Jennifer Lopez doesn’t want to get involved with Sean Combs’ controversy. The Feds raided the rapper’s home in light of the sexual assault and human trafficking allegations.
Jennifer doesn’t want to think about the time they dated. She “shudders” at the thought. Read on to learn more.
Accusations About Sean Combs
In March, Homeland Security raided two of Sean Comb’s homes. There was a time when he was connected to superstar Jennifer Lopez at one point.
The two dated when they were both young. They worked hard and partied harder. The couple’s relationship didn’t end on amicable terms.
An insider revealed that Jennifer is “horrified” by the allegations involving her ex-boyfriend. The two first dated in 1999 after they met on the set of a music video.
They ended their whirlwind romance in 2001. Jennifer claims that Sean’s infidelity ended their relationship.
Last month, Homeland...
Jennifer doesn’t want to think about the time they dated. She “shudders” at the thought. Read on to learn more.
Accusations About Sean Combs
In March, Homeland Security raided two of Sean Comb’s homes. There was a time when he was connected to superstar Jennifer Lopez at one point.
The two dated when they were both young. They worked hard and partied harder. The couple’s relationship didn’t end on amicable terms.
An insider revealed that Jennifer is “horrified” by the allegations involving her ex-boyfriend. The two first dated in 1999 after they met on the set of a music video.
They ended their whirlwind romance in 2001. Jennifer claims that Sean’s infidelity ended their relationship.
Last month, Homeland...
- 4/13/2024
- by Chanel D. Adams
- Celebrating The Soaps
Seth Willenson, a producer and longtime marketing, finance and distribution executive, died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles after a long bout with heart disease, according to a representative for the family. He was 74.
Willeson first started his 52-year career in 1970 when he became the second hire at New Line Cinema. It was there where he pioneered a theatrical marketing concept of the 1970’s, the Midnight Movie – using the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film “Reefer Madness” – a practice that continued for more than a decade with movies such as “Pink Flamingos,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Willenson would return to New Line Cinema 20 years later after his first stint at the studio as president of Telecommunications & Planning. Willenson would subsequently serve as producer/executive producer on numerous indie films, most notably Allison Anders’ award-winning “Gas Food Lodging” and the Chuck Norris-starrer “Top Dog.”
Willenson would...
Willeson first started his 52-year career in 1970 when he became the second hire at New Line Cinema. It was there where he pioneered a theatrical marketing concept of the 1970’s, the Midnight Movie – using the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film “Reefer Madness” – a practice that continued for more than a decade with movies such as “Pink Flamingos,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Willenson would return to New Line Cinema 20 years later after his first stint at the studio as president of Telecommunications & Planning. Willenson would subsequently serve as producer/executive producer on numerous indie films, most notably Allison Anders’ award-winning “Gas Food Lodging” and the Chuck Norris-starrer “Top Dog.”
Willenson would...
- 3/24/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Seth Willenson, the influential marketing executive and producer of films and home video, died March 18 in Los Angeles, a rep confirmed to Variety. According to their statement, Willenson died from heart disease. He was 74.
Willenson began his career in 1970, as an early hire at the then-young New Line Cinema. He was responsible for one of the company’s earliest successes, by promoting the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film “Reefer Madness” as a “midnight movie” to college campuses. As a result of his work, the film became a cult classic, and he would later be responsible for the marketing of other “midnight movies” that New Line distributed, including “Pink Flamingos,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” After leaving the company in 1973, he would return over 20 years later to become the president of telecommunications and planning in 1988.
In between, Willenson worked as a senior vice president at Films Inc., then...
Willenson began his career in 1970, as an early hire at the then-young New Line Cinema. He was responsible for one of the company’s earliest successes, by promoting the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film “Reefer Madness” as a “midnight movie” to college campuses. As a result of his work, the film became a cult classic, and he would later be responsible for the marketing of other “midnight movies” that New Line distributed, including “Pink Flamingos,” “Sympathy for the Devil” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” After leaving the company in 1973, he would return over 20 years later to become the president of telecommunications and planning in 1988.
