Focus Features to Release ‘Back to Black’ Film on Amy Winehouse This May

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Focus Features has announced the nationwide release of Back to Black on Friday, May 17th. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Matt Greenhalgh, the film dives into Amy Winehouse’s remarkable journey, chronicling her ascent to stardom from her early days in Camden to the creation of her groundbreaking album.

Executive producers Sam Taylor-Johnson, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, and producers Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Nicky Kentish-Barnes have worked diligently to bring this story to life. The cast includes Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, and Lesley Manville.

Back to Black delves into Winehouse’s lyrics and provides a glimpse into the iconic artist’s life, embracing the complexities that made her a legend. The film explores the tumultuous love story that served as the backdrop to one of the most revered albums ever.

With its focus on Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and the creation of her seminal album, “Back to Black,” the film promises to offer audiences an intimate and compelling look at the life and artistry of the beloved singer-songwriter.

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‘Freaknik’ Doc Director P. Frank Williams To Be Honored At San Diego State University

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P. Frank Williams has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 School of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Impact Award by his alma mater San Diego State University. The award will be presented to Williams on May 10, 2024 at JMS Next, the school’s annual graduation celebration.

Williams, an Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image winner, will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the field of media and storytelling producing and directing several acclaimed projects centered around Black culture and music including TV One’s renowned documentary series “Unsung” and “Unsung Hollywood,” BET’s award-winning series “American Gangster,” “Hip Hop Homicides” executive produced by 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young and films such as “Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan,” and his latest top-trending Hulu documentary “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” 

The journalism school was a place that I called home and it was a place where I discovered a lot about myself as a journalist, as a writer and as a reporter,” said Williams. “A lot of the lessons that I learned, stuff that I got from San Diego State, has propelled my career from newspapers to magazines to television and documentary filmmaking. Professionally, it means a lot to receive this award because JMS is the foundation of all that I’ve achieved.”

A native of Oakland, California, Williams has had a career spanning three decades in Film/TV and journalism, during which he has made a significant impact as a writer, speaker, teacher, and producer. The award honor comes on the heels of the recent announcement of his multimedia production company, For The Culture By The Culture (@FXCXC). Williams is actively addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in the media by prioritizing authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera.

“Williams personifies what the Alumni Impact Award is all about. We are celebrating him not only for his professional achievements but also for his commitment to social change and justice,” said director of JMS, Dr. Temple Northup.

“It’s just an amazing and beautiful feeling to be able to come full circle back to JMS. I just want to make sure that all of the students at the school know that it doesn’t matter your background or where you start,” said Williams. “It’s about putting the work in, staying focused and trying to get to that next level. So whatever it is that you can dream of, you can achieve it. You just got to go toward the goal and go toward the light.”

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Spring Movie Preview: ‘Civil War,’ ‘Abigail,’ ‘The Strangers’ & More

Spring Movie Preview: 'Civil War,' 'Abigail,' 'The Strangers' & More

With all the noise today in media, from the most contentious election season in recent memory to the biggest rap beef since Nas and Jay Z, there are many reasons to be distracted. Sometimes, you must put the phone down and vegetate the old-fashioned way with a good movie. Whether you prefer to hit your local theater to catch the next blockbuster or rather press play at home, you still need to whittle down the choices to only the most exciting or popular options. Here are our choices for this spring so you don’t have to do the research. 

CIVIL WAR – APRRIL 12 – IN THEATERS

From A24, Civil War is a film set in a dystopian future America. A team of military-embedded journalists race against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House. Starring Kirtsten Dunst. 

Director: Alex Garland 

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ABIGAIL – APRIL 19 – IN THEATERS

In what is “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud’s last film, “Abigail” is about a group of would-be criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure. Holding her for ransom in an isolated mansion, their plan starts to unravel when they discover their young captive is actually a bloodthirsty vampire.

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

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REBEL MOON PART TWO: THE SCARGIVER – APRIL 19 – NETFLIX

What began as Zack Snyder’s Star Wars movie turned into a two-part original Netflix space opera. The rebel warriors gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge — and legends are made. 

Director: Zack Snyder

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CHALLENGERS – APRIL 26 – IN THEATERS

Tashi, (Zendaya) is a tennis player turned coach, who has transformed her husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a challenger event — close to the lowest level of tournament on the pro tour. Tensions soon run high when he finds himself standing across the net from the once-promising, now burnt-out Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.

Director: Luca Guadagnino

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I SAW THE TV GLOW – MAY 3 – IN THEATERS

A classmate introduces teenage Owen to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack. Starring Justice Smith, Phoebe Bridgers, Emma Portner. 

