Hailed by critics and audiences alike as a film that should be “seen on the biggest screen possible,” FREE SOLO will return to IMAX® for a final weeklong engagement beginning Friday, Feb. 1. Directors Chai Vasarhelyi (@chaivasarhelyi) and Jimmy Chin (@jimmychin) along with film subject Alex Honnold (@alexhonnold) broke the news today via Instagram. Chin shared this video and said, “We’re excited to offer moviegoers one last opportunity to experience the film in this epic way. Seeing the film in IMAX is as close to dangling off El Capitan as you can get.”
FREE SOLO, from award-winning filmmaker Vasarhelyi and world-renowned filmmaker, cinematographer and mountaineer Chin (“MERU”), is a breathtaking portrait of the free soloist climber Honnold as he prepares for an unprecedented feat: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock … the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park … without a rope. The film opened in September to record-breaking box office in the U.S., and has expanded to global acclaim, with box office records in the U.K. (highest grossing documentary of 2018) and Australia (after opening wide this past weekend, entering the top 20 docs of all time).
HERE is my review of the film. Watching this on IMAX is the best way to see it! You don’t have long so get to the theatre 2/1! You won’t be sorry. Here is a listing of where to catch it in and around Phoenix.
One of the most celebrated documentaries of 2018, FREE SOLO has grossed over $13 million worldwide and has been honored with three Critics’ Choice awards, including Most Innovative Documentary of the Year and Best Cinematography; three Cinema Eye Honors; and multiple guild nominations, including PGA, DGA, ACE, CAS and MPSE. The film is also nominated for both an Academy Award and BAFTA in the Best Feature Documentary category. FREE SOLO premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September and has since won Audience Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival and Mill Valley Film Festival.
OSCAR® BEST-PICTURE NOMINEE & SAG® BEST ENSEMBLE WINNER
“BLACK PANTHER” RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1
FANS OF ALL AGES CAN SEE THE MOVIE FOR FREE IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT PARTICIPATING AMC THEATRES
The Walt Disney Company to Give $1.5 Million Grant to UNCF
To Help Minority Students Get To and Through College
BURBANK, CALIF.(Jan. 28, 2019)—Disney announced today that Academy Award®-nominated and SAG® winner “Black Panther” will return to the big screen to celebrate Black History Month for a one-week engagement, February 1-7, at 250 participating AMC Theatres locations. To ensure that the movie is accessible to all, tickets are free for everyone, and there will be two showings per day at each participating theater.
The Walt Disney Company will also give a $1.5 million grantto support UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in furthering its mission to help minority students access and move to and through college. For nearly 75 years, UNCF has been providing scholarships to students in need, and this grant is part of The Walt Disney Company’s longstanding commitment to diverse communities and to expand the pipeline of talent.
“‘Black Panther’ is groundbreaking for many reasons, including the rich diversity of voices behind its success,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “The story also showcases the power of knowledge to change the world for the better, and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to it. We’re proud to provide thousands of free screenings of ‘Black Panther’ in hopes it will continue to inspire audiences, and to support UNCF with a $1.5 million grant to make the dream of higher education a reality for more students.”
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness.
“We know that providing aspiring young minority talent with scholarships and professional development opportunities is vital to making their dreams a reality,” said UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax. “UNCF is grateful for The Walt Disney Company’s enduring commitment to expanding these types of opportunities, and we’re excited to continue to do so through our Walt Disney Company/UNCF Corporate Scholars Program. I recall the excitement we all had when ‘Black Panther’ was first released and it’s fantastic that Disney is bringing the record-breaking movie back to the big screen so that we can relive that excitement. Wakanda Forever!”
“Black Panther,” the global cultural phenomenon that shattered box office records and finished first at the North American box office in 2018, picked up seven Oscar® nominations, including Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing. On Sunday, it was announced that “Black Panther” won the SAG® (Screen Actors Guild) Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Award.
“Almost a year ago, movie-lovers were transported to Wakanda, and the guest response to ‘Black Panther’ was unlike anything our industry has seen before,” said Adam Aron, CEO and President of AMC. “AMC is excited this best-picture-nominated film is once again accessible on the big screen at AMC. We are also pleased to play a constructive role in Disney’s generous support of Black History Month.”
