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Bryson Tiller Drops Original Song For ‘PAW Patrol’ Movie And Talks New Album

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

If you’ve ever talked to or been around a child then you’ve probably heard of PAW Patrol.

The Nickelodeon children’s show first premiered in 2013 and has since spiraled into one of the network’s most successful shows. From toys and merchandise to live shows, PAW Patrol has accomplished what most children’s programs could only dream of doing: world domination.

It’s in your homes, in your phones, on your TV, and now in your theatres. PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie will be making its way to the big screen at the end of this month and expect to hear some familiar voices, as well.

The film includes a celeb-packed cast and voiceovers from Taraji P. Henson, Kim Kardashian and her kids North and Saint West, Kristen Bell, Marsai Martin, and more.

Based on the beloved characters from the show, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie follows the whole gang of pups as they venture through their town of Adventure City to defeat supervillains and protect their community.

When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the superpowers and turn themselves into supervillains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie features all-new, original songs from Bryson Tiller, Christina Aguilera, Mckenna Grace, and Blackbear.

Turns out the puppy cops are pretty popular amongst the adults, as well.

Bryson has been MIA musically for a while now but his initial reaction to being asked to be a part of the film’s soundtrack was nothing short of excitement.

“As soon as I saw it, I was like ‘hell yeah, I’m doing this right away.’”

We chatted with Bryson about his deep love for the puppies in uniform and, of course, when he plans on gracing us with new music.

So, let’s talk about this new song that you have for the new PAW Patrol film, “Down Like That.” Could you tell me more about how this came about, when you were approached with this were you all for it or did you need convincing from your kids?

Bryson Tiller: Oh no, I was all for it right away. They didn’t even have to- They didn’t even know about it. As soon as I saw it, excuse my language, I was just like “Hell yes” I’m doing this right away.

Really? Are you a PAW Patrol fan?

Bryson Tiller: It was just more so the fact that I just always wanted to be a part of something, you know, like a kid’s TV show or movie, you know, soundtrack or whatever. I watched the first movie with my daughter a while ago when it came out, the first PAW Patrol movie. So just yeah, it was a no-brainer for me.

Could we see you doing maybe some acting or voice-overs in the future?

Bryson Tiller: Acting, voiceovers, I don’t know. Maybe, yeah maybe voiceovers. I don’t know about acting.

Well, speaking of music, we all know you’ve kind of been in and out of the music scene over the years. So, when you do drop something does it feel like an unofficial return or like a warm-up for when you do officially drop?

Bryson Tiller: Sometimes I guess, I don’t know. I like to create music. People know this about me. I like to just, kind of the way I came up in the music industry was just creating something and releasing creations to the public right away on my own time. With albums and stuff, it’s a sample clearances and all this different stuff. So, it’s not like I can just make the music and then just upload it to Apple Music myself tomorrow. I wish that I could do it that way, I think that would be better. Just trying to get used to this new thing. So anyways, when I do release music it’s not really like, “Oh, I’m gearing up for my return! It’s coming!” or anything like that. I just like to create things and share them with the world.

That’s good to know. Cause I was definitely going to ask if you were pulling a Rihanna on us. I didn’t know if we would ever going to see you again, so you know, I just had to make sure. You’re very active on Twitch, you’re a full-time father. Sometimes you’re streaming, sometimes you’re making music for films like this or you’re doing features. Like, the song you did with Diddy recently. Or you might even drop a mini EP on SoundCloud. What can we expect from you in the future, musically? If you can talk about it, or if you’d like to talk about it!

Bryson Tiller: Yeah, absolutely I can talk about it. I’m releasing an album soon, I’ve been working on it for some time now. I finished it, well at least I thought I finished it earlier this year. I would say I finished the first phase of the album, like just something to listen to, dissect, and see what’s missing.

So, the first phase of the album, I finished it. Now I’m preparing to go back to LA to really finish this thing so I can release it on time for next year. Yeah, I’m super excited about it. You mentioned the Rihanna thing, I actually do plan on taking a bit of a hiatus after this album just to get closer to my kids and do a lot of other passions that are important to me.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is in theaters September 29th. “Down Like That” is out now. Watch the lyric video below.

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power book IV force season 2 episode 2 review
EntertainmentTV

Power Book IV: Force Season 2, Episode 2 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

In the latest episode of Power Book IV: Force, viewers were treated to a plethora of intriguing developments that added depth and complexity to the unfolding narrative.

Firstly, the arrival of a highly intelligent cop character was a notable departure from the usual law enforcement personas in the Power universe. This character’s astuteness promises to introduce a new dynamic to the series.The episode kicked off with an eyebrow-raising scene involving Diamond, whose intimate encounter with a female cop took the shock factor to another level. This daring opening set the tone for a riveting episode.

