Reviews and Events – Page 86 – Unspool Hollywood

Betty Wright, Soul and R&B Singer, Dies at 66

Betty Wright. PHOTO: IMDb

Bessie Regina Norris, known by her stage name Betty Wright, died on May 9, 2020, in her hometown of Miami, Fl.

She signed with her first music label, Deep City Records, in 1966 at 12 years of age. At the age of 14 Betty recorded he first album “My First Time Around” and at the age of 16 she released “Pure Love.”

It was in 1971 at the age of 17 that Betty released her signature song “Clean Up Woman.” It sold 1million copies and was certified gold when she was just 18 years old.

Betty was the first black woman artist to be certified gold on her own music label, Miss B Records, in 1988 with the album “Mother Wit.”

“Clean Up Woman” has been sampled by Mary J. Blige, Willie D, Chance the Rapper. Her hit “Girls Can’t Do What Guys Do” was sampled by Beyoncé on her “Upgrade U.”

She was married to King Sporty for 30 years. Born Noel George Williams, King Sporty was a successful musician in his own right and made a name for himself as a DJ, reggae musician and producer. He co-wrote “Buffalo Soldier,” made famous by Bob Marley. He died in 2015.

Little Richard, Legendary Rock n Roll Artist, Has Died at 87

On May 9, 2020, the world lost one of its most significant musical icons, Little Richard.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, “Little Richard” became a household name with the success of his hit songs, “Tutti Frutti” , “Long Tall Sally and “Rip It Up”

Known as The Innovator, The Originator, and The Architect of Rock and Roll, his flamboyant stage costumes, screaming vocals and over-the-top piano playing, make-up and hairstyle made Little Richard a dynamic musician who was able to crossover and bring people of all races in as his fans. Because he had such a diverse fan base , his concerts were successful in stopping segregation because everyone came to see him perform.

He was a major influence on Elvis Presley who covered at least four of his songs and on soul and funk, rhythm and blues, rock and hip hop music. In addition to Elvis Presley, his music was covered by Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, The Everly Brothers, Bene Vincent and Bill Haley.

Little Richard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Recording Academy and Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

The Beatles opened for Little Richard as well as The Everly Brothers, the Rolling Stones and Bo Diddley. In 1964, famed guitarist, Jimi Hendrix joined his band the Upsetters.

According to Johnny Otis, R&B icon, “Little Richard is twice as valid artistically and important historically as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together.”

He leaves his only child, his son Danny Jones Penniman.

Andre Harrell, Hip Hop and R&B Icon, Founder of Uptown Records Has Died at 59

Andre Harrell. Photo: Yevette Renee

May 8, 2020

New York native, music trailblazer, Andre O’Neal Harrell, passed away on May 7, 2020 in West Hollywood, CA.

Harrell, a man that knew the music business from front and back as an Artist in the music duo Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and as an industry executive when he worked with Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records as its Vice President and general manager.

Harrell eventually left Def Jam to start his own music label, Uptown Records, in 1986. It is at Uptown where Harrel hired Sean “Diddy” Combs as an intern. Not only did this hiring lead to the start of Diddy’s mega successful career but also to the long-lasting careers of Mary J. Blige, the first successful solo Uptown artist, Heavy D and the Boys, The Lost Boyz, Anthony Hamilton, Al B. Sure, Jodeci, the Notorious B.I.G., Teddy Riley and Guy. He launched the career of Robin Thicke while at Nu America Records. He executive produced Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s mega hit song “Blurred Lines.”

His career path includes the 1995 position as CEO and president of Motown and founder of the Nu America advertising agency. Harrell came full circle in his relationship with Diddy when he became Vice Chairman of Diddy’s Revolt TV and Media.

He also experienced success in the TV and Film industry. He created and produced the highly successful tv show “New York Undercover” starring Malik Yoba and gave Halle Barry her first lead role in Strictly Business and the same is true for Jessica Alba in Honey.

