Weekly Entertainment Digest – October 21st

0
759
Weekly Entertainment Digest - October 21st

Our times at the theaters are about to get busy and in between that, we’ve got a lot of great streaming options as well! Keep an eye on the screenings, there will be a lot coming up in the next few weeks. Theater season is about to get busy!

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

Movie and Entertainment Update

Hulu Original Docuseries “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story” – Streaming October 18th

Hulu has revealed the trailer and key art for the upcoming British Original docuseries “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story,” For the very first time, Coleen Rooney, one of Britain’s most famous celebrities and wife of record-scoring footballer Wayne Rooney, reveals all as the documentary looks at the jaw-dropping libel case that gripped the U.K. in 2022. The three-part series premieres Wednesday, October 18, on Hulu, and on Disney+ internationally.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” New Trailer – In theaters October 20th

Killers of the Flower Moon

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” tracks the suspicious murders of members of the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight after oil was discovered underneath their land. “Killers of the Flower Moon” also stars Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, and is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, based on David Grann’s best-selling book.Hailing from Apple Studios, “Killers of the Flower Moon” was produced alongside Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions and Appian Way. Producers are Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas and Daniel Lupi, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Sommer, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer and Niels Juul serving as executive producers.

Rachel Zegler’s “The Hanging Tree” single from THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES releases this Friday, October 20th

Rachel Zegler’s “The Hanging Tree” single from THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES releases this Friday, October 20th at 12:00AM ET.

In the upcoming film, audiences will witness the origin of the song, when Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) sings it for the first time. “The Hanging Tree” is then passed down through generations, where fans most notably remember Katniss Everdeen singing it during Mockingjay – Part 1.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.

Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Music Available Now on Digital, On DVD October 31st

ust in time for the holidays, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment brings home an all-new holiday miracle with Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, a 2023 Emmy Award® Nominee for Outstanding TV Movie. Experience the magic and music with the highly anticipated holiday special featuring a powerhouse cast starring global icon Dolly Parton alongside Tom Everett Scott, Angel Parker, Mary Lane Haskell, and Ana Gasteyer. The special will also boast a lineup of talented guest stars such as Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmie Allen, Zach Williams, and Miley Cyrus. With a cast like this, Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas will get everyone in the holiday spirit in no time and is available to purchase Digitally now and on DVD on October 31, 2023.

SYNOPSIS:

A modern-day movie musical about the making of a network TV special, Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas is the frenetic backstage story and delightful on-camera results of Dolly’s desire to uplift an exhausted world’s spirits by sharing the unique “mountain magic” she has always found in and around Dollywood at Christmas. Throughout the movie’s production numbers and rehearsal chaos, Dolly finds herself taking a private journey into her past, guided by the mysterious appearances of her personal Three Wise Men. When it’s time for her big special to air live, a renewed and inspired Dolly goes rogue and shows the world that the real magic of Christmas lies in the hearts of the children we all once were, the realization that Christmas is about the people we share it with, and how her faith remains the common thread between Christmases past, present, and future.

BONUS FEATURE:

  • A Holiday with Dolly! The Making of Mountain Magic Christmas

THE PERSIAN VERSION – Sundance Audience Award Winner opening October 20th in NY & LA, November 3rd

Coming from two countries at odds with each other, Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships from arms length in an effort to keep her “real” life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief, and vibrant dance numbers, The Persian Version delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging, and the undeniable influence of pop music.

Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience.

WAIKIKI exclusively in theatres October 27th & On Demand December 5th

Starring Danielle Zalopany (How to Spell Revenge, “NCIS: Hawaii,” Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates), Peter Shinkoda  (Midway, The Predator, Godzilla, I, Robot), Jason Quinn (Inhumans, The Short List, “The Last Resort” ), Kimo Kahoano (Blue Crush)

When a Native Hawaiian hula dancer escaping her abusive boyfriend crashes her beat-up van into a mysterious homeless man, she finds herself flung into a surrealistic journey of self-exploration and enlightenment.

