Dua Lipa may be, if not, one of the world’s biggest pop stars out right now. Just recently, Dua Lipa has released her brand new hit single, “Don’t Start Now” on Halloween of this year. Ever since Lipa has released this worldwide smash hit, she has been traveling the world everywhere!
Just within a short span of two-weeks, Lupa has performed Don’t Start Now at the: MTV EMA’s in Spain, ARIA Awards in Australia, AMA’s in Los Angeles, MNet Asian Music Awards in Japan, Hamilton Island Australia, Mumbai India, and the Graham Norton show are just a few to name at the moment.
Dua Lipa is also set to release a brand new album titled, “Future Nostalgia” in 2020. The brand new album will include genres of disco and pop while also incorporating a new version of Dua Lipa as a pop star. Lipa wants to give her fans something as she called it, “Futuristic & Fresh”. She wants to give them something they have never seen or heard before. In other words, she wants to have it where her fans can just get up and dance while also feeling the lyrics at the same time.
Lipa performing Don’t Start now at the EMA’s
In the meantime, Dua has announced that she will be going on tour in Europe mid 2020. The new tour will showcase her brand new album that she is expected to released in 2020.
If you have not checked out “Don’t Start Now” yet, check out the brand new worldwide sensation or a.k.a., the best song out right now below.
Attention, book lovers! If you enjoy reading Stephen King, Louisa May Alcott, and T.S. Eliot then you have a treat in store just in time for the holidays. Hollywood is releasing three new movies this fall based on books by these authors.
Stephen King lovers are sure to enjoy this new released movie adapted from Doctor Sleep.
Warner Bros. is releasing the movie November 8th. A sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep takes place years later with Danny Torrance now an adult. He meets a young girl with similar powers to his. Torrance has to protect this young girl from an evil tribe who is trying to use her powers to make them stronger. This film will have the same type of atmosphere as the original movie The Shining. A thrilling dark fantasy for horror lovers of Stephen King.
T.S. Eliot fans are in for a treat as the Broadway show Cats is being released by Universal Pictures on December 20th.
The movie is an adaptation of the musical played on Broadway. Andrew Lloyd Webber first introduced fans to Cats in 1982. Webber adapted his musical based on Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a collection of poems that centers around a tribe of cats called Jellicles.
The film centers on which cat will be chosen to ascend to the “Heaviside Layer’ to begin a new life. Fans of Cats are going to enjoy this adaptation as Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and Taylor Swift star. Be sure to listen for a new song titled Beautiful Ghost written by Taylor and Webber, sung by Francesca Hayward, in her first feature-length film role.
Sony Pictures is adapting yet another version of a film based on the novel written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women.
This film will be the eighth adaptation of the novel’s two volume set written in 1868-69. The plot stays the same as it shows the lives of four sisters who find their way as they enter womanhood. The March sisters have been classic characters book lovers and movie-goers have fallen in love with.
The screenplay is written by Sarah Polley (Away From Her) and Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), who also directs. Gerwig’s adaptation will capture the poignancy and wit of the novel. The film stars Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Saoirse Ronan (Mary Queen of Scots), and Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia 1&2).
Insatiable follows the story of Patty Bladell, played by Debby Ryan, as she gets revenge on those who mocked her for being overweight. After a violent altercation with a homeless man, Patty spends her summer vacation in the hospital consuming a liquid diet. After Patty recovers, and now thin as a result of her hospital day, she meets lawyer and disgraced pageant coach Bob Armstrong. Bob takes Patty under his wing and introduces her to the world of pageants.
What follows is a season full of revenge, deceit, and betrayal by every single character on the show. Although Patty more often than not is a catalyst and throws fuel on whatever fire is happening, her neighbors, classmates, and friends need no help to be conniving when their sites on set on a goal.
