Britney Spears has been on all our minds of late, and who knew another Documentary was on the way? Check-out the new Trailer for BRITNEY VS SPEARS!
Synopsis: The world knows Britney Spears: performer, artist, icon. But in the last few years, her name has been publicly tied to another, more mysterious term: conservatorship. Britney vs Spears tells the explosive story of Britney’s life and her public and private search for freedom. Featuring years-long investigative work, exclusive interviews and new documents, this Netflix feature film paints a thorough portrait of the pop star’s trajectory from girl next door to a woman trapped by fame and family and her own legal status. It shows Britney’s life without utilizing the traumatic images that have previously defined her. Director Erin Lee Carr (How To Fix a Drug Scandal, Dirty Money) and journalist Jenny Eliscu work to delve deep into the tangled history of the conservatorship that has been in place for over 13 years. The film weaves a shocking timeline of old and new players, secret rendezvous and Britney’s behind the scenes fight for her own autonomy. Text messages and a voicemail as well as new interviews with key players make clear what Britney herself has attested: the full story has yet to be told. |
BRITNEY VS SPEARS arrives on Netflix September 28, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
We’re in lockdown and there has been no shortage of new releases to occupy our time with. See some of the Films, Series and Movies that we think you might be interested in February!
Lee Daniels (Precious) directs and produces this compelling Montreal-filmed Biopic about legendary Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, based on the Novel Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari. The story follows the FBI, led by Harry Anslinger (Garrett Hedlund), and their pursuit of Holiday (Andra Day) on drug charges in their war against drugs. This was seen as an attack on Holiday in preventing her from performing live one of her signature songs “Strange Fruit” which talks to the Black community being lynched, reflecting the American government in a poor light. The Film makes no mistake about its portrayal of Holiday and her demons, tracing back to her childhood where she was forced into prostitution, to her many failed relationships and also her dependency on drugs. Daniels offers us the sympathy that Holiday got posthumously and the Film’s greatest treat is Day who embodies Holiday‘s spirit whether she is singing or taking us down her troubled path. Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) plays Jimmy Fletcher, America’s first black federal agent tasked with investigating Holiday, but also falling for her and her him. While the Film could have been told a bit more concisely exploring failed romances, ultimately its examination of the Black community being targeted unjustly by the justice system is where it leads us to and sadly something happening in the ’40s still rings true today. THE UNITED STATES vs. BILLIE HOLIDAY arrives on Hulu February 26, 2021 and it is no coincidence it was scheduled around Awards Season.
Lance Oppenheim debuted this first Feature at Sundance 2020 to acclaim and if Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) signing-on to produce this Documentary is any indication, he’s headed to bright places – pardon the pun. This Film is set in a sunny Florida retirement community called The Villages, dubbed a “Disneyland for Retirees”, or as one of its subjects calls it, “a waiting room to heaven”. The community is constructed to help remind its residents of a happier time in their lives and most of them appear happy on the surface, we do meet a few subjects in the Film who take us a layer deeper. We meet a couple dealing with the husband’s drug use, which lands him in legal trouble; and a widow looking for romance; and a man looking for a wealthy older women to take care of him. Oppenheim despite being a young, emerging Filmmaker is able to get his subjects to trust him and open-up a very personal level about some harsher realities these seniors are living through. Perhaps this shiny, happy community isn’t necessarily the nirvana it’s painted out to be. This is a fascinating meditation about life and love at a stage which often isn’t explored in Film. MK2 | MILE END release SOME KIND OF HEAVEN Friday, February 12, 2021 in theatres and on virtual cinema.
Okay, while we admit we’re a bit spoiled by the production values and next-level costumes on the American version of this Series, the UK is now onto Season 2 of the fan favourite Series, calling BBC its home on the other side of the Atlantic. And to be honest, we are enjoying this spinoff! Among the challenges this season the Queens are tasked with, is a mock Musical called RATS – imagine a rodent-filled version of CATS – and while there is a bit of cattiness to be found among the contestants, they admittedly are a little less argumentative on this version of the Series. These Queens are quirky and campy and love some of the Celebrity Guest Judges they’ve brought on this season including Elizabeth Hurley and Graham Norton! New episodes arrives Thursday on Crave.
