Posts made in January 2024

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH NAT GEO!

The first episode of the new season, “Graduation,” will simulcast on ABC Feb. 1 at 9/8c. 

In a first for the franchise, the new season of the Emmy® Award-winning anthology series will focus on two iconic geniuses: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X  (Aaron Pierre). “GENIUS: MLK/X” will explore the formative years, where they were molded by strong fathers and traumatic injustices, to their rich, parallel stories as they shaped their identities and became the change they wished to see in the world. The docudrama series offers an intimate look into their complex lives as husbands, fathers, brothers and sons, taking them off the iconic T-shirts to show their humanity. With their formidable wives, Coretta Scott King(Weruche Opia) and Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson), leading by their sides, King and X are two visionaries who ultimately rose to pioneer a movement. 
  
“Graduation” premieres Feb. 1 at 9/8c 
Young Martin and Young Malcolm are groomed to embrace racial pride and develop their purpose. 
  
“Who We Are” premieres Feb. 1 at 10/9c 
Martin and Malcolm each work to shape their identities and become the change they wish to see in the world. 
  
“Protect Us” premieres Feb. 8 at 9/8c 
As their families blossom, both Martin and Malcolm ascend into powerful positions. 

“Watch The Throne” premieres Feb. 8 at 10/9c 
Martin and Malcolm each face struggles and challenges in their leadership roles. 

“Matriarchs” premieres Feb. 15 at 9/8c 
The pressures and expectations of public and private life take a toll on Coretta and Betty. 

“The American Promise” premieres Feb. 15 at 10/9c 
The March on Washington and the Kennedy Assassination have lasting effects for both men. 

“The Sword and The Shield” premieres Feb. 22 at 9/8c 
The two leaders meet briefly in DC while supporting the passage of the Civil Rights Act. 

“Can You Imagine” premieres Feb. 22 at 10/9c 
The two leaders are assassinated, but their legacies continue to inspire. 
  



CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL TRAILER HERE!

Premieres Feb. 12 at 9/8c on Nat Geo 
Next Day on Disney+ and Hulu 

THE SPACE RACE weaves together the stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice to reach for the stars, including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight and Charles Bolden, among many others. In THE SPACE RACE, directors Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés profile the pioneering Black pilots, scientists and engineers who joined NASA to serve their country in space, even as their country failed to achieve equality for them back on Earth. From 1963, when the assassination of JFK thwarted Captain Ed Dwight’s quest to reach the moon, to 2020, when the echoes of the civil unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd reached the International Space Station, the story of African Americans at NASA is a tale of world events colliding with the aspirations of uncommon men. The bright dreams of Afrofuturism become reality in THE SPACE RACE, turning science fiction into science fact and forever redefining what “the right stuff” looks like, giving us new heroes to celebrate and a fresh history to explore. 



NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S BOBI WINE RECEIVES OSCAR NOMINATION

The People’s President is nominated for an Oscar for the best documentary feature film alongside four other documentaries!

Bobi was born in the slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine, Ugandan opposition leader, a former member of parliament, activist and national superstar musician, risks his life and the lives of his wife, Barbie, and their children to fight the ruthless regime led by Yoweri Museveni.
Running in the country’s 2021 presidential elections, Bobi Wine uses his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and support his life mission to defend the oppressed and the voiceless people of Uganda.
In this fight, he must also take on the country’s police and military, which are not afraid to use violence and torture in a vain attempt to intimidate and silence him and his supporters.

This is such a win for the documentary and the people of Uganda as they fight to have their voices heard.

Tony Winner Melba Moore To Return To 54 Below NYC

Tickets On Sale Now

NYC’s 54 Below supper club, located at 254 West 54th Street, will welcome back industry icon Melba Moore on March 15 & 16 at 7pm.

She’ll return to the venue with
“From Broadway With Love” – journeying through her notably remarkable career in music and beyond.

Born in Harlem and raised in Newark NJ with professional musicians as parents, Ms. Moore stepped into the industry singing Background Vocals for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin which led to her Broadway debut succeeding Diane Keaton in the musical Hair.

Moore went on to play recurring roles in several hit Broadway productions, including her celebrated Tony Award winning portrayal of Lutiebelle in the musical Purlie,

Accompanied by a band trio along with a visual pictorial presentation of selected photographs and images, Ms. Moore will present a variety of songs, including selected classics from Broadway greats such as Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Diahann Carroll and more; taking the audience on a magical musical tour of what makes Broadway great and inspirational.

Melba Moore: From Broadway With Love” will take to the 54 Below stage on March 15 & 16 at 7pm. Cover charges are $51 (includes $6 in fees) – $62 (includes $7 in fees). Premiums are $106 (includes $11 in fees). $25 food & beverage minimum.

Tickets and information are available at 54below.org/MelbaMoore.

Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00pm are only available by calling (646) 476-3551. All online and phone ticket purchases are subject to fees of 10% of ticket price, plus a $1.50 facility fee.

For media inquiries contact Double XXposure – angelo@dxxnyc.com

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE IS IN THEATRES FEBRUARY 14, 2024

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity.

On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is in theatres February 14, 2024.

