It isn’t often that we get to see Terry Crews in a leading role, but John Henry has the beloved actor front and center for a dramatic revenge tale. After a fairly limited theatrical release in January, the pic’s now on Netflix and has managed to find spots on both the Top 10 Movies and Top 10 Overall lists, seemingly indicating that it’s quite popular amongst viewers. But it seems not everyone’s a fan.
For those unfamiliar, John Henry tells the story of an ex-gang member from La who turned his back on a life of crime to settle into a quieter, suburban life. But after two young immigrants find themselves mixed up with his old gang leader, he decides to return to the life he left behind “to end the cycle of violence on his own terms.”
Written by Will Forbes and Doug Skinner and helmed by the former,...
For those unfamiliar, John Henry tells the story of an ex-gang member from La who turned his back on a life of crime to settle into a quieter, suburban life. But after two young immigrants find themselves mixed up with his old gang leader, he decides to return to the life he left behind “to end the cycle of violence on his own terms.”
Written by Will Forbes and Doug Skinner and helmed by the former,...
- 5/14/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
It’s a rarity to see Terry Crews in a leading role, but John Henry places the beloved actor front and center for a dramatic revenge tale. Now, following its limited initial January 24th release, the film has found its way on to Netflix and has started to crawl up the service’s Top 10 list.
John Henry tells the story of an ex-gang member from Los Angeles who gives up a life of crime to settle into a quiet and comfortable suburban world. But when two young immigrants get involved with his old gang leader, he decides to step back into the life he left behind to end the cycle of violence on his own terms.
The film was written by Will Forbes and Doug Skinner and directed by the former. Crews plays the titular character and is joined by Ludacris in the role of the pic’s antagonist, while...
John Henry tells the story of an ex-gang member from Los Angeles who gives up a life of crime to settle into a quiet and comfortable suburban world. But when two young immigrants get involved with his old gang leader, he decides to step back into the life he left behind to end the cycle of violence on his own terms.
The film was written by Will Forbes and Doug Skinner and directed by the former. Crews plays the titular character and is joined by Ludacris in the role of the pic’s antagonist, while...
- 5/11/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Terry Crews’ John Henry is a man of few words. “John Henry,” the folklore-cribbing, violent thriller (opening theatrically and available on demand) about a former gang member who must face his demons when two young immigrants require his help, feels like it wants to say a lot. But what exactly?
Utilizing horror-movie gestures and ladling spaghetti Western sauce on top, first-time director Will Forbes has made a movie stuffed with images of monstrous black men. That was likely not his intention. But it does show what can go awry with when promiscuous genre-borrowing trumps culturally aware storytelling (Doug Skinner co-wrote). Think of it as a Jordan Peele counter-effect.
Still, it’s hard not to love a massive man who’s comfortable with a small, fluffy dog. John Henry’s pup meets its untimely end on a Compton street early in the B movie. One might pity the fool who was...
Utilizing horror-movie gestures and ladling spaghetti Western sauce on top, first-time director Will Forbes has made a movie stuffed with images of monstrous black men. That was likely not his intention. But it does show what can go awry with when promiscuous genre-borrowing trumps culturally aware storytelling (Doug Skinner co-wrote). Think of it as a Jordan Peele counter-effect.
Still, it’s hard not to love a massive man who’s comfortable with a small, fluffy dog. John Henry’s pup meets its untimely end on a Compton street early in the B movie. One might pity the fool who was...
- 1/23/2020
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
"Trust me... I'm not a killer. I'm John Henry." Saban Films has revealed an official trailer for an indie action drama titled John Henry, set to drop into theaters + on VOD coming up in January. Terry Crews stars as the titular John Henry, some kind of big brute who lives in South Los Angeles taking care of his father. His is a quiet man with a violent past who suddenly has his life changed when an immigrant girl on the run from gang violence nearby stumbles into his life. This also stars Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Jamila Velazquez, Tyler Alvarez, Ken Foree, Joseph Julian Soria, and Dohn Norwood. Haven't heard much about this before today, and it hasn't shown up at any festivals. Looks like it might be cool to watch Crews kicking ass. Here's the first official trailer for Will Forbes' John Henry, direct from Saban Films' YouTube: Ex-gang member,...
