The Great - An interview with Sacha Dhawan and Phoebe Fox

An interview with Sacha Dhawan

How would you describe the show and your character?

Orlo is Russia's first geek of books. A mostly ignored advisor to Peter (Hoult) whose job it is to bring some intellectual and legal framework to discussions. Under all that neurotic anxiety beats the heart of a Lion. He becomes Catherine's (Fanning) partner in crime.

The Great is an unexpected period show, loosely based on the life and rise to power of Catherine the Great. Its unique because it respects the period whilst throwing it out the window at the same time. For starters, I'm a British South Asian actor playing a character that is Russian from head to toe, and that's what the show does so well. It challenges the audiences perception right from the get go! I like to think of it as an ensemble of contemporary characters in a period setting, and the challenges and dilemmas they face are as vital as our dilemmas and challenges today.

An Interview with Phoebe Fox

How would you describe the show and your character?

The show is an irreverent take on the life of Catherine The Great. A costume drama with funny bones. I play Marial, a former lady of the court, now turned begrudging servant.

Read both interviews in full at

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2020/12/the-great-interview-with-sacha-dhawan.html

Pinocchio Clip - Almost Finished Clip (2020)

Geppetto (Roberto Benigni) puts the finishing touches on his "son" (Federico Ielapi).

Geppetto's puppet creation, Pinocchio, magically comes to life with dreams of becoming a real boy. Easily led astray, Pinocchio tumbles from one misadventure to another as he is tricked, kidnapped and chased by bandits through a wonderful world full of imaginative creatures - from the belly of a giant fish, to the Land of Toys and the Field of Miracles.

Watch Clip

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/pinocchio-clip-almost-finished-clip-2020.html

Trailer Revealed for Upcoming Sky Original Film Dragon Rider

From 12 February, join Firedrake, a young silver dragon on his magical adventure of courage, self-confidence, hopefulness, and the forging of unusual friendships as Dragon Rider, a Sky Original flies into homes on Sky Cinema this February half term.

Dragon Rider comes from the original story of Cornelia Funke's worldwide bestselling children's novel of the same title, brought to screen from the filmmakers behind The NeverEnding Story and the Fantastic Four film franchise. Dragon Rider boasts a star-studded cast of voices from Felicity Jones (Rogue One, The Theory of Everything), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen's Gambit, The Maze Runner), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek), and Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland, The Good Doctor).

Dragon Rider, a Sky Original, tells the story of Firedrake (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who wants to show the older generation he is a real dragon, not the naïve fledgling they see him as. When he discovers that humans are about to destroy the forest where the dragons reside, he sets off on a daring crusade with his best friend Sorrel (Felicity Jones) in search for a mythical safe haven hidden in the Himalayas where dragons can live in peace.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/trailer-revealed-for-upcoming-sky.html

Coming 2 America - New Teaser Trailer

Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began.

Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/2Kj24EF

Director: Craig Brewer

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler

COMING SOON: Available 05 March 2021

Watch Trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/coming-2-america-new-teaser-trailer.html

The Great - An interview with Nicholas Hoult

How would you describe the show and your character?

The Great is a satirical view of Catherine's experience moving to Russia and planning a coup to become Empress after she discovers that her marriage and the court was not all she hoped for. It's about her growing up and understanding how she can change the world around her and use her voice. I play Peter, he's a childlike emperor who runs the court like a big party, lacking empathy or a filter. He's a real foodie.

What drew you to the script?

I love Tony's writing, it's unlike anything I've read. Sharp and witty with wonderful turns of phrase but also brilliant character development.

Read Full Interview at

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2020/12/the-great-interview-with-nicholas-hoult.html

The Great - An Interview with Elle Fanning

How would you describe the show and your character?

The Great is a historical satire that follows Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th century Russia. Catherine is an idealistic young woman who finds herself in a backwards world, married to a tyrant. She quickly realises she would be a better ruler and plots to take over the throne. Catherine is romantic and naive at the start, but throughout the series her ruthlessness grows.

What drew you to the script?

I was drawn to Tony McNamara's singular voice. The tone and world he created was one I had never read before. The effortless blend of dark, bizarre comedy and emotional realism. I read the script before I saw The Favourite so I really had nothing to compare it to. The elaborate period setting, over the top situations, yet still grounded characters all set in a high stakes environment. He truly is a writing genius! Above all, Catherine as a character was what made me have to be a part of the show. She is such a dichotomy of a person. Each page surprised me with what she was willing to do. Tony captured her struggle as a woman trying to navigate a patriarchal society and not always succeeding. She isn't a perfect character. She is learning as she goes along with the guidance from the court.

