WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP TEN

DECEMBER 26, 2014 - DECEMBER 28, 2014

1. 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' $41,420,000
2. 'Unbroken' $31,748,000
3. 'Into the Woods' $31,021,000
4. 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb' $20,600,000
5. 'Annie (2014)' $16,600,000
6. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' $10,000,000
7. 'The Gambler' $9,300,000
8. 'The Imitation Game' $7,930,000
9. 'Exodus: Gods and Kings $6,750,000
10. 'Wild (2014)' $5,415,000

Selma Movie - Glory Lyric Video

The Loft Official Trailer #1 (2015) - James Marsden, Wentworth Miller Mo...

SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water - Happy Holidays

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP TEN

DECEMBER 19, 2014 - DECEMBER 21, 2014

1. 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' $56,220,000 (wknd)
$90,627,000 (5 day ttl)2. 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb' $17,300,000
3. 'Annie (2014)' $16,300,000
4. 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' $8,065,000
5. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' $7,750,000
6. 'Wild (2014)' $4,150,000
7. 'Top Five' $3,570,000
8. 'Big Hero 6' $3,563,000
9. 'Penguins of Madagascar' $3,525,000
10. 'P.K.' $3,500,000

ANNIE

Plot:

Little orphan Annie (Wallis) living under the foster care of Hannigan (Diaz), a mean, money hungry, man seeking ex-video star, continues to have dreams of one day her parents returning to claim her. While out one day chasing a dog being abused by a group of boys she is saved from being hit by a van by the current mayoral candidate, billionaire cell phone entrepreneur Will Stacks (Foxx). After a few failed attempts with his community campaign efforts, he is urged by his political marketing manager Guy (Cannavale) and his personal assistant Grace (Byrne) to take the streetwise Annie in to live with him a few weeks to boost his ratings in the election poll. But neither would know that soon they would grow to the point of both needing each other to fill the void of being without family.


Reel Talk:

I think everyone that left the screening had the songs "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" or "It's A Hard Knock Life" stuck in their head...LOL! I have to be honest and say that I was a little on the fence about how they would pull off remaking the 1982 classic movie Annie with the  new various changes. Let's just say a job well done. The casting was very good, you will just adore Quvenzhane' Wallis as Annie and enjoy the humor of Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks replacing Daddy Warbucks. Even the new uptempo hip hop flaired versions of the music seems to work in this film. Of course there will be some who have a problem with the ethnic change of Annie's appearance but oh well, they will be alright. This is definitely a good family movie worth the bucks.

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhane' Wallis, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje, Cameron Diaz and David Zayas
Directed by: Will Gluck
Rated: PG

I give it 4 corn dogs.

By: The Reel Hustler

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

Plot:

Larry Daley (Stiller) still works as the security guard at the museum but he also takes on the task of the special effects manager for a private party hosted at night so that the usual wax figures can come to life. Strangely while the Egyptian gold tablet that eludes the magic that gives life to the museum characters starts to rapidly corrode, it causes them to act erratic and spoils the event. Larry learns that the secret about the tablet is at the Egyptian tomb exhibit in a London museum so he along with his teen son and a group of his favorite wax pals set out on the voyage to save what's left of the tablet so that it will reserve their ability to come alive at night.


Reel Talk:

This is the best one of the trilogy series. A good family movie that has it all, action, comedy and drama. Ben Stiller back together with his usual all star cast of the late Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan and now added the scene stealing Rebel Wilson as well as some special cameos from screen legends like Dick Van Dyke and the late Mickey Rooney made this movie very entertaining and quite worthwhile. Shawn Levy who directed all three Night At The Museum movies does a good job on this one as he stepped it up a little bit more with the special effects. Like I mentioned a good movie to take the entire family.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais and Rebel Wilson
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Rated: PG

I give it 3 and a half eaten corn dogs.

