News

Entertainment studio Cineverse has set a new deal between its streaming licensing service Matchpoint and American Asian media company JoySauce, which streams “Kim’s Convenience,” “Mixed Six” and “Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal,” among other titles.

As part of the pact, Matchpoint will license, monetize and distribute JoySauce’s full library of original dramatic shows, reality series and more, as well as with third-party content for which JoySauce holds streaming rights. Matchpoint will also handle licensing JoySauce content to other streaming platforms.

The partnership will expand later in 2025 with Cineverse teaming with JoySauce to launch a standalone streaming service, including a branded JoySauce subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) app and later a free, ad-supported streaming television (Fast) channel targeting both the Aapi community and all viewers interested in content showcasing the American Asian experience. Cineverse will distribute these on all devices and offer access to other streaming platforms.

“Cineverse is the proven expert...

As Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 enters its final day, audiences are still buzzing about the unique and unsettling films that have premiered throughout the festival. One short film that is set to leave a lasting impression is Mlm, directed by the talented Brea Grant. Screening on Monday, August 26th, this short takes the concept of multi-level marketing and spins it into a dark and twisted horror tale. The film stars Jessika Van, Courtney Pauroso and horror fan favourite – Barbara Crampton.

We caught up with Brea Grant to discuss the inspiration behind Mlm, her journey into filmmaking, and her thoughts on the FrightFest experience.

Brea Grant, director 1. Tell us about your film

Brea Grant: Mlm is about a woman who gets involved in a pyramid scheme that goes horribly wrong when she can’t meet her quotas.

2. How did you get into making movies?

Brea Grant: I started as a supremely lucky...

Writers/directors Brea Grant (Torn Hearts) and Ed Dougherty (co-writer of Paint It Black) have wrapped production on their four-part horror anthology Grind, Deadline reports, adding that filming took place in the Los Angeles area. Grant got her start as an actress, working on such projects as Friday Night Lights, Midnight Movie, Heroes, Dexter, Rob Zombie’s Halloween II, and Ice Road Terror. She made her feature directorial debut with the 2013 film Best Friends Forever, and has since directed Torn Hearts, 12 Hour Shift, and episodes of Pandora, among other things. Doughterty has previously directed multiple short films and music videos.

The cast of Grind includes genre icon Barbara Crampton, James Paxton (Twisters), Christopher Marquette (Freddy vs. Jason), James Urbaniak (Oppenheimer), Rob Huebel (Welcome to the Jungle), Vinny Thomas (Platonic), Aubrey Shea (Nashville), Courtney Pauroso (Reno 911!), Ify Nwadiwe (Grand Crew), Jessika Van (Seoul Searching), James A. Janisse (Scream 2022), Sharlene Cruz...

Brea Grant (Torn Hearts) and Ed Dougherty (Paint It Black) are the writers and directors of upcoming horror anthology Grind, and Deadline lets us know what to expect this week.

The site details, “Recently wrapping production in Los Angeles, Grind‘s stories center around the gig economy, hustle culture, and the evils of late-stage capitalism.”

The cast includes James Paxton (Twisters), Christopher Marquette, James Urbaniak (Oppenheimer), Rob Huebel (Transparent), Barbara Crampton (Suitable Flesh), Vinny Thomas (Platonic), Aubrey Shea (Nashville), Courtney Pauroso (Reno 911!), Ify Nwadiwe (Grand Crew), Jessika Van (Seoul Searching), James A. Janisse (Scream), Sharlene Cruz (In the Summers), Jon Gabrus (101 Places to Party Before You Die), Teri Gamble (Mrs. Davis), Hannah Alline (Doom Patrol) and Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock).

Producers include Chelsea Stardust.

Stay tuned for more on Grind as we learn it.

The post ‘Grind’ – New Horror Anthology from Brea Grant Tackles Late Stage Capitalism appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!

Exclusive: James Paxton (Twisters), Christopher Marquette (Barry), James Urbaniak (Oppenheimer) and Rob Huebel (Transparent) are among those set to star in Grind, a four-part horror anthology from writer-directors Brea Grant (Torn Hearts) and Ed Dougherty (Paint It Black).

Recently wrapping production in Los Angeles, Grind‘s stories center around the gig economy, hustle culture, and the evils of late-stage capitalism.

