DreamWorks Animation has the best animated franchises, delivering consistently good, theatrically-released franchises that are unique within the animation landscape. One of their best ones is "Kung Fu Panda," a franchise with some of the best fight sequences in animation, and one of the few instances where an all-star stunt voice cast isn't detrimental to the films' quality.
Even if "Kung Fu Panda 4" doesn't reach the heights of the first two films, it still isn't without redeeming qualities. As our own Ethan Anderton wrote in his review for /Film, "This movie still has plenty of ways to entertain, from the eye-popping animated action sequences to Jack Black's pitch-perfect portrayal of Po, not to mention a stellar score from composer Hans Zimmer and his composing partner and collaborator, Steve Mazzaro."
This is a fun movie with a fantastic cast led by Jack Black and Awkwafina, starting what could be a new trilogy in the franchise.
Even if "Kung Fu Panda 4" doesn't reach the heights of the first two films, it still isn't without redeeming qualities. As our own Ethan Anderton wrote in his review for /Film, "This movie still has plenty of ways to entertain, from the eye-popping animated action sequences to Jack Black's pitch-perfect portrayal of Po, not to mention a stellar score from composer Hans Zimmer and his composing partner and collaborator, Steve Mazzaro."
This is a fun movie with a fantastic cast led by Jack Black and Awkwafina, starting what could be a new trilogy in the franchise.
- 4/8/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
It's been nearly a decade since "Kung Fu Panda 3" hit theaters, but the paw-punching panda hasn't been dormant the entire time. Since the sequel's arrival in theaters, there have been two DreamWorks Animation Television shows ("Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny" and "Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight") following Po's adventures after what seemed like a nice trilogy capper. So it's not as if we've been short on martial arts mayhem. The latter series even managed to lure Jack Black back to voice Po, and it just wrapped up a three-season run in September 2023. So bringing "Kung Fu Panda" back to the big screen really needed to feel worth it. How did "Shrek Forever After" director Mike Mitchell and co-director Stephanie Ma Stine ("She-Ra and the Princesses of Power") fare with the latest mystical journey for Po?
The good news is that "Kung Fu Panda 4" (watch the...
The good news is that "Kung Fu Panda 4" (watch the...
- 3/6/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Since its debut in 2008, DreamWorks’ kickass charmer Po, aka Kung Fu Panda, has racked up nearly $2 billion at the global box office over the course of three films, the most recent being eight years ago. A lot has changed in the world of animation in that time as well as in the life of Po, as witnessed by the storyline screenwriters have cooked up for this rich and energetic fourth entry into the franchise. Visually, this one tops them all, and pound for pound the whole movie from director Mike Mitchell, taking the helm of the Kfp series for the first time, is another winner bound to add to the impressive legacy of this lovable Chinese bear.
Plotwise, Po (again voiced by the inimitable Jack Black) has been content to be a successful Dragon Warrior vanquishing villains and seemingly with no further ambition. However, when Kung Fu Master Shifa (Dustin Hoffman...
Plotwise, Po (again voiced by the inimitable Jack Black) has been content to be a successful Dragon Warrior vanquishing villains and seemingly with no further ambition. However, when Kung Fu Master Shifa (Dustin Hoffman...
- 3/6/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal (NBCU) and JioCinema, Viacom18’s streaming service, have entered into a multi-year partnership bringing thousands of hours of NBCU films and TV series to India. NBCU’s programming will be housed in a Peacock branded hub starting next month on JioCinema’s newly announced JioCinema Premium SVOD tier.
Here, viewers will have access to first-run series such as ‘Young Rock’, a heartfelt comedy starring global superstar Dwayne Johnson that tells the story of his life and the people he has met along the way; riveting action thriller ‘The Lazarus Project’; and ‘The Lovers’, a dark romantic comedy.
Indian audiences can also enjoy Peacock Originals. including ‘Bel-Air’, a dramatic reimagining of the ’90s comedy series that starred Will Smith; ‘Pitch Perfect’: ‘Bumper in Berlin’, a spin-off series starring Adam Devine, who reprises his character from the hit film; and ‘The Calling’, an investigative drama series from Emmy winner David E. Kelley,...
Here, viewers will have access to first-run series such as ‘Young Rock’, a heartfelt comedy starring global superstar Dwayne Johnson that tells the story of his life and the people he has met along the way; riveting action thriller ‘The Lazarus Project’; and ‘The Lovers’, a dark romantic comedy.
Indian audiences can also enjoy Peacock Originals. including ‘Bel-Air’, a dramatic reimagining of the ’90s comedy series that starred Will Smith; ‘Pitch Perfect’: ‘Bumper in Berlin’, a spin-off series starring Adam Devine, who reprises his character from the hit film; and ‘The Calling’, an investigative drama series from Emmy winner David E. Kelley,...
- 5/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
"Bad Banks," "Unorthodox," and "Keep Breathing" star Jeff Wilbusch is trying his hand at the crime thriller, starring as hopeful NYPD detective Avraham "Avi" Avraham in David E. Kelley and Barry Levinson's new crime drama for Peacock, "The Calling." Originally announced under the title "The Missing," the new series is an adaptation of Israeli crime writer Dror A. Mishani's international bestselling novel "The Missing File" about an investigator whose deeply-held Jewish faith and belief in humanity are questioned when he is tasked with a harrowing missing person case of a woman's teenage son.