- 12/20/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Pictured left to right are: Jets members Anybodys (Ezra Menas), Mouthpiece (Ben Cook), Action (Sean Harrison Jones); Jets leader Riff (Mike Faist); Baby John (Patrick Higgins); Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler); Maria’s brother and Sharks leader Bernardo (David Alvarez); and Sharks members Quique (Julius Anthony Rubio), Chago (Ricardo Zayas), Chino (Josh Andrés Rivera), Braulio (Sebastian Serra) and Pipo (Carlos Sánchez Falú).
The first look at Academy Award®-winner Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story has been revealed. An adaptation of the original Broadway musical, West Side Story explores young love and tensions between rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks on the streets of 1957 New York. The film is now in production for Twentieth Century Fox.
The cast also includes Ariana DeBose (Anita); Ana Isabelle (Rosalia); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Curtiss Cook (Abe) and Academy Award®-winner Rita Moreno, who plays...
The first look at Academy Award®-winner Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story has been revealed. An adaptation of the original Broadway musical, West Side Story explores young love and tensions between rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks on the streets of 1957 New York. The film is now in production for Twentieth Century Fox.
The cast also includes Ariana DeBose (Anita); Ana Isabelle (Rosalia); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Curtiss Cook (Abe) and Academy Award®-winner Rita Moreno, who plays...
- 6/17/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Steven Spielberg has cast his next star for the upcoming remake of West Side Story.
Maddie Ziegler will play a member of the Jets, one of the rival gangs from the 1961 musical film. While it’s unclear who she’ll play in the film, it’s likely her dance talent caught Spielberg’s eye as Ziegler, 16, rose to fame on Dance Moms and has worked extensively with Sia on her music videos.
Joining the cast is Tony nominee Mike Faist who will portray Riff, the leader of the Jets, opposite Ansel Elgort who was cast as the male lead, Tony.
Maddie Ziegler will play a member of the Jets, one of the rival gangs from the 1961 musical film. While it’s unclear who she’ll play in the film, it’s likely her dance talent caught Spielberg’s eye as Ziegler, 16, rose to fame on Dance Moms and has worked extensively with Sia on her music videos.
Joining the cast is Tony nominee Mike Faist who will portray Riff, the leader of the Jets, opposite Ansel Elgort who was cast as the male lead, Tony.
- 4/17/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Steven Spielberg’s upcoming “West Side Story” remake has announced a cast of Broadway alums — and a few TV dance stars — to fill out the ranks of the new Sharks and Jets.
Mike Faist will play Riff, the leader of the Jets. Faist has already starred in the Broadway productions “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Newsies.” Puerto Rican singer and dancer Ana Isabelle will play Rosalia. Maddie Ziegler, who appeared in “Dance Moms” and in a series of Sia music videos, will play a member of the Jets.
Ansel Elgort and Rita Moreno were previously announced as the two leads. Moreno will be playing Valentina, a remade version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works. And Elgort has been cast as Tony.
Casting director Cindy Tolan oversaw auditions from over 30,000 performers that included open casting calls in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Juan.
Mike Faist will play Riff, the leader of the Jets. Faist has already starred in the Broadway productions “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Newsies.” Puerto Rican singer and dancer Ana Isabelle will play Rosalia. Maddie Ziegler, who appeared in “Dance Moms” and in a series of Sia music videos, will play a member of the Jets.
Ansel Elgort and Rita Moreno were previously announced as the two leads. Moreno will be playing Valentina, a remade version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works. And Elgort has been cast as Tony.
Casting director Cindy Tolan oversaw auditions from over 30,000 performers that included open casting calls in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Juan.
- 4/16/2019
- by Daniel Nissen
- Variety Film + TV
“Dear Evan Hansen” actor Mike Faist and singer Ana Isabelle have joined the cast of Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake, the studio announced on Tuesday.
The movie also rounded out its cast of the warring Sharks and Jets, the rival street gangs at the center of the musical’s story, with more than 50 actors, singers and dancers. Among them is Sia collaborator Maddie Ziegler, who will play one of the Jets.