In between, Willenson worked as a senior vice president at Films Inc., then...
- 3/24/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Longtime marketing and distribution executive and producer Seth Willenson, who pioneered the Midnight Movie marketing concept and mentored many industry leaders, died Friday at his home in Los Angeles after a long bout with heart disease. He was 74.
Willenson began his 52-year career in 1970 as employee number two at New Line Cinema. It was there that he innovated the theatrical marketing concept of the Midnight Movie. He began with the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film Reefer Madness and continued for more than a decade with soon-to-be classics such as Pink Flamingos, Sympathy for the Devil and the blockbuster Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is still being enjoyed today in late night showings, making its release the longest-running in movie history.
Speaking of long runs, about 20 years after his first stint at New Line, Willenson returned as President of Telecommunications & Planning. He subsequently served as a producer and EP on numerous indie films,...
Willenson began his 52-year career in 1970 as employee number two at New Line Cinema. It was there that he innovated the theatrical marketing concept of the Midnight Movie. He began with the 1936 anti-cannabis propaganda film Reefer Madness and continued for more than a decade with soon-to-be classics such as Pink Flamingos, Sympathy for the Devil and the blockbuster Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is still being enjoyed today in late night showings, making its release the longest-running in movie history.
Speaking of long runs, about 20 years after his first stint at New Line, Willenson returned as President of Telecommunications & Planning. He subsequently served as a producer and EP on numerous indie films,...
- 3/24/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The final ballot from one of our favorite awards (for somewhat obvious reasons) has been announced — the 2021 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards final ballot is out! The nominees were selected by the combined efforts of jury and public voting. The final ballot voting is restricted to comic book industry creative community — anyone involved in and credited with creating comics professionally.
The Ringo Awards, the Fan-Only Favorites from the nomination ballot, and The Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award and The Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award will be presented at the Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards ceremony on Saturday, October 23 as part of The Baltimore Comic-Con. We’ll be there, and hope to see you too!
2021 Ringo Awards Nominees
Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist)
Derf BackderfMongieStan SakaiRachel SmytheAdrian TomineSophie Yanow
Best Writer
Penelope BagieuAnthony Del ColJason DouglasN.K. JemisinMarjorie LiuJames Tynion IVRam V
Best Artist Or Penciller
Josh AdamsJamal CampbellElsa CharretierHanza...
The Ringo Awards, the Fan-Only Favorites from the nomination ballot, and The Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award and The Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award will be presented at the Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards ceremony on Saturday, October 23 as part of The Baltimore Comic-Con. We’ll be there, and hope to see you too!
2021 Ringo Awards Nominees
Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist)
Derf BackderfMongieStan SakaiRachel SmytheAdrian TomineSophie Yanow
Best Writer
Penelope BagieuAnthony Del ColJason DouglasN.K. JemisinMarjorie LiuJames Tynion IVRam V
Best Artist Or Penciller
Josh AdamsJamal CampbellElsa CharretierHanza...
- 8/26/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Ben Lawrence, Meg O’Connell and Mithila Gupta.
Screen Australia has selected 11 creatives to travel to New York in April as part of the Talent USA: New York delegation, where they will attend the Australian International Screen Forum.
The program is designed give Australian creators an opportunity to learn on the ground in the Us, and provides networking and professional opportunities.
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said: “To achieve success in this global industry it is imperative we help Australian talent establish and foster creative and business relationships in the Us – the largest English speaking market for screen content. This group were chosen because they are at the point in their careers where they can really take advantage of the opportunity and leverage these connections for their upcoming projects.”
Australian International Screen Forum co-founder and executive director Michael Kelleher said, “We are excited to showcase the 2020 Talent USA delegation to a New York industry audience.
Screen Australia has selected 11 creatives to travel to New York in April as part of the Talent USA: New York delegation, where they will attend the Australian International Screen Forum.
The program is designed give Australian creators an opportunity to learn on the ground in the Us, and provides networking and professional opportunities.
