There’s a trap inherent to making a musical biopic. On the one hand, there’s something undeniably thrilling and crowd-pleasing about seeing a cultural icon like Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, or Elvis Presley come alive on the screen. On the other hand, when audiences buy a ticket to see a movie about a famous musician, they expect to hear their songs. More importantly, they expect to hear their voices.
Music history is filled with artists whose vocal qualities have become iconic in their own right, immediately distinctive and filled with incredible personality. Think of Mercury’s bombastic, four-octave vocal range that very few people on the planet are capable of replicating. Or Houston’s soulful, gospel-inspired technique, or Presley’s often-parodied stuttering Southern drawl. It’s not only difficult for an actor cast as these artists to live up to their singing — sometimes, it’s quite literally impossible.
For...
Music history is filled with artists whose vocal qualities have become iconic in their own right, immediately distinctive and filled with incredible personality. Think of Mercury’s bombastic, four-octave vocal range that very few people on the planet are capable of replicating. Or Houston’s soulful, gospel-inspired technique, or Presley’s often-parodied stuttering Southern drawl. It’s not only difficult for an actor cast as these artists to live up to their singing — sometimes, it’s quite literally impossible.
For...
- 4/12/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury has renewed Game Show Network’s People Puzzler, hosted by Leah Remini, for a second season in national broadcast syndication.
The pop culture game show is set to return this fall with renewals on Fox Television Stations, Sinclair, CBS, Nexstar, Gray and Scripps stations, which cover more than 90% of the U.S. The renewals follow People Puzzler recently hitting a high of more than 900,000 viewers, up 42% from its syndication debut in September. People Puzzler also is one of Game Show Network’s top-rated original series.
“The healthy ratings growth we’ve seen from People Puzzler in its first months in syndication has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Stations are hungry for proven performers and we are excited to be able to bring this winning game show back to the market next season.”
Based on the iconic crossword puzzles in People,...
The pop culture game show is set to return this fall with renewals on Fox Television Stations, Sinclair, CBS, Nexstar, Gray and Scripps stations, which cover more than 90% of the U.S. The renewals follow People Puzzler recently hitting a high of more than 900,000 viewers, up 42% from its syndication debut in September. People Puzzler also is one of Game Show Network’s top-rated original series.
“The healthy ratings growth we’ve seen from People Puzzler in its first months in syndication has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Stations are hungry for proven performers and we are excited to be able to bring this winning game show back to the market next season.”
Based on the iconic crossword puzzles in People,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Many mysteries remain unanswered in the world of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece. One such mystery that has stuck around ever since the start of the franchise is what are the true powers and intentions of The Five Elders who control the world government.
Amongst many of their motives, a theory put forward by this user on Reddit reveals how The Five Elders (or the Gorosei) are purposefully spreading diseases around the world. The user has managed to somehow link the group of these five elders to Hindu Mythology, and it surprisingly makes sense.
The Five Elders of the World Government | One Piece How The Five Elders In One Piece Are Linked To Hindu Mythology
There is no doubt that Eiichiro Oda, the author of the series has often opted to take inspiration from different mythologies around the globe. Some of these include the Luffy Gear 5 Bajrang Gun attack which...
Amongst many of their motives, a theory put forward by this user on Reddit reveals how The Five Elders (or the Gorosei) are purposefully spreading diseases around the world. The user has managed to somehow link the group of these five elders to Hindu Mythology, and it surprisingly makes sense.
The Five Elders of the World Government | One Piece How The Five Elders In One Piece Are Linked To Hindu Mythology
There is no doubt that Eiichiro Oda, the author of the series has often opted to take inspiration from different mythologies around the globe. Some of these include the Luffy Gear 5 Bajrang Gun attack which...
- 3/16/2024
- by Aaditya Chugh
- FandomWire
Queen fans will get the chance to witness a concert from the band’s heyday on the big screen thanks to the upcoming release of Queen Rock Montreal. A remastered version of the concert film premieres in IMAX theaters for a limited run beginning January 18th, 2024.
Originally released in 2007 under the title We Will Rock You, Queen Rock Montreal has now been remastered and tailored specifically for the IMAX screen, complete with 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and customized theater geometry. Billed as “a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience,” the film consists of footage from two 1981 performances at Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum. These recordings have With many of their biggest hits on the setlist, the film captures Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon performing at the height of their fame.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of...
Originally released in 2007 under the title We Will Rock You, Queen Rock Montreal has now been remastered and tailored specifically for the IMAX screen, complete with 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and customized theater geometry. Billed as “a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience,” the film consists of footage from two 1981 performances at Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum. These recordings have With many of their biggest hits on the setlist, the film captures Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon performing at the height of their fame.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of...
