studying Mickey and talked about what made this mouse an enduring character. Then we interviewed Meghan Walsh and she talked about the process of collaborating with Disney and the other creatives involved in creating this movie.

Stream Mickey: The Story of a Mouse now on Disney+.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentFilmVideo

Exclusive: Tony Hale, Mystic Inscho, and more talk The Mysterious Benedict Society

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel
Season 2 of The Mysterious Benedict Society is now streaming on Disney+.

Following the success of season one of the Mysterious Benedict Society, the crew is back together for season two. In season one, this group of four ‘misfits’ Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance were brought together to stop the evil Dr. Curtain and save the world. They used their wit, intelligence, kindness and empathy to stop the evil schemes. In this new season, they return to help Mr. Benedict once again. When their leaders Mr. Benedict and Number Two are kidnapped, these kids must use their minds to find their leaders. This is a fun series for the whole family. Each episode is filled with mystery, beauty and humor.

The Knockturnal recently spoke with the cast and creators of this show. Tony Hale, who plays Mr. Benedict and his evil twin brother Dr. Curtain, shared his creative journey of developing these characters. Mystic Inscho (“Reynie Muldoon”), Marta Kessler (“Constance Contriare”), Seth Carr (“George “Sticky” Washington”) and Emmy DeOliveira (“Kate Wetherall”) are the four main heroes of this show. We spoke with them about the costumes, sets and exciting process of creating another season of this show. Gia Sandhu (“Ms. Perumal”) and MaameYaa Baofo (“Rhonda Kazembe”) told us about working with these young actors and the excitement that filled each new day of filming. We also spoke with the creators of this series Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. They shared their creative processes of collaborating on the Mysterious Benedict Society.

Watch The Mysterious Benedict Society season two now only on Disney+.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
EntertainmentFilm

EXCLUSIVE: Bitch Ass interviews with Tunde Laleye, Me’Lisa Sellers, and Bill Posey

by Joe Henkel
written by Joe Henkel

Bitch Ass is now available on selected streaming platforms.

This Halloween season watch your back, there’s a new serial killer on the block. Bitch Ass the smart and scary killer and “the first Black serial killer in a mask.”

The legendary Candyman actor Tony Todd introduces us to this threat in the opening scene of this movie. The story follows four young gang members break into a house seeking reward, but are punished by Bitch Ass. They are forced to play games in desperation and the challenges are creepy twists on children’s games. If they win they survive, but if they win they die.

This movie stars Tony Todd, Sheaun McKinney, Tunde Laleye, Me’Lisa Sellers, Teon Kelly and more. The Knockturnal recently interviewed Tunde and Me’Lisa about their experience filming this movie. Tunde Laleye shared the process of internalizing and developing this new villain. Me’Lisa Sellers talked about creating this powerful and empathetic character that she’s excited to share on screen.

We talked with director Bill Posey about the inception and creation of this film. He told us about the contrast of the dark themes with religious undertones. His influences of watching movies when he was young, growing up in Massachusetts and attending Catholic school all inspired him as he created this movie. Posey shared what it was like booking Tony Todd and having him work on set. They only had one day to film Tony’s scenes and that day of filming was powerful.

Now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu and more. Be sure to watch this movie this Halloween season and watch your back for the serial killer Bitch Ass.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts