KANDI BURRUSS AND TODD TUCKER’S THE PASS streams exclusively on Peacock beginning Sunday, August 27 ahead of The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s season finale at 8pm ET/PT on Bravo.
The film follows Nina (Drew Sidora) and Maurice (Rob Riley), a married couple who gives each other one night off from fidelity – a “hall pass.”
Produced by Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker (The Real Housewives of Atlanta; The Piano Lesson), Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker’s The Pass follows Nina (Drew Sidora) and Maurice (Rob Riley), a married couple who gives each other one night off from fidelity – a “hall pass.” Their lives quickly turn upside down as the one night of pleasure becomes a tool of deception.
The film is set to premiere on Sunday, August 27th, and stars Drew Sidora, Rob Riley, and Erica Peeples. The film was created by Todd Tucker and is Executive Produced by Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss-Tucker. It was directed by Bobby Huntley, and produced by T Tucker Productions/ Kandi Koated Entertainment.
Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, gamer turned pro driver, Gran Turismo is one of the cooler movies released that incorporates both professional racing and the video game world. Combining video game aspects with a real story and getting a good result isn’t easy but the film Gran Turismo delivered.
The movie opens with marketing executive Danny Moore (played by Orlando Bloom) pitching to Nissan’s motorsport division the idea of “Gran Truism Academy” to turn Gran Turismo video game players into real race car drivers. Nissan agrees and Moore recruits the help of mechanic and former racer Jack Saulter (played by David Arbour) who has very little faith in the project to bring GT Academy to life. When avid Gran Turismo player, UK teen Jann Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe) is invited to compete for a spot in GT academy, the story begins. Mardenborough and other gaming finalists attend GT Academy and transform from a gamer with racing dreams to true race car drivers. Mardenborough ends up winning the top spot at GT Academy to finally transition into becoming a professional race car driver. As he enters the professional racing world he deals with all that comes with being the underdog. The movie takes us through the events that established Jann Mardenborough in the professional world. It explores Jann’s internal drive, his relationship with his family, his father especially, and his bond with mechanic turned mentor Jack Saulter.
The movie did a great job of keeping to the plot while also making viewers feel like they are in a video game behind the wheel and giving them the thrill that comes with racing. It was a great inspirational story with touching moments that weren’t too sappy. Of course like with all films based on true events there is some controversy, the inclusion of Mardenborough’s accident at the Nürburgring track that claimed the life of a spectator was depicted in the movie earlier in his career than it actually was. However, Gran Turismo is a film and not a documentary. I think what’s really interesting is this seems to be the first time a lot of people have heard of Jann Mardenborough’s story or even GT Academy yet there are not many Black professional race car drivers in the world and his career started in 2011. We learn at the end that the real Jann even played his own stunt double in the film and when comparing actors to the individuals they played, we see casting was definitely done well. While not necessarily Oscar-worthy, Gran Turismo is finally something in theaters simply entertaining and positive I’d definitely recommend watching and learning about this incredible story.
By McKenna Fuller
Ashanti has a wedding problem on her hands in her latest role.
On Thursday, Saban Films shared the first trailer for Ashanti’s new movie The Plus One exclusively with PEOPLE, showcasing the singer’s character Lizzie as one of her friends brings his ex-girlfriend to her destination wedding.
Lizzie and her family prepare for her nuptials, with her father (Cedric the Entertainer) mostly concerned with the wedding’s cost. Lizzie wonders whether to grant her friend Marshall (Jonathan Bennett) a plus-one for fear he might bring his ex-girlfriend Marie (Cassandra Scerbo).
She appears to send Marshall an invitation specifically asking him not to bring Marie, but as the wedding party arrives in Tampa, Florida, Marshall and Marie arrive together, setting Lizzie’s nerves on edge.
Marie and Lizzie’s distaste for each other quickly grows apparent to the other guests, as the unwanted plus-one demands she stay in the hotel’s bridal suite, asks someone to bake cannabis-infused brownies for the wedding, and appears to even steal Lizzie’s dress.
A synopsis of the film says Lizzie’s “carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when her ‘man-of-honor’ Marshall brings his ‘ex-from-hell,’ Marie.”
“It is going to take an all-out effort from Lizzie’s friends and family to keep Lizzie from losing her mind as her happily ever after is faced with ruin,” the synopsis adds of the film, which it describes as an “uproarious and charming romantic comedy.”
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The Plus One is directed by Erik White (Lottery Ticket). The film was written by Brendan Andolsek Bradley and Austin Highsmith Garces.
The cast also includes Michelle Hurd, B.J. Britt, Wesley Armstrong, Julissa Bermudez, Cathy Shim and Amy Elizabeth Jackson.
The Plus One is in theaters Sept. 29, then will be available on demand and digital Oct. 3.