Director: Jane Schoenbrun

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KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – MAY 8 – IN THEATERS

Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. Starring Freya Allan, Lydia Peckham and Owen Teague.

Director: Wes Ball

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BACK TO BLACK – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

Singer Amy Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil inspires her to write and record the groundbreaking album “Back to Black.” Starring Marisa Abela as Winehouse.

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson

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IF – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

After discovering she can see everyone’s imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. Starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt. 

Director: John Krasinksi

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THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive. Starring Madelaine Petsch, Frey Gutierrez, Gabriel Basso.

Director: Renny Harlin

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FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA – MAY 24 – IN THEATERS

In a followup to George Miller’s 2015 film “Mad Max Fury Road,” prequel “Furiosa,” is about titular character played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who’s character a young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers, and falls into the hands of a great biker horde led by the warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by the Immortan Joe. As the two tyrants fight for dominance, Furiosa soon finds herself in a nonstop battle to make her way home. Starring Anya-Taylor Joy, Chris Hemsworth.

Director: George Miller

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THE GARFIELD MOVIE – MAY 24 – IN THEATERS

Garfield has an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, a scruffy street cat who draws him into a high-stakes heist. Starring Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult. 

Director: Mark Dindal

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ATLAS – MAY 24 – NETFLIX

Jennifer Lopez stars as a brilliant data analyst with a deep distrust of AI who finds it may be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Lana Parrilla, Sterling K. Brown.

Director: Brad Payton

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Russell Hornsby Joins Danielle Deadwyler in ‘The Woman in the Yard’ From Blumhouse and Universal

Russell Hornsby Joins Danielle Deadwyler in ‘The Woman in the Yard’ From Blumhouse and Universal

BMF star Russell Hornsby is joining the cast of The Woman in the Yard, Blumhouse, and Universal’s upcoming genre film. Deadline reported that Hornsby will join Danielle Deadwyler and Okwui Okpokwasili in the film, which will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra from a script penned by Sam Stefanak.

The story is being kept close to the vest, but with the same production company that brought Get Out to life running things, you can imagine this film will be filled with smart horror and scares to keep you on the edge of your seat. The film is on track to be released on Jan. 10, 2025.

Deadwyler, best known for Till and The Harder They Fall, is executive producing with Collet-Serra, Gabrielle Ebron, Scott Greenberg, and James Moran. Stephanie Allain and Jason Blum are producing, with Blumhouse’s Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim overseeing The Woman in the Yard. 

Blum said back in February, “I’ve been trying to find the right project to work on with Jaume, in our system, for ever a decade. The Woman in the Yard is the perfect match, a film that’s ambitious in scope but modest in budget that combines Jaume’s vision with the incomparable Danielle Deadwyler. Together with my friend Stephanie Allain, this is a real dream team and I’m excited to collaborate with them on the film.”

Not going to lie, I’m eager to see the trailer for this one. 

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New Poster Unveiled for ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

New Poster Unveiled for 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Excitement is brewing as the latest poster for Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits the screens, featuring Hollywood heavyweights Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Set to hit theaters on June 7th, the film promises a thrilling blend of heart-pounding action and side-splitting comedy, with a fresh twist as Miami’s finest find themselves on the run.

Adil & Bilall directed and Chris Bremner penned the script. The movie is produced by industry titans Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, and Doug Belgrad. Alongside Smith and Lawrence, the star-studded cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano.

Fans can anticipate the return of the beloved Bad Boys duo in what promises to be a rollercoaster ride of thrills and laughter. With anticipation building, mark your calendars for June 7th and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience with Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Rumored Vampire Film Casts Hailee Steinfeld

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

Hailee Steinfeld is the latest addition to Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s mysterious vampire film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been nothing short of under wraps, but every step they take seems to reveal more about the film. 

Steinfeld who starred in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is joining previously announced cast of Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Delroy Lindo, Jack O’Connell and Omar Benson Miller. ICYMI, Jordan is starring and is rumored to play a dual role as twin brothers.

With all the closely guarded information about the film except what has been trickling through the trades, all that is confirmed outside of cast is the film is set to start production this month in New Orleans, which by no mistake is the home of fictional southern vampire culture.

As previously reported Coogler wrote the film and will direct as well as produce through his company Proximity Media. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian are also producing.

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 7, 2025.