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said: “To achieve success in this global industry it is imperative we help Australian talent establish and foster creative and business relationships in the Us – the largest English speaking market for screen content. This group were chosen because they are at the point in their careers where they can really take advantage of the opportunity and leverage these connections for their upcoming projects.”
Australian International Screen Forum co-founder and executive director Michael Kelleher said, “We are excited to showcase the 2020 Talent USA delegation to a New York industry audience.
- 2/19/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Angelina Jolie is returning to a place close to her heart.
The actress, 44, visited Ethiopia with four of her kids — Shiloh, 13, and Zahara, 14, who was born in the African country, as well as 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. The family will stay in the region for New Year’s Eve.
While there, Jolie brought Shiloh and Zahara to meet with Sahle-Work Zewde, the president of Ethiopia and the first woman to hold the office. It was a special treat for Zahara, who turns 15 on Jan. 8.
Their talks covered education, sanitary pad solutions to help girls continue their schooling (girls often...
The actress, 44, visited Ethiopia with four of her kids — Shiloh, 13, and Zahara, 14, who was born in the African country, as well as 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. The family will stay in the region for New Year’s Eve.
While there, Jolie brought Shiloh and Zahara to meet with Sahle-Work Zewde, the president of Ethiopia and the first woman to hold the office. It was a special treat for Zahara, who turns 15 on Jan. 8.
Their talks covered education, sanitary pad solutions to help girls continue their schooling (girls often...
- 12/31/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Scott Wilson, an acting veteran of 50 years who was a high-profile member of the cast of “The Walking Dead” between 2011 and 2014, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 76.
His death was announced Saturday on The Walking Dead official Twitter account.
Wilson played rural farmer Hershel Greene on the series. He was a regular on “The Walking Dead” during its second, third and fourth seasons. His character helped the resistance led by star Andrew Lincoln in battling the show’s walkers. The character lost a leg in season three and was killed off in season four.
News of Wilson’s death came shortly after it was announced at “The Walking Dead” panel at New York Comic Con that the Wilson would be among past cast members appearing in the AMC show’s ninth season, which debuts Sunday. Wilson had already filmed his scenes.
“Scott will always be remembered as...
His death was announced Saturday on The Walking Dead official Twitter account.
Wilson played rural farmer Hershel Greene on the series. He was a regular on “The Walking Dead” during its second, third and fourth seasons. His character helped the resistance led by star Andrew Lincoln in battling the show’s walkers. The character lost a leg in season three and was killed off in season four.
News of Wilson’s death came shortly after it was announced at “The Walking Dead” panel at New York Comic Con that the Wilson would be among past cast members appearing in the AMC show’s ninth season, which debuts Sunday. Wilson had already filmed his scenes.
“Scott will always be remembered as...
- 10/7/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
(Updated with SAG statement) Scott Wilson, who was a key member of the cast of The Walking Dead before exiting the show in shocking fashion, has died. He was 76 and his death was announced today on the Walking Dead comic official Twitter account.
We are deeply saddened to report that Scott Wilson, the incredible actor who played Hershel on #TheWalkingDead, has passed away at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you! pic.twitter.com/guNI7zSqDZ
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) October 7, 2018
Wilson played the beloved Hershel Greene on Twd from 2011-2014.
In the series, he was a veterinarian who kept a barn full of walkers, hoping to find a cure. He later lost his leg and then his life to the sword of the Governor. While his youngest daughter Beth was also killed off on the series, the Lauren Cohan-portrayed Maggie Greene,...
We are deeply saddened to report that Scott Wilson, the incredible actor who played Hershel on #TheWalkingDead, has passed away at the age of 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in paradise, Scott. We love you! pic.twitter.com/guNI7zSqDZ
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) October 7, 2018
Wilson played the beloved Hershel Greene on Twd from 2011-2014.
In the series, he was a veterinarian who kept a barn full of walkers, hoping to find a cure. He later lost his leg and then his life to the sword of the Governor. While his youngest daughter Beth was also killed off on the series, the Lauren Cohan-portrayed Maggie Greene,...
