On the evening of November 9th,Β at the Bam Harvey Theater in Downtown Brooklyn. Andscape a Black run production company and Hulu partnered with Tierra Whack to premier her debut film Cypher. The atmosphere exuded a Black essence, the vibe was real and the partners understood what it meant to honor Black creativity.Β
Filmmaker Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn,” featuring actors Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike,Β Archie Madekwe, and more, was just released on November 17th, bringing a twisted and dark story to 2006 England.
With the release of The Marvels, the MCUβs next major film, many have been wondering if this one is as good as previous films, if it is essential to understanding Phase 4, and if it should be watched now or later on Disney+. These questions always arise with every new Marvel release, but I can say with enthusiasm that audiences must understand how great The Marvels is as a film, and how it should not be skipped at all this season.
Guests attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
Below are five reasons you should watch The Marvels as soon as possible, or youβre missing out.
The Marvels features the return of fan-favorite characters and actors
One of the first noticeable draws to watching a major blockbuster film like The Marvels is its use of a stellar cast, some of which are favorites among Marvel fans. Fans have been clamoring for a return for Iman Vellani, and the character she plays, Ms. Marvel, from her hit Disney+ show of the same name. This is the first time we see her working alongside her idol, Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, who we have not seen since Avengers: Endgame, all the way in 2019. Also returning are Teyonah Parris, playing Monica Rambeau, and Samuel L. Jackson, playing his iconic role as Nick Fury. Fans of any of these characters will definitely be pleased, as they are further fleshed out and given new situations they must deal with.
(L-R) Lellies Santiago and Psyche Terry attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
The Marvels makes use of astounding CGI
The film also features amazing action and setpieces that is at times beautiful and a sight to behold. The lush alien landscapes and cosmic battles depicted are crisp, colorful, and grandiose, while still maintaining a level of realism that makes everything look believable. A highlight is the new mechanic that the three titular characters must face, which is that their locations in space are exchanged every time they use their powers. This creates some intense fight scenes that involve them constantly switching places and resulting in frantic, interesting combat that is a pleasure to watch.
Psyche Terry attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
The Marvels tells a compelling and heartfelt story
While there certainly are entertaining visual elements to the film, it should also be noted that the story is particularly intriguing and downright emotional at times. In the film, Captain Marvel struggles with the repercussions of her actions, as she has attempted to use her powers for good, but in doing so, she inadvertently deprived a planet of critical resources. In this film, she must face the consequences of her decisions, and how this affects her relationship with those that look up to her. There were several moments that were almost tear inducing, and those that enjoy a layered and complex plot will find plenty to love here.
The Marvels is funny as hell
Iβll say it: this movie is absolutely hilarious. For all its deeper and slower moments, it has situations that are side-splittingly funny. The movie seamlessly transitions between serious and comical moments, and one of its strong suits is being able to do so in a way that feels natural and not forced, even with high stakes.
D’Andre McKenzie attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
A particular moment that comes to mind is a sequence at a planet where all the inhabitants only speak in song and dance, which leads the main characters to fall into some hilarious situations as they attempt to communicate with these individuals. The movie is filled with moments like these that are extremely memorable.
The Marvels contributes to the overarching story in Phase 4
Lastly, those that want to see some progression with the overall Marvel story in Phase 4 will also be pleased. This film shows some continuation of Nick Furyβs character from Secret Invasion, with a possible setup for a future Avengers film, and also continues this phaseβs themes of multiverse and the threats that follow. The after credit scenes show how several old and new characters will make an appearance in future movies, progressing this phase forward.
As can be seen, there are a multitude of reasons to watch The Marvels, and longtime fans of Marvel as well as newcomers will both be pleased. This film has something for everyone, for those that follow the lore extensively to those that are not as serious. Definitely catch this film soon, you will not be disappointed.
Ronnisha Peterson attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
Special thanks also goes out to Urban Hydration, the sponsor of the premiere event that I attended. I tried several of their moisturizing products, and I could see the difference instantly. For someone that suffers from dry skin in the colder months, something like this is an absolute life saver. Urban Hydrationβs message itself spoke to me as well. I recognized the connection between the ideas of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvelβs superheroes embody, while also having fun. The Algae collection specifically is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow, and I couldnβt be more happy to promote this product: such a business that is proudly woman-owned and that supports woman empowerment is exactly what needs to be brought to light to give their mission a voice.