Each episode of Insatiable features revenge that pushes that bar just a bit further than the last, all culminating in a very surprising ending. For all the drama that fills each episodes approximately 40 minute runtime, the show’s writers seem “in on the joke.” Insatiable effortlessly alternates between what sometimes feels like overdramatic plotlines and comedic scenes in a way that leaves the viewer wanting more after the credits roll. After the 12th episode and season finale is rolling credits, fans won’t have to wait long for a new season. Netflix is premiering season 2 of Insatiable next week on October 11.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a five season British crime drama originally released in 2013. Set in Britain post World War I, the show follows Tommy Shelby in his efforts to raise his family’s status from two-bit criminals to a feared, highly successful criminal enterprise.
Fans of Boardwalk Empire will feel right at home with Peaky Blinders. The show features a mix of action, character developments, cliff-hangers, and intrigue. It’s also important to note that the show is extremely graphic in both language and violence, with portrayals of sexual assault, along with copious drug use. Some viewers should stay away.
Netflix users won’t have to wait long to catch the newest season of Peaky Blinders, the show releases on platform this week on Friday, October 4th.
You can watch the season five trailer for the show below:
The potential for technology has dramatically improved in recent years. We now have Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Video games are becoming more realistic. Robots are becoming more human-like. Driverless or self-driving cars are being tested. The possibilities are endless in the age of technology. However, these new developments make some question whether the benefits truly outweigh the potential for these advances to be used for something more sinister. Peyton Gregory, a mother-to-be, said, “These dangerous aspects of technology are really terrifying for parents when considering the safety of their children.” Lauren Johnson, a local high school student, said that such technologies really freak her out and she would never want to use such technology if it were offered to her.
In recent months we have been introduced to deepfakes, and voice cloning technology. Deepfake technology is used to create fake videos by taking images of a person’s face to create a moving image. Initially it was designed for film production in Hollywood. Although revolutionary, deepfakes are being used to create revenge porn, which started to surface on Reddit in 2017. Many young female actresses such as Selena Gomez, Emma Watson, and Scarlett Johannson have fallen victim to having their faces placed into these inappropriate videos. This form of technology has also plagued the lives of everyday women. Not only does it lead to fake porn and silly memes, but the creation of fake news reports and government videos. This is very dangerous to the safety of the nation, taking into consideration military and governmental use of such technologies. It could become very dangerous and even disastrous. It has the potential to lead the way to another World War if it were used strategically.
Voice cloning technology can use one’s voice to create a computerized voice avatar that is supposed to sound just like their very own and can be used to say anything that is typed into the computer. A program designed by Adobe Voco has this same concept, which was never released to the public because of these scary scenarios. However, an app available to the general public called Lyrebird can be used for those willing to share their voice. Regardless of the revolutionary aspect of these new developments, the potential for them to be used in a negative way still stands a risk if it were to land in the wrong hands.
Horror films are great, but it’s never fun to find out the film is based on a true story. The people of Texarkana might be interested in learning about a horror film based on an event that took place in their very own hometown. The film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown, premiered in 1976, followed by a sequel. The world premiere was held in Texarkana on Dec. 17, 1976, before it was released in theaters on Dec. 24. These films are loosely based on the horrific moonlight murders of the Phantom Killer.
The attacks occurred in the spring of 1946, from late February to early May. The murderer attacked young and middle-aged couples. The first two victims, Jimmy Hollis and Mary Larey, survived an attack that occurred on February 22, 1946. The second attack occurred four weeks later, ending the lives of Richard Griffin and Polly Ann Moore. Three weeks after that, the Phantom Killer struck again, this time taking the lives of Paul Martin and Betty Jo Booker. Three weeks later, on May 3, 1946, Virgil Starks was shot and killed in his home by the Phantom Killer, and Straks’ wife Katie was left severely wounded.
As in the films, the real Phantom Killer was never identified. However, the prime suspect in the case was Youell Swinney, who was never convicted of the murders. The case remains unsolved, which has left the town of Texarkana in suspense.
For more information on the murders click here or here.
The JMBLYA is back for 2019 and ready to invade the city of Dallas (May 3rd) and Austin, Texas (May 4th).
Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.
JMBLYA is a recurring outdoor music festival featuring artist from all over the world.