The series is written by prolific TV writer David E. Kelley who also serves as showrunner, with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson directing. The creative team rounds out an impressive hat trick with legendary composer Hans Zimmer serving as co-composer alongside frequent collaborator Steve Mazzaro. Upon the show's official trailer release, Kelley released the following statement,...
The series is written by prolific TV writer David E. Kelley who also serves as showrunner, with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson directing. The creative team rounds out an impressive hat trick with legendary composer Hans Zimmer serving as co-composer alongside frequent collaborator Steve Mazzaro. Upon the show's official trailer release, Kelley released the following statement,...
- 10/28/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Emmy-winning executive producer David E. Kelley and Oscar winner Barry Levinson lead Peacock psychological crime thriller “The Calling.”
Kelley, known recently for “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing,” serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the series, premiering November 10 on the NBCU streamer. Levinson directs multiple episodes including the pilot, as well as executive produces. Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro are co-composers for the gritty police procedural with a twist.
“The Calling” centers on NYPD Detective Avraham Avraham (Jeff Wilbusch) whose belief in mankind is his superpower when it comes to uncovering the truth. Guided by a deep sense of spirituality and religious principles, Avraham is left to question his own humanity when a seemingly routine investigation turns upside down. The series is based on Dror Mishani’s novels of the same name, which showrunner Kelley calls a “riveting and emotionally complicated series of books.”
“Avi is a deeply mysterious,...
Kelley, known recently for “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing,” serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer of the series, premiering November 10 on the NBCU streamer. Levinson directs multiple episodes including the pilot, as well as executive produces. Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro are co-composers for the gritty police procedural with a twist.
“The Calling” centers on NYPD Detective Avraham Avraham (Jeff Wilbusch) whose belief in mankind is his superpower when it comes to uncovering the truth. Guided by a deep sense of spirituality and religious principles, Avraham is left to question his own humanity when a seemingly routine investigation turns upside down. The series is based on Dror Mishani’s novels of the same name, which showrunner Kelley calls a “riveting and emotionally complicated series of books.”
“Avi is a deeply mysterious,...
- 10/27/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peacock’s just released the first trailer for the upcoming drama The Calling from David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies). The Calling, which was given a straight-to-series order back in October 2021, is adapted from Dror Mishani’s bestselling Avraham Avraham book series and stars Jeff Wilbusch (Unorthodox) as the fictional NYPD detective.
“Dror Mishani wrote a riveting and emotionally complicated series of books, the center of which is Avraham. Avi is a deeply mysterious, spiritual, and compelling detective unlike any protagonist I’ve encountered before. Jeff Wilbusch brings him to rich and hypnotic life in front of the camera, and behind the camera Barry Levinson is… Barry Levinson. What a privilege to have him at the helm. Add Hans Zimmer to the mix, and the final product is something we hope thrills, moves, and instills a bit of hope in the audience,” said writer, executive producer, and showrunner David E.
“Dror Mishani wrote a riveting and emotionally complicated series of books, the center of which is Avraham. Avi is a deeply mysterious, spiritual, and compelling detective unlike any protagonist I’ve encountered before. Jeff Wilbusch brings him to rich and hypnotic life in front of the camera, and behind the camera Barry Levinson is… Barry Levinson. What a privilege to have him at the helm. Add Hans Zimmer to the mix, and the final product is something we hope thrills, moves, and instills a bit of hope in the audience,” said writer, executive producer, and showrunner David E.
- 10/27/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The first look of David E. Kelley’s investigative drama series “The Calling” were released Monday by Peacock, offering a glimpse into the show ahead of its Nov. 10 debut on the streamer.
Adapted from a series of novels by author Dror Mishani, the show’s plot follows a New York Police Department detective named Avraham Avraham (Jeff Wilbush), who typically relies on spirituality to guide his pursuit of truth until one investigation makes him rethink his beliefs.
The series stars Wilbush, Juliana Canfield, Karen Robinson and Michael Mosley.
One image highlights a particularly tense, yet slightly absurd moment where Wilbush is locked hands with a man wearing a hotdog suit in what looks like the context of an interrogation.
Behind the production is showrunner, writer and executive producer Kelley, whose lengthy career includes series such as “Picket Fences,” “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal” and “Big Little Lies.” Barry Levinson will also...
Adapted from a series of novels by author Dror Mishani, the show’s plot follows a New York Police Department detective named Avraham Avraham (Jeff Wilbush), who typically relies on spirituality to guide his pursuit of truth until one investigation makes him rethink his beliefs.
The series stars Wilbush, Juliana Canfield, Karen Robinson and Michael Mosley.
One image highlights a particularly tense, yet slightly absurd moment where Wilbush is locked hands with a man wearing a hotdog suit in what looks like the context of an interrogation.
Behind the production is showrunner, writer and executive producer Kelley, whose lengthy career includes series such as “Picket Fences,” “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal” and “Big Little Lies.” Barry Levinson will also...
- 9/26/2022
- by Katie Reul and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar’s music branch was particularly broad-minded for this year’s Oscar shortlist, choosing 15 scores that run the gamut from conventional to experimental, echoing ancient times as well as anticipating the music of the future.
Academy voters were especially encouraging of women (one score) and people of color (four), statistics that are heartening and may bode well for the nominations themselves.