Paramount Pictures Presents

A Plan B Entertainment / State Street Pictures / Tuff Gong Pictures Production

“BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE”

Executive Producers
Brad Pitt, Richard Hewitt, Orly Marley, Matt Solodky

Produced by
Robert Teitel, p.g.a., Dede Gardner,p.g.a., Jeremy Kleiner, p.g.a.,

Ziggy Marley, p.g.a., Rita Marley, Cedella Marley

Story by
Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers

Screenplay by
Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin & Reinaldo Marcus Green

Directed by
Reinaldo Marcus Green

Starring:

Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh,

Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Gawaine “J-Summa” Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Alexx A-Game, Michael Gandolfini, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector Roots Lewis,

Abijah “Naki Wailer” Livingston, Nadine Marshall, Sheldon Shepherd, Andrae Simpson, Stefan A.D Wade

“Bob Marley: One Love ” has not yet been rated.

OneLoveMovie.com

#BobMarleyMovie

#OneLoveMovie

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Kings from Queens: the Run DMC Story

Documentary
Peacock
February 1st, 2024
• TV-MA • TV Series

Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story, produced by Believe Entertainment Group, is the never-been-told story of the most influential rap group in the history of music, RUN DMC.

Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell met on the streets of Hollis, Queens before these hip-hop legends would go on to legitimize a genre of music that critics labeled a fad. Their influence on culture shattered racial barriers, making them international stars and fashion leaders of the ‘80s.

After a series of life-changing events and challenges, including the murder of their beloved DJ, Jam Master Jay, Rev Run, and DMC reunite to tell their story and celebrate the genre of music they established.

Director: Kirk Fraser
Executive Producers: Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, William H. Masterson III, Brian Hunt, Dan Goodman, Michael Lehman, Erik Blamoville
Produced By: Believe Entertainment Group

Lift

Kevin Hart’s New Heist Movie
BY PHILLIPE THAO AND JOHN DILILLO
JAN. 12, 2024

 

Kevin Hart has a very lucrative proposition for you. The multi-hyphenate comedy star is in the market for a few recruits. Anyone interested in stealing about 500 million dollars’ worth of gold? No pressure.

In the new film from director F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job, The Fate of the Furious, Straight Outta Compton, Pump it Up), a band of expert criminals is recruited to prevent a terrorist attack by doing what they do best — robbing the rich. It’s a simple Lift, nothing complicated. Other than the fact that the heist will take place on a plane in mid-flight. Call it some unexpected turbulence. 

For Hart, Lift was an opportunity to stretch his wings (pun intended) — it’s a more dramatic role than the comedy superstar is typically known for. “Taking on the role of an action hero and heist boss like Cyrus has been a non-stop thrill ride for me,” Hart told Netflix. “Teaming up with F. Gary Gray, who’s directed some of my all-time favorite action movies, and working with this unbelievable ensemble elevated the whole experience to another level.”

 Lift is now streaming on Netflix. Find out more about the movie and its cast below. 

What is Lift about?

An international heist crew, led by Cyrus Whitaker (Kevin Hart), race to lift $500 million in gold from a passenger plane at 40,000 feet.

“I love the heist genre and the idea of pairing Kevin Hart with a world-class cast,” director Gray told Netflix. “I really felt for his character, Cyrus Whitaker, as he orchestrated an impossible global mission — as a director, tackling the seemingly impossible task of filming a global production is my everyday adventure!”

Kevin Hart

as CYRUS WHITAKER

ABOUT THE CHARACTER

Cyrus is the mastermind of the Lift team, a seasoned thief who finds himself cajoled into working with the government for one last heist. He’s played by world-famous comedian Kevin Hart, in a role that trends towards the more action-oriented persona he’s tested out in films like Central Intelligence.

“Kevin was willing to do whatever it took to embody the character Cyrus Whitaker,” Gray said. “Interestingly, while I prefer rehearsing before shooting a movie, Kevin, who is historically not inclined to do so, being one of the busiest people I’ve ever met, made it a priority. His commitment and investment, I believe, made a significant difference in his performance.”

PREVIOUSLY IN

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, Get Hard, Night School, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, The Upside

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

as ABBY GLADWELL

ABOUT THE CHARACTER

Interpol agent Abby Gladwell has Cyrus’ number — and she’s reticent to recruit him for a mission with stakes this high. But under her own supervision, she’s convinced to give the scoundrel and his team a chance. She’s played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who stole the show as party animal Kelly in Black Mirror’s acclaimed episode “San Junipero.” 

“When I read this script, it was just so buoyant,” Mbatha-Raw said. “And for me, to work with an amazing talent and  comedian like Kevin Hart was a real draw. It was amazing to learn fight choreography— and you’re  not just fighting, but the plane is moving!”

PREVIOUSLY IN

Miss Sloane, Beauty and the Beast, Fast Color, Loki, A Wrinkle in Time

Vincent D’Onofrio

as DENTON

ABOUT THE CHARACTER

Master of disguise Denton is an integral fixture of Cyrus’ crew, and a close friend. The chameleonic criminal is played by an actor with a similar skillset — Emmy-nominatedVincent D’Onofrio, who himself has picked up a few tricks from a magic shop he frequented as a young man.