- 11/29/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
Queen fans will get the chance to witness a concert from the band’s heyday on the big screen thanks to the upcoming release of Queen Rock Montreal. A remastered version of the concert film premieres in IMAX theaters for a limited run beginning January 18th, 2024.
Originally released in 2007 under the title We Will Rock You, Queen Rock Montreal has now been remastered and tailored specifically for the IMAX screen, complete with 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and customized theater geometry. Billed as “a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience,” the film consists of footage from two 1981 performances at Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum. These recordings have With many of their biggest hits on the setlist, the film captures Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon performing at the height of their fame.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of...
Originally released in 2007 under the title We Will Rock You, Queen Rock Montreal has now been remastered and tailored specifically for the IMAX screen, complete with 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and customized theater geometry. Billed as “a larger-than-life, front-row immersive experience,” the film consists of footage from two 1981 performances at Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum. These recordings have With many of their biggest hits on the setlist, the film captures Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon performing at the height of their fame.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of...
- 11/29/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Film News
Imax and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films will release Queen Rock Montreal globally for four days in January digitally remastered for Imax.
The film of a live concert in Montreal in November of 1981, directed by the late Saul Swimmer, will hit 450+ Imax locations globally for four days starting Jan. 18 in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and other markets — showcasing Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon performing “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, “We Are The Champions”, and songs from album The Game.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focused on Freddie, and this now stands as...
The film of a live concert in Montreal in November of 1981, directed by the late Saul Swimmer, will hit 450+ Imax locations globally for four days starting Jan. 18 in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and other markets — showcasing Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon performing “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, “We Are The Champions”, and songs from album The Game.
“I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focused on Freddie, and this now stands as...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Rock Montreal, a live concert by the iconic rock band from 1981, is coming to IMAX screens in January.
Concert films are all the rage right now. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour has been dominating the box office since its release in October and has earned a whopping $250m. Beyonce is set to launch her own film in December and artists like Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have all had very successful concert films made.
IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films are now offering audiences the chance to travel back in time. Queen Rock Montreal will hit IMAX screens in January for one weekend only and it’s your chance to see Queen live in concert, in 1981.
Okay, so it can’t actually transport you back in time to an era when leg warmers were cool, but sitting in a cinema,...
Concert films are all the rage right now. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour has been dominating the box office since its release in October and has earned a whopping $250m. Beyonce is set to launch her own film in December and artists like Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have all had very successful concert films made.
IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films are now offering audiences the chance to travel back in time. Queen Rock Montreal will hit IMAX screens in January for one weekend only and it’s your chance to see Queen live in concert, in 1981.
Okay, so it can’t actually transport you back in time to an era when leg warmers were cool, but sitting in a cinema,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Rami Malek’s Transformation into the Queen Frontman When Rami Malek took on the role of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, expectations were sky-high. Not only did he need to capture the essence of the legendary performer, but fans were also curious whether his portrayal would include actual singing. The anticipation was palpable, considering the iconic status of Queen’s music and Mercury’s distinctive vocal prowess. Jan Sewell, responsible for Malek’s makeup and prosthetics, noted that he was “totally up for everything”, setting the stage for an immersive transformation. This dedication to authenticity would later culminate in Malek’s Oscar-winning performance, a testament...
- 11/25/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
As the remaining original members still with the band, Brian May and Roger Taylor have been fiercely protective of Queen’s legacy, especially when it comes to the memory of their original lead singer, Freddie Mercury. They were involved with the production of the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, officially as executive music producers, though they unofficially served as advisors throughout the entire project. Both May and Taylor were 100% on board with the casting of Rami Malek as Mercury, especially after they heard the way Malek was able to sing the band’s songs. (Click on the media bar below to hear Brian May & Roger Taylor) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Roger_Taylor_Brian-May_Rami_Makek_Freddy_Mercury_.wav Bohemian Rhapsody is currently streaming on Hulu and available on DVD, Blu-Ray, 4K, and most digital platforms.
The post Somebody To Love: Queen Members Became Rami Malek Fans On ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Somebody To Love: Queen Members Became Rami Malek Fans On ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 10/17/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
The piano Freddie Mercury used to compose “Bohemian Rhapsody” sold for $2.2 million on Wednesday as part of Sotheby’s 1,500-piece estate sale of the singer’s treasured possessions.
The sale of Mercury’s 1973 Yamaha Grand surpassed the $2.1 million paid for John Lennon’s Steinway, which he used to write “Imagine” and was swooped up in 2000 by George Michael, according to the Wall Street Journal.
His collection, which Mercury once described as “exquisite clutter,” included handwritten lyrics for Queen’s operatic anthem that sold for $1.7 million. Notably, the 15 pages of lyrics...
The sale of Mercury’s 1973 Yamaha Grand surpassed the $2.1 million paid for John Lennon’s Steinway, which he used to write “Imagine” and was swooped up in 2000 by George Michael, according to the Wall Street Journal.