WAIKIKI Official Trailer_NF from Level 33 Entertainment on Vimeo.

“CURSES!” from DreamWorks Animation – Streaming on Apple TV+ on October 27th

Apple TV+ today released the trailer for the new animated, spooky adventure series for kids from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering just in time for Halloween on Friday, October 27.

When a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven to stone, it’s up to his two kids, Pandora and Russ, along with his wife Sky, to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes and finally lift the curse for good.

The family-oriented series is created and executive produced by Jim Cooper (“DreamWorks Dragons”) and Jeff Dixon (“The Hurricane Heist”). John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place” Parts I & II) also serves as executive producer and Allyson Seeger (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as co-executive producer. Leo Riley (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Tron: Uprising”) is supervising producer, with Chris Copeland (“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”) and Justin Copeland (“Wonder Woman: Bloodlines”) serving as creative consultants. 

The series features the voice talents of Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (“Monster High”) as “Pandora,” Andre Robinson (“The Loud House”) as “Russ,” Emmy Award nominee Lyric Lewis (“Waffles + Mochi”) as “Sky,” SAG award winner Reid Scott (“Veep”) as “Alex,” Rhys Darby (“Our Flag Means Death”) as “Stanley,” James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as “Larry,” Emmy Award winner Rhea Perlman (“Barbie”) as “Margie,” Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (“A Raisin in the Sun”) as “Georgia Snitker,” and Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) as “Cornelius.” 

Rustin – Official trailer – In theaters November 3rd, Streaming November 17th

Netflix Rustin

Rustin is the critically acclaimed film from director George C. Wolfe, starring Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin. Architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Rustin challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement. The film features an all-star cast including Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald.

COURTNEY GETS POSSESSED – Available on Digital and Demand November 3rd

Courtney Gets Possessed

It’s the ultimate showdown between love and the underworld when bride-to-be Courtney runs into a bit of an ex problem: her old flame is none other than the Devil himself, and she knows he’s close. 

With her nuptials on the line and the Prince of Darkness lurking close by, Courtney does her best to protect her childhood home on the eve of the wedding. But when her ne’er-do-well sister accidentally invites Satan inside (known more casually as Dave), he possesses Courtney – throwing a demonic wrench into her happily-ever-after plans. Courtney’s ragtag team of reluctant heroes including her sister, perfectionist best friend, and skeptical future sister-in-law must find a way to exorcise Dave, reclaim Courtney’s soul, and get her down the aisle with as little bloodshed as possible. 

“In Sickness and in Hell” takes on a whole new meaning in this diabolically fun and thrilling romp. Audiences will be left pondering the line between love and possession and what it means to give ourselves to others. Will Courtney’s wedding bells ring or will they be drowned out by the screams of the damned? 

COURTNEY GETS POSSESSED is written and directed by Jono Mitchell and Madison Hatfield. Produced by Hatfield and Jordan Blair Brown. Executive Produced by Stephen Beehler, Jegor Jersov, and Jono Mitchell. Cinematography by Brett A. Frager. Composed by Jordan Bennett. A Peach Jam Pictures production.

BLACK NOISE – Available on Digital and On Demand on November 3rd

Alex Pettyfer and Jackson Rathbone star as an elite team of security contractors deployed to rescue a VIP from an exclusive island estate.  Upon arrival they encounter an empty island, masked gunmen, and a strange siren sound that assaults their bodies as well as their minds.

HBO ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY STAND UP & SHOUT: SONGS FROM A PHILLY HIGH SCHOOL DEBUTS NOVEMBER 7th

The film follows 10th graders from Hill-Freedman World Academy (HFWA), a Philadelphia public school, who take part in a unique songwriting collaboration. Working in teams with local musicians, students come together to create an album of powerful original songs that capture both the challenging times they’re living in and the joy that music brings.