“Vincent D’Onofrio is a bonafide legend,” Gray told Netflix. “His paternal influence on the cast impacted how they showed up and performed, it really comes through on screen.”

PREVIOUSLY IN

Men in Black, Full Metal Jacket, Jurassic World, Malcolm X, JFK, Strange Days, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil

When will Lift be on Netflix?

 

Lift has landed safely on Netflix. Stream it now. 

Marvel Studios’ Animated Series “What If…?” Now Streaming

Jeffrey Wright Returns as The Watcher, Joining Lineup of MCU Stars Who Reprise Iconic Roles.

Episode one of season two of Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” is now streaming on Disney+. In the spirit of the holidays, a new episode will debut daily for the next eight days. Jeffrey Wright (“The French Dispatch,” “The Batman”) returns as The Watcher, joining a host of MCU stars reprising their roles. “They’ve all been great,” said director Bryan Andrews. “Cate Blanchett really sunk her teeth into this version of Hela we have. And, of course, Hayley Atwell as our Captain Carter—seeing that character go through what she goes through and keeps forging ahead—it’s amazing what Hayley brings to the table. And we had Jon Favreau come in and do a couple of versions of Happy Hogan and it was a blast. He’s amazing and really went for it. I asked for some wacky stuff in our 1602-inspired episode and he delivered in a big way—so much fun.”

Also featured are Clancy Brown, Josh Brolin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kat Dennings, Michael Douglas, Idris Elba, Karen Gillan, Seth Green, Frank Grillo, Jeff Goldblum, Laurence Fishburne, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Rachel House, Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law, Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Sam Rockwell, Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Rooker, Kurt Russell, Peter Serafinowicz, John Slattery, Cobie Smulders, Sebastian Stan, Tessa Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Taika Waititi and Rachel Weisz.

ABOUT “WHAT IF…?”

With a new episode debuting nightly beginning Dec. 22, season two of “What If…?” continues the journey as The Watcher guides viewers through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU.

The series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles.

Featuring fan-favorite characters this season like Nebula, Hela and Happy Hogan, episodes are directed by Bryan Andrews (eps 2-9) and Stephan Franck (ep 1) and written by AC Bradley (eps 3, 4, 5, 8), Matthew Chauncey (eps 1-3, 7, 9) and Ryan Little (eps 6, 8).

The animated series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley.

EPISODE 1: WHAT IF… NEBULA JOINED THE NOVA CORPS?
When Nebula is recruited to join the Nova Corps, she sets out to prove her detective skills within this intergalactic police force.

EPISODE 2: WHAT IF… PETER QUILL ATTACKED EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES?
When Ego and a young Peter Quill threaten Earth in 1988, Howard Stark and Peggy Carter form a team.

EPISODE 3: WHAT IF HAPPY HOGAN SAVED CHRISTMAS?
Avengers Tower is under attack during the holiday party and it’s up to Happy Hogan to stop it.

EPISODE 4: WHAT IF… IRON MAN CRASHED INTO THE GRANDMASTER?
Tony Stark challenges The Grandmaster, leading to a grand prix-turned-demolition-derby death match.

EPISODE 5: WHAT IF… CAPTAIN CARTER FOUGHT THE HYDRA STOMPER?
Captain Carter’s mission to save Steve Rogers sets her on a collision course with new enemies.

EPISODE 6: WHAT IF… KAHHORI RESHAPED THE WORLD?
A Mohawk woman ventures into the waters of the Forbidden Lake to help save her people.

EPISODE 7: WHAT IF… HELA FOUND THE TEN RINGS?
Hela—stripped of her powers and banished to Earth—comes across a new source of power: the Ten Rings.

EPISODE 8: WHAT IF… THE AVENGERS ASSEMBLED IN 1602?
Captain Carter tries to undo the anomaly that strands familiar heroes and villains in the year 1602.

EPISODE 9: WHAT IF… STRANGE SUPREME INTERVENED?
Captain Carter discovers the greatest threat to all existence may be closer than she realizes.

The Underdoggs

(Amazon MGM Studios)
Release: 01/26/2024
Only on Prime Video

Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings (Snoop Dogg) is a washed-up ex-professional football star who has hit rock bottom.

When Jaycen is sentenced to community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown of Long Beach, California, he sees it as an opportunity to rebuild his public image and turn his life around.

As Jaycen works to transform the foul-mouthed Underdoggs into top-notch champions, he reconnects with his past, including an old flame and few of his ex-teammates and rediscovers his love of the game.

Genres
 
Sports, Comedy
 
Rating
 
R for pervasive language, sexual references, drug use, and some underage drinking
 
Starring
 
Snoop Dogg, Tika Sumpter, George Lopez, Mike Epps, Andrew Schulz, and George Lopez
 
Directed By
 
Charles Stone III
 
Produced By
 
Kenya Barris, p.g.a., Calvin Broadus, p.g.a., Constance Schwartz-Morini, p.g.a., Mychelle Deschamps, p.g.a., Jonathan Glickman, p.g.a.
 
Executive Produced By
 
Jeremiah Samuels, Anni Weisband