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Jayme Lawson and Wunmi Mosaku Join Cast of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Mysterious Supernatural Film

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

When it comes to that top-secret supernatural, which may be a period vampire film that Ryan Coogler is directing, producing, and starring Michael B. Jordan, well, they just added Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson to the cast, joining Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell, who were both recently announced. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that both actresses are confirmed to star in the mysterious film. 

This massive project is still under wraps, so both new announcements indicate who they will play. Still, Mosaku has starred in roles in the ballpark of supernatural, sci-fi, and fantasy series to Lovecraft Country and Loki. Now get this: more from the rumor mill. She is said, again, it’s just a rumor to be the female lead and possibly a romantic interest of one of the twin brothers Jordan is expected to play. Yes, that part – Jordan is rumored to be playing twin brothers, while O’Connell might be playing the antagonist.

More rumors say the film is set in the Jim Crow South and might revolve around vampires and Southern supernatural lore and culture, as reported by Shadow and Act

Check this part. New Orleans is accustomed to vampire lore, and that is where this film is kick-starting production this month.

Coogler wrote the film and is directing and producing under his Proximity Media banner. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian will also be producing.

Except this blockbuster to hit theaters in March 2025. 

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‘Maxxxine’: Trailer With Giancarlo Esposito, Singer Halsey and Moses Sumney

‘Maxxxine’: Trailer With Giancarlo Esposito, Singer Halsey and Moses Sumney

Pop star Halsey, Moses Sumney, and veteran actor Giancarlo Esposito are all caught up in the crazy, murder-filled world of A24’s MAXXXINE. This is the newest film from the X universe, written and directed by Ti West. In case you’re not up on this world, MAXXXINE wraps up a trilogy that also includes X and Pearl, a 2022 film.

According to the synopsis:

“In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

Not much else is known about the film as it’s being kept under wraps, but the gist of the trailer gives a first look at the type of wild going-on for the characters in this film.

MAXXXINE includes Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins and Kevin Bacon. The film hits theaters July 5.

Esposito is very busy these days. He has many other projects lined up for him this year, including Netflix’s The Gentlemen from Guy Ritchie and The Residence, with the latter taking over a role originally played by the late Andre Braugher. He will also star in AMC’s upcoming series The Driver.

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Spike Lee, Tessa Thompson, and More Celebs Donate Items to Cinema for Gaza Auction Fundraising Over $100,000 Since March

Spike Lee Says 'I Got Questions' About 9/11 While Promoting Upcoming Documentary

Donated items from Spike Lee, Tessa Thompson, Olivia Colman, and more have been added to the Cinema for Gaza auction, raising over $113,000.

Variety reports that the items, iconic to say the least, include a framed “Malcolm X” poster signed by Lee, an “Aftersun” poster signed by Mescal with a personalized video message from Colman are included in the auction lots that launched this past Monday, as well as additional items including a “beer on Zoom” with Tessa Thompson. Memorabilia from “The Marvels,” a “Worst Person in the World” poster signed by Joachim Trier, were also auctioned.

Foreseeably, this won’t be a forever thing, as the auction closes on April 12. All donations will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Cinema for Gaza was set up by U.K.-based filmmakers and film journalists Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, and Helen Simmons. It has been consistently growing since its inception on March 28. More celebrity donations are coming through daily, adding to the original lots from A-list names such as Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor, Ken Loach, and more. 

MAP is currently responding to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where the local health authority claims that more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed after Israel retaliated for Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack, which killed more than 1,100 Israelis.

Hollywood for a good cause is never a bad thing.

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Ryan Coogler Vampire Film With Michael B. Jordan Adds Delroy Lindo

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The next big Hollywood movie from Ryan Coogler starring none other than Michael B. Jordan has just announced more of the untitled film’s cast.

Both Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported that Delroy Lindo is confirmed as on board. Jack O’Connell is in talks, and rumor has it that he will play the villain. Lindo’s role is unknown, much like the title. C’mon ya’ll, give us something.

Speaking of under wraps, this project has been protected from leaks, but Shadow and Act gave some rumored intel with the film “set in the Jim Crow-era South, and possibly involves both vampires and Southern supernatural traditions.” Now get this: Shadow and Act regurgitated another rumor that Jordan may play two characters who are twin brothers. That’s interesting. Here’s more from the rumor mill: the tone of the film is described as having a musical element. One source said Lindo’s role has “a musical element to it.” Now, that’s a lot of possible information for a so-called closely guarded project.

Coogler is serving as a screenwriter, director, and producer through his company, Proximity Media. Proximity Media producers Zinzi Coogler (Ryan’s wife) and Sev Ohanian are producing.

Warner Bros won the rights to the film after a crazy bidding war. 

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