Source: People.Com
Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx has been tapped for the role of God in the forthcoming comedy Not Another Church Movie. In the film from writer-director Johnny Mack, he appears opposite The Wrestler‘s Mickey Rourke, who inhabits the role of the Devil, as previously announced.
Pic shot prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and is eyeing a theatrical release in Q4. Sirens‘ Kevin Daniels leads the ensemble, with Vivica A. Fox, Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, Kyla Pratt, and Lamorne Morris rounding it out.
Pic’s producers are James Michael Cummings and former Warner Bros exec Jim Cardwell. Valerie McCaffrey served as executive producer.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Foxx be a part of this hilarious comedy and bring his incredible talent to the role of God, working with Foxx and Johnny Mack was a true blessing,” said producer Cummings in a statement. “This film is a unique blend of new and established talent, and we can’t wait to hear the laughs and for audiences to see the magic that happens on the big screen. This movie will not disappoint.”
Added McCaffrey, “The name talent that has come together for this fun comedy is unprecedented. You see all the actors having fun, especially Foxx playing God.”
Best known for roles in films like Ray, Collateral, Django Unchained, and Dreamgirls, Foxx has most recently been seen in films like the vampire hunter horror-comedy Day Shift, which spent a full month on Netflix’s Global English Top 10 chart, as well as the streamer’s acclaimed sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone, which had him starring opposite John Boyega.
The actor, who was been open about going “to hell and back” while recovering from a medical emergency back in April, also voiced a key role opposite Will Ferrell and Isla Fisher in the R-rated talking dog comedy Strays, which Uni released August 18th. Among other projects coming up for him is Amazon’s The Burial with Tommy Lee Jones. That legal drama from filmmaker Maggie Betts will premiere at TIFF in September — most likely without actors in attendance amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike — and has not yet been dated for release.
Source: Deadline
The best to ever do it.
The greatest of all time.
A genius in every way.
Incredible.
Those were just a few of the tributes to Dave Chappelle — the brilliant and divisive comedian and actor known for Chappelle’s Show, Killin’ Them Softly, Half-Baked and A Star Is Born, as well as a slew of recent Netflix specials that have split both sides and audiences — seen online today.
Merriam-Webster defines tribute as a “gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection,” and respect, gratitude, and affection were very much on display as Chappelle marked a major milestone.
Born 50 years ago today in Washington, D.C., the master storyteller, wordsmith and joke writer counted down to his half-century birthday last night with a Madison Square Garden Show that proved that for all the debate surrounding him, his popularity hasn’t waned in any way.
Among the guests on hand to help celebrate his 50th were fellow comics Luenell Campbell, Earthquake, and Jeff Ross. Then the Madison Square Garden crowd was treated to sets by Jon Stewart — who had a cameo in Chappelle’s 1998 Half-Baked — and Chris Rock, a close friend with whom Chappelle has toured.
After Chappelle’s set, he brought out hip-hop artists Da Baby, De La Soul, and The Roots.
“EVERY JOKE was hilarious true in Chappelle fashion. This show confirmed to me what I already thought, DAVE CHAPPELLE IS THE COMEDY GOAT!!!” one fan wrote on Facebook.
“There is no comparison to Dave. He is an expert story teller. A genius in every way. His setups, and punchlines were legendary to see,” another fan declared.
Another described the night as “a straight up absurd celebration and the best live comedic experience I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life.”
“It was incredible. The entire night,” another fan wrote on Twitter.
On Tuesday, Chappelle welcomed Ross, Shane Gillis, George Wallace, Aziz Ansari and Donnell Rawlings to the stage for the first MSG show of his new tour, called the “It’s a Celebration B—- Tour.” He will also perform all three weekend shows at the Garden.
Chappelle has received criticism in recent years for his jokes about trans people in his latest specials. His latest special, The Closer, in 2021, led to criticisms and a walkout by Netflix employees.
But on his 50th birthday, as Chappelle looked back on a comedy career that began in D.C. more than three decades ago, his fans seemed happy to set the debate aside, focus on his achievements — and celebrate.
By MM Writers
Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, and Ronny Chieng are set to headline Good+Foundation’s A Very Good+ Night of Comedy 2023 benefit gala. The event will also feature special guest D-Nice as the evening’s DJ.
“We are thrilled to return to Carnegie Hall with this outstanding line-up to benefit Good+Foundation’s work with under-resourced families,” said Good+ Foundation founder and board member Jessica Seinfeld in a statement. “We thank our supporters and sponsors, who have helped us reach remarkable milestones over the last 22 years.”
