Photo: Hulu

"Reprisal" is an entirely unique series that has been marketed as a revenge story. However, series star Abigail Spencer noted at New York Comic Con that this description might not be entirely accurate. "I think this might be a redemption story. I think that's the interesting thing for all of the characters. You really see everyone just trying to find where their future is going, to right a wrong."

When the series first opens, the audience is introduced to Spencer's lead character with two aliases, Katherine Harlow and Doris Quinn. Her story is not only central to the overall narrative, but also serves as a catalyst to many of the most interesting dramatic plot points.

Having watched the entire first season ahead of it's official premiere to the public, I've narrowed down three main points to convince enquiring minds to tune in and binge this compelling piece of art.

Photo: Hulu

VISUALLY STYLISH

The show merges various aesthetic styles and pieces including 1950's hot rods and burlesque houses, 1960's bikers, and 1970's muscle cars. There's also a bold visual presentation in various technical aspects. The club/burlesque house run by Joel (Rodrigo Santoro's character) has excellent production design with bold, warm colour palettes that lends itself really well to gorgeous cinematography. There is also a repeated use of dynamic effects, such as split screens and moving panels that at times make the show feel more like a comic book or graphic novel that has leapt off the page onto the big screen. The creative team working on "Reprisal" have a deep understanding that film is first and foremost a visual art form and take every opportunity to create a world that leaves lasting images in the viewer's mind.

Photo: Hulu

AMAZING WOMEN

Whatever artistic pieces you find yourself comparing "Reprisal" to, such as David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, or old-school neo-noir films, one of the greatest strengths that sets "Reprisal" apart is the multiple leading women. In addition to Abigail Spencer, Madison Davenport (Meredith), Bethany Anne Lind (Molly Quinn), and Lea DeLaria (Queenie) all excel in their roles. Each of these female characters is more than the buzzword of 'strong'. Beyond that, they are interesting, dynamic, and different from one another. Each character undergoes a compelling journey that makes you root for them to survive. The world of "Reprisal" is a violent one, and though these women are not immune from this aspect, they're also not on the receiving end of that violence in an excessive or regressive way like so many other 'gangster' stories that precede them. It never feels gratuitous or simply done for the sake of it, but is executed in a manner that makes perfect sense based on the world they live in.

Photo: Hulu

MENA FREAKING MASSOUD

In the lead-up to the "Reprisal" premiere, Mena Massoud is one of the lead actors that has been tapped to do an extra portion of promotional media. During an interview with the Daily Beast, he revealed that he has not been given a single audition since Aladdin. It's an astonishing revelation considering that he played the titular role of a giant Disney blockbuster that grossed over a billion dollars at the box office. Yet somehow this news is not surprising to members of socially ostracised groups that are accustomed to being under-represented in Hollywood productions.

If there is any question as to whether Massoud can play a wider range of characters than a charming thief that can sing and dance, "Reprisal" squashes those doubts and then some. Massoud is the emotionally conflicted leading man in a realm similar to James Dean's persona. Ethan Hart is thrust into the world biker gangs, somewhat reluctantly, and struggles to make sense of processing the events that lead him to this point. It's a significantly more mature and dark character arc that Massoud plays beautifully. This is the type of rich material that he should be getting offered in numerous auditions. If Aladdin embodies childlike wonder, Reprisal digs deep into adult angst, and at the centre of it all, Massoud captivates and charms his audience.

"Reprisal" premieres on Hulu December 6.

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Photo: Zimbio

"Reprisal" is a new Hulu drama with a femme fatal lead and neo-noir flair. The show made its presence known at New York Comic Con this month to premiere the first episode. The overall vibe of the screening was cozy, as the cast and crew sat in the middle of the room to watch with the rest of the fans in attendance. The pilot introduces a stylish world of gangs, mysteries, 1950's hot rods and burlesque houses, 1960's bikers, 1970's muscle cars, with the lead character Katherine Harlow / Doris Quinn (portrayed by Abigail Spencer) at the center of all the commotion.

