Weekly Entertainment Digest – December 16th

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Weekly Entertainment Digest

More movies, giveaways, and screenings! It’s the busiest time of year but there’s still a lot of great things happening in entertainment!

Looking for Holiday movies? We have a lot of fun options coming out on Hulu and AppleTV+. Be sure to stay up to date with the latest movie releases, and don’t miss the screenings.

Metro Detroit Local Events

Screenings

Movie and Series Review

Giveaways

Movie and Entertainment Updates:

RUTHLESS – Available on December 15th

Harry (Dermot Mulroney) is a high school wrestling coach recovering from the loss of his daughter who was murdered in a brutal attack.  When one of his students disappears under conditions eerily similar to his daughter’s, Harry takes matters into his own hands to hunt down the men responsible for her kidnapping and will stop at nothing to rescue her from their human trafficking operation.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians – First Episode Premiering on Hulu on December 20th

Hulu announced today that it would launch the first episode of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” on the platform, simultaneous to its launch on Disney+ on December 20th. The Disney+ Original series launches with a two-episode premiere on Disney+, followed by new episodes weekly, so viewers can continue the series on Disney+.  The first episode will be available on Hulu through January 31st.

Percy Jackson is on a dangerous quest. Outrunning monsters and outwitting gods, he must journey across America to return Zeus’ master bolt and stop an all-out war. With the help of his quest mates Annabeth and Grover, Percy’s journey will lead him closer to the answers he seeks: how to fit into a world where he feels out of place, and find out who he’s destined to be.

20TH CENTURY STUDIOS’ EPIC SCI-FI ACTION THRILLER “THE CREATOR” TO DEBUT on Hulu WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20th

20th Century Studios’ “The Creator,” the epic sci-fi action thriller directed by Gareth Edwards which was released in theaters September 29, will debut Wednesday, December 20, on Hulu.

The film, which stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles, and Allison Janney, is set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war…and mankind itself. Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory, only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child (Voyles). The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, with a screenplay by Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz from a story by Gareth Edwards. The producers are Gareth Edwards, p.g.a., Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan. The executive producers are Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer, and Zev Foreman.

“WHAT IF…?” SEASON 2 – Begins Streaming on Disney+ December 22nd

Filmmakers, press and special guests gathered on The Walt Disney Studios lot to screen two all-new episodes of season two of Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” which streams on Disney+ beginning Dec. 22. The special screening, introduced by executive producer Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming, television and animation for Marvel Studios, was followed by a Q&A with filmmakers including director/EP Bryan Andrews, writer/EP AC Bradley and writer/producer Matthew Chauncey. Check out images from the event and share with your readers. 

Episodes screened this evening:

Episode 1: “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?”

In a world where Ronan deposes Thanos long before the events of “Infinity War,” Nebula is recruited to join the Nova Corps. Desperate to escape her father’s shadow, she sets out to prove her detective chops.

Episode 3: “What If Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?”

When Justin Hammer lays siege to Avengers Tower during the annual holiday party, there’s only one person left on site to stop him—Happy Hogan. But in setting out to prove his hero chops, Iron Man’s errand boy may end up transforming himself in more ways than one.

A LOOK AHEAD FOR MARVEL ANIMATION

As a surprise for those in the room, Winderbaum shared a sizzle reel highlighting three of the studio’s upcoming animated series. 

  • “Eyes of Wakanda” was revealed for the first time tonight. Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story.
  • Previously announced “X-Men ’97” and “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” (previously titled “Spider-Man: Freshman Year”) were also part of the lineup featured. 

ABOUT “WHAT IF…?”

With a new episode debuting nightly beginning Dec. 22, season two of “What If…?” continues the journey as The Watcher guides viewers through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Featuring fan-favorite characters this season like Nebula, Hela and Happy Hogan, episodes are directed by Bryan Andrews (eps 2-9) and Stephan Franck (ep 1) and written by AC Bradley (eps 3, 4, 5, 8), Matthew Chauncey (eps 1-3, 7, 9) and Ryan Little (eps 6, 8). The animated series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley.

MEAN GIRLS | NEW FEATURETTE AVAILABLE AND TICKETS ON SALE – In Theaters January 12th

From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

Choreography Featurette

ORIGIN – In Theaters January 19th

While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable loss and uncovers the beauty of love and human resilience. Inspired by the New York Times best-seller “Caste” and starring Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”), ORIGIN explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance and a fight for our future.