At this point, “Dune” would seem to be the frontrunner, as Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic has been acclaimed for many of its craft accomplishments. Veteran composer Hans Zimmer (already an Oscar winner for “The Lion King”) pulled out all the stops, including months of experimenting with women’s voices, having instruments designed and built, and merging it all with world-music and synthesized sounds appropriate for the desert planet Arrakis.
Also high on many prediction lists are two Jonny Greenwood scores: “The Power of the Dog” and “Spencer.
Academy voters were especially encouraging of women (one score) and people of color (four), statistics that are heartening and may bode well for the nominations themselves.
At this point, “Dune” would seem to be the frontrunner, as Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic has been acclaimed for many of its craft accomplishments. Veteran composer Hans Zimmer (already an Oscar winner for “The Lion King”) pulled out all the stops, including months of experimenting with women’s voices, having instruments designed and built, and merging it all with world-music and synthesized sounds appropriate for the desert planet Arrakis.
Also high on many prediction lists are two Jonny Greenwood scores: “The Power of the Dog” and “Spencer.
- 1/10/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The theatrical experience is unique, important and akin to an experience of “shared dreaming,” says Hans Zimmer, whose scores for 2021’s “Dune” and “No Time to Die” are among those in next year’s awards conversation — and who is being honored by Variety as Composer of the Year, presented by ASCAP.
“It’s an incredible honor and, at the same time, it comes with a strange sort of responsibility in this year,” the Oscar- and four-time Grammy winner tells Variety as part of its Music for Screens Summit.
Speaking of both Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic and the latest James Bond film, Zimmer says, “these are made for the big screen, making a big noise for big speakers. I want to acknowledge the people who actually went to see a film in theaters and realized that this was an important thing to do, as part of our humanity.”
He likens...
“It’s an incredible honor and, at the same time, it comes with a strange sort of responsibility in this year,” the Oscar- and four-time Grammy winner tells Variety as part of its Music for Screens Summit.
Speaking of both Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic and the latest James Bond film, Zimmer says, “these are made for the big screen, making a big noise for big speakers. I want to acknowledge the people who actually went to see a film in theaters and realized that this was an important thing to do, as part of our humanity.”
He likens...
- 12/2/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
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Pressing play on a song can transport you back in time and rustle up memories from your favorite movies, or maybe even a personal experience. We might not always notice, but musical soundtracks are a major part in the evolution of cinema. Although soundtracks tend to differ from film scores in that they’re usually inspired by a film vs. written specifically for it, but sometimes the movie soundtrack is just as big (if not bigger) than the film itself.
In celebration of the films released this year, we put together a beginner’s guide to seven of the best movie soundtracks of 2021 (so far). Find the list below, and for more music...
Pressing play on a song can transport you back in time and rustle up memories from your favorite movies, or maybe even a personal experience. We might not always notice, but musical soundtracks are a major part in the evolution of cinema. Although soundtracks tend to differ from film scores in that they’re usually inspired by a film vs. written specifically for it, but sometimes the movie soundtrack is just as big (if not bigger) than the film itself.
In celebration of the films released this year, we put together a beginner’s guide to seven of the best movie soundtracks of 2021 (so far). Find the list below, and for more music...
- 10/11/2021
- by Latifah Muhammad
- Indiewire
Decca Records will release Hans Zimmer's soundtrack for the new James Bond film "No Time to Die" as a special 2-lp vinyl soundtrack. Here is the official description:
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
The Hans Zimmer produced soundtrack for the 25th installment in the James Bond film franchise, No Time To Die. The soundtrack will include Billie Eilish's electrifying title track No Time To Die, co-written (with brother Finneas O'Connell) and performed by Eilish. Joining Zimmer on scoring the soundtrack is Johnny Marr, who is also the featured guitarist on the album, with additional music by composer and score producer Steve Mazzaro.
Click Here To Pre-order From Amazon- Album Will Ship On October 1...
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
The Hans Zimmer produced soundtrack for the 25th installment in the James Bond film franchise, No Time To Die. The soundtrack will include Billie Eilish's electrifying title track No Time To Die, co-written (with brother Finneas O'Connell) and performed by Eilish. Joining Zimmer on scoring the soundtrack is Johnny Marr, who is also the featured guitarist on the album, with additional music by composer and score producer Steve Mazzaro.
Click Here To Pre-order From Amazon- Album Will Ship On October 1...
- 8/22/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Ever since the Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” there’s been an uptick in experimenting with more graphic 2D animation styles, including Oscar winner “Soul,” and this season’s contenders “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” and “Luca.” You can add “The Boss Baby: Family Business” (opening theatrically and streaming on Peacock Independence weekend), as DreamWorks leans more heavily into retro-looking fantasy than in the blockbuster original. That’s because director Tom McGrath applied his passion for classic hand-drawn animation as a celebration of childhood imagination.
In fact, the graphically surreal centerpiece revolves around Cat Stevens’ beloved ode to non-conformity, “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” (from “Harold and Maude”) sung by James Marsden and Ariana Greenblatt (voicing father Tim and daughter Tabitha). Tim is transformed into a child once again and joins Tabitha in a pink and purple sea of yellow trumpets and floral shapes, along with more colorful and dreamy imagery,...