His collection, which Mercury once described as “exquisite clutter,” included handwritten lyrics for Queen’s operatic anthem that sold for $1.7 million. Notably, the 15 pages of lyrics...
- 9/7/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
(Welcome to Did They Get It Right?, a series where we look at Oscars categories from yesteryear and examine whether the Academy's winners stand the test of time.)
Since I started this column, I've spotlighted several times where the Academy Awards completely nailed a category, such as Best Actor at the 1994 Oscars or Best Picture at the 1976 ceremony. It's extremely rare for the Oscars to go five for five with their slate of nominees. Most often, they are a mixed bag, featuring a couple of more-than-worthy contenders and a couple who shouldn't be anywhere near the word "best." We have become accustomed to the uneven nature of the categories, and typically, we know that the people we want to win end up losing to the people we don't think should have even been nominated.
We rag on the Oscars for their selections, but they don't make it a habit of...
Since I started this column, I've spotlighted several times where the Academy Awards completely nailed a category, such as Best Actor at the 1994 Oscars or Best Picture at the 1976 ceremony. It's extremely rare for the Oscars to go five for five with their slate of nominees. Most often, they are a mixed bag, featuring a couple of more-than-worthy contenders and a couple who shouldn't be anywhere near the word "best." We have become accustomed to the uneven nature of the categories, and typically, we know that the people we want to win end up losing to the people we don't think should have even been nominated.
We rag on the Oscars for their selections, but they don't make it a habit of...
- 9/3/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
People Puzzler, Game Show Network’s pop culture game show hosted by Leah Remini, has been cleared in more than 90% of the country with premiere on track for fall, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced Tuesday.
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
Based on the crosswords in People, the show will debut September 11 on market stations belonging to Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others, with Fox’s Wwor New York slotting it at 6 p.m. weeknights.
The format, comprised of 325 episodes from the first three seasons, has performed strongly on Game Show Network and is one of its top-rated original series.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, People Puzzler has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
A...
- 8/22/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Leah Remini-hosted Game Show Network series “People Puzzler” is set for off-network syndication on stations this fall. The gamer has now been cleared by Lionsgate-owned syndication distributor Debmar-Mercury in more than 90% of the country, including Fox-owned stations in the three top markets: Wwor New York, Kcop Los Angeles and Wfld Chicago.
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
“People Puzzler,” which premieres in syndication on Sept. 11, has been sold to station groups including Fox, CBS, Nexstar, Scripps, Hearst, Gray, Sinclair and others. The library includes 325 episodes from the first three seasons of “People Puzzler” on Game Show Network.
“This hit game on Gsn makes it a proven performer with over 300 episodes,” Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said in a joint statement. “Having generated strong household ratings and adult 25-54 demos, and offering viewers a fan favorite with Leah as host, ‘People Puzzler’ has deservedly earned its place on stations’ fall schedules.”
‘People Puzzler...
- 8/22/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s something no one expected when this summer began: “Oppenheimer” has now grossed more at the box office for Universal than “Fast X.”
In its fifth weekend in theaters, “Oppenheimer” has reached $717.8 million in global grosses. In doing so, it has passed the $704.7 million global total of the latest installment of the “Fast & Furious” series, a tentpole franchise for Universal.
And among director Christopher Nolan’s past work, “Oppenheimer” has now passed the unadjusted $677 million global total of his 2014 sci-fi film “Interstellar.” Next on the list: “Inception,” which grossed $837.1 million before inflation adjustment in 2010.
Insiders at Universal told TheWrap that the studio had pinpointed Nolan’s World War II film “Dunkirk” as the metric for box office success for “Oppenheimer.” That film grossed $525 million in 2017.
But despite its three-hour runtime and bleak subject matter, “Oppenheimer” is now the fourth highest-grossing film of 2023. It’s only beaten by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,...
In its fifth weekend in theaters, “Oppenheimer” has reached $717.8 million in global grosses. In doing so, it has passed the $704.7 million global total of the latest installment of the “Fast & Furious” series, a tentpole franchise for Universal.
And among director Christopher Nolan’s past work, “Oppenheimer” has now passed the unadjusted $677 million global total of his 2014 sci-fi film “Interstellar.” Next on the list: “Inception,” which grossed $837.1 million before inflation adjustment in 2010.
Insiders at Universal told TheWrap that the studio had pinpointed Nolan’s World War II film “Dunkirk” as the metric for box office success for “Oppenheimer.” That film grossed $525 million in 2017.
But despite its three-hour runtime and bleak subject matter, “Oppenheimer” is now the fourth highest-grossing film of 2023. It’s only beaten by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,...
- 8/20/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
More than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury ‘s personal items, including his flamboyant stage costumes, handwritten drafts of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the baby grand piano he used to compose Queen’s greatest hits, are going on display in a free exhibition at Sotheby’s London ahead of their sale.
The vast collection of the singer’s personal belongings, which had been left to Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin, had remained undisturbed in his west London mansion for 30 years since his death in 1991.
Austin, 72, said in a BBC interview in April that she has decided to sell almost all the items to “close this very special chapter in my life” and “put my affairs in order.”
Among the hundreds of Mercury’s personal treasures were previously unseen working drafts of hits “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “We Are the Champions” and ”Somebody to Love”.
More than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury's personal items, including...
The vast collection of the singer’s personal belongings, which had been left to Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin, had remained undisturbed in his west London mansion for 30 years since his death in 1991.
Austin, 72, said in a BBC interview in April that she has decided to sell almost all the items to “close this very special chapter in my life” and “put my affairs in order.”
Among the hundreds of Mercury’s personal treasures were previously unseen working drafts of hits “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “We Are the Champions” and ”Somebody to Love”.
More than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury's personal items, including...
- 8/9/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
The Conners is headed to streaming and syndication.
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury are teaming with the ABC comedy’s producer, Werner Entertainment, for a licensing deal. The former will handle streaming — including SVOD, AVOD and Fast outlets — and basic cable distribution, while Debmar-Mercury will take on broadcast syndication in the United States.
The deal covers the show’s five existing seasons — a library of 93 episodes — and also includes rights to future seasons. ABC has renewed The Conners for a sixth season, which will ramp up after writers and actors strikes are resolved.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and...
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury are teaming with the ABC comedy’s producer, Werner Entertainment, for a licensing deal. The former will handle streaming — including SVOD, AVOD and Fast outlets — and basic cable distribution, while Debmar-Mercury will take on broadcast syndication in the United States.
The deal covers the show’s five existing seasons — a library of 93 episodes — and also includes rights to future seasons. ABC has renewed The Conners for a sixth season, which will ramp up after writers and actors strikes are resolved.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and...
- 8/8/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Conners” is making its way to off-net syndication, as Tom Werner’s Werner Entertainment has stuck a deal with both Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution Group and Debmar-Mercury to distribute the sitcom’s first five seasons (and future seasons as well). “The Conners” will be sold for a fall 2024 launch in domestic syndication.
Under the deal, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will oversee international distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate) will handle domestic syndication.
“The Conners,” which launched in 2018 as the successor series to “Roseanne”, was recently renewed for a sixth season on ABC. The show is ABC’s most-watched comedy, and has already hit 93 episodes — making it a rare new sitcom entrant in the off-network syndication world.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to...
Under the deal, Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group will oversee international distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate) will handle domestic syndication.
“The Conners,” which launched in 2018 as the successor series to “Roseanne”, was recently renewed for a sixth season on ABC. The show is ABC’s most-watched comedy, and has already hit 93 episodes — making it a rare new sitcom entrant in the off-network syndication world.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to...
- 8/8/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate’s Worldwide Television Distribution Group and distribution company Debmar-Mercury have partnered on a multiyear global licensing deal with Werner Entertainment for the ABC hit sitcom “The Conners.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury will handle domestic syndication. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following first airing on ABC.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” Jim Packer, Lionsgate president of Worldwide Television Distribution, said in a statement. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and prowess of our global distribution with Debmar-Mercury’s unparalleled syndication expertise in support of a remarkable brand and series.
Under the terms of the deal, the Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle global distribution, including SVOD, AVOD, basic cable and Fast rights, while Debmar-Mercury will handle domestic syndication. The deal covers all five seasons of the series as well as rights to future seasons following first airing on ABC.
“We’re proud to be selected by a great force in television like Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment to bring this incredible property to buyers around the world,” Jim Packer, Lionsgate president of Worldwide Television Distribution, said in a statement. “This agreement shows Lionsgate’s ability to marshal all of its resources, combining the strength and prowess of our global distribution with Debmar-Mercury’s unparalleled syndication expertise in support of a remarkable brand and series.
- 8/8/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind before you even consider taking a look at Smoking Causes Coughing. If you’re not quite familiar with Quentin Dupieux’s usual filmmaking style, walk into Smoking Causes Coughing‘s passionately aimless narrative expecting an experience that would give your most bizarre dreams a run for their money. As amusingly obnoxious about its title as it is laidback with its story and each odd detail composing the characters, Dupieux’s comedy is a safe haven for everything that is indiscreetly absurd. Yet the endearingly childlike air that permeates the absurdy is hard not to admire, even if films like Smoking Causes Coughing aren’t usually your thing.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘Smoking Causes Coughing’ Film?
Tobacco Force won’t be the first or even the last name to pop up in a conversation about your...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘Smoking Causes Coughing’ Film?
Tobacco Force won’t be the first or even the last name to pop up in a conversation about your...
- 7/26/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
Freddie Mercury established himself as a legendary frontman for Queen thanks to his booming vocals and stellar showmanship. He was tremendously talented and entertained audiences like many other music stars couldn’t. In rock history, several of Freddie Mercury’s best moments became enshrined, and Queen guitarist Brian May said one iconic moment was utterly spontaneous.
Freddie Mercury’s call-and-response during Queen’s Live Aid performance was improvised
While Queen delivered many excellent performances for audiences, their Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985 is one of the most legendary concerts by any band. Live Aid had an excellent lineup that year, including acts such as Elton John, U2, The Who, Sting, David Bowie, and George Michael.
However, Queen stole the show, mainly due to Mercury’s determination to deliver his best performance ever. He had unstoppable energy and was belting every song at total volume. One moment saw him...
Freddie Mercury’s call-and-response during Queen’s Live Aid performance was improvised
While Queen delivered many excellent performances for audiences, their Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985 is one of the most legendary concerts by any band. Live Aid had an excellent lineup that year, including acts such as Elton John, U2, The Who, Sting, David Bowie, and George Michael.
However, Queen stole the show, mainly due to Mercury’s determination to deliver his best performance ever. He had unstoppable energy and was belting every song at total volume. One moment saw him...
- 7/21/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Screenshot: Hulu
The seasonal sci-fi favorite Independence Day, the award-winning Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and the recent theatrical release The Bob’s Burgers Movie are just three of the many notable movies premiering on the Hulu streaming service in July. There’s also the fantasy-action-comedy The Princess (pictured), an original Hulu film starring Joey King,...
The seasonal sci-fi favorite Independence Day, the award-winning Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and the recent theatrical release The Bob’s Burgers Movie are just three of the many notable movies premiering on the Hulu streaming service in July. There’s also the fantasy-action-comedy The Princess (pictured), an original Hulu film starring Joey King,...
- 7/9/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Now available On Demand, courtesy of Magnet Releasing, we have an exclusive clip from Smoking Causes Coughing! While everything may start out looking like a scene from Power Rangers, things take a very R-rated turn that you'll have to see for yourself!
"Labeled Dupieux’s “funniest yet” by The New York Times, Smoking Causes Coughing, the critically-acclaimed and Certified Fresh comedy arrives On Demand on June 27 from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Label. The latest entry into the celebrated filmography of director Quentin Dupieux, Smoking Causes Coughing stands as a must-see French film, full of crude humor and absurd comedy as a group of heroes prepare for the fight of their lives by taking a mandated retreat in the woods.
After a brutal battle, the Tobacco Force, a team of five frivolous superheroes, receive a call from their boss informing them of their most difficult battle yet; Lézardin, Emperor of Evil,...
"Labeled Dupieux’s “funniest yet” by The New York Times, Smoking Causes Coughing, the critically-acclaimed and Certified Fresh comedy arrives On Demand on June 27 from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Label. The latest entry into the celebrated filmography of director Quentin Dupieux, Smoking Causes Coughing stands as a must-see French film, full of crude humor and absurd comedy as a group of heroes prepare for the fight of their lives by taking a mandated retreat in the woods.
After a brutal battle, the Tobacco Force, a team of five frivolous superheroes, receive a call from their boss informing them of their most difficult battle yet; Lézardin, Emperor of Evil,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Like many artists of his generation, Freddie Mercury grew up listening to Elvis Presley. He believed that copying Elvis’ songs made him a better writer and he held a great deal of admiration for the American musician. When he became a professional musician himself, Mercury wrote a song that sounded so much like Elvis that people thought it was one of his songs.
Freddie Mercury’s bandmate viewed 1 Queen song as an Elvis tribute
In 1979, Mercury sat in the bath and spent 10 minutes writing “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” According to his bandmate, this was his way of tributing Elvis, who died in 1977.
“It’s Freddie’s tribute to Elvis in a way,” Queen guitarist Brian May said, per UDiscover Music. “Freddie was very fond of Elvis.”
Mercury said that even though he didn’t intend for this to happen, he sang like Elvis in the song.
“My voice does...
Freddie Mercury’s bandmate viewed 1 Queen song as an Elvis tribute
In 1979, Mercury sat in the bath and spent 10 minutes writing “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” According to his bandmate, this was his way of tributing Elvis, who died in 1977.
“It’s Freddie’s tribute to Elvis in a way,” Queen guitarist Brian May said, per UDiscover Music. “Freddie was very fond of Elvis.”
Mercury said that even though he didn’t intend for this to happen, he sang like Elvis in the song.
“My voice does...
- 6/18/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Quentin Dupieux is the unique, comically twisted mind behind the likes of Rubber, Wrong Cops, Mandibles and Incredible But True. He's back with his latest, superhero satire Smoking Causes Coughing, which played to acclaim at last year's Cannes and has been ping-ponging around the festival circuit since then. We have the new trailer for the film as an exclusive, and you can see it below.