This year’s lineup includes Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates, Gunna, Sheck Wes, Youngboy Never Broke Again, Bhad bhabie, Blueface, City girls, Maxo Kream, P-Lo, WhooKilledKenny, and 10K.Caash
JMBLYA is a rain or shine event and will open festival gates open at 12PM on Friday, May 3rd (Dallas) and Saturday, May 4th (Austin).
Children 3 1/2 feet tall and shorter are admitted FREE if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. There will be no children under the age of 14 allowed in without the supervision of an adult.
General admission ticket pricing begins at $109.00, along with four different selections (Pinky Ring, Gator Boots, Fur Coat, Drop Top) of VIP packets to choose from. JMBLYA has a strict no-pet policy, with exceptions only for service animals as specified by federal and state law.
Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.
JMBLYA will offer multiple free water refilling stations. You are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, however, just be sure to have them empty upon entry. There will also be water and other non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the bar.
To ensure the safety of our JMBLYA family, all vehicles, persons and property are always subject to search, failure to consent to a search will result in denial of entry or ejection from the event.
Parking will be available at both festival sites. Stay tuned for more details.
For the first time in 40 years the Perot Theatre is open to the public to play holiday movies, in a collaboration between the City of Texarkana, Texas and TRAHC, and Perot Theatre to bring Texarkana a new holiday tradition.
The event will take place on December 22, 2018 at the Perot Theatre in Downtown Texarkana. This is an all day event for the community to come and enjoy. There will also be food trucks, vendors, crafts, refreshments, and holiday movies shown throughout the day. The forecast has predicted for snow to fall on Main Street.
The first holiday movie to be shown will be Polar Express at 10:30 a.m. followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas (short film) at 1 p.m. The Elf will be shown at 1:30 p.m., with the grand finale of It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m.
Santa Claus will make a stop for photo appearances.
Ticket prices range from $5-7. To purchase tickets call (903) 792-4992. For more information click here.
Disney released a trailer for a remake of everyone’s animated childhood movie, The Lion King on November 22, 2018. The first trailer began with Simba’s father’s Mufasa’s (James Earl Jones) speech “Everything the light touches is our Kingdom”. The trailer included memorable cinematic scenes previously released in 1994. The live action movie was directed by The Jungle Book‘s remake director Jon Favreau and will be released July 2019.
Disney’s Lion King cast will star in the summer 2019 childhood live remake. Photo Credit: Disney.
Rapper and actor Donald Glover will star as Simba, with Beyonce Carter-Knowles as Nala, Alfre Woodard as Sarabi, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa. The movie will also include everyone’s favorite characters such as Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), Zazu (John Oliver), Kamari (Keegan-Michael KEy), and everyone’s favorite lion villian, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), so mark your calendars and relive your childhood with your children and families.
If you’re looking for questions, I’ve got your answer. The second part of the newly hatched Fantastic Beasts series, Fantastic Beats: The Crimes of Grindelwald(2018) series opens a lot of new doors and doesn’t close any on its way out. Granted, it does a fine job at following upon the first film and does offer some important plot development, but all in all it’s just far too nonlinear to measure up to the awe of the first. The main issues resonate in the plot.
*SPOILERS*
Compliments of IMDB
Beginning the story, it becomes clear very quickly that there is no central focus to the film. This is because of the number of main characters present. Returning characters are Newt Scamander, Gellert Grindelwald, Jacob Kowalski, Queenie Goldstein, Portpentina Goldstein, and the once dead Credence Barebone (among other side characters). Normally this wouldn’t be a problem. Audiences love familiarity. However, these characters each have their own storylines going on alongside what’s assumed the main plot. Because of this, its hard to tell who the main focus of these movies is. Newt? Grindelwald? Credence?
Recall from the first films the sequence of events. The audience begins by following Newt through New York to capture released beasts. Due to Credence’s magical abilities as an “Obscurial” (something thought of as dangerous to the wizarding world), Newt seeks to capture him in order to prevent magical authorities from harming him. Grindelwald, a wizard seeking power, develops an interest in Credence because of his power. Everything is circular and all stories tie into one. Here, there still is not a central character per se. Newt would be a protagonist, Grindelwald the antagonist ad Credence somewhere between as he has not chosen any side.
Compliments of CNet
The second film, however, rips this premise apart. Credence is on a search for his mom, Newt is trying ultimately to replenish his lost relationship with Porpentina, Grindelwald is trying to coerce credence while also grow a magical regime, Jacob and Queenie are trying to hash out their muggle non-muggle relationship, and somewhere along the line Albus Dumbledore, another main character brought in from the original Harry Potter series, enters the scene to create another story line regarding his relationship with Grindelwald.
In a few side notes we also learn that Credence is not the son of a Lestrange (a point also brought up in this film, not the first), another characters switched him with a Lestrange on a boat as an infant and is actually a dumbledore, we don’t know where his real mom is, Grindelwald remains interested (presumably because of his lineage but that was never answered), Dumbledore has a pact with Grindelwald which prohibits their fighting, and so on. That’s just a few new tidbits offered in a 2 hour-long movie.
Compliments of threeifbyspace.net
The problem with all of this is that it creates too many stories presenting themselves to the audience at once. It is a lot to remember and a lot to take in. Granted, much of this might be hashed out in future films (the ending set up a continuance), but it doesn’t resolve the fact that all of this information becomes muddled due to the sheer volume of new facts. It might have been better as a season on Netflix or Hulu.
This is definitely a lot to register, but it’s worth seeing. It is very well done in terms of casting, directing, graphics, and much more. It is a beautiful piece. The plot line just muddles things a bit. However, there is no doubt that there will be answers to all of questions presented to us and if you’re a Harry Potter fanatic, the series is worth your time.
Despite the prospect of WWII soldiers going up against twisted Nazi experiments being an exciting premise, audiences may want to temper their expectations.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Produced by J.J. Abrams and directed by newcomer Julius Avery, the film tells the story of a small group of soldiers who barely make it into France as D-Day approaches. Their mission is to destroy a communications tower near a Nazi-occupied village to clear the way for their oncoming troops. However, things become complicated as they uncover the secret of what the Nazis are doing to the people of the village: creating an undead, superhuman army for Hitler’s Thousand-Year Reich.
The premise alone was enticing enough to inspire attendance, but, unfortunately, the film’s balance between war drama and horror schlock tends to lean toward the former.
There are some positives to the film worth addressing. The action scenes, especially the way in which the film opens with the soldiers in a plane being fired upon, and visuals are impressive and atmospheric. When the film does get down to the nitty gritty horror aspect, it does unleash some impressively startling visuals. The acting was also very commendable, with Jovan Adepo, as the wide-eyed, pacifistic lead character, Wyatt Russell, as the battle-hardened soldier in command, and Pilou Asbæk, as the film’s deliciously sadistic antagonist, the standouts. Even when the film dedicates its time towards being a war film it manages to engage with legitimate emotion and tension.
Despite this, that’s not exactly what the film advertised.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
While the film does well enough with both sides of the equation, one is given more time than the other. For instance, the film lingers often on Adepo’s character objecting to leaving people behind to die or torturing the enemy for information. It’s executed fairly, but the problem lies with the fact that it’s difficult to take the moral quandaries and the horror of a war as seriously as the filmmakers want when the villains are cartoonish in their deviousness and the characters are going up against zombies with super strength. When you have a villain with half of his face blown off, sneering like a supervillain at a certain point, it puts the first two acts of the characters going through what feels like a different film into perspective. The film even opens with a title sequence that harkens back to the days of pulp adventure stories, something the film does evoke later when it does get to the zombie experiments attacking people, so one would think the filmmakers would’ve opted to go for something less serious and just go for over-the-top spectacle. It’s especially disappointing considering the unique opportunity that Bad Robot had with such a unique premise that normally wouldn’t be given such high production value.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Overall, while the film has its moments of gory fun, impressive visuals, and a somewhat engaging cast to keep the film grounded and watchable, it feels as though it shies away from what audiences may have been hoping for. While not terrible by any stretch, I dare to say that it is a mostly good film, it’s one that should be approached with certain expectations in mind before seeing. If you enjoy war films, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you enjoy horror, it has it’s spots, but you may not be satisfied.
