Month: December 2022

Universal Pictures shared news of the release of the second trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer shows plumber Mario (voice of Chris Pratt) battling Donkey Kong, the ape whose game first introduced the character. Villain Bowser (Jack Black) interrogates Mario’s brother Luigi (Charlie Day), who was introduced in the game Mario Bros. Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) join Mario on his adventure, which mimics gameplay from the original Super Mario Bros. side-scroller game for Nintendo Entertainment System. A flaming flower and flying raccoon Mario are shown. Mario also races a go-kart like the spinoff game Super Mario Kart.

The animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie opens April 7. Check out the trailer – here.

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Amazon Studios announced that 53-year-old actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has signed a deal to write, direct and produce four films for release on Prime Video. Perry said in a statement: “I’m excited and grateful to start working with Amazon Studios to bring movies to Prime Video. Jennifer Salke and the entire team have welcomed me with open arms, and I’m looking forward to continuing telling unique stories and bringing my next projects to the global audiences that they reach.”

Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke added: “Tyler Perry is undeniably one of the most prolific creators of our time. He is a true multihyphenate who has defined his own incredible brand of storytelling and inspired people all over the world with his series and films. We are excited to collaborate with Tyler and his teams to bring even more of his fantastic signature films to our global audiences.”

Perry is known for creating the ‘Madea’ film franchise, along with such series as House of Payne, The Haves and the Have Nots and Sistas. His most recent film, A Jazzman’s Blues, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and was also released on Netflix.

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Fleetwood Mac singer and keyboardist Christine McVie died on Wednesday at age 79 after a short illness.  McVie’s family released a statement announcing her passing: “On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie.”‘

Fleetwood Mac posted in their social media statement: “She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure  She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed.

McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, playing alongside her ex-husband John McVie as well as Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood. Over the course of her career with the band, she sang on some of the band’s biggest hits including “Don’t Stop,” “Over My Head,” “Say You Love Me” and “Songbird.”  Despite John and Christine McVie divorcing in 1976 they remained with the band, with Christine eventually leaving over her fear of flying. However, after an 18-year hiatus Christine returned to Fleetwood Mac’s recording and touring lineup in 2014.

McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as part of Fleetwood Mac, and was also later honored by the Recording Academy as the band received the MusiCares Person of the Year honor in 2018. In addition to Fleetwood Mac, McVie issued three solo albums as well as a collaborative album with fellow Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham. Her biggest solo hits included “Got a Hold on Me” and “Love Will Show Us How.”

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