Executive producer Josh Corbin gave an insight into developing the overall look of the show. "For me  it's creating a world that is era ambiguous. We don't know exactly where or why these elements exist. The show is about these characters reckoning with their past, chasing down their past, dealing with the sins of their past. We wanted to create a world [where] we don't know exactly where we are or when we are, and finding a fun way to let that play into the themes of the show. On top of that, we had a lot of fun. We draw upon all different sorts of aspects and eras of twentieth century pop culture. Thematically it works and we had a good time."

Finding the right direction for bringing the characters to life in a borderline surreal world such as this requires careful consideration from the lead actors. Abigail Spencer says that following Corbin's lead was important as well as pilot director Jonathan Van Tulleken. "They laid out the tone, the look, everything else, and I was a part of the painting. It is a large world and a lot of the characters don't cross until a certain point in the storytelling. We have a lot of conversations and you do a lot of experimenting because we want to be inspired by film noir, femme fatale, but we're also trying to do something new. That's what we're trying to create together and it's really inspiring because not a lot of people get this opportunity on television."

Renowned character actor David Dastmalchian is also part of the cast as Johnson, a member of the gang lead by Joel Kelly (portrayed by Rodrigo Santoro). Dastmalchian was drawn to the project because of the quality of the script. "I felt like the script was just dripping too. When I first got the script and I read it, I freaked out. I never read anything like this before and I know there's never been anything on television like this before. I said to Josh when I first got to meet him, 'This feels like David Lynch's driving a hot rod and Quentin Tarantino's driving and they're about to crash into each other and it's freaking amazing!' I'm thankful these guys wanted me in this wonderful cast along for the ride."

The show also shows a potential to draw in a younger demographic with talent like Mena Massoud and Madison Davenport. Massoud plays Ethan Hart, a young, newer addition to the gang with a type of brooding sensitivity reminiscent of James Dean. "I am very lucky because I think I have the easiest job adjusting to the world because the audience sees everything for the first time like Ethan does. I get to go on set and portray these emotions that I feel in real life which is like, 'What the hell is going on here? What the hell is this?' It's a fun ride. It's an amazing world that Josh and Jonathan have created and I'm just grateful to be a part of it."

Gilbert Owuor plays Bash Branningan. "To talk about the opposite end of the spectrum compared to where Ethan comes into the world, the sets and the locations they chose and the sets they built, wrapping your head around what living in a place like this day to day would do was really helpful. Just the dirt and the grime, the harshness of it, what would it be to live in this place Day to day, year to year, just trying to make something of your life? Fighting against that really helped me find where the character was from."

Madison Davenport portrays Meredith, a burlesque dancer at the club run by Joel's gang. "The setting, the costumes, let me tell you it's really easy to be Meredith once you're sucked into that corset. That really makes things really real. The writing is so solid, the sets, everything, you feel like you're there and then once you get all into your character, your hair, your make-up, your costume, you're there."

"The world is very specific but..." begins Rodrigo Santoro. "I was blown away when I read the pilot the first time because there's so much humanity. It was just on the page. Yes, the world is amazing, it's new, we don't know what time it is, what is going on, but at the end of the day we're engaged with the characters. They're human and complex. Being in this world gave us a lot of freedom to play with it."

Davenport's first notable introduction involves an extensive dance sequence for a single take and involves her getting on and off different stages while executing precise choreography and removing various items of clothing. "It was a oner so I was basically doing the dance but so was the camera operator. It was like we were doing this lovely waltz and he was going backwards with the camera." Director Jonathan Van Tulleken chimes in from his seat in the audience to say that this particular sequence was shot thirteen times and that the take lasts for one minute and forty seconds. "Every article of clothing that came off had to go back on," adds Davenport. "But it was so much fun! Once you're in that groove, it feels like you're in a time vortex and it doesn't feel like a minute and forty seconds."