Faist, who originated roles in the Broadway productions of “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Newsies,” will star in “West Side Story” as Riff. And Isabelle will play a colleague of Maria’s, Rosalia.
Also Read: Rita Moreno to Become 'Pegot' Winner and Receive Peabody Award for Career Achievement
Rita Moreno (Valentina), Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (Maria), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank) and Brian d’Arcy James (Sgt. Krupke...
The movie also rounded out its cast of the warring Sharks and Jets, the rival street gangs at the center of the musical’s story, with more than 50 actors, singers and dancers. Among them is Sia collaborator Maddie Ziegler, who will play one of the Jets.
Faist, who originated roles in the Broadway productions of “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Newsies,” will star in “West Side Story” as Riff. And Isabelle will play a colleague of Maria’s, Rosalia.
Also Read: Rita Moreno to Become 'Pegot' Winner and Receive Peabody Award for Career Achievement
Rita Moreno (Valentina), Ansel Elgort (Tony), Rachel Zegler (Maria), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank) and Brian d’Arcy James (Sgt. Krupke...
- 4/16/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is casting up with over 40 performers set as Sharks and Jets, the rival street gangs at the center of the musical’s timeless love story. Leading the Jets as Riff will be Mike Faist, who is best known for originating roles in the Broadway productions of Dear Evan Hansen and Newsies. Also, Puerto Rican singer and dancer Ana Isabelle will play Rosalia, who works with Maria (played by newcomer Rachel Zegler). Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler has also been cast as part of the Jets.
Previously announced players include Rita Moreno (Valentina), Ansel Elgort (Tony), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), and Brian dʼArcy James (Sergeant Krupke).
Spielberg’s team conducted a wide search for performers, many with no on-camera experience, to bring together a cast with a range of musical theater experience. Filming is slated to begin this summer.
Previously announced players include Rita Moreno (Valentina), Ansel Elgort (Tony), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank), and Brian dʼArcy James (Sergeant Krupke).
Spielberg’s team conducted a wide search for performers, many with no on-camera experience, to bring together a cast with a range of musical theater experience. Filming is slated to begin this summer.
- 4/16/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Hip-hop artist and producer DJ Quik is the latest star to become involved in the forthcoming indie movie “John Henry” with Terry Crews and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. The rapper will produce an original soundtrack for the feature film and also serve as executive producer.
The film, from first-time movie director Will Forbes, is a modern adaption of an African-American folklore of the same name and follows John Henry (Crews) after he abandons a crime-riddled life for a peaceful one in Los Angeles. But when he crosses paths with two immigrant kids who are running from the leader of his former gang, he’s forced to confront the violence of his past life in hopes of saving them.
“When I got the opportunity to score and create music for the legend of John Henry, I had to do it. It’s a story we all grew up on, and when I...
The film, from first-time movie director Will Forbes, is a modern adaption of an African-American folklore of the same name and follows John Henry (Crews) after he abandons a crime-riddled life for a peaceful one in Los Angeles. But when he crosses paths with two immigrant kids who are running from the leader of his former gang, he’s forced to confront the violence of his past life in hopes of saving them.
“When I got the opportunity to score and create music for the legend of John Henry, I had to do it. It’s a story we all grew up on, and when I...
- 4/11/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews and Fast & Furious franchise actor Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges have signed on as leads in John Henry, a dramatic thriller from first-time film director Will Forbes. Jamila Velazquez (Empire), Ken Foree, Tyler Alvarez, and Jj Soria (The Oath) co-star in the indie which is being produced by Defiant Studios’ Eric B. Fleischman, Automatik’s Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Kodiak’s Maurice Fadida.
Described as a modern retelling of the folklore, the plot, co-written by Forbes and Doug Skinner, follows John Henry (Crews), a man who has traded violence for a peaceful life in South Los Angeles. But when he meets two immigrant kids running from the leader of his former gang (Bridges), Henry must decide whether to revisit his troubled past in order to give them a future.
iWood Studios, which is headed by executive producer Matthew Antoun, financed the project. Executive producers include Emily Siegel...
