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EntertainmentThe Wrap‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’ Film Review: Third Time’s Still Charming for Big-Screen ‘SquarePants’
There’s a lot of talk about the secret formula behind delicious Krabby Patties in “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” but the real secret formula lies in the creative trust that has managed to create not one, not two, but now three thoroughly entertaining feature-length adaptations of the long-running TV show. In an era when so many 25-page children’s books or eight-minute animated shorts have been bloated beyond proportion on their way to becoming 90-minute movies, Team SpongeBob deserves credit for unlocking the alchemy behind building up and building out a storyline and a set of characters without losing sight of what made the original beloved in the first place. This time around, writer-director Tim Hill steps in, and he’s managed to take the goofy denizens of Bikini Bottom on a road trip that is visually dazzling and almost consistently hilarious, mixing verbal and physical humor, as well as some perfectly chosen cameos, both in-person and among the voice cast. (Celebrity is usually the last refuge of a brainless kid movie, but “Sponge on the Run” offers some examples on how to include them in a clever way.) Watch Video: SpongeBob Squarepants Looks for Gary in 'Sponge on the Run' Trailer - And Finds Keanu Reeves It’s just another day under the sea, with the always-upbeat SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) hanging out with best pal Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) and putting in a full day’s work at the Krusty Krab, much to the consternation of his irritated neighbor and co-worker Squidward (Rodger Bumpass). The scheming Plankton (Mr. Lawrence) plots once again to steal the Krabby Patty formula from the Krusty Krab’s owner Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown), but Plankton’s computer-wife Karen (Jill Talley) points out that the real way to undermine the Krusty Krab is to get SpongeBob out of the way. Plankton nefariously steals SpongeBob’s beloved snail pet Gary and gives it to the vain Poseidon (Matt Berry, “What We Do in the Shadows”), who has eradicated the local snail population by using their slime as part of his skin-care regimen. The distraught SpongeBob and faithful wingman Patrick make their way to the Lost City of Atlantic City to retrieve Gary, getting help along the way from a wise and helpful tumbleweed named Sage (Keanu Reeves, of course). Hill provides enough plot and stakes to get viewers through 91 minutes of TV-sized silliness, but he also wisely never lets either get in the way of the laughs, which are plentiful here. From the outrageous physical permutations of the characters (SpongeBob cleans the kitchen by absorbing mop water and then squirting it out his various pores) to more subtle bits (“Sponge on the Run” has one of the best diegetic-music gags since the orchestra bus in “High Anxiety”), the sponge-and-his-snail narrative never gets in the way of the bit. Also Read: 'SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run' to Debut on Paramount+ at March Launch If there’s one section that drags, it’s when all of SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom pals — including squirrel Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) — give flashback-testimonials to how kind and selfless SpongeBob is. The whole segment feels like a backdoor pilot for the upcoming Paramount+ series “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years,” which follows the adventures of these characters as children. Director of photography Peter Lyons Collister and the team of animators very effectively expand the TV show’s universe by keeping the bright flatness of Bikini Bottom and then contrasting it with the richer palette and more garish lighting of Poseidon’s domain. And Berry’s plummy Poseidon makes for a wonderful addition to the accomplished TV cast, as does Reeves and, in some lovely fleeting appearances, Tiffany Haddish (as an animated Master of Ceremonies), Snoop Dogg, and Danny Trejo. (I laughed every time they played the theme song for Trejo’s character: “El Diablo/El Diablo/El Diablo … very bad man.”) Watch Video: SpongeBob's Jellyfishing Trip Goes Belly Up in 'Kamp Koral' Sneak Peek Tim Hill has had a fascinating career, mostly in kids/family films, from the grating “Hop” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks” to the underrated and delightful “Max Keeble’s Big Move” and “Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever.” But as a veteran of SpongeBob’s TV, movie, and even video-game incarnations, he’s found the perfect balance in “Sponge Out of Water,” which is dedicated to SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg, who passed away in 2018. Whatever their age or familiarity level with these characters, this is that rare family film that could actually entertain an entire family. Parents looking to watch something with their children — or just to distract their children for 91 minutes — will do better with this film than, say, the wretched 2021 “Tom & Jerry.” Don’t have kids? It’s a great double-feature with “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” Either way, this is a testament to why SpongeBob SquarePants and his pals have been so popular for more than two decades. “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” premieres on Paramount+ and PVOD March 4. Read original story ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’ Film Review: Third Time’s Still Charming for Big-Screen ‘SquarePants’ At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapMaya Rudolph to Host March 27 Episode of ‘SNL’
