SPRING BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO MONDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH!

February 16, 2018

 SPRING BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO MONDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH

 Eight-Episode Season Premieres on Monday, March 12th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network

 

New York – February 9, 2018 – Spring Baking Championship returns to Food Network’s supercharged Monday night lineup in March with an all-new season launching on Monday, March 12th at 9pm ET/PT. Ali Khan hosts the new season that will test the skills of ten talented bakers to see who will measure up and impress judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldmanand Lorraine Pascale. The new season promises even more decadent dessert challenges and incredible baked creations as the bakers tackle trial after trial in their bid to bake the most delicious, eye-catching bites. As the competitors are challenged to prepare the ultimate in spring-themed treats, viewers can join the conversation on social media using #SpringBakingChampionship to cheer on their favorite baker they want to see take home the grand prize of $50,000 and the title of Spring Baking Champion!

“Spring Baking Championship is back, bringing with it all the hallmarks of spring including flowers, vibrant colors, bountiful fruit, and outdoor elements for inspiration. Last year the series notched its highest-rated season-to-date and we are excited to serve up even more exciting challenges and awe-inspiring baked creations as part of Monday night’s baking extravaganza,” said Courtney White, Senior Vice President Programming, Scripps Networks Interactive.

In each of the eight episodes, bakers must prepare tasty treats in two rounds of challenges, with the round one winner granted a special advantage in the main-heat. Bakers will be challenged on their creativity, execution, and ability to perform under pressure, all while crafting delicious, beautiful baked bites befitting spring such as cupcake flower arrangements, picnic-perfect mini pies, berry-infused desserts, mirror-glazed gazing balls, ombre cakes and more. Then, on Monday, April 30th at 9pm ET/PT, one baker will win the sweetest title of Spring Baking Champion and the grand prize of $50,000!

Fans can find even more baked bites, recipes, tips and mesmerizing videos online at FoodNetwork.com/SpringBakingChampionship, as well as meet the contestants, check out competition highlights, and find behind-the-scenes photos.  Viewers can stay connected between episodes on Food Network’s social platforms where they will find even more videos highlighting edible works of art including a new episode of the social video series, #InspiredBy, with themes taken straight from in-show challenges.

Black Panther Movie Review

February 16, 2018 (updated February 14, 2018)

“Black Panther” is an exciting change-up in the Marvel movie line-up. Here is a hero who is a black African king, as well as being a superhero. Wakanda (a fictional nation) is a powerhouse of technology and civil order in the heart of Africa. An ancient meteor hit that place eons ago, and that meteor was loaded with Vibranium (the fictitious deep-space element that makes up Captain America’s powerful shield). The Wakanda people have enjoyed a hidden wealth of goods and services, along with their tribal rites and laws. But years ago, the king killed his own brother in a tragic incident.

King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is the new young leader, and his country is behind him. He has a young sister named Shuri (Letitia Wright) who is a great teenage nerd with a sense of humor. Ramonda (Angela Bassett) is the Queen and mother to T’Challa and Shuri. Zuri (Forest Whitaker) is his uncle who will guide T’Challa. He also has an ex-girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) who wants to open up Wakanda to the outside and share the secrets. The palace is guarded with an all-female Special Forces group, led by Okoye (Danai Gurira). The kingdom is secure, except for a mercenary who is attempting to break in and steal much of the Vibranium. This is Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who has dealt with T’Challa once before.

 

King T’Challa goes to Korea to try and capture Klaue, along with Nakia and Okoye backing him up. After some cool chase scenes, they finally get Klaue. There is also a CIA agent named Ross (Martin Freeman) around to apprehend him, and they work together to bring down Klaue. Klaue then escapes with the help of a mystery person named Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). Erik has a background of growing up in Oakland, and he knows about Wakanda. He is also ready to confront T’Challa and take over the throne. The kingdom is in turmoil because T’Challa and Eric struggle for power.

 

Eric removes T’Challa from the throne and takes over. There are few that follow him, but some follow Eric as a new king. T’Challa is found alive, and he is helped by his tribesman. He also gets some outside assistance from CIA agent Ross. T’Challa needs all the help that he can get. When T’Challa goes up against the current king Eric, he will need powerful allies.  There are many struggles before the end comes and the kingdom is peaceful once again. And when the issues are resolved, then Wakanda can become a major nation in eyes of the whole world. The nation will become stronger, and T’Challa will be known for being a beloved leader.

This Marvel movie is the first to have a black main character, a mostly black cast and a black director and co-writer. But even more important, it is beautiful movie with an epic sweep in terms of story and meaning. The themes echo Shakespeare, or with a more recent comparison, “The Lion King”. Brothers battle over who should be king, and even cousins are torn apart with different ideas of how the kingdom should evolve.  Ryan Coogler, along with Joe Robert Cole, has crafted a story worthy of much praise.

 

Coogler also directed the movie, which make his contribution even more valuable. But to work out a very deep and meaningful story, it sure helps to have a cast of great actors. Starting with Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, Coogler has found the two main character that make his story come alive. Boseman is strong and steady as T’Challa. Jordan is electric as the villain Killmonger, who is brutal and vicious – but he is doing the right thing is his own mind.

 

Also add in Andy Serkis as an over-the-top Klaue, who enjoys being in crazy-town. Martin Freeman plays the lonely white good guy willing to help as much as he can. But with some very strong female back up, the movie becomes even more special. Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett all add much depth and some unique black woman characters that make the movie better.

 

“Black Panther” is a welcome addition to the group of fine Marvel superhero movies. The story is intriguing and thought-provoking. The production values are top-notch, and the soundtrack is evocative and haunting. There are many places where this movie does new and unusual things for a ‘superhero’ movie. Let’s hope that these can happen again and more often.

Permission Movie Review

February 14, 2018 (updated February 14, 2018)

The term, ‘You always want what you can’t have.’ may come to mind while watching this wickedly terrific and uncommon film, written and directed by thirty-five-year-old, Brian Crano.  Crano hasn’t a large amount of work behind him but I have a sneaking suspicion this will change after Permission gets around.

Don’t make the mistake of missing this.  It may seem like it could be a boring story of the typical relationship gone wrong by the trailer, but it is anything but typical.  What Crano offers is a striking contrast to ordinary.  The trailer, using hot pink neon letters throughout, making it appear as though the film were light and heavily comedic in nature, downplays what is.  Behind the glitz of this trailer is a well-structured, deep and perplexing movie.  It pulls you in with an outstanding setup and a brilliant cast of characters, right from the get-go.

In Permission, we meet and get entangled in the lives of Will (Stevens) and Anna (Hall) who are one another first love.  We are shown that their sex life has become very familiar and routine and as Will and Anna speak to her brother Hale (Craig) and his lover Reece (Spector) about their relationship, the length of time they’ve been together comes up.  Reece finds it almost unacceptable that the two have been together since childhood, never having an opportunity to get to know what it’s like to not only engage mentally with another person for it to be too meaningful outside of friendship, but also physically be with another person.  Reece puts it out there to them that they truly must live a little.  Almost immediately, Will and Anna begin to wonder if the other person wants to be with someone else, perhaps has wanted to all along.  Since they’re about to move in together, they agree that they should both open their relationship so they can have experiences they’ve never had and agree to have sex with other people.  There are rules put in place and you, the audience member, will slap your head and wonder what will become of them once they start this foolishness.

Quietly and sweetly, Crano has gotten you very attached to these characters.  You want the best for both of them and you question their judgment… which is what makes the film so riveting.  Permission breaches such a taboo subject that while you’re watching, you feel somewhat uncomfortable.  You want them together and hope that at the end of the film, they will be.

Soon after the decision to be with other people has been reached, Anna meets Dane (Arnaud) a composer who shares her passion for music like no one ever has.  This can’t be good.  Anna stays in touch with Will through text the entire time she’s with Dane and feels somewhat guilty for enjoying herself but enjoys herself she does… maybe too much.

Will can’t bring himself to find someone right away but is eventually seduced by a sexy, older woman named Lydia (Gershon) who wanders into his shop and finds him attractive… she wants him.  She takes control and once she gets her hands on him, he has no choice in the matter.  Unlike the more loving and meek Anna, she is wild in bed and she allows him to do to her a certain act that he’d never ask Anna to go through with.  He’s thrilled but also confused.  Not only has he kept sexual desires from Anna, he keeps having sex with Lydia, too, breaking their agreement.  Anna finds out and isn’t happy he’s being secretive but she breaks the rule, as well.  She has been seeing Dane on a regular basis.

Permission is magnificent, filled with brave, strong characters.  It’s an honest look at what happens when people have no experience with life and love, craving it for the first time.  It sneaks in a lesson of what it takes to stay but also what it might take to bow out.  You will care deeply for Anna and Will and you’ll find yourself chomping at the bit, nervously, awaiting the outcome of the yarn.  It’s quite a reaction to the truth coming from their finally being open to change.  Well done, Brian Crano.  Bravo!  You have made an intriguing, beguiling film that will live on for a long time.  It’s as touching as it is agonizing and I anticipate those who see this will eagerly await your next project.