Read Full Interview at

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2020/12/the-great-interview-with-elle-fanning.html

Clementine - Starring Sydney Sweeney & Otmara Marrero on digital 8 February 2021

CLEMENTINE is the critically acclaimed feature film debut from one-to-watch writer/director Lara Jean Gallagher, who has drawn comparisons to Jane Campion (Slant Magazine). Making waves upon its premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, this taut, atmospheric drama is now set for its premiere in the UK from Bohemia Media.

Equal parts tense psychological drama and sexual coming-of-age story, CLEMENTINE sees a heartbroken woman become entangled with a younger girl after breaking into her ex's remote lake house in the Pacific Northwest.

Struggling to come to terms with her devastating break-up from girlfriend D, Karen (Otmara Marrero – Start-up, Vandal, Miss Arizona), drives to a remote cabin in the woods where they spent much of their relationship and, craving the closeness she once had with the love of her life, she breaks in and decides to stay.

More details and trailer at

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/clementine-starring-sydney-sweeney.html

Synchronic - UK Trailer - 2021 - Starring Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie

In cinemas January 29, 2021. On Digital Platforms February 12.

From breakout genre filmmakers #JustinBenson and #AaronMoorhead (The Endless) #SYNCHRONIC is a mind-bending, haunting sci-fi starring two of Hollywood's biggest actors #JamieDornan (The Fall, Fifty Shades of Grey franchise) and #AnthonyMackie (The Avengers franchise, Detroit) as two New Orleans paramedics who encounter a series of horrific deaths linked to a designer drug.

Blending mind-bending thrills with relatable emotional turmoil, SYNCHRONIC has been described as "an eccentric and imaginative piece of genre cinema".

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/11/synchronic-uk-trailer-starring-anthony.html

TRAILER: Desert Strike (aka Pharaoh’s War or Hamlet Pheroun) Starring Mike Tyson & Hafthor Bjornssen

An ex-military man with a mysterious past leads a group of Egyptian refugees through the desert and must protect them from a group of evil mercenaries.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/34oD19Z

Stars Mike Tyson, Hafpor Julius Bjornsson

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/trailer-desert-strike-aka-pharaohs-war.html

Palmer (2021) Trailer - Starring Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright

Palmer is a 2021 drama movie directed by Fisher Stevens starring Justin Timberlake. It will be available on Apple TV in January.

https://apple.co/2Ww0O3y

The film is about Eddie Palmer (Timberlake), a former college football star, who saw his professional career shattered after he was imprisoned. He returns to his hometown after spending time in prison only to find trouble hounding him from his past. He then forms an unlikely friendship with a boy who was abandoned by his mother. While caring for him, Eddie also meets and starts a relationship with Maggie (Wainwright), a teacher.

Release Date January 29, 2021.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/palmer-2021-trailer-starring-justin.html

The Exception (2021) Official Trailer - Starring Amanda Collin, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Lene Maria Christensen and Danica Curcic

Danish psychological thriller, The Exception, in cinemas January 22nd and digital download from January 25th 2021.

Based on the best seller by Christian Jungersen, The Exception stars Raised By Wolves actor Amanda Collin, Sidse Babett Knudsen (Borgen & Westworld), Lene Maria Christensen (Terribly Happy & The Legacy) and Danica Curcic (The Mist & Silent Heart). The book sold more than 200,000 copies before being adapted into a film by Christian Torpe.

Iben, Malene, Anne-Lise and Camilla are four women working together in a daily routine marked by power struggles, whispers and alliances. When Iben and Malene each receive death threats, they start to suspect a Serbian war criminal, whom they have been writing articles about. However, when a case of bullying in the office escalates, they slowly begin to wonder if the evil comes from themselves.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/the-exception-2021-official-trailer.html

Monster Hunter - New Trailer - starring Milla Jovovich

Coming Soon at Cinemas 2021

Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/monster-hunter-new-trailer-starring.html

THE MAURITANIAN - New Trailer Released - Starring Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley

The film stars Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley.

Captured by the U.S. Government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Together they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy. Based on Mohamedou's New York Times best-selling memoir, this is the explosive true story of a fight for survival against all odds.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/the-mauritanian-new-trailer-released.html

Britain’s Got Talent Christmas Spectacular

Britain's Got Talent is back for a spectacular Christmas special as we welcome to the stage the most memorable and talented acts from the past 14 years. Plus, in a Britain's Got Talent first, the acts will be collaborating and performing together for the ultimate Christmas extravaganza. All four judges will be stepping out from their seats and into the limelight for the very first time in what promises to be a festive filled show.

 

Keeping the festivities in order will be the nation's favourite presenting duo, Ant and Dec. Joining them will be our judging panel Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and Ashley Banjo, who will be ready to be impressed by a whole host of talent.