We initially were on the fence about this Series. I mean what could Selena Gomez teach us about cooking? But after giving this a chance, we actually loved it. Each week we follow this global Pop superstar as she learns under some of America’s top chefs. All this is recorded from her home and during the Pandemic. We share more of our thoughts on this Series here. New episodes arrive Thursdays on Crave with the HBO add-on.
Initially when I saw the Trailer for this I expected it maybe to be a bit safe, but this Vancouver-filmed Series starring Katherine Heigl as TV Personality Tully Hart and Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey, her best friend is actually great and has a bit of grit to it. Tully is the pretty, successful one who has no problem getting male attention, while Kate is recently-separated and looking to get back into the work force. Lacking confidence, Tully helps Kate land a job at work but as the Series progresses, we learn about their past through younger versions of themselves, played well by Ali Skovby (Tully) and Roan Curtis (Kate) . Tully, though she appears to have everything, has a lot of underlying sadness and is holding some deep secrets. And gradually, we see Kate come out of her shell after heartbreak, while dealing with some challenges with her teen daughter. Love the nostalgic throwback Soundtrack and references to the ’80s, which adds to the mood. This is one-part BFF Comedy, one-part Drama (complete with love triangle) about how we are shaped by our pasts. FIREFLY LANE arrives on Netflix Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
Simon Stone (The Daughter) directs this Drama which takes place at the onset of World War II. Edith Perry (Carey Mulligan) is a widow who hires Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate large burial mounds on her property. Much to Basil‘s surprise, he finds what is a ship of national importance. Catching wind of this, an Archaeologist from Cambridge, Charles Phillips (Ken Stott) takes over the dig by order of the government, leaving Edith in a battle to maintain her rights to decide the fate of the find since it is on her property. Her fears are that the find will be placed in the British Museum and with an impending war, it could fall into wrongful hands. While grappling with her declining health, Edith must ensure that Basil gets due credit for his discovery and that the treasure is given its due honour. Stone does a wonderful job drawing us into this story, a slow-burning but engaging look at the process and people involved in preserving and protecting what is now known as the most impressive medieval grave to be discovered in Europe. Carey is superb whether it be asserting Edith or as a mother protecting her son from hurt as she faces her own mortality, and Fiennes is easy to root of in his humble display of Basil. THE DIG streams now on Netflix.
Jude Weng makes her Feature directorial debut here and gets beautiful Hawaii to work with as a backdrop in telling this story of two siblings, Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono), brought from New York City to Oahu by their mother (Kelly Hu) to take care of their grandfather (Branscombe Richmond) who faces the risk of losing the home he built. While the kids resent being there, it isn’t long before they find things to love. Ioane falls for a local girl in Hana (Lindsay Watson), while Pili finds a journal which eludes to there being a valuable treasure hidden within the island’s dangerous caves. Buddy Casper (Owen Vaccaro) joins them on this adventure where they learn themselves just how beautiful Hawaii and its culture are, but most of all, Pili and Ioane learn the importance of family after having felt distant from their mother in their time in New York as she struggles to make ends meet. While the Film veers more to a younger audience, adults might find a bit of nostalgia as the Film feels a bit like a reimagination of The Goonies, further solidified by an appearance from Ke Huy Quan who starred in that classic. FINDING ‘OHANA streams now on Netflix.
TV and Radio Personality Wendy Williams has built a brand as an outspoken girl next door and Lifetime movie WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE documents her rise, struggles and betrayals. Darren Grant (Empire, Soundtrack) directs this chaotic recounting of some of the much-publicized drama Williams has gone through. The Movie doesn’t shy from matters like ex-husband Kevin Hunter (Morocco Omari) secretly having an affair and child with another woman; her battle with drug addiction; that time she collapsed live on air dressed as the Statue of Liberty; and also her difficulty conceiving a child. This is meant to illustrate Williams as someone strong, who has overcome adversity, but the chaotic energy that dominates the Film somehow detracts from this even despite star Ciera Payton‘s best efforts to channel Williams authentically. We were hoping for something that gave us more of Williams’ vulnerability and just how exactly she overcame adversity, but unfortunately we never quite get this as this Movie, which is executive produced by Williams, is more concerned with showing than telling. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t entertaining though! WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE airs on Lifetime. Check here for showtimes.
While the UK already has known about this Series, we’re just getting around to discovering the juiciness that is FLACK. The idea is original in this Anna Paquin-produced series, which also has her int he starring role as Robyn, an American Publicist who relocated to London. We are a part of her world which never has a dull moment as she navigates her famous clients’ lives, cleaning-up their sometimes catastrophic messes. We also meet those around her, including her no-nonsense boss Caroline (the brilliant Sophie Okonedo), her icy best friend and co-worker Eve (Lydia Wilson) and an intern Melody (Rebecca Benson). The Series also explores her relationship with her sister Ruth (Genevieve Anderson) as they both grieve the loss of their mother. Robyn also is dealing with her own vices and we see her power over others and also some of the destruction she causes, all while professionally helping others maintain their images. At only six episodes, we only wish there were more for us to savour. There isn’t one weak link in this Cast, some phenomenal performances take these shocking storylines and make them believable and enthralling. Season One of FLACK is available now on Amazon Prime Video.
Julia Hart co-writers and directs this fantastic flick produced by and starring Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). The ’70s-set story centers on Jean (Brosnahan), a young woman who suddenly becomes a mother and is whisked away from the life she knows, to be on the run after her husband Eddie (Bill Heck) betrays his partners-in-crime. A mysterious man named Cal (Arinzé Kene) takes her away but we realize that those in search of her husband, also are in pursuit of her. Much of the Film’s first two acts are suspenseful and engrossing, with the final act taking a different turn as some long-burning questions are uncovered and Jean begins to find her own voice. Clocking-in at over two hours, I’M YOUR WOMAN takes us on a dangerous and dark ride and we’re glad we were aboard. Brosnahan as always is superb and luckily we can enjoy this at home at Amazon Prime Video now!
This Documentary answers at long last why Britney Spears still is stuck in a Conservatorship with her father Jamie controlling her finances still, despite being long over her meltdown. The New York Times explore in great detail the lead-up to Spears‘ need to have her father take control over her affairs, tracing the beginning of her celebrity up to her troubled past where she almost lost it all. She has been very cryptic on the matter with puzzling Social Media posts which read like a cry for help. In spite of this, we see her informed fans step-up with the #FreeBritney movement, demanding the Pop icon be able to decide her own fate, turning her finances over to Bessemer Trust according to Spears‘ wishes. And she refuses to work rightfully until the matter is resolved. The Film by Samantha Stark interviews subjects who were close to her and those who adore her, piecing together possibly how Spears might feel despite her not formally being involved with the project. This is a must-watch for fans of Spears and Pop Culture, giving us a layer of depth in a matter which has been trivialized far too often.
Some of our recent reviews including THE LITTLE THINGS, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, PALMER, JIU JITSU, PENGUIN BLOOM, MALCOLM & MARIE, THE WHITE TIGER, WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS and more here.
Coming later this month on Netflix is the highly-intriguing CRIME SCENE: THE VANISHING AT THE CECIL HOTEL which explores the Los Angeles Hotel’s history of horror, including the death of a Vancouver woman. We’re shaking.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Hulu/Crave)
Our 2000s dream come true! BRITNEY SPEARS and BACKSTREET BOYS TOGETHER ONE ONE TRACK!!
Check-out new Single MATCHES!
The Track is available on the Re-Issue of Spears‘ 2016 album GLORY, available now.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment)
Finally! Some new music from Brit-Brit! The Pop Queen pairs with G-Eazy for a collabo Make Me, released just last night. Burns produces the long-awaited Track which possesses a sense of mystery and danger, aligning with its desert cover art, cooled with its understated vocals and warm harmonies.
We really didn’t have high hopes after the dismal Britney Jean disc, but this is a step in the right direction. More, please.
Listen:
Make Me (ft. G-Eazy) is now on iTunes.
(Photo/video credit Sony Music Entertainment)
I have ALWAYS loved Christina Aguilera, but this is just amazing! In addition to treating some incredibly-lucky Fans at Starbucks Rockefeller Centre to free Coffees, Selfies and Autographs last week, she’s promoting her return to NBC‘s The Voice with a bang. Aguilera just appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Jimmy Fallon and always out to get us clicking “share”, Fallon had Aguilera play WHEEL OF MUSICAL IMPRESSIONS. You’ll never guess who she had to imitate!!
Just watch:
That was epic! I wonder what Britney is thinking…. Although they totally are Friends. She wouldn’t mind… right? RIGHT??
Aguilera is working with Pharrell on her eighth Album and comes fresh off a Grammy Win for her Collabo with A Great Big World on Say Something.
(Photo/video credit: NBC)
Kylie Minogue, just how we love her! Two Dance-Pop legends, Giorgio Moroder (Donna Summer, Blondie) + Kylie team together on new Single Right Here, Right Now. Although this sexy Disco isn’t unlike anything we’ve heard before, we do love hearing Kylie connected truly with the Music – the difference between this and some of her more recent work which I’ll be the first to admit hasn’t been on-the-mark, being a true Kylie Fan. She sounds completely at-home and true sign of how a fantastic Producer is capable of bringing out one’s absolute best. Do you believe that Moroder is 74 years old and he will be celebrating this with his new Disc 72 is the New 24, out later this year? The Disc features also Collaborations with Sia, Charli XCX and Britney Spears. We can’t wait!
Listen to the Track below:
Purchase Right Here, Right Now on iTunes here.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)
58 Categories, many, many Winners! The 40th annual People’s Choice Awards were held tonight at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and walking away the night’s big Winner was America’s Sweetheart Sandra Bullock, taking home four Awards as decided by the General Public. The Actress had a super year at the Box Office with two major Hits Gravity and The Heat, both which won Favorite Dramatic Movie and Favourite Comedic Movie respectively. The former earned Bullock a People’s Choice Award in the Category of Favorite Movie Duo along with her Co-Star George Clooney, in addition to wins for Favorite Actress, Favorite Dramatic Actress and Favorite Comedic Actress.
2 Broke Girls Stars Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings hosted the Evening, which saw performances from the likes of Brad Paisley, One Republic and Sara Bareilles and although the two Actresses were nominated for Favourite TV Gal Pals, they lost-out to Rachel & Santana (Lea Michele and Naya Rivera) from Glee.
Toronto was well-represented with Kristin Kreuk winning Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress for her work in Beauty and the Beast. Meanwhile, the Series which is filmed in the City and also Toronto-filmed Reign won Favorite New TV Drama.
Winners tonight were as follows:
Favorite Streaming Series
Orange Is the New Black
Favorite Cable TV Drama
The Walking Dead
Favorite TV Gal Pals
Rachel & Santana (Glee)
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor
Ian Somerhalder
Favorite Movie Actress
Sandra Bullock
Favorite Comedic Movie Actress
Sandra Bullock
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress
Sandra Bullock
Favorite Album
The 20/20 Experience (Justin Timberlake)
Favorite Male Artist
Justin Timberlake
Favorite R&B Artist
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Daytime TV Host(s)
Ellen DeGeneres
Favorite New Talk Show Host
Queen Latifah
Favorite Comedic Movie Actor
Adam Sandler
Favorite Dramatic TV Actor
Josh Charles
Favorite Competition TV Show
The Voice
Favorite Network TV Drama
The Good Wife
Favorite Comedic Movie
The Heat
Favorite Cable TV Actress
Lucy Hale
Favorite On-Screen Chemistry
Damon & Elena (The Vampire Diaries)
Favorite Pop Artist
Britney Spears
Favorite Comedic TV Actress
Kaley Cuoco
Favorite Comedic TV Actor
Chris Colfer
Favorite Action Movie
Iron Man 3
Favorite Action Movie Star
Robert Downey Jr.