It’s been a long, long time since “SNL” did any jokes about the president of the United States. The 2020 Christmas episode, in fact. But that looks likely to change March 27 when Maya Rudolph will return as host after the show takes almost the entire month of March off. Rudolph will be joined by musical guest Jack Harlow, who is appearing on “SNL” for the very first time. It’s only the second time as host for Rudolph, who made her hosting debut in 2012. She was a regular cast member from 2000-2007 and has of course made multiple appearance since, most recently in her recurring role as Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris appeared in that role during the first 6 episodes of the current season of “SNL,” which aired in October and early November as the 2020 election was under way. She made another appearance in the Christmas episode for a very brief cameo, but since the show returned from its winter break in mid-January, it hasn’t brought her back to play Harris. Also Read: 'SNL': Kate McKinnon's Dr Fauci Hosts Vaccine Game Show That feels weird, because at this point in 2017, Alec Baldwin had already appeared twice as Donald Trump, including when he hosted the Feb. 11, 2017 episode, less than 3 weeks after Trump was sworn in. In fact, Baldwin showed up to play Trump a total of 8 episodes during the 2017 portion of the 2016-2017 season. But that aside, the main takeaway for “SNL” fans is that we still don’t know for sure who, if anyone, is going to play Joe Biden during the next for years the way Baldwin did for Trump. Jim Carrey played Biden last fall, but his performance wasn’t that well-received, which might be why he stepped down, abruptly, hours before the aforementioned Christmas episode. That night, Alex Moffat ended up playing Biden very briefly and it was assumed that he would be the new Biden going forward, but since the show hasn’t done any Biden/Harris sketches since then, we don’t really know. What we do know, however, is that Rudolph is always delightful, including when she plays Vice President Harris, so fans should have a lot of fun when “SNL” returns. Read original story Maya Rudolph to Host March 27 Episode of ‘SNL’ At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyMaya Rudolph Set to Make ‘Saturday Night Live’ Return — As Host
Maya Rudolph, who has most recently recurred on NBC late-night sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” as Vice President Kamala Harris, is set to make her return as host on March 27. Rudolph will be joined by musical guest Jack Harlow for the episode, which will be the first episode back after a month-long hiatus. […]
EntertainmentVariety‘Saturday Night Live’: Nick Jonas Gets Monologue Visit from Kevin Jonas
One year since Nick Jonas last performed live, the multi-hyphenate took the stage at the famed Studio 8H in New York City to both host and serve as the musical guest on late-night sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” and was joined by his brother Kevin Jonas for part of his monologue. The duo last […]
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘SNL': Kate McKinnon’s Dr Fauci Hosts Vaccine Game Show
Well, another week in 2021, another new episode of “SNL” without any parody of presidential level politics. We’re not making a value judgment about this, after all there’s a 50/50 chance any sketch could end up either missing the point or trying to hard to both-sides things. But just considering how much we saw Alec Baldwin’s Trump on the show in early 2017, it’s just weird. Anyway, the latest cold open sketch featured Kate McKinnon as Dr. Anthony Fauci for a coronavirus vaccine briefing that turned out to be a fake game show parodying everyone wanting to get the vaccine, called “So You Think You Can Get the Vaccine.” The sketch featured as a panel of judges three Democratic governors: Alex Moffat showed up as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pete Davidson once again played Andrew Cuomo, and Cecily Strong played Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The premise was that these three would decide which of the show’s contestants could get the vaccine. “Getting the vaccine shouldn’t be competition, but Americans will only want to get it if it means someone else can’t. So, let’s meet our panel of judges who are all — get excited — famous governors,” McKinnon’s Fauci said. “He’s hated by every single person in California except those 10 people he had dinner with at Napa at one time.” Also Read: Pete Davidson Jokes 'SNL' Is 'Really Old and Noticeably Fatigued' (Video) Sidebar: That’s a pretty good burn. Anyway, Moffat’s Newsom said in response “what can I say? I love dinner.” “How are things going in California?” Fauci asked. “Teeth? White. Bodies? Tight. COVID? Pretty bad,” Newsom said. “Next, he’s currently under fire for futzing with old dead people and also for the kind of sexual harassment allegations that make you go, ‘Yeah, I can see that.’ It’s New York governor Andrew Cuomo,” McKinnon’s Fauci continued. “Yes, hello. Nice bodies, some of you. I know, I know, I’m in the friggin’ dog house again. Remember when your favorite movie was my PowerPoints. Remember ‘Today is Tuesday’? Why can’t we go back to that? I mean, come on,” Davidson’s Cuomo said. “Our next judge narrowly escaped being kidnapped by a group of men whose fingerprints probably had Cheetos dust on them. Please welcome the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer,” Said Fauci. Also Read: 'SNL': Aidy Bryant's Ted Cruz Apologizes to Britney Spears for Cancun Vacation (Video) “It’s an honor to be here with my fellow governors. People yell at them about their policies, and they yell at me ‘GET HER’. But hey, that’s life,” Strong’s Whitmer said as she drank a beer. Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodom, Melissa Villasenor and Bowen Yang showed up as civilians vying for the vaccine. And then once again Aidy Bryant showed up to give the people what they want, her extremely fun parody of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, this time dinging his ridiculous performance at CPAC on Friday. And then Mikey Day came out as an elderly man who qualified for the vaccine but had no idea how to use the internet in order to make an appointment. More to come… Read original story ‘SNL': Kate McKinnon’s Dr Fauci Hosts Vaccine Game Show At TheWrap
NewsVariety‘Saturday Night Live’ Creates COVID-19 Vaccine Game Show
With the ability to get the COVID-19 vaccine varying from county to county, let alone state to state, “Saturday Night Live” used its Feb. 27 cold open to play on the average American’s ability to be kept safe through a Dr. Anthony Fauci-hosted new game show, “So You Think You Can Get the Vaccine?” Kate […]
CelebrityThe WrapJonah Hill Shrugs Off Body Insecurity Issues After Shirtless Photo Is Published: I Finally ‘Accept Myself’
