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HBO’s True Detective: Night Country Red Carpet Premiere

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

The Paramount Theatre was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday, January 9th, as the stars aligned for the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO’s highly anticipated series True Detective: Night Country. The six-episode drama, set to debut on Sunday, January 14th, promises a chilling mystery in the frozen landscapes of Ennis, Alaska.

At the heart of the series are Academy Award®-winner Jodie Foster and the talented Kali Reis, who play Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro. When eight men mysteriously vanish from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station during a long winter night, the detectives must confront the darkness within themselves to uncover the haunted truths buried beneath the eternal ice.

The premiere was a star-studded affair, with the legendary Jodie Foster gracing the red carpet. In an exclusive interview, Foster shared insights into why she chose this project after her illustrious career. The event also marked the HBO debut for some cast members, who expressed their honor and excitement at the opportunity.

HBO, known for its attention to detail, didn’t disappoint. The premiere was a well-thought-out and curated experience, befitting the network’s reputation for quality. Following the screening, the after-party was a lively celebration with delectable fresh foods, a chilling live performance, and a DJ spinning the best tunes. It was a night dedicated to the cast and their hard work, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

For those eager for more behind-the-scenes moments, including the exclusive chat with Jodie Foster, check out our interview. And mark your calendars for Sunday, January 14th, when True Detective: Night Country premieres on HBO and streams on Max. Get ready for a journey into the icy unknown, where secrets lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be unveiled.

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Wendell Pierce Raising Kanan
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Exclusive: Wendell Pierce Talks Joining the cast of Power Book III: Raising Kanan

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

Renowned actor Wendell Pierce has officially joined the cast of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” stepping into the role of Ishmael.

Ishmael’s character is poised to make a significant impact on the storyline, introducing intriguing dynamics and plot twists. With Pierce’s seasoned acting prowess, viewers can expect a compelling portrayal that adds richness to the narrative. As an accomplished actor with a diverse range of roles under his belt, including notable performances in “The Wire” and “Treme,” Pierce brings a wealth of experience to the Power universe.

Pierce described that entering the Power universe was a novel experience for him. It presented an opportunity for him to venture into uncharted territory, portraying a character distinct from his usual roles as law enforcement or a lawyer. Typically cast in roles associated with the CIA, this project allowed him to embody a different kind of man—one driven by the common desires of creating something meaningful for himself and his family, leaving an indelible mark on the world, impacting his community, and securing a livelihood. This fresh and compelling perspective appealed to him as an actor, providing the chance to explore a character with a unique set of motivations and aspirations.

“I wanted to try to explore that when people aren’t allowed to be a part of the mainstream economy, they will go to the underground economy,” he said. “And it’s the same impetus, the same sense of wanting to be a businessperson and to build a business and Ishmael is not allowed to do it in the more orthodox way as he is going to do it in an unorthodox way. He doesn’t see it as criminality. He sees it as a function of making a way out of no way. And that’s a really interesting thing to explore for an actor, because that’s about human behavior.”

The casting of Wendell Pierce as Ishmael has generated considerable excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate witnessing his on-screen chemistry with the existing cast members. The series, set against the backdrop of the ’90s hip-hop scene, explores the early years of iconic characters, providing a riveting prelude to the Power saga.

Pierce’s involvement adds another layer of authenticity to “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” as his talent and dedication to his craft are sure to resonate with audiences. The actor’s ability to portray complex characters with nuance and depth aligns seamlessly with the show’s commitment to delivering a gripping narrative.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing Wendell Pierce bring Ishmael to life in a way that only a seasoned performer of his caliber can. The combination of Pierce’s talent, the compelling storyline, and the vibrant setting of ’90s New York sets the stage for an enthralling chapter in the Power universe.

With Wendell Pierce on board, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” continues to shape up as a must-watch series, promising fans an immersive experience filled with drama, suspense, and the electrifying energy that defines the Power franchise.