For free tickets to the “Black Panther” showings and a list of AMC participating theaters go to:weticketit.com/blackpanther
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX OFFERS FANS FREE SCREENINGS OF ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL FROM PRODUCERS JAMES CAMERON AND JON LANDAU AND DIRECTOR ROBERT RODRIGUEZ ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
BE THE FIRST TO WITNESS THE AMAZING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCETHAT IS BEING CALLED
“A WILD, VISCERAL RIDE THAT OFFERS KICK-ASS ACTION AND AN IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL WORLD”
LOS ANGELES, CA – January 28, 2019– Twentieth Century Fox is inviting fans across the country to be the very first to experience the highly-anticipated action-adventure epic ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL from producers James Cameron and Jon Landau (AVATAR) and director Robert Rodriguez on Thursday, January 31 at 7PM EST/PST/C. The film opens nationwide on February 14.
The screenings will take place in DolbyÔCinema in 3D at AMC, IMAXÔ3D and other select 3D premium large format theatres. In addition to the film, fans at selected theaters will get to see a conversation with the filmmakers and cast including James Cameron, Jon Landau, director Robert Rodriguez and cast members Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connell, and Keean Johnson and a special inside look at the making of the film.
Said Cameron,“People may have heard of Alita, but don’t know who she is. Why is she called the Battle Angel? What is her world like? Well, I think you’ve simply got to see it to believe it. And the best way to see it is in a cinema, and in gorgeous 3D, the way Robert Rodriguez shot it. So we’ve decided to do some special free screenings, for fans around the country, to introduce our Alita to the world. When you see how big a heart she has, and what she stands for, and how she kicks major butt — you’re going to fall in love with her, the way I did.”
Fans can RSVP to the free screenings viaExperienceAlita.com and submit questions for the filmmakers and cast on James Cameron’s newly launched official Instagram@JamesCameronOfficialand Facebook@OfficialJamesCameronpages in the comments section using the hashtag #ExperienceAlita.
About ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL
Cameron (AVATAR) and Robert Rodriguez (SIN CITY), comes ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. When Alita (Rosa Salazar) awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history while her street-smart new friend Hugo (Keean Johnson) offers instead to help trigger her memories. But it is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love. @AlitaMovie #Alita
About Twentieth Century Fox Film
One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of Twentieth Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Fox Family.
I want to make sure that everyone in the community knows about these unique family events!!! What a unique and exciting opportunity! It’s not every day that LEGO fans and families get to meet their favorite LEGO characters in person am I right?! Emmett, Lucy and General Mayhem will be at AZ Mills to greet families THIS WEEK on Wednesday and Thursday, January 30 and 31!!! Don’t miss it!
Here’s all the information you’ll need to make the event on time.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Arizona Mills Mall (*located next to Sea Life Aquarium)
2pm-4pm
Emmett, Lucy and General Mayhem will be on site to greet families and take photos!
LEGO Store at Arrowhead Towne Center (*located next to Dicks Sporting Goods)
7:30pm-9pm
Emmett, Lucy and General Mayhem will be on site to greet families and take photos!
Thursday, January 31, 2019
LEGO Brick City Display at Tempe Marketplace (*located next to Harkins Theatres across from JUST SPORTS)
2pm-5pm
Emmett, Lucy and General Mayhem will be on site to greet families and take photos!
The word serenity means the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil; sereneness. It conjures up peace of mind that, in many cases, one can only dream of as we live our daily lives. We strive for it but might only catch moments here and there. Can you imagine a serene world where everyone in the world lives on a beautiful, perfect island? An island where everyone is happy and no one grows old? Believe it or not, it exists. In the film ‘Serenity’ it does anyway. Baker Dill (Academy Award®-winner Matthew McConaughey) lives on this tropical heaven. This paradise is called Plymouth island and it’s where Dill has everything he needs when he needs it. He barely gets by but he’s completely content with fishing for just one certain tuna that always escapes him. He has never questioned his existence until now.
