Film Archives - Page 12 of 67

Power Book’s Michael Rainey Jr. Stars Opposite Chloe Bailey in Horror Film ‘Goons’ From Director of ‘First Purge,’ Gerard McMurray

August 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Power Book II star Michael Rainey Jr. and multi-hyphenate Chloe Bailey are on deck to star in the upcoming horror film “Goons,” directed and co-written by Gerard McMurray, known for franchise favorite “The First Purge.”

The first announcement of “Goons” was initially reported by Deadline.

Get this, the film is being developed under Confluential Films’ new horror label, New Fear Unlocked Productions, which has a mission to produce “bold, elevated, culturally specific horror films from creators of color.” That’s what the industry needs, if we may say so ourselves.

Hodge K. Johnson co-penned the script with McMurray. Tommy Oliver, the CEO and founder of Confluential Films, is producing the project, which is fully financed by Confluential.

Check out the rollout … ”Goons” will be the first release from New Fear Unlocked Productions. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is set against the eerie backdrop of Louisiana’s cane fields and plantations.

“I can’t wait for audiences to see what Gerard and I are cooking up with the kick-ass squad we’ve assembled. I also couldn’t be more excited to kick off New Fear Unlocked with this film from such a talented director,” said Oliver.

McMurray expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m beyond excited to direct a film in the horror genre. ‘Goons’ is a love letter to my hometown of New Orleans, and a deeply personal story for me. Producing this film along with Confluential/New Fear Unlocked shows the power of Black storytellers with a collaborative spirit.”

Sounds like a win all around. Excited to see how this one develops.

The post Power Book’s Michael Rainey Jr. Stars Opposite Chloe Bailey in Horror Film ‘Goons’ From Director of ‘First Purge,’ Gerard McMurray first appeared on The Source.

The post Power Book’s Michael Rainey Jr. Stars Opposite Chloe Bailey in Horror Film ‘Goons’ From Director of ‘First Purge,’ Gerard McMurray appeared first on The Source.

Wesley Snipes’ Blade Breaks Records with Surprise Appearance in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

August 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The legendary Wesley Snipes made a surprise return as Blade in the new “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie, despite Marvel’s recent recasting of the character for its upcoming Blade franchise. This unexpected cameo not only delighted fans but also secured Snipes two Guinness World Records.

Variety reports that Snipes has broken records for the longest career as a live-action Marvel character and the longest gap between character appearances in Marvel films. His appearance as the half-vampire “daywalker” in this superhero threequel comes 25 years and 340 days after he first portrayed Blade in 1998’s “Blade.” This achievement surpasses his co-star Hugh Jackman, whose tenure as Wolverine began 24 years ago in 2000’s “X-Men.”

Additionally, Snipes’ return as Blade marked the longest gap between character appearances in Marvel films. He last played Blade 19 years and 231 days ago in 2004’s “Blade: Trinity,” beating Alfred Molina’s 17-year hiatus between his roles as Doc Ock in 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” and 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

Thoughts?

The post Wesley Snipes’ Blade Breaks Records with Surprise Appearance in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Wesley Snipes’ Blade Breaks Records with Surprise Appearance in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ appeared first on The Source.

Idris Elba Receives Green Light To Build Film Studio In Zanzibar: “Zollywood”

August 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Idris Elba's Netflix Series 'Turn Up Charlie' Gets Cancelled

Move over Nollywood as the Africa’s only thriving film market that because Idris Elba has been granted land in Zanzibar to establish a film studio, as reported by the BBC.

Okay Hollywood is in Nigeria and that’s the world’s third largest film market after Hollywood and Bollywood in India.

The UK actor and DJ best known for roles in The Wire and Luthor, received approval to contribute to the burgeoning film industry in the Tanzanian archipelago. Zanzibar’s investment minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, mentioned at the Zanzibar International Film Festival that the studio could rival those in “Hollywood, Nollywood, or Bollywood” and might be dubbed “Zollywood.”

Zollywood. That sounds fun but feels a long way from competing with established film hubs around the world.