In fact, the graphically surreal centerpiece revolves around Cat Stevens’ beloved ode to non-conformity, “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” (from “Harold and Maude”) sung by James Marsden and Ariana Greenblatt (voicing father Tim and daughter Tabitha). Tim is transformed into a child once again and joins Tabitha in a pink and purple sea of yellow trumpets and floral shapes, along with more colorful and dreamy imagery,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
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“The Boss Baby: Family Business” landed in theaters and on Peacock on Friday, right on in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Alec Baldwin returns for the sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar-nominated comedy featuring an all-star cast that includes James Marsden, Eva Longoria, Amy Sedaris, Ariana Greenblatt, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, and Jeff Goldblum.
In the movie, brothers Ted (Baldwin) and Tim (Marsden) are all grown up and living separate lives. Ted, former leader of BabyCorp, is a hedge fund CEO. Tim, also married with two kids, works as a stay-at-home dad. The pair have drifted apart over the years, but a magical potion turns them back into babies for a short time,...
“The Boss Baby: Family Business” landed in theaters and on Peacock on Friday, right on in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Alec Baldwin returns for the sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar-nominated comedy featuring an all-star cast that includes James Marsden, Eva Longoria, Amy Sedaris, Ariana Greenblatt, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, and Jeff Goldblum.
In the movie, brothers Ted (Baldwin) and Tim (Marsden) are all grown up and living separate lives. Ted, former leader of BabyCorp, is a hedge fund CEO. Tim, also married with two kids, works as a stay-at-home dad. The pair have drifted apart over the years, but a magical potion turns them back into babies for a short time,...
- 7/2/2021
- by Latifah Muhammad
- Indiewire
The lore of the “Boss Baby” universe is as extensive as it is bewildering. Loosely based on the book by Marla Frazee, 2017’s “The Boss Baby” — which was, shockingly, Oscar nominated — covered the existence of Baby Corp, the company in the sky that creates infants and sends them to Earth either to be raised by human parents or on missions to ensure babies’ hegemony as the most loved creatures. (Puppies are a close runner-up.)
A magical milk formula prevents those chosen ones from growing up, and a whole protocol à la “Men in Black” erases the memories of the adults who received these babies in suits that were never meant to be part of the family but just transient employees for the corporation.
All of these plot points remain in place for the sequel, “The Boss Baby: Family Business,” which follows the franchise’s Netflix spin-off series. With director Tom McGrath,...
A magical milk formula prevents those chosen ones from growing up, and a whole protocol à la “Men in Black” erases the memories of the adults who received these babies in suits that were never meant to be part of the family but just transient employees for the corporation.
All of these plot points remain in place for the sequel, “The Boss Baby: Family Business,” which follows the franchise’s Netflix spin-off series. With director Tom McGrath,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Composer Hans Zimmer must be glad that ASCAP’s 2020 Screen Music Awards are virtual, because he’s so busy with upcoming films that he wouldn’t have time to pick up his Top Box Office award for last year’s “The Lion King” anyway.
He is, however, doing a live Q&a Thursday with Mitchell Leib, Disney’s president of music & soundtracks, to commemorate the ASCAP honor. (That live interview takes place at 3:25 p.m. Pt /6:25 Et June 25 at www.ascapexperience.com/; virtually admission is free but registration is required.)
Variety caught up with the Oscar and Grammy winner to talk about why his “Lion King” experience is more relevant than ever, and how it happens that 2020 — despite the pandemic — is turning out to be his busiest year ever
Variety: You have seven movies scheduled to come out this year…
Zimmer: It’s like, I’ve never been busier.
He is, however, doing a live Q&a Thursday with Mitchell Leib, Disney’s president of music & soundtracks, to commemorate the ASCAP honor. (That live interview takes place at 3:25 p.m. Pt /6:25 Et June 25 at www.ascapexperience.com/; virtually admission is free but registration is required.)
Variety caught up with the Oscar and Grammy winner to talk about why his “Lion King” experience is more relevant than ever, and how it happens that 2020 — despite the pandemic — is turning out to be his busiest year ever
Variety: You have seven movies scheduled to come out this year…
Zimmer: It’s like, I’ve never been busier.
- 6/23/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Reed Morano and Blake Lively are a potent combination of filmmaker and star. Pairing them for an emotional mix of action and drama, based on a series of popular thriller novels? Well, that should be a recipe for great success. Well, it’s not quite that simple. Parts of The Rhythm Section, opening this week, are very well done. Morano’s direction and Lively’s performance are spot on (more later). However, with a middling screenplay and some puzzle stylistic choices, this film winds up being very much a mixed bag. The highs are quite good, especially for a January release, while the lows remind you why Paramount decided to put this one out in the month that they did. The movie is a revenge thriller, told through the prism of grief. Stephanie Patrick (Lively) has seen her life fall apart in the years since her entire family was killed in a plane crash.
- 1/29/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Oscar winner Hans Zimmer has a long history with “Widows,” the heist thriller starring Viola Davis. Director Steve McQueen’s film is actually a remake of a 1983 British TV series scored by Zimmer’s London mentor, composer Stanley Myers. “I was making tea for Stanley,” he recalls. “I remember at the time being astonished by Lynda Laplante’s writing. For me it wasn’t so much about the strong women as about the casual brutality that women suffer on a daily basis.”
Thirty-five years later, Zimmer’s collaborator on “12 Years a Slave” has turned it into a movie addressing themes of politics, race, class, money and more. “This is a Steve McQueen movie,” Zimmer adds. “The picture itself was the melody, and my job was to do a little bit of orchestration. The moviemaking and the performances are so strong, you don’t want to clutter it up uselessly with music.
