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Tag Archives | films

Copycat Killers TV series graphic

“Copycat Killers” TV series premieres this Saturday

A new TV series debuting this Saturday takes a look at the dark side of Hollywood films. Frequently motion pictures are inspired by reality, however, in some strange and terrifying cases killers imitate or copy what they’ve seen on the big screen.  “Copycat Killers” is a behind the scenes look at headline grabbing murder cases and the dramatic hunt for the perpetrators. “Copycat Killers” contains interviews; from law enforcement investigators to family members of victims to experts, in a variety of fields, including Russell... Read More →

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New “Star Wars” trailer and advance ticket sales are huge

As expected the new Star Wars trailer dropped on the scene last night and it rocked our world. The new trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” debuted during Monday Night Football last night and exploded. The trailer has had over 15 million views on YouTube so far. Also last night, advance ticket sales kicked off for the December 18 release. The rush for those tickets was so great by the die-hard fans there are reports of record sales and websites like Fandango and... Read More →

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Poster for the documentary "Alive Inside" a story of music and memory

Award-winning film “Alive Inside” screening in Burbank

A documentary about the power of music and its ability to touch the lives of people suffering from memory loss is set to be screened here in Burbank tomorrow. “Alive Inside: A story of Music and Memory” is by Michael Rossato-Bennett and it won the 2014 Audience Award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film”chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music,” according to its website.  “Alive Inside” will be shown at the Providence Saint... Read More →

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box of popcorn and movie reel in graphic

“Jurassic World” stomps competition and breaks records

As predicted, Universal’s “Jurassic World” was a monster at the box office  over the weekend. The dino-pix stomped the competition and now owns the record for the biggest weekend debut in the U.S. with a haul of $208.8 million. The previous record holder “Marvel’s The Avengers” (2012) slipped down into second place with $207.4 million. Also, “Jurassic World” grabbed the number spot for best International opening with $315.3 million. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part... Read More →

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Photo courtesy Anne O'Neal producer/director of "Sing Your Own Song: an Opera Love Story"

Burbank filmmaker’s documentary set for premiere in North Hollywood

Long time Burbank resident and filmmaker, Anne O’Neal, has a lot to smile about and be proud of  these days. O’Neal’s first documentary is making the rounds at the film festivals. “Sing Your Own Song: an Opera Love Story” was nominated for Best Feature Documentary at the Long Beach Indie International Film Festival 2014 last summer  and  has been selected to appear at the 14th Annual Valley Film Festival next month. “Sing Your Own Song: an Opera Love Story” focuses on a local group of talented and... Read More →

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"Hunger Games" Josh Hutcherson buys Studio City home

Around the Southland: “Hunger Games” star buys $1.25 million home

“Hunger Games” star Josh Hutcherson has bought a $1.25 million home on a tree-lined street in Studio City. The home is being called East Coast traditional and got a complete re-do back in 2011, according to the Trulia real estate blog. The 1,506 square foot three bedroom and two bath house, is beautifully decorated in black and white. The highlights of the property include dark hardwood floors, a cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, landscaped grounds, and lovely views of the hills. Despite the property’s pluses,... Read More →

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Meryl Streep selling L.A. home

Around the Southland: Meryl Streep selling newly purchased home

    The highly acclaimed actress, Meryl Streep, is trying to sell a newly purchased home in the Hollywood Hills for way more than she paid for it. Streep bought an ultra modern house above Sunset Plaza on the Sunset Strip, for $4.5 million in February of 2013, according to the Zillow blog. The 1950s home had been extensively remodeled in 2010 and turned into an ultra-chic property. Since Streep bought it just a little over a year ago, there doesn’t appear to be much change... Read More →

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Captain America The Winter Soldier movie poster

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” scores $95 million at box office

  Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is being called the first blockbuster of the summer season, even though the calendar says it’s still April. The final weekend numbers are out today, they should the action adventure  debuted with a spectacular $95, 023 million to grab the top spot at the domestic box office. The film beat the previous record for an April opening of $86 million set back in 2011 by  the Universal actioner “Fast Five.” Worldwide,  “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” has scored $302, 123 million... Read More →

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New action packed trailer for “Jupiter Ascending”

A new sci-fi film is stirring up interest. “Jupiter Ascending” is directed  and written by Andy and  Lana Wachowski, two science fiction/fantasy loving filmmakers who created  the ground-breaking  special effects laden”Matrix”  movie series. “Jupiter Ascending” stars Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones, a janitor who had some tough breaks, but also has an impressive set of genes, which mark her as the next ruler of the Universe. That gets her in trouble. To the rescue, Cane, an interplanetary ex-military hunter, played by Channing Tatum.  Movie opens this summer on July 18.