By: The Reel Hustler

STRANGE MAGIC OPENS JANUARY 23, 2015

STRANGE MAGIC

TOUCHSTONE PICTURES

U.S. Release Date:                 January 23, 2015

Rating:                                   TBD

Cast:                                     Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Kristin Chenoweth, Maya Rudolph, Sam Palladio, Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina, Elijah Kelley, Bob Einstein, Peter Stormare

Director:                                Gary Rydstrom

Producer:                               Mark S. Miller

Executive producer:               George Lucas

Screenplay by:                       David Berenbaum, Irene Mecchi, Gary Rydstrom

Story by:                               George Lucas

Musical director & composer: Marius de Vries

“Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. Directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas, “Strange Magic” will be released by Touchstone Pictures on Jan. 23, 2015. 

Notes:

·         Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic created the CGI animation for 2011’s Academy Award®-winning film “Rango.”

·         Well-known music producer Marius de Vries (“Moulin Rouge”) serves as both the musical director and composer.

SPIELBERG FINDS SOPHIE FOR THE BFG

DreamWorks Studios announced today that newcomer Ruby Barnhill has been cast as the young girl, Sophie, in Roald Dahl’s beloved classic story, “The BFG.”  Steven Spielberg will direct the film adaptation of the children’s novel.  Published in 1982, “The BFG” is the tale of a young London girl and the mysterious Giant who introduces her to the beauty and peril of Giant Country. Barnhill joins Mark Rylance who has been cast as the “Big Friendly Giant.”

 

“The BFG” will be 10-year-old Ruby Barnhill’s first feature film role.  She has been acting for two years and will appear in the upcoming BBC BAFTA award-winning children’s drama “Four O’Clock Club.”  Ruby lives in Cheshire with her parents, younger sister and Tom the cat and is a member of her local youth theatre.

 

“I feel incredibly lucky and I’m so happy,” said Ruby Barnhill.  “Sophie gets to go on this wonderful adventure and I’m so excited that I get to play her.”

 

“After a lengthy search, I feel Roald Dahl himself would have found Ruby every bit as marvelous as we do,” said Steven Spielberg.  “We have discovered a wonderful Sophie in Ruby Barnhill.”

 

Luke Kelly, Managing Director of the Roald Dahl Literary Estate and Roald Dahl's grandson, said, “The character of Sophie is one of the most endearing young heroes in Roald Dahl’s stories. She is as brave as she is curious and has an innate sense of wonder. Many congratulations to Ruby on landing the role. We hope that making ‘The BFG’ proves an utterly magical adventure for her.”

 

DreamWorks acquired the rights to the book in 2010 after Kathleen Kennedy brought it to the company.  Melissa Mathison, who last teamed with Spielberg and Kennedy on "E.T.," has written the screenplay.  Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Sam Mercer will produce while Kennedy, John Madden and Michael Siegel are on board as Executive Producers.  Kristie Macosko Krieger and Adam Somner are Co-Producers.

 

Spielberg will begin production on "The BFG" in early 2015 and it will open in U.S. theaters on July 1, 2016.  The Walt Disney Company is distributing the film in the U.S. and select international territories while Mister Smith Entertainment is handling distribution in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  DreamWorks’ partner, Reliance, will distribute the film in India.

 

About DreamWorks Studios

 

DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.  The company’s recent releases include Spielberg's "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.  The film has grossed over $180 million at the U.S. box office and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards® with Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor.  Other releases include “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” starring Helen Mirren, Steven Spielberg’s "War Horse," based on Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning book and was nominated for six Academy Awards® including Best Picture, and "The Help," which resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $200 million at the box office and received four Academy Award® nominations with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress.

. 

About "The BFG"

 

First published in 1982, "The BFG" was Roald Dahl’s own favorite of his stories. Today, the book is published in 38 foreign languages, including Vietnamese, Korean, Ukrainian, Indonesian, Albanian, Estonian, Hebrew and Welsh.

 

“The BFG” will be the latest Roald Dahl title to be adapted for stage and screen, following major films including “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), “James and the Giant Peach” (1996), “Matilda” (1996), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005) and “Fantastic Mr Fox” (2009). The phenomenally successful award-winning “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” continues playing to packed audiences in the West End and on Broadway. In 2015, the show is set to open in Sydney and begin touring the USA. Additionally, over a million people have seen the West End musical production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” since its opening in June 2013.