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Entertainment

On The Scene: Young Hollywood & the Breakout Stars of 2023

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

Hollywood glittered even brighter on Sunday, January 7th, 2024, as Affinity and Tequila Don Julio teamed up to present ‘Young Hollywood & the Breakout Stars of 2023.’ Produced by The Pavé Group, the black-tie after party at Academy LA in Hollywood, CA, set the stage for a night of dazzling celebrations, marking the kickoff of the highly anticipated Hollywood awards season.

Keke Palmer attends Affinity & Tequila Don Julio present Young Hollywood and the Breakout Stars of 2023 on January 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Affinity )

The event was a star-studded affair, attended by Bella Thorne, Keke Palmer, Chriselle Strause, Amanza Smith, and more. As the chilly night unfolded, the atmosphere heated up with sounds by celebrity deejays, DJ M.O.S, and DJ Tay James.

Chelsea Lazkani, Chrishell Stause, Amanza Smith, and Jason Oppenheim attend Affinity & Tequila Don Julio present Young Hollywood and the Breakout Stars of 2023 on January 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Affinity)

The Selling Sunset crew, including Chriselle Strause, Amanza Smith, Jason Oppenheim, and Chelsea Lazkani, raised their glasses with shots of Tequila Don Julio, turning the dance floor into their personal stage.

Keke Palmer added to the sizzle of the night, reveling in the festivities with her friends. Meanwhile, Ross Butler and Nour Koudr started a spontaneous dance circle in front of the deejay stage. DJ M.O.S. & Tay James had the party pulsating, playing nonstop classic hits from the early 2000s to now.

Danielle Druz and Bella Thorne attend Affinity & Tequila Don Julio present Young Hollywood and the Breakout Stars of 2023  (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Affinity)

The venue, Academy LA, was an enchanting backdrop for the revelry. The innovative screen panels that adorned the ceilings and sides of the walls captivated attendees, adding an extra layer of production value to the evening.

Despite the chill in the air, the crowd’s infectious energy and the bouncing music kept everyone warm. As a first-time visitor to Academy LA, I was thoroughly impressed by the venue’s cool vibes, making the event an unforgettable experience. Overall, ‘Young Hollywood & the Breakout Stars of 2023’ was the perfect way to kick off the awards season in LA – a night filled with glamour, glitz, and good times.

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On The Scene: AppleTV+’s ‘Masters of Air’ premiere with Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg

by Kinsey Schofield
written by Kinsey Schofield
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Daniel Kaluuya and Kane Robinson Talk New Netflix Film “The Kitchen”

by Briana Atkins
written by Briana Atkins
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Netflix’s THE KITCHEN held a special screening in New York at The Roxy Cinema.

The screening was followed by a conversation with co-director Daniel Kaluuya and lead star Kane Robinson and was moderated by Jasmine Simpkins from Hip Hollywood. Other attendees included Dave East, Maino, Brian “B Dot” Miller, and Elliott Wilson.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 10: (L-R) Kane Robinson, Daniel Kaluuya and Kela Walker speak onstage during a special screening of ‘The Kitchen’ hosted by Daniel Kaluuya and Kane Robinson at The Roxy Hotel on January 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for NETFLIX)

For his directorial debut, Daniel Kaluuya and co-writer Joe Murtagh decided to tell a story set in dystopian London about Izi (Kane Robinson) a member of a community called The Kitchen. The Kitchen is one of the last social housing neighborhoods remaining where the residents refuse to leave despite the constant threat of being forcibly moved. Unlike many of his neighbors, Izi can’t wait to leave and has plans to move to a different neighborhood and leave behind his past. His plans are interrupted, however, when he one day meets 12-year-old Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman) who is looking for family and connection.