Get this, Elba, who grew up in East London and has familial ties to Sierra Leone and Ghana, has previously expressed his ambition to help develop the film industry in Africa. According to a spokesperson for the president of Zanzibar, “If successful, the project will help not only Tanzania but also eastern and central Africa.”

Back in February 2023, Elba discussed his plans for a film studio in Ghana, saying: “Currently, we call it West African Studios, but that’s a working title. We’ve been working on this for three or four years to raise a plan that puts a facility at the centre of African filmmaking.”

We’re all for bringing commerce to the continent. Somebody has to plant more money trees so why not Idris.

The post Idris Elba Receives Green Light To Build Film Studio In Zanzibar: “Zollywood” first appeared on The Source.

The post Idris Elba Receives Green Light To Build Film Studio In Zanzibar: “Zollywood” appeared first on The Source.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die Blows Away The Competition on VOD After Huge Run in Theaters

July 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

If you have not seen “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” then it’s a lot easier now that the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence blockbuster is available on VOD, even as it continues to excel both in theaters and at home platforms.

The critically acclaimed action-comedy sequel has seen impressive performance in its home video release, dominating the iTunes and Fandango charts since its VOD debut on July 23. Just saying, duh.

According to IndieWire, as expected, the film topped iTunes’ transaction rankings and Fandango’s revenue charts, boosting its already successful run.

Get this, the film was released 47 days after its theatrical premiere, and the VOD version of “Ride or Die” includes an exclusive post-credits scene, enticing fans to purchase the digital copy. See that’s smart creative marketing.

Despite its availability on VOD, the film remains a box office contender, currently within the top 10 and edging closer to the $400 million mark globally. So basically let that movie cook in theaters, because it is not done!

Check out these numbers, as of now, it has grossed $395.3 million worldwide, with $203.5 million from international markets and $191.8 million from North American theaters.

Oh but wait, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is on track to challenge the franchise record set by “Bad Boys for Life,” which earned $426 million in 2020. The franchise’s total earnings have recently surpassed $1.2 billion, largely due to the latest installment’s success.

Naturally, this film marks a significant milestone in Will Smith’s career, serving as a notable comeback. We all love a good comeback story. Smith’s return to the big screen has been met with enthusiasm, contributing to the film’s strong performance both in theaters and on VOD. The combination of star power, loyal fans, and strategic release timing has cemented “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” as a major hit in the action-comedy genre.

So check it out at home if you haven’t seen it yet in theaters and tell us about that end credits scene!

The post Bad Boys: Ride or Die Blows Away The Competition on VOD After Huge Run in Theaters first appeared on The Source.

The post Bad Boys: Ride or Die Blows Away The Competition on VOD After Huge Run in Theaters appeared first on The Source.

7 Sports Films Celebrating the Culture in the Spirit of Olympic Competition

July 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

WIth the 2024 Paris Olympics in full swing, there is a lot of energy that transcends media from online to television to films. You may want to kick back and watch a sports movies because why not? Competition is in the air and there’s some great cinema out there that identifies with the culture and hits on all cylinders when it comes to great sports stories. Now this list is not all derived from the Olympics but we felt like if it as least is a sport that’s played during the big games, then why not!

“Race”

Director: Stephen Hopkins

Young Jesse Owens (Stephan James) becomes a track and field sensation while attending the Ohio State University in the early 1930s. With guidance from coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), Owens gains national recognition for breaking numerous records. After heated debates, the United States decides not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany. Overcoming racism at home and abroad, Owens seizes the opportunity to show Berlin and the the world that he’s the fastest man alive.

“Pride”

Director: Sunu Gonera

In 1970s Philadelphia, Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), who is driven by a love of competitive swimming, fixes up an abandoned pool building with the help of a janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac). But when city officials mark the place for demolition, he fights back by founding an all-black swim team. Facing racism, violence and a hostile city official, Jim struggles to prepare his novice swimmers for the state championships.

“Cool Runnings”

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Four Jamaican bobsleighers dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection, and go all out for glory.

“Invictus”

Director: Clint Eastwood

After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faces the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months since the end of Apartheid, divisions still exist between the country’s whites and blacks, something Mandela notices during an international rugby match. Realising black supporters cheer on the opposing side when their white Springboks take to the field.

