The harrowing 12 Years a Slave has all the makings of a mesmerizing period drama for the ages. The only question is whether the execution meets the potential. The movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor in the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man in 1800s N.Y. State, who was kidnapped and forced into slavery. 12 Years a Slave Trailer Toiling away on a plantation near New Orleans, he subsequently fought for his freedom with the help of a Canadian abolitionist, played by Brad Pitt. Also starring Michael Fassbender, the film is drawing major Oscar buzz as it opens this weekend. Does it live up to the high expectations it sets? Let’s see what critics’ 12 Years a Slave reviews are saying … “Sometimes you have to prepare yourself for the journey a film takes you on. So it is with 12 Years a Slave , a harrowing, unforgettable drama that doesn’t look away from the reality of slavery and, in so doing, helps us all fully, truly confront it.” – The New York Daily News “Perhaps the nature of the story is such that the film can’t help but be obvious and quite melodramatic at times, but it gets better as it goes along and builds to a moving finish.” – The Hollywood Reporter “The film has probably the finest cast of any film this year, and offers contemporary audiences a meticulous and haunting look at this terrible chapter in American history.” – USA Today “In large part, “12 Years a Slave” is an argument about American slavery that, in image after image, both reveals it as a system (signified in one scene by the sights and ominous, mechanical sounds of a boat water wheel) and demolishes its canards, myths and cherished symbols. There are no lovable masters here or cheerful slaves. There are also no messages, wagging fingers or final-act summations or sermons. [Director Steve] McQueen’s method is more effective and subversive because of its primarily old-fashioned, Hollywood-style engagement.” – The New York Times “It hurts to watch it. You won’t be able to tuck this powder keg in the corner of your mind and forget it. What we have here is a blistering, brilliant, straight-up classic.” – Rolling Stone “At it most profound, though, 12 Years a Slave is a captivating study in humanity at its most troubled and implacable, as Ejiofor masterfully portrays Northup’s fight to retain his dignity and identity within an ever-widening nightmare. As such, McQueen’s film deserves pride of place alongside Gravity , Captain Phillips and the upcoming All Is Lost as a breathtaking, ambitious essay on physical and existential isolation.” – The Washington Post
A bomb threat shut down San Francisco’s Union Square yesterday for approximately two hours. The incident took place around 11:45 a.m. when an unattended backpack was discovered along Stockton Street. In response, authorities ordered a multi-block area in the city to be closed, as workers in the vicinity were asked to remain inside their businesses and tourists were ordered to avoid the area. Cable car service was also stopped during the investigation. Fortunately, bomb-sniffing dogs and their human colleagues did not find anything dangerous inside the suspicious device, which was sitting near a text that had been set for this weekend’s women’s marathon. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Police spokesman Albie Esparza told The San Francisco Chronicle of why a shutdown was ordered. “We take these incidents really seriously.” Union Square is a major tourist draw in San Francisco. It is visited by millions every year and is comprised of many high-end retail stores.
A bomb threat shut down San Francisco’s Union Square yesterday for approximately two hours. The incident took place around 11:45 a.m. when an unattended backpack was discovered along Stockton Street. In response, authorities ordered a multi-block area in the city to be closed, as workers in the vicinity were asked to remain inside their businesses and tourists were ordered to avoid the area. Cable car service was also stopped during the investigation. Fortunately, bomb-sniffing dogs and their human colleagues did not find anything dangerous inside the suspicious device, which was sitting near a text that had been set for this weekend’s women’s marathon. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Police spokesman Albie Esparza told The San Francisco Chronicle of why a shutdown was ordered. “We take these incidents really seriously.” Union Square is a major tourist draw in San Francisco. It is visited by millions every year and is comprised of many high-end retail stores.
He’s clean, he’s sober and he’s newly 26! Zac Efron, who secretly spent time in rehab this year for a substance abuse problem, celebrates a birthday today. But he’s already given fans the very best gift of all: a new perspective on life. And he’s also naked in That Awkward Moment trailer . That’s another good present for his followers. Efron, of course, rose to fame as part of the High School Musical cast. He dated costar Vanessa Hudgens for many years, but has been mostly single since that relationship ended in 2011. On the big screen, Efron has appeared in such films as 17 Again, The Paperboy and Parkland. He remains intent on proving that he’s moved behind his teenage years and is prepared to tackle more mature roles. Let’s just hope we don’t soon see him naked on a Wrecking Ball as a result. Happy birthday, Zac! We’re so glad you’re doing well!
He’s clean, he’s sober and he’s newly 26! Zac Efron, who secretly spent time in rehab this year for a substance abuse problem, celebrates a birthday today. But he’s already given fans the very best gift of all: a new perspective on life. And he’s also naked in That Awkward Moment trailer . That’s another good present for his followers. Efron, of course, rose to fame as part of the High School Musical cast. He dated costar Vanessa Hudgens for many years, but has been mostly single since that relationship ended in 2011. On the big screen, Efron has appeared in such films as 17 Again, The Paperboy and Parkland. He remains intent on proving that he’s moved behind his teenage years and is prepared to tackle more mature roles. Let’s just hope we don’t soon see him naked on a Wrecking Ball as a result. Happy birthday, Zac! We’re so glad you’re doing well!
Wait… What?! Nicki Minaj Allegedly Cheated On Safaree With Zac Efron Via Rumor Fix reports: Star Magazine is now claiming that Nicki Minaj cheated on her lover Safaree with none other than Zac Efron! The gossip rag claims the shocking hook up took place late July at Minaj’s pad in West Hollywood. One source dishes: “Zac and Nicki shared a steamy night together. Nicki took Zac to her house in West Hollwood–She said he was the best lover she’s ever had.” We don’t know what’s worse for Zac–being accused of a drug addiction, or being accused of doing the dirty the Nicki Minaj… Regardless, RumorFix has reached out to reps for both Nicki and Zac but have yet to hear back. Zac Efron has had an awful time lately with his yayo and h-ron addiction — but, um — at least in this report, he’s noted to be a great lover? What do you think? Continue reading →
The X Factor can name all the new judges it wants, but the success of this competition will come down to one thing on Season 3: Its level of talent. And through two weeks, contestants have definitely impressed on stage, partly for their voices, and also for their backstories. There’s Victoria Carriger , a mother of eight and lover of Kelly Clarkson; Ashly Williams , who dedicated a Whitney Houston track to her late mother; and Rion Page , 13-year old who has overcome a major disability. Click through an assortment of the top performances below and then vote on your favorite member of the Top 40: Rion Page X Factor Audition Carlos Guevara X Factor Performance Ashly Williams X Factor Audition Stone Martin on The X Factor Lorie Moore X Factor Audition Victoria Carriger X Factor Audition WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN? Ashly Williams Stone Martin Carlos Guevara Rion Page Victoria Carriger Other [Cite in Comments] View Poll »
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