- 10/7/2018
- by Bruce Haring and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“Chicago Fire” actress DuShon Monique Brown, who died in March at age 49, died of a blood infection, the Cook County, Illinois medical examiner’s office told TheWrap on Thursday.
According to the medical examiner, Brown’s immediate cause of death was sepsis, though the origin of the blood infection is unknown.
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease and obesity were also contributing factors in Brown’s death, the medical examiner’s office added.
Also Read: DuShon Monique Brown, 'Chicago Fire' Actress, Dies at 49
Brown died just after noon on Friday, March 23 at St. James Olympia Field Hospital in Chicago. TMZ, citing anonymous sources, reported that Brown had admitted herself to a Chicago hospital for tests after suffering chest pains earlier in the week.
“We are very sad to announce the untimely death of beloved Chicago actress DuShon Monique Brown,” Brown’s manager, Robert Schroeder, said at the time. “DuShon, most affectionately...
According to the medical examiner, Brown’s immediate cause of death was sepsis, though the origin of the blood infection is unknown.
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease and obesity were also contributing factors in Brown’s death, the medical examiner’s office added.
Also Read: DuShon Monique Brown, 'Chicago Fire' Actress, Dies at 49
Brown died just after noon on Friday, March 23 at St. James Olympia Field Hospital in Chicago. TMZ, citing anonymous sources, reported that Brown had admitted herself to a Chicago hospital for tests after suffering chest pains earlier in the week.
“We are very sad to announce the untimely death of beloved Chicago actress DuShon Monique Brown,” Brown’s manager, Robert Schroeder, said at the time. “DuShon, most affectionately...
- 5/31/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
When Roger was asked to start a film festival by Kim Rotzoll, the dean of the College of Communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, we had no idea it would exist 20 years later. The idea was to do a one-time festival as a follow up to the successful Cyberfest, the birthday party for Hal 9000, the computer in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” who says in the movie that he was born in Urbana, Illinois. Roger had something in common with Hal 9000, he too was born in Urbana. And so Roger agreed to undertake the task. Besides, Roger was a proponent of the civilizing effect that watching movies communally could have. He said that movies are a giant machine that generates empathy, letting us know about the different hopes, aspirations, dreams, and fears of others and helps us to identify with the people who are sharing this journey with us.
- 4/18/2018
- by Chaz Ebert
- Variety Film + TV
Blake Heron’s cause of death has been revealed, five months after he was pronounced dead at his Los Angeles area home in September.
The 35-year-old former child actor, best known for his role as Marty Preston in 1996’s Shiloh, died of an accidental drug overdose due to the “effects of multiple drugs,” according to his death certificate obtained by Entertainment Tonight.
Heron, who had also previously battled heroin addiction and had completed rehab, reportedly overdosed on the opioid fentanyl and also had other medications in his system.
The Los Angeles County Coroner did not immediately respond to People’s request for comment.
The 35-year-old former child actor, best known for his role as Marty Preston in 1996’s Shiloh, died of an accidental drug overdose due to the “effects of multiple drugs,” according to his death certificate obtained by Entertainment Tonight.
Heron, who had also previously battled heroin addiction and had completed rehab, reportedly overdosed on the opioid fentanyl and also had other medications in his system.
The Los Angeles County Coroner did not immediately respond to People’s request for comment.
- 2/9/2018
- by Karen Mizoguchi
- PEOPLE.com
Blake Heron's death has been ruled an accidental overdose, E! News can confirm. The actor, whose film credits include 1996's Shiloh, died on September 8, 2017 at the age of 35. Heron's death certificate lists his cause of death as the "effects of multiple drugs," including the opioid fentanyl and other medications used to treat mood conditions, nerve pain and blood pressure. Paramedics were called to the scene of Heron's Los Angeles-area home last fall after his girlfriend reportedly discovered him unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The former child star had checked out of rehab just days before his fatal overdose. ...