Thirty-five years later, Zimmer’s collaborator on “12 Years a Slave” has turned it into a movie addressing themes of politics, race, class, money and more. “This is a Steve McQueen movie,” Zimmer adds. “The picture itself was the melody, and my job was to do a little bit of orchestration. The moviemaking and the performances are so strong, you don’t want to clutter it up uselessly with music.
- 11/29/2018
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-director Daniel Sawka’s “Icebox” has been acquired by HBO Films. The feature, produced by James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films and co-financed with Endeavor Content, is set to debut Dec. 7 on HBO.
The film tells the story of Anthony Gonzalez’s Óscar, a 12-year-old Honduran boy who is forced to flee his home and seek asylum in the United States, only to find himself trapped in the U.S. immigration system.
“I have seldom seen a movie so of the moment – it’s almost reportage,” said Amato. “’Icebox’ gives viewers not only an opportunity to witness what it’s like inside these migrant detention centers, but also to feel the emotions of the children, revealing a world that many journalists and citizens have not yet been able to sufficiently penetrate.”
Brooks and Gracie Films teamed with Sawka to expand the project from a master’s thesis short into a feature-length film.
The film tells the story of Anthony Gonzalez’s Óscar, a 12-year-old Honduran boy who is forced to flee his home and seek asylum in the United States, only to find himself trapped in the U.S. immigration system.
“I have seldom seen a movie so of the moment – it’s almost reportage,” said Amato. “’Icebox’ gives viewers not only an opportunity to witness what it’s like inside these migrant detention centers, but also to feel the emotions of the children, revealing a world that many journalists and citizens have not yet been able to sufficiently penetrate.”
Brooks and Gracie Films teamed with Sawka to expand the project from a master’s thesis short into a feature-length film.
- 10/25/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
The end credits provide both the most potent moment and the most superfluous one in Daniel Sawka’s “Icebox,” a drama about immigration which premiered on Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Those credits tick off all the things that happened during the film’s postproduction period: the hard line taken by the Donald Trump administration on refugees fleeing Central and South America, the denial of refugee status to victims of gang violence in their home countries, the no-tolerance policy that has separated families, the children taken from their parents at the border …
Coming at the end of a film that details the plight of a 12-year-old boy forced to flee Honduras because of gang threats, the onscreen fact points turn the wrenching story of one boy into a sad statement on our country’s treatment of those in need, and reinforce just how timely “Icebox” is.
Also Read:...
Those credits tick off all the things that happened during the film’s postproduction period: the hard line taken by the Donald Trump administration on refugees fleeing Central and South America, the denial of refugee status to victims of gang violence in their home countries, the no-tolerance policy that has separated families, the children taken from their parents at the border …
Coming at the end of a film that details the plight of a 12-year-old boy forced to flee Honduras because of gang threats, the onscreen fact points turn the wrenching story of one boy into a sad statement on our country’s treatment of those in need, and reinforce just how timely “Icebox” is.
Also Read:...
- 9/10/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
141 original scores just made the Oscar shortlist, meaning that we have no real idea which soundtracks will go on to be nominated for the actual Academy Award — “Phantom Thread” composer Jonny Greenwood looks poised to finally be recognized for his work, but might “Baywatch” be a spoiler? We simply don’t know, dear reader. We simply don’t know.
As you await the nominations — which will be announced on Tuesday, January 23 — treat yourself to this selection of tracks from the shortlist.
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Original Score
Read More:Oscars 2018: Best Original Score Shortlist Includes ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘All the Money in the World,’ and More
Here are the 141 scores vying for an Oscar nod:
“Alien: Covenant,” Jed Kurzel, composer
“All I See Is You,” Marc Streitenfeld, composer
“All the Money in the World,” Daniel Pemberton, composer
“Annabelle: Creation,” Benjamin Wallfisch, composer
“Band Aid,” Lucius, composer
“Battle of the Sexes,...
As you await the nominations — which will be announced on Tuesday, January 23 — treat yourself to this selection of tracks from the shortlist.
Read More:2018 Oscar Predictions: Best Original Score
Read More:Oscars 2018: Best Original Score Shortlist Includes ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘All the Money in the World,’ and More
Here are the 141 scores vying for an Oscar nod:
“Alien: Covenant,” Jed Kurzel, composer
“All I See Is You,” Marc Streitenfeld, composer
“All the Money in the World,” Daniel Pemberton, composer
“Annabelle: Creation,” Benjamin Wallfisch, composer
“Band Aid,” Lucius, composer
“Battle of the Sexes,...
- 12/23/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Now that “Dunkirk” is out, so is its soundtrack. Hans Zimmer’s sixth collaboration with Christopher Nolan doesn’t come with a giant red button, but it does have the intensity of a ticking time bomb to match the film’s World War II drama. Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify here.
Read More‘Dunkirk’ and the 70mm Experience: Why The Unlikely Comeback of the Big-Screen Format Has Hollywood’s Attention
Lorne Balfe, Andrew Kawczynski, and Steve Mazzaro are credited with providing additional music. Here’s the tracklist:
“The Mole” (5:35) “We Need Our Army Back” (6:28) “Shivering Soldier” (2:52) “Supermarine” (8:03) “The Tide” (3:48) “Regimental Brothers” (5:04) “Impulse” (2:36) “Home” (6:02) “The Oil” (6:10) “Variation 15 (Dunkirk)” (5:51) “End Titles (Dunkirk)” (7:12)
Zimmer previously collaborated with Nolan on “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and “Interstellar.” “Dunkirk” is now in theaters.