Others in the cast of the indie include Barbara Crampton (Suitable Flesh), Vinny Thomas (Platonic), Aubrey Shea (Nashville), Courtney Pauroso (Reno 911!), Ify Nwadiwe (Grand Crew), Jessika Van (Seoul Searching), James A. Janisse (Scream), Sharlene Cruz (In the Summers), Jon Gabrus (101 Places to Party Before You Die), Teri Gamble (Mrs. Davis), Hannah Alline (Doom Patrol) and Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock).

Grant and Dougherty produced alongside Chelsea Stardust.

Most recently directing Torn Hearts, an Epix/Blumhouse horror pic starring Katey Sagal, Grant has...

The new comedy feature "A Hollywood Christmas", directed by Alex Ranarivelo, stars Jessika Van, Josh Swickard, Anissa Borrego, Riley Dandy, Zak Steiner, Tom Williamson and Missi Pyle, now streaming on HBO Max:

"...'Jessica' (Jessika Van) is a young, up-and-coming filmmaker in Hollywood who has made a name for herself directing Christmas movies. But when network executive 'Christopher' (Josh Swickard) shows up threatening to halt production on her latest movie, Jessica’s assistant, 'Reena' (Anissa Borrego), points out the irony: Jessica isn’t just trying to save her Christmas movie, she’s actually living in one!

"Jessica must now juggle all the classic tropes—actors falling in and out of love, a wayward elf dog and her own stirring romantic feelings for her perceived nemesis—in order to get her movie and her life to their happy endings. Is there enough Christmas magic to pull it off? In...

A Hollywood Christmas is a romantic comedy starring Jessika Van and Josh Swickard. This quirky Christmas movie for the entire family is directed by Alex Ranarivelo.

Christmas in the studio.

Premise

Jessica, a young, up-and-coming filmmaker in Hollywood has made a name for herself directing Christmas movies. But when handsome network executive Christopher shows up threatening to halt production on her latest movie, Jessica’s assistant, Reena, points out the irony: Jessica isn’t just trying to save her Christmas movie, she’s actually living in one. Jessica must now juggle all the classic tropes—her actors falling in and out of love, a wayward elf dog, and her own stirring romantic feelings for her perceived nemesis—in order to get her movie and her life to their happy endings.

Movie Review

Do you remember The Player (1992)? It was a close to brilliant movie in which Robert Altman would elaborate his close up shots,...

The new comedy feature "A Hollywood Christmas", directed by Alex Ranarivelo, stars Jessika Van, Josh Swickard, Anissa Borrego, Riley Dandy, Zak Steiner, Tom Williamson and Missi Pyle, streaming December 1, 2022 on HBO Max:

"...'Jessica' (Jessika Van) is a young, up-and-coming filmmaker in Hollywood who has made a name for herself directing Christmas movies. But when network executive 'Christopher' (Josh Swickard) shows up threatening to halt production on her latest movie, Jessica’s assistant, 'Reena' (Anissa Borrego), points out the irony: Jessica isn’t just trying to save her Christmas movie, she’s actually living in one!

"Jessica must now juggle all the classic tropes—actors falling in and out of love, a wayward elf dog and her own stirring romantic feelings for her perceived nemesis—in order to get her movie and her life to their happy endings. Is there enough Christmas magic to pull it off? In Hollywood...

It appears we’ve just given up and given in to celebrating the winter holidays prior to Thanksgiving. HBO Max’s the latest to jump on the early winter holiday bandwagon, releasing trailers for three upcoming original holiday films – two of which will arrive on the streaming service on November 24, 2022.

Holiday Harmony starring Annelise Cepero and Jeremy Sumpter and A Christmas Mystery with Eddie Cibrian and Violet McGraw premiere on Thanksgiving. A Hollywood Christmas about a filmmaker who makes Christmas movies will debut on December 1st.

The streaming service also released details on the three ho-ho-ho holiday films:

Holiday Harmony

Singer/songwriter Gail (Annelise Cepero) lands an opportunity to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the big time, and heads cross country—only getting as far as Harmony Springs, Oklahoma when her ride, her budget, and all her hopes are stalled. With just two weeks to get to the iHeartRadio...

Exclusive: We hear that four holiday movies have received HBO Max release dates as of Wednesday: Legendary’s Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas for November 17 this year, and three yuletide titles from Esx Entertainment: Holiday Harmony and A Christmas Mystery both on November 24 and A Hollywood Christmas on December 1.

