Tag: Alist

  • Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis review – vital viewing from Hackney’s A-list crusader | Television


    The director Guillermo del Toro once said Idris Elba has “a supernatural gravitational force” and compared him to a “Rodin sculpture … [with] all the turmoil of humanity in his eyes”. It is those qualities – being a magnetic TV and movie star and an activist seemingly carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders – that makes him so compelling in Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis.

    The BBC documentary follows Elba throughout 2024, as he mounts a campaign to try to stop knife crime in the UK. The headlines have long been filled with tragic stories of young lives ended by blades, but in the past decade the numbers have almost doubled, with four people in the UK dying from stab wounds every week. Elba first got involved in 2019, posting videos online about how more had to be done to stop it. Since then, he has become more informed and more involved. We watch him meet politicians, law enforcement officers, victims, prisoners, youth workers and trauma specialists to figure out a proactive – rather than reactive – approach, and carry out interventions in the lives of those who might one day become perpetrators.

    What takes this from being a good documentary to a great one is just how much complexity and nuance Elba and director Ben Steele are able to contain within its one-hour running time. It covers everything from the economic toll of recidivism to domestic violence in the home as early indicators, the lack of funding for youth programmes, the importance of mentorship and even how images of knife fights on social media can act as an incentive to carry weapons. The film immediately tackles common misconceptions around knife crime as a problem within black and brown urban communities, when in fact 69% of perpetrators are white and it is spreading fastest in Somerset, Bedfordshire and Sussex. Elba puts this gently to Tayla Pitman, the sister of 16-year-old Harold Pitman, who was stabbed to death while watching New Year’s Eve fireworks, and she responds: “Exactly, that’s the first thing that came out when Harry was killed was ‘I bet it was a black person’ and it wasn’t – it was another white boy.” But rather than just using her to vocalise a salient point, Elba extends warm empathy to the young woman, hugging her and commending her strength.

    Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis – trailer

    With so many lives ruined, it would be easy to get caught up in the overwhelming statistics of these crimes, but Elba manages to convey just how seismic each loss is. Tayla is not the only person he meets who has been traumatised by knife crime; the charming youth worker Jhemar Jonas’s brother was stabbed to death at 15. Faz Ahmed, who runs a knife amnesty programme, was stabbed nine times on two occasions as a young man. And most harrowingly, Pooja Kanda’s teenage son Ronan had a sword plunged into his heart in a case of mistaken identity. The programme shows us disturbing footage of the event, with Ronan unaware of what is about to happen right up until the sword enters his rib cage from behind. Pooja sits in her son’s untouched bedroom two years on and recalls how each morning she’d rush straight in to his room for a cuddle. She can only say that: “Everyone failed. The police, education systems, the families. All those failures are why my son is not on this side of the bed. Why I’m not able to hug him.”

    The film is filled with heartbreak but is still ultimately an optimistic piece of work. It is packed with tangible solutions and examples of effective ways these crimes could be prevented if only those holding the purse strings would invest in solutions such as hospital interventions, knife amnesties and the scheme in Coventry (the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, or CIRV) that takes 16-year-old Jayden – who was previously excluded from school and “felt naked” without a knife – and puts him on a path to becoming a football coach. It is made all the more maddening when the legislation Elba backed to make it illegal to purchase “zombie knives”, machetes and ninja swords was rejected in May 2024 by the Conservatives. In the aftermath of that news, he seems crushed under the weight of political indifference and can only lament to the camera: “It felt like there was an attachment to swords which may have some traditional, heritage … thing. I just couldn’t understand it.”

    Still, Elba reminds us this is “a marathon not a sprint” and he will continue to do all he can to stop so many lives being destroyed by knife crime. By the time the programme ends, he has presented compelling arguments and practical solutions, met with King Charles, the prime minister and the home secretary. Despite making huge strides in his activism, he stays humble and says he considers himself simply “an amplification device”. But whether he’s a supernatural force, a Hackney boy done good or an amplifier for a noble cause, Elba is at the forefront of a vital documentary.

    Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis aired on BBC One and is on iPlayer now



    Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis review – vital viewing from Hackney’s A-list crusader | Television

    In the powerful and poignant documentary “Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis,” the acclaimed actor and Hackney native delves deep into the heart of London’s knife crime epidemic. Airing on BBC One, this eye-opening film sheds light on the devastating impact of violence on young people in the city and explores the root causes of this urgent crisis.

    Elba, known for his roles in “The Wire” and “Luther,” brings a personal perspective to the issue as a former resident of Hackney, a borough disproportionately affected by knife crime. Through interviews with victims, families, police, and community leaders, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire of this senseless violence.