Despite his reluctance, tough and brooding Izi forms a bond with sweet, idealistic Benji as the days count down to Izi’s plans to leave The Kitchen. Their relationship is tested by raids on their neighborhood, Benji’s friendship with a local group of kids, and Izi’s desire to remain isolated. It all culminates in an ending that everyone is surely going to be talking about.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 10: L-R) Kane Robinson and Daniel Kaluuya speak onstage during a special screening of ‘The Kitchen’ hosted by Daniel Kaluuya and Kane Robinson at The Roxy Hotel on January 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for NETFLIX)

The Kitchen is a strong debut for Kaluuya and feature debut for co-director Kibwe Tavares. It’s filled with exciting world-building that mixes current influences that audiences can immediately recognize, a soundtrack that infuses all the genres that represent London, and performances that connect to audiences. Soccer (or football to some) fans will be delighted by the appearance of Premier League legend Ian Wright who plays the role of “Lord Kitchener”, a selector who runs the radio station in The Kitchen and gives voice to the community’s resistance. When I asked Kaluuya how he managed to get the football icon in the film, he simply said, “He auditioned.” Of course, fans of another popular Netflix title, Top Boy, will enjoy seeing Kane Robinson in this new role. He portrays the stoicism and detached nature of Izi with ease but knows when to pull back and convey Izi’s softer side, showing a depth to his character that helps audiences understand his sometimes frustrating motivations.

However, the star of the show and the heart of the film is Jedaiah Bannerman whose emotional, yet joyful performance as Benji, proves he’s a natural. During the Q&A, Kaluuya and Robinson spoke about the young actor’s performance and why he was chosen for the role.

Kaluuya: His aunt told him that there was an audition and told him ‘You should go up for it’. He sent in a tape and he was the best kid. It was so interesting because he’s the one that hadn’t done anything, and acted before, and he just had it. He just still had himself. What I was really surprised by and grateful for was how much depth he had emotionally and what he could just tap into. He already knew about emotional memory. I learned that at sixth form, but he just knew that. He has a high level of empathy for a 13-year-old. It was really impressive to see him work and to see what he gave to us.

Robinson: It’s just a true performance. A lot of actors that have been trained in that way, they end up acting how actors act. They’re doing performances that they’ve seen before on TV rather than- I have no references, everything is just instinct. It’s like rappers. Some rappers act like how rappers act. It’s things that they’ve heard before just through growing up in this field. When you get someone who is completely fresh it’s like- there’s no blueprint. They’re rolling on complete instinct. I think that’s partly why his performance is so beautiful.

The Kitchen is a dystopian sci-fi thriller set against the backdrop of London made in the vision of its directors. It’s a story about community, family, resistance, faith, fear, trauma, and above all love; both for the people that touch your life and for the places you come from. The Kitchen has a lot to say about the relationships we form with the people around us and the importance of connection, especially in a world where the systems that prevail would rather we be isolated and remain individualistic. And that ending… you’ll just have to watch the film to see what it is.

 

The Kitchen begins streaming on Netflix starting January 19th.

 

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power book III raising kanan
The LatestTV

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 3, Episode 6 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

This week’s installment of Power Book III: Raising Kanan was a rollercoaster of excitement, captivating viewers from the opening scene to the final moments. The aftermath of Unique’s demise took the narrative to new heights, unveiling intriguing developments that enriched the storyline with additional layers.

The party scenes were a visual delight, infusing the screen with vibrant energy and engaging moments. Lou Lou’s disruptive actions towards the end injected a delightful chaos, offering a glimpse into the complexities of Raq’s dealings and the challenges she confronts in her pursuits. The palpable dynamic between Lou Lou and Raq, complete with flaws and frustrations, added a nuanced depth to their characters.

Ronnie, ever the source of comic relief with his unique and humorous movements, kept the audience entertained. The anticipation of Ronnie’s reactions in any given situation added a touch of humor to the intense moments, including his potential response to Kanan’s prolonged unconsciousness.

The introduction of Ishmael and Kanan seamlessly joining his drug transport crew introduced fresh plot avenues. Kanan’s journey into the criminal underworld took unexpected turns, emphasizing his evolution into a formidable force. The interaction with Paul showcased Kanan’s growing character, with exceptional cinematography creating visually stunning and impactful moments.

Kanan’s dialogue with Paul marked a pivotal moment, showcasing his transformation into the hardened figure known in the Power universe. The line, “I done seen a lot of grown men get put down by kids out here,” was not only chilling but also underscored Kanan’s ascent as a formidable force in the criminal landscape.

