By David Baldwin

Mark Scout (Adam Scott) works for Lumon Industries. He says he works in an archiving department, but he cannot be certain as he has undergone the “severance” procedure – a controversial surgery that involves a chip being implanted in the brain and separating any knowledge about work and personal lives in half. As he begins to train new employee Helly (Britt Lower), Mark begins to question what is really going on within Lumon Industries at the same time as he starts uncovering a much bigger conspiracy on the outside.

That may sound like a lot to digest, but after two episodes, it gets much easier to wrap your head around the intricacies of SEVERANCE. Both episodes are directed by Series Producer Ben Stiller (yes, I am just as shocked as you are) and boldly blends elements of Horror, Science Fiction, Dark Comedy and Conspiracy Thrillers into one mysterious nightmare that you will not be easily able to shake afterwards. Stiller frames the Series as clinically precise and sterile as he can, echoing the monotonous grind of the 9-to-5 office worker on a much larger scale. There are few brushes of colour, preferring to stay monochromatic in its costuming, lighting and production design. And having the sets be so expansive and high-ceilinged (likely due to Covid restrictions) make the few amount of on-screen characters feel genuinely small and isolated. The dystopic and sinister undertones flow through very well, giving just enough hints at the overarching mystery to keep viewers invested. I doubt the series would feel anywhere near as palpable and tangible had it been filmed prior to our new normal; everything here feels like you are looking into a mirror and the hellscape of our modern lives is looking right back at you.

I would not suggest it captures the Zeitgeist or has its finger on the beating pulse of modern office work, but I was having some serious déjà vu watching many of these scenes and scenarios play out.

The Cast is terrific and genuinely gifted, despite only getting to see fleeting glimpses of their histories and motivations so far. Scott is excellent as Mark, imbuing the greater themes of loneliness and despair quite wonderfully. Lower, who I loved on the short-lived series Man Seeking Woman, is a firecracker just waiting to explode, while character actor Zach Cherry has a lot of fun playing their no-nonsense, straight-and-narrow co-worker Dylan. And though their roles are small so far, I cannot wait to see John Turturro, Patricia Arquette and the legendary Christopher Walken dive into their roles.

I have not quite settled in on any theories about what is happening just yet, and am fearful for how the Series plans on balancing all of its competing tones and genre mashups. For now though, I am optimistic and excited to see just how SEVERANCE plays out over the next few weeks.

The first two episodes of SEVERANCE are available to stream now on Apple TV+, with new episodes arriving every Friday.

Shadow and Bone Season 2 premieres globally March 16, 2023 only on Netflix. Here’s a look at the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

Alina Starkov is on the run. A beacon of hope to some and a suspected traitor to others, she’s determined to bring down the Shadow Fold and save Ravka from ruin. But General Kirigan has returned to finish what he started. Backed by a terrifying new army of seemingly indestructible shadow monsters and fearsome new Grisha recruits, Kirigan is more dangerous than ever. To stand a fighting chance against him, Alina and Mal rally their own powerful new allies and begin a continent-spanning journey to find two mythical creatures that will amplify her powers. Back in Ketterdam, the Crows must forge new alliances as they contend with old rivals and even older grudges that threaten not only their place in the Barrel, but their very lives. When a chance at a deadly heist comes their way, the Crows will once again find themselves on a collision course with the legendary Sun Summoner. Based on Leigh Bardugo’s worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels, SHADOW AND BONE returns for a second season of new friendships, new romance, bigger battles, epic adventures — and a shocking family secret that could shatter everything.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

We proudly present a first look at Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks!

Synopsis:

From Oscar-nominated visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks.

            The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks).  The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.  Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley.

            Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl,” “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath,” “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and Olivia DeJonge (“The Visit,” “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla.  Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion,” “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore,” “Love & Friendship,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli,” “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby,” “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit,” “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release ELVIS June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Netflix have announced the release of STRANGER THINGS Season Four, to arrive this Summer in two installments.