Diamond’s conversation with Tommy couldn’t help but draw parallels to Ghost, suggesting a transformation in his character that is sure to keep audiences engaged. Jenard and his crew, on the other hand, continued to underwhelm, appearing ineffectual and out of their depth. Their consistent poor decision-making only reinforces their lack of prowess. Vic’s candid remark about his sister was brutally honest, highlighting the potential benefit of distancing himself from his family’s toxic influence.

A surprising revelation was Claudia’s bisexuality, adding an unexpected layer to her character and hinting at further complexities yet to be explored. Jenard’s escalating involvement in criminal activities indicated that he might be biting off more than he can chew, setting the stage for future complications. The shocking moment when Tommy was shot left viewers on edge, while Miguel’s crew’s expanding knowledge of Tommy, including his connection to Julio, signaled impending conflict.

Mireya’s intriguing dual role as both a nurse and, potentially, a doctor for Miguel’s crew raised intriguing questions about her character’s moral ambiguity. Stacy’s anticipated failure in her law enforcement role followed the established pattern in Power, where authorities often find themselves outmatched and outmaneuvered.

Vic’s apparent detachment from his previous priorities suggested a significant shift in his character, adding to the evolving dynamics within the series. The introduction of the cartel injected a palpable sense of danger and intrigue, with Miguel’s palpable fear hinting at a formidable adversary that will shape the unfolding narrative.

Two episodes into the season, it’s already evident that this installment of Power is exceeding expectations, promising a compelling and complex web of characters and plot twists for fans to eagerly anticipate.

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the walking dead: daryl dixon
EntertainmentTV

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – A Visually Stunning Series with an Underwhelming Plot

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

Following the triumphant conclusion of The Walking Dead: Dead City, I eagerly anticipated Daryl Dixon’s next chapter post-main show. To my surprise, Daryl found himself thrust into uncharted French territory. I had the opportunity to dive into the first season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and the excitement continued at San Diego Comic Con when AMC unveiled its action-packed renewal for a second season.

Let’s dive straight into the breathtaking visuals of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The production and cinematography truly excel in capturing the essence of the zombie outbreak in France. From the grandeur of the mountains and winding roads to the eerie transformation of iconic landmarks and the haunting beauty of rural landscapes, it’s as if you’re embarking on an epic adventure within an expansive open-world video game.

Another intriguing facet of the visual experience is the seamless integration of the entire French landscape into Daryl Dixon’s environment. Daryl, being in a foreign land, grapples with the linguistic and cultural differences that surround him. His inability to comprehend the entirety of France forces him to rely on either a translator or his own wits to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Every step he takes, every interaction he has, becomes a puzzle to solve in his quest to find his way back home.

It’s worth noting that Daryl is not the sole American who has found themselves in France within the storyline. However, their paths to arriving in this foreign land diverged significantly from Daryl’s, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative.

Isabelle undeniably shines as one of the standout characters in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. At the behest of AMC, I must tread carefully around revealing too much about her major plot developments, but I can share that her character introduces viewers to the very origins of the outbreak in France through a poignant flashback scene. To put it frankly, Isabelle evolves into the show’s most compelling character, taking me on a journey from initially perceiving her as inconspicuous to gaining profound insight into the depth of her character and the reasons behind her actions. Her character arc is nothing short of riveting, and it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series.

Daryl Dixon, on the other hand, undergoes remarkable character development in this series, allowing Norman Reedus to showcase a broader range in his acting abilities. This transformation is particularly notable because Daryl takes on the role of the main lead within an entirely new cast. His standout moments occur in episodes 2, 4, and 6. While it might appear as though he is being humanized for the more casual viewers, I found this evolution necessary to demonstrate how his character has evolved from his time in the main show.

Laurent is what happens when you throw in a Fear The Walking Dead story on another child. I find him to be very pointless and there is also one scene at the start of an unspecified episode that annoyed the shit out of me. I will only say that it involves a walker horde and him. I will let your imagination think of it. However, who his mother is for this story ties into the start of the apocalypse in France.

Setting aside those points, my chief criticisms of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon revolve around its disjointed storytelling. Following the initial episode, it becomes evident that there are issues with pacing, writing, and a noticeable shift in tone. The narrative loses its sense of direction, as if attempting to check off a laundry list of elements to cram into the storyline. Regrettably, this approach lacks the depth and substance needed to truly engage the audience.

Remember those variant walkers you saw on the main show? We do not get much of that here besides two major scenes. I would have thought what we saw at the end of World Beyond would play into Daryl Dixon and that was only half the truth. It does not help that the main villain is generic as hell.

