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Austin Mahone To Unleash His “Secret” And Readies for Summer Tour

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Austin Mahone

Austin Mahone is riding a pretty impressive wave of momentum, as he embarks on a summer tour in support of his debut release “The Secret,” which comes out May 27. This big news comes on the heels of celebrating his 18th birthday on April 4, so these are pretty heady times for the up and coming artist.

The MTV Presents Austin Mahone tour begins July 25 at his San Antonio, Texas hometown (Freeman Coliseum), with Mahone scheduled to remain on the road until a September 9 stop in Cleveland, OH. Joining him on the tour are The Vamps, Fifth Harmony (they were formed, and flourished, on “The X Factor”), Shawn Mendes, and Alex Angelo. Tickets go on sale April 11, and concertgoers who purchase their tickets online will receive one download code for “The Secret.”

One of Mahone’s biggest strengths rests on his social media savvy, as he’s cultivated a growing audience (they’re called “Mahomies”) thanks to his YouTube channel, which currently has over 155 million views and over a million subscribers. His recent collaboration with Pitbull for the single “Mmm Yeah” is also part of the artist’s growing buzz, and even more dates for his 26 city, North American tour will be announced down the road. As for now, here are the initial dates:

7/25 – Freeman Coliseum San Antonio, TX
7/26 – NRG Arena (formerly Reliant Arena) Houston, TX
7/27 – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie Grand Prairie, TX
7/29 – Comerica Theatre Phoenix, AZ
7/30 – Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Los Angeles, CA
7/31 – The Joint @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
8/02 – Event Ctr. at San Jose State Univ. San Jose, CA
8/04 – Marymoor Park Amphitheatre Redmond, WA
8/06 – Maverik Center West Valley City, UT
8/07 – 1st Bank Center Broomfield, CO
8/09 – Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
8/10 – U.S. Bank Theatre at Target Center Minneapolis, MN
8/13 – T.D. Echo Beach Toronto, ON
8/16 – Verizon Wireless Arena Manchester, NH
8/19 – Pier Six Pavilion Baltimore, MD
8/20 – Izod Center E. Rutherford, NJ
8/21 – The Mann Philadelphia, PA
8/26 – Stage AE Outdoors Pittsburgh, PA
8/27 – U.S. Bank Arena Cincinnati, OH
8/29 – White Oak Amphitheatre Greensboro, NC
8/30 – Family Circle Stadium Charleston, SC
8/31 – Charter Amphitheatre Simpsonville, SC
9/02 – Boutwell Auditorium Birmingham, AL
9/05 – The Fabulous Fox Theatre St. Louis MO
9/06 – The Woods at Fontanel Whites Creek, TN
9/09 – Wolstein Center Cleveland, OH

The Justin Bieber comparisons regarding Austin Mahone are inevitable, but after catching the firs two episodes of his online documentary #TourLife, I’m actually pulling for the guy. Besides, any person who sings for their mom during their concerts deserves a bit of love (Mahone does his tribute starting at 4:28 in the clip below).

For more ticketing and tour date info, go to www.austinmahone.com.

 

Arian Foster Recounts Own Undrafted ‘Draft Day’ Experience

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Football fans know Arian Foster as one of the most dynamic running backs of the game and a cornerstone of the Houston Texans. Although the squad had a disappointing season, a number one draft pick (hopefully it’s defensive end Jadeveon Clowney) along with continued success from Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson should turn things around.

Foster is also delving into a new chapter in his career playbook, as he plays an athlete waiting to make it to the NFL in the Kevin Costner film “Draft Day.” During a recent press conference, Foster explained why “Any Given Sunday,” a feature which starred Jamie Foxx as talented (and temperamental) quarterback Willie Beamen, is a football film he enjoys.

“Any Given Sunday to me was a very good movie,” said Foster. “It has some stereotypical parts to it but the relationships within the movie are what brings out its essence. The coaches and players relationship and how you butt heads and the players’ dynamic wherein guys really get into fights. That’s real. It’s a very emotional sport. Guys’ jobs are on the line day in and day out. I think the authenticity and the genuine parts of the (story) make it a real movie.”

 

Arian Foster & Terry Crews (Summit Entertainment, Photo: Dale Robinette)

He may be one of this generation’s NFL greats, but Foster’s went undrafted in 2009. Ironically, the Texans drafted running back Ben Tate in the second round the following year, and Tate has now signed with the Cleveland Browns, the actual team that’s represented in “Draft Day.”