Fri 25 Dec 2020

8.00pm - 9.55pm

ITV

ITV’s I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is 2020's biggest TV show

ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is the biggest television show of 2020 with an average of 11.2 million viewers watching across the series.

Based on location in Wales for the first time, the show climaxed with a peak of 12.1m viewers watching the final. An average of 11.4m - up 0.8m on 2019's series - a 44 per cent share of TV viewers, watched Giovanna Fletcher crowned Queen of the Castle. The total reached 11.6m with the inclusion of viewing from non-TV devices. All figures include consolidated seven day viewing.

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! was also the most popular show of 2020 for young viewers with an average of 2.8m and two thirds [66 per cent] of 16-34s watching across the series. Overall, it is the second most watched series of I'm A Celebrity, which has been on air since 2002.

I'm a Celebrity started the series with 14.3 million viewers [including viewers watching via non-TV devices], its biggest ever overall audience for the opening episode of the long-running series and the biggest show of the year outside news specials - and ITV's biggest audience since the Croatia v England World Cup Semi-Final in 2018.

Gordon, Gino and Fred: Desperately Seeking Santa

Wed 16 Dec 2020
9.00pm - 10.00pm

ITV

Gordon, Gino and Fred are getting together for another extraordinary culinary Christmas adventure.

2020 has been a bit bleak to say the least and the boys are keen to end the year with a bang.

After Gino led them to the deserts of Morocco for last year's mis-adventure, Gordon is determined that they celebrate the season properly this time, so has arranged a boys' trip away before the madness of a family Christmas kicks in, to the ultimate winter wonderland and the official home of Santa.

Gordon Ramsay

Gino D'Acampo

Fred Sirieix

First look images of new Sky Original ‘Paradiso’ from Sky Deutschland

Sky today revealed first look images for new Sky Original 'Paradiso' – previously known as Funeral For A Dog based on Thomas Pletzinger's novel of the same name.

The images were taken on location at Lake D'Iseo and Lake D'Orta, Italy, where filming for the series commenced at the start of September.

The eight-part series is currently filming in Munich and Berlin, and will shoot in Bulgaria, Finland, New York and South America in early 2021.

The stellar German cast includes Friedrich Mücke (Ballon, Tatort), Albrecht Schuch (Berlin Alexanderplatz, Bad Banks), Alina Tomnikov (Arctic Circle – Der unsichtbare Tod), Ina Geraldine Guy (Into the Beat - Dein Herz tanzt), Daniel Sträßer (Hausen, Charité) and Anne Ratte-Polle (Es gilt das gesprochene Wort).

See all of the images at

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2020/12/first-look-images-of-new-sky-original.html

REVIEW: BROK the InvestiGator on PC (Steam)

I was asked to take a look at BROK the InvestiGator by my good friends at CowCat Games.

If you have been following my reviews on this site, then you will know I am a fan of the old fashioned point and click adventure games made famous in the 80's and 90's, well for the first time ever (I assume, I have not actually checked), we have a point and click adventure mixed with a Beat'em Up and RPG.

You play the part of an InvestiGator, (The G is capitalised due to the character being an Alligator), you live in a world where the humans are gone, and replaced by animals, you have the privileged class and the not so privileged class. You live with the son (Graf) of your deceased wife, and you are just trying to make your way in this new world. As with all point and click adventures, you will examine a scene, pick things up, try to solve the various puzzles that come your way, but here is the big twist, your character is an ex-boxer, and as such with a click of one button, you can use your fists to help you in your travels, that might entail you beating up some bad guys harassing a friend, or destroying a panel to open a door. Either way it is a nice addition to a genre that has seen pretty much everything before.

Read full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2020/12/review-brok-investigator-on-pc-steam.html

REVIEW: Orwell's Animal Farm on PC (Steam)

in 1945 George Orwell released an allegorical novella called Animal Farm, it is often hailed as one of the greatest books of all time.

Written during a time of war, and Stalinism, its basic premise is one of a critique of the rise of Communism. Pretty light stuff for a video game don't you think?

Well, some 75 years later a game has been developed whereby you can take the decisions, make the important choices and basically be part of the revolution.

The game itself is not really a "game" in the classic sense, it is more of a visual novel but with defined journeys and outcomes that you decide.