A Christmas Story Christmas from director Clay Kaytis and producers Irwin Zwilling, Marc Toberoff, Cale Boyter, Jay Ashenfelter, Peter Billingsley and Vince Vaughn follows Ralphie, who is all grown up now. He must deal with Christmas and all that comes with it, this time as a dad. Peter Billingsley reprises his role as Ralphie. Erinn Hayes, Julianna Layne, River Drosche, Rd Robb and Scott Schwartz along with Zack Ward and Julie Hagerty also star.

The romantic drama Holiday Harmony from producers Ali Afshar, Lauren Swickard and Daniel Aspromonte, and directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, follows singer-songwriter Gail, who...

Tech entrepreneur Jonathan Sposato is excited to announce the launch of the JoySauce Network, the first of its kind, Aapi multimedia platform aimed at the American Asian/Asian American audience and its allies.

JoySauce Network launches its platform today, with multiple channels of vibrant digital programming dedicated to celebrating both new and established American Asian talent. This change in nomenclature—American Asian rather than Asian American—is their way of shifting the center of gravity, while recognizing that each of us chooses how the pieces of our identities fit together.

Viewers can expect unscripted and scripted streaming shows, licensed movies from respected directors and writers in the Asian diaspora, stand-up comedy specials from emerging talent, documentaries, and more in a weekly episode format. The site will also publish original editorial from some of the community’s most talented writers, aiming to represent the full spectrum of American Asian narratives, covering culturally relevant topics in lifestyle,...

Cinedigm Corp has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to “Distancing Socially,” a quarantine comedy premiering on digital and on demand on Oct 5.

Starring Alan Tudyk, Sarah Levy, Rory Scovel, Andy Buckley and Jim O’Heir, the film was shot during lockdown using remote technology. Written and directed by Chris Blake, “Distancing Socially” explores love, friendship and the idea that a world of increased connectivity ironically leads to greater miscommunication.

The film features a series of comical vignettes shared across a telecommunications app, focusing on the everyday problems of various loosely connected characters that play out virtually amidst a global lockdown. Jessika Van, Melanie Chandra and Connor Paolo round out the cast.

“With warmth, levity and humor, ‘Distancing Socially’ explores our inherent need for connection even in the most challenging times,” said Yolanda Macias, chief content officer at Cinedigm. “Chris Blake and these talented actors create wonderful, authentic moments, both funny and poignant,...

“Schitt’s Creek” actor Sarah Levy is social-distancing to her next gig.

Levy has been cast in “Distancing Socially,” a Covid-inspired indie film about relationships and the challenges of virtual communication during lockdown. Director Chris Blake, who also wrote the screenplay, is shooting in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver using remote technology.

Levy is best known for her role as waitress Twyla Sands on “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning series created by and starring her brother Dan Levy and dad Eugene Levy.

The cast also includes Blythe Howard (“Mindhunter”), Alan Tudyk (“Resident Alien”), Melanie Chandra (“Code Black”), Jessika Van (“Seoul Searching”), Sierra Katow (“Last Comic Standing”), Ted Welch (“Adult Interference”), Dawan Owens (“6 Balloons”), Jay Larson (“Wine Country”), Kim Shaw (“She’s Out Of My League”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty”), Connor Paolo (“Stake Land”), Andy Buckley (“Avenue 5”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”), Emma Fitzpatrick (“The Collector”), Karissa Lee Staples (“Necessary Roughness...

Freeform is moving on. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network has cancelled plans for the TV show Unrelated.

From Kenya Barris, the sitcom “follows Becca (Jordin Sparks) and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi (Gigi Zumbado), as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters.” The cast also includes Matt Shively, Jessika Van, and Davi Santos.

Read More…...

The Kenya Barris multi-cam comedy series “Unrelated” is no longer going forward at Freeform, Variety has confirmed.

After issuing a straight to series order for the show in May 2018, the Disney-owned cabler has decided not to proceed with the project. The script will now be redeveloped.

The prospective series centered around Becca and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi, who are thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters. Jordin Sparks, Matt Shively, Brooks Brantly, Gigi Zumbado Kris D. Lofton, Jessika Van, and Davi Santos all starred.

The series, formerly known as “Besties,” went through both a name change and changes behind the scenes, as original showrunners Casey Johnson and David Windsor, who created the series with Barris, were replaced by “The Carmichael Show” producer Aeysha Carr.

Barris, who remained an executive producer on the...

Exclusive: Freeform will not proceed with its straight-to-series order to multi-camera comedy Unrelated, which was fully cast, heading into production. Instead, the project, from Kenya Barris, Ranada Shepard and ABC Signature, will go into redevelopment at the cable network.