Smoking Causes Coughing follows the misadventures of a team of five superheroes known as the Tobacco Force – Benzene (Gilles Lellouche), Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra).
After a devastating battle against a diabolical giant turtle, the Tobacco Force is sent on a mandatory week-long retreat to strengthen their decaying group cohesion. Their sojourn goes wonderfully well until Lézardin, Emperor of Evil, decides to annihilate planet Earth. Oh, that old story… It's all very relevant to our superhero-saturated movie...
Smoking Causes Coughing follows the misadventures of a team of five superheroes known as the Tobacco Force – Benzene (Gilles Lellouche), Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra).
After a devastating battle against a diabolical giant turtle, the Tobacco Force is sent on a mandatory week-long retreat to strengthen their decaying group cohesion. Their sojourn goes wonderfully well until Lézardin, Emperor of Evil, decides to annihilate planet Earth. Oh, that old story… It's all very relevant to our superhero-saturated movie...
- 6/9/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Queen’s biggest hit nearly took its name from a different part of the Eastern Hemisphere, according to some handwritten notes by Freddie Mercury. A sheet of lyrics — soon to go to auction with about 1,500 more of the late singer’s personal items — appears to have some early scrawlings titled “Mongolian Rhapsody,” which would, of course, become what we know as “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
As Rolling Stone points out, the pages in question (featuring the logo of a now-defunct airline) includes some familiar zingers; “Is this the real life/ Or is this just fantasy?” seems to have been “Bohemian Rhapsody”‘s opening lines from the get-go. But we also see some lines that Mercury was evidently workshopping: “Mama/ There’s a war began/ I’ve got to leave tonight,” for one.
Additionally, the pages are also scattered with many alternatives to the unforgettable “Galileo!” “Scaramouch!” “Fandango!” chant: “Momento,” “Belladonna,” and “Matador” are a few,...
As Rolling Stone points out, the pages in question (featuring the logo of a now-defunct airline) includes some familiar zingers; “Is this the real life/ Or is this just fantasy?” seems to have been “Bohemian Rhapsody”‘s opening lines from the get-go. But we also see some lines that Mercury was evidently workshopping: “Mama/ There’s a war began/ I’ve got to leave tonight,” for one.
Additionally, the pages are also scattered with many alternatives to the unforgettable “Galileo!” “Scaramouch!” “Fandango!” chant: “Momento,” “Belladonna,” and “Matador” are a few,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
Freddie Mercury’s handwritten lyrics for Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” reveal that the song was nearly titled “Mongolian Rhapsody,” according to a lyric sheet bound for auction this month.
Sotheby’s previously announced their impending auction of 1,500 personal items belonging to the Queen singer, and on Thursday, the auction house revealed more of what’s hitting the block, including Mercury’s sprawling 15 pages of lyrics — written on stationary for a defunct airline — for what would eventually become “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
As the handwritten lyrics reveal, the song was originally titled “Mongolian...
Sotheby’s previously announced their impending auction of 1,500 personal items belonging to the Queen singer, and on Thursday, the auction house revealed more of what’s hitting the block, including Mercury’s sprawling 15 pages of lyrics — written on stationary for a defunct airline — for what would eventually become “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
As the handwritten lyrics reveal, the song was originally titled “Mongolian...
- 6/1/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
This post contains spoilers for The Flash series finale.
The Flash has always been about hope, even when things look darkest. And for fans of the Arrowverse, it’s hard to imagine anything darker than the series finale. Not only is the official Arrowverse coming to a close with the end of The Flash, but even other superhero shows on the CW face an uncertain future, with Superman & Lois and Gotham Knights facing potential cancelation. And yet, during the final episode of The Flash, hope arrived in the form of a lightning bolt.
As expected, the final episode built to a showdown between Flash Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Cobalt Blue (Rick Cosnett). But the really exciting part of the show came in its final seconds, when Barry told a story to his and Iris’s (Candice Patton) newborn daughter Nora, herself destined to become super-speedster Xs (Jessica Parker Kennedy...
The Flash has always been about hope, even when things look darkest. And for fans of the Arrowverse, it’s hard to imagine anything darker than the series finale. Not only is the official Arrowverse coming to a close with the end of The Flash, but even other superhero shows on the CW face an uncertain future, with Superman & Lois and Gotham Knights facing potential cancelation. And yet, during the final episode of The Flash, hope arrived in the form of a lightning bolt.
As expected, the final episode built to a showdown between Flash Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Cobalt Blue (Rick Cosnett). But the really exciting part of the show came in its final seconds, when Barry told a story to his and Iris’s (Candice Patton) newborn daughter Nora, herself destined to become super-speedster Xs (Jessica Parker Kennedy...
- 5/25/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
After being detained in Russia for 22 months, Brittney Griner finally returns to the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury, and she factors in pretty heavily to the opening weekend. Griner and the Mercury play two games over opening weekend and appear on national television often throughout the season. You can watch Griner this Friday, May 19 at 11 p.m. Et as the Mercury play the Sparks, then again this Sunday, May 21 during the Mercury’s home opener against the Chicago Sky on ESPN and streaming live on ESPN+. You can watch Griner all season with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream.
How to Watch Brittney Griner’s Return to the WNBA When: Begins Friday, May 19 at 11 p.m. Et; continues through Sunday, September 10 TV: ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV Streaming: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream and stream live on ESPN+, ESPN3, and Amazon Prime Video.
How to Watch Brittney Griner’s Return to the WNBA When: Begins Friday, May 19 at 11 p.m. Et; continues through Sunday, September 10 TV: ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV Streaming: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream and stream live on ESPN+, ESPN3, and Amazon Prime Video.
- 5/19/2023
- by Jeff Kotuby
- The Streamable
As a music lover, I have always been fascinated by the life and career of Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of the legendary rock band Queen. With his unparalleled vocal range, flamboyant stage presence, and unique songwriting style, Freddie Mercury left an indelible mark on the music industry and fans worldwide. In this tribute to the musical genius of Freddie Mercury, I will take you on a journey through his life, career, and legacy.
Introduction to Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946, was a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen, which he formed with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor in 1970. Freddie Mercury’s distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and songwriting skills set him apart from other musicians of his time, and he became an icon of the 1970s and 1980s.
Introduction to Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar in 1946, was a British musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen, which he formed with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor in 1970. Freddie Mercury’s distinctive voice, flamboyant stage presence, and songwriting skills set him apart from other musicians of his time, and he became an icon of the 1970s and 1980s.
- 4/27/2023
- by Pilar Lachén
- Martin Cid Music
Revealing a New Side of the Global Icon:
Freddie Mercury’s Never-Before-Seen Private Collection
To be Unveiled for the First Time
Sotheby’s Sets the Stage for Month-Long Exhibition & Auction Series
Starring Stage Costumes, Handwritten Lyrics, Fine and Decorative Arts, Japanese Art, Precious Objects & a Trove of
Personal Belongings
Touring Exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong in June
Followed by Full Takeover of Sotheby’s London Galleries throughout August & Six Auctions in September
The Most Important Thing… Is To Lead A Fabulous Life.
Freddie Mercury
London, 26 April 2023 – Freddie Mercury’s dazzling creativity would catapult him beyond the realms of a musician or performer; he was one of those rare stars who is nothing less than a global cultural phenomenon. Yet, while Mercury captivated audiences across the globe, it was at his beloved home – Garden Lodge in Kensington, West London – where he fashioned his own private world, assembling...
Freddie Mercury’s Never-Before-Seen Private Collection
To be Unveiled for the First Time
Sotheby’s Sets the Stage for Month-Long Exhibition & Auction Series
Starring Stage Costumes, Handwritten Lyrics, Fine and Decorative Arts, Japanese Art, Precious Objects & a Trove of
Personal Belongings
Touring Exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong in June
Followed by Full Takeover of Sotheby’s London Galleries throughout August & Six Auctions in September
The Most Important Thing… Is To Lead A Fabulous Life.
Freddie Mercury
London, 26 April 2023 – Freddie Mercury’s dazzling creativity would catapult him beyond the realms of a musician or performer; he was one of those rare stars who is nothing less than a global cultural phenomenon. Yet, while Mercury captivated audiences across the globe, it was at his beloved home – Garden Lodge in Kensington, West London – where he fashioned his own private world, assembling...
- 4/26/2023
- by Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
French filmmaker Quentin Dupieux has almost never steered us wrong with his droll satires like psychokinetic horror movie “Rubber,” about a murderous anthropomorphic tire, awards season satire “Reality,” or insectoid comedy “Mandibles.”
With his latest parody, “Smoking Causes Coughing,” the zany maestro also known as Mr. Oizo takes a puff off Marvel and other superhero IP by centering his bizarre comedy on a band of spandex-clad dimwits known as the Tobacco Force. It’s , even if not for all tastes, which he knows.
The ridiculously named fivesome are made up of Benzene (Gilles Lellouche), Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra). We first meet them by happenstance, following a family on a road trip who stumble upon them battling a giant, rubber-made tortoise.
Everything looks cheesy by design, with Justine Pearce’s costumes stretching over-the-top artifice to its limits thanks to the giant, hulking tortoise,...