As the plot thickens, the possibility of Marvin facing imprisonment adds another layer of tension, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Marvin, a fan favorite among the trio, introduces an element of uncertainty and anticipation for his future.

Intriguingly, the episode hinted at Raquel’s contemplation of re-entering the game. The complexities of her character and the choices she faces add a compelling layer to the narrative. Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to deliver a riveting storyline, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next twists and turns in this enthralling saga. Stay tuned for more gripping episodes!

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Exclusive: Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo Talk ‘Role Play’ [VIDEO]

by Kinsey Schofield
written by Kinsey Schofield

Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo discuss their latest hit, ROLE PLAY, on Amazon Prime Video with The Knockturnal‘s Kinsey Schofield. Watch Kaley discover that David is royalty in real life! Plus, find out their latest dog count and how Kaley kept her pregnancy a secret on set!

Secrets don’t make friends but they sure make good action movies!

Prime Video’s ROLE PLAY starring Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) and David Oyelowo (Selma) will have you lunging out of your seat and hiding under your blanket! This action-packed comedy revolves around a wholesome married couple looking to spice things up. What is so action-packed about THAT you might ask? Oh, probably just Emma’s (Kaley) secret life as a cold-blooded assassin! Poor David’s character (Dave. Conveniently.) is left oblivious as he packs the tedious PB&J and carts the kids off to school. But all hell breaks loose when the couple decides to have a weekend to themselves and Emma is recognized by the bad guys! They say all is fair in love and war… but what happens with the two collide?

The chemistry between Cuoco and Oyelowo is authentic and outstanding. These are two individuals who clearly enjoy and respect each other on and off screen. In fact, the two got along so well that journalists would have to pause for their laughter to end between hits. You felt like you were walking into an inside joke and so badly wanted to be included in the fun. You feel the same FOMO watching the pair on the big screen. “Why are these two not my neighbors? I want to BBQ at their house!”

This stellar film features several familiar faces including Bill Nighy (Love Actually… THE Love Actually!), Connie Nielsen (Wonder Woman), and Stephanie Levi-John of The Spanish Princess. If you love action movies that keep you on the edge of your seat… if you love looking at David Oyelowo (I mean, he’s precious.) or anything starring puppy-loving Kaley Cuoco (5 dogs.) then this is the movie for you.

Prime Video’s ROLE PLAY is available to stream on January 12, 2024. Subscription required.

Kinsey Schofield is a contributor to The Knockturnal and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Netflix Premieres ‘Lift’ at Lincoln Center with a Star-Studded Cast

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

Netflix premiered its latest action heist film at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC on Monday, January 8. Directed by F.Gary Grey and written by Daniel Kunka, Kevin Hart who plays Cyrus Whitaker races to lift $500 million in gold along with his castmates Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Billy Magnussen, Jacob Batalon, Yun Jee Kim, & Viveik Kalra. Lift has been in production for a few years setting the tone for the first quarter as an original Netflix film.

In a Red Carpet interview with Netflix, Gugu Mbatha-Raw who plays Interpol agent Abby Gladwell shares that she hopes audiences will feel swept up in the film and describes it as a “fresh, fast action-thriller”.

(L-R) Yun Jee Kim, Kevin Hart, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Courtesy Netflix

Escapism was a central theme for the movie and the night of the premiere. While orchestrating a large-scale heist 40,000ft in the air might be implausible, bringing together a talented team and a cast that understands the story Grey and Kunka wanted to tell is critical. Creating characters that the audience can connect with is the most important aspect of filmmaking. A compelling script and great characters ensure a good movie, but having the right people in the room with the right energy completely transforms how it’s perceived. This, in turn, influences how people engage with the film and what we ultimately consume as the audience. Grey touched on this during his Red Carpet interview, expressing, ‘I want the audience to escape, be taken on a ride, enjoy the actors, enjoy the performances, and hopefully, they will.'”

 

 

 

Lift will be available to stream on Netflix January 12th

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