Unrelated (fka Besties) has had a complicated road to the screen so far. It was a surprising straight-to-series order off of a pitch announced at the 2018 ABC/Freeform upfront as Barris was leaving Disney for a deal at Netflix. As a result, The Real O’Neals co-creators Casey Johnson and David Windsor were brought in to co-create, write and executive produce the series alongside original co-creator/executive producer Ranada Shepard through ABC Signature, the cable/streaming division of ABC Studios, part of Disney TV Studios. Like he does with all of his existing series, including hit Grown-ish on Freeform, Black-ish and the upcoming Mixed-ish on ABC, Barris remained creatively involved and continued as an executive producer.

Freeform is changing showrunners for its Kenya Barris comedy, “Unrelated,” with Aeysha Carr taking over for Casey Johnson and David Windsor.

The decision to replace Johnson and Windsor was a collective one between Barris, the network, Johnson and Windsor — who will remain as executive producers — an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.

Co-created by Barris and Ranada Shepard, “Unrelated” (formerly known as “Besties”) is a multi-camera comedy following a pair of newly-discovered half-sisters, as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to family. “Unrelated” stars Jordin Sparks and Gigi Zumbado as the half-sisters — Becca and Jesi — and also stars Matt Shively, Kris D. Lofton, Jessika Van and Davi Santos.

Also Read: Why Lionsgate Needs 'Hellboy,' 'John Wick 3' and a Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen Rom-Com to Work

Shively will play Matt,...

Kris D. Lofton (Ballers) has joined Freeform comedy series Unrelated (fka Besties), starring Jordin Sparks and Gigi Zumbado, in a recasting.

Lofton will play Todd, Becca’s brother, a mama’s boy who still lives in their parents’ basement. He replaces Brooks Brantley, who was initially cast as the character. The role went in another direction creatively and was recast.

Created by Ranada Shepard, Casey Johnson and David Windsor and executive produced by Kenya Barris, Unrelated follows Becca (Sparks) and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi (Zumbado) as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters.

The series also stars Jessika Van, Davi Santos and Matt Shively.

Shepard, Johnson and Windsor will executive produce along with Barris. Michael McDonald directs the first episode.

Lofton has been recurring as Kisan Teague on HBO’s Ballers.

It's all in the family on Freeform. This week, the network announced production has begun on their upcoming TV show, Unrelated.

The comedy series (formerly known as Besties) "follows Becca (Jordin Sparks) and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi (Gigi Zumbado), as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters." The cast also includes Matt Shively, Jessika Van, and Davi Santos.

Read More…...

Freeform has changed the title of their upcoming comedy series Besties to Unrelated. The series, starring Jordin Sparks and Gigi Zumbado has began production with actor and director Michael McDonald directing the first episode.

Created by Ranada Shepard, Casey Johnson and David Windsor and executive produced by Kenya Barris, Unrelated follows Becca (Sparks) and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi (Zumbado) as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters.

The series also stars Jessika Van, Davi Santos, Matt Shively and Brooks Brantly. Shepard, Johnson and Windsor will executive produce along with Barris. Unrelated is produced by ABC Signature Studios.

Freeform has some new company. Today, the network announced Gigi Zumbado, Jessika Van, and Davi Santos have joined their upcoming TV show, Besties.

The comedy series "will follow Becca (Jordin Sparks) and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi (Gigi Zumbado) as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters." The cast also includes Matt Shively and Brooks Brantly.

Read More…...

In today’s TV news roundup, HBO released the first official trailer for its upcoming docu-series “The Case Against Adnan Syed,” and Freeform announced three new cast members for its upcoming comedy series “Besties,” starring Jordin Sparks.

Dates

Netflix’s upcoming docu-series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” is set to premiere March 8 on the streaming platform. From the makers of “Senna” and “Amy,” the 10-part series will take a deep dive into the world of formula racing, following several race throughout a variety of countries including Melbourne, Bahrain, Canada, Austria, Singapore, Austin and Brazil, before culminating in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. James Gay Rees and Paul Martin are executive producing alongside show runner Sophie Todd.

First Looks

HBO released a new trailer for its upcoming four-part documentary series “The Case Against Adnan Syed.” Directed by Amy Berg, the series follows the 1999 murder of 18-year-old Baltimore...

Exclusive: Newcomer Gigi Zumbado, Jessika Van (Seoul Searching) and Davi Santos are set as series regulars opposite Jordin Sparks, Matt Shively and Brooks Brantly in Freeform’s new comedy series Besties (working title).