Andre Harrell was a major force in the early days of Hip Hop and was able to seamlessly merge Hip Hop with R&B, a style of music that continues to endure.

He leaves his only son, Gianni.

Oscar Temporarily Changes Their 2021 Eligibility Rules

April 29, 2020

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ (AMPAS) board of governors have voted to change the eligibility rules for the 93^rd Oscars due to the significant impact of the corona virus that has to the complete closure of movie theaters and postponement of film releases.

Prior to the Corona virus,, to be eligible, theatrical releases were required to have a continuous 7-day, 3 screening per day release in Los Angeles for Oscar eligibility.

For the 2021 Oscars, films that had a scheduled theatrical release but have gone straight to VOD/Streaming are now eligible for an Academy Award.

The board of governor also voted to consolidated the Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing into a new category Best Sound.

The 93^rd Academy Award is schedule for February 28, 2021, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, CA.

List of 13 Entertainment Resources for Industry Personnel

Here is a list of 13 resources for those out of work in the entertainment industry.

SAG-AFTRA Foundation
https://sagaftra.foundation/assistance/disasterrelief

Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund
https://www.wrpioneers.org/contact

#PayUpHollywood
https://www.surveymonkey/com/r/GQKXL5K

Motion Picture and Television Fund
https://mptf.com

Actors Fund
https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help

Writers Guild of America, West
https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/covid-19-resources

Writers Guild of America, East
www.wgaeast.org/covid19/

Directors Guild of America
https://www.dga.org/News/Guild-News/2020/April202/CoronaVirusMessageFromSchlammelHollander_032016.as

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
https://www.iatse.net/cornoavirus-update-portal

Recording Academy
https://wwwe.grammy.com/sites/com/files/covid-19_relief_app_2020_revised.pdf

Teamsters Local 399

Local 399 COVID-19 Resources

The Artists Rights Alliance
https://medium.com/@artistrightsnow/artist-rights-alliance-resource-list-ac801d811ed7

Equal Sound
https://equalsound.org/project/request-financial-assistance-from-the-corona-relief-fund/

I PROMISE a Documentary about Lebron James Public School in Akron

Lebron James new documentary tells the story about his Akron, Ohio school, I Promise.

Dedicated to helping underserved kids. Kids that are dealing with the same challenges Lebron faced as a child.

Lebron James is truly making a difference in the lives kids that live in his hometown of Akron.

View the trailer below.

Dark Star Pictures ‘KOKO-DI KOKO-DA’ Opens in New York Friday, March 27

KOKO-DI KOKO-DA

Runtime: 86 minutes

Rating: Not Rated

Language: Swedish with English subtitles

Directed by Johannes Nyholm (The Giant)
Cast: Peter Belli, Leif Edlund, Ylva , Katarina Jackobson, Brandy Litmanen

Elin and Tobias are a happily married couple who regularly vacation with their young daughter. The family is on a dreamy holiday when an innocuous case of food poisoning derails their plans and forever alters the course of their lives.

Three years later, the once loving couple is on the road again to go camping, looking for one last chance to go back to the way things used to be. But what once was is lost, and our characters instead find themselves having to relive the same nightmarish events, as that day and the horrors it brings repeat themselves infinitely.

Together, they must overcome their trauma, reconcile with their past and fight for their lives. Over, and over, and over again.

KOKO-DI KOKO-DA was an Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival, Rotterdam Film Festival, Seattle Film Festival, Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Fantasia Film Festival 2019 (it was the winner of the AQCC-Camera Lucida Prize), and Fantastic Fest 2019.

Distributed by Dark Star Pictures.

KOKO-DI KOKO-DA will open on the following dates in New York City and Los Angeles:

Friday, March 27- IFC Center, NYC
Friday, April 3- Cinema Village, NYC
Friday, April 10- Film Noir Cinema, Brooklyn
Friday, April 17- Laemmle Glendale

Entertainment Events Cancelled or Postponed Due to the Corona Virus

Concern regarding the spread of the Corona Virus has caused cancellations and postponements of movie releases, concerts, major events, and more.

The virus has infected more than 132,758 and killed more than 44955, according to recent media reports.

In the United States more than 1,629 Americans have contracted the virus and at 41 have died.

MOVIES and THEATERS

MOVIES
"No Time Left to Die:" The Daniel Craig led James Bond flick won't be hitting theaters in April as expected. The film, which marks the fifth time Craig will be playing 007, has now been delayed until November.

"Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway:" Sony has postponed the release date of the animated sequel, which once again features James Corden voicing the titular role. The movie was originally scheduled to hit theaters on April 3, but will now be released in August.

PRODUCTION

"The Amazing Race:" Though Season 33 of the reality competition series had yet to be announced, CBS announced production on the series has been postponed after they were filming in England and Scotland.

Disney, Paramount, Sony, STX, Universal have delayed release of the following feature films: F9 (Fast and the Furious), No Time to Die, Lovebirds, Mulan, The New Mutants, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, A Quiet Place Part II, and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, Antlers

Netflix is suspending all film and television productions in the US and Canada beginning March 16th.

Television show affected: Riverdale, The Morning Show, Disney;s Falcon and Winter Soldier. Mission: Impossible 7 was unable to shoot production in Venice. Bax Luhrmann's biopic of Elvis Presley halted when Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the corona virus in Australia.

New James Bond Film Delayed Until November.

All Broadway shows are cancelled. Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that all gatherings of 500 people or more are not allowed.

Tribeca Film Festival: postponed.

CinemaCon: the National Association of Theatre Owners have canceled the event in Las Vegas. Distributors and exhibitors provide previews of the summer movies.

CONCERTS
Coachella & Stagecoach: Goldenvoice announced in a statement on Tuesday, March 10, that Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed: "Coachella will now take place on October 9, 10 and 11 and October 16, 17 and 18, 2020.

Stagecoach will take place on October 23, 24 and 25, 2020. All purchases for the April dates will be honored for the rescheduled October dates. Purchasers will be notified by Friday, March 13 on how to obtain a refund if they are unable to attend."

South by Southwest

Cancelled by Austin mayor Steve Adler.

Ultra Music Festival: Miami's popular electronic music festival, which would have featured sets from Flume, Zedd, and more, has been canceled over coronavrius fears, according to city officials. The event was set to run from March 20 to 22 and had been expected to draw in an estimated 165,000 EDM fans. The news came one day after Ultra canceled its festival in Abu Dhabi.

Tomorrowland: The French government has canceled the winter edition of the electronic dance music festival, which was to take place from March 14 to March 21 at the French alpine ski resort of Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski.

BTS: The popular K-Pop band has canceled April tour dates in their hometown of Seoul, South Korea. Other K-pop groups have also followed suit.

Green Day: The rock band has postponed all of their concerts in Asia for their Hella Mega Tour.

Korea Times Music Festival: The festival, which was to take place at the Hollywood Bowl on April 25, has been postponed.

Miley Cyrus: Only a few days before she was expected in Australia to perform at the Melbourne Bushfire Benefit Concert, the singer announced that "due to the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities, including the Center for Disease Control" she wouldn't be traveling to the country for the show. Miley expressed that she's "so disappointed" she's not going to be able to attend.

Khalid: The "Know Your Worth" singer has postponed his Asia tour, which was originally scheduled for March 24 to April 14.

Avril Lavigne: Lavigne has canceled all of her tour stops in Asia. She previously scrapped concerts in Switzerland, Milan and Paris as well.

Madonna: The final two concerts of Madonna's Madame X Tour, which were set to take place on March 10 and 11 in France, have been canceled due to the country's ban on events with over 1000 people.

Carlos Santana: The Grammy-winning artist has canceled the European tour dates for his Miraculous 2020 World Tour.