- 2/8/2018
- E! Online
Blake Heron, the former child star who died in September at age 35, died from the effects of multiple drugs, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office. The coroner’s office listed the manner of Heron’s death as accidental. Heron was known for his portrayal of Marty Preston in the 1996 family movie “Shiloh.” Also Read: Blake Heron, 'Shiloh' Star, Dies at 35 The Blast reported that a drug in Heron’s system was fentanyl, on which the actor overdosed. Fentanyl, an opioid, contributed to the deaths of music legends Prince and Tom Petty. Heron, who was found dead in his Los Angeles area apartment...
- 2/7/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
[[tmz:video id="0_qtxo21o5"]] Blake Heron, the actor who played Marty Preston in the 1996 movie, "Shiloh," was found on his couch, unresponsive, and his girlfriend tearfully called 911 to try to save him. TMZ broke the story, Blake was found dead Friday morning ... of an apparent drug overdose. In the 911 call, you hear the girlfriend say Blake's jaw is clenched, which is a sign rigor mortis has set in. The dispatcher holds out hope and tells the girlfriend to get...
- 9/12/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Blake Heron has passed away at the age of 35. E! News can confirm that the actor, who rose to fame playing Marty Preston in 1996's Shiloh, was found dead inside his Los Angeles-area home on Friday morning. TMZ reports Heron's girlfriend contacted paramedics, who reportedly spent 40 minutes trying to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department tells us that a call came in around 7:05 a.m. regarding an unidentified man who was not breathing. Blake's rep confirmed his passing to multiple outlets. Heron checked out of rehab only days ago, according to the outlet, and was allegedly sick with the flu. TMZ reports that...
- 9/9/2017
- E! Online
Actor Blake Heron, best known for his role as Marty Preston in the 1996 film Shiloh, has died. He was 35. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Heron died Friday. He was found by a friend at his L.A.-area home and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The Sherman Oaks, CA, native made his film debut at age 13 in Disney’s Tom and Huck and TV series Reality Check. He went on to star in TV movie Trilogy of Terror II and also had a…...
- 9/8/2017
- Deadline TV
Actor Blake Heron, best known for his role as Marty Preston in the 1996 film Shiloh, has died. He was 35. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Heron died Friday. He was found by a friend at his L.A.-area home and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The Sherman Oaks, CA, native made his film debut at age 13 in Disney’s Tom and Huck and TV series Reality Check. He went on to star in TV movie Trilogy of Terror II and also had a…...
- 9/8/2017
- Deadline
Blake Heron, who played Marty Preston in 1996’s Shiloh, has died at the age of 35, his rep confirms to People.
The former actor’s girlfriend found him dead at his Los Angeles area home on Friday morning, law enforcement tells TMZ. He was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, after paramedics failed to revive him.
TMZ reports that Heron had been sick over the last few days, but had also previously battled heroin addiction and had recently completed rehab.
However, the website notes that EMTs found no illegal drugs on the scene, only prescription flu medication. Sources tell the outlet...
The former actor’s girlfriend found him dead at his Los Angeles area home on Friday morning, law enforcement tells TMZ. He was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, after paramedics failed to revive him.
TMZ reports that Heron had been sick over the last few days, but had also previously battled heroin addiction and had recently completed rehab.
However, the website notes that EMTs found no illegal drugs on the scene, only prescription flu medication. Sources tell the outlet...
- 9/8/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
Blake Heron, the former child actor best known for playing Marty Preston in the 1996 family movie “Shiloh,” has died, TheWrap has learned. He was 35.
Heron was found dead in his Los Angeles area apartment at around 7:50 a.m. PT on Friday, the Los Angeles coroner confirmed. There is no cause of death at this time, and the autopsy is pending.
A TMZ report stated that paramedics unsuccessfully tried to revive him for 40 minutes. The Sherman Oaks, California, native had battled heroin addiction for a number of years and openly talked about it.
Heron was found dead in his Los Angeles area apartment at around 7:50 a.m. PT on Friday, the Los Angeles coroner confirmed. There is no cause of death at this time, and the autopsy is pending.