Jonah Hill has gotten over his decades-long battle with body insecurity and is telling all those kids out there “who don’t take their shirt off at the pool” that they are “wonderful and awesome and perfect.” Hill took to Instagram Friday night after The Daily Mail posted a picture of him changing shirts following a recent surf session. The Oscar-nominated actor attached the article – photos and all – and, in the caption, he opened up about his longtime anxiety about body issues. The “War Dogs” and “Superbad” star said he never felt comfortable taking his shirt off in the pool, even around family and friends, until his mid-30s, adding, it “probably would’ve happened sooner if my childhood insecurities weren’t exacerbated by years of public mockery about my body by press and interviews. So the idea that the media tries to play me by stalking me while surfing and printing photos like this and it can’t phase me anymore is dope.” Also Read: 'Superbad' Cast to Reunite for Democratic Fundraiser Now, Hill wants to encourage and support kids who, today, are like he was at their age and tell them they are “perfect” as they are. “I’m 37 and finally love and accept myself,” he wrote. “This isn’t a ‘good for me’ post. And it’s definitely not a ‘feel bad for me post’. It’s for the the [sic] kids who don’t take their shirt off at the pool. Have fun. You’re wonderful and awesome and perfect. All my love.” Hill then added a coda: “Oh and Daily Mail, not even you can take that smile from my face,” complete with a winking smiley face. Hill previously addressed his struggles with weight fluctuation during a 2018 interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” saying, “I became famous in my late teens and then spent most of my young adult life listening to people say that I was fat and gross and unattractive.” He said it wasn’t until years later, while directing “Mid90s,” that he realized “how much that hurt and got into my head.” Read original story Jonah Hill Shrugs Off Body Insecurity Issues After Shirtless Photo Is Published: I Finally ‘Accept Myself’ At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe Wrap‘Walking Dead': Everything We Know About the Reapers
(Warning: This article contains spoilers for “Home Sweet Home,” the episode of “The Walking Dead” that was released on AMC+ on Feb. 21, and on the AMC cable channel Feb. 28) Well, here we are. The past year has been rough for “The Walking Dead,” with the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the originally planned season 10 finale by months. But now the show’s back — and so is Maggie (Lauren Cohan). And she brought a new enemy with her. “Home Sweet Home” is the first of six new episodes that AMC is adding to Season 10, making its premiere this week on AMC+, a week before it airs on cable. And while there’s not much in the way of revelations to be had here — we’d hoped we’d learn something big about Georgie, but that didn’t happen this week — it did introduce an intriguing batch of new bad guys known as the Reapers. The way Maggie tells it, she and Georgie had been roaming around helping various settlements similar to how Georgie helped Hilltop during the Savior War. But none of these settlements survived. Which is pretty curious if you ask me. Also Read: Will 'The Walking Dead' End Like the Comics Did? Maggie didn’t go into any detail about what happened at these places. She mentions one of them, in Knoxville, falling apart, but she stops short of any real info. From there, she and her son, Hershel, took refuge at her grandmother’s old house “by the ocean,” where they met “this whole community of people who needed us as much as we needed them.” It would seem that this community she mentioned there is the folks she brought with her. As is usually the case on “The Walking Dead,” the real baddies, once again, were people. In this case they were dealing with an unknown group called the Reapers. And it looks like these guys have followed Maggie and friends up to northern Virginia. We only meet one Reaper this week, a guy wearing camouflage military fatigues. He kills a big group of Maggie’s new friends, and nearly gets Maggie and Daryl (Norman Reedus) too. But they barely manage to outwit the guy. Maggie demands information. He offers just three words before he blows himself up: “Pope marked you.” Maggie looked startled — she clearly knows who he’s talking about. So who really are the Reapers? And who is Pope? Also Read: How 'The Walking Dead' Franchise Will Survive Long After AMC Kills Off Original Hit Series Well, we’re in uncharted territory here. The Reapers are a completely new faction — new to the show, and not a group that we know from the comics. Likewise, Pope is not a character we’ve ever met within the “Walking Dead” universe. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that people we know, or have at least heard of, are secretly behind this. There is one group that is very much still in play that uses military equipment like this Reaper did: the Civic Republic, villains of “Walking Dead: World Beyond.” There’s plenty of reason to suspect the Civic Republic. While “The Walking Dead” has been pretty cryptic about this group, we’ve long suspected their involvement in the events of this show and even “Fear the Walking Dead.” We believe the Civic Republic is an adaptation of the comic book faction called the Commonwealth — an actual city in Ohio with 50,00 residents. Also Read: 'Walking Dead': Here's What We Know About Georgie So Far The helicopter people who took Rick and Jadis away could be these folks. Georgie could also be one of them, since her character design looked extremely similar to how the Commonwealth leader was drawn in the comics. That woman on the helicopter that Al (Maggie Grace) met on “Fear the Walking Dead” was definitely one of them. Now, the Reaper we saw on “The Waking Dead” this week was definitely not wearing the uniforms we’ve seen Civic Republic folks wear before, but that doesn’t necessarily eliminate them from consideration here. For one thing, it wouldn’t be great for the Civic Republic’s reputation if people knew they were taking out settlements, so the Reapers could be a sort of deniable black ops group. It’s important to consider the possibility, however, that these Reapers could just be an original faction that has nothing to do with the Civic Republic. They could just be another group of people out there slaughtering folks — perhaps even a splinter from one of the groups Maggie and Georgie tried to help — because that’s just how things are in the “Walking Dead” universe sometimes. But I’ve got two big reasons to suspect the Civic Republic here. First: The Commonwealth storyline was the final arc of the “Walking Dead” comics, and the TV show is coming to an end with season 11. And there are still so many remaining plot threads to wrap up that all seem to point back to the Civic Republic. Rick and the helicopter. Michonne running off after him. Ezekiel and Eugene and their little posse going to meet the mysterious Stephanie. Remember, too: these six episodes that are being added to season 10 were announced not long before we learned “The Walking Dead” would end with season 11. Meaning it’s very likely these episodes were produced to help build toward the end of the series. So it would definitely be disorienting if these episodes focused on a new story that actually wasn’t setting up the final season. Second: Maggie talks about the group she and Georgie met near Knoxville that they decided to help out. She says Georgie decided to head west to look into another settlement she heard about, and Maggie stayed behind with Hershel. But not long after Georgie left, the Knoxville settlement fell apart so dramatically that Maggie and Hershel ended up completely on their own. Likewise, Maggie says “it’d always go sideways” with the groups she and Georgie met. Again, though, she doesn’t give any details. Could the Civic Republic be testing out these groups to see if they “have what it takes” to join up or something? There’s no real evidence for this idea — on its own, it’s a little bit out there. But if we’re assuming that the Civic Republic will play a part in these bonus episodes, and we’re assuming that Georgie is with the Civic Republic — both of which are logical assumptions but have no proof to back them up — then these pieces start to fall into place. But they’re still just based on assumptions. This episode of “The Walking Dead” was clearly constructed to be as cryptic as possible about what’s going on. We don’t have much info because that’s how showrunner Angela Kang and her writing staff like it right now. And so right now, speculation is pretty much all we have. Read original story ‘Walking Dead': Everything We Know About the Reapers At TheWrap
EntertainmentThe WrapHere’s How To Stream The 2021 Golden Globes Red Carpet
The most wonderful time of year is upon us: award season. The Golden Globe ceremony officially kicks off the start of award shows on Sunday, Feb. 28. And for those who want the full Golden Globes experience, which usually includes an exhaustive pre-show and red carpet, here are your streaming options — and some things you should know. Obviously, with COVID-19 still affecting most of the world, no one will be walking down the red carpet in person in fancy dresses like they normally would. But we’re all making the best of it. The official Golden Globes Awards red carpet pre-show will start streaming from its official twitter account @GoldenGlobes as well as on NBC’s website at 3:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET. You’ll need a provider log-in to watch the live stream on the website. For those who want to watch on their TV, NBC will have its own pre-show hosted by stars Jane Lynch and Susan Kelechi Watson starting at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. And yes, E! is still holding their usual red carpet pre-show, which will feature the usual nominee interviews — delivered remotely this time due to the ongoing pandemic — as well as a trip down memory lane for some of the biggest red carpet moments. You can find that coverage on their cable channel starting at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. PT with “Live From E!: Countdown to the Golden Globes,” hosted by actress Sarah Hyland, celebrity stylist Brad Goreski, E! News host Erin Lim, and “Nightly Pop” co-host Nina Parker. And we’ve got info on how to stream that below. Also Read: 15 Most Memorable, Outrageous Golden Globes Moments of All Time (Videos) The real red carpet shenanigans kick off at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. PT with Giuliana Rancic, who will interview stars from around the world along with “Queer Eye” host Karamo, E! style correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi, and Erin Lim. And beginning at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET, fans can get on social media and find “Live from E! Stream,” a digital show hosted by “Daily Pop” host Justin Sylvester and Naz Perez. You can watch that on Twitter @enews or at eonline.com for free. Also for free, Instagram will offer an all-day story takeover featuring behind-the-scenes looks, and @stylecollective will be posting top fashion moments from the night. Both NBC and E!’s red carpet special are streamable via the NBC app or on NBC.com here, which allow live access to all the NBCUniversal family of channels. But there’s a catch involved: you’ll need a valid TV provider login to access them. Read original story Here’s How To Stream The 2021 Golden Globes Red Carpet At TheWrap
PoliticsThe WrapGeraldo Rivera Urges Donald Trump to Apologize for ‘Deeply Disturbing’ Handling of Capitol Riot
Geraldo Rivera on Saturday said he still loves former President Donald Trump, but added that he must apologize for his “deeply disturbing” behavior before and after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to regain his full support. “What he did on Jan. 6 was, if not unforgivable, something that was deeply disturbing. He was reckless,” Rivera said in a two-minute video shared on Twitter. “He threatened the institutions of the American government itself, the republic of the United States. And he has to apologize to that before he gets me back.” Rivera added: “I would love to have Donald Trump back — because I’m still a Republican — as the head of my party. But what he did on Jan. 6, he must recognize was deeply wrong and reckless.” The veteran Fox News personality’s comments come a day before Trump is set to address the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, on Sunday around 3:40 p.m. ET. Also Read: You Can't Unsee Roger Stone Dancing to a Trump Rap at CPAC (Video) Rivera and Trump’s friendship goes back decades, and he used to be an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of him in the Oval Office. But Rivera had his fill of Trump’s voter fraud allegations after he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. “For almost 4 years I’ve supported Donald Trump, who was assailed by leftist creeps who conjured the Russia Hoax to wreck his presidency. Nevertheless he prevailed,” the talk show host tweeted in December. “Sadly he lost a bitterly contested election. S– happens. However since he has behaved like an entitled frat boy.” Earlier this month, Trump was acquitted on charges of incitement of insurrection in his second impeachment trial. The Senate voted 57-43 to convict him, which was 10 votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed. Following his loss to current President Joe Biden in November, Trump spent much of the next two months insisting the election was “stolen,” and, on the morning of Jan. 6, asked his supporters to “fight like hell.” Read original story Geraldo Rivera Urges Donald Trump to Apologize for ‘Deeply Disturbing’ Handling of Capitol Riot At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyPost Malone Pays Tribute to the Wide World of Pokémon in P25 Music Virtual Concert
