Author: Nikki Gray

Quack, Quack, Quack … ‘The Mighty Ducks’ gets a reboot thanks to Disney+ The popular 90s franchise The Mighty Ducks is set to be turned into a TV series for the new streaming site Disney+. But for fans of the beloved 90s films, the new TV series will be different from what we watched growing up.  The logline released for the new series says: “After getting kicked off the junior division Mighty Ducks team, a 13-year-old…

Martin Scorsese explains his ‘Marvel movies are not cinema’ comments In a New York Times op-ed, Martin Scorsese explains what he meant when he said that Marvel movies are not cinema. Scorsese stands by his claim but clarifies it’s not the superhero storylines that bother him, but the fact Marvel movies and other franchise films are made by studios concerned more with mass marketability than artistry.  “Many of the elements that define cinema as I…

Mark Ruffalo says ‘Bush needs to be bought to justice over Iraq war’ after Ellen Degeneres defends her friendship with the former president Movie star Mark Ruffalo has disagreed with Ellen DeGeneres’ defence of her friendship with ex-US President George W Bush. After being pictured with Bush at an NFL game, Ellen said she was friends with many people who don’t share her views. And said we should “be kind to everyone.” But Mark Ruffalo…

‘Joker’ doesn’t live up to the hype Joker has been the talk of the town since its Venice Film Festival premiere a few weeks ago. Whilst it has mostly received praise, the critics are getting louder. Many critics have focused on the movie’s potential to inspire acts of real-life violence and its brutal nihilism. But for some, myself included – the film isn’t even worth arguing about.  The film is neither interesting nor does it…

London: Banksy painting sells for record £9.8million A Banksy painting depicting MP’s as chimpanzees in the House of Commons has sold for a record £9.8 million at an auction in London.  The painting, titled Devolved Parliament, shows MPs in the commons as apes. It’s original estimated price tag was £1.5m to £2m. The painting belonged to a private owner, and Banksy said on Instagram: “Record price for a Banksy painting set at the auction tonight.…

Robert De Niro sued for gender discrimination by ex-employee accused of ‘binge-watching Friends’ Robert De Niro is being counter-sued for gender discrimination by an ex-employee. Graham Chase Robinson claims the actor used sexist language, including describing women as ‘c***s’ and ‘b****es’. And reportedly referred to Robinson as his ‘office wife’.  In the suit, it is claimed Robinson, his executive assistant was underpaid in comparison to her male co-workers. And the Hollywood actor subjected her to…

Joker director blames “woke culture” for killing comedy The director of the highly-anticipated Joker film has said he has moved away from comedies because “woke culture” has made them too difficult to make.  Todd Phillip’s previous work includes films such as The Hangover trilogy, Old School and Road Trip. But, Joker, released tomorrow, is set to become his biggest and best-known.  Joker, set in 1981 follows failed stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck as he turns to…

Banksy shop appears in Croydon Artist Banksy has set up a shop in south London featuring the Union flag stab vest he designed for Stormzy’s headline act at Glastonbury Festival.  Banksy’ shop in Croydon, on Church Street, also features a Tony the Tiger rug and a cradle surrounded by CCTV cameras.  “I’m opening a shop today,” the elusive artist said on Instagram. “Although the doors don’t actually open.” He will, however, sell products online and…

BBC overturns ruling against presenter Naga Munchetty The BBC has overturned its ruling to uphold a complaint made against presenter Naga Munchetty after she spoke about racism on air.  The BBC presenter was the subject of a complaint following an on-air debate with her co-presenter Dan Walker. The debate was after Donald Trump tweeted his “go back home” comments related to four US congresswomen.  When asked about her view, Munchetty said: “Every time I have…

Joker film: Violence criticised by the families of the Batman cinema shootings In 2012, twelve people died in a cinema showing The Dark Knight Rises in Colorado. Now, ahead of the release of Todd Phillips Joker, the families of the victims are speaking out.  The families of those killed have written to Warner Bros with concerns about the new Joker film. And are urging the studio to join action against gun violence.  Sandy Phillips, the…

El Camino: Breaking Bad movie drops first full trailer Six years after the hit series came to a dramatic end, creator Vince Gilligan is back with El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. The movie picks up moments after the show ended. And fans rejoice as Aaron Paul is back as Jesse Pinkman. https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/1175966261932482560?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet THE PLOT The official Netflix synopsis says: “In the wake of his dramatic escape from captivity, Jesse must come to terms with…

Phoebe Waller-Bridge signs major Amazon deal Emmy winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge has signed a major contract to make TV shows for Amazon. The writer and actress said she is “insanely delighted” with the exclusive deal.  Waller-Bridge, 34 will create and produce new programmes for Amazon Prime. And according to Variety, it’s believed to be worth $20m (£16m) a year.  The Fleabag star said: “I’m insanely excited to be continuing my relationship with Amazon. Working with the…