A TMZ report stated that paramedics unsuccessfully tried to revive him for 40 minutes. The Sherman Oaks, California, native had battled heroin addiction for a number of years and openly talked about it.
- 9/8/2017
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
So sad. Blake Heron, the actor who played Marty Preston in the 1996 movie, 'Shiloh,' was found dead earlier today, Sept. 8, a shocking new report claims. Get all the heartbreaking details, here.
- 9/8/2017
- by Christopher Rogers
- HollywoodLife
9:07 Pm P.T. -- Cops say Heron died of an apparent illicit substance overdose...First responders attempted to revive the actor with Narcan, but life saving measures were ineffective. Blake Heron, the actor who played Marty Preston in the 1996 movie, "Shiloh," is dead ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement tells TMZ, Heron's girlfriend went to his L.A. area home Friday morning and found him dead. Paramedics worked on Heron for 40 minutes trying to revive him,...
- 9/8/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Have you ever wondered what Jet, Wolf, and the rest of ITV's Gladiators did after the show finished? Wonder no more...
ITV’s Gladiators - the show that for eight years made children everywhere become interested in sports, eating well and keeping fit... for about five minutes on a Saturday night, then we all went back to our natural state of sitting on the settee eating sugar straight from the packet.
What was it that inspired this minor surge of enthusiasm for being buff? That would be the gladiators themselves. Every week, twelve superhuman powerhouses - six men and six women - would intimidate, bully, and otherwise humiliate whichever puny contestants stepped up to try their luck, beating or hindering them in a series of physical skill games. This took place before the big finale – where the contenders would race each other up a downwards escalator, while the gladiators were...
ITV’s Gladiators - the show that for eight years made children everywhere become interested in sports, eating well and keeping fit... for about five minutes on a Saturday night, then we all went back to our natural state of sitting on the settee eating sugar straight from the packet.
What was it that inspired this minor surge of enthusiasm for being buff? That would be the gladiators themselves. Every week, twelve superhuman powerhouses - six men and six women - would intimidate, bully, and otherwise humiliate whichever puny contestants stepped up to try their luck, beating or hindering them in a series of physical skill games. This took place before the big finale – where the contenders would race each other up a downwards escalator, while the gladiators were...
- 8/3/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Every time I see a dog in a movie, I think the same thing: I want that dog. I see Skip or Lucy or Shiloh and for a moment I can't even think about the movie's plot. I can only think about the dog. I want to hold it, pet it, take it for walks, and tell it what a good dog it is. I want to love it, and I want it to love me. I have an empty space inside myself that can only be filled by a dog.
Not a cat. I have had cats and I was fond of them, fonder than they ever were of me. But what I want is unconditional love, and therefore I want a dog. I want to make its life a joy. I want to scratch behind its ears, and on its belly when it rolls over. I want to...
Not a cat. I have had cats and I was fond of them, fonder than they ever were of me. But what I want is unconditional love, and therefore I want a dog. I want to make its life a joy. I want to scratch behind its ears, and on its belly when it rolls over. I want to...
- 2/15/2009
- by Roger Ebert
- blogs.suntimes.com/ebert
Alice Upside Down
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Compagnie D'Avril/Alice Prods./Open Pictures
SANTA BARBARA -- Adapted from the series of Alice novels by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Alice Upside Down is a Disney Channel-ready tween comedy-drama that's nicely anchored by an affable cast. It recently screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Alyson Stoner ("The Suite Life of Zack & Cody") capably holds down the fort as the title preteen heroine, Alice McKinley, whose mother died of leukemia six years earlier.
But time is proving to be a slow healer for her musician dad, Ben (Luke Perry), who has just moved Alice and her older brother, Lester (Lucas Grabeel), to a new town (played by St. Louis), where he has opened his own music store.
Meanwhile, Alice isn't off to the greatest of starts at her new school, where she already is locking horns with her teacher, mean old Mrs. Plotkin (a swell Penny Marshall), and demonstrating that she hasn't inherited her parents' singing voices when she auditions for the annual musical.
