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A lone figure blasts across a barren wasteland, riding a single rolling wheel like a Suzuki motorcycle, face masked and emitting a very full-metal-Furiosa energy — this is our introduction to the hero of Disney ’s Raya and the Last Dragon , a cold opening served medium-hot. Centuries ago, in a world known as Kumandra, nations were united and dragons filled the skies. Then a plague known as “the Druun” swept in, a purple haze that turned man and beast temporarily to stone. It was eventually repelled by a jewel that contained the combined energy of those magnificent, scaly creatures, who remained statues even as Homo sapiens regained their mobility. The bonds that held folks together had been frayed beyond repair, however. Tribes formed, each named after dragon parts: Fang, Talon, Spine, Tail. Those who rallied under the moniker of “Heart” protect the Dragon Gem. A brave man named Benja (Daniel Dae Kim) is in charge of keeping it safe and sound; his daughter Raya (Kelly Marie … [Read more...] about ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Is Disney Princess Empowerment as a Pan-Asian Pop Mash-Up

Breaking News The 2021 NBA All-Star Game will feature a special court designed to honor historically black colleges and universities ... and the first images look amazing! NBA officials previously announced the March 7 event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta will be dedicated to "elevating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and COVID-19 equity." In other words, the league wants to help get resources to HBCU students and staff who have been impacted by the pandemic. And, to put a spotlight on the issue, the league reached out to several HBCU alumni to create custom artwork for the court. The final product is pretty cool -- it celebrates the culture of HBCUs ... from the spirited marching bands to the focus on education and more. As part of the festivities, the official student marching bands from Grambling State and Florida A&M will perform during player introductions. The NBA has also committed $500,000 in scholarship funding to both the … [Read more...] about NBA All-Star Game Will Feature Special Court, Eye-Popping Tributes to HBCUs

Eddie Huang ’s Boogie is a basketball movie, but one of its best moments comes courtesy of tennis. Boogie, né Alfred Chin (Taylor Takahashi) comes back to his home in Flushing, Queens, to find his Taiwanese immigrant father (Perry Yung) rewatching, for apparently the gazillionth time, the 1989 French Open match between Taiwanese-American upstart Michael Chang and the heavily favored world No. 1, Ivan Lendl. Chang won that match, which happened the day after the Tiananmen Square massacre, and went on to win the tournament. When Dad repeats his fervent assertion that this was “the greatest moment in Asian American history,” however, Boogie — so observant of his cultural identity in so many other ways — all but rolls his eyes. It’s the tragedy of even the most triumphant immigrant experience that the hard-won opportunities gifted to the next generation includes the opportunity to reject, disdain or misunderstand their parents’ dearest passions. Boogie has other battles to fight. The … [Read more...] about ‘Boogie’: Eddie Huang’s Sports-Underdog Movie Scores as Culture-Clash Story

A report from Page Six claims that British singer Sam Smith has narrowly beaten out Lana Del Rey to sing the theme song for next year's Bond 24 . A rep for Sam Smith said the news is not confirmed yet, but the singer is reportedly in talks with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli , and is said to be the "clear winner," despite Lana Del Rey 's lobbying for the chance to sing a 007 theme. Sam Smith is best known for the hit song "Stay With Me" which debuted earlier this year. RELATED: No Time to Die Will Arrive in U.K. Theaters a Week Earlier Than Expected We reported in September that the producers were courting pop star Rihanna for a small role in Bond 24 , which lead to speculation that she may have been considered to sing the theme song as well. The last actress/singer to both appear in a 007 film and sing the theme song was Madonna in 2002's Die Another Day . Adele , who sung the eponymous theme song for 2012's Skyfall , won … [Read more...] about James Bond 24 Theme Song to Be Performed by Sam Smith?

EXCLUSIVE : Jason Concepcion is setting up his first audio and video projects since moving from The Ringer to Crooked Media . The former co-host of the popular Binge Mode podcast is launching two sports-centric projects at the Pod Save America producer. He will host a podcast, Takeline , with former WNBA star Renee Montgomery, and partial owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, and a weekly video series All Caps NBA. Takeline , which launches March 16, will see the pair break down the games, players, and controversies that run both on and off the court. Expect Concepcion and Montgomery’s takes on everything from the NBA to The Bachelor. All Caps NBA, which launches March 19, will invite NBA fans to join a quick moving, snappy discussion for what’s happening in sports, culture, and politics. It will be available on Crooked’s new Takeline YouTube channel. Related Story Tenderfoot TV & Crooked Media Launch Political Podcast 'Gaining Ground: … [Read more...] about Crooked Media’s Jason Concepcion Launches Podcast ‘Takeline’ With Ex-WNBA Star Renee Montgomery & Video Series ‘All Caps NBA’