Synopsis:

It’s been six months since the Battle of Starcourt, which brought terror and destruction to Hawkins. Struggling with the aftermath, our group of friends are separated for the first time – and navigating the complexities of high school hasn’t made things any easier. In this most vulnerable time, a new and horrifying supernatural threat surfaces, presenting a gruesome mystery that, if solved, might finally put an end to the horrors of the Upside Down.

Since its release in 2016, the global phenomenon Stranger Things has garnered over 65 award wins and 175 award nominations, including those from the Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, SAG, DGA, PGA, WGA, BAFTA, a Peabody Award, AFI Program of the Year, the People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and many others. The three-time Emmy Award Nominee for Best Drama is one of Netflix’s most-watched titles, with Season 3 amassing 582 Million view hours ranking as the 2nd Most Popular English-language series in the Netflix Top 10, and Season 2 accounting for 427 Million view hours ranking at #10. Stranger Things was created by The Duffer Brothers and is produced by Monkey Massacre Productions & 21 Laps Entertainment. The Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers on the series, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen of 21 Laps Entertainment, and Iain Paterson.

Some Teaser Posters and a letter from the Duffer Brothers:

VOLUME 1 PREMIERES ON MAY 27, 2022
VOLUME 2 PREMIERES ON JULY 1, 2022

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Olivia Rodrigo has announced her new film experience OLIVIA RODRIGO: DRIVING HOME 2 U will arrive March on Disney+!

Synopsis:

“OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u” features 11 songs from “SOUR” performed with brand new arrangements in unique locations, including Mojave Airplane Boneyard, Roy’s Motel & Café, Arcosanti and the Red Rock Canyon State Park. It also includes special guest performances and appearances by GRAMMY^®-nominated artist Jacob Collier, Blu DeTiger and Towa Bird. The filmexplores how “SOUR” came to be through Olivia’s personal stories and behind-the-scenes footage featuring intimate moments showcasing Olivia’s artistry in and out of the studio.

“Thisis a unique film experience where for the first-time fans will understand how her album came to be and why it was such a personal journey for Olivia,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “This is not a concert film per say, but really, an opportunity to experience first-hand how Olivia Rodrigo became one of the biggest music stars of the day – and a chance to see her perform the songs from SOUR like never before.”

“‘driving home 2 u’ is such a unique and fresh approach to a music film, and that’s just what we’ve come to expect from Olivia,” said John Janick, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M and Interscope Films. “It’s an authentic look into her creative process, her incredible drive and who she is as an artist and person. We’re so proud to have co-produced this film with Supper Club and are thrilled that it has found a home on Disney +.”

 OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u arrives on Disney+ March 25, 2022. 

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Lizzo‘s looking for dancers on her tour and her new Reality Series LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS is coming soon to Prime Video!

Synopsis:
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is a new unscripted series following global superstar and icon Lizzo, who is on the hunt for confident, bad-ass women to join the elite ranks of the Big Grrrls and join her world tour. With 10 hopeful women moving into the Big Grrrls House, they must prove they have what it takes to make it to the end and join Lizzo in front of a global audience on the center stage. 

Joining Lizzo to help her in the search for dynamic dancers are legendary choreographers Tanisha Scott and O.G. Big Grrrls Chawnta’ Marie Van, Shirlene Quigley, and Grace Holden, and several special guests, including choreographer Charm La’Donna, body movement expert Rashida KhanBey Miller, and multi-platinum singer/songwriter SZA.

LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS arrives May 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

Chris Pratt stars in upcoming Series THE TERMINAL LIST, which is set to arrive on Prime Video this July with eight episodes.

Synopsis:

Based on the best-selling novel by Jack Carr, The Terminal List follows James Reece (Chris Pratt) after his entire platoon of Navy SEALs is ambushed during a high-stakes covert mission. Reece returns home to his family with conflicting memories of the event and questions about his culpability. However, as new evidence comes to light, Reece discovers dark forces working against him, endangering not only his life, but the lives of those he loves. 

In addition to Pratt, the series stars Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Riley Keough, Arlo Mertz, Jai Courtney, JD Pardo, Patrick Schwarzenegger, LaMonica Garrett, Stephen Bishop, Sean Gunn, Tyner Rushing, Jared Shaw, Christina Vidal, Nick Chinlund, Matthew Rauch, Warren Kole, and Alexis Louder, among others.

A first look:

THE TERMINAL LIST arrives July 1, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

By George Kozera

Episode one of THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL Season Four opens with a shot of Midge in profile seductively-filmed in the shadows of a spotlight on stage, cigarette in hand caressing the microphone, as she riffs on the topic of “revenge”. For everyone awaiting the return of the multiple Emmy Award-winning THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, her brilliantly comedic monologue encapsulates our heroine’s take on how she dealt with the many situations that occurred in the multiple cliffhanger storylines on the final episode in Season Three. Rest assured…there will be NO spoilers in this Review; the joys of watching MRS. MAISEL are the many plot twists and how the lovable characters react and resolve seemingly insurmountable issues with panache, originality and (most importantly) spitfire humour.

We were thrilled to be able to screen the first two episodes of the new season, which can be savoured on Prime Video starting February 18, 2022 where two episodes will be released every Friday for four weeks (sorry, binge-watchers) and it left this correspondent salivating and counting down the days, especially as a delicious opportunity occurs at the end of episode two. What I would like to focus on here is why I think THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL is the best American Sitcom since “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”.

Many skilled Actresses, where Stand-up Comedy is not in their DNA, have failed to believably portray this exceptional talent onscreen. Rachel Brosnahan, in the title role, not only succinctly embodies perfect comedic timing when her character is on stage, she is enchanting to watch as she deals with what life throws at her. Her failed marriage, her eccentric parents, and her even more eccentric manager may fluster Midge, but never overwhelms nor defeats her…while wearing the most stunning wardrobe to be seen on TV since “Sex in the City” and bouquets of roses should be laid on the feet of the show’s Costume Designer Donna Zakowski. Playing Maisel’s manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein) is certinaly no second-stringer, and dominates every scene she’s in to perfection. As Midge’s parents (Abe & Rose Weissman) Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle respectively bring decades of their outstanding work in many situation comedies to outstanding fruition. Though his role as the ex-husband Joel may not be as flashy as the others, Michael Zegen brings style and authenticity and I am enjoying his character’s latest progression.

Amy Sherman-Palladino (the only person in Emmy history to win the Outstanding Writing and Directing awards in the same year) and her husband Danny Palladino write and direct every episode, keeping THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL consistent in tone and context. But their collective work as the show’s Music Supervisors brings the show to life with its use of obscure Broadway songs, traditional Adult Contemporary standards and Rock classics.

For those new to THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (or, like me, binge watch all the previous seasons in anticipation), you have time to devour this delicious show in its entirety before becoming obsessed with whatever lies in store.

BAD BEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES exposes the bizarre scandal behind famed Vegan Restauranteur Sarma Melngailis and her involvement with Shane Fox.

Synopsis:
From Chris Smith, the executive producer of Tiger King and director of Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened, comes BAD VEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES., a wild four-part documentary series that explores how Sarma Melngailis, the celebrity restaurateur behind the glittering New York hotspot Pure Food and Wine, went from being the queen of vegan cuisine to being known as the “Vegan Fugitive.” Shortly after meeting a man named Shane Fox on Twitter in 2011, Melngailis begins draining her restaurant’s funds and funneling the money to Fox after he cons her into believing he could make her dreams — from expanding her food empire to making her beloved pitbull immortal — a reality…but only if she continues to obey his every request without question. A few years later the couple, now married and on the lam after stealing nearly $2 million from the restaurant and its staff, are found holed up in a Tennessee motel by law enforcement. Their undoing? A charge made under Fox’s real name, Anthony Strangis, for a Domino’s pizza. BAD VEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES. takes viewers on a journey more bizarre than fiction.

BAD VEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES arrives on Netflix March 16, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We present the new Teaser Trailer for DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA.

DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.

Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton, and new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West, Jonathan Zaccaï

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)