Read full review at

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2020/12/review-orwells-animal-farm-on-pc-steam.html

Julia Bradbury to walk Cornwall and Devon in brand new ITV series

From the epic wilderness of Dartmoor to the soaring cliffs of Land's End, Cornwall and Devon Walks with Julia Bradbury takes us to parts of the Westcountry that can only be explored on foot. From beautiful beaches to remote wilderness, ancient woodlands to winding estuaries, this uplifting new series harnesses the country's love of the outdoors and the best walks the south west has to offer. Along the way Julia will meet the people who live and work in these two counties as well as sampling some of its legendary fare. Episodes include: Salcombe, Dartmoor, the Dart Valley, Isles of Scilly, Land's End, Helford, The Lizard and Padstow.

Rachel Innes-Lumsden, Director of Programmes for Twofour West and Executive Producer, said: "This year has been like no other and us Brits are embracing the outdoors more than ever. We're thrilled to be working with Julia again; her love of walking, exploring and meeting people is joyfully infectious. With Twofour being a proud regional company with its roots in Devon, we couldn't be more delighted to show off our home turf in all its glory."

Julia said: "It's fantastic to be working with Twofour again, we've struck upon a great partnership.  There couldn't be a more apposite series right now: Nature and green spaces are more important to us than ever before. In this series I feel that connection strongly and I hope it inspires people to head out and experience Vitamin N (nature) for themselves, in the best possible way – on foot.  I encountered  some truly inspirational people in Cornwall and Devon who kindly shared their passion and knowledge of the outdoors. If this doesn't nudge people to explore the nature available to them,  I'll eat my sustainably sourced biodegradable straw hat."

The series is set to air in early 2021 on ITV.

The Masked Singer is set to return to ITV with a fresh cast of 12 celebrities

The Masked Singer is set to return to ITV with a fresh cast of 12 celebrities, complete with new, ever elaborate and flamboyant character costumes.

Characters that will be singing and concealing their identities as they attempt to stump viewers and the panel alike on who they could possibly be line up as follows:

This new season sees a brand-new panellist as BAFTA award-winning comedian Mo Gilligan takes up a chair and the challenge of figuring out 'who's that behind the mask?'

Host Joel Dommett is back to preside over the unique guessing game that gripped the nation at its first outing. Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross will also all resume their celebrity sleuth roles.

Full Details

http://www.jonn.co.uk/2020/12/the-masked-singer-is-set-to-return-to.html

The Marksman - Official Trailer - In Theatres January 22 - Starring Liam Neeson

Hardened Arizona rancher Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) simply wants to be left alone as he fends off eviction notices and tries to make a living on an isolated stretch of borderland. But everything changes when Hanson, an ex-Marine sharpshooter, witnesses 11-year-old migrant Miguel (Jacob Perez) fleeing with his mother Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) from drug cartel assassins led by the ruthless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba).  

After being caught in a shoot-out, a dying Rosa begs Jim to take her son to safety to her family in Chicago. Defying his cop daughter Sarah (Katheryn Winnick), Jim sneaks Miguel out of the local U.S. Customs and Border Patrol station and together, they hit the road with the group of killers in pursuit. Jim and Miguel slowly begin to overcome their differences and begin to forge an unlikely friendship, while Mauricio and his fellow assassins blaze a cold-blooded trail, hot on their heels. When they finally meet on a Midwestern farm, a fight to the death ensues as Jim uses his military skills and code of honor to defend the boy he's come to love.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/the-marksman-official-trailer-in.html

Blithe Spirit - Official Trailer - Starring Isla Fisher

Best-selling crime novelist Charles (Dan Stevens) suffers from terrible writer's block and is struggling to finish his first screenplay. His picture-perfect new wife Ruth (Isla Fisher) is doing her best to keep him focused so they can fulfill her dream of leaving London for Hollywood. Charles' quest for inspiration leads him to invite the eccentric mystic Madame Acarti (Judi Dench) to perform a séance in his home. He gets more than he bargained for when Madame Acarti inadvertently summons the spirit of his first wife: the brilliant and fiery Elvira (Leslie Mann). Ready to pick up her life right where she left off, Elvira is shocked to discover the prim and proper Ruth is now married to her husband and running her household. Charles finds himself stuck between his two wives and their increasingly over-the-top attempts to outdo one another in this lethally hilarious comedy.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/blithe-spirit-official-trailer-starring.html

Penguin Bloom - Official Trailer - starring Naomi Watts, In Cinemas January 21

Don't miss the uplifting true story of the Bloom Family. #PenguinBloomMovie, starring Naomi Watts, In Cinemas January 21.

Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralyzed. Sam's husband, (Andrew Lincoln), her three young boys and her mother (Academy Award® nominated Jacki Weaver), are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. The bird's arrival is a welcome distraction for the Bloom family, eventually making a profound difference in the family's life.

Watch Trailer

http://www.beentothemovies.com/2020/12/penguin-bloom-official-trailer-starring.html