Favorite Actress in a New TV Series
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Favorite Movie
Iron Man 3
Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host
Stephen Colbert
Favorite Movie Actor
Johnny Depp
Favorite Movie Duo
Sandra Bullock & George Clooney (Gravity)
Favorite Dramatic Movie
Gravity
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio
Favorite Family Movie
Despicable Me 2
Favorite Horror Movie
Carrie
Favorite Thriller Movie
Now You See Me
Favorite Network TV Comedy
The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Dramatic TV Actress
Stana Katic
Favorite Actor in a New TV Series
Joseph Morgan
Favorite TV Crime Drama
Castle
Favorite Cable TV Comedy
Psych
Favorite Premium Cable TV Show
Homeland
Favorite TV Anti-Hero
Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead)
Favorite TV Bromance
Sam, Dean & Castiel (Supernatural)
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show
Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress
Kristin Kreuk
Favorite TV Movie/Miniseries
American Horror Story
Favorite Series We Miss Most
Breaking Bad
Favorite New TV Comedy
Super Fun Night
Favorite New TV Drama
Reign
Favorite Female Artist
Demi Lovato
Favorite Breakout Artist
Ariana Grande
Favorite Country Artist
Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Music Icon
Tim McGraw
Favorite Hip-Hop Artist
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Favorite Band
One Direction
Favorite Alternative Band
Fall Out Boy
Favorite Song
Roar (Katy Perry)
Favorite Music Video
Roar (Katy Perry)
Favorite Music Fan Following
Lovatics
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
With its release only a week away, Britney Spears’ eighth Studio Disc BRITNEY JEAN promises to be the Pop Icon’s most personal Album to date. With a total ten Tracks, boasting Collaborations with the likes of will.i.am (The Black Eyed Peas), Sebastian Ingrossi (Swedish House Mafia), Sia, Katy Perry and Toronto’s Richard Vission, the Disc ventures emotionally into darker territory. Its sound ventures deeper into Electronica/House, with Spears continuously taking risks to stay ahead of the curve.
After piquing our interest with first Single Work Bitch, Followup Perfume was a bit of a Headscratcher, I admit. Don’t let that deter you though, It Should Be Easy (ft. will.i.am), Tik Tik Boom (ft. T.I.) and Body Ache positively are hot. Longtime Fans of Spears will miss some of her infectious melodies here with focus placed on Mood, Rhythm and Production. Passenger gives us the slightest semblance of Classic Spears, saved late on the Disc. After much hype, we hear her Collaboration with her younger Sister, Chillin’ With You (ft. Jamie Lynn Spears) which oddly is a hybrid mid-tempo Ballad-meets-Bangerz. Although certainly no Blackout or In the Zone, which in my opinion are Spears at her best, there are a few moments here strong enough to satiate us Fans.
Pre-order and stream BRITNEY JEAN in full here.
Official Artwork:
Sony Music Canada releases BRITNEY JEAN on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.
(Photo credit: Sony Music)
So pretty much most of us were caught off guard by Britney Spears‘ decision to release a Ballad as her Second Single from upcoming Disc, BRITNEY JEAN, following the lukewarm reception to first Single, WORK BITCH.
For the first time in quite a while, we hear Spears actually quite vulnerable and insecure, often portraying a Femme Fatale-esque image in her Music. Here she sings about feeling insecure with the presence of a certain Third Person. She sings, “I put on my Perfume/I want it all over you/I’m gonna mark my territory.”. Having just launched her 13th Fragrance, the Track would appear to be more than perfectly-timed.
Official Artwork:
Pre-order BRITNEY JEAN here and get an early Download of PERFUME!
Sony Music Canada releases BRITNEY JEAN on Tuesday, November 26, 2013.
(Photo credit: Sony Music)
Reuniting her with Director Ben Mor, whom she collaborated with on recent Hit Scream & Shout, Pop Princess Britney Spears is ready for her close-up again with the release of her highly-anticipated new Video for Single, Work Bitch.
The Video, which premiered earlier this evening on the CW Network in the U.S., has Spears looking the best she has appeared in quite some time. No stranger to the provocative, Spears is seen dancing seductively in the desert (Spice Girls’ Say You’ll Be There, anyone??) , disciplining her Female Dancers with a whip and gyrating before the headlights of a Convertible.
This certainly is the transitioning to a mature and dangerous Britney, no longer depending on girlish charm, sommersaults and high-impact Choreography to stun her Fans.
See the Video for Work Bitch below:
Spears’ forthcoming as-yet-untitled eighth Studio Disc is set for a December 3, 2013 release via Sony Music Canada.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)
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