 

About Roald Dahl and his legacy

 

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most inventive, mischievous and successful storytellers. His stories are currently available in 58 languages, and, by conservative estimate, he has sold more than 200 million books. Ten percent of all the Roald Dahl royalties are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities - Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Roald Dahl Day is marked annually all over the world on Roald Dahl’s birthday, September 13^th, and in 2016 there will be global celebrations for the Centenary of his birth, which will coincide with the release of “The BFG” movie.

TAKEN 3 | Exclusive Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Official Main Trailer [HD]

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP TEN

December 12, 2014 - December 14, 2014

1. 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' $24,500,000
2. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' $13,200,000
3. 'Penguins of Madagascar' $7,300,000
4. 'Top Five' $7,210,000
5. 'Big Hero 6' $6,145,000
6. 'Interstellar' $5,500,000
7. 'Horrible Bosses 2' $4,630,000
8. 'Dumb and Dumber To' $2,757,000
9. 'The Theory of Everything' $2,525,000
10. 'Wild (2014)' $1,550,000

POLO'S SAGITTARIUS CELEBRATION

It was the hottest party on a cold night in December as it seemed everyone (including The Reel Hustler) came out to the Sagittarius Celebration for my friend and my brother from another mother "POLO" (P-LO Entertainment) which was hosted by actor Omari Hardwick. Yes it was "Off The Hook"!!!

TOP FIVE

Plot:

Andre Allen (Rock), a superstar comedian/actor who now wants to no longer do comedy, while in the midst of promoting his new drama movie and just days away from his wedding to reality star Erika Long (Union) he reluctantly takes on an interview with New York Times reporter Chelsea Brown (Dawson). The reporter tags along with the celebrity to find out why he no longer feels that he is relevant as a comedian which he takes her through some of his past encounters, then to meet his friends and relatives but while the two are together they get to know each others secrets and they also began to acquire feelings for each other putting them both in compromising positions.


Reel Talk:

This is by far the funniest movie that I have seen this year! Chris Rock who also wrote and directed this movie went to the comedy bank and cashed in on favors from his friends as he has a host of appearances from the likes of Cedric The Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg to name just a few and all lending to the hilariousness of this film. There are some scenes that although raunchy they will have you rolling with laughter. Now with that being said parents please note that when a movie has a "R" rating some material may not be suitable for children which means that your child should not be viewing it. This is definitely a good movie with some good laughs that I say is worth the admission.

Starring: Chris Rock. Rosario Dawson, J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco and Cedric The Entertainer
Directed by: Chris Rock
Rated: R

I give it 4 corn dogs.

By: The Reel Hustler

CHRIS ROCK'S 'TOP FIVE' CITY TOUR PROMO

With his new comedy movie TOP FIVE scheduled for release Friday December !2, 2014, comedian/actor Chris Rock set out on a five city two day tour with Detroit being one of his stops to promote his movie. So he dropped by the historic Motown Museum "Hitsville USA" for a brief media visit and you know The Reel Hustler was there holding it down.

TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind. Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, Cedric The Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Anders Holm, Jay Pharaoh, Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd and Leslie Jones. The film is produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush. The Co-Producers are Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Kanye West; the Executive Music Producer is Questlove. Written and directed by Chris Rock.

DISNEY'S McFARLAND DEBUTS NEW SONG

DISNEY’S “McFARLAND, USA” DEBUTS

ORIGINAL NEW SONG BY LATIN ROCK SUPERSTAR JUANES

Music Video Shot on Location in McFarland, California, Draws Huge Crowd

Juanes Thrills Fans at McFarland’s Holiday Parade

Latin music superstar Juanes has written an original song titled “Juntos (Together)” specifically for Disney’s “McFarland, USA,” which he recorded for the end title track of the movie. The day after learning he is once again a current GRAMMY® nominee, Juanes traveled to McFarland, California, this past weekend to film a music video of “Juntos (Together)” on location—drawing a huge crowd of fans excited to get a glimpse of the chart-topping music star.

 

To the delight of all, Juanes joined the McFarland community’s festive Holiday Parade and followed up with an impromptu concert for the fans. “I was thrilled when Disney invited me to be part of this very special project,” explains Juanes. “Watching the film left me inspired about the power of teamwork, tenacity and faith, and I’m honored to now be part of the ‘McFarland, USA’ team.”