Described as a modern retelling of the folklore, the plot, co-written by Forbes and Doug Skinner, follows John Henry (Crews), a man who has traded violence for a peaceful life in South Los Angeles. But when he meets two immigrant kids running from the leader of his former gang (Bridges), Henry must decide whether to revisit his troubled past in order to give them a future.
iWood Studios, which is headed by executive producer Matthew Antoun, financed the project. Executive producers include Emily Siegel...
- 5/30/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The first episode of Empire, Season 3 picked up right where the Season 2 finale left off: at the debacle that ensued at the youngest Lyon son, Hakeem’s (Bryshere Y. Gray) wedding to the lead singer of Empire Entertainment’s ‘Mirage a Trois’ girl group: Laura Calleros (Jamila Velazquez). ‘Empire,’ Season 3 Premiere Recap Andre’s wife Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday) finds Anika […]
The post ‘Empire,’ Season 3 Premiere Recap: ‘Light In Darkness’ Begins With Death appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Empire,’ Season 3 Premiere Recap: ‘Light In Darkness’ Begins With Death appeared first on uInterview.
- 9/22/2016
- by Pablo Mena
- Uinterview
We probably should've asked Jamila Velazquez to sing these answers, but we appreciate her sitting down to answer them all the same. The actress, who joined Empire last season as Laura Calleros, Hakeem Lyon's ex-fiancée and the lead voice of girl group Mirage a Trois (which just sorta signifies trouble, doesn't it?), is all over the Fox hit's season-season soundtrack album—so you may have heard her there, on repeat. But Velazquez may also look familiar because of...oh, say, what you spent your most recent holiday weekend binge-watching. Don't miss her in a pivotal flashback scene in Maria's story line in the fourth season of Orange Is the New Black, which has had fans talking (and...
- 7/12/2016
- E! Online
It looks like Jamal's survival isn't the only mystery heading in to tonight's season two finale of Empire. While we're pretty certain we know the answer to the question of Jussie Smollett's continued involvement in the Fox hit come season three, we're less clear on which two characters will take a walk down the aisle by the end of the hour. The writers would like us to believe it's Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) and Laura (Jamila Velazquez) getting hitched, but we know better than that. This is Empire, after all, where nothing ever happens as expected. So, who's getting married? E! News put the cast of the ratings juggernaut in the hot seat at the after-party for Fox's 2016 Upfronts...
- 5/18/2016
- E! Online
(Spoiler alert: Please do not read on if you haven’t seen Wednesday’s episode of “Empire”) “Empire” took the battle between the Lyon family and Camilla (Naomi Campbell) to a whole new level on Wednesday’s episode. Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) solidifies his position as CEO — including replacing his father’s image on the company logo with his own — but Camilla is still insisting that he break things off with Laura (Jamila Velazquez). Hakeem also officially announces Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) as the head of A&R for the company. Lucious (Terrence Howard) is staying busy by prepping a music...
- 4/7/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Recently, Fox served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 10 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "Et Tu, Brute?." And it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting and high drama stuff go down as that streaming service that Lucious was so eager to buy, turns out to be a devastating flop, and more! In the new, 10th episode press release: The Struggle For The Throne On The Fall Finale Of "Empire" Wednesday, December 2, On Fox. Press release number 2: Lucious will make a reckless play for the streaming service that he believes will make him the most powerful man in music, only to learn that the entire business strategy was part of a scheme that might jeopardize everything for which he has worked so hard. In the meantime, Cookie will decide to plan a concert at the prison where she spent 17 years...
- 11/25/2015
- by Megan
- OnTheFlix
Recently, Fox served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 9 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "Sinned Against," and it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting and high drama stuff go down as Laz's crooked ways get discovered by Cookie. Cookie gets involved in a big rescue plot with a former prison mate, and more! In the new, 9th episode press release: All The Secrets Come Out On An All-new "Empire" Wednesday, November 25, On Fox. Press release number 2: Cookie and her sister, Candace (guest star Vivica A. Fox), will team up with a former prison mate (guest star Rosie O'Donnell) to rescue their sister, Carol. Back at Empire, Jamal and critically acclaimed pop star Skye Summers (guest star Alicia Keys) will begin collaborating and soon share a deep connection. Meanwhile, Laz (guest star Adam Rodriguez) has truly fallen for Cookie, but...