WOLF PACK on Blu-ray January 23rd

Wolfpack

While seeking answers about his father’s death, a tactically trained physician infiltrates a mercenary group and uncovers an international conspiracy in WOLF PACK, available on Digital August 29 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Written and directed by first-time filmmaker Michael Chiang, WOLF PACK stars Max Zhang (Ip Man 3Master Z: Ip Man LegacyThe Grandmaster), Aarif Lee (Kung Fu YogaThe Thousand Faces of Dunjia), Jiang Luxia (God of WarOnce Upon a Time in Shanghai), Liu Ye (Sky HunterAge of Legends), Zhang Yi (The Wandering Earth II), and Gianluca Zoppa (Too Cool to KillThe Wandering Earth I II). 

YOUR LUCKY DAY – On Digital & Blu-ray January 23rd

After a dispute over a winning lottery ticket turns deadly, the witnesses must decide how far they are willing to go for a cut of the jackpot in the “riveting and intense” (A Movie Guy) crime thriller YOUR LUCKY DAY, debuting on Digital and Blu-ray January 23 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Written and directed by Daniel Brown (based on his acclaimed 2010 short film), YOUR LUCKY DAY stars Angus Cloud (“Euphoria”), Jessica Garza (The Purge), Elliot Knight (Color Out of Space) and Sterling Beaumon (The Killing), Jason O’Mara (“The Man in the High Castle”), Jason Wiles (Sunny Daze, “Third Watch”) and Spencer Garrett (Dopesick)​. 

MILLER’S GIRL is Coming to Theaters on January 26th

A talented young writer (Jenna Ortega) embarks on a creative odyssey when her teacher (Martin Freeman) assigns a project that entangles them both in an increasingly complex web. As lines blur and their lives intertwine, professor and protégé must confront their darkest selves while straining to preserve their individual sense of purpose and the things they hold most dear.

HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS – In Theaters January 26th

‘HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS’ explores the universal truths of family, encompassing both the bonds we inherit and those we create. The narrative revolves around Dita, who, despite never aspiring to be a mother, finds herself compelled to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters—Mia, a tiny troublemaker, and Vanesa, a rebellious teenager. As their individual wills clash, a heartwarming story unfolds about an unlikely family’s struggle to stay together.

The New Look – Streaming on AppleTV+ On February 14th

Apple TV+ unveiled that three-time Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Glenn Close will play Carmel Snow, the legendary editor-in-chief of the iconic fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar, in its historical drama series “The New Look,” from Todd A. Kessler, and shared a first-look at the character. The role marks the first reunion for Close and creator Kessler since their award-winning collaboration on the acclaimed series “Damages.” 

Close joins a star-studded ensemble cast that is led by Emmy Award winner Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, alongside Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel; Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior; John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong; Emily Mortimer as Elsa Lombardi; and, Claes Bang as Spatz. “The New Look” will premiere with the first three episodes of the 10-episode series on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode every Wednesday through April 3.

Inspired by true events and filmed exclusively in Paris, “The New Look” centers on fashion designers Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and their contemporaries as they navigated the horrors of World War II and launched modern fashion. 

Set against the World War II Nazi occupation of Paris, “The New Look” focuses on the pivotal moment in the 20th century when the French city led the world back to life through its fashion icon Christian Dior. As Dior rises to prominence with his groundbreaking, iconic imprint of beauty and influence, Chanel’s reign as the world’s most famous fashion designer is put into jeopardy. The interwoven saga follows the surprising stories of Dior’s contemporaries and rivals from Chanel to Pierre Balmain, Cristóbal Balenciaga and more; and, provides a stunning view into the atelier, designs and clothing created by Christian Dior through collaboration with the House of Dior.

“The New Look” is produced by Apple Studios and DB-AK Productions, and is written, executive produced and directed by Kessler. Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Baker also serve as executive producers. 

Damsel – Streaming on Netflix – March 8th, 2024

A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive.

Kung Fu Panda 4 – Trailer Available Now – In theaters March 8th

This spring, for the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4. 

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

@dreamworks The #KungFuPanda family just got bigger. Welcome @awkwafina and @violadavis. See the trailer for #KungFuPanda ♬ original sound – DreamWorks Animation

That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position. 

Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Oscar® winner Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. 

So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Golden Globe winner Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places. 

The film features the voice talent of returning stars Academy Award® winner Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Academy Award® nominee Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father, Li, and Emmy Award nominee Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Oscar® winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves. 