What brings him to start is the re-emergence of his ex-wife, Karen Zariakas (Academy Award®-winner Anne Hathaway), who finds him on Plymouth. Karen, knowing he needs the money, offers him a golden opportunity. She uses Dill’s son Patrick (Sayegh) as bait to lure him in. She tells him that her husband, Frank Zariakas (Clarke) is extremely abusive to her and Patrick and asks if he’ll consider helping her escape his clutches. She wants Dill to take Frank out on a late tuna run and, essentially, toss him overboard to fend for himself… preferably in shark-infested waters. The offer, the mention of Partick and seeing her face again bring about feelings that Dill has suppressed. He now questions his life, whereabouts, and reality itself. Beautifully shot, you can see how if someone lived a life such as Dills’, he’d accept anything not to penetrate it. Why would he want to open up a doorway into the past that might bring him out of this utopia? This may sound like an intriguing film but, unfortunately, how it’s cut might have stopped it from being as good as it could have been.
The film has intense moments and the cinematography is gorgeous. Had it been put together differently; the story might have had a chance. Halfway through watching it, I thought to myself that it made a lot of sense that it, originally slated to come out in October of last year, was changed to January where it’ll be forgotten if ever seen. This might be better for all involved. Hathaway is stunning but not in a good way. Her damsel in distress character is vapid and mousy and McConaughey’s performance is straight up uncomfortable to watch… especially as he sweats all over the camera lens. It’s perplexing why they’d accept the roles, unless, as I suggested, the film was cut in such a way that it ruined the original intent. The world writer/director Steven Knight (Locke) was trying to convey simply doesn’t come through with the dialogue coming out of his actors’ mouths, the way they behaved and the structure of the film itself. That said, it’s just a bad movie. The more story revealed, the less sense it makes… and then there’s the music. The serious music trying to sell you on a sincerely divine plan of some sort makes the film more laughable as it goes on. If its stars interest you, wait for cable to see ‘Serenity.’ I can’t suggest you see this at the theatre.
“Penguins” Opens in Theaters and Select IMAX® Theatres on Wednesday, April 17, 2019—
First-Ever Disneynature Film to be Released in IMAX®
As Disneynature celebrates 10 years since its first feature-film debut, its newest conservation intitiative—this one tied to the upcoming big-screen adventure “Penguins”—was revealed today. For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23, 2019), Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern hemisphere.
Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission. “For example, one of our aims is to track different species of penguins’ movements across four continents in the southern seas,” said GPS founder and president Dr. Pablo Borboroglu. “Penguins swim thousands of kilometers to migrate and look for food. What they encounter during their journeys determines their survival, affects the viability of their species and informs science and conservation action. We are also dedicated to cleaning plastics from the beaches, breeding areas and seas impacting penguin populations. Campaigns to clean up beaches around penguin colonies along selected coastal sectors will help secure a healthy and safe habitat for penguins.”
“Disneynature has an amazing platform,” said Charles Knowles, president and co-founder of WCN. “They’re able to reach a global audience in a way that we can hardly fathom. They are uniquely positioned to tell the real story of penguins and the challenges they face. By teaming up with Disneynature—which is so strongly aligned with our own mission—we are able to uniquely communicate about the species we care so much about.”
“Antarctica is one of the few areas in the world that most people will never have an opportunity to see firsthand,” said Roy Conli, one of the producers of “Penguins.” “It’s one of the most remote and harshest environments on Earth—but its stark beauty is breathtaking. Cultivating an understanding and appreciation of the area, the surrounding oceans and the animals who live there is essential to the future of our planet. That’s one of the reasons I love sharing the story of Steve—a penguin who’s working so hard to thrive in this world, and doing his part for the next generation.”
To capture the stunning footage for “Penguins,” a team of the best polar experts in the world traveled to four different locations over the course of three years for a total of nearly 900 camera days. Temperatures dropped below -40 degrees on several occasions and winds twice topped 150 mph while filmmakers were on location. Their efforts resulted in the extraordinary story of Steve who promises to charm audiences worldwide. “It’s so fun to watch Steve compete with all the other penguins to set up his nest and win his mate,” said Conli. “It’s hard not to relate to this guy.”
“Penguins” will be the first-ever Disneynature film released in IMAX®. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of the IMAX EXPERIENCE® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technology.
ABOUT “PENGUINS”
Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide and select IMAX® theatres starting Wednesday, April 17, 2019.