Stay on top of the...
Read More‘Dunkirk’ and the 70mm Experience: Why The Unlikely Comeback of the Big-Screen Format Has Hollywood’s Attention
Lorne Balfe, Andrew Kawczynski, and Steve Mazzaro are credited with providing additional music. Here’s the tracklist:
“The Mole” (5:35) “We Need Our Army Back” (6:28) “Shivering Soldier” (2:52) “Supermarine” (8:03) “The Tide” (3:48) “Regimental Brothers” (5:04) “Impulse” (2:36) “Home” (6:02) “The Oil” (6:10) “Variation 15 (Dunkirk)” (5:51) “End Titles (Dunkirk)” (7:12)
Zimmer previously collaborated with Nolan on “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and “Interstellar.” “Dunkirk” is now in theaters.
Stay on top of the...
- 7/21/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Either I’ve been staying on top of my homework or 2015 has been an exceptionally strong year for film scores already. From blockbuster disappointments to indie oddities and mindless action sequels, film music has once again shown it can transcend its respective dreck just as much as it can enhance the cinematic experience. With film festival season on the horizon, let’s check in with the best movie music of the year:
8. Chappie — Hans Zimmer, Steve Mazzaro, Andrew Kawczynski
Neil Blomkamp’s movies seem to be getting worse, but Hans Zimmer’s sensibilities are getting more exotic and daring. Course-correcting from the massive publicity stunt that was The Amazing Spider-man 2, the master of bombast continues to experiment with digital textures, recruiting pupils Kawczyksnki and Mazzaro for a score that humanizes and contextualizes the childish perspective of its Robocop with a heart of gold.
“It’s a Dangerous City” introduces...
8. Chappie — Hans Zimmer, Steve Mazzaro, Andrew Kawczynski
Neil Blomkamp’s movies seem to be getting worse, but Hans Zimmer’s sensibilities are getting more exotic and daring. Course-correcting from the massive publicity stunt that was The Amazing Spider-man 2, the master of bombast continues to experiment with digital textures, recruiting pupils Kawczyksnki and Mazzaro for a score that humanizes and contextualizes the childish perspective of its Robocop with a heart of gold.
“It’s a Dangerous City” introduces...
- 7/22/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
Varèse Sarabande will be releasing the soundtrack to Sony Pictures’ Chappie, the latest score by the legendary Hans Zimmer. This is Zimmer’s first all-electronic soundtrack since the 1980s, when he first developed his ground-breaking style.
Varèse Sarabande’s exclusive release of Chappie will be released March 17th on CD. The digital album will be available at iTunes, Amazon and elsewhere beginning March 9th in Europe and March 10th in the U.S.
Click here for more info: http://www.myplaydirect.com/chappie
Tracklist
It’s A Dangerous City
The Only Way Out Of This
Use Your Mind
A Machine That Thinks And Feels
Firmware Update
Welcome To The Real World
The Black Sheep
Indestructible Robot Gangster #1
Breaking The Code
Rudest Bad Boy In Joburg
You Lied To Me
Mayhem Downtown
The Outside Is Temporary
Never Break A Promise
We Own This Sky
Illest Gangsta On The Block
“Chappie! Finally...
Varèse Sarabande’s exclusive release of Chappie will be released March 17th on CD. The digital album will be available at iTunes, Amazon and elsewhere beginning March 9th in Europe and March 10th in the U.S.
Click here for more info: http://www.myplaydirect.com/chappie
Tracklist
It’s A Dangerous City
The Only Way Out Of This
Use Your Mind
A Machine That Thinks And Feels
Firmware Update
Welcome To The Real World
The Black Sheep
Indestructible Robot Gangster #1
Breaking The Code
Rudest Bad Boy In Joburg
You Lied To Me
Mayhem Downtown
The Outside Is Temporary
Never Break A Promise
We Own This Sky
Illest Gangsta On The Block
“Chappie! Finally...
- 3/5/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From Guardians Of The Galaxy to Godzilla, and Noah to Paddington, our pick of 2014's finest film soundtracks and scores.
After Gravity blew your eardrums out of the airlock in 2013 with its seamless mix of sound effects and music, it was hard to imagine a film wowing just as much the year after, but 2014 was a year in which movie soundtracks became, if anything, even more intricate, from films about the nature of being a musician to those that replicated the noise of human existence for alien senses.
Before 2014 becomes a distant ringing in the ears, here are the top 14 movie soundtracks of the year.
1. Under the Skin (Mica Levi)
Once you've heard Mica Levi's soundtrack to Under the Skin, everything else sounds both disappointing and even more exciting. I say 'soundtrack' because, like the best movies, Jonathan Glazer's sci-fi understands that sound and music are two halves of the same hastily-conceived metaphor.
After Gravity blew your eardrums out of the airlock in 2013 with its seamless mix of sound effects and music, it was hard to imagine a film wowing just as much the year after, but 2014 was a year in which movie soundtracks became, if anything, even more intricate, from films about the nature of being a musician to those that replicated the noise of human existence for alien senses.
Before 2014 becomes a distant ringing in the ears, here are the top 14 movie soundtracks of the year.
1. Under the Skin (Mica Levi)
Once you've heard Mica Levi's soundtrack to Under the Skin, everything else sounds both disappointing and even more exciting. I say 'soundtrack' because, like the best movies, Jonathan Glazer's sci-fi understands that sound and music are two halves of the same hastily-conceived metaphor.