The action is great. Especially towards the end of the season. I also cannot reveal what led Daryl to France, but I can say that he had a pit stop at Maine prior to the incident that led him there. I just wish that it did not take a long number of episodes to show this.

In conclusion, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is a must-watch for dedicated fans looking to stay connected to the broader franchise. It certainly delivers on the fronts of action and suspense, providing the kind of gripping entertainment viewers have come to expect from the series. However, my only lament is the missed opportunity for a more captivating and robust storytelling narrative. 

A greater emphasis on character depth and plot development could have elevated the series from being merely entertaining to truly engrossing. Nonetheless, for those invested in the world of The Walking Dead, it’s an essential addition to the canon.

Also, watch until the final scene of the season finale.

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EntertainmentFeaturedTV

“POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN”: Third Season Premire December 1, STARZ ANNOUNCES

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

The excitement reaches a fever pitch as STARZ announces the long-awaited return of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” with its third season set to debut on December 1.

Fans can mark their calendars for the thrilling journey ahead, as STARZ reveals tantalizing first-look photos that offer a glimpse into the riveting narrative. The highly anticipated new episodes of “Raising Kanan” will be available for streaming on the STARZ app and on-demand platforms, while also captivating audiences on linear television in the U.S., Canada, and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the U.K. and Ireland.

In the heart of Southside Jamaica, Queens, the main character’s tumultuous journey resumes right where it left off after season two. The aftermath of the Mob’s relentless assault on Raquel, Marvin, and Lou-Lou reverberates through the narrative, leaving emotions high and the stakes even higher.

As the captivating drama unfolds, viewers can expect the introduction of new cast members who will further enrich the storyline. Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods take on the roles of “Snaps” and “Pop” Henry, while Grantham Coleman steps into the shoes of “Ronnie.” These fresh faces join the ensemble, adding depth to the already gripping ensemble.

Returning to the screen are familiar favorites, including the incomparable Patina Miller, reprising her role as “Raquel Thomas,” and MeKai Curtis, captivating audiences once more in the titular role of “Kanan Stark.” The engaging narrative promises to explore the intricate web of relationships and challenges that continue to shape the Thomas family’s destiny.

As anticipation builds, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is gearing up for a new chapter filled with twists, turns, and unmissable moments. With the premiere date locked in, fans can look forward to being transported back into the vibrant and gritty world of Queens, where loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and the pursuit of power knows no bounds.

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FeaturedTV

Power Book IV: Force Season 2, Episode 1 Review

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

In the highly anticipated second season of Power Book IV: Force, there are no brakes on the thrilling ride that awaits.

Tommy Egan, now a hunted man, faces threats from both the Flynn family and the relentless police force, the stakes are higher than ever. His unexpected alliance with a key character from the previous season proves to be a perfect match, adding layers of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.

This season takes a creative turn by using social media as a covert tool for product promotion, showcasing the dealers’ inventive methods of spreading their message. However, the consequences that accompany this approach promise a gripping journey throughout the rest of the season.

The sibling rivalry between Jenard and Diamond escalates, adding an exciting dynamic to the storyline. Both characters undergo substantial development, especially Jenard, who transforms from a one-dimensional figure into a driven individual with a compelling motive.

The early mourning of Gloria and Liliana’s deaths leaves Vic grappling with grief. The impending impact on his family dynamics, especially considering Claudia’s apprehension about Tommy, adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. The ominous threat to the Dahlia recipe intensifies the suspense.

Tommy’s quest for justice following Liliana’s death unravels a gripping mystery, introducing new characters that promise to play pivotal roles throughout the season. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, the first episode of Power Book IV: Force’s second season not only meets but exceeds expectations. The core cast delivers exceptional performances, with every line and scene feeling remarkably natural and authentic. The episode leaves audiences eagerly expecting more, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.

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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.

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EntertainmentEventsEventsNewsThe LatestTV

“Own Time Of Essence “

by JaMir Robert
written by JaMir Robert

The Knockturnal attended the world premiere of #OwnTimeOfEssence A 5 part docu-series about the story behind Essence magazine before it aired.

This new docu-series peels back the curtain and I learned multiple things that I never knew about this brand. An example of the things I never knew about Essence Magazine is that it was founded by four black men Edward Lewis, Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, and Jonathan Blount founded Hollingsworth Group.

This would later be named Essence Communications, Inc. The four businessmen decided to start a magazine at a time when there was no representation of black women in American print media at the time.

