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‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Blu-ray Giveaway!
I’m very excited to announce that I have Five (5) Blu-rays of Sonic The Hedgehog up for grabs. The discs, all of which are sealed, also come with the Digital Code and the DVD! Entry details are below!
Liv Ciara And Mikenley Brown Team Up For “Best Battle Round” On ‘The Voice’ With A Super Steal!
Hyperbole is a thing in reality competitions, but what if all that praise is well founded? The Voice: Battle of Champions’ Adam Levine praised the Battle Round performance between Mikenley Brown and Liv Ciara, claiming it was the best Battle he had ever witnessed. Plus, Kelly Clarkson used her Super Steal! All that for a stunning rendition of H.E.R.’s song “Focus.” Check out Brown and Ciara’s performance below!
Read more: Liv Ciara And Mikenley Brown Team Up For “Best Battle Round” On ‘The Voice’ With A Super Steal!
“In my opinion, in the million seasons I’ve been on the show, that’s the best Battle Round I’ve ever heard,” said Adam Levine. “I’m not kidding.”
John Legend complimented Liv Ciara’s “range,” and if he was the coach, he would have picked her over Mikenley Brown. Legend, however, praised Brown’s “sultry” tone. Ultimately Kelly Clarkson chose Brown as the winner, leaving Levine and Legend to press their buzzers in an attempt to save Ciara.
That was all a bait and switch for Clarkson, as she let the boys fight over Ciara for a quick minute before throwing down the Super Steal.
As Legend pointed out, the harmonies created by Ciara and Brown were “silky smooth.” Watching these two distinct and different singers blend together to craft an insanley butterfly rendition of “Focus” was a thing to see. I’ve already watched this performance too many times to count, so maybe Levine wasn’t exaggerating!
Ciara auditioned for The Voice last season and didn’t get a chair turn, and Brown previously made it through to Hollywood on American Idol. It’s great to see both young singers persevere and shine during the performance.
Was this Battle Round performance between Liv Ciara and Mikenley Brown an all-timer? What did you think of Kelly Clarkson’s Super Steal? Feel free to share your thoughts/opinions in the comments! Catch The Voice: Battle of Champions Monday evenings at 9/8c (streaming the next day on Peacock).
Over on the Deepest Dream podcast, I’m interviewing a bunch of this season’s artists. Check out my 1:1 talk with Jaali, Moses G, and Grace Humphries on the latest episode:
Jaali Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions,’ Singing ‘No Air,’ And Upcoming Album
The Voice: Battle of Champions artist Jaali made it through the Blinds with her performance of the Jordin Sparks track “No Air.” Now a member of Team Adam, Jaali takes on Bijou Belle for The Battles. Catch Jaali tonight on The Voice: Battle of Champions at 9/8c (streaming on Peacock tomorrow). During our interview Jaali talked about how she previously auditioned for the program several years ago. No longer cleaning residences as the Singing Cleaner, Jaali is currently a substitute teacher and is also focused on coming out with an album this summer! Check out our full interview below!
Read more: Jaali Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions,’ Singing ‘No Air,’ And Upcoming AlbumAlthough Jaali knew “No Air” inside and out, her anticipation hit a fever pitch 30 seconds before the performance. “I was very nervous. But even before I came through the doors and walked on the stage, I actually was quite calm and I had done my breathing,” said Jaali. “I was in a good head space. But as soon as they, announced that I had 30 seconds, then all the feelings just came. My heart started being fast.”
The good news is that both Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine turned their chair, and Jaali chose Levine as her coach.
Jaali admits her path of pursuing a full time singing career hasn’t changed, but her time on The Voice: Battle of Champions was definitely not for nothing. “I just apprecate The Voice for more exposure,” said Jaali. I sing background and I sing in agency bands. I do my own solo stuff. I am preparing to release my own music, so I really just want this whole process to send my face out and my voice more. I think I was a little bit known before the show and now millions of people have seen me and heard me. That’ll be able to open up doors that maybe would have been still closed before.”
Full interview w/ Jaail:
Jaali interview is also featured on Deepest Dream episode three (along with fellow Grace Humphries and Moses G):
Catch Jaali tonight on The Voice: Battle of Champions 9/8c (streaming next day on Peacock).
Brandon Christensen Talks ‘Bodycam’ Filmmaking And Successful Shudder Relationship
Since 2017, director/writer Brandon Christensen has made six feature films. He co-wrote his latest movie Bodycam, which is now streaming on Shudder, with longtime collaborator brother Ryan Christensen. Plus his passion for visual effects has certainly enhanced his creative process. During the Bodycam interview, the filmmaker reflected on the keys to his prolific output.
Read more: Brandon Christensen Talks ‘Bodycam’ Filmmaking And Successful Shudder Relationship
Bodycam, a found footage horror about two police officers (Jaime M. Callica, Sean Rogerson) who attempt to cover up an unintended killing, took three years to make. In fact, the last time Brandon Christensen was on a movie set, it was directing last year’s release Night of the Reaper back in 2024.
“Part of it is I love being on set so much,” said Christensen. “I’m so blessed to be able to do this as a career . . . and I’m dying to get back there. (My films) are not changing the world or anything, but they are entertaining. I’ve got people who trust me and allow me to do stuff. I think the biggest thing is I’m okay with doing things nitty gritty.”
Along with co-writing, directing, and co-editing the picture, Christensen also did a “ton of vfx” on Bodycam. “What this does is it allows to make these films cheaper – it is easier to raise less money. I’m not waiting for a studio to green light me – I’m kind of greenlighting myself and trusting the process.” Christensen, who added that he is in an “interestingly fortunate position” which includes a 10-year relationship with Shudder.
**listen to CinemAddicts host Bruce Purkey’s Bodycam review:
Let us know your thoughts on Bodycam in the comments. The movie is now streaming on Shudder. Full interview with Christensen:
Moses G. Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions” And Learning “Delicate Balance” of Performing
After his performance of the Rod Stewart hit “Forever Young,” The Voice: Battle of Champions artist Moses G. received a chair turn from Adam Levine. The bond he had with his mother, as she gave him loving encouragement, was also special to see. He talked about both of those faces during the interview, and he elaborated how he learned the imporance of a “delicate balance” during his time on the show. Moses G. takes on fellow Team Adam member Alexia Jayy tonight (NBC 9/8c). Full interview with Moses G. is below!
Read more: Moses G. Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions” And Learning “Delicate Balance” of PerformingMoses G.’s choice of “Forever Young” for The Blinds came from an organic place. “When I learned that song, it was for a gig,” he said. “I don’t know what came over me, but I just started visualizing myself on The Voice during that gig. Every time I sung it after that, theat is how I saw myself. People were coming up to me as well after I sang that song and said ‘Oh my God, you need to be on The Voice.’
The song was also a way for Moses G. to honor his great-grandmother who was a Rod Stewart fan. “She lives on forever though me,” he added. “And she was also a singer.”
Moses G has been performing professionally since he was 15, and he’s provided background vocals for such artists as Tamar Braxton, Michael Bolton, and . . . John Legend!
He is front and center tonight on The Battles with Alexia Jayy, and although he couldn’t get into the specifics of that performance, he talked about the general lesson he learned from the show. “I think I got a great lesson in the delicate balance between following your heart and also managing what expectations are around you for the set space that you’re in,” said Moses G. “The coaches really heped me get in touch with that because I’m a gumbo of a whole bunch of stuff and the way I arrange things – it’s a lot! So I had a really great lesson in editing and being mindful of the massiveness of that sound stage and also still following my instinct.”
Check out Moses G. tonight on The Voice: Battle of Champions (9/8c) and streaming the next day on Peacock!
Moses G interview also featured on Deepest Dream episode three along with fellow artists Jaali and Grace Humphries:
Grace Humphries Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions,’ Songwriting, And Gaining Confidence
At 18 years old Grace Humphries has already carved out an impressive resume. This season, she is part of The Voice: Battle of Champions and she also has several songs out available on digital. During the interview, Humphries talked about her journey on the show and reflected on the meaning behind her song “For Years.” Humphries also discussed her passion for songwriting and gaining confidence thanks to her work on The Voice: Battle of Champions. Full interview is in our post.
Read more: Grace Humphries Talks ‘The Voice: Battle of Champions,’ Songwriting, And Gaining ConfidenceThe interview starts off with a reflection on her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s song “Both Sides Now.” John Legend turned his chair for the performance, and Grace Humphries became part of Team Legend.
“I think the emotion is the hardest part about it,” said Humphries. “It’s like the Mt. Everest of songs. But I love Joni and I love her songwriting and her depth. I just feel so inspired by her and I knew I had to sing it because I just like that’s what I want to go for too someday.”
During her time on The Voice: Battle of Champions, Humphries did not have to travel that road alone.
“I was there with my mom because I was still technically a minor on the show,” said Humphries. “That was really fun being there with my mom. And the friends I made so many lifelong connections and just really sweet, good people. Obviously the experience itself, I grew so much. My confidence, like I, when I go do a gig, I just have so much more confidence now. I don’t really get nervous anymore.”
Grace Humphries and Adi Arora battle it out tonight on The Voice: Battle of Champions (9/8c) and is available the next day on Peacock.
Grace Humphries interview also featured on Deepest Dream episode three along with fellow artists Jaali and Moses G:
Búi Dam Talks ‘Birita’ Directing Journey And Working With Birita Mohr
Director Búi Dam’s debut documentary Birita premired today at the CPH: DOX 2026, and the project centers on Dam’s attempts to have his mother star in a production of Shakespear’s King Lear. Birita Mohr, a retired Faroese actress, has Alzheimer’s, and Dam talked about the challenges of making the documentary. Full interview with Dam is featured below.
Read more: Búi Dam Talks ‘Birita’ Directing Journey And Working With Birita Mohr
Before Birita’s in competition screening at CPH: DOX, the documentary was screened for Búi Dam’s family. “There has been no resistance in the family and they were very happy,” said Dam. (They were) honored to have this film be made of her.”
“I understand the worry,” added Dam. But that’s what this journey was about – it was to see if we could push those boundaries to see if we could change those things . . . we were basically guided by that. If she would have been crying and be unhappy about the process, we would never had done it.”
During the King Lear production, Birita Mohr worked six hours a day. “She’s a woman who is still ful of energy,” said Dam, who added that this documentary also serves as a ‘legacy to her family.’ “She would get tired sometimes, but there was never anger or sadness in the process.”
Along with its world premiere on March 15, Birita is also screening on March 17 and March 18. Go to CPH: DOX for more info.
Full interview:
Cinema And Psychotherapy Collide In Alexis Lloyd’s ‘Group: The Schopenhauer Effect’
Filmmaker Alexis Lloyd is passionate about the art of improvisation. That element is featured in his new feature Group: The Schopenhauer Effect. Playing through March 19th at New York City’s Quad Cinema, the movie centers on eight people who communicate with each other in a therapy session conducted by Dr. Ezra Hertzfeldt (real life psychoanalyst Dr. Elliot Zeisel). Lloyd talked to Deepest Dream about his movie, which is inspired by Irvin Yalom’s novel The Schopenhauer Cure.
Read more: Cinema And Psychotherapy Collide In Alexis Lloyd’s ‘Group: The Schopenhauer Effect’
The ensemble cast for Group: The Schopenhauer Effect includes Thomas Sadoski, Cara Ronzetti, Ezra Barnes, Teresa Avia Lim, Gabriela Kohen, Elisha Lawson, Lucy Walters, and Bernardo Cubria. All these actors were given room to improvise within the narrative, and a huge part of the film’s verite nature centered around the performance of Elliot Zeisel as Dr. Ezra Hertzfeld.
”I wanted to have a real pro doing this as opposed to an actor playing a pro,” said Alexis Lloyd. “You need training for this. It’s like being a professional musician. If you want to play free jazz. It’s gonna be really horrible if you only have done three, three months or six months of playing the trumpet. You really need a lot of technique, craft, and intelligence to do what Dr. Zeisel does. (He improvised) in his own way.”
CinemAddicts hosts Eric Holmes gave Group: The Schopenhauer Effect high marks, adding its one of his favorite films of this year. Check out his review on this week’s episode:
Running at 119 minutes, Group: The Schopenhauer Effect is currently playing at the Quad Cinema before expanding to select cities across North America. The New York dates are aligned with the annual convereance of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).
***Full interview:
Let us know your thoughts of Group: The Schopenhauer Effect in the comments!
Mark Greaney Talks ‘The Hard Line,’ Passion For Research, And Writer’s Block!
Mark Greaney’s new novel The Hard Line is the 15th installment of The Gray Man series, and one would assume something like writer’s block is not a part of his equation. With refereshing candor, Greaney reflects on the challenges of writing a story (it seems he has an annual deadline for his book) while also being grateful for his creatively fulfiling profession. Check out our full interview below!
Read more: Mark Greaney Talks ‘The Hard Line,’ Passion For Research, And Writer’s Block!
“The most interesting question that I get asked when I’m at a book signing, is that people (ask), ‘Do you get writer’s block,'” said Mark Greaney. “I just look at them and want to grab them by the collar and go, ‘I had writer’s block today. It’s probably 80% of the time you’re very unsure or you have no idea, or you just can’t make yourself even read the last paragraph to get started on the new day.”
“That’s not an exaggeration,” added Greaney, who has written 27 books to date. “You’re just like spinning your wheels and just pulling your hair out. Maybe that’s not every author, but that’s me. And then 20% of the time you’re just cooking with jet fuel and it things feel like they’re going really well you live for those moments.”
During the interview, Greaney talks about his extensive travel schedule which mainly serves as deep research for his novels, feeling gratitude for his career, and if there will be more The Gray Man movies.
“It’s probably a long shot that they’re gonna do (a sequel) anytime soon,” said Greaney in reference to the 2022 Netflix movie. “But it may come back to life in another in some other format. I would love to see that too. There were several different scripts written before it actually got filmed, written by different people, by different studios with completely different perspectives. I just see it as my job to keep my nose to the grindstone and write The Gray Man books and write the other books that I writer. If Hollywood does its thing – that’s all the better.”
Full interview with Mark Greaney:
Let us know your thoughts of The Hard Line in the comments!
Ambitious ‘Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead’ Driven By “Core” Family Bond And Tradition
The epic adventure Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead is filled with action and eye catching production design. Even sans a big budget, filmmakers Zoran Lisinacm, Domagoj Mazuran, and Neb Chupin have created an impressive epic. That said, the heart of this movie comes from the filmmakers’ recollections of their youth and bond with their families.
Read more: Ambitious ‘Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead’ Driven By “Core” Family Bond And Tradition
“I wanted to show how I grew up on the island with my grandfather,” said Neb Chupin, who wrote the film with directors Zoran Lisinac and Domagoj Mazuran. “And it’s not only my story both directors also lived on the island. They have their grandfathers, and we wanted to show the core of this story is the relationships within the family members through the generations. This is the core of the film.”
One of the challenges of the epic was the vision of Zoran Lisinac and Domagoj Mazuran’s was always “expanding”, according to Domagoj. It was an intricate balance, as Chupin had to understandably bring a dose of reality and “containment” to the proceedings. “He was implosion, we were explosion” joked Domagoj Mazuran.
Full interview:
Both Eric Holmes and I were impressed by the movie’s overall scope and execution. Check out our Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead review on CinemAddicts Ep. 335:
Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead, starring James Cosmo, Caroline Goodall, and Billy Barratt, is now playing in theaters.
Julia Golden Talks Fulfilling ‘The Voice’ Experience: “It Has Definitely Changed My Life”
Whether it’s songwriting or performing in front of a live audience, Julia Golden is locked in to her music career. Golden advanced past the Blinds of The Voice: Battle of Champions with Kelly Clarkson as her coach. Golden, who performed “Strawberry Wine” during the Blinds, spent over two years traveling the country and performed over 500 shows. That hectic touring schedule obviously took a break with her time on The Voice, and Golden talked to Deepest Dream about that experience.
Read more: Julia Golden Talks Fulfilling ‘The Voice’ Experience: “It Has Definitely Changed My Life”