- 1/7/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
A great film score complements without burrowing too far into the ideas, wrestles with genre without locking the picture into a fixed identity, amplifies actors and actress’ choices without spilling the beans. A composer’s job is a balancing act. More and more, movie music finds itself backing off too far, devolving into incidental muzac, or going too far, where full-blast orchestral sounds pummel us like the Transformers’ energon punches. There’s a sweet spot, and the best film scores of the year ride it for an entire runtime. I shouldn’t be surprised that my favorite film scores of the year line-up closely with my favorite films of the year. As someone who goes to the movies with his ears as wide open as his eyes, I found myself captivated by 2014’s audio-visual offerings. Below, what I’d consider the "best" of the year (along with a few runner-ups,...
- 12/29/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
Pharrell Williams has unveiled a new song from the Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.
The 'Happy' singer recorded the guitar ballad 'Here' for the Marc Webb-directed superhero sequel.
Williams also produced the song 'It's On Again' for the soundtrack, performed by Hans Zimmer, Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar.
The Neighbourhood also contributed the song 'Honest' for the soundtrack.
The film's score was helmed by Hans Zimmer and the Magnificent Six - Pharrell, Incubus' Mike Einziger, Johnny Marr, Junkie Xl, Andrew Kawczynski and Steve Mazzaro.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is released at UK cinemas on April 16, and opens on May 2 in the Us. Watch a trailer below:...
The 'Happy' singer recorded the guitar ballad 'Here' for the Marc Webb-directed superhero sequel.
Williams also produced the song 'It's On Again' for the soundtrack, performed by Hans Zimmer, Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar.
The Neighbourhood also contributed the song 'Honest' for the soundtrack.
The film's score was helmed by Hans Zimmer and the Magnificent Six - Pharrell, Incubus' Mike Einziger, Johnny Marr, Junkie Xl, Andrew Kawczynski and Steve Mazzaro.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is released at UK cinemas on April 16, and opens on May 2 in the Us. Watch a trailer below:...
- 4/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Hans Zimmer is one of the most in demand composers at the moment, and with that busy schedule, he's called in collaborators to help bring his work to life. The forthcoming "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" score will feature Zimmer working alongside Pharrell Williams, Johnny Marr, Junkie Xl, Andrew Kawczynski, Steve Mazzaro and Incubus member Mike Einzinger. That process can sometimes bring into question who is the real writer or author of the score, occasionally creating a minor controversy when it comes to credit (please see the "Inception" Braaam debate). But for Zimmer as long as it's his idea, he believes who helps execute that vision comes secondary. "Filmmaking is collaborative, why does it need to stop when it comes to music? Because the director doesn't have the vocabulary? The musicians I work with speak English as well as I do, we're talking about story, character, pace, editing. We're talking about the film as a whole,...
- 4/4/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" soundtrack will feature some of the hottest names in pop, rock and hip-hop. Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar have collaborated on the film’s title track, "It's on Again," and the soundtrack will also include new music by the Neighbourhood, Alvin Risk and Liz. Composer Hans Zimmer co-wrote "It's on Again," plus helmed the score with the Magnificent Six — who is Pharrell, Incubus' Mike Einzinger, Johnny Marr, Junkie Xl, Andrew Kawczynski and Steve Mazzaro. Zimmer, whose work includes The Dark Knight Trilogy, explained to Billboard that he took a different approach for 'Spider-Man 2.’ "We did the opposite of what composers usually do — we wrote songs, and from the songs came the themes," Zimmer said. "We embraced a rock 'n' roll ethos on this movie, and it paid off." The film’s director Marc Webb said the music reflects a new creative direction...
- 3/12/2014
- by Whitney Phaneuf
- Hitfix
Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Kendrick Lamar and Hans Zimmer have teamed up on a song for the forthcoming The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.
The track, titled 'It's On Again', was produced by Pharrell and is sung by Keys, with a guest rap from Lamar.
"I'm very excited to be a part of such a powerful collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer," Keys said in a statement.
"This is the next chapter in the Spider-Man legacy and we really feel 'It's On Again' captures the experience, the story - and most importantly - the meaning behind the film, which is that we all have the potential to be extraordinary. There's a little bit of a superhero in all of us."
The movie's director Marc Webb added: "We were looking for just the right song to close out the film - a song that would be upbeat and exciting,...
The track, titled 'It's On Again', was produced by Pharrell and is sung by Keys, with a guest rap from Lamar.
"I'm very excited to be a part of such a powerful collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer," Keys said in a statement.
"This is the next chapter in the Spider-Man legacy and we really feel 'It's On Again' captures the experience, the story - and most importantly - the meaning behind the film, which is that we all have the potential to be extraordinary. There's a little bit of a superhero in all of us."
The movie's director Marc Webb added: "We were looking for just the right song to close out the film - a song that would be upbeat and exciting,...
- 3/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Bullet to the Head was Walter Hill’s long awaited (by me anyway) return to directing after a ten-year absence. When it came out in February it was not well received and not screened in advance for critics, but now it’s out on home formats it’s time for an agonising re-appraisal of the film.
Taken on its own terms and watched late enough at night, Bullet to the Head is actually quite enjoyable. The problem people seem to have with the film is its corniness and somewhat outdated machismo. Those who love Walter Hill’s previous work however, know that he hasn’t really changed the type of films he makes but the world around him has moved on. Nowhere is this more obvious than in its mis-matched buddy leads. One a floppy haired Asian superstar who looks like a male model and the other Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone...