Founder Psyche Terry shared:
I believe that working with Marvel Studios provides an exciting platform for my to share the story of Urban Hydration’s mission and products in fun and creative ways. Β I recognized the connection between the message of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvelβs Super Heroes embody. The collaboration further expands on our Urban Hydration mission to reach more people, inspiring them to take charge of their skin needs and help power up their glow. Β The connection between hydration, balance, and inner strength that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody resonates with Urban Hydration’s mission. This collaboration is about product promotion and sharing a powerful message of self-care and empowerment. Β The Algae collection is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow and I couldnβt be more happy to bring this partnership to everyone.
The Marvels is in theaters right now, and Urban Hydration products can be purchased online from their website.
I was able to sit down with the creator of βKenan and Kelβ Kim Bass as he went over his fantastic career in the television sitcom world.
He got the bug to be in the television and film industry very young. He was seven years old when his grandfather took him to his first movie and he thought that he would find a way to figure it all out. Moreover, βKenan and Kelβ was based on Bassβ relationship with his best friend Tyrone and his other show βSister, Sisterβ was based on his twin sisters. He was also involved with a sketch comedy show called βIn Living Colorβ.
In 2022, Bass had a film called βTysonβs Runβ and it began streaming on Netflix outside of the U.S. and it will begin streaming in the U.S. on Netflix on February 28, 2024 and has performed well globally, becoming the top 8 film on Netflix.Β
His other film βA Snowy Day in Oaklandβ began streaming recently on Starz, as well.Β
Obviously, Bass has been very busy with his work and doesn’t seem to be showing signs of slowing down as he will be shooting his next film entitledΒ βA Lawyer, The Devil, Three Priests and a Nunβ next spring.Β
In the vast landscape of Netflix documentaries, “Life on Our Planet” has emerged as a groundbreaking work of art and science. The series, narrated by the iconic Morgan Freeman, takes viewers on an enthralling journey through Earth’s history, illuminating the incredible story of evolution. Recently, the masterminds behind the show gathered to unveil the intricacies of its creation. During the presentation, key questions were addressed, shedding light on the meticulous craftsmanship and scientific precision that brought this monumental series to life.
Netflix’s gripping documentary series, ‘Life on Our Planet,’ offers viewers a mesmerizing journey through Earth’s four-billion-year history, a story largely untold in the way that the creators have in this series. With cutting-edge science and technology, the series vividly resurrects long-extinct species, shedding light on the epic struggle for survival that has shaped our planet. This eight-part production executively produced by Steven Spilberg, delves into the five mass extinction events that have left their indelible mark on Earth’s ecosystem, while also confronting the present-day environmental crisis, often noted as the ‘sixth extinction.’ Narrated by the the one and only Morgan Freeman, ‘Life on Our Planet’ takes audiences on a captivating voyage from the dawn of life itself, through the emergence of terrestrial creatures, to the catastrophic downfall of the dinosaurs and the rise of humanity. Through breathtaking visuals and animation, the series underscores the crucial role of humans as stewards of the planet, urging us to address the environmental challenges we face today to ensure a sustainable future.
Life on Our Planet” serves as a poignant call to action for audiences worldwide. The series aims to not only inform but also inspire viewers to take an active role in safeguarding our planet. It unfolds Earth’s remarkable history, from the dawn of life to the intricate ecosystems of today, while emphasizing the urgent need to address the environmental challenges of our time. The presentation shed light on how the series meticulously blended cinematic artistry with scientific authenticity.
Upon entering the theater for the “Life on Our Planet” presentation, it was an exciting and anticipatory atmosphere considering it was inside the famous Amblin Theatre located on the Universal Studios Lot. The audience settled into their seats as the panel of experts, including Dr. Tom Fletcher, Justin Falvey, Johnathan Privette, Keith Scholey, Alastair Forthergrill and Dan TapsterΒ took the stage. Their presence added a significant and prestigious element to the event, and it was clear that something remarkable was about to happen. The Q&A session allowed these experts to provide insights into the making of the series, making the audience feel fortunate to be part of this unique experience.
During the event, the Q&A session came to life with engaging discussions and in-depth answers from the experts. The clips from the Netflix show, “Life on Our Planet,” were seamlessly integrated, providing a visual feast that showcased the stunning and realistic recreations of prehistoric creatures. The audience was captivated by the insightful explanations and the intricate process behind the series’ creation. The Amblin Theatre became a hub of knowledge and inspiration, where attendees not only learned about the show but we’re also moved by the urgent message of environmental conservation shared by the panelists. The clips and discussions left a lasting impression, reinforcing the significance of understanding our planet’s history to secure its future. Considering this series will have such an anticpating ending, I decided to ask a question that would answer viewers’ main question after finishing this series.