“Ali”

Director: Michael Mann

With wit and athletic genius, with defiant rage and inner grace, Muhammad Ali forever changed the American landscape. Fighting all comers, Ali took on the law, conventions, the status quo and the war — as well as the fists in front of him. Ali both ignited and mirrored the conflicts of his time and ours to become one of the most admired fighters in the world. Forget, now, what you thought you knew.

“The Gabby Douglas Story”

Director: Gregg Champion

Gymnast Gabby Douglas (Imani Hakim) makes personal sacrifices to train with coach Liang Chow (Brian Tee) and become an Olympic champion in 2012.

“I Am Bolt”

Directors: Gabe Turner, Benjamin Turner

Following the sprinting legend as he prepares to go for gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Competing in the 100m and 200m races, Bolt attempts to make history by winning these events for a record third time.

The post 7 Sports Films Celebrating the Culture in the Spirit of Olympic Competition first appeared on The Source.

The post 7 Sports Films Celebrating the Culture in the Spirit of Olympic Competition appeared first on The Source.

SZA and Keke Palmer Buddy Comedy Adds All Star Line Up of Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams And More From Issa Rae And TriStar

July 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Watch out, Keke Palmer and SZA’s upcoming buddy comedy has expanded its star-studded cast and they aren’t playing with this lineup.

Above the line, the untitled film, is produced by Sony’s TriStar Pictures and MACRO Film Studios, lead by Issa Rae as a producer, with “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton as the writer and Lawrence Lamont directing. Sounds like they’re about to have great creative chemistry on this one.

Get this, Deadline Hollywood reports that the cast now includes Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, Janelle James, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Maude Apatow, and Keyla Monterroso Mejia. Joshua Neal, Patrick Cage, and Aziza Scott have also come on board this intriguing ensemble.

Despite the lineup, the plot details remain closely guarded but promises to be a goodie, with laughs and surprises.

The project originated from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a collaboration between ColorCreative and Sony aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop their first studio feature based on original concepts. That is exactly what the industry needs. Original ideas from upcoming filmmakers who are diverse. Period.

As previously stated in earlier Deadline reporting: “The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures with plot details being kept under wraps. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.”

Who’s who is making this one as mentioned Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi are producing through Hoorae, with Deniese Davis producing through ColorCreative. Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing via Macro Film Studios, while Keke and Sharon Palmer are executive producers through Big Boss. Singleton is serving as co-producer.

We’re just curious to see SZA acting under the bright lights with all these amazing actors from what’s bound to be a great script. Good for her!

The post SZA and Keke Palmer Buddy Comedy Adds All Star Line Up of Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams And More From Issa Rae And TriStar first appeared on The Source.

The post SZA and Keke Palmer Buddy Comedy Adds All Star Line Up of Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams And More From Issa Rae And TriStar appeared first on The Source.

Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide

July 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

USHER, the globally acclaimed singer, songwriter, dancer, and entrepreneur, is set to bring an intimate concert experience to theaters this fall. AMC Theatres, Trafalgar Releasing, and Sony Music Vision have announced that USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS will premiere in cinemas worldwide for a limited run starting Sept. 12.

The concert film, captured during Paris Fashion Week at La Seine Musicale, combines the essence of Usher’s Vegas residencies with a French touch. It features hits like “Yeah!”, “My Boo” and “Love In This Club” from his 30-year career, with unique costumes and advanced lighting and effects. The film also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Usher’s life offstage, creating a global cinematic event.

“Paris was a special experience for me as an entertainer and for my fans,” said USHER. “I hope those who weren’t able to make it in person get to experience how special it was. As for those of you who were, I hope you experience the show and see what it takes to get there through a different lens.”

“For 30 years USHER has captivated and entertained audiences through his music and concerts. Just a few months ago, he drew rave reviews for his stunning performance in front of 129 million people during the Super Bowl Half Time Show. Bringing his unparalleled concert experience to movie theatres for his fans around the world is a perfect fit for AMC Theatres Distribution,” said Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO, AMC Theatres.