Zumbado will play Jesi, a free-spirited 23-year-old Cuban American, raised by two adoring gay dads, who is more than thrilled to find out she has a half-sister (Zumbado). Van will portray Luna, Becca’s (Sparks) roommate and a brilliant med student who is No. 1 in her class but has no intention of being a doctor. Santos will play Simon, the assistant to a high-powered agent, who is constantly at odds with Jesi.

Set in Los Angeles, the series will follow Becca and her newly discovered half-sister Jesi as they’re thrown into each other’s lives by an online genetics test and have to figure out how to go from strangers to sisters.

Dylan Sprouse has come a long way since The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. With his twin brother Cole Sprouse starring as "Jughead" Jones on The CW's Riverdale, Dylan's fans had hoped he would return to acting—and after six years out of the spotlight, their wish came true. In the past few days, director Eva Doležalová has shared photos of the 24-year-old actor on the set of her new movie, Carte Blanche. Dylan plays a character named Gideon Blake. Additional cast members include Jordan Barrett, Jessica Heller, Solenn Heussaff, Jack Kilmer, Jeremie Laheurte, Katty Ukhanova, Jessika Van, Suki Waterhouse and Johnny Whitworth. The director has been sharing behind-the-scenes looks at Carte...

To help sift through the increasing number of new releases (independent or otherwise), the Weekly Film Guide is here! Below you’ll find basic plot, personnel and cinema information for all of this week’s fresh offerings.

Starting this month, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list here, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.

See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for June 2016

Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, June 17. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.

Wide

Central Intelligence

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Aaron Paul, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet, Ryan Hansen, Bobby Brown, Megan Park, Timothy John Smith

Synopsis: “After he reunites with an old pal through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.

“Seoul Searching” follows a group of Korean teenagers in 1986 who travel to South Korea to participate in a government-sponsored program to help reconnect them with their roots. They’ve come from all over the world, from the United States to Hamburg, to party hardy in their homeland, flirting and drinking the nights away. However, the teens also learn a little bit about their ancestors’ struggles, and slowly come to terms with their own issues at home and abroad as well. Watch an exclusive clip from the film featuring Sid (Justin Chon) and Grace (Jessika Van) share a sweet moment in front of a Buddha statue.

Read More: Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #69: ‘Seoul Searching’ is the Angsty ’80s Korean Teen Dramedy You Never Realized You Wanted

“Seoul Searching” is written and directed by Benson Lee based on his own experiences as a teenager. His previous credits include “Planet B-Boy,” a documentary about the history of breakdancing and its global resurgence, and “Battle of the Year,” a 3D dance film based on “Planet B-Boy” starring Josh Holloway (“Lost”), Chris Brown (“Think Like a Man”), and Josh Peck (“Mean Creek”). The film is also executive produced by Ken Jeong, best known for his role on Dan Harmon’s sitcom “Community” as well as his appearances in “The Hangover” movies. “Seoul Searching” stars Justin Chon (“21 and Over”), Jessika Van (“The Gambler”), In-Pyo Cha (“Crossing”), Teo Yoo (“Day Night Day Night”), and more.

“Seoul Searching” premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. It opens in New York City on June 17th and in Los Angeles on June 24th.

Read More: The Biggest Challenges the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers Faced

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Rush Hour isn’t a total cop out.

Though the pilot for CBS’ adaptation of the Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan comedy is little more than a regurgitation of the film that spawned two sequels, there are indications that The Powers That Be (which include Cougar Town vets Bill Lawrence and Blake McCormick) are well aware of what does and does not work about the film 18 years later.

RelatedRush Hour Reboot: Justin Hires Hopes He’s ‘Half as Funny’ As Chris Tucker

For one, the culture clash that ensues between destined partners Carter (Justin Hires, Key & Peele) and Lee (Jon Foo,...

With several TV shows starting to come back, several other midseason shows are about to debut in the coming weeks and months ahead. One of CBS' new shows will be quite familiar to many viewers. Rush Hour is based on the hit movie franchise which starred Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. Today, CBS has released the first trailer for the show, which will debut Thursday, March 31 at 10 Pm Et. The action-packed comedy series will anchor the network's Thursday night sitcom lineup, which includes The Big Bang Theory, Life in Pieces, Mom and Angel from Hell.

