Entertainment Inquiry #4: Answers to Pop Culture's Big Questions - Including 'A Bigger Splash', 'DWTS' And More

Since there is only so much time in the day to read 750+word reviews, it seemed right to boil down all of the sentiments expressed on Eclectic Pop into a simple question and answer format; getting to the point in a concise and clear manner that transforms those broader analyses into a bite-size read. 

If there is an entertainment topic you want a quick answer to, the Entertainment Inquiry aims to give it to you. These questions have been self-generated by taking into account current hot topics and the entertainment interests you already come to Eclectic Pop for coverage on. From alternatives to recent blockbusters to what is worth watching on Netflix, here are the answers…

[Image by Fox Searchlight Pictures]
Question: What is a promising alternative to the latest superhero flick?
Take a dip out of the superhero pool with ‘A Bigger Splash’. The Euro crime drama received a warm response from critics at last year’s Venice Film Festival and it has finally arrived on American shores. It marks writer-director Luca Guadagnino’s first film, since his critically heralded ‘I Am Love’ in 2009 and reteams him with the star of that film, Tilda Swinton. Joining her for this erotic sizzler is Matthias Schoenaerts (‘Far from the Madding Crowd’), Ralph Fiennes (‘Spectre’) and Dakota Johnson (‘Fifty Shades of Grey’). 

‘A Bigger Splash’ centers on a quartet of human emotion that takes on a life of its own, amidst the smoldering rocks of the volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria. The set-up is as follows: rock star Mary Anne (Swinton) and her director paramour Paul (Schoenaerts) are enjoying an exotic vacation, when Mary Anne’s former flame, Harry (Fiennes), shows up with his newly discovered daughter, Penelope (Johnson), in toe.

Thus a quadrangle is formed, as sensual tensions arise between old flames (Mary Anne & Harry) and new ones (Paul & Penelope). Pay attention to the chemistry between Schoenaerts and Johnson. It is my personal belief that they would have made for a very intriguing match in ‘Fifty Shades’ and here’s a little movie news: per Deadline they are set to re-team on the upcoming drama ‘The Sound of Metal’.

Question: Who sang the cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Sound of Silence’ that Nyle Demarco freestyle-d to on the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ finale?

That alluring rendition was by heavy metal/hard rock group Disturbed. It was featured on their 2015 album ‘Immortalized’.

Question: How come a movie on IMDB’s “coming soon” section is not available in local theaters?

IMDB shows the movie’s very first release date under its “coming soon” tab. So if a movie’s limited release is on June 7, it will show that date. While if the wide release date is June 14 (a later time), that date will not be displayed until after that initial release date has lapsed. 

Question: How has ‘Penny Dreadful’ been coming along this season?

Find out by clicking the titles below and reading the recaps of the three most recent episodes on Hidden Remote: Season 3, Episode 6 RECAP
Season 3, Episode 5 RECAP
Season 3, Episode 4 RECAP

[Image by Starz]
Question: Is there a good mini-series I can dig into?

‘The White Queen’ starring 2015 breakout Rebecca Ferguson is a good place to start, especially if you are a 'Game of Thrones' fan. The latter series is based on the tumultuous time period known as The War of the Roses, which is the historical chapter 'The White Queen' depicts.

The Starz/BBC series offers 'Game of Thrones' fans a chance to explore the historical context of their favorite fantasy series in ravishing fashion.

Furthering the 'Game of Thrones' connection is that a sequel series to 'The White Queen' ('The White Princess') is currently underway and 'Thrones' actress Michelle Fairley; who played the late Catelyn Stark on the HBO series, will be among those starring. Fairley will be taking over the role of Margaret Beaufort, better known as the mother of King Henry VII.

As for the original 'White Queen'; it boasts lavish production values, stellar performances and sweeping storytelling that together make it more than worthy of a watch. 'The White Queen' is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. [Image by Starz]

Question: What is the verdict on the buzzed about horror flick ‘Oculus’ – see it or skip it?
Skip it – it starts off strong before losing all of its steam in the endlessly, sickening lead up to its conclusion.

Question: What just happened with all of the cancellations?

On ABC ‘Nashville’ finally received its curtain call, ‘Castle’ wrote its last chapter after 9 seasons and ‘Supergirl’ was not cancelled, she’s just flying to another network, The CW aka DC’s superhero TV headquarters.

[Image by Picturehouse]
Question: Any killer thrillers streaming on Netflix, which feature rising talent?
With the first teaser trailer for the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ recently being released and the announcement that FX has picked up the X-Men based TV series 'Legion', there could not be a better time to acquaint yourself with Dan Stevens. The actor will be playing the titular Beast and starring in the latter mentioned series as its leading man.

As luck would have it, Netflix is currently streaming the inevitable cult favorite ‘The Guest’, which stars Stevens as a mysterious stranger who arrives at the front door of a grieving family. Just a hint: the less you know going in the better. Avoid the trailer at all costs.

Question: What show is worth streaming on Netflix that just started back?

MTV’s ‘Scream’ and here is why

Question: Is there a new ‘Jesse Stone’ movie out and where have they been?

Yes and it is a good one. Tom Selleck and his uber-popular detective character, return in spectacular style for another puzzling mystery in ‘Lost in Paradise’, which marks the first installment in the TV-movie franchise in 3 years. The last entry before that was ‘Benefit of the Doubt’, which came out in 2012. ‘Lost in Paradise’ is the first Jesse Stone movie made under the Hallmark banner.

Its new home came courtesy of CBS unceremoniously deciding to discontinue producing the mega-successful, series of TV-movies. The channel switch has served the franchise well. Stone has never been sharper than in this latest, highly satisfying outing. It is currently available on DVD and Fandango’s M-GO.

Do you have a question for the Entertainment Inquiry? If so, share it in the comment section below or tweet @EclecticPop and it might get answered in the next column!

[Featured Image by Picturehouse/Starz/Fox Searchlight Pictuers]

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