    The documentary doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the situation, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to the cycle of violence. From lack of opportunities for young people to the influence of gang culture, Elba exposes the complex web of factors driving the crisis and calls for urgent action to address it.

    What sets “Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis” apart is its emphasis on solutions. Elba meets with grassroots organizations and individuals working tirelessly to support at-risk youth and prevent further tragedies. By showcasing these inspiring stories of resilience and hope, the film offers a ray of light in the midst of darkness.

    Overall, “Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis” is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the state of our communities and the future of our young people. It’s a powerful call to action from a passionate advocate for change, and a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a safer, more just society.

    Tags:

    Idris Elba, Knife Crime Crisis review, Hackney, A-list crusader, Television review, Idris Elba TV show, Knife crime prevention, Hackney community, TV series review

    #Idris #Elba #Knife #Crime #Crisis #review #vital #viewing #Hackneys #Alist #crusader #Television

  • Reese Witherspoon accidentally roasted A-list actress, and it ended their friendship


    Reese Witherspoon is still “haunted” by a speech she made years ago. 

    In a new interview, Witherspoon, who is promoting her new film, “You’re Cordially Invited,” with Will Ferrell, recalled a time she accidentally roasted an A-list actress during an award ceremony.

    “It literally haunts me,” the actress told People magazine. “So, this friend of mine, who I didn’t really know that well, but she was a very serious, proper actress. She asked me to give her an award. But I had never been to this award ceremony, so I thought it was like a roast. So, I got up and I roasted her.”

    ‘LEGALLY BLONDE’ STAR REESE WITHERSPOON WAS CHOSEN AS JURY FOREMAN AFTER JURORS THOUGHT SHE WENT TO LAW SCHOOL

    Reese Witherspoon recalled once accidentally roasting an A-list actress. (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)

    Witherspoon, who told the outlet the event was “British,” “elegant” and “classy,” revealed the jokes didn’t land that night. 

    “I was like, ‘Remember the time we got laser hair removal?’” added Witherspoon. “I’m still embarrassed about it.

    “We’re not friends anymore,” Wisherspoon said of the actress, whom she did not name. “I’m not even kidding — we’re not friends anymore. I think she doesn’t like me anymore. I thought it was so funny, and it was just, I had the wrong audience. It was pretty bad. Yeah. Not even kidding. She doesn’t talk to me anymore. Oh well.”

    LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

    Witherspoon said she’s still “haunted” for mistakenly roasting her friend at the time.  (Getty Images)

    While the “Sweet Home Alabama” actress didn’t name the A-list star, the internet was quick to draw conclusions. 

    According to Just Jared, Witherspoon presented Kate Winslet with the artist of the year award at the 2007 BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia Awards. 

    Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet share a hug at the 16th Annual BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia Awards in 2007.  ( Lester Cohen/WireImage)

    “I always wanted to be a European movie star, wear giant sunglasses, elaborate neck scarves, smoke hand-rolled cigarettes and have savior faire and gravitas,” Witherspoon reportedly said during her speech. 

    “Imagine my good fortune when Kate Winslet moved into my neighborhood, rang my doorbell and said, ‘Darling, Sam [Mendes] is off shooting, and I believe our children are the same age. Could they possibly have a play date and, oh, by the way, it’s almost 9 o’clock, and I’ve had nothing to do drink. Do you have any wine?’”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    Witherspoon said there were stories she couldn’t mention because they were “too bawdy or tawdy or drunken to tell,” including the time they “contemplated laser hair removal.”

    Despite the awkward situation, the two not only presented together, but embraced backstage at the 2016 Oscars. 

    Kate Winslet and Reese Witherspoon hugged at the 2016 Oscars.  (Getty Images)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Representatives for Witherspoon and Winslet did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 



    Reese Witherspoon accidentally roasted A-list actress, and it ended their friendship

    In a shocking turn of events, Reese Witherspoon found herself in hot water after unintentionally roasting a fellow A-list actress during a public event. The incident occurred when Witherspoon was asked to share a funny anecdote about her friend, but ended up making a joke that hit a little too close to home.

    The actress, who has not been named, reportedly took offense to Witherspoon’s comments and the two quickly found themselves embroiled in a heated argument. Despite Witherspoon’s attempts to apologize and make amends, the damage had been done and their friendship was irreparably damaged.

    Fans of the two actresses were left stunned by the fallout, with many expressing their disappointment that a longstanding friendship had been torn apart by a simple misunderstanding. It just goes to show that even in Hollywood, relationships can be fragile and easily shattered by a careless word or two.

    Tags:

    Reese Witherspoon, A-list actress, friendship, celebrity feud, Hollywood gossip, celebrity news, entertainment scandal, friendship gone wrong, celebrity drama

    #Reese #Witherspoon #accidentally #roasted #Alist #actress #ended #friendship

  • What To Know, A-List Clients (Jan 2025 Update)


    Netflix has rescued numerous series, including You, Lucifer and Manifest, giving them life when other networks couldn’t sustain liftoff. Those pleasantly zombified series couldn’t hold a candle, however, to the mania surrounding Netflix’s Summer Of Suits, which motivated NBCUniversal to invest in a spin off, Suits: LA, that will soon arrive on NBC.

    Only a few years ago, this was a development that nobody expected and has potentially opened the door to reviving more so-called “Blue Sky” series like White Collar. A formal green light hasn’t arrived for a Matt Bomer revisiting yet, and NBCUniversal is likely waiting to see how Suits: LA fares before opening the floodgates, so let’s get down to business on what is brewing for the West Coast version of an enduringly popular legal dramedy.

    Cast

    David Astorga/NBC

    The spin off’s firm, Black Lane Law, specializes in entertainment and criminal cases and is led by ex-New Yorker Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell (Heels). According to showrunner Aaron Korsch (speaking to Entertainment Weekly), this series will depart from Suits in favoring one leading man: “The original Suits was a dual lead show with Harvey and Mike, and this is a single lead with an ensemble.” Ted will, however, receive strong support from Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt, The Walking Dead), a criminal law whiz with whom he founded Black Lane Law 15 years ago.

    Other prominent characters include rival protégés Erica Rollins (Lex Scott Davis) and Rick Dodson (Bryan Greenberg), and you can see a photo of the core quartet together at Entertainment Weekly. Further members of the cast include Kevin Weistman, Rachelle Goulding, Alice Lee, and Victoria Justice.

    Since this is a Los Angeles-based series, plenty of opportunity exists for celebrity clientele. Or does it? The original series did showcase Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) waving around Michael Jordan as a client, although His Airness never made an appearance on the show, which did manage to snag Charles Barkley and Michael Phelps in the flesh.

    Similarly, we can expect famous names to be dropped by Ted Black. Those include Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Tom Hanks. Notably, Denzel Washington (according to Collider) has granted permission for his photo to be used on the series, and Amell hopes that turns into a real appearance: “Denzel, open invitation [to cameo], you heard it here first… [Washington giving permission to use his likeness] is a good sign, but I think [the jump from] photo to cameo is a stretch.”

    A (sad) certainty of a celebrity cameo: late veteran actor John Amos’s final onscreen role will air in the first season.

    Additionally, a special three-episode appearance will arrive from Gabriel Macht, who will reprise his Harvey Specter role. Fellow Suits veteran Wendell Pierce is also gunning hard to cameo as Robert Zane, although no confirmation there has surfaced yet. And why will Harvey be visiting? That’s part of the plot.

    Plot

    When Suits: LA begins, Black Lane Law will be at a “breaking point.” As Aaron Korsch revealed to EW, Black is “struggling as a leader,” and “he can get so driven and so focused on what’s in front of him or the next battle to win that he loses sight of his relationships with the people closest to him, and that’s what really manifests in the pilot.” Disagreements over the firm’s legacy will yield intense conflict between Ted Stuart, and it appears that Ted is the problem, states Korsch: “Ted doesn’t think that there’s anything wrong with their relationship at all – I think Stuart might disagree.”

    That remark resembles a troubled marriage, and to work with that analogy, some counseling might be needed. Who best to perform that magic? As Deadline first reported, Macht was more than willing to slip into Harvey’s shoes, and as Macht wrote on Instagram: “When an old friend is in need… it’s time to take care of things and make those very ‘things’ right.”

    Stephen Amell surfaced in Macht’s Instagram comments to complete the picture: “The Bat Signal does work!!” And NBC’s synopsis agrees:

    Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while events from years ago slowly unravel that led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.

    Release Date

    Suits: LA will debut on Feb. 23 on NBC. The series will also stream on Peacock. Future seasons are virtually guaranteed after production moved to LA after receiving substantial tax incentives. (Production did recently pause due to the Los Angeles fires, but the release date remains intact.)

    Trailer

    A full trailer should arrive soon, but this teaser trailer coasts on LA vibes.