Question:
Hello. Considering that a lot of documentaries,Β as you said, donβt have many cliffhangers, and the seriesΒ took kind of while to make, this is gonna make viewersΒ binge-watch and want another season. When can viewersΒ expect another season when it took so long for the firstΒ one?
DAN: [laugh]
KEITH: Oh, weβd have to hand that over to the legal team.
EVERYONE: [laugh]
FEMALE: Weβre very thrilled with this series.
EVERYONE: [laugh]
ALASTAIR: You put her on the spot now. [laugh] Iβll tellΒ you tomorrow, though. [laugh]
KEITH: We learned some efficiencies along the way when itΒ came to shooting VFX. There was a long period of R and DΒ just to figure out how we were gonna pull it off. And so,Β I think if there ever was to be a follow-up, it wouldnβtΒ take us as long.
ALASTAIR: I think we also feel weβve hit a new [seat?].Β You know, in tele world, actually really new ways of doingΒ things, new ideas, new seams are hard to find. And weΒ think with this series, weβve hit a new seam. Itβs gotΒ this, sort of this driving narrative that goes through aΒ natural history series, which we worked [indiscernible] aΒ long time.Β Driving narrative is hard in normalΒ [indiscernible], but this one, itβs just natural and itΒ goes through like a roller coaster. And thereβs so manyΒ fantastic stories about our past world which we think weΒ can bring to the screen in this way. So, weβre reallyexcited about this series, but also the place it could takeΒ us to.
“Life on Our Planet” is a testament to the incredible results that can be achieved through a fusion of scientific accuracy and artistic craftsmanship. The presentation offered invaluable insights into the passion, dedication, and meticulous planning that brought this insightful documentary to life. With educational initiatives in the pipeline, the series promises to not only entertain but also inspire future generations to become staunch advocates for our natural world. As the legacy of “Life on Our Planet” continues to grow, it marks a turning point in the realm of nature documentaries, elevating the genre to new heights of excellence.
“Autumn” is a compelling portrayal of the ever-evolving family dynamics as children grow older and venture out into the world. The characters grapple with an enduring desire for something more, often failing to appreciate their present circumstances until change is thrust upon them. The film powerfully captures the evolution of relationships over time and the occasionally frustrating yet unbreakable bonds within a family unit.
(Warning: The following content contains spoilers.) In a serene Portuguese village, this cinematic gem unfolds over the span of a year. As the son TomΓ‘s departs to study abroad in London, his absence has a profound impact on each family member. The audience gets glimpses into each school break when TomΓ‘s returns home. As the seasons change and time passes, the family grows apart. They begin as a tight-knit unit with evenings filled with dancing, stomping grapes, and family dinners. However, as TomΓ‘s returns home for winter break, the delicate balance between spending time with his family and hometown friends creates a sense of rejection for the first time.
By spring, TomΓ‘s brings a girlfriend home, further diverting his attention away from his family. His sister Belinha reveals that she also wants to study abroad, leaving their parents to confront the reality of an βempty nest.β Their father OtΓ‘vio falls into a mid-life crisis, and their mother Susana experiences a newfound emptiness as she suddenly has no one left to take care of.
Summer arrives, but TomΓ‘s doesn’t return home at all. It’s not until autumn that the family reunites to celebrate his birthday, culminating in a heartwarming moment of dancing together, just as they did at the beginning of the film.
“Autumn” masterfully explores the intricate nuances of family relationships and the inevitability of growing up. It pushes viewers to reflect on their own relationships with their parents as OtΓ‘vio and Susana struggle to find direction when their kids are away. From the parents’ perspective, we learn the importance of allowing children to grow up and cherishing the time spent with them. The film emphasizes the need for parents to rediscover their own interests and identity once their caregiving roles diminish.
This film will elicit both laughter and tears. Its captivating cinematography skillfully conveys the changing relationships among the characters. In the beginning, during the autumn season, a continuous 11-minute shot symbolizes the family’s unity and synchronicity. As the story progresses, subsequent scenes feature more cuts, diverse framing, and shifting perspectives, signifying the family’s increasing disconnection.
