Entertainment
National Geographic Channel’s KILLING JESUS Charts the Intense Political, Social and Historical Conflicts That Led to the Execution of One of History’s Most Well-Known Figures
By GTVW
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It’s a story nearly the whole world knows, with more than 2.2 billion people around the globe following the teachings and principles of Jesus of Nazareth. But the intimate historical details of his life and the political collusions that led to his brutal demise bring intriguing context to the familiar story. This spring, National Geographic Channel’s KILLING JESUS, produced by Scott Free Productions and based on the New York Times best-selling book by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, dives deep inside the historical story of how Jesus’ message and preachings led to his persecution and execution by a group of conspirators who saw him as a threat to their power.
KILLING JESUS, a three-hour television event, will premiere on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic Channel in the United States, globally in 171 countries in 45 languages and in Spanish on Nat Geo Mundo. The film is the third collaboration between NGC, Scott Free and Bill O’Reilly, whose first two projects together, Emmy-nominated Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, are respectively the two most-watched