- 11/18/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Recently, Fox released the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 8 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "My Bad Parts," and it turns out that we're going to see some very drama-filled and interesting stuff go down as Cookie's spitfire sister shows up on the scene. Hakeem and Freda's rap battle could put Lyon Dynasty in major danger, and more! In the new, 8th episode press release: Lucious, eager to assert his power, will release a rap by Freda challenging Hakeem as his heir. Not to be outdone in Lucious' eyes, Hakeem is going to fire back at Freda with a rap battle challenge that could put Lyon Dynasty's future in danger. In the meantime, Cookie will get a special visit from her spitfire sister, Candace (guest star Vivica A. Fox), Jamal will be working on landing a major sponsorship deal and Anika is going to receive some life changing news.
- 11/11/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Recently, Fox released the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 7 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "True Love Never," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff take place as Cookie attempts to get Lyon Dynasty involved in some heavily televised charity stuff. Lucious attempts to take Empire to a new, monumental level, and more! In the new, 7th episode press release: Lucious will begin to strategize the ascension of Empire from record label into global music monolith, so he will look into starting a partnership with Jago (guest star Patrick Mulvey), the founder of a music streaming company. Meanwhile, Andre will have to twist his newfound values to achieve a delicate balance between his faith and his career. Hakeem will begin to work with Laura to turn her into a star and Cookie will set her sights on having Lyon Dynasty...
- 11/4/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Recently, Fox released the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 6 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "A High Hope for a Low Heaven," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff go down as Lucious and Cookie are forced to work together. Andre is about to shut down a division at Empire, and more. In the new, 5th episode press release: The Lyon Cubs Are Lost On An All-new "Empire" Wednesday, November 4, On Fox. Press release number 2: Lucious and Cookie are going to have to put aside their differences and work together as parents to protect their family and keep them out of danger. Jamal is going to do his best to get back in the studio and break away from being defined solely as a gay artist, while Hakeem struggles with how to feel and act like a man. In the meantime,...
- 10/21/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Recently, Fox delivered the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Empire" episode 5 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "Be True," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff go down as Hakeem starts dating another girl from his girl group. Lyon Dynasty gets a huge launch party, and more! In the new, 5th episode press release: The Brothers Go Head-to-Head On An All-new "Empire" Wednesday, October 21, On Fox. Press release number 2: Over at Lyon Dynasty, Cookie and Anika are going to work together with Laz (guest star Adam Rodriguez) to throw "Cookie Lyon's Block Party," a big event to launch their company, showcase their artists and premiere a signature Dynasty anthem written by Hakeem. In the meantime, Jamal will get busy working on his music with Ne-Yo (guest star Ne-Yo). Also, Hakeem will begin a tender romance with the lead singer of his girl group,...
- 10/14/2015
- by Derek
- OnTheFlix
Cookie Lyon’s heart may forever be caught up in a love-hate situation with her ex-husband Lucious — but that doesn’t mean the Empire matriarch’s eyes can’t detect extreme hotness when it walks into her office.
In the following exclusive photos from the show’s Oct. 21 installment (9/8c on Fox), Adam Rodriguez‘s Laz Delgado, “a smooth-talking concert promoter with expert hustler skills… who takes an interest in Cookie,” makes his first appearance. But is Taraji P. Henson’s alter ego focusing on what Rodriguez’s recurring character can do for the artists of the fledgling Lyon Dynasty...
In the following exclusive photos from the show’s Oct. 21 installment (9/8c on Fox), Adam Rodriguez‘s Laz Delgado, “a smooth-talking concert promoter with expert hustler skills… who takes an interest in Cookie,” makes his first appearance. But is Taraji P. Henson’s alter ego focusing on what Rodriguez’s recurring character can do for the artists of the fledgling Lyon Dynasty...
- 10/6/2015
- TVLine.com
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