Spencer shares how her opinion of the show has shifted from the time that she was making it to now watching the finished product with an audience. "Actually just watching it now and watching it with you all, we've really been selling this as a revenge story. I just watched it and [now] I think this might be a redemption story. I think that's the interesting thing for all of the characters. You really see everyone just trying to find where their future is going, to right a wrong. I think this is going towards redemption because when something like that happens to you, when you are so broken, the strongest thing that you can do is rebuild yourself and try and change the future. I really think that that's the underlying path and it's cool because that is such a human element but placed in this hyperreal, fantastical world."

Santoro's character Joel displays an interesting juxtaposition in the pilot episode, from the ruthlessness of a gang leader to the softness of a doting father of a young daughter. "When we meet Joel now it's a very interesting place, torn between two opposite directions. He's actually trying to maintain order and peace in this violent, lawless world while trying to raise his seven-year-old daughter. It's such a contrast and he's learning to be a father while he has to deal with... I don't want to spoil anything but he's done some really interesting things in his past. He's got a massive internal battle which will evolve in the episodes. It's very challenging for me. He's nothing like me, I'm definitely nothing like that. It's such a blessing, the opportunity to play him."

"Reprisal" will premiere on Hulu on December 6.

Watch the New York Comic Con panel for "Reprisal" here:

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It's on in the Amazon!

20th Century Fox has just released a brand new TRAILER for their upcoming animated comedy, RIO 2. Blu, Jewel, and their three kids are hurtled to the wilds of the Amazon in this highly anticipated sequel to RIO, and this time they're joined by a whole new slew of characters as Blu meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law.

Check out the new TRAILER NOW: 

#Rio2 hits theaters everywhere on April 11, 2014!

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RIO 2

Animated Comedy

Release: April 11, 2014

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Producers: John C. Donkin, Bruce Anderson

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, will.i.am, Jemaine Clement, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, Jamie Foxx, Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Bruno Mars, and Kristin Chenoweth

 

SYNOPSIS:

It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law.  All our favorite RIO characters are back, and they’re joined by Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy®/Tony winner Rita Moreno.  RIO 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monae and Wondaland.

 

RIO 2 Official Socials

Facebook: facebook.com/RioMovies

Twitter: twitter.com/RioMovie

YouTube: youtube.com/officialriomovie

Official site: riomovies.com

#Rio2 

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SEIZE YOUR GLORY! The new trailer for 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE has been unleashed. Thanks to all of the fans from across the globe who joined the battle to unlock the trailer by using #300JoinTheBattle!

When 300 fell, it was not the end of Sparta or the war. Themistokles picks up the sword in the name of King Leonidas' Queen Gorgo, and both take up arms against crazy Xerxes and his Persians. Xerxes finally gets an origin story, and his ambitious naval commander Artemisia will also get her own introduction. Xerxes wasn't always the gold dusted monster from 300, his dark journey of seduction and power will be on full display this time around.

When 300 was released, the amazing cinematography blew many away, and the sequel looks just as impressive showcasing the bloodshed. Battles will rage not only on land, but also on the sea.

What do you guys think? The guys are still sweaty and half nude as they slash at each other, but the fierceness of the ladies this time around is far more impressive.

Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel Xerxes and directed by Noam Murro (Smart People), 300: Rise of an Empire is now set to hit theaters on March 7.

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Consider yourself deputized…

Arnold's back as a badass sheriff…and trust me, you don't want to  f*ck up his day off!! The greatest action-star of all time is back on the big screen! Schwarzenegger stars along side Johnny Knoxville in Lionsgate's latest shoot-em up action-packed film, THE LAST STAND.

Catch a glimpse of the film that everyone is talking about, in this brand new trailer! 

“WHAT WOULD ARNOLD SAY?” - Enter this week's FACEBOOK CHALLENGE now!

We told you he’d be back!  Channel your inner Arnold -- enter this weeks “WHAT WOULD ARNOLD SAY?” challenge on Facebook now!  You could win an awesome weekly prize or if your entry reigns supreme you could see yourself in next week’s Faceoff round where the best of the each will go head to head to win the ultimate grand prize.  You don’t want to disappoint the sheriff  - enter now! www.WhatWouldArnoldSay.com

Catch the guys on the big screen when THE LAST STAND hits theaters nationwide January 18, 2013!!