The images that were seen on the television and in the new stands didn’t reflect the audience that the men envisioned. To me this was an audacious act, showcasing black women in this light was not only groundbreaking it had never been done before.

This is just 1 of the nuggets you’ll walk away with from just episode 1 that I as a black man can appreciate.

Originally before the name of the Magazine was not Essence as we now know, ideas were floating around amongst the 4 founders and the name of a popular black actress who was on television at that time came up. However, if a black woman was referred to by this character’s name it represented being loud uncouth etc., and was somewhat of a dig.

The name Essence was given by a black woman who worked with the 4 founders and she later took the helm of the creative direction of the magazine. Without giving too much away it serves as an open book of how Black creatives & business owners were able to navigate gain and build financial infrastructure and in return give its culture the same consideration and appeal of a then, sports illustrated or a Playboy magazine which dominated the newsstands but with our stories and in our voice.

Essence Magazine believed in Black Women from day 1 in a time when they were not viewed nor regarded As marketable, beautiful, or interesting. Iconic founder/photographer Jonathan Blount whose iconic eye has contributed to the aesthetic blueprint not only for Black culture and community loosely but for Home community and community full-stop specifically.

This Docu-series is produced by 51 Minds in partnership with Own & along with Executives from Essence. In attendance at the preview, were some of the original alumni staff, production partners, and the Essence Ventures team.

At the world premiere of #TimeOfEssence , There was a discussion on the legacy and an obligation to be the sixth episode of this brand’s story moderated by Essence Ventures CEO Caroline Wagna.

I spoke with dynamic  Caroline @wangawoman  one-on-one after the Q&A, and I had an epiphany of what she was referring to as the sixth episode.

5 documented episodes, however, the sixth She mentioned was a foreshadowing prophetically that as a community the influencers, writers, storytellers,  songwriters, or the people need to share and tell our stories as it becomes a part of the tapestry of the 53-year legacy  Essence essentially laid as a foundation for us to stand on and push forward.  With a mission statement like this, it’s evident that Essence as a global home brand, shows no sign of stopping or slowing down.  Leaving room open for the new as we celebrate the origins.

Episode 1 is binge-worthy leaving many gems, Set your DVRs & grab a nice snack and beverage.  Make sure to watch #TimeOfEssence tomorrow ET/PT on OWN and streaming on Max!

JàMir 

For The Knockturnal

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EventsThe LatestTV

Prime Video Premieres Harlan Coben’s Shelter in NYC

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

Prime Video has introduced the gripping eight-part TV series adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel Shelter. Originally published in 2011, this suspenseful thriller was acquired by Amazon Studios in 2021. The show is part of a trilogy featuring the central character Mickey, and it is co-produced by MGM International Television Productions and Amazon Studios. Harlan Coben assumes the role of Executive Producer.

Jaden Michael, who portrayed a young Colin Kaepernick in Netflix’s Colin in Black & White, is joined by an ensemble cast including Abby Corrigan, playing his goth friend Ema; Adrian Greensmith, also known as Spoon; Constance Zimmer as his aunt Shira Bolitar; Tovah Feldshuh portraying Bat Lady; Sage Linder as Rachel Caldwell, the cheer captain; and Brian Altemus as Rachel’s boyfriend Troy Taylor. Samantha Bugliaro, a newcomer in the acting scene, portrays Ashley, a character who goes missing and assumes the role of a potential love interest for Mickey.

Photo: Prime Video

In the series opener, which premiered at a special screening in Nine Orchard’s, we follow Mickey Bolitar’s journey. Played by Jaden Michael, Mickey grapples with the sudden loss of his father in a car accident. He relocates to a quaint town in Kasselton, New Jersey, to live with his aunt Shira. The initial scenes glimpse his father’s death before the tragic incident, including a mysterious phone call to his sister Shira. His chilling reminder to look after Mickey hints at forthcoming events, casting doubt and suspicion on what lies ahead. Throughout the pilot episode, recurring symbols like the butterfly with menacing eyes and the haunting background song create an eerie atmosphere, signaling that things might not be as they appear.

Photo: Prime Video

The darkness looming over the town is mirrored in Mickey’s past, hinting that his father’s untimely death may not have been a coincidence. The presence of the Bat Lady adds to the local lore, her significance woven intricately into the story’s fabric. As Mickey navigates through the twists and turns, the concept of darkness takes on a multi-faceted meaning—both as a physical reality and as a metaphor for the obscured truths that underlie the town’s history. As secrets are revealed and the past is brought to light, Shelter takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of a community haunted by its own secrets, local legends, and the unknown.

 

Shelter premieres on Prime Video on August 18th, with new episodes every Thursday, with the season finale airing on September 21.

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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+.

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