Taken on its own terms and watched late enough at night, Bullet to the Head is actually quite enjoyable. The problem people seem to have with the film is its corniness and somewhat outdated machismo. Those who love Walter Hill’s previous work however, know that he hasn’t really changed the type of films he makes but the world around him has moved on. Nowhere is this more obvious than in its mis-matched buddy leads. One a floppy haired Asian superstar who looks like a male model and the other Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone...
- 5/7/2013
- by Chris Holt
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Bullet to the Head tries so hard to play like a throwback '80s actioner, while not appearing to look like its trying, it's laughable. I've also been worn so thin on films with aging characters baffled by technology that the egregious lengths Walter Hill's new film goes to tell me how much information can be found on a smartphone that I wanted to pull mine out of my pocket and stomp it into a thousand pieces. "You wouldn't believe how much information I can find on this thing," D.C. detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang) says to New Orleans hitman James Bonomo (Sylvester Stallone) as the two drive down the road in one of their many drive-and-talk sit downs. You see, Bonomo, or Jimmy Bobo as he's known on the streets, just killed a man and was quickly double-crossed. His partner is now dead and Kwon is in...
- 2/1/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Los Angeles — Like the amped up comeback tour of two rockers who had their heyday sometime in the mid-'80s, Sylvester Stallone and director Walter Hill ("48 Hrs.," "The Warriors") join forces for a hard-hitting exercise in beefy, brainless fun with the New Orleans-set actioner "Bullet to the Head."
Taking its B-grade scenario à la lettre, this assassin-cop buddy movie aims to accomplish little more than delivering tons of kinetic wham-bam fight sequences and Lol one-liners, which Stallone recites from a face that seems literally frozen in time. Independently financed, "Bullet" should target decent crowds, especially abroad, though will play best on the small screen.
Adapted by Alessandro Camon ("The Messenger") from the French comic book series by Matz, the film shifts the setting from New York to New Orleans (tax credits, anyone?), though that location is never officially named – and, like many things in this fast and easy shoot `em up,...
Taking its B-grade scenario à la lettre, this assassin-cop buddy movie aims to accomplish little more than delivering tons of kinetic wham-bam fight sequences and Lol one-liners, which Stallone recites from a face that seems literally frozen in time. Independently financed, "Bullet" should target decent crowds, especially abroad, though will play best on the small screen.
Adapted by Alessandro Camon ("The Messenger") from the French comic book series by Matz, the film shifts the setting from New York to New Orleans (tax credits, anyone?), though that location is never officially named – and, like many things in this fast and easy shoot `em up,...
- 1/30/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Sylvester Stallone stars as Jimmy Bobo, a career hitman who enters into an unlikely alliance with by-the-book detective Taylor Kwon to bring down the ruthless killer of their respective partners.
From director Walter Hill comes the action thriller Bullet To The Head - in theaters Friday, February 1. The film also stars Sung Kang (“Fast Five”), Sarah Shahi (Showtime’s “The L Word”), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”), Christian Slater (“Broken Arrow”), Jon Seda (HBO’s “The Pacific”), Weronika Rosati (HBO’s “Luck”), and Jason Momoa (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”).
Warner Bros. Pictures and Wamg invite you to enter to win a pass (good for 2) to the advance screening of Bullet To The Head on January 29th at 7Pm in St. Louis.
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be In The St. Louis Area The Day Of The Screening.
2. In 1979, Hill was a producer on this science fiction blockbuster...
From director Walter Hill comes the action thriller Bullet To The Head - in theaters Friday, February 1. The film also stars Sung Kang (“Fast Five”), Sarah Shahi (Showtime’s “The L Word”), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”), Christian Slater (“Broken Arrow”), Jon Seda (HBO’s “The Pacific”), Weronika Rosati (HBO’s “Luck”), and Jason Momoa (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”).
Warner Bros. Pictures and Wamg invite you to enter to win a pass (good for 2) to the advance screening of Bullet To The Head on January 29th at 7Pm in St. Louis.
Official Rules:
1. You Must Be In The St. Louis Area The Day Of The Screening.
2. In 1979, Hill was a producer on this science fiction blockbuster...
- 1/29/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 50 pairs of movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of the highly anticipated “Bullet to the Head” with Sylvester Stallone!
“Bullet to the Head,” which opens on Feb. 1, 2013 and is rated “R,” also stars Christian Slater, Jason Momoa, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jon Seda, Holt McCallany, Brian Van Holt, Weronika Rosati, Dane Rhodes and Marcus Lyle Brown from director Walter Hill and writer Alessandro Camon based on the graphic novel “Du Plomb dans la Tête” by Alexis Nolent.
To win your free “Bullet to the Head” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology below. That’s it! This screening is on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning!
“Bullet to the Head,” which opens on Feb. 1, 2013 and is rated “R,” also stars Christian Slater, Jason Momoa, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jon Seda, Holt McCallany, Brian Van Holt, Weronika Rosati, Dane Rhodes and Marcus Lyle Brown from director Walter Hill and writer Alessandro Camon based on the graphic novel “Du Plomb dans la Tête” by Alexis Nolent.
To win your free “Bullet to the Head” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology below. That’s it! This screening is on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning!
- 1/25/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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