She continued, “In 2022, we served 275,000 families and distributed $12,466,296 worth of goods. So far this year, we have received recognition from the Congressional Dads Caucus for our innovative fatherhood approach, and surpassed $100 million in donated goods. This event celebrates our progress and reaffirms the importance of Good+ Foundation’s programming and investment in families in the face of rising need.”
Founded by Seinfeld in 2001, the nonprofit Good+ seeks to raise money for low-income families in America. The Seinfeld’s bicoastal operation provides families with essentials like diapers and cribs, access to job training and counseling and creates support networks for fathers and mothers. Good+ estimates 2023’s comedy gala will raise over $2 million in support of the organization.
A Very Good+ Night of Comedy returns to New York’s Carnegie Hall for the second year in a row on Oct. 18 at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. The evening includes a pre-show cocktail reception and an after-party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. It’s sponsored in part by AITi Tiedemann Global, Bank of America, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Mary Kitchen & Jon Orszag. Tickets will be on sale to the public on Sept. 5th.
Source: Variety
Aug. 23 (UPI) — Lionsgate is teasing the new film Expend4bles.
The studio shared a red band trailer and character posters for the action movie Wednesday.
The posters introduce new cast members Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran and Andy García.
The posters also feature returning stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture.
Expend4bles is the fourth film in the Expendables franchise, which follows a group of elite mercenaries as they carry out missions around the world.
“Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on and the skills to use them, The Expendables are the world’s last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table. But new team members with new styles and tactics are going to give ‘new blood’ a whole new meaning,” an official synopsis reads.
Expend4bles is written by Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart and Max Adams and directed by Scott Waugh.
The film opens in theaters Sept. 22.
A new universe awaits on Netflix, starting December 22.
From Zack Snyder, the filmmaker behind 300, Man of Steel, and Army of the Dead, comes REBEL MOON, an epic science-fantasy event decades in the making.
When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival.
Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors – outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge.
As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.
Paramount+ and Nickelodeon Studios today revealed a first look teaser for GOOD BURGER 2, the all-new original movie sequel to the iconic ’90s feature film based on the sketch from the comedy series “All That.” The movie follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and original cashier Ed (Kel Mitchell), as they reunite in the present day at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees. The film will premiere this Fall 2023, exclusively on Paramount+.
In addition to Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, GOOD BURGER 2 also stars Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”) as Cecil McNevin, Jillian Bell (“Murder Mystery 2”) as Katt Boswell, Kamaia Fairburn (“Blockbuster”) as Mia, Alex R. Hibbert (“The Chi”) as Ed2, Fabrizio Guido (“Perry Mason”) as Mr. Jensen, Elizabeth Hinkler (“The Good Doctor”) and Emily Hinkler (“The Good Doctor”), as Cindy and Mindy, Anabel Graetz (“Free Guy”) as Ruth. The film will also feature original GOOD BURGER cast members reprising their roles: Josh Server, as Fizz, Lori Beth Denberg as Connie Muldoon and Carmen Electra as Roxanne. Additional celebrity cameos will be announced at a later date.
The original ’90s sketch first aired on “All That” in 1994 and was centered around fast-food restaurant Good Burger and its clueless cashier, Ed, played by Kel Mitchell in Seasons 1-5. The feature film “Good Burger” was released worldwide on July 25, 1997 by Paramount Pictures. Later in the “All That” revival series in 2019, Mitchell returned guest starring as Ed, working at Good Burger for 20 years as manager of the trainees.
GOOD BURGER 2 is produced by Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. It was penned by Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert (“All That,” “Good Burger”) who also serve as executive producers. John Ryan Jr., of Artists for Artists, also serves as an executive producer. Phil Traill (“The Middle,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Single Drunk Female”) directs. James III (“Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan,” “All That”) has also been engaged as a writer. Production of the movie for Nickelodeon Studios is overseen by Shauna Phelan and Zack Olin, Co-Heads of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action. Brittany Cope serves as Nickelodeon’s Executive in Charge of Production.
Apple TV+ today debuted the trailer for “Still Up,” the upcoming comedy series starring Antonia Thomas and Craig Roberts, and co-created and written by Steve Burge and Natalie Walter. The new eight-episode comedy will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes on Friday, September 22, followed by new episodes every Friday through October 27.
“Still Up” is an almost romantic comedy set in the after-hours world of insomniacs Danny (Roberts) and Lisa (Thomas) who have no secrets except their feelings for each other. Also starring in the ensemble cast are Blake Harrison, Lois Chimimba, Luke Fetherston and Rich Fulcher.
“Still Up” is co-created & written by Burge and Walter, and is directed by BAFTA Award nominee John Addis. Bryce Hart also writes on the series. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Various Artists Limited, and is executive produced by BAFTA Award winner Paul Schlesinger and Emmy Award winner Phil Clarke. Arabella McGuigan serves as producer.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 372 wins and 1,549 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”