Marc Allenby, CEO, Trafalgar Releasing, adds “We are excited to continue our partnership with Sony Music Vision and AMC Theatres Distribution to bring the energy of USHER to movie theater audiences around the world. He is the perfect artist to support our shared vision of creating global experiences around concert films for artists that advance the evolution of the cinema into venues for all forms of entertainment.”

USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS will be shown in 2,000 cinemas worldwide, including around 1,000 in the United States. It will also be shown at AMC and ODEON locations and other theaters globally. Ticketing and screening details will be available at UsherinParis.com on Aug. 6 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT. Screenings will run from Sept. 12 to 15, varying by location.

Trafalgar Releasing, in partnership with AMC Theatres Distribution, will release the film. In the U.S. and international markets, AMC and ODEON will provide core marketing support. Sony Music Vision will distribute all rights, excluding theatrical.

USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS is directed by Anthony Mandler and produced by Arcovision, Kingdom Films, and Laffitte Group Productions. The producers are Anthony Mandler, Usher Raymond, and Ron Laffitte, with executive producers Aakomon Jones, Angelo Gopee, Kwesi Collisson, Tom Mackay, Richard Story, and Krista Wegener.

The post Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide appeared first on The Source.

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film All-Time in Saudi Arabia

July 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a smash hit at the box office. The movie’s appeal is nationwide, and it became the highest-grossing film in Saudi Arabia’s history. Will Smith revealed the news on Instagram.

“WOOOWWW!!! @badboys Ride or Die just became the BIGGEST movie of ALL TIME in Saudi Arabia!! SHUKRAN, LAKUM.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

ICYMI, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is the fourth high-octane installment in the action-comedy film franchise that began with the smash hit “Bad Boys” in 1995, followed by “Bad Boys II” in 2003 and “Bad Boys for Life” in 2020.

I have to point out that the success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” marked a significant comeback for Smith, who, unless you been under a rock, had faced major backlash in Hollywood after slapping presenter Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

Bad Boys 4, as it’s commonly referred to, premiered in theaters worldwide on June 7 and reversed his fortunes.

Get this: according to When to Stream, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be available for digital streaming via premium video on demand (PVOD) starting July 23.

While this streaming tracker is generally reliable with release dates, it noted that Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film’s distributor, has not confirmed this date, so it may be subject to change.

If familiar with most PVOD releases, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be available for purchase or rent on platforms such as Prime Video, AppleTV+, and VUDU. The film is listed for pre-order at $24.99, a typical price for digital purchases.

Regarding the box office performance of the latest Bad Boys, box office tracker The Numbers, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has grossed $184.8 million domestically and $193.1 million internationally, totaling $377.9 million worldwide. The film had a production budget of $100 million, not including marketing costs.

So what does that all mean? Bad Boys: Ride or Die made a ton of cash in theaters, and soon, it’ll be in your home to press play, pause, or resume however you like!

The post ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film All-Time in Saudi Arabia first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film All-Time in Saudi Arabia appeared first on The Source.

SEE IT: First Look at The Fire Inside Starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree in Biopic Based on Boxer Claressa Shields

July 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The first images just dropped for “The Fire Inside”, the upcoming biopic about boxer Claressa Shields, written by Barry Jenkins and starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry. This film, previously titled “Flint Strong”, marks the directorial debut of Rachel Morrison, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer recognized for her work on “Mudbound”, making her the first woman ever nominated for Best Cinematography. Morrison has also worked on notable films like Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther” and “Fruitvale Station”. So this all sounds like a big deal. Here’s more …

THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

Get this, Claressa Shields herself is involved in the project as an executive producer. The film is set to premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival and will hit theaters this Christmas.

“The Fire Inside” has been in development for several years, with Jenkins attached to the project since the awards campaign for “Moonlight”, before its Oscar wins. The biopic draws from the 2015 documentary “T-Rex”, which chronicles Shields’ journey. Directed by Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari, “T-Rex” was a tri-continental effort (North America, Europe, and Asia) that began production in 2012 and successfully raised $64,000 through crowdfunding, supplemented by major funding from Independent Lens.

Universal initially acquired the rights to Shields’ life story and the documentary in 2016 before the project moved to Amazon MGM.

Check out the photos below all from Amazon MGM: