Gleason

Director Clay Tweel

Genre Documentary

Cast Steve Gleason

Rating R

Release Date July 29th, 2016

“At the age of 34, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS. Doctors gave the former NFL defensive back and New Orleans hero two to five years to live. So that is what Steve chose to do - LIVE: with purpose, for his newborn son, for his wife, and to help others with his disease.”

Gleason is the incredible story of former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason and his battle with ALS. Check out the trailer below.

Tallulah

Director Sian Heder

Genre Comedy | Drama | Romance

Cast Zachary Quinto, Uzo Aduba, Ellen Page, Allison Janney

Rating Unrated

Release Date July 29th, 2016

“Desperate to be rid of her toddler, a dissatisfied Beverly Hills housewife hires a stranger to babysit and ends up getting much more than she bargained for.”

Tallulah is directed and written by Sian Heder, a contributing writer for Orange is the New Black. Heder said she got the idea for the film while working as a nanny when she first moved to L.A. The film stars Zachary Quinto, Uzo Aduba, Ellen Page, and Allison Janney.

Viral

Director Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Genre Drama | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Sofia Black-D'Elia, Analeigh Tipton, Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Tope

Rating R

Release Date July 29th, 2016

“Following the outbreak of a virus that wipes out the majority of the human population, a young woman documents her family’s new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister.”

“Emma and her sister Stacey are normal teenagers in a small town, when a mysterious infection begins to spread. With the town quarantined, and their parents stuck on the other side of the barrier, the girls have a blast eating junk food and sneaking out to go to parties. But when the disease starts to infect people they know, the girls, together with their neighbor Evan (Emma’s secret crush), barricade themselves into their home. But it may already be too late, as the infection is already in their midst, and Emma will be faced with a choice: protect her sister or survive the virus.”

It

Director Andrés Muschietti

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor

Rating R

Release Date September 8th, 2017

“A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.”

Directed by Andrés Muschietti (Mama) and based on the novel by famed horror author Stephen King, It is a remake of the 1990 film that has become a cult classic. I don't think I need to explain this any further because I am pretty sure you are as excited about this movie as I am. The cast includes Bill Skarsgård, Finn Wolfhard, Javier Botet, and Nicholas Hamilton. Check out the highly anticipated official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, It:

• Although Bill Skarsgård was onset for the majority of production, he didn't actually begin filming his scenes until shooting was over halfway done. The time before he actually started filming was spent working with Andrés Muschietti and the producers in order to perfect his mannerisms as Pennywise, as Skarsgård stated that he felt an immense amount of pressure to play the role perfectly due to Tim Curry's well-regarded performance in It (1990).
• 27 is a number that often becomes associated with this story. This movie is set to be released 27 years after the original television release. In the book, it is mentioned that "It" returns to Derry approximately every 27 years. Jonathan Brandis, who played young Bill in the original film, died at 27 years old. This movie released one month after Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise) 27th birthday. If all numbers of the release date are added together (9/8/2017), the sum is 27.

The newly released Trailer #2 has a Stranger Things feel to it and let me just say it has me that much more excited for this movie!! Check it out below.

The exclusive new trailer is here!! Check it out below.

Home Again

Director Hallie Meyers-Shyer

Genre Comedy | Drama | Romance

Cast Reese Witherspoon, Michael Sheen, Lake Bell, Nat Wolff

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 8th, 2017

“Life for a single mom in Los Angeles takes an unexpected turn when she allows three young guys to move in with her.”

The directorial debut for Hallie Meyers-Shyer, Home Again is a romantic comedy about a single mom who decides to adjust her living arrangements, adding more excitement to her life than she could have anticipated. The cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Michael Sheen, Lake Bell, and Nat Wolff. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Home Again:

• Producer Nancy Meyers, mother of writer/director Hallie Meyers-Sheyer, originally offered Witherspoon the lead in The Intern, which she turned down. Meyers played a big role in getting this script in Witherspoon's hands.
• Both Reese Witherspoon and Candice Bergen were previously in "Sweet Home Alabama" together.

HBO's The Deuce Season 1

Genre Drama

Cast James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Carr, Margarita Levieva

Rating TV-MA

Series Premiere Sunday September 10th, 2017 (HBO)

“A look at life in New York City during the 1970s and ‘80s when porn and prostitution were rampant in Manhattan.”

You really can't go wrong with a series from HBO, this is a very well known fact. Their newest show, The Deuce, has an impressive cast and takes a hard look at how life was in NYC during the 70's and 80's when porn and prostituion was aplenty. Creator of the HBO hit show The Wire is also the co-creator and his influence is certainly felt. The cast includes James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Carr, Margarita Levieva, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Dominique Fishback, Emily Meade, Gbenga Akinnagbe, and Chris Bauer. Check out the official trailers below!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, HBO's The Deuce:

• Many of this series' cast were previously on co-creator David Simon's earlier series The Wire (2002).
• The title refers to the nickname once given to the block of West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, the "Forty-Deuce", which in the 1970's and '80's was known for it's high concentration of low-rent movie theaters that specialized in exploitation and pornographic films, among other things.

American Horror Story: Cult

Genre Drama | Horror | Thriller

Cast Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Denis O'Hare, Jessica Lange

Rating TV-MA

Series Premiere Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 (FX)

“An anthology series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a hotel, a farmhouse and a cult.”

American Horror Story is returning with it's next take on something extremely twisted and barely okay for television, American Horror Story: Cult. The premise is relatively self explanatory, and for all of you afraid of clowns, well it is a cult of you guessed it, clowns! I really like the effort they put into the production design and cinematography of AHS, starting with the intro and on from there, it is one of the best shows on television in that area. The cast includes Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Denis O'Hare, and Jessica Lange. Check out the exclusive teaser trailer and official intro below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, American Horror Story:

• On September 2, 2014, show creator Ryan Murphy announced that all the seasons are connected to each other in some way.
• Jessica Lange originally turned down the role of Constance in season 1, but finally accepted after creator Ryan Murphy repeatedly offered her the role.
• Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Lily Rabe are the only actors to appear in every season. Peters is the only one to be a main cast member in all seasons.

9/11

Director Martin Guigui

Genre Action | Drama

Cast Charlie Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Gina Gershon, Luis Guzmán

Rating R

Release Date September 8th, 2017

“A group of 5 people find themselves trapped in an elevator in the World Trade Center’s North Tower on 9/11. They work together, never giving up hope, to try to escape before the unthinkable happens.”

From director Martin Guigui, 9/11 is a drama based on the tragic events that took place on September 11th, 2001, a day this country will never forget. Now let's set the real stuff aside for a second. When I heard rumblings that this movie was coming out starring Charlie Sheen and Whoopi Goldberg, my first thought was people were clearly trying to make a joke. To my surprise this is an actual movie, and even the trailer makes it hard for me to believe this is for real. I am having a very difficult time envisioning "Mr. Winning" himself as the sympathetic victim, and I doubt that I am the only one. Apparently he behaved himself enough to complete filming, so I suppose that is an accomplishment? The cast includes Charlie Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Gina Gershon, and Luis Guzmán. Check out the trailer for yourself below.

Ted Takes Film Facts, 9/11:

• Based on Patrick James Carson's award winning play "Elevator", which premiered in October 2011 at the Red Barn Theater of Tucson, Arizona.
• Charlie Sheen was born in New York City, and is a 9/11 supporter of New York City firefighter causes .
• Sheen had expressed interest in having the film premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival, on September 11th, but it was not completed in time.

Rebel in the Rye

Director Danny Strong

Genre Biography | Drama

Cast Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Spacey, Zoey Deutch, Sarah Paulson

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 15th, 2017

“The life of celebrated but reclusive author, J.D. Salinger, who gained worldwide fame with the publication of his novel, The Catcher in the Rye.”

Rebel in the Rye is the directorial debut for actor Danny Strong, who also co-wrote the film. Strong began his acting career in 1994 on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell and has 49 acting credits to his resume since then. The film tells the story of proclaimed author J.D. Salinger, the man behind The Catcher in the Rye, and is based on his biography which is written by Kenneth Slawenski. It is a fascinating story and the trailer looks amazing so I am pretty excited to check this one out. The cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Spacey, Zoey Deutch, and Sarah Paulson. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Rebel in the Rye:

• In 1951, J.D. Salinger's landmark novel The Catcher in the Rye catapulted the author to the top of the bestsellers list and into a cult of celebrity that he spent the rest of his life trying to escape.
• Salinger's now iconic work The Catcher in the Rye was originally rejected by publishers. When Salinger submitted the work for publication in The New Yorker where he was a regular contributor, the magazine’s editors criticized Holden Caulfield for being a character that wasn't believable and decided not to run excerpts from the book.

Lights Out

Director David F. Sandberg

Genre Horror

Cast Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello, Billy Burke, Emily Alyn Lind

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 22nd, 2016

“When her little brother, Martin, experiences the same events that once tested her sanity, Rebecca works to unlock the truth behind the terror, which brings her face to face with an entity that has an attachment to their mother, Sophie.”

Lights Out is the feature-film version of the 2013 horror short also directed by David F. Sandberg. This is his first full length feature-film. Lights Out stars Teresa Palmer in the lead role who seems to be in everything these days. Most recently she was in Triple 9 and The Choice and she has a few other films that are post-production. She is a very versatile actress, and she is also very easy on the eyes. Definite plus. Lights Out is produced by horror master James Wan who has directed some fantastic horror films including 2013's The Conjuring. Even though Lights Out is rated PG-13 (sadly) it still looks very creepy and what I have seen so far has given me high hopes. Check out the trailer below. 

Not scared yet? You will be. Check out the official trailer #2 below.

Star Trek Beyond

Director Justin Lin

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Chris Pine, Idris Elba, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 22nd, 2016

“The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.”

Star Trek Beyond will hit theaters this summer and fans are highly anticipating it's arrival. The film is directed by Justin Lin who previously directed a few of the Fast & Furious films. Star Trek Beyond has a stellar cast including Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba, and Simon Pegg. Check out the trailer below.

Want more? Check out the newly released Trailer #2 below.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie

Director Mandie Fletcher

Genre Comedy

Cast Gwendoline Christie, Rebel Wilson, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley

Rating R

Release Date July 22nd, 2016

“After attracting both media and police attention for accidentally knocking Kate Moss into the River Thames, Edina and Patsy hide out in the south of France.”

“Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!”

Ice Age: Collision Course

Director Mike Thurmeier, Galen T. Chu

Genre Animation | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Jennifer Lopez, Mellisa Rauch, Simon Pegg, Seann William Scott

Rating Unrated

Release Date July 22nd, 2016

“Scrat’s epic pursuit of his elusive acorn catapults him outside of Earth, where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the planet. To save themselves from peril, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd leave their home and embark on a quest full of thrills and spills, highs and lows, laughter and adventure while traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.”

The Ice Age film's have been successful for good reason, they include quality animation and good old fashioned family friendly humor. The newest entry Ice Age: Collision Course will hit theaters this summer, check out the trailer below.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

Director Jake Szymanski

Genre Comedy

Cast Zac Efron, Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza

Rating R

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“Hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.”

Zac Efron is a great comedic actor in my humble opinion, he did well in That Awkward Moment and was hilarious in Neighbors battling it out with Seth Rogen. I am a huge fan of Adam DeVine, specifically his character in the Comedy Central series Workaholics. Granted he goes over the edge with his comedy 95% of the time but the guy is funny. Adam DeVine starred in Pitch Perfect 1 & 2 along with Anna Kendrick and Zac Efron starred in Dirty Grandpa with Aubrey Plaza. T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley) was offered the role of Mike Stangle (Adam Devine's role) but he turned it down to take on the role of Weasel in Deadpool. Considering how much money that movie made and continues to make, I think he made the right decision. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates will be hitting theaters mid-summer and I think it looks like it is going to be absolutely hilarious. Check out the trailer below.

The Secret Life of Pets

Director Chris Renaud, Yarrow Cheney

Genre Animation | Family | Comedy

Cast Jenny Slate, Lake Bell, Ellie Kemper, Kevin Hart

Rating PG

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”

From the director of The Despicable Me 1 & 2, The Secret Life of Pets attempts to shed some light on what exactly our furry friends are up to when we aren't around. Honestly I have given this some thought but I am quite certain that the lazy animals at my house just sleep all day. I really enjoy a well-made animated film with plenty of laughs and The Secret Life of Pets looks like it has plenty of promise. Check out the trailer below.

Captain Fantastic

Director Matt Ross

Genre Drama

Cast Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso

Rating R

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent.”

Captain Fantastic is written and directed by Matt Ross, an accomplished actor most recently known for his role as Gavin Belsen on the HBO's series Silicon Valley. Classified as a drama, the film looks to share certain Wes Anderson qualities but does focus on some serious and very real source material. Starring Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, and Annalise Basso, Captain Fantastic looks to be another big film for the indie film audience in 2016. Check out the trailer below.

Fathers and Daughters

Director Gabriele Muccino

Genre Drama

Cast Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger

Rating R

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“A Pulitzer-winning writer grapples with being a widower and father after a mental breakdown, while, 27 years later, his grown daughter struggles to forge connections of her own.”

Fathers and Daughters is directed by Gabriele Muccino (The Pursuit of Happiness, Seven Pounds), and it stars Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, and Diane Kruger. The script was featured on the 2012 Blacklist; a list of the "most liked" unmade scripts of the year. With a talented cast and a very capable director, I have high expectations for Fathers and Daughters. Check out the trailer below.

Rememory

Director Mark Palansky

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Peter Dinklage, Julia Ormond, Anton Yelchin, Henry Ian Cusick

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 8th, 2017 (Limited)

“The widow of a wise professor stumbles upon one of his inventions that’s able to record and play a person’s memory.”

Co-written and directed by Mark Palansky (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Rememory is unique sci-fi drama about an invention that can record and replay a persons memory. The cast includes Gamer of Throne's Peter Dinklage, Julia Ormond, Anton Yelchin, and Henry Ian Cusick. Check out the newly released official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Film Facts, Rememory:

• During the initial days of filming, Peter Dinklage shot solo scenes with director Mark Palansky and the crew. To unwind from these intense days, they would watch the comedy Step Brothers every night, a movie that Dinklage hadn't yet seen.
• Actor Anton Yelchin tragically passed away in a vehicle accident in 2016, and this is one of the last films he worked on prior to his untimely death.

Ghostbusters

Director Paul Feig

Genre Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi

Cast Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 15th, 2016

“Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.”

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I am a Ghostbusters fanatic or anything like that, but how could you not enjoy the 1984 cult classic? I read that during filming for the original film, Bill Murray would just pass out money to people on the street. I guess that was a smart career move after all! This summer the scientists turned paranormal vigilantes have a new look, actually a new everything for that matter. Check out the trailer below. 

The Infiltrator

Director Brad Furman

Genre Biography | Crime | Drama

Cast Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Amy Ryan

Rating R

Release Date July 13th, 2016

“A U.S. Customs official uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.”

Brad Furman is best known for his 2011 film The Lincoln Lawyer (based on the Michael Connelly novels). His newest film The Infiltrator is based on true events. Once again Fuller will work with John Leguizamo but this time he has Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston in the lead role. The Infiltrator looks to be an intense crime-drama and I can't wait to see it this summer. Check out the trailer below.