Pearl Jam: The rock band has postponed the first leg of their north American tour.

Bands

The National, Old Dominion and New Order have all canceled concert stops.

Individual Shows: Mariah Carey, Louis Tomlinson, Maluma, Queen and Ciara have all postponed or canceled individual shows.

EVENTS
St Patrick's Day: The Irish Government decided to cancel all Paddy's Day parades throughout the country, including in the capital of Dublin. Ireland's remaining Six Nations rugby matches against France and Italy have also been postponed.

Indian Wells Tennis Tournament: The annual BNP Paribas Open was scrapped on Sunday, one day before it was set to host the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. All eyes are now on it's neighbor, Coachella.

SXSW: After Amazon Studios, Apple, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter and more companies pulled out of the film, music and tech conference, which runs from March 13 to 22 in Austin, Texas, the entire event was later canceled by the city.

"This is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place," SXSW said in a statement, "We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation."

Disney+: Disney had originally planned a giant European press launch for its streaming service. However, they canceled the event due to coronavirus concerns, per Deadline.

Fox News: The news channel announced they had canceled their Upfronts presentation, which was scheduled for March 24 in New York City.

LANDMARKS
The Louvre: The famous Paris museum has been temporarily closed following an outbreak in France. However, the tourist destination reopened on March 4 after being shut off from the public for three days, per CNN.

AMUSEMENT PARKS
Shanghai Disney Resort: Disney closed Shanghai Disneyland's parks last month.
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea: The parks will be closed until March 15. However, it's unclear if the date will change.

Universal Studios Japan: Similar to Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan closed its doors on February 29 and will reopen on March 15.

Fox News Analyst Tweets Super Tuesday Odds, Forgets to Close This Awkward Tab.

SPORTS

National Basketball Association as postponed the 2020 season.

National Hockey League has postponed the 2020 season.

Major League Baseball have cancelled the rat of spring trainer and regular season pushed backed 2 weeks.

U.S. Soccer have cancelled the upcoming matchess in March and April.

NCAA Basketball Tournament has cancelled March Madness.

PGA Golf postponed.

Major League Soccer suspending play for 30 days.

2020 Summer Olympics: Although many have asked Japan to postpone the Summer Olympics, which are still set to kickoff on July 24, the Olympic minister said the country's contract with International Olympic .

XFL Football has suspended all play.

Tennis: ATP has suspended all tours. ATP a six-week suspension.

Boston Marathon postponed.

St. Patrick's Day Parades postponed.

Formula One: Both the Chinese Grand Prix and Thailand Grand Prix have been canceled.'

World Athletics Indoor Championships: The event, which was planned to be in Nanjing, China, has been postponed until March 2021.

INTERNATIONAL SOCCER

England: Premier League has postponed season until April 4th.

Spain: La Liga: have suspended the next two match days.

Italy: Seria A has suspended all matches until April 3rd.

France: Ligue 1, Ligue 2 has suspended all matched until further notice.

Germany: Bundesliga has played matches in empty stadiums. They have not announced any plans to suspended play.

UEFA Champion League and Europa League has postponed Europe's two biggest soccer tournament.

CONFERENCES
Many tech and business conferences have been canceled including Google I/o developers conference, which was set for May 12-14 in Mountain View, CA, and Facebook's F8's Developers Conference, which was also planned for early May.

Additionally canceled conferences:

The Doha Film Institute's Qumra, and the 2020 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The Game Developers Conference and Hong Kong Filmart postponed to summer.

Films Coming to the Screen This Weekend: Bloodshot, The Hunt, and more

Weekend of March 13, 2020

Bloodshot
Runtime: 1 hr 50 min
Genre: Drama/Fantasay
Rating: PG-13

Marine Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel 'Fast and Furious', 'Guardian of the Galaxy', 'XXX', 'Avengers') and his wife are murdered and he is brought back to life and becomes superhuman.

Directed by David S. F. Wilson. Screenplay by Jeff Wadlow, Eric Heisserer. Story by Jeff Wadlow. Based on Valiant Comics Bloddshot. With Sam Heughan ('Outlander', 'Young Alexander the Great') as Jimmy Dalton, Toby Kebbell ('Dawn of the Planet of the Apes', 'Fantastic Four') as Axe, Lamorne Morris ('New Girl', 'Game Night', 'Sandy Wexler') as Wilfred Wigans.

Produced by Toby Jaffe, Jason Kothari. Music by Steve Jablonsky ('Transformers', 'Deep Water Horizon'). Cinematography by Jacques Jouffret ('The Purge: Election Year', 'Mile 22'). Edited by Jim May ('The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch anfd the Wardrobe'). Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group, Original Film, Valiant Entertainment, One Race Films, The Hideaway Entertainment. Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.

Watch "BLOODSHOT - Official Trailer

The Hunt
Runtime: 1 hr 55 min
Genre: Thriller
Rating: R

Waking up in the forest and not knowing where they are, 12 average strangers soon realize they are the 'hunted game' for a group of wealthy hunters. Coming to the rescue is Crystal (Betty Gilpin) who flips the script and begins to hunt the hunter.

Directed Craig Zobel ('Z for Zachariah', 'Prince Avalanche'). Written by Nick Cuse ('Watchmen', 'Maniac'), Damon Lindelofn ('Watchmen', 'The Lelftovers').
Based on "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. With Ike Berinholtz, Emma Roberts, Hilary Swank.

Produced by Jason Blum ('Get Out', 'BlacKkKlansman'), Damon Lindelof ('Watchmen', 'The Leftovers'). Music by Nathan Barr ('True Blood', 'Flatliners'). Cinematography by Darran Tiernan ('Perry Mason', 'Star Trek: Picard'). Edited by Jane Rizzo ('Leave No Trace', 'Z for Zachariah'). Production companies: Blumhouse Productions, White Rabbit Productions. Distributed by Universal Pictures.

Watch "The Hunt - Official Trailer

The Informer
1 hr 53 min
Genre: Drama, Tragicomedy
Rating: R

A former special operations soldier and convict, Pete Koslow (Joel Kinnaman 'Edge of Winter', 'Suicide Squad') working undercover for dirty FBI reenters the Bale Hill Prison to infiltrate the Polish mob drug trade in New York and is double crossed by one of his handlers Montgomery (Clive Owen 'Closer', 'Gemini Man') and and must turn to Grens, New York Police Organized Crime Division.(Common 'The Hate You Give', 'Girls Trip')

Directed by Andrea Di Stefano ('Life of Pi', 'Eat Pray Love'). Screenplay by Matt Cook ('Before I Go to Sleep', 'Brighton Rock'),
Andrea Di Stefano, Rowan Joffe ('Before I Go to Sleep', 'Brighton Rock'). Based on Three Seconds by Anders Roslund and Borge Hellstrom. With Ana de Armas ('Blade Runner 2049', 'Knives Out') as Sofia Hoffman, Rosamund Pike ('Gone Girl', 'Pride and Prejudice').

Watch "THE INFORMER Official Trailer

My Spy
Runtime: 1 hr 42min
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: PG-13

After being demoted, CIA operative JJ (Dave Bautista 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2', 'Avengers: Infinity War') is assigned to surveil the Vail family and ends up at the mercy of their 9-year old daughter Sophie (Chloe Coleman 'Big Little Lies').

Directed by Peter Segal ('Hidden Hills', 'Tommy Boy', 'Grudge Match'). Written by Erich Hoeber ('RED', 'The Meg'), Jon Hoeber ('RED', 'The Meg'). With Kristen Schaal ('The Last Man on Earth', 'Despicable Me 2'), Ken Jeong ('Pineapple Express', 'Hangover I, II, III')
Produced by Dave Bautista ('Blade Runner'), Chris Bender ('American I, II', We're the Millers', 'Hangover I, II, III') , Peter Segal ('Get Smart', 'Grudge Match'), Jake Weiner ('Under the Silver Lake', 'Criminal'), Robert Simonds (STX Entertainment), Jake Weiner ('Under the Silver Lake', 'Criminal'), Gigi Pritzker ('Drive'), Jonathan Meisner ('Avengers: Infinity War', Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2')

Produced by Chris Pender, Peter Segal, Robert Simonds. Music by Dominic Lewis ('How to Train Your Dragon', 'X-Men: First Class'). Cinematography by Larry Blanford ('X-Men, 'Iron Man 3'). Edited by Jason Gourson ('Second Act', 'Blaze'). Production companies: MWM Studios, Good Fear, Dream Boys Entertainment. Distributed by STXfilms.

Watch "My Spy Trailer"

Lost Girls
Runtime: 1 hr 35 min
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Rating: R

With a single focus on finding her missing daughter Shannon Gilbert (Sarah Wisser 'Cabbie'), Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan 'Escape Plan', 'Gone Baby Gone') begins her own investigation and the results forces the police and media to take action.

Directed by Liz Garbus ('Love, Marilyn', 'What Happened, Miss Simone'). Written by Michael Werwie ('Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile'). Based on Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolker. With Thomasin McKenzie ('Leave No Trace', 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies') as Sherre Gilbert, Gabriel Byrne ('Heredity', 'Mad to be Normal') as Commissioner Doman,
Oona Laurence ('Peter's Dragon', 'Bad Moms') as Sarra Gilbert, Reed Birney ('The Humans') as Dr. Peter Hackett.

Produced by Anne Carey ('The Diary of a Teenage Girl', '20th Century Women'), Kevin McCormick ('Gangster Squad', 'Arthur'). Music by Anne Nikitin ('The Imposter', 'American Animals'). Cinemetagraphy by Igor Martinovic ('The Night Of', 'House of Cards'). Edited by Camilla Toniolo ('Write When You Get Work'). Production companies: Archer Gray, Langley Park Productions. Distributed by Netflix.

Watch "LOST GIRLS Trailer"

Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always
Runtime: 1 hr 41
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13

After an unwanted pregnancy, Autumn (Sidney Flanigan ' ') and her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder 'Broadway Kids Against Bullying: I Have a Voice') travel from their home in rural Pennsylvania to New York to end her pregnancy.

Directed and written by Eliza Hittman ('Beach Rats', 'It Felt Like Love'). With Theodore Pellerin, Ryan Eggold, Sharon Van Etten. Produced by Adele Romanski ('Moonlight', 'If Beale Street Could Talk'), Sara Murphy ('If Beale Street Could Talk', 'The Mountain').

Produced by Lia Buman, Rose Garnett, Tim Headington. Music by Julia Holter ('Bleed for This', 'Own Worst Enemy'). Cinematography by Helene Louvart ('The Invisible Life', 'Happy as Lazzato). Edited by Scott Cummings ('Adversary', 'Buffalo Juggalos'). Production companies: Tango Entertainment, BBC Films, Mutressa Movies, Pastel Productions. Distributed by Focus Features.

Watch "NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS" - Official Trailer

Ja’Net Dubois Memorial Postponement

Television Star Ja'Net Dubois. Photo: Yevette Renee

March 5, 2020

After thoughtful reassessment of the coronavirus and risks associated with having many attendees who are coursing through international hubs, ultimately to intersect with family, friends, and the general public, our family has made the concerned decision to postpone the memorial service for our mother, Ja'Net DuBois.

We understand this announcement will grieve many who wish to honor her and pay tribute to her body of work on the stage, in film, in television, and behind the scenes.

We would like especially to recognize any of you who made changes to your schedule to be with us. We do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk and hope all will understand and agree with our decision.