Congrats Phoebe! Fleabag star wins big at the Emmys Fleabag, the British sitcom written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, has become the first British show to win best comedy series at the Emmy Awards in the US.  “It’s so wonderful and reassuring to know that a dirty, pervy, angry and messed-up woman can make it to the Emmys,” joked Phoebe on stage – referring to her character, obviously.  Waller-bridge won four awards including best comedy…

Taylor tells her side of the Kanye feud In a revealing and in-depth interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Taylor Swift opened up about her ongoing feud with Kanye West. In the October edition, she talks about why she’s decided to speak openly about politics, the moment she found out her masters were being sold to Scooter Braun and bonding with Katy Perry. But her infamous phone call feud with Kanye was what made her disappear…

Nick Carter gets a restraining order against brother Aaron as concerns grow over his mental health Backstreet Boy Nick Carter has been given a temporary restraining order against his younger brother Aaron. It comes after he allegedly threatened to kill Nick’s pregnant wife. The singer, 39 said the restraining order came “in light of Aaron’s increasingly alarming behaviour.” Aaron, 31 must stay at least 30 metres away from Nick and his family and their home…

Lord of the Rings returns to New Zealand in new TV series for Amazon New Zealand is once again home to Middle-earth as the country is picked for the much anticipated Lord of the Rings television show. And again the stories of Middle-earth are set to boost New Zealand’s economy.  Amazon is seeking to expand on the huge success of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. And the series is being tipped to be…

Why Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black is the greatest album of the 21st Century Amy Winehouse’s jazz-influenced debut album Frank was released in 2003 to critical acclaim. Then three years later Back to Black was born. Through her distinctive voice, the albums were tied together. But, Back to Black in every other sense sounded more or less like the work of a different artist.  Frank did not prepare the listener for Back to Black. Within…

The return of the Peaky Blinders has been met with widespread praise this year. But as the season nears to an end, the show’s creator Steven Knight announces he is looking at spin-offs and a movie when the TV run finishes.  Steven Knight, the creator and writer of the Peaky Blinder’s has said he’s hoping to make a film based on the series. Speaking at the Legitimate Peaky Blinders Festival Knight spoke about the BBC…

Grime artist Wiley has spent the last few days tweeting about Drake and Ed Sheeran, calling them both “culture vultures.”  https://twitter.com/Plastician/status/1172068621755047936 So 1Xtra Breakfast show gave Wiley a call to challenge his tweets.  “I’m mad at Ed Sheeran because he said ‘You need me man/ I don’t need you’ Wiley told the BBC radio host, quoting Ed’s famous song.  “But Ed, the other day mate, you had to use grime to tip your song over…

The dark side of child fame Last week in a lengthy and heartfelt post, Justin Bieber reflected on the trappings of fame, personal growth and child stardom. In the post, he noted that by the age of 18, he had “millions in the bank” and “access to whatever [I] wanted.” He said he had “no skills in the real world,” and by 19 was doing “pretty heavy drugs.” In the post, he added: “I became…

‘Dark, disturbing and brutal’: Inside JOKER JOKER Todd Phillip’s Joker hasn’t yet hit the cinema. However, a few lucky viewers have already seen the film, and talks of Academy Awards are swirling. But despite the October release, Joaquin Phoenix’s turn as the DC villain is being hailed as “a Joker we’ve never seen.” At this years Venice Film Festival, Joker received an 8-minute standing ovation. The film explores how failed comedian Arthur Fleck morphs into…

Remembering Diana: 22 years on Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the tragic death of Princess Diana. In the ever-evolving world of celebrity life, Diana’s death serves as a reminder of paying the ultimate price of fame. In her 36 years, Diana was many things. A Princess, a mother, a fashion icon, a world leader and a humanitarian. But her incredible legacy has been overshadowed by the tragedy of her death and conspiracy theories…

Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan have teamed up with the UHT alliance to introduce a new UHD TV setting. In an attempt to preserve filmmakers’ creative intent on consumer displays. The UHD Alliance is a coalition whose members include Hollywood studios and consumer electronics manufacturers.  With various settings available on consumer TV’s there is a growing concern the filmmaker’s creative decisions are not always displayed. The new “Filmmaker Mode” will give the audience a cinematic…

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the talk of the town. With two-Emmy nominated hit shows and Hollywood at her feet, Waller-Bridge has cemented her place as one of the most exciting screenwriters around.  Her hit show Fleabag (which she wrote and stars in) has captured audiences around the globe. A painfully middle-class 20-something, living in London navigating love and life. It’s terrible people and broken lives. But its utterly riveting. Emotionally complex. And hilarious.  In Fleabag Waller-Bridge…

British rule left an open wound