#TheLastStand

This all-star cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Forest Whitaker, Eduardo Noriega, Rodrigo Santoro, Jaimie Alexander, Luis Guzmán, Peter Stormare, Zach Gilford and Genesis Rodriguez.  

Directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Andrew Knauer and Jeffrey Nachmanoff.

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SYNOPSIS:  

After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy.

With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow.  Cortez’ path:  straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever. 

At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown. 

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheLastStandFilm

#TheLastStand

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Watch Arnold Schwarzenegger in his element – as he takes a stand and defends his turf…no matter what the cost. Check out this BRAND NEW TRAILER for THE LAST STAND, where Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) is called to action when a drug kingpin flees an FBI prisoner convoy, and tries to cross the border of Mexico.

Not in his Town. Not on his Watch.










 Watch the trailer now!

 You can also catch this trailer on the big screen starting TONIGHT on THE EXPENDABLES 2!

#TheLastStand

This all-star cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Eduardo Noriega, Rodrigo Santoro, Johnny Knoxville, Jaimie Alexander, Luis Guzmán, Peter Stormare, Zach Gilford and Genesis Rodriguez. Directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Andrew Knauer and Jeffrey Nachmanoff.

SYNOPSIS: After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy.

With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez’ path: straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever.

At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown.

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheLastStandFilm
#TheLastStand

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THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!

Everyone's favorite action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, makes his much anticipated return to THE LAST STAND.   

  Not in his Town. Not on his Watch.

#TheLastStand

Be sure to catch THE LAST STAND in theaters everywhere January 18, 2013!   

This all-star cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Eduardo Noriega, Rodrigo Santoro, Johnny Knoxville, Jaimie Alexander, Luis Guzmán, Peter Stormare, Zach Gilford and Genesis Rodriguez.   

Directed by Kim Jee-woon and written by Andrew Knauer and Jeffrey Nachmanoff.

-----------------------------------------------------

SYNOPSIS: 

After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), 

With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez’ path: straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever.

At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown. 

----------------------------------------------------- 

http://www.facebook.com/TheLastStandFilm

#TheLastStand

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING stars Cameron Diaz, Chris Rock, Elizabeth Banks, Brooklyn Decker, Chace Crawford, and Rodrigo Santoro attended the mother of all film screenings in New York last night. It was a star-studded event that delivered!

 Check out photos from the red carpet now:



 Be sure to catch the hilarious and heartwarming comedy WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING when it arrives in theaters everywhere May 18th!

SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big-screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood.

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date?

A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone and Joe Manganiello.

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/WhatToExpectMovie
Dudes Group Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DudesGroup
Official Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/#!/lionsgatemovies
Twitter Hashtag: #WhatToExpect

Holly's Baby Blog: http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect-the-movie/meet-holly/welcome-to-my-blog.aspx
Celebrity Dance Factor YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/celebritydancefactor?feature=watch
Skyler Cooper Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/skylercooper/
Cheezy Rider Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/@Cheezy_Rider
The Breast Choice: http://www.ivillage.com/breast-choice-boutique-brought-you-what-expect-0/6-f-447248

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Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick and Brooklyn Decker star in the comedy about five couples dealing with the challenges of impending parenthood.

Lionsgate released five character posters for the comedy about becoming a parent. The posters feature some of the star-studded cast, including Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick and Brooklyn Decker.

All of the characters – except Jennifer Lopez’s, who is adopting – are shown in various stages of pregnancy. A quote from each character is also included, many of these lines heard in the trailer .

The film, based on a screen adaptation of the bestselling book by Heidi Murkoff. It follows a group of expectant parents whose lives are all intertwined, no matter how different they all may seem. The funniest storyline is Banks', who gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body.

The cast also includes Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone and Joe Manganiello.

The film hits theaters May 11, 2012.

View the character posters below:

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Here is the trailer for Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone, Joe Manganiello the film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone, Joe Manganiello and is directed by Kirk Jones. The film is scheduled to be released on May 11, 2012.

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood.

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date?

READ MORE