VMI Worldwide has boarded worldwide sales on action-comedy Special Ops Rent-A-Cop, which stars Michael Jai White, Billy Zane, Chuck Lidell, Jim O’Heir, and Collen Camp.
Filming recently wrapped in Kentucky and VMI will introduce the film to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin.
The film follows legendary Special Forces Operator Brock Belfry (Jai White) after he is discharged from service following a severe injury on the battlefield. He is forced to accept a job as a security “rent-a-cop” escorting a busload of unruly senior citizens to Atlantic City. The trip goes from challenging to worse as Brock realizes he is simultaneously being tracked by an old nemesis, who has dispatched a bumbling kill squad to take him out.
William Butler directed and wrote the picture with Brooklyn Bruce, Jarrett Furst, David Wachs, and Ojan Missaghi serving as producers.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Russo COO of VMI Worldwide and Jarrett Furst on the producing team.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this action-packed film to buyers, blending thrilling sequences with light-hearted comedy for a truly entertaining experience. It’s the perfect mix of fun and excitement that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats,” said Jessica Russo, COO Productions and Acquisitions at VMI Worldwide.
This Summer, Emmy, GRAMMY, and NAACP Image Award-winning actress and comedian, Tiffany Haddish, will make her comedic debut at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with Tiffany Haddish: The Funny and Fearless Tour. Haddish will bring her talents to the stage for one night only on Friday, June 27, 2025. Tickets for this show go on sale to the public this Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT.
Haddish has established herself as one of the most sought-after comedic actresses and performers worldwide. She is best known for her breakout role in the smash comedy Girls Trip, where she starred alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and Regina Hall. Most recently, Haddish made a cameo in the critically acclaimed film, Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Haddish has served as host and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated Netflix standup comedy series, Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready, and has also received accolades for her Emmy-nominated and GRAMMY Award-winning comedy special, Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah, which debuted on Netflix in 2019. She is the second Black woman to ever win a GRAMMY for “Outstanding Comedy Album,” and she made history as the first Black female stand-up comedian to host Saturday Night Live, which earned her an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.”
Ticket Information
In addition to her talents onstage and on-screen, Haddish is also a New York Times best-selling author and the founder of The She Ready Foundation, which helps to support foster children in need. In Summer 2024, Haddish joined legendary songwriter Diane Warren to release her empowering new single, “Woman Up.”
Haddish’s tour promises fans an evening of laughs and an up-close-and-personal experience at the intimate Encore Theater with the multi-talented star. For tickets or more information on Haddish’s forthcoming debut at Wynn Las Vegas, visit WynnLasVegas.com.
The late esteemed producer Norman Lear has collaborated with Prime Video to present one of his final productions, the series “Clean Slate.” Developed by Dan Ewan, this series is set in Alabama and comprises eight episodes, each lasting thirty minutes.
Henry (George Wallace), an old-school and outspoken car wash owner, is thrilled his estranged child is finally returning home to Alabama after 17 years. However, Henry has a lot of soul-searching to do when the child he thought was a son returns as the determined, proud trans woman Desiree (Laverne Cox).
As the duo takes steps to rebuild their relationship, they find invaluable support from several key individuals. Henry’s most trusted employee, Mack (portrayed by Jay Wilson), offers guidance and encouragement, along with his spirited daughter, Lulu (played by Jaelyn Buffkin), who brings a fresh perspective to their journey.
Desiree’s best friend, Louis (D.K. Uzoukwu), also stands by her side, providing unwavering loyalty and friendship. At the same time, his caring mother, Ella (Telma Hopkins), adds wisdom and warmth. Together with these supportive figures, the community rallies around the couple, creating a network of encouragement and understanding that helps them navigate the challenges of their relationship.
Growing up in the eighties, whenever I heard the name Norman Lear, I always expected to laugh while exploring political and social themes. That said, it’s unsurprising that his newest show features a trans character. When I first heard about the production for “Clean Slate,” I assumed that the show would focus on Henry being an Archie Bunker type who doesn’t accept change.
In a surprising twist, the show skillfully sidesteps clichéd tropes, presenting Henry as readily accepting of Desiree from the start. This dynamic doesn’t imply that their relationship is without challenges; they encounter significant pitfalls. However, instead of relying on predictable humor, the writers craft a narrative that feels organic and authentic, allowing the characters’ growth to unfold naturally.
The chemistry between Wallac and Cox is palpable. They expertly bounce jokes off one another while immersing themselves in their respective roles with remarkable depth. Their performances resonate with audiences, creating a captivating atmosphere. Meanwhile, the supporting cast delivers strong performances, reflecting the high standards one would expect from a Norman Lear production. “Clean Slate” unmistakably centers around the talents of Wallace and Cox, and the ensemble cast acknowledges and honors that dynamic with their contributions.
Featuring the right mix of comedy and avoiding pushing an agenda, “Clean Slate” is a stream-worthy show.
Final Grade: B
“Clean Slate” premieres on Prime Video on February 6th.
Written By Derrick Dunn
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. will host the 77th Annual Writers Guild Awards in New York this month. WGA nominations were announced last month after being postponed amid LA wildfires.