With his latest parody, “Smoking Causes Coughing,” the zany maestro also known as Mr. Oizo takes a puff off Marvel and other superhero IP by centering his bizarre comedy on a band of spandex-clad dimwits known as the Tobacco Force. It’s , even if not for all tastes, which he knows.
The ridiculously named fivesome are made up of Benzene (Gilles Lellouche), Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra). We first meet them by happenstance, following a family on a road trip who stumble upon them battling a giant, rubber-made tortoise.
Everything looks cheesy by design, with Justine Pearce’s costumes stretching over-the-top artifice to its limits thanks to the giant, hulking tortoise,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Smoking Causes Coughing is ostensibly a riff on Power Rangers/Super Sentai, Ultraman, and other tokusatsu-style media in which spandex-clad superheroes battle intergalactic monsters, but — as is the case with writer-director Quentin Dupieux’s entire filmography — his latest genre-bending slice of French absurdity is predictably unpredictable.
The Tobacco Force is a team of avengers in which each of its five members represents a different chemical found in cigarettes: Benzene, Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra). When they’re unable to defeat an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, they call upon their powers — which only work when they’re sincere — to infect their foe with cancer to the point of bodily combustion.
The Tobacco Force has a mentor in Chief Didier. He’s a wise, mutant rat, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles‘ Splinter, except Didier is a womanizer that drools green goo. The team is...
The Tobacco Force is a team of avengers in which each of its five members represents a different chemical found in cigarettes: Benzene, Nicotine (Anaïs Demoustier), Methanol (Vincent Lacoste), Mercury (Jean-Pascal Zadi), and Ammonia (Oulaya Amamra). When they’re unable to defeat an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, they call upon their powers — which only work when they’re sincere — to infect their foe with cancer to the point of bodily combustion.
The Tobacco Force has a mentor in Chief Didier. He’s a wise, mutant rat, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles‘ Splinter, except Didier is a womanizer that drools green goo. The team is...
- 3/29/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Helen Mirren recently made her DC Extended Universe debut in Shazam! Fury of The Gods. The actor said she did a few of her stunts in the movie, resulting in a painful injury. However, Mirren refused to tell anyone on the set of Shazam! 2 that she had gotten hurt.
Helen Mirren causes trouble as the villain Hespera in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’
In the first Shazam! movie, a young Billy Batson is chosen by the ancient wizard Shazam to succeed him as his champion. Billy gains superpowers allowing him to transform into an adult superhero. He and his foster brother, Freddy, work to discover Billy’s new powers, and along the way, Billy shares his powers with his foster siblings, defeating the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
The long-awaited sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods recently premiered, and this time, Billy and his siblings have two extremely powerful celestials to defeat.
Helen Mirren causes trouble as the villain Hespera in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’
In the first Shazam! movie, a young Billy Batson is chosen by the ancient wizard Shazam to succeed him as his champion. Billy gains superpowers allowing him to transform into an adult superhero. He and his foster brother, Freddy, work to discover Billy’s new powers, and along the way, Billy shares his powers with his foster siblings, defeating the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
The long-awaited sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods recently premiered, and this time, Billy and his siblings have two extremely powerful celestials to defeat.
- 3/26/2023
- by Produced by Digital Editors
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Queen + Adam Lambert have announced their first North American tour in four years.
A continuation of their ” Rhapsody Tour,” the 14-date jaunt kicks off on October 4th in Baltimore, MD. Further dates are scheduled in Toronto, Detroit, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville, St. Paul, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 31st at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Taking a page from The Cure, Queen is restricting ticket transfers to Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange.
Last year, Queen unearthed a previously unreleased Freddie Mercury song called “Face It Alone,” taken from the sessions for their album The Miracle.
Meanwhile, current frontman Adam Lambert spoke to Kyle Meredith about High Drama, his new album of covers, and his upcoming role in the film Fairyland. Listen to the conversation here.
Queen + Adam Lamber 2023 Tour Dates:
10/04 – Baltimore, MD @ Cfg Bank Arena
10/08 – Toronto, On @ Scotiabank Arena
10/10 – Detroit,...
A continuation of their ” Rhapsody Tour,” the 14-date jaunt kicks off on October 4th in Baltimore, MD. Further dates are scheduled in Toronto, Detroit, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville, St. Paul, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 31st at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Taking a page from The Cure, Queen is restricting ticket transfers to Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange.
Last year, Queen unearthed a previously unreleased Freddie Mercury song called “Face It Alone,” taken from the sessions for their album The Miracle.
Meanwhile, current frontman Adam Lambert spoke to Kyle Meredith about High Drama, his new album of covers, and his upcoming role in the film Fairyland. Listen to the conversation here.
Queen + Adam Lamber 2023 Tour Dates:
10/04 – Baltimore, MD @ Cfg Bank Arena
10/08 – Toronto, On @ Scotiabank Arena
10/10 – Detroit,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
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