Post Malone and Pokémon: a combination so crazy that it just might work. Malone had the honor of kicking off P25 Music, a year-long celebration in partnership with Universal Music Group, on Saturday — the official Pokémon Day, no less — with a virtual concert that livestreamed on Pokémon’s YouTube and Twitch accounts, and its […]
HealthVarietyFDA Approves Johnson & Johnson One-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that works with one dose, the AP reported. In addition to Moderna and Pfizer’s double-dose vaccine, this is the third vaccine approved to prevent the coronavirus in the U.S. The FDA said J&J’s vaccine offers strong protection against serious illness, hospitalizations and death. […]
EntertainmentThe WrapHow Elisabeth Rohm’s ‘Girl in the Basement’ Is a ‘Call to Action About Abuse’
Elisabeth Röhm’s new Lifetime movie “Girl in the Basement” is “a call to action about abuse on a very significant level,” the director told TheWrap. The film stars Judd Nelson as a father who locks his daughter (played by Stefanie Scott) in the basement for 20 years, raping and assaulting her, and even fathering multiple children with her. Meanwhile, her mom and sister live upstairs and believe she ran away to start a new life away from them. To many, this story might ring a bell. In 2008, Elisabeth Fritzl told Austrian police she had been held captive by her father for 24 years, which resulted in the birth of seven children who remained in captivity with her. While “Girl in the Basement” takes elements from the Fritzl case, Röhm said there were actual multiple stories that inspired the screenplay for her movie. Also Read: How One Lifetime Holiday Movie Pulled Off Kissing Scenes in COVID Era: Plexiglass Barriers “For us, there was a lot to take from in terms of backstory and psychological rooting that came from that story,” Röhm told TheWrap. “It’s a horrible thing to be able to say that this did not just happen once. The film is a call to action to put the spotlight on the monster that lives within any household, who is not confronted and goes with no accountability because the mother or children or the wife is turning a blind eye to behavior that, when it’s ceded, can grow into a monster like this. Lifetime has broken boundaries with this movie by telling a story that’s a call to action about abuse on a very significant level.” The film is not an easy one to watch. The sexual, physical and verbal abuse are very much the focal points of the film, and that was a conscious decision for Röhm, who is making her directorial debut with “Girl in the Basement.” “I feel like it’s important to discuss things that we’re afraid to talk about,” she said. “Statistically speaking, abuse, incest and all of these horrors that this film explores have been on the rise during COVID. It’s the right time to tell this story, not only because there has been more in-home abuse because of the shutdown but also because we need to shine a light on the darkness and we have to eradicate it by bringing it to the surface. I think movies like this bring abuse to the surface, and people can get the help that they need and the support that they need.” Also Read: Lifetime's Gena McCarthy Steps Down as Head of Programming, Unscripted and FYI Röhm added, “It is also a story of hope and one woman’s will to survive. If we can anchor into hope and love and joy, then we can survive and we can find our way out of that prison… the triumph of the human will is what this movie is about.” The film was shot in 14 days, mainly on a stage, while other scenes filmed in the family home took about a week. Röhm said that her background as an actress (she’s starred in films like “Joy” and “Bombshell” and TV shows like “Jane the Virgin” and “Law & Order”) helped her navigate the difficult scenes with the cast, and her priority was to make the actors feel safe on set, especially during the assault scenes. “I really listened to Stefanie and Judd because they had such sensitive scenes, and we had to navigate them together,” the director explained. “I’ve been on the other side of the camera, so that helped me navigate. They are professionals. They knew what to ask for and knew how to create boundaries. It’s tough stuff, but everyone knew what they got themselves into.” “Girl in the Basement” also stars Joely Fisher and Emily Topper. The film premieres Saturday on Lifetime. Read original story How Elisabeth Rohm’s ‘Girl in the Basement’ Is a ‘Call to Action About Abuse’ At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyEmmanuel Acho Will Replace Chris Harrison on ‘The Bachelor: After the Final Rose’
Following widespread criticism for his comments perpetuating racism, longtime “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison will be replaced by Emmanuel Acho for the “After the Final Rose” episode, Variety has learned. Acho is a best-selling author and the host of the online series “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,” which serves to spark meaningful dialogue around racial […]
EntertainmentThe WrapEmmanuel Acho to Replace Chris Harrison as Host of ‘The Bachelor: After the Final Rose’
ABC on Saturday announced media personality and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho will host “The Bachelor: After the Final Rose” on Monday, taking the place of longtime “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison, who recently took a leave of absence. Harrison stepped away earlier this month after defending current contestant Rachael Kirkconnell for a resurfaced photo in which she appears to be attending a plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018, and previously “liking” Confederate flag-related TikToks; Harrison later said his comments in defense of Kirkconnell were made “in a manner that perpetuates racism.” Acho is set to interview current “Bachelor” star Matt James, as well as the three women who made it to the final episode, on Monday. “It’s both an honor and privilege to be hosting ‘After the Final Rose,'” Acho said. “This is an incredibly pivotal episode on one of the most storied shows in television history.” Also Read: Rachel Lindsay Deletes Her Instagram Account Due to 'Bachelor' Harassment Acho, in an accompanying Instagram post, added: “Empathy is needed and change is coming.” The show will air Monday at 10:00 p.m., immediately following the season finale of “The Bachelor.” Acho, host of the popular video series “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,” joined “TheWrap-Up” podcast on Thursday to discuss a number of topics, including his take on cancel culture, the diversity (or lack thereof) at the Golden Globes and how he wants to use his new-found platform. You can check out the full conversation by clicking here. Read original story Emmanuel Acho to Replace Chris Harrison as Host of ‘The Bachelor: After the Final Rose’ At TheWrap