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“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” trailer

No surprise, a lot of buzz out there for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” The movie web-slings into theaters in a few short weeks. Andrew Garfield is back as the struggling hero, Peter Parker, and Emma Stone is Gwen — the love interest. Probably most interesting are the villains: Jamie Foxx as Electro and Dana DeHaan as Green Goblin.  “Amazing Spider-Man 2” opens in the U.S. on Friday May 2. See trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg2Akx-G7IE or on Media City Groove.

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New trailer for Disney’s “Maleficent”

Disney released the third trailer for its upcoming animation, “Maleficent,”today . The movie centers on the dark side of the classic fairytale, “Sleeping Beauty.” Angelina Jolie plays the baddy named “Maleficent” and this her story of how her pure heart got turned to stone and she became the most feared creature around. “Maleficent” opens in theaters May 30, 2014.

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"Mr. Peabody & Sherman" movie poster

“Mr. Peabody & Sherman” tops the box office

  “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” rolled right over the competition to the number one spot at the domestic box office. The animation picture scooped up $21.8 million to move up from second last week to first place over the weekend. The bloody drama, “300: Rise of An Empire,” dropped from first to second with $19.2 million. The new actioner, “Need for Speed,” got off to a fast start at theaters, but quickly lost power and ended up in third place with $17.8 million. Adapted from a series of... Read More →

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Hollywood clip art

Hollywood Deals: March 13, 2014

FilmNation has snatched up the hot spec script, “Aether,” and putting it on the fast track. Not much is being released about the screenplay, but FilmNation is crowing about the acquisition. “I’m astounded by the level of talent and inventiveness we’ve come across from such a young voice,” said FilmNation production president, Aaron Ryder, on Deadline. “We’re terribly excited to produce this film. We’re also anxious to learn how to pronounce its title!” The sci-fi- thriller is written by Brit,Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Screenwriter/author, Seth... Read More →

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New movie poster for Disney's "Maleficent"

Disney’s “Maleficent” new movie poster

You gotta love the wicked new poster for Disney’s “Maleficent.” Angelina Jolie looks devilishly fabulous as the movie’s antagonist. The fantasy adventure tells the dark side of Disney’s version of “Sleeping Beauty.” Maleficent is the villainess and the movie focuses on what turned her into such an evil, ah, witch who would curse the young fairytale princess, Aurora. “Maleficent” opens in a few weeks on May 28. Also, the film now has its own Twitter account. You can follow it here.

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"300: Rise of an Empire" movie poster

“300: Rise of an Empire” slays the competition at box office

The bloody actioner, “300: Rise of an Empire,” slayed the competition to become the number one movie in the country. The final numbers are out today and they show, “300: Rise of an Empire,” won the domestic box office race with a debut of $45 million. This is the sequel to the successful battle film, “300”(2006),  about 300 brave Spartans who take on an invading army of 300,000 Persians. That film has grossed $456 million worldwide.”Rise of the Empire,” is  about another brutal confrontation — the Greeks fighting... Read More →

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"12 Years a Slave" movie poster

Script sales and deals from “American Crime” to “Winter’s Knight”

Despite all that chatter on the Internet about a feud between “12 Years a Slave” screenwriter, John Ridley, and the picture’s director, Steve McQueen,” Ridley is moving forward with a high-profile T.V. project. Apparently McQueen is ticked off with Ridley for not wanting to share his screenwriting credit. Ridley won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar at the 86th Academy Awards last Sunday. McQueen did not leave the ceremony empty-handed. He picked up a gold statuette when the brutal historical drama about slavery in America won Best Picture.... Read More →

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poster for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” new movie poster

The next big screen adventure for Steve Rogers aka Captain America, portrayed by Chris Evans, hits theaters next month. The media blitz is kicking into high gear. On Wednesday, March 5, a new movie poster for Marvel’s”Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was released and it features Sebastian Stan as the villainous Winter Soldier.

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Oscars big night clip art

The best and worst Best Picture Oscar winners

Sure, a lot of chatter about the possibility of rain on the red carpet at the 86th Academy Awards today, but most of the talk is about which picture will win the tight race for the Best Picture Oscar. Will it be one of the leading contenders”12 Years a Slave,” or “American Hustle,” or “Gravity,” or maybe one of the other nominees: “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Her,” “Nebraska,” “Philomena,” “The Wolf of Wall Street?” Each year, the Academy voters have a number of choices for this major... Read More →

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