Back in the classroom after two years of pandemic isolation, the teenagers find a way to express their experiences and feelings in stirring songs that come straight from the heart. HFWA offers a unique music program teaching students to write, compose, produce, and perform, their own work. Although many are new to music, they learn to trust their voices and lift each other up. STAND UP & SHOUT: SONGS FROM A PHILLY HIGH SCHOOL explores the transformative power of music and how arts education can unlock creativity and be a source of hope and healing.

ADVENTURES OF THE NAKED UMBRELLA – In Theaters and VOD on November 10th

Convicted arsonist Sam Wanoutsky is hosting his conspiracy podcast, The Naked Umbrella, when his trailer home explodes and burns to the ground. Convinced he’s been set up, Sam hits the road with his wife, Irene, to clear his name. Now off his meds, and with his parole officer hot on his tail, Sam’s psychosis returns as he traverses his relationship with reality and his eternal love for his wife.

AS WE KNOW IT – IN Select Theaters Starting November 10th

Set in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, struggling writer James Bishop grapples with the emotional shrapnel of a recent breakup with his longtime girlfriend, Emily. As James holds up in his Hollywood Hills home with writer’s block, his eccentric best friend Bruce shows up with bad news. The city has plunged into chaos by an unusual zombie outbreak, courtesy of tainted soy milk, wreaking havoc on James’ semi-charmed kinda life.

With the streets of Los Angeles swarming with the undead, James, Bruce, and Emily come together to barricade themselves in the house while reconciling their personal struggles. And occasionally, letting in the only food delivery service still operating, Abracadabra.

Bringing together elements of romance, friendship, and the absurdity of survival, AS WE KNOW IT is a rollercoaster of laughs and unexpected twists. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, our trio must confront their own demons, rekindle lost love, and, of course, avoid being turned into the living dead. Packed with witty dialogue, nostalgic nods to the ’90s, and a unique blend of comedy and horror, AS WE KNOW IT is a riotous ride that proves even in the face of an apocalypse, there’s always room for love and laughter.

AS WE KNOW IT is co-written and directed by Josh Monkarsh. Co-written by Brandon DePaolo and Christopher Francis. Produced by Monkarsh and Daniel Cummings, and Co-produced by K. Asher Levin and Joshua Fruehling. Cinematography by Stephen St. Peter. Composed by Michl Britsch. A Traffic City Productions film.

MGM+’s ‘BEACON 23’ UNVEILS NEW TRAILER AND KEY ART – Streaming November 12th

Beacon 23 takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way and follows Aster (Lena Headey), a government agent, and Halan (Stephan James), a stoic ex-military man, whose fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons that serve as a lighthouse for intergalactic travelers. Every Beacon is run by one highly trained human and a specialized Artificial Intelligence. Aster mysteriously finds her way to the lonely Beacon-keeper Halan, and a tense battle of wills unfolds. Halan begins to question whether Aster is friend or foe, as her ability to disguise her agenda and motives could make her a formidable opponent.

Science-fiction mystery thriller and love story Beacon 23 is based on the best-selling book by Hugh Howey. Produced by Boat Rocker, the global series premiere is scheduled to debut on Sunday, November 12 on MGM+ at 9:00 p.m. EST/PST with the first two of eight episodes. Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy) created the series, and executive produced along with Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead, The Shield).

Produced by Boat Rocker, Zak Penn and Glen Mazzara served as executive producers alongside David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, James Middleton, Nick Nantell, Tina Thor, Katie O’Connell Marsh, Elisa Ellis, Liz Varner, Ira Steven Behr, Daniel Percival, Joy Blake, Lena Headey, and Stephan James.

Boat Rocker oversees global distribution and licensing for Beacon 23.

SALTBURN | New Official Trailer – In Select Theaters November 17th In Theaters Everywhere November 22nd

Academy Award winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) brings us a beautifully wicked tale of privilege and desire. Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES – Behind the Scenes – In Theaters November 17th

The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Experience the story of THE HUNGER GAMES — 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, and decades before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.

Lionsgate presents, a Color Force / about:blank production.