The awards are still set to unspool in concurrent ceremonies on both coasts — the Edison Ballroom in New York and the Beverly Hilton in LA — on Feb. 15th.
NYC presenters include Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, Interior Chinatown), Adriana Diaz (CBS Mornings), Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain), Cole Escola (Hacks, Oh Mary!), Bridget Moynahan (Blue Bloods), Michael McKean (The Diplomat), Annette O’Toole (Virgin River, A Mighty Wind) Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant), Meredith Scardino (Girls5eva), Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night Live), DeWanda Wise (Three Women, She’s Gotta Have It) and Michael Zegen (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Penguin).
Wood is currently the host of CNN satire Have I Got News For You. He wrote and starred in the Writers Guild Award-nominated series Command Z, produced the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary The Neutral Ground, was a guest host and correspondent on Comedy Central’s Writers Guild Award-nominated and Emmy-winning The Daily Show, and headlined The 2023 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
His fourth one-hour comedy special Lonely Flowers will premiere later this month on Hulu. He will appear alongside Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in the upcoming comedy film Outcone for Apple TV+. Wood will also appear alongside André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise in Love, Brooklyn, which will premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
“It’s an honor to return to host this celebration of the people who truly are the red blood cells of this industry. We will plan a wonderful evening and eagerly await notes from the studio executives,” Wood said.
At the New York ceremony, Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Logan) will be presented with the Ian McLellan Hunter Award for Career Achievement by Marielle Heller (Nightbitch); Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Scrubs) will be presented with the Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence; and Kathy McGee (CBS News) with the Richard B. Jablow Award for Devoted Service to the Guild by Penelope Koechl (As The World Turns).
The Writers Guild Awards will stream highlights from the New York Red Carpet and Ceremony on all Writers Guild of America East social media accounts at @WGAEast.
Source: Deadline
The comedy series Survival of the Thickest, created by Michelle Buteau (Babes,The Circle) and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (The Carmichael Show), hasn’t just survived, but thrived — and a new clip from the long-awaited Season 2, set to debut March 27, finds Mavis Beaumont (played by Buteau) happily walking the streets of Italy, gelato in hand. Check it out above.
The ensemble cast of Buteau, Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, Marouane Zotti, Peppermint, Garcelle Beauvais, Anthony Michael Lopez, and Liza Treyger return, along with new guest stars Anderson .Paak, Deon Cole, Tika Sumpter, Monét X Change, Honey Balenciaga, Sandra Bernhard, and Bevy Smith.
Survival of the Thickest is a story only Buteau can tell. Inspired by her acclaimed book of essays of the same name, the first season’s eight episodes followed Mavis, a stylist whose life is blown up after she catches her partner (Taylor Selé) in bed with another woman.
We’re just along for the ride as Mavis, with the help of her besties, picks up the pieces (including plenty of pieces of big-budget designer swag) and hustles to rebuild her career on her own terms, while also creating opportunities for folks who’ve been overlooked by the fashion world for too long, and getting back out there in the terrifying dating scene.
In a hilarious and honest interview with Tudum, Buteau previously described the series as “my love letter to New York. It’s my love letter to all the fatty baddies, oddie bodies, and beautiful-ass freaks that I’ve met growing up there.”
Beyoncé is heading back on tour!
The music icon revealed on Instagram Saturday night that she is going on tour this year in support of her Grammy-nominated album, Cowboy Carter. So it’s only fitting that the title of the tour is Cowboy Carter Tour.
Tour dates have yet to be announced.
Her No. 1 country hit “Texas Hold ‘Em” also scored Grammy nods for Song of the Year, record of the year, and Best Country Song. She was also nominated for best country solo performance for “16 Carriages,” best country/duo performance for “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus, and best Americana performance for “Ya Ya.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Black Panther star Danai Gurira has joined John Cena in Matchbox, Apple Original Films’ live-action take on the classic Mattel car toy line.
The actress, who is also known for playing fan-favorite character Michonne on AMC’s The Walking Dead, now joins a call sheet that also includes Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro.
Sam Hargrave, the helmer behind the Extraction action movies, is directing the feature that is shooting this winter in several locales around the world, including Hungary and Slovakia.
Matchbox is the toy brand first created in 1953 and acquired by Mattel in 1997. The company originally competed with Matchbox in the die-cast car space with its own line, Hot Wheels.
Plot details have until now been kept under the hood, but the project is described as an action-packed, globetrotting adventure that centers on a group of childhood friends who must work together to stop an impending worldwide disaster and rediscover their friendship along the way.
The screenplay is by David Coggeshall, who wrote action comedy The Family Plan for Apple, and Jonathan Tropper, the author and scribe who wrote the Ryan Reynolds action-adventure feature The Adam Project.
Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger will produce alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films and Jules Daly.
Gurira most recently starred in the AMC limited series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, reprising her role of Michonne. The series reunited her with co-star Andrew Lincoln and continued the post-apocalyptic love story of Rick Grimes and Michonne with six episodes. She also served as an executive producer and writer. (Gurira is a Tony Award-nominated playwright and has the distinction of being the first African female writer to have a play on Broadway.)