CelebrityThe WrapVanessa Bryant Rips Evan Rachel Wood for Calling Kobe ‘Rapist’
Vanessa Bryant on Saturday ripped actress Evan Rachel Wood for calling her late husband Kobe Bryant a “rapist” soon after he died in a helicopter crash last year. “Your false, insensitive, defamatory and slanderous tweet on 1/26/20 is vile and disturbing to say the least,” Vanessa Bryant said in a post on her Instagram Story. “Behavior like this is part of the reason why innocent black men go to jail for crimes they didn’t commit. An accusation doesn’t make someone guilty.” She said Wood’s tweet “just came to my attention” and added: “YOU DON’T KNOW THE FACTS OF THE CASE.” Also Read: Vanessa Bryant Puts Meek Mill on Blast Over Kobe Helicopter-Crash Lyrics: 'Lacks Respect and Tact' Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people died when a helicopter they were taking to a basketball tournament crashed near Calabasas, California on January 26, 2020. Three days later, Wood tweeted: “I haven’t said anything about Kobe so far because I felt some time needed to pass before weighing in. But yes, it’s time for the sledgehammer to come out. The man was a rapist. Deal with it.” Via Vanessa Bryant’s Instagram Also Read: Evan Rachel Wood Says Marilyn Manson's Wife Threatened to Release Damaging Underage Photos In July 2003, Kobe Bryant was accused of raping a hotel employee in Colorado. Bryant was charged with sexual assault and spent much of the 2003-2004 NBA season traveling back and forth between Los Angeles and Eagle, Colorado for court hearings. The charges against Bryant were later dropped when his accuser decided to not testify; Bryant later settled a civil case outside of court in 2005. Earlier this month, Wood accused former fiance Marilyn Manson of “grooming” her when she was a teenager and “horrifically” abusing her for years. Mason denied Wood’s claims, saying they were “horrible distortions of reality.” Read original story Vanessa Bryant Rips Evan Rachel Wood for Calling Kobe ‘Rapist’ At TheWrap
NewsThe WrapTed Cruz Mocks AOC Days After She Raised $5 Million for Struggling Texans
Sen. Ted Cruz took a moment during his CPAC speech on Friday to take a crack at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for expressing fear during the Capitol insurgence rather than thanking her for raising $5 million for Texans impacted by a mass power and water crisis. The Texas lawmaker, back from his recent trip to Cancun, Mexico, told the Orlando crowd, “…and AOC is telling us she was murdered” — a clear reference to Ocasio-Cortez saying “I thought I was going to die” when supporters of former President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Ocasio-Cortez made the comment during an Instagram Live video last month. “I did not know if I was going to make it to the end of that day alive, and not just in a general sense but also in a very, very specific sense,” she said. Soon after, critics of the 31-year-old Democrat from New York City claimed she overstated how much danger she was in and mislead the public into believing she was closer to the rioters than she actually was. Also Read: Ted Cruz's Cancun Getaway Has Sparked Some Merciless #TedFled Memes Cruz’s jab came a few days after AOC helped raise millions for those hard hit in Cruz’s home state of Texas, where a winter storm caused nearly 1.8 million Texans to lose power and some 7 million Texans forced to boil tap water before drinking it. As that was happening, Cruz was caught flying to toasty Cancun for a family vacation. The Lone Star State senator said his home “lost heat and power too,” but that he went on the trip to essentially chaperone the transportation for his daughters. Meanwhile, AOC launched a fundraiser for Texans affected by the storm and was joined by Texas Reps. Sylvia Garcia and Sheila Jackson Lee in distributing food at the Houston Food Bank. More than $5 million was raised. But Cruz didn’t just joke about AOC in his CPAC speech; he also quipped about his much-maligned recent trip to Mexico. “I gotta say, Orlando is awesome,” Cruz said at the beginning of his CPAC speech. “It’s not as nice as Cancun — but it’s nice!” Read original story Ted Cruz Mocks AOC Days After She Raised $5 Million for Struggling Texans At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyDirector Eliza Hittman Calls Out Pro-Life Oscar Voter Who Refused to Watch Abortion Drama ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’
“Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” a slice-of-life drama that grapples with abortion restrictions, has been in the awards conversation since it premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. It’s gotten nods from the Indie Spirit Awards, National Board of Review and New York Film Critics Circle. Given the positive buzz, the film is seen as a […]
EntertainmentThe WrapWhat ‘Punky Brewster’ Revival Actor Learned From Playing Punky’s Gender-Nonconforming Son