ABOUT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION NETWORK
The Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) mission is to protect endangered wildlife by supporting conservationists who ensure wildlife and people co-exist and thrive. WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground conservationists, offering the financial resources, tools and services they need to effectively protect wildlife. WCN also creates large-scale Crisis and Recovery Funds, investing in projects that can protect a threatened species across its entire habitat. As no one organization or person can save wildlife alone, WCN emphasizes collaboration, connecting conservationists and supporters and creating a community united in a passion for wildlife. Learn more about WCN’s unique approach to saving wildlife and the work of our conservation partners atwildnet.org.
ABOUT GLOBAL PENGUIN SOCIETY
The Global Penguin Society (GPS) is dedicated to the survival and protection of the world´s penguin species, fostering integrated ocean conservation through science, management (policy making) and education. GPS is an internationally recognized leader in the conservation of penguins, and the coasts and oceans they inhabit. The Global Penguin Society endeavors to:
Develop sound science to use in the conservation of penguins and marine environments at local, regional, and global scales;
Educate communities and decision makers about the importance of penguins and their habitats, aiming at achieving lasting behavioral changes;
Identify priority areas for the conservation of penguins and their ecosystems, propose and implement guidelines for their protection; and
Influence the establishment, implementation, and efficacy of public and private conservation policies.
GPS is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Learn about penguins and how GPS helps them globally at globalpenguinsociety.org.
ABOUT DISNEYNATURE
Celebrating 10 years since its first U.S. theatrical feature, “Earth,” Disneynature brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen in order to engage, inspire and educate theatrical audiences everywhere. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. All seven of Disneynature’s theatrical film releases—”Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats,” “Chimpanzee,” “Bears,” “Monkey Kingdom” and “Born in China”—rank among the top 10 highest overall grossing feature-length nature films to date, with “Chimpanzee” garnering a record-breaking opening weekend for the genre. “Penguins,” opening April 17, 2019, is the label’s 8ththeatrical release. Disneynature’s commitment to conservation is a key pillar of the label and the films empower the audience to help make a difference. Through donations tied to opening-week attendance of its films, Disneynature has contributed to a host of conservation initiatives. For more information about Disneynature, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature.
Based on: The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection by Joyce Smith
Cast: Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace, Mike Colter, Marcel Ruiz, Sam Trammell and Dennis Haysbert
SYNOPSIS
BREAKTHROUGH is based on the inspirational true story of one mother’s unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John’s recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith’s own book, BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.
M. Night Shyamalan brings his two hit films ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’ together after nineteen years to celebrate an almost perfect sci-fi, thriller marriage in ‘Glass.’ Within the story of ‘Glass,’ the main characters from the two previous pictures are unwillingly united for reasons they’re unaware of, however, once they see each other again, it’s agreed upon that fate has brought them together again to continue where they left off. Samuel L. Jackson is, once again, Elijah Price or ‘Mr. Glass’ as he prefers to be called. He’s a comic book enthusiast who’s convinced that Superheroes truly exist and proves so by using his incredibly gifted brain to be a Supervillain. At the moment he’s in a mental hospital being helped by his doting mother. Mrs. Glass is played by, Charlayne Woodard, who returns after ‘Unbreakable.’ Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn, the security guard now business owner, who helps catch criminals by touching people and receiving telepathically a crime that has been committed. The business David owns is in something he knows well and that is security. His son, Joseph, who’s played by Spencer Treat Clark who played the part originally all those years ago, helps him capture a criminal post vision.
Then there’s James McAvoy. Let’s talk about James McAvoy. He joins them as Kevin Wendell Crumb and, of course, ‘The Horde’ which means we’ll also see Patricia, Dennis, The Beast, Barry, Heinrich, Jade, Ian, Mary Reynolds, Norma, Jalin, Kat, B.T., Mr. Pritchard, Hedwig etc., the personalities who live within Kevin’s brain and take over his body when they have the light that Kevin so desperately avoids. To them, holding the light is being the personality able to control the body completely and make their presence known to the outside world. Whichever one has or keeps the light has all the power. The Beast wants this power but can be controlled… for now. Casey Cooke, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, was the only person to survive The Beast and decides maybe she can help control him again. Look for her to step in at some point and give it a try.
