Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (Only God Forgives), The Neon Demon centers on Jesse (Elle Fanning), a 16-year-old who ventures to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career. Jena Malone is Ruby, a make-up artist who becomes Jesse’s closest friend in the City of Angels, and it’s a union that leads down a nightmarish avenue.
‘Those Left Behind’ Premieres At Dances With Films Festival
Filmgoers in need of a cinematic fix that doesn’t involve big budgeted blockbusters might want to head out to Hollywood this weekend for the Dances with Films Festival. Those Left Behind, headlined by Daphne Zuniga (The Sure Thing, TV’s Melrose Place) and Michael Hogan (TV’s Battlestar Galactica) makes its West Coast premiere Sunday evening at the fest.
Exclusive: Michael David Lynch Talks ‘Victor Walk’ & ‘Dependent’s Day’
Some would call it ingenuity and others may deem it as necessity, but I’m assuming Michael David Lynch has taken from both worlds as a director/producer/editor. Diversity is a plus with indie filmmaking, and Lynch showcases his versatility with his documentary Victor Walk and the romantic comedy Dependent’s Day. Both features are spotlighted on the Dances With Films Festival.
Blu-Ray Pick: ‘Bad Influence’ Packs Punch With Rob Lowe & James Spader Pairing
Thanks to the success of such shows as The Blacklist and Boston Legal, James Spader’s innate charisma can easily travel to fever pitch levels (he was, of course, the voice of Ultron!). But Spader is more of a low key figure in the Los Angeles set thriller Bad Influence, which was recently released on Blu-ray via Shout! Factory. The film also features one of Rob Lowe’s best performances as a violent sociopath.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Sings Its Way To New Heights On Season 11
Fifty-six-year-old TV icon Simon Cowell and his rapier wit (I don’t know if it’s really “rapier,” but I just wanted to use the word) are back stateside with season 11 of America’s Got Talent. Though Howard Stern will be missed, Cowell, who created AGT back in 2006, should bring a different element to the show.
The Bachelorette Ep. 2: JoJo Fletcher Lands A Firefighter, Experiences The Chad
Since JoJo Fletcher had the temerity (or is it the decency?) to give Santa Claus (I refuse to call this bachelor by his real name!) a rose on the first episode of The Bachelorette, it’s safe to assume this season is bound to go sideways sooner than later. But who knew the insanity would start to boil as early as episode two?
Blu-ray Pick: “Susan Slept Here” A Subversive Comedy From Warner Archive
Cinema, at its creative best, offers more than a superficial display of a narrative, and though it can be seen as a bright and bubbly comedy, director Frank Tashlin’s “Susan Slept Here” (97 minutes) is a subtly beguiling (and if you love Debbie Reynolds, bewitching) experience.
The Bachelorette Ep. 1: JoJo Fletcher Impressed With Jordan Rodgers
I’ve seen several seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette in sum, so I’m far from an expert on the reality series. My last time checking in on this universe hosted by Chris Harrison was during Ashley Hebert’s season, so my knowledge of JoJo Fletcher is marginal at best.
The Voice Finals: Three Shots, Few Misses
And here we are. It’s the finals performance night on The Voice and all four vocalists have plenty of chances to help you decide who to vote for (or who not to vote for if they slip up). But as we’ve seen throughout the season, there is some serious talent here and after the performances, you’ll find very few slips. All four competitors brought their A games, which should make Tuesday’s revealing of the winner at least interesting.