(Warning: This post, first published on Feb. 25, contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Peacock’s “Punky Brewster.”) The “Punky Brewster” revival launched all 10 of its Season 1 episodes Thursday on Peacock, introducing fans of the classic ’80s sitcom to a grownup Punky (played by original star Soleil Moon Frye) and her family of three unique kids — Hannah (Lauren Lindsey Donzis), Diego (Noah Cottrell) and Daniel (Oliver De Los Santos) and one very involved ex husband, Travis (Freddie Prinze Jr). That group gets an extra addition in the pilot, when Punky decides to walk in her adoptive father’s footsteps and foster a little girl named Izzy (Quinn Copeland). And the love and support Punky shows by bringing one more kid into her big blended family is just the beginning of the compassion she gives her kids throughout the revival — including a difficult storyline for her youngest son, Daniel, in Episode 6, titled “The Look of Daniel.” In the series premiere, viewers see Daniel experimenting with eyeliner and painting his nails, which Punky tells Travis she thinks is probably more than a “phase” for Daniel. The conversation about Daniel’s “gender expression” comes up again in Episode 6, when Daniel is bullied at school for wearing a sarong Hannah made him, and Diego gets in a fight defending his little brother. Also Read: Peacock's 'Punky Brewster' Revival Adds 'NYPD Blue' Alum Sharon Lawrence (Exclusive) And though Punky and Travis worry for the better portion of the episode about the best way to talk to Daniel about the bullying and his gender nonconformity, Daniel is more than comfortable telling Punky at the episode’s end that she doesn’t have to overthink it, and he wants to talk to her about the fact he really doesn’t know everything about himself yet. “I think the reason Daniel is so confident and open with his family is because Punky has really provided so much love and support to all the kids and is accepting of them as their own people,” 11-year-old De Los Santos told TheWrap. “And he trusts that she loves him. But also, I think that he just knows that it’s important to do what feels best for yourself and be true to yourself. And it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I’m really proud to be bringing Daniel to life on TV, and I hope that it gives anyone out there who needs encouragement to be their true selves the confidence to know that it’s OK to do that.” De Los Santos originally auditioned for both the roles of Diego and Daniel, and was told by producers of Daniel’s “gender nonconforming” status before his callback, “because they made sure I was OK with it first” and “it was super-important for them that I was comfortable with that part of the role.” Also Read: 'Punky Brewster' Revival Trailer: Soleil Moon Frye Is Back, and Her Chuck Taylors Still Don't Match (Video) “In real life, what we have in common is that I have an older sister and I’m the youngest — but then Izzy comes along and Daniel becomes a middle child,” the actor said. “We have a different style, he’s a neat freak and he likes to wear quite nice clothes. But I usually just wear like a band T-shirt, I love ’70s and ’80s rock. But even though we’re different, I still think he’s cool.” The “Punky Brewster” revival is streaming now on Peacock. Read original story What ‘Punky Brewster’ Revival Actor Learned From Playing Punky’s Gender-Nonconforming Son At TheWrap
BusinessVarietyWarren Buffett Says ‘Never Bet Against America’ in Annual Letter to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders
Warren Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate was issued today, with the business tycoon writing on the state of the economy and offering encouraging words for investors. “Today, many people forge similar miracles throughout the world, creating a spread of prosperity that benefits all of humanity,” Buffett wrote. “In its brief […]
CelebrityThe WrapBill Maher, Megyn Kelly Torched for ‘Deciding What’s Best for Children of Black Americans’ (Video)
Bill Maher and Megyn Kelly’s chat on Friday night’s “Real Time,” about why she took her kids out of private school, quickly devolved into what some on social media are calling a culture war against white Americans. Kelly’s three children, two boys and a girl, were in the New York City private school system, which she said were “definitely leftist. We’re more center-right, and that’s fine… then they started taking a really hard turn toward social justice stuff.” In the opening interview on Maher’s HBO show, Kelly went on to describe how the school entered her third-grade son in what she referred to as “an experimental trans education program on these 8- and 9-year-old boys. And it wasn’t about support. We felt it was about trying to convince them, like, ‘Come on over!'” There was also a letter, she said, that the school circulated that spoke of “black bodies dropping around us” in the streets for which white supremacists were to blame, a comment which Kelly called “divisive” and “racist.” Also Read: Maher on Cancel Culture: 'When What You're Doing Sounds Like an Onion Headline, Stop' (Video) “Then, our kindergartner was told to write a letter to the Cleveland Indians objecting to their mascot,” she added with a laugh. “Now, he’s six. Like, can he learn how to spell Cleveland before we activate him?” Maher interjected that he has heard from liberal parents who say, “My kids are not ready to be told that they’re white supremacists. I’m not ready to be told that.” Megyn Kelly said that the “push” now is “to lean into victimhood.” “And it’s not just a race thing. I mean, I see it with some of my fellow women. It’s not that the #MeToo situation wasn’t real, but we don’t have to lean into victimhood — even when we might be victims.” That whole line of thought had many on social media screaming “foul.” Also Read: Megyn Kelly Blames Capitol Riot Partly on US Media That 'Checked Their Objectivity' Covering Trump “U know it’s bad when 2 very privileged, white, rich ppl are deciding what’s best for Children of Black Americans that have been tortured, harassed, murdered, incarcerated, & targeted by Police b/c of their skin color. FU @megynkelly FU @billmaher,” wrote one Twitter user. “Bill Maher has officially taken over this guys job #RealTime his show is becoming more and more racially insensitive,” one Twitter user wrote as a caption to a gif of Rush Limbaugh giving a thumbs-up. Another wrote: “Bill Maher and Megyn Kelly criticizing racism is like McDonald’s criticizing cow slaughter.” “If you multiply my ‘bothsidesism” platforming criticism of CNN and Andersen Cooper times 100, you get Bill Maher. No alleged white liberal normalizes white supremacy more,” Deadspin writer Chuck Modi tweeted. You can watch Maher’s interview with Kelly in its entirety in the video at the top. Read original story Bill Maher, Megyn Kelly Torched for ‘Deciding What’s Best for Children of Black Americans’ (Video) At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyCelebrating 60 Years of the Stuntmen’s Association With Bob Herron
2021 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Stuntmen’s Association. Founded in 1961 by Loren Janes, a stunt double for Steve McQueen, and Richard Geary, a double for Robert Vaughn, the idea was to professionalize the world of stunts. Janes and Geary wanted a space for stunt performers to speak with a single voice and share […]
EntertainmentThe WrapIs There a New ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’ Airing This Week?