Rush Hour, a reimagining of the hit feature film franchise, is a buddy-cop drama about a maverick Lapd detective and a by-the-book detective from Hong Kong who knock heads when they are forced to partner together. Detective Lee (Jon Foo) is a reserved, honorable master martial artist with lightning-fast moves who comes to L.A.

Seoul Searching

Written & Directed by Benson Lee

South Korea/China, 2015

Director Benson Lee’s film, Seoul Searching, is a semi-autobiographical story about a summer camp for the teenage children of Korea’s emigrants during the mid-eighties. Lee has a clear love for and understanding of the 80’s teen movies that inspired his film, and he packs Seoul Searching with all the debauchery, angst, and political incorrectness of its genre predecessors.

In the early 1980s, the Korean government created an outreach program meant to establish a cultural bond with gyopo (foreign born Korean teenagers). The government decided to foot the bill for summer camps (based in Korea) where gyopo would visit in order to establish cultural ties with their parent’s homeland. Seoul Searching begins with a motley crew of teenagers from around the globe stepping foot on Korean soil for the first time. Amongst the group of misfits are Sid...

CBS’ Rush Hour pilot, based on Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan’s New Line Cinema film franchise, has finally locked in its leading duo.

RelatedPilot Season ’15: Scoop on This Fall’s (Possible) New Shows, Who’s In Them

Justin Hires (Key and Peele) will play Carter, an “irreverent and wildly confident” Lapd detective whose “unorthodox methods” often land him in trouble with his higher-ups. He joins Jon Foo (Batman Begins), recently cast as Carter’s Hong Kong-born partner Lee.

Additional series regulars include Aimee Garcia (Dexter) as Carter’s former partner Didi, and Jessika Van (The Messengers) as Lee’s younger sister Kim.

Now that Rush Hour is coming to TV, the roles were left to be filled. The original cast clearly was not going to work thanks to their fame and ages. Thus CBS was searching for their new faces to fill in the shoes as close as the original that they could. Jon Foo and Justin Hires will play the roles. Jon will play Lee, a Hong Kong native detective. Justin will play the fun Lapd detective Carter. Jessika Van and Aimee Garcia are two other stars who are attached to the project. No word yet on when production starts.

I am glad that they have picked their stars. It will be interesting to see how Jon and Justin can hold up against Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. Those two have some big shoes to fill if they wish to keep the series as close to the franchise as possible. However,...

Dexter alumna Aimee Garcia is set to co-star opposite Jon Foo in CBS’ hourlong pilot Rush Hour. Also cast in the project, based on the hit movie franchise, is Jessika Van. Written/executive produced by Bill Lawrence and Blake McCormick and directed/exec produced by Jon Turteltaub, the pilot centers on Lee (Foo), a stoic, by-the-book Hong Kong police officer assigned to a case in Los Angeles, where he's forced to work with Carter, a cocky black Lapd officer who has no…...

Park City, Utah – This is the last batch of Sundance reviews I’ve got to offer. A tad late, but I couldn’t let these films go uncommented on, especially with their special offerings for those who seek them out. I hope that each of these films finds an audience.

Aside from “Listen to Me Marlon” (which will be debuting on Showtime soon), I have also recommended both of these films for the third annual Chicago Critics Film Festival, the next fest for your radar, which takes off May 1-7, 2015 at the Music Box Theater.

Nonetheless, below are reviews for documentaries “Listen to Me Marlon” and “Pervert Park,” along with a take on a personal favorite, the narrative film “Seoul Searching.” After that, you’ll find a brief recap of my Sundance experience, along with very brief words on a few other movies I saw.

Listen to Me Marlon

‘Listen...

The Toronto-born child of Korean parents who left their homeland in the 1960s returns to Sundance after 1998 selection Miss Monday with a unique spin on the teen movie genre based on his own experiences.

Seoul Searching takes place in the South Korean capital in 1986 as a cosmopolitan gaggle of high school students born to expatriate Korean parents arrive for summer camp to reconnect with their roots.

Lee and Andrea Chung produced and Seoul Searching stars Justin Chon, Jessika Van, In-Pyo Cha, Teo Yoo, Esteban Ahn and Byul Kang.

Lee talks to Jeremy Kay about his homage to John Hughes and his own journey to self-discovery.

Wme Global and Preferred Content represent world rights. The film screens for press and industry on January 23 followed by the public world premiere in Premieres on January 30.

What was the inspiration for the story?

It’s based on a personal experience of mine that took place in 1986. My parents were from Seoul...