DISNEY ANIMATION’S “WISH” – Tickets on Sale Now!  – In Theaters November 22nd

Disney Wish

The Walt Disney Company marks 100 years of magical storytelling today, celebrating beloved characters, big-screen adventures, unforgettable experiences and the fans and storytellers who made it all possible. Inspired by Walt Disney’s musical legacy, Disney Animation’s “Wish”—in theaters Nov. 22—features an original story and characters, with seven original songs penned by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy®-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. 

To mark the occasion, Disney Music Group shared plans today for Wish Wednesdays—beginning this week, a new song from the movie will debut each Wednesday on YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music and all digital service providers. Fans who can’t wait till Wednesday can tune in to SiriusXM’s Disney Hits Channel 302 Tuesdays for a first listen of each song. And to get a head start today, check out a clip featuring the song “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose as Asha, before the single’s launch on Oct. 18. Each week of the Wish Wednesdays rollout will feature never-before-seen content tied to a new song’s release, including footage reveals, lyric videos, original art and behind-the-scenes featurettes. 

The Wish Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available November 17 on all streaming platforms. Fans can pre-order the soundtrack beginning today. The vinyl album is available for pre-order now on Disney Music Emporium. All-new original songs featured include:

  • “Welcome to Rosas,” performed by Ariana DeBose and “Wish” cast
  • “At All Costs,” performed by Chris Pine and Ariana DeBose
  • “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose
  • “I’m A Star,” performed by “Wish” cast 
  • “This is the Thanks I Get?!” performed by Chris Pine
  • “Knowing What I Know Now,” performed by Ariana DeBose, Angelique Cabral and “Wish” cast
  • “A Wish Worth Making,” performed by Julia Michaels

Advance tickets for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” are on sale now, wherever tickets are sold. The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudykas Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho(“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. 

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT – New Trailer – In theaters December 25th

The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction novel written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.

POOR THINGS | Watch Extended Look Trailer Now – In Theaters December 8th

Poor Things Poster

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

AMERICAN FICTION – In Select Theaters December 15th

AMERICAN FICTION is Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

MIGRATION – In Theaters December 23rd

This holiday season, Illumination, creators of the blockbuster Minions, Despicable Me, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets comedies, invites you to take flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other in the action-packed new original comedy, Migration. 

The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica. 

As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience will inspire them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined. 

From a screenplay by Mike White, the Emmy winning creator of The White Lotus and the screenwriter of School of Rock, the film stars a top-flight comedic cast led by Oscar® and Emmy nominee Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, Eternals) as anxious Mallard dad Mack and Emmy nominee Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games and Pitch Perfectfranchises) as Pam, the Mallards’ daring, quick-witted matriarch.

Caspar Jennings plays Dax, the Mallards’ confident and restless son, and, in her feature film debut, Tresi Gazal plays Gwen, the family’s innocent and lovable daughter.

Golden Globe winner Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) voices the scrappy leader of a New York City pigeon gang; Emmy winner and Oscar® nominee Carol Kane (The Princess Bride) plays Erin the heron, the first friend that the Mallards make on their journey; Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key (The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Lion King) voices a homesick Jamaican parrot locked away in a Manhattan restaurant, and BAFTA winner David Mitchell (Peep Show) plays the yogic leader of a mysterious duck farm. Legendary Emmy winner and Oscar® nominee Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) co-stars as Mack’s curmudgeonly, adventure-averse Uncle Dan. 

Directed by Benjamin Renner, the Oscar®-nominated filmmaker of Ernest & Celestine and The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales, Migration is a visual spectacle unlike any in Illumination’s acclaimed history, featuring elevated, expressionist artistry and Illumination’s signature subversive humor and authentic heart, unforgettable characters and joyful soundtrack. 

Produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri, Migration is a film about overcoming your fears and opening yourself up to the world and its opportunities. The film is co-directed by Guylo Homsy (Head of Layout and Cinematography for Sing and Sing 2), edited by Christian Gazal (Happy Feet, Peter Rabbit) and the Production Designer is Colin Stimpson (The Secret Life of Pets 2).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.