Kung Fu Panda 4 is directed by Mike Mitchell (DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Shrek Forever After) and produced by Rebecca Huntley (DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys). The film’s co-director is Stephanie Ma Stine (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power). In 2008, the Academy Award®-nominated 2008 inaugural chapter, Kung Fu Panda, became DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing original animated film and launched a franchise that has earned more than $1.8 billion at the global box-office.

Manhunt – Premieres on Apple TV+ on March 15th

Apple TV+ unveiled its first look at “Manhunt,” the upcoming, seven-part true crime limited series starring Emmy Award-winning actor Tobias Menzies (“The Crown,” “Game of Thrones,” “Outlander”), and created by Emmy nominee Monica Beletsky (“Fargo,” “The Leftovers,” “Friday Night Lights”), who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. Emmy nominee Carl Franklin (“Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “One False Move,” “Devil in a Blue Dress”) directed the first two episodes and is also an executive producer on the series.  “Manhunt” is set to make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes airing on Friday, March 15, 2024, and episodes will debut weekly on Fridays through April 19, 2024.

Based on The New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning non-fiction book from author James L. Swanson, “Manhunt” is a conspiracy thriller about one of the best known but least understood crimes in history, the astonishing story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Starring alongside Menzies are Anthony Boyle (“Tetris,” “The Plot Against America”), Lovie Simone (“Greenleaf”), Will Harrison (“Daisy Jones & The Six”), Brandon Flynn (“13 Reasons Why”), Damian O’Hare (“Hatfields & McCoys”), Glenn Morshower (“The Resident”), Patton Oswalt (“A.P. Bio”), Matt Walsh (“Veep”), and Hamish Linklater (“The Big Short”).

“Manhunt” is produced by Apple Studios and co-produced by Lionsgate Television, in association with POV Entertainment, Walden Media, 3 Arts Entertainment, Dovetale Productions and Monarch Pictures. Beletsky, Franklin, Layne Eskridge, and Kate Barry executive produce. Swanson, author of “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” also serves as executive producer alongside Michael Rotenberg, Richard Abate, Frank Smith and Naia Cucukov.    

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES – In Theaters March 22nd

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES is a fresh, satirical comedy about a young man, Aren, who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier. 

BACK TO BLACK in theaters on May 10th, 2024

Focus Features will release BACK TO BLACK in the U.S. on May 10, 2024. BACK TO BLACK is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson from a script written by Matt Greenhalgh, following their successful collaboration on NOWHERE BOY in 2009.

The film stars break-out actress Marisa Abela (Industry) in the coveted lead role alongside Jack O’Connell (Ferrari), Eddie Marsan (Fair Play) and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris).

BACK TO BLACK is a never-before-seen glimpse into Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and the release of her groundbreaking studio album, Back to Black. Told from Amy’s perspective, the film is an unapologetic look at the woman behind the phenomenon and the relationship that inspired one of the most legendary albums of all time

Amy Winehouse is widely considered one of the greatest artists in recent history, selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and today generating more than 80 million streams per month. Her acclaimed produced 2006 album Back To Black, propelled her to global stardom, going on to win a (then) record breaking 5 Grammy Awards, including Record Of The Year and Song of The Year for hit single Rehab.

Studio Canal previously announced the release dates for international territories including, UK (April 12), Poland (April 12), Germany (April 18), Netherlands (April 18), France (April 24), and NZ (April 25).

Universal Pictures International will handle distribution in the rest of the world.

IF | Teaser Trailer – In Theaters May 17th

From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

TOUCH in Theaters July 12th

Focus Features will release Baltasar Kormákur’s romantic-drama TOUCH in theaters on July 12, 2024. Focus is distributing TOUCH domestically, with Universal Pictures International handling international distribution (excluding Iceland). TOUCH is based on the Icelandic best-selling novel by Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson published by Ecco/Harper Collins in the U.S August 2022.

A romantic and thrilling story that spans several decades and continents; TOUCH follows one widower’s emotional journey to find his first love who disappeared 50 years ago, before his time runs out.

The film features a robust cast of performers including, Egill Ólafsson, Kōki, Pálmi Kormákur, Masahiro Motoki, Yoko Narahashi, Meg Kubota, Tatsuya Tagawa, Charles Nishikawa, Sigurður Ingvarsson, Starkaður  Pétursson, Benedikt Erlingsson, Kieran Buckeridge, Ruth Sheen, María Ellingsen and Masatoshi Nakamura.

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