Director and writer Antonio Sequeira, along with co-producer Anastasia Vorotniuk, have crafted a powerful and resonant narrative. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Golden Globe winner Beatriz FrazΓ£o as Belinha, Miguel FrazΓ£o (Beatriz’s real-life father) as OtΓ‘vio, Elsa Valentim as Susana, and Salvador Gil as TomΓ‘s.
Antonio Sequeira, the creative force behind the film, beautifully encapsulates the emotional essence of “Autumn,” stating, “When parents have kids, they sacrifice a lot of things for us, and then we just leave. They spend decades turning down their friends to spend time with their kids, they put aside their wildest dreams for secure jobs for their kids, and suddenly, we are gone. Just like that, the house becomes empty, and parents need to change their priorities in life and face each other for the first time in many years. And on top of that, as a person going back home, you feel you’ve changed so much when you were away that you no longer are the person they remember, and suddenly they too feel very different, and the connection you once had starts to fade away.”
The world premiere of “Autumn” took place on October 28, 2023, at the Galaxy Theater, where every seat was occupied, and laughter and tears were abundant.Β “Autumn” is an exquisite creation from a talented team and will certainly leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is a biographical documentary that delves into the life and career of Tyler Perry, a multi-talented figure in the entertainment industry. The film not only explores his remarkable journey to becoming a successful writer, actor, filmmaker, and studio head but also emphasizes the personal struggles and childhood trauma he has had to overcome. It highlights the transformative power of turning one’s pain into a legacy for the upcoming future to look up to.Β
On October 27, the TLC Chinese Theatre changed into a venue honoring Tyler Perry and the history of his achievements. In order to educate the public about the process by which Tyler Perry’s fame came to be, co-directors Armani Oritiz and Gelila Bekele brought ten years of filming to life on screen. In addition to the stars in attendance, the red carpet was illuminated by the overwhelming affection that everyone had for Tyler Perry, both personally and for his incredible body of work over the years. The anticipation for this movie continued to grow throughout the evening, making it a night full of enjoyment.
The title of the documentary, “Maxine’s Baby,” pays tribute to his mother, Maxine, suggesting that her love and influence played a significant role in shaping Tyler Perry’s life. The film provides a tender and intimate portrayal of Perry, offering a more comprehensive understanding of his life, motivations, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Through the lens of the directors, the audience is given insight into the man behind the success, exploring aspects of his personal life, his journey to fatherhood, and his mission to carve a unique path to the top of the entertainment industry.
“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” serves as a profound lesson in the importance of understanding one’s roots to navigate the path towards one’s aspirations. It is an inspirational journey that highlights the determination, resilience, and vision of a man who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
Deisy Suarez
Barbra Sanchez
Edwina Findley
Armani Ortiz
Gelila Bekele
Roshon Fegan
Gogo Morrow
There is a precedent for bad video game movie adaptations. These are usually purely meant as cash grabs, enticing children that care little for plot, logic, and production quality to spend their parents’ money to see the same characters they know on a bigger screen. This is arguably a pretty devastating mindset to have when reviewing any movie, and even though I try to remain unbiased, my expectations were pretty low for Five Nights at Freddy’s. Boy, was I wrong.
To give context, I have played the games occasionally over the years. While the gameplay itself is enjoyable, what I loved even more was the deep lore that each game contributed to, and how I had to piece it all together and speculate how the next game would completely change it all. Watching YouTubers like The Game Theorist, also known as MatPat, explains several theories about the game’s story after each release became routine and was an integral component of the game experience for me.
This is why this movie was such a surprise: despite my low expectations, the film is endowed with a shockingly endearing story that actually gives the characters weight and realistic motivations. These are expanded from the backstories in the games, and add additional details and stakes to the plot. For one, Mike’s relentless pursuit to remember his younger brother’s kidnapper through his own dreams was surprisingly tear-jerking, and was an interesting concept that I had not experienced before. The movie stays faithful to the lore, and any fan will recognize dozens of references that show that a true fan of the games made this movie, put together with delicate love.