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, John Oliver has been broadcasting his weekly “Last Week Tonight” from home in a white-backgrounded “blank void” that looks very different from his usual New York City studio. Now in its sixth season, the HBO show picked up four Primetime Emmy Awards this year, including for Outstanding Variety Talk Series for the fifth straight year. And the former “Daily Show” regular has spent much of last year chronicling not only the pandemic but also the presidential election — and getting a sewer plant in Danbury, Ct. named after him. Also Read: 'Last Week Tonight' Calls 'Horses-' on Misuse of 2019 Segment to Push Voter Fraud Claims There is a new episode of “Last Week Tonight” this week, Feb. 28. Oliver returned Feb. 14 after a brief hiatus, and is back in his usual time slot at 11 p.m. EST on HBO. In last season’s finale, Oliver also took the opportunity to recap some of his personal highlights from the momentous year of 2020. “We sponsored a marble league, we made stamps to help the Postal Service, we tracked down this magnificent piece of rat erotica,” he began. “I got into a fight with Danbury, Connecticut, which resulted in them naming a sewage plant after me.” He also recapped his yearlong taunting of Oscar-nominated actor Adam Driver, who gamely called in to inquire about “this strange, strange bit that you’ve somehow pulled me into” and then dragged Oliver into offering a very begrudging apology. Also Read: John Oliver Can't Believe He Still Has to Talk About 'This Asshole' Donald Trump (Video) Oliver closed the season finale with a more spectacular bit, getting up from his seat in the “blank void” to reveal a giant stage-set in some remote ravine-like location. As he walked toward the camera and away from the set, we saw that it was in fact shaped like a giant 2020 sign — which he promptly blew up in a fireball. “Let tomorrow be about solutions,” Oliver said to close the show, and the season, and the year. “Today is about vengeance. F— you, 2020. Get f—ed.” Read original story Is There a New ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’ Airing This Week? At TheWrap
NewsThe Wrap‘Justice League’ Investigation: WarnerMedia Defends Execs Against Latest Ray Fisher Accusations
DC Films President Walter Hamada “did nothing that impeded or interfered” with a WarnerMedia investigation into potential misconduct on the set of “Justice League” in 2017, according to a statement from investigator Judge Katherine B. Forrest on Saturday. “I am disappointed by continued public statements made suggesting that Walter Hamada in any way interfered with the ‘Justice League’ investigation. He did not,” Judge Forrest said. “I interviewed him extensively on more than one occasion and specifically interviewed him concerning his very limited interaction with Mr. Fisher. I found Mr. Hamada credible and forthcoming. I concluded that he did nothing that impeded or interfered with the investigation. To the contrary, the information that he provided was useful and advanced the investigation.” Forrest’s statement came soon after Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg in the film, skewered Hamada and Warner Bros. on Saturday morning. “Do ya’ll remember that time Walter Hamada and @wbpictures tried to destory a Black man’s credibility, and publicly delegitimize a very serious investigation, with lies in the press? But hey, Black Superman…” he said, referring to the Friday announcement Ta-Nahesi Coates will be writing a new “Superman” flick for DC/WB. Also Read: WarnerMedia Says 'It Is Time to Move On' After Ray Fisher Says Studio 'Failed to Bury' Him Do ya’ll remember that time Walter Hamada and @wbpictures tried to destroy a Black man’s credibility, and publicly delegitimize a very serious investigation, with lies in the press? But hey, Black Superman… A>E — Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) February 27, 2021 WarnerMedia’s investigation started last November after Fisher publicly accused “Justice League” director Joss Whedon of “gross, abusive, unprofessional” behavior on set. Fisher said Whedon’s behavior was enabled by then-DC Entertainment president Geoff Johns and by Jon Berg, former co-president of production at Warner. Berg left the company in December 2017 as part of a “restructuring,” while Johns stepped down seven months later. He began to criticize Hamada in September. WarnerMedia launched an investigation into Fisher’s claims in mid-August, a move initially celebrated by Fisher. But on Sept. 4, he criticized the company on Twitter, saying, “After speaking out about Justice League, I received a phone call from the President of DC Films wherein he attempted to throw Joss Whedon and Jon Berg under the bus in hopes that I would relent on Geoff Johns. I will not.” WarnerMedia concluded its investigation in December, saying “remedial action” was taken, but declined to clarify what that means. On Saturday, WarnerMedia defended Hamada in a statement shared with TheWrap. “Once again there are false statements being made about our executives and our company surrounding the recent Justice League investigation,” the company said. “As we have stated before, an extensive and thorough third-party investigation was conducted. Our executives, including Walter Hamada, fully cooperated, no evidence was found of any interference whatsoever, and Warner Bros. did not lie in the press. It’s time to stop saying otherwise and move forward productively.” Read original story ‘Justice League’ Investigation: WarnerMedia Defends Execs Against Latest Ray Fisher Accusations At TheWrap
EntertainmentVariety‘Justice League’ Investigator Says Walter Hamada Did Not Interfere as WarnerMedia Defends Exec From Ray Fisher Allegations
WarnerMedia has broken its silence over Ray Fisher’s recent tweets about the investigation into alleged misconduct on the set of “Justice League.” In the most recent tweet, posted Saturday morning, Fisher claimed that DC Films President Walter Hamada tried to “delegitimize” the investigation, and that Warner Bros. lied to the press about it. “Do ya’ll […]