The cast of “Love, Simon” is going on tour and it’s Powered by your Love

February 14, 2018 (updated February 14, 2018)

LOVE, SIMON will hit theaters everywhere on March 16, 2018!

Everyone deserves a great love story, so Love, Simon has just launched two exciting ways to help make your Valentine’s Day romantic.

 First, the cast of Love, Simon is going on tour and it’s Powered by your Love. Give your state some Love (Simon): visit PoweredByLoveTour.com or visit @LoveSimonMovie on Instagram and vote for your state to be a stop on the tour by liking your state’s image. The Love, Simon “Powered by Love” tour will visit the states with the most likes.

Hurry – voting ends February 18th.

Second, you might have seen adorable love notes from Simon while waiting for the bus or getting popcorn at the theater. Now you can tell your SO or BFF how special they are with a #LoveSimon postcard. Visit http://DearWorldLoveSimon.com to create and share your #LoveSimon postcard today!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love, Simon

LOVE, SIMON

Release: March 16, 2018

Director: Greg Berlanti

Screenplay by: Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger

Producers: Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen

Cast: Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Miles Heizer, Keiynan Lonsdale, Logan Miller, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Tony Hale.

Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

 

LOVE, SIMON Official Channels

Website: LoveSimonMovie.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveSimonMovie/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovesimonmovie?lang=en 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesimonmovie/ 

#LOVESIMON

A special look at “Incredibles 2” tonight during the Olympics!

February 14, 2018

TUNE IN to NBC’s live primetime coverage of the Olympics TONIGHT to catch a Super-special look at “Incredibles 2.”

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

Written and directed by Brad Bird (“Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles,” “Tomorrowland”) and Nicole Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

Voice Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Bird, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, Jonathan Banks, Sophia Bush, Isabella Rossellini

Director: Brad Bird

Producers: John Walker, Nicole Grindle

INCREDIBLES 2 Social Media:

DISNEY•PIXAR

Website:  http://disney.com/incredibles2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarTheIncredibles/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypixar

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pixar

In Theaters June 15, 2018

http://www.fandango.com

Lullaby

February 9, 2018

“THE LULLABY” 

IN THEATERS AND ON DEMAND MARCH 2

Chloe is overwhelmed by the birth of her first child.  The incessant crying of her baby, the growing sense of guilt and paranoia sends her into depression.  With a heightened urge to protect her son, Chloe sees danger in every situation.  She starts to hear voices, the humming of a childhood lullaby and sees flashes of a strange entity around her child.  Convinced that the entity is real, Chloe will do everything in her power to protect her son. 
Is she haunted by evil or is it just the baby blues?

Reine Swart, Deànré Reiners, Thandi Puren, Brandon Auret, and Dorothy-Ann Gould star in a Darrell James Roodt film, opening in theaters across the U.S and available on VOD 3/2.

In Theaters March 2nd

http://www.fandango.com

Tully Trailer and Contest!

February 9, 2018

Focus Features will release Tully in theaters in April

 

Story:  A new comedy from Academy Award®-nominated director Jason Reitman (“Up in the Air”) and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (“Juno”). Marlo (Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron), a mother of three including a newborn, is gifted a night nanny by her brother (Mark Duplass). Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully (Mackenzie Davis).

Director: Jason Reitman (“Juno,” “Up in the Air,” “Young Adult”)

Writer: Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Young Adult”)

Cast: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, and Ron Livingston

 

Share your own “sticker face” photo now on Instagram using #TullySweeps for a chance to win a trip for 2 to the premiere of Tully in Los Angeles. 

Rules: www.TullySweepsRules.com

 

For more info, please follow the film on social:

Official Site I Facebook I Twitter I Instagram

#Tully

In Theaters April 20th

http://www.fandango.com

game-Night-advance-movie-screening

Game Night Advance Movie Screening

February 8, 2018 (updated February 8, 2018)

Movie Screening Summary

Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and Annie, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s charismatic brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler), arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So, when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all part of the game…right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this “game”—nor Brooks—are what they seem to be. Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they’ve ever had…or game over.

https://www.warnerbros.com/game-night

See more advance movie screenings from tmc

Advance Movie Screening For GAME NIGHT

Find your chance to receive special advance movie screening passes below.