Here's your daily dose of an indie film in progress -- at the end of the week, you'll have the chance to vote for your favorite. In the meantime: Is this a movie you’d want to see? Tell us in the comments. April Flowers Tweetable Logline: An anonymous journal induces her fantasy. Clues from within lead to the mysterious author. But the reveal may cost her true relationships. Elevator Pitch: While on her daily commute, April discovers an anonymous journal, and finds the writing therein captures her heart. Emboldened by this mystery author's words, and led by clues hidden within the pages, April sets out on a mission to return the journal, all-the-while building a fantasy in her head that may compromise the very real relationships in her life. Production Team: Producers: Myopia Pictures, Mozzlestead Writer: Christopher Tedrick Director: Christopher Tedrick Director of Photography: Eugene Koh Starring: Jessika Van...

We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting the recent independent news sent our way. Today’s feature includes new photos of Megafoot, DVD release details for Coyote, a trailer for Muck and Red Christmas, a look at The Real Housewives of Horror Post Mortem show, and more:

First Photos from Megafoot Released: “Megafoot is a top-secret killing monstrosity (half Machine, half Bigfoot, all Terror!), which has recently escaped from the highly covert laboratory where it was created. An elite squad of soldiers has been sent to track and destroy the sadistic sasquatch before it wreaks its horrific vengeance on the human race. Expect action, suspense, creative kills and gore-soaked thrills in a movie that’s bigger than big… it’s Megafoot!

After months of rampant excitement, Ship To Shore Media, in connection with studio Epic Pictures, have finally given us a look at the Megafoot beast in anticipation of the upcoming creature-feature!

The 2015 Sundance Film Festival has been slowly unveiling the films that will screen in Park City, Ut from January 22-February 1. We’ve already listed the midnight line up as well as the list of films in competition. Now, the Premieres have been revealed and the event is looking more and more promising. The entire slate include films directed by Noah Baumbach, James Ponsoldt, Paul Weitz, Jared Hess, Joe Swanberg, Charles Stone III and others. Here is the full list.

Premieres

A showcase of world premieres of some of the most highly anticipated narrative films of the coming year.

Brooklyn / United Kingdom (Director: John Crowley, Screenwriter: Nick Hornby, based on the book by Colm Tóibín) — 1950s Ireland: Eilis must confront a terrible dilemma — a heartbreaking choice between two men and two countries, between duty and true love. Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent.

Digging for Fire / U.

Our Sundance 2015 pre-coverage continues with some first look images and synopses from a collection of films that will have their world premiere in the Premieres category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. Briefly: Seoul Searching – Directed and Written by Benson Lee; starring Justin Chon, Jessika Van, In-pyo Cha, Teo Yoo, and Esteban Ahn, Byul Kang. Ten Thousand Saints – Co-directed and co-written by Robert Pulcini, Shari Springer Berman; starring Ethan Hawke, Asa Butterfield, Emily Mortimer, Julianne Nicholson, Hailee Steinfeld, and Emile Hirsch. Zipper – Directed and co-written by Mora Stephens; starring Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey, Richard Dreyfuss, Ray Winstone, John Cho, and Dianna Agron Hit the jump to check out the images and synopses. The 2015 Sundance Film Festival runs January 22nd – February 1st. Seoul Searching A comedy set in the '80s about a group of foreign-born Korean teenagers who meet at a Seoul summer camp to learn what it means to be Korean.

Last year’s slate of seventeen Narrative Premieres (excluding secret screenings of Boyhood and Nymphomaniac: Vol. I) refreshingly included works from first time filmmakers. I hadn’t seen it coming but Little Accidents and The One I Love were included among the likes of Calvary, Frank and Love is Strange. 2015 will be a true we Swanberg family affair with Joe Swanberg joining wife Kris (Unexpected) with a feature as well in Digging for Fire. James Ponsoldt is officially four for four with Sundance — his latest End of the Tour should be a slam dunk for the Eccles. Sticking to the numbers game… we’ll have a lovely bedfellow pairings of Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s already announced The Stanford Prison Experiment which is going to be mentioned in many loglines alongside Michael Almereyda’s Experimenter - about the Milgram experiment. Among the filmmaking duos we were expecting, we find Mississippi Grind...

Festival top brass have revealed a high-profile roster of out-of-competition Premieres and Documentary Premieres entries featuring many returning heroes, as well as a new Special Events section and panel participants including George Lucas.

Justin Kelly’s I Am Michael is likely to become a major talking point and stars James Franco and Zachary Quinto in the true tale of activist and Young Gay America co-founder Michael Glatze, who renounced his homosexuality and became a Christian pastor. The Exchange handles international rights.