Director Sandy Tung, whose previous family film credits include the past two Shiloh movies -- also based on Naylor novels -- does an efficient job distilling the material with assistance from co-screenwriter Meghan Heritage, but it's the bright performances that really keeps Alice Upside Down on its feet.
Even when she's required to speak directly into the camera (a by-now all-too-common technique that proves more distracting than cute) or put herself in some clunky fantasy sequences, Stoner displays a self-effacing underdog quality that makes her easy to root for while the adults are called upon to provide some real character substance rather than merely popping in and out as standard-issue authority figures.
Compagnie D'Avril/Alice Prods./Open Pictures
SANTA BARBARA -- Adapted from the series of Alice novels by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Alice Upside Down is a Disney Channel-ready tween comedy-drama that's nicely anchored by an affable cast. It recently screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Alyson Stoner ("The Suite Life of Zack & Cody") capably holds down the fort as the title preteen heroine, Alice McKinley, whose mother died of leukemia six years earlier.
But time is proving to be a slow healer for her musician dad, Ben (Luke Perry), who has just moved Alice and her older brother, Lester (Lucas Grabeel), to a new town (played by St. Louis), where he has opened his own music store.
Meanwhile, Alice isn't off to the greatest of starts at her new school, where she already is locking horns with her teacher, mean old Mrs. Plotkin (a swell Penny Marshall), and demonstrating that she hasn't inherited her parents' singing voices when she auditions for the annual musical.
Director Sandy Tung, whose previous family film credits include the past two Shiloh movies -- also based on Naylor novels -- does an efficient job distilling the material with assistance from co-screenwriter Meghan Heritage, but it's the bright performances that really keeps Alice Upside Down on its feet.
Even when she's required to speak directly into the camera (a by-now all-too-common technique that proves more distracting than cute) or put herself in some clunky fantasy sequences, Stoner displays a self-effacing underdog quality that makes her easy to root for while the adults are called upon to provide some real character substance rather than merely popping in and out as standard-issue authority figures.
- 2/12/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rosenbloom, Avondale book 'Alice'
Rosenbloom Entertainment and Avondale Entertainment Group have pacted to produce a series of family films based on Newbery Award-winning author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's 23 Alice novels.
The first film, The Alice Movie, will star Alyson Stoner, Lucas Grabeel, Luke Perry, Penny Marshall and Ann Dowd. Sandy Tung (Saving Shiloh) is directing from a screenplay by Meghan Heritage.
Rosenbloom Entertainment owner Dale Rosenbloom is serving as producer, with Avondale owner James M. Gould serving as exec producer. Also producing are Tung, Carl Borack and Declan O'Brien. Mark Hauser is exec producing, and Jean Russo Gould is co-producing. Seth Willenson is serving as marketing and production executive.
The Alice Movie revolves around the coming of age of 11-year-old Alice (Stoner) and her teenage brother Lester (Gabreel) when their family moves to Washington.
Rosenbloom wrote, directed and produced 1996's Shiloh and produced and wrote its sequel, Saving Shiloh.
The first film, The Alice Movie, will star Alyson Stoner, Lucas Grabeel, Luke Perry, Penny Marshall and Ann Dowd. Sandy Tung (Saving Shiloh) is directing from a screenplay by Meghan Heritage.
Rosenbloom Entertainment owner Dale Rosenbloom is serving as producer, with Avondale owner James M. Gould serving as exec producer. Also producing are Tung, Carl Borack and Declan O'Brien. Mark Hauser is exec producing, and Jean Russo Gould is co-producing. Seth Willenson is serving as marketing and production executive.
The Alice Movie revolves around the coming of age of 11-year-old Alice (Stoner) and her teenage brother Lester (Gabreel) when their family moves to Washington.
Rosenbloom wrote, directed and produced 1996's Shiloh and produced and wrote its sequel, Saving Shiloh.
- 11/8/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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