 

Phoenix, Arizona

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Tuesday, February 20
Location: Harkins Tempe Marketplace
Movie Screening Time: 8:00pm
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Tucson, Arizona

 

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Tuesday, February 20
Location: Century El Con
Movie Screening Time: 7:30pm
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Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Tuesday, February 20
Location: AMC Town Square
Movie Screening Time: 7:30pm
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Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Tuesday, February 20
Location: Regal Winrock
Movie Screening Time: 7:30pm
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Advance Movie Screening Information

To redeem a pass, simply click the Get Passes button. You will taken to our movie screening partner site (where you can sign up for a free account). Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to print out your pass and bring it with you to your screening or event. Admittance into a screening or event is not guaranteed with your pass. Events and advance screenings are filled on a ” first come, first served ” basis. To ensure that you stand a good chance of being admitted, we recommend that you show up 30 minutes to one hour early. The number of admissions that are permissible for each pass are printed clearly on the ticket that you print out. You are allowed to bring as many guests as is indicated on your pass. For example, if your pass is for ” Admit Two, ” you can bring yourself and one guest. If you have an ” Admit One ” pass, you can bring only yourself. If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us.

The 15:17 to Paris Movie Review

February 8, 2018

Europe be saved from extremists by a young group of Americans on vacation, going to France?  Well, in one case, that is exactly what happened. In the summer of 2015, there were three friends who were backpacking across the continent, and they managed to be in the right place at the right time. It also helped that they did the right thing, that is – stop a major attack from happening on a high-speed train traveling to Paris. Everyone could have been killed, and they helped to stop the worst-case scenario. This movie is a depiction of that event, and the lives of the three young American men. They also happen to play themselves, not as a gimmick, but to keep the story as true as possible.

 

“The 15:17 to Paris” gets into the events of the train attack, but first it goes back to the high school days of the three guys who develop a bond that will last for many years. When they are finally out of school, each will decide what they will do with their lives. Spencer Stone (played by Spencer Stone) joins up with the Air Force and learns some life skills. Alek Skarlatos (played by Alek Skarlatos) gets into the National Guard and spends a tour in Afganistan. Anthony Sadler (played by Anthony Sadler) goes to college to become smarter and to learn about the world. They all decide that a trip to Europe would do them all a world of good. Spencer and Anthony get to Italy and then go to Venice. At that same time, Alek meets up with an exchange student in Germany.

 

The early years of the three guys get illuminated in flashbacks about how they all met. Young Spencer and his mom (Judy Greer) and neighbors to young Alec and his mom (Jenna Fischer) The two boys meet with young Anthony at school, and they all get along quite well. They spend time playing and sometimes get into trouble. But when they all grow up, that is when the real adventure starts. They all meet up in the Europe trip in Germany, and then spend some time in Amsterdam. But they are convinced by many people to make a final trip to Paris, just because it is a beautiful place. And they are in luck, because they can take the 15:17 to Paris…

However, on this particular train, there is also a passenger with very bad intent. Ayoub El-Khazzani (Ray Corasani) has brought aboard a few extra items, such as an AK-47, a hand gun, a knife, and large supply of ammo. This guy decides to take out as many people as he can in the train compartment. But little does he know that Spencer, Alek and Anthony are also aboard. It just so happens that they have a particular set of skills that just might save the day. They all face-off against El-Khazzani to give him a very bad, very no-good day. Of course, there are a couple of other people involved with taking down the terrorist and saving the day, but the biggest flag waves for the Americans.

Clint Eastwood has taken a big chance and made a bold gamble. With casting the actual guys that where there on that day, he gives a large responsibility to some people who are not professional actors. In fact, many of the actual passengers on that train are given an opportunity to recreate a moment of terror and the relief of getting control of the situation. The three come through with excellent results; after all they are playing themselves. They might have a handful of times that the acting is a tad bit rough and unrefined. But it does shine through to give a very unique view from the eyes of those who were deeply involved.

Eastwood takes his steady and trained hand to guide the (non) actors to perform the events of their lives again, but this time for our benefit. The movie is focused on the one main event, but it goes into details about how all three of these guys wound up there on that train. There are times where the movie starts to drag a bit, as you learn a little more about what these guys want out of life. But with a brisk run time, there is no time to get bored. That is because each scene is designed to being you to the main event.

This movie has the ‘true story’ aspect down to a tee. That is mostly because the actual participants are the actors. That says a lot about how important Eastwood thinks this movie will be. His vision keeps “The 15:17 to Paris” on track…

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