James Ponsoldt’s David Foster Wallace film End Of The Tour (pictured, photo by Jakob Ihre) starring Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel makes the cut — Fortitude International is the international sales agent — as does the latest from the newly prolific Noah Baumbach, whose Mistress America stars his Frances Ha and Greenberg muse Greta Gerwig and arrives three months after the Toronto premiere of While We’re Young.

Sundance regulars Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden return with Mississippi Grind...

Festival top brass have revealed a high-profile roster of out-of-competition Premieres and Documentary Premieres entries featuring many returning heroes, as well as a new Special Events section and participants on two panels including George Lucas.

James Ponsoldt’s David Foster Wallace film End Of The Tour starring Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel makes the cut, as does the latest from the newly prolific Noah Baumbach, whose Mistress America stars his Frances Ha and Greenberg muse Greta Gerwig and arrives three months after the Toronto premiere of While We’re Young.

Sundance regulars Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden return with Mississippi Grind starring Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn and Sienna Miller, while Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman introduce the New York Tompkins Square Park Riot drama Ten Thousand Saints starring the in-demand Ethan Hawke and Emily Mortimer.

Joe Swanberg brings Digging For Fire with Rosemarie Dewitt, Orlando Bloom, Brie Larson, Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick.

Peter Sarsgaard, [link...

The Sundance Institute effectively filled out its slate for the 2015 Sundance Film Festival with the announcement of the always star-friendly premieres category. It's also where many former Sundance filmmakers bring their second, third and even fourth films back to the fest. This year the category features 16 world premieres and almost all of them are from Sundance alumni, including Ryan Fleck ("Half Nelson"), Noah Baumbach ("The Squid and the Whale"), Joe Swanberg ("VHS"), Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite"), James Ponsoldt ("The Spectacular Now"), Michael Almereyda (2000's "Hamlet"), Rodrigo Garcia ("Nine Lives"), Benson Lee ("Miss Monday"), Leslye Headland ("Bachelorette"), and Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman ("American Splendor"). Some of the intriguing titles include Paul Weitz's "Grandma" with Lily Tomlin and Laverne Cox, Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden's "Mississippi Grind" with Ryan Reynolds and Sienna Miller, Garcia's "Last Days in the Desert" featuring Ewan McGregor as Jesus, Charles Stone III's "Lila...

We’re back with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a new clip from Muck, release details on The Haunting of Black Wood and Northbound, Part III, a look at Twin Serpents’ clothing line, details on a new episode of The Real Housewives of Horror courtesy of Nerdist, and much more:

New Clip from Muck: “Muck is the middle chapter of a horror trilogy. It was shot in 4K Ultra HD with No CGI and the next 2 films will be as well. Part of the Muck cast includes horror legend Kane Hodder and Playboy Playmate of the Year 2012, Jaclyn Swedberg. Muck will be released on Friday the 13th, March 2015.

We’ve been getting so many questions about our monsters/bad guys and also “What’s in the Muck?

Well, we can’t tell horror fans just yet,...

A fun video that we missed yesterday during all the Halloween festivities popped onto our radar today so if you're suffering from the post-holiday blues, why not spend a few minutes with "The Real Housewives of Horror"?

The video comes to us from Nerdist's YouTube Channel, and it follows five of the most murderous women in the country as they enjoy the gory and gruesome lifestyle that only horror can provide.

The cast is comprised of Brea Grant, Harley Morenstein, Briana Lane, Jessika Van, Brooke Seguin, Zack Pearlman, and Laura Ortiz. It's produced by Nerdist and Super Creative; executive produced by Kevin Pereira, Yaniv Fituci, and Ziv Haklili; line produced by Carrie LeGrand; directed by Sandeep Parikh; and written by Brea Grant.

With several calls in the video's comments section for this to become a full-fledged series, we could see more soon. In the meantime, enjoy!

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

The wait is finally over Awkward. fans! Jenna (Ashley Rickards) listened to her heart and chose Spoiler her first love Matty (Beau Mirchoff) over Jake (Brett Davern) in last night’s season two finale. Her head (and inner dancing queen) wasn’t too happy with the decision. Now that the love triangle has dissolved, what does it mean for the series at large? Well, here’s what you can expect from season three. You’re welcome.

It’s no longer all about the boys. Show creator, writer, and executive producer Lauren Iungerich broke down the series to three philosophical concepts.