    Are you looking to elevate your client base to the next level? Here’s what you need to know about attracting and retaining A-list clients in 2025:

    1. Build a strong reputation: A-list clients want to work with professionals who have a proven track record of success. Make sure to showcase your past achievements and client testimonials to demonstrate your expertise.

    2. Network strategically: Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to connect with potential A-list clients. Building relationships with key players in your industry can open doors to new opportunities.

    3. Offer personalized services: A-list clients expect a high level of customization and attention to detail. Tailor your services to meet their specific needs and preferences to stand out from the competition.

    4. Maintain confidentiality: A-list clients value their privacy and expect a high level of discretion from their service providers. Make sure to uphold strict confidentiality standards to earn their trust.

    5. Provide exceptional customer service: A-list clients expect top-notch service at all times. Be responsive, proactive, and attentive to their needs to exceed their expectations and keep them coming back for more.

    By following these tips, you can attract and retain A-list clients in 2025 and take your business to new heights. Good luck!

    Tags:

    1. A-List Clients
    2. Jan 2025 Update
    3. Clientele Updates
    4. Top Clients
    5. Client News
    6. VIP Clients
    7. Celebrity Clients
    8. Client Roster
    9. Client Profiles
    10. Client Success Stories

    #AList #Clients #Jan #Update

  • Netflix Denies American A-List Cameo In ‘Squid Game’ Season 3

    Netflix Denies American A-List Cameo In ‘Squid Game’ Season 3


    For a brief moment, there was a report from Korea’s OSEN claiming inside knowledge that a specific A-list star would be heading to Squid Game season 3 for a cameo role.

    That star was none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, about as A-list as you can get. However, Netflix came out to shut this down almost as soon as it started to spread, calling it “entirely unfounded.”

    This idea was not quite as random as it seemed, as back in 2021, lead actor Lee Jung-jae met DiCaprio at a gala, and then when asked during a different event later, said that DiCaprio was the actor he’d want to see in season 2 of the show. DiCaprio is a big name, but Squid Game is the biggest show on planet earth, so it’s not that crazy. DiCaprio also has an existing relationship with Netflix, having starred in its comedy Don’t Look Up in 2021.

    Netflix could be smokescreening here, but it seems like a pretty definitive no. When this was first flying around, the idea was that DiCaprio would appear as one of the infamous VIPs in the series, the Western, mask-wearing patrons that wager on the Squid Games, a group that Lee Jung-jae’s 456 is attempt to reach and kill in season 3. It would have actually been pretty funny if DiCaprio was one, but hidden behind a mask so it wasn’t a full cameo, and perhaps a bit less distracting if say…Leonardo DiCaprio’s face was suddenly on the screen.

    Back in season 1, the appearance of the VIPs was controversial due to just how awful their appearance was compared to the rest of the show with weird dialogue and line readings. It was so bad that later some of the actors had to come out and explain what exactly happened here. I wrote this up back in 2021, when VIP actor John D. Michaels explained:

    “It’s different for every show, but non-Korean performers often act with dialogue that is translated by a non-native – sometimes even by Google Translate – so it can sound unnatural,” he said.

    The other problem was the set-up for most of the VIP’s lines:

    “We were all wearing very heavy plaster masks, and sitting on couches that were at least 20-30 feet away from the closest VIP. We all had to yell our lines vaguely into the air, which added to the weird tonality of the delivery.”

    Given how much pushback there was about the season 1 VIPs, it seems like Squid Game is much more likely to handle them better this time around, as we know they’re obviously going to make another appearance by the time things are said and done, with season 3 being the conclusion of the story. And I would expect a lot of them to end up dead, DiCaprio not withstanding.

    Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.

    Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.





    Rumors have been swirling around the internet that a major American A-list celebrity would be making a cameo in the highly anticipated third season of the hit Netflix series ‘Squid Game.’ However, Netflix has officially denied these claims, putting an end to the speculation.

    Fans of the show had been buzzing with excitement at the possibility of seeing a big name star join the cast of ‘Squid Game,’ but it seems that those hopes have been dashed. Netflix released a statement saying, “Contrary to recent reports, there are no plans for an American A-list celebrity to make a cameo in ‘Squid Game’ season 3. We are thrilled with the talented cast we have assembled for the upcoming season and can’t wait for audiences to see what we have in store.”

    While it may be disappointing news for some fans, the denial from Netflix only adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the upcoming season of ‘Squid Game.’ With its record-breaking success and worldwide popularity, there’s no doubt that fans will be eagerly awaiting any news and updates on the show.

    Stay tuned for more updates on ‘Squid Game’ season 3 as they become available!

    Tags:

    Netflix, Squid Game, Season 3, American A-List, Cameo, Denial, Streaming, K-Drama, Hit Series

    #Netflix #Denies #American #AList #Cameo #Squid #Game #Season

  • Paramount+ renew hit thriller with A-list star for fourth series as fans declare ‘this is a great gift’ before Christmas

    Paramount+ renew hit thriller with A-list star for fourth series as fans declare ‘this is a great gift’ before Christmas


    PARAMOUNT+ have renewed a hit thriller with an A-list star for a fourth series and fans have gone wild with praise.

    Jeremy Renner star of the American crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown posted an update on social media asking if viewers were ready for a new season.

    Mayor of Kingstown is set to return for a fourth season

    4

    Mayor of Kingstown is set to return for a fourth seasonCredit: PA
    Dianne Wiest, who plays Miriam McLusky, left the show in the series 2

    4

    Dianne Wiest, who plays Miriam McLusky, left the show in the series 2Credit: Paramount +
    Jeremy Renner had a horrific accident involving a snow plough back in January 2023

    4

    Jeremy Renner had a horrific accident involving a snow plough back in January 2023Credit: Getty

    In the show, Jeremy plays Mike McLusky, who starts as the right-hand man for his older brother, Mitch, but takes over as Mayor after Mitch’s death in the first episode.

    As the middle son of the McLusky childen, Mike has spent his life dreaming of getting out of Kingstown.

    In later episodes he is shown to have once been an inmate in the Kingstown prison and rose to the rank of “Shot-Caller”.

    In his personal life, Jeremy was run down by a seven-ton snow plough in January 2023 as he battled to free a trapped family member from the immense snow drifts surrounding his home in Lake Tahoe, California.

    Authorities said “Renner tried to use the snow plough to free a relative whose vehicle had become stuck in the snow.”

    The star told Men’s Health: “I could see my left eyeball with my right eyeball.

    “I was screaming for a breath.

    “I needed to shove all my energy of air out just so I could suck air back in.”

    He added of his long recovery: “It took me 17 minutes to get out of bed.

    “I was happy to sometimes sit up and push myself into a chair.”

    Trailer for Mayor of Kingstown Season 3

    He astounded his medical team and fans alike when he managed to make a miraculous recovery, and return to film a third season of Mayor of Kingstown in January this year.

    Now viewers of the hit show have rushed to express their excitement that another run is on the way.

    One fan stated: “Congratulations on the renewal Jeremy!”

    Another stated: “So happy to hear. One of the very best streaming shows on TV. Excellent writing!”

    “Yes, I’m ready for season 4. It’ll be interesting to see how the character Mike deal with Iris’s passing. It broke my heart to see her go. Especially in the manner she went.” expressed another.

    Another added: “Jeremy — it’s a helluva show. So glad you had the remarkable grit and drive to make it all the way back. You’re a great actor and a person we all can believe in.”

    “So excited for season 4! I’m happy to see you back at it doing so well! I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” said another.

    In season 3 Mike attempted to rid Kingstown of Konstantin’s men and Bunny’s military style weapons, as well as taking care of Konstantin.

    The series was full of explosions as a new face of the Russian mob set up shop in the city, while a drug war raged inside and outside prison walls.

    But then things got complicated when someone from his past undermined the Mike’s attempts to solve the town’s problems.

    The star posted an update on social media asking if viewers were ready for the new season four

    4

    The star posted an update on social media asking if viewers were ready for the new season fourCredit: PA

    The Mayor of Kingstown is available to stream on Paramount+

    ;



    Paramount+ has officially announced the renewal of their hit thriller series for a fourth season, much to the delight of fans everywhere. The show, which stars an A-list actor in the lead role, has captivated audiences with its gripping storylines and intense performances.

    Fans have been eagerly awaiting news of the show’s renewal, and the announcement has come just in time for the holiday season. Many have taken to social media to express their excitement, with one fan declaring, “This is a great gift before Christmas!”

    Details about the upcoming season are still under wraps, but fans can expect more twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments from their favorite show. Stay tuned for more updates as production gets underway and the premiere date is announced. In the meantime, fans can catch up on previous seasons of the show on Paramount+ and get ready for another thrilling ride.

    Tags:

    1. Paramount+
    2. Hit thriller
    3. A-list star
    4. Fourth series
    5. Fans
    6. Great gift
    7. Christmas
    8. Renewal announcement
    9. Entertainment news
    10. Streaming service

    #Paramount #renew #hit #thriller #Alist #star #fourth #series #fans #declare #great #gift #Christmas