 

Niki Caro, the director of “McFarland, USA,” returned to McFarland to shoot the music video and says of Juanes’ participation, “I’m thrilled to have Juanes’ collaboration on this movie. His song ‘Juntos (Together)’ goes to the very soul of ‘McFarland, USA.’”

 

With seven solo albums to his credit and multi-platinum sales of over 16 million copies, Juanes is the world’s leading all-Spanish language rock artist–both a 2-time GRAMMY® and 20-time LATIN GRAMMY® winner with nine #1 singles on Billboard’s Latin Singles charts. Working with famed rock producer Steve Lillywhite, Juanes’ latest album “Loco De Amor” was released in the spring of 2014 and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart and topped iTunes sales in over a dozen countries. Juanes is also frequently recognized as one of the Spanish-speaking world’s leading social media voices with an online following of over 18 million fans. The Colombian superstar’s dedication as a global activist also extends far beyond his passionate lyrics and is seen in his wide ranging charitable work for his own Mi Sangre Foundation and as a co-founder of the "Paz sin Fronteras" (Peace Without Borders) organization.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

 

Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

 

Disney’s “McFarland, USA” stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis and Diana Maria Riva, and is directed by Niki Caro with screenplay by Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois and Grant Thompson, and story by Cleveland & Gilois. Gordon Gray and Mark Ciardi are producing, with Mario Iscovich and Mary Martin serving as executive producers. “McFarland, USA” releases February 20, 2015.

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP TEN

December 5,2014 - December 7,2014

1. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' $21,600,000
2. 'Penguins of Madagascar' $11,100,000
3. 'Horrible Bosses 2' $8,600,000
4. 'Big Hero 6' $8,130,000
5. 'Interstellar' $8,000,000
6. 'Dumb and Dumber To' $4,169,000
7. 'The Theory of Everything' $2,668,000
8. 'Gone Girl' $1,500,000
9. 'The Pyramid' $1,350,000
10. 'Birdman' $1,150,000

While We're Young | Official Trailer HD | A24

Terminator Genisys Movie - Official Trailer

Top Five Movie Trailer

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

TOP FIVE: Written, directed , and starring Chris Rock, TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind.  Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union,  Cedric The Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart,  Anders Holm, Jay Pharaoh, Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd and Leslie Jones.  The film is produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush.  The Co-Producers are Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Kanye West; the Executive Music Producer is Questlove. Written and directed by Chris Rock.

(PARAMOUNT PICTURES) Rated R.

TOP FIVE SOUNDTRACK

Def Jam will release the music from and inspired by Chris Rock’s latest film “Top Five” on December 9. 
The film, which was written, directed and stars Rock tells the story of comedian Andre Allen. It also stars Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Cedric The Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Sherri Shepherd, Anders Holm, Romany Malco, Leslie Jones, Michael Che, and Jay Pharoah, with cameos by many other A-listers.  ”Top Five” was produced by Jay Z and Kanye West and prominently features their track “N— In Paris.” Questlove served as the film’s Executive Music Producer and co-composer. The music in the film is awesome and features a cool mix of current and classic tunes.

TOP FIVE tracklist:

1. “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX

2.  “When I B on tha Mic” by Rakim

3. “Doin’ It” by LL Cool J

4. “A$$-ETS” by Young Chris  feat. Rico Love

5. “Push It” by Salt-N- Pepa

6.  “It’s Murda” by Ja Rule

7.  “N— In Paris” by Kanye West & JAY Z

8. “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick

9.  “On My Block” by Scarface

10. “The Champ” by Ghostface Killah

11. “How I Got Over” by The Roots

12. “We Gonna Make It” by Jadakiss

13. “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy

“Top Five” hits theaters on December 12.

HOLIDAY EDITION - WEEKEND BOX OFFICE TOP TEN

NOVEMBER 26,2014 - NOVEMBER 30,2014

1. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' $56,875,000
2. 'Penguins of Madagascar' $36,000,000
3. 'Big Hero 6' $18,770,000
4. 'Interstellar' $15,800,000
5. 'Horrible Bosses 2' $23,010,000
6. 'Dumb and Dumber To' $8,295,000
7. 'Theory of Everything' $5,082,000
8. 'Gone Girl' $2,470,000
9. 'Birdman' $1,880,000
10. 'St. Vincent' $1,773,000