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The night belongs to sinners. #SinnersMovie only in theaters April 18.
From Ryan Coogler—director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”—and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. “You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”
Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku , Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo.
The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho. Coogler’s behind-the-camera artisans include his “Black Panther” franchise collaborators: director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler, editor Michael P. Shawver, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: “Sinners.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on April 18, 2025, and internationally beginning on 16 April 2025.
Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh puts on his producer’s cap for the Black love story “Love, Brooklyn.” Rachael Abigail Holder makes her directorial debut with the film from a screenplay by Paul Zimmerman. Rodger (André Holland), Nicole (DeWanda Wise), and Casey (Nicole Beharie) are three longtime Brooklynites navigating careers, love, loss, and friendship amidst the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.
The film opens with Rodger, an easygoing young man, cycling through sunlit streets, a gentle breeze tousling his hair. He soon meets up with Casey, his ex-girlfriend, who exudes an artistic flair with her eclectic style and thoughtful demeanor. Their friendly outing ends on a low note for Rodger, who was hoping for a nightcap.
However, fate intervenes when his current friend with benefits, Nicole, a single mother, reaches out to him for a late-night session, and he’s more than happy to oblige. Rodger also finds time to chop it up with his best friend, the married Alan (Roy Wood Jr.), who often has fantasies about cheating on his wife but will never actually do the deed.
The crux of “Love, Brooklyn” is Rodger going back and forth between his emotions for Nicole, who represents his future, and Casey, who represents his future. Holland uses his natural charm to make Rodger a relatable character. One of the standout aspects of the script is the impressive layering of his arc. He owes his editor a story about the rejuvenation of Brooklyn post-COVID, yet he adamantly refuses to finish it. Holland is one of the best actors working today, and it’s always great to see him play a lead role.
The ladies in the film are extraordinary. DeWanda Wise gives a no-frills approach to her character. She sees what he can become but is unafraid to call him on his BS. The elegant Nicole Beharie, who can merely light up her room with a smile, is excellent as a woman who doesn’t know what she wants from life. Roy Woods provides the occasional punch line in a small but memorable role. Wood’s limited screen had me yearning for a spin-off film focused on his character.
Viewers going into “Love, Brooklyn” should know that the film has a very avant-garde feel, from the cinematography to the pacing. While the film features melanin-lead leads, this is a universal story anyone can relate to.
“Love, Brooklyn” is Rachael Abigail Holder’s impressive debut. It features heartfelt performances from its cast and an organic plot.
Final Grade: B+
“Love, Brooklyn” is currently seeking distribution.
By Derrick Dunn
Renowned Latino comedian Ken Flores was found dead in his home in Los Angeles. The artist, who launched his career in Chicago before making a name for himself in California, was 28 at the time of his passing.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death, while his family shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our friend, brother, and son, Kenyi Flores,” the statement read. “Please respect our privacy at this time, as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.
The comedy and Latino entertainment communities, particularly those based in the U.S., expressed their condolences in response to the family’s post, mourning the loss of the beloved comedian.
“😢😢😢😢 speechless! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 RIP Bro” wrote Jimmy Humilde, founder of the record label Rancho Humilde.
TV host and actor Mario López shared three heart emojis, while Mexican-American rapper Snow Tha Product said she was heartbroken: “💔🙏😔🕊️
Hollywood Improv, a well-known comedy club that features stand-up and improvisational comedians, also paid tribute:
“We were honored to share your talent on our stages. You were greatness, and it was only a matter of time until the whole world saw it. You were also kind and a tremendous friend to all lucky enough to know you. We love you Ken, thank you for all the laughs. #kenflores #rip.”
“Tragic. I saw him @hollywoodimprov several times and he was always first class. I loved it when audiences had no idea what to make of him but they always got on board and he killed it. Such a loss.”
Ken Flores first gained recognition on YouTube, where he showcased his humor while working as a bank teller. His stand-up routines focused on representing marginalized voices in urban America, blending raw reality with humor to highlight life in poverty and social exclusion.
His breakthrough came with LatinXL, a comedy routine where he openly and humorously addressed his experiences with obesity.
“There’s a lot of people like me around the world that think like me, and we just don’t have a voice,” Flores said in an interview with the Comedy Gazelle.”There are Latino comics, like Gabriel Iglesias, but he’s not like me. He didn’t grow up in the hood. He wasn’t a drug addict. He didn’t grow up like me, so he doesn’t speak for me. “There are so many people out there like me, who think like me, but we just don’t have a voice.”
“But there’s a lot of people that I can speak for that don’t really have a voice in comedy. One of the things that makes me the happiest is when people tell me, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever gone to a comedy show. I relate to all your (stuff), bro, and I had to come see it,’ ” he added, and those were the moments he lived for.
Ken Flores’ raw and unapologetic humor resonated deeply with audiences who saw themselves reflected in his stories. His passing leaves a void in the Latino comedy scene, but his impact and voice will live on through those who connected with his work.
–Originally appeared on ‘Latin Times.’