Along with the plot, the effects and scares were especially tantalizing. I remained on the edge of my seat the whole time, as the movie’s primary mode of communicating fear wasn’t the cheap jump scares I expected, but a slow, foreboding horror that refused to let up. The film actually contained very few jump scares, and rather used the much more potent incorporation of slow shots, creepy music, and general sense of tension. The CGI of the animatronics was also on point, and they looked tangible and grounded, while also maintaining a sense of freaky, warped dream-like reality. The production for this film was absolutely perfect in execution.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Both Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail were amazing, as Mike and Vanessa, and Matthew Lillard (loved him from the Scooby-Doo films) brought a certain frantic energy that was indescribable. Piper Rubio surpassed the annoying-kid trope that I have become so accustomed to in recent movies, and she actually gave a solid, intelligent performance for someone her age. I also very much enjoyed the MatPat cameo, and I knew at that point that the film was a definitely a love-letter to fans of the FNAF franchise.
Five Nights at Freddy’s are in theaters now, and you definitely do not want to miss it this Halloween season.
Thursday, October 26th, 2023. The Neuehouse, Manhattan New York β National Geographic releases a new documentary, βBobi Wine: The Peopleβs President,β filmed by Director, Moses Bwaoy.
The 121 minute (2 hours and 1 minute) documentary focuses on the trials and tribulations faced by the humanitarian, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known by his stage name Bobi Wine and his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi. The singer, actor, Ugandan politician and a former Member of Parliament for Kyadondo County East constituency in Uganda’s Central Region survived seven assassination attempts on his life while he ran for the presidency. Bobi WineΒ also leads the National Unity Platform political party; a political and social liberation political party that is progressive in its mission, positioning itself as a social democratic organization, guided by the principles of servant leadership, equality, transparency, accountability, freedom, liberty and social justice for the citizens of Uganda. The screening for this film was held at the Neuehouse and Moderated by the eloquent filmmaker and Director Amir Bar-Lev (publication credits include: Newsweek, Rollingstone, Village Voice).
In June 2019,Β Bobi Wine, a native of Uganda who grew up without his parents, in a more impoverished and harsh space of Uganda, announced his candidacy for the 2021 Ugandan presidential election; but not with little resistance faced by environmental factors, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, placing a strain on the public gatherings of his supporter and with equal, if not more pushback from the Ugandan police, under the directive of president, Yoweri Museveni, who’s served the country of Uganda for over 30 years. Incumbent Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), took partΒ in the 2021 election, garnering over 7 million signatures of votes to run for president from the people of Uganda, who also experienced hardships during the Museveni leadership.Β
Unfortunately, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), lost the race for presidency, according to official results, placing the incumbent, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as the victor; although Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, along with several citizens, claims this result was fraudulent. Not only had the civil leader been beaten and hospitalized by the regime, but had lost many family members and friends who were beaten, killed or had gone missing due to their unyielding support of Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
This moving documentary has so much wrapped up in one film. What is most impressive is that first time filmmaker, Moses Bwayo, shot 5,000 hours of film and brilliantly condensed the most intricate footage into two hours. Bwayo highlights the love story of the charismatic couple that led Robert and Barbie together, and the strength of their union that helped them survive this trying and dangerous season of their lives. He captures the power of woman, Barbie Kyagulanyi, who remains poised, exhibiting grace under fire as she navigates her children and family through extended periods of time apart from her husband, Robert, the man we call Bobi Wine; Barbie, not knowing if her spouse was dead or alive. Bwayo captures the story of liberation, documenting the campaigns, the arrests and the volatility that surround Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) during his fervent run for office. With an unbiased eye, he captures the stories of heartbreak, brutal murders, hostility and literally blood in the streets of Uganda. With enthusiasm and belief in a greater mission, his film illustrates a story of hope, pulling the viewers in to chant for the success of Bobi Wine; albeit we are aware of the fate of this brave leader to take on such a powerful authority that is Museveni; and most importantly this film serves as an eye opener to the world that is blindly unaware of the suffering of the People of Uganda and other nations of the world, who face day-to-day tragedies, as they beg for and seek asylum and equal rights as human beings.Β
I highly recommend checking this documentary out; this film garners, for the respective countries, a new level of appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded in the United States of America and in other countries where citizens are allowedΒ to find better ways of living and even the freedom to gather in peaceful protests. βBobi Wine: The Peopleβs Presidentβ is available on the following platforms: Disney plus,Β FuboTV and will air worldwide on YoutubeTV, Nov 5th, 2023.
Jeffrey Sharp, esteemed film producer and Executive Director of The Gotham, and and Kia Brooks, Deputy Director of The Gotham has just unveiled the eagerly-anticipated nominations for the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards, via livestream from Cipriani Wall Street.