'The Testament of Ann Lee' is a bold, visually unique film featuring a powerful performance by Amanda Seyfried as the Shaker leader, blending history, spirituality, and musical elements in a challenging and visceral portrayal of Ann Lee's life and community.
The film 'Song Sung Blue,' inspired by Neil Diamond and based on a 2008 documentary, stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a struggling tribute couple. Critics find the movie's tone inconsistent, blending melodrama, comedy, and tragedy, with performances and songs that are well-executed but feel mismatched to the story's tone. The film is criticized for unnecessary Hollywood embellishments and a lack of exploration into the authenticity of musical impersonation, resulting in a mixed reception and a 1.5-star rating.
Disney has officially greenlit 'Camp Rock 3' for Disney+ and Disney Channel, with the Jonas Brothers returning to reprise their roles and Demi Lovato serving as an executive producer. Filming has begun in Vancouver, and new cast members have been announced, as the story revolves around campers vying for a chance to open for a reunion tour of Connect 3, with themes of friendship, rivalry, and romance.
Director Jon M. Chu discusses how adaptations of L. Frank Baum's 'Oz' stories, including his upcoming film 'Wicked,' reflect periods of American transition. He notes that the original 'Wizard of Oz' emerged during the Great Depression and pre-WWII era, while 'Wicked' debuted post-9/11, both times of significant change. Chu's adaptation, set to release amid contemporary societal shifts, explores themes of the American dream and societal narratives, questioning who controls these stories and what defines heroes and villains.
The Los Angeles premiere of the musical film 'Wicked' took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, featuring stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. The event was attended by other cast members such as Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, as well as original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Director Jon M. Chu was absent due to personal commitments. The film, based on the Tony-winning Broadway production, is set to release in theaters on November 22.
The first official photos of the upcoming Wicked film featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba have been released, showcasing the star-studded cast's preparation for the highly-anticipated project. The film, set to release in November, is one of the most star-studded musical movie productions in recent years, with the cast also including Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang. The leads, Ariana and Cynthia, have formed a strong bond and impressed the film's director with their vocal power, as they opt for live vocals in the adaptation of the iconic Broadway production.
Director Jon M. Chu revealed that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will be singing live in the upcoming Wicked movie, opting for live vocals over pre-records. While this decision showcases their vocal abilities, there is concern about potential challenges in maintaining consistent quality over multiple takes. The approach has had mixed results in past film adaptations of musicals, but fans will have to wait until the movie's release this Thanksgiving to see how it turns out.
Jennifer Lopez is releasing a three-part project about her love life and reunion with Ben Affleck, including a musical film, a studio album, and a documentary. Despite initial concerns from friends and business partners, the project has received positive reviews. Lopez opens up about her struggles with self-love and her past relationships, while also poking fun at herself. The project delves into her tumultuous love life, including her marriages to Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, and Marc Anthony, as well as her reunion with Affleck.
Jennifer Lopez's new musical film "This Is Me…Now: A Love Story" features a scene inspired by her painful breakup with Ben Affleck, with the "heart factory" sequence symbolizing the emotional toll of heartbreak. Director Dave Meyers revealed that the idea stemmed from a conversation with Lopez about their breakup in her early 20s, and the scene aims to convey the magnitude of heartbreak. The film, which includes allusions to Affleck, follows Lopez's character on a journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with Affleck, drawing from their real-life relationship.
Jennifer Lopez's latest film "This is Me… Now: A Love Story" is a 65-minute long narrative-driven musical film that showcases her skills as a performer, screenwriter, and story creator. The film, which drops on Amazon Prime video alongside her album of the same name, is a high-budget spectacle that combines elements of romcom, action, and sci-fi, with a star-studded supporting cast. It reflects Lopez's own romantic life and serves as a retrospective display of her talents, while also hinting at future creative endeavors. The film's format and creative control given to Lopez highlight her refusal to be written off and her ability to take up space in the entertainment industry.
Jennifer Lopez clarifies that she was never upset about Ayo Edebiri's past remarks insulting her, expressing understanding and forgiveness for the situation. Edebiri personally apologized to Lopez before their SNL appearance, and the two went on to have a great show. Edebiri also addressed the remarks during the episode, and Lopez's new album and companion film, This Is Me...Now, are set to release soon.
Trevor Noah was initially skeptical when Jennifer Lopez asked him to be in her upcoming Prime Video musical film, but he ultimately joined the star-studded cast, including Ben Affleck, Fat Joe, and Sofia Vergara. Meanwhile, Lopez teased her upcoming album, "This Is Me...Now," which is reportedly about her rekindled romance with Affleck and is set to be released in 2024, with more news to come. Noah is also gearing up to host the Grammy Awards and is excited about the diverse lineup of artists set to perform.
Jennifer Lopez stars in the genre-bending film "This Is Me…Now," co-starring Ben Affleck and featuring cameos by Trevor Noah, Kim Petras, Sofia Vergara, and others. The Amazon original, directed by Grammy winner Dave Meyers, is a narrative-driven cinematic odyssey that showcases Lopez's journey to love through her own eyes, accompanied by her first studio album in a decade. The film, 20 years in the making, marks a significant milestone in Lopez's career and premieres on Prime Video on February 16.
Tina Fey discusses the success of "Mean Girls: The Musical," blending the original hit and Broadway adaptation, and working with Lindsay Lohan again. Fey praises Lohan's performance in the original movie and reveals her surprise cameo in the new film. She also shares her involvement in updating the story to 2024 and bringing joy to the audience. Additionally, Fey comments on the potential return to co-host the Golden Globes with Amy Poehler and acknowledges the challenges of hosting the awards show.
The musical film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple" faces challenges in capturing the power of the original story. The epistolary nature of the novel and the spare and frank tone of the protagonist, Celie Harris, make it difficult to transfer to visual forms like theater and film. While the latest adaptation has its merits, the story still remains slippery to would-be adapters. The film explores Celie's journey towards self-realization and freedom, highlighting the theme of Black women's liberation. However, the Hollywood movie format flattens characters and rushes the ending, diminishing the impact of Celie's story. Despite its flaws, the film showcases the importance of Celie's relationship with Shug Avery in her evolution.