Foster also recounted his own draft day experience and explains why working on the film helped put the NFL Draft Day in perspective. “It was very surreal for me because when you get into character, and you have Terry Crews as your father, and he does an awesome job,” adds Foster. “All those emotions from that day that I never had that I wanted to have came out on that day. That’s what made it so special for me.”

Click on the audio to hear the actor talk about being undrafted in 2009:

“Draft Day,” directed by Ivan Reitman (“No Strings Attached,” “Stripes”) and co-starring Jennifer Garner and Terry Crews, opens April 11.

Singer Zee Avi Turns On “Nightlight” With Family Album

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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After releasing her self titled debut in 2009 and “Ghostbird” two years later, Zee Avi has finished her first family music album. Titled “Nightlight,” the collection of songs were recorded at the Little Monster Studiosstudios in Woodstock, New York. “Nightlight,” which continues to showcase Avi’s smooth and rich vocal abilities, comes out April 22.

Avi, who released her albums under Jack Johnson’s Brushfire label, is a Malaysian-American singer/songwriter who’s adept at playing ukulele and guitar. Tracks on “Nightlight” include covers of such popular songs as “Dream a Little Dream” (Louis Armstrong), “The Circle Game” (Joni Mitchell), and “Don’t Worry Be Happy” (Bobby McFerrin). To preview several of the songs from “Nightlight,” go to the singer’s official website zeeavi.com.

“There’s a lot of soul and great musical nourishment here,” said producer Kevin Salem, who also oversees Little Monster Records.

NightlightTo promote her new album, Avi will also take part at the KindieComm industry showcase, which takes place June 28th in Philadelphia. Whether it’s family oriented tracks or pop inspired tunes (or both), the good news is that Avi is putting out new music. It’s a melodious and relaxing voice that’s perfect for a rainy day listen or to tune out a day’s worth of stress.

Here’s a video of “Concrete Wall,” a track that’s featured on her 2011 effort “Ghostbird” (my favorite from that album is the subtle yet resonant tune “Stay in the Clouds”).

James Gandolfini In Criminal Form With ‘The Drop’ Trailer

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Fox Searchlight, CR: Barry Wetcher)

“The Drop” is a crime drama that’s blessed with a Grade A pedigree. The screenplay was penned by “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone” scribe Dennis Lehane, who based his script on his short story “Animal Rescue.” The film’s director, Michaël R. Rosmak, gained his share of acclaim for the 2011 film “Bullhead.” Coming out September 19th, this Brooklyn set drama stars late actor James Gandolfini, Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and “Bullhead” actor Matthias Schoenaerts.

Hardy, who will also be seen in the April release “Locke,” plays Bob Saginowski, a sad sack bartender who aids local criminals with their various money drops. His boss and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini) was once a feared man in the underworld (at least that’s what he says), and after a robbery compromises their livelihood, Marv dips his feet into shady waters once again.

Gandolfini, best known as a conflicted mob boss on “The Sopranos,” excelled at playing criminals who long for their past glories. He recently inhabited such a role in “Killing Them Softly,” starring as an assassin named Mickey who, after being paid on a corrupt company’s dime, boozes his way to oblivion and fails to get the job done.

“The Drop” trailer portrays Marv as a guy who’s tired of being pushed around, and like Mickey, may is too nostalgic for his own good. Unlike Mickey, Marv is ready for a little action. Since I haven’t read Lehane’s short story, I have no idea how this all plays out.

With talented, top of the line talent, “The Drop” is one of my must see films this year. Seeing Hardy, who critics often liken to a modern day Marlon Brando, mixing it up with Gandolfini is one of the many reasons why “The Drop” should deliver the goods.

Check out the trailer below:

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight, Barry Wetcher

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Scarlett Johansson on Black Widow’s ‘Winter Soldier’ Transformation

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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One of the many reasons why I will, as comics icon Stan Lee suggested years ago, always “make mine Marvel” is that amidst all the action and larger than life superhero conflicts lies a murderer’s row of dysfunctional individuals.

Such is the case for Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). Although we already know that Black Widow contains the fighting acumen of Captain America and the ability to simply get the job done like Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), who in the heck is Natasha Romanoff?

Those questions may be answered with “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

“Well, other than being in physical therapy for the rest of my life, I think this is the first time that we’ve really gotten to see kind of Natasha,” said Johansson, whose ‘physical therapy’ remark elicited laughter at the press conference. “We saw a little bit of her in ‘Avengers’ and we saw a bit of her back story, but – we’ll see more of that in ‘Avengers II,’ but in this film, we really get to see Natasha as a person who gets up, gets ready for work in the morning, has a life outside of just her job once she’s out of the suit.”

To hear Scarlett Johansson talk about the evolution of Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” click on the audio below:

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” opens April 4.

‘Mario Kart 8’ Races Around With New Tracks & Metal Mario

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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“Mario Kart 8” makes its Wii U debut on May 8 via stores and in the Nintendo eShop, and the highly anticipated racer will feature original track designs which accentuate the title’s new anti-gravity feature. With this addition, games can race upside down or speed through vertical environments.

Nintendo released info on the new “Mario Kart 8” features. Here’s a few of the additions that come with the game:

  • Spin Boost – When bumping into other players and obstacles, your vehicle will get a bit of a speed jolt.

  • The Return of Mario Characters – Shy Guy, Metal Mario, and Lakitu return to the Mario universe. Plus gamers will finally be able to play Bowser’s Koopalings for the very first time.

  • New Items – The Piranha Plant, which is pictured on this post’s featured image, is placed on the front of a player’s kart and will take a bite out of other characters. The Boomerang Flower can be tossed three times, enabling players to strike their opponent several times.

  • New Tracks – The game comes with 16 new courses and 16 remixed courses (which include Moo Moo Meadows from “Mario Kart Wii” and Toad’s Turnpike from “Mario Kart 64”).

  • Live Recorded Music – This is a first in “Mario Kart” history, as select tracks will feature music from live performers.

  • Control Mechanics – With “Mario Kart 8,” the game will support the Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, the Wii Wheel, the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk (oh how I love the Nunchuk!). The title can also be played through off-TV mode by using the Wii U GamePad, a function which should really be loved by tablet/app gamers.

My gaming hours are usually spent on titles on my Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and since I am an app reviewer for Arcade Sushi, I also wile away the evenings on my iPad. The Nintendo Wii U is a great console, and I’m really looking forward to playing the off-TV mode via the GamePad.

Mario Kart is one of Nintendo’s go-to franchises, and down the road I’ll be covering more console news on this site. If you have any thoughts on the Nintendo Wii U console or the impending release of “Mario Kart 8,” feel comment below!

Here’s the New Courses and Items trailer:

‘Heaven is for Real’ Trailer Shoots From The Hip, Aims For The Heart

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Randall Wallace, the screenwriter behind “Braveheart” and the director behind the epics “The Man in the Iron Mask,” “We Were Soldiers,” and “Secretariat,” has painted on a wide narrative canvas throughout his career. Most of Wallace’s protagonists had an expansive (or at the least, determined) vision of how to achieve their seemingly insurmountable goals. Even with their hard earned victories, these heroes are understandably tied to the binds and unconditional love of family and country.

It’s Wallace’s unabashed humanity and sentiment which has me interested in “Heaven is For Real,” a movie based on a nonfiction book penned by Todd Burpo. Played in the movie by “Rake” actor Greg Kinnear, Burpo is initially skeptical about his 4-year-old son’s (Connor Corum) claim that he actually visited heaven during his near death experience. The child also claims he’s seen his great grandfather, the sister that was never born, and the pearly gates itself.

 

Connor Corum & Randall Wallace (TriStar Pictures, CR: Allen Fraser)

The film, which comes out April 16, undeniably has a Christian bent and with Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reach such a spiritual film. Though I’m a practicing Catholic, my main interest behind “Heaven is for Real” lies in Wallace’s storytelling. The filmmaker, who’s also a novelist, is extremely picky over which projects he directs, so hopefully his magic touch isn’t lost on “Heaven is for Real.”

Whether one is secular or lives a faith filled existence, movies are movies. I just want “Heaven is for Real” to grab my attention and, when no one is looking, get me a bit misty eyed. Check out the trailer, and feel free to post your comments below!

‘Siege Online’ Opens MMORPG Kingdom for English Speaking Gamers

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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SiegeOnlineTitle

Mousee Games has launched an English language version of their massive multiplayer online role-playing game title “Siege Online,” an adventure which enables gamers to traverse and fight in a war ravaged medieval universe. Although laying siege to kingdoms is not exactly my skill set, the title’s free to play dynamic is intriguing, and my interests are still peaked after scanning the RPG’s official site (www.siege-online.com).

Siege Online (Mousee Games)
Siege Online (Mousee Games)

“Siege Online is the perfect game for people who love the depth of a full-featured and complex online RPG, but also want a strategic combat system instead of pure action,” said Mousee Games president Irina Kudosova. “Siege Online reflects the kind of innovation you will only see from the small, independent developers, and we’re pleased to have helped bring it to English-speaking gamers.”

As players engage in combat, preparation, and not fast twitching skills are a big part of your success. Players can craft weapons, trade goods, mine, hunt, gather herbs and, of course, go to war against rival guilds. Over 100 buildings are available as players create their own castles. Military units are also in varied supply, as over 40 different regimens are available for action.

Mousee Games
Mousee Games

I also pull for independent developers, as creating a labor of love in a crowded market dominated by the big boys is always a swimming upstream kind of thing. Plus, the logo for Mousee Games, which features a cat cradling a mouse, is a very cute image that, while it will never happen in anyone’s lifetime, is a beautiful thought.

 If you’ve already played “Siege Online” or are going to give the game a whirl, I’d love to hear what you think of the game, so always feel free to comment below and share your thoughts!

The trailer is also pretty spot on, and if I really go deep into this game, I’d love to see if those crawling, mechanized spider machines (seen at 1:36 of the clip) are a cheap purchase at your local marketplace (probably not). Check out the Siege Online clip is below:

‘The Voice’ Q&A: Kaleigh Glanton on Team Blake Lessons & Crossfit Dreams

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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During “The Voice’s” Blind Rounds, Kaleigh Glanton received a four chair turn for her version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You You Ever Seen The Rain.” It was an inspired performance, as Glanton proved she could take a well known track and through her own vocal stylings, make it her own.

During our brief chat, the Wichita, Kansas native talked about having Blake Shelton as her coach and having the unconditional support of her friends and family. She also expressed her dreams of one day opening up her own Crossfit gym! To follow Kaleigh Glanton on Twitter, go to @KaleighGlanton.

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What have you learned with your experience with Blake Shelton?

I was expecting to be super star struck and nervous, but when I got into the room with him, I kind of forgot how famous he was.  I don’t know if I’d call him a father figure, but more like a buddy. He’s just super welcoming and humble and a huge inspiration for me and who I want to be as an artist. All the advice he gives to us, I take it very seriously.

We have a lot in common. I don’t think that he necessarily knows the whole theory side behind music. I don’t either. I just sing and I don’t really know what I’m doing. I just know that I can do it. You don’t have to know the reasons why you put notes here and there, you don’t have to know that. It’s very nice to know that he’s the same way and he’s made it so far and I have the potential to make it that far too. Just to have that in common is good for me with my confidence. Having Blake as a coach, he’s really built my confidence up tremendously. He’s just a huge inspiration for me – not just as a musician but as a person in general.

So I checked out your Twitter page and you’re a crossfit and longboarding enthusiast?

(laughs) I literally bought my first longboard yesterday. So trust me, it’s going to be important here in the next few days. Crossfit is almost half of my life. It has been for about a year and a half. I do it every day. All of my friends have been coming over every day after work and doing a workout with me. One of my dreams is to open up a Crossfit gym in the future. Not for money, but to help people lead a healthier life. That’s just one of my passions. So yeah (with) Crossfit, I couldn’t go back to normal working out ever again. It’s almost as important to me as music.

 

Kaleigh Glanton (NBC, CR: Tyler Golden)

How important has your friends and family been through this experience?

Oh goodness, they have been so amazing. They’ve been so supportive and a lot of them have been going to my shows. My friends, ever since this has happened, I was worried that they would maybe start treating me differently. But they’ve been the type of friends that they know I go most days talking about “The Voice” and stuff like that. By the time the evening comes, I just want to relax and just be Kaleigh and have a good time. I can’t ask for better friends and family. They’re my #1 supporters and I love them all so much. They keep me sane, that’s for sure.

Another installment of “The Voice” airs tonight on NBC (8 pm et/pt).

“The Monuments Men” Are Ready for a May Blu-Ray Release

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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“The Monuments Men,” George Clooney’s WWII set directing feature, comes out on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital on May 20. The feature, based on the non-fiction book penned by Robert M. Edsel with Brett Witter, centers on the people who risked their lives to save thousands of art and treasures that were stolen by the Nazis. The all-star cast includes Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Bob Balaban.

Two featurettes are exclusive to the Blu-ray release. “George Clooney’s Mission” features interviews with the main actors involved for the project, and “Marshaling the Cast” has the cast talking about the real men and women who inspired the story.

“In Their Own Words” contains an interview with Harry Ettlinger, one of the surviving members of the group, and “A Woman Amongst the Monuments Men” has Cate Blanchett talking about the character she played in the project. Both featurettes are available on the Blu-ray and DVD versions.

Here’s the official boilerplate for the film:

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, THE MONUMENTS MEN focuses on an unlikely World War II platoon, whose job it was to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves so they could be returned to their rightful owners.  In a seemingly impossible mission, the Monuments Men, as they were called, find themselves risking their lives in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1,000 years of culture.

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