Sarah Paulson makes her entrance as Dr. Ellie Staple. She’s convinced that these humans are delusional. She captures them and tells them they have three days to accept that reality, using their weaknesses to control the narrative. She keeps Glass heavily sedated, uses hypnotic strobe lights to control ‘The Horde’ and keeps David in a room that will fill with water and drown him if he tries anything stupid. These safeguards make it impossible for them to escape. Or do they? Kevin’s personalities, one by one, try to break the barrier. Here’s my small soapbox moment. I must say that it was wrong to see James McAvoy’s performance ignored after ‘Split.’ This time, with the way he goes in and out of characters continually, it would be a travesty if he were to be overlooked. To this film, he was an absolute godsend. Little by little, more is divulged and you grow more curious as to what the big reveal will be. You know it’s coming.
I believe that ‘Glass’ was the perfect way to advance the story. Without revealing too much, I want to make it known that I think you should avoid listening to any negative press the film might be getting and say to you, ‘Just go and see for yourself.’ Sure there will be things to question, some quite obvious, but they’re harmless issues and don’t take anything from your belief in what’s going on before you. The fascinating twists that Shyamalan once again delivers to you in this plot keeps you riveted and will leave you fulfilled. The cinematography, score, and intensity of the script are reason enough to see this but the acting by McAvoy is extraordinary. That said if you can’t enjoy a sci-fi without using it as an opportunity to search for and find every mistake that renders it incapable of being real, maybe this isn’t for you. However, if you want to see an excellent sci-fi film that thrills the hell out of you and captures what you so loved about M. Night Shyamalan in the first place, you will not be disappointed.
If you’re looking for reasons to see ‘Cold War’ I’ll give you a few. One is that it’s said to have received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. After seeing it, I can believe this. Another is that Rotten Tomatoes has certified it as 93% Fresh. On to my reasons as to why you should make a trek to the theatre to watch this movie. Yes. I said it. There’s no waiting for home viewing with a movie this alluring. Its beauty is sophisticated, profound and slight. It doesn’t scream directly in your face but rather hits you when you revive the entity the film was to you from your memory. The black and white cinematography will look clean and quiet while whispers of genius glide across the screen and entices you to watch this lovely heartbreaking story of love. I promise you that you’ll not be able to look away. It’s a real treasure to observe. Part of why was the 4:3 aspect ratio used that allows the viewer to examine the picture as a piece of photographic art. By shrinking its scale, it’s also possible for the audience to see themselves in the characters or better relate to what they’re going through.
In the story, we have two main characters named Zula and Wiktor. She is a student and he’s her teacher at a school that advocates for Polish folk music and dance. ‘Cold War’ recounts the tale of Zula (Kulig), who’s a gifted singer, and Wiktor (Kot), her teacher and interestingly enough, a songwriter. When they meet, they fall instantly in love. Set in Poland in 1949, the lovers, who dream of being together once and for all, have not only their station in life but communism to worry about. Sadly, for the next fifteen years, this perfect pairing must perform a dance of hiding their relationship from everyone, while at the same time trying not to have the torch they carry for one another extinguished by their circumstances. They secretly meet one another whenever and wherever they can until they can stand it no longer and finally decide to leave and be together once and for all. Best laid plans, right? He leaves for the border where he waits for her to join him. However, afraid of what could happen to them, she doesn’t meet him. Realizing she’s not coming, he decides not to go back and goes on with her. Several years go by and during this time, she struggles deeply. Oh, if only she could find him aga… wait! Look! Here comes Wiktor who can always put a smile on her face. Well, not really. Though they do find one another, it isn’t long before they’re separated again. This storyline is repeated over and over. They’re doomed to a life of searching which is good for their art but terrible for their hearts.
She’s married when they meet once again in Paris. These scenes are the most rewarding. The music, and her performance, in particular, is outstanding. During this period, she’s drunk all the time and they’re both miserable but with so much working against them, how could anyone truly be happy? What’s most provocative about this ‘love story,’ is that when they find themselves together, it never works out. It’s as if they have longed for it so deeply, that’s all they know how to do. Wanting is one thing… having what you reach for is quite another. Who are Wiktor and Zula if not the two seeking one another? The ending, that I’m not revealing to you here, is superb. It couldn’t have been improved upon. All of that said, describing this film does nothing for what it essentially is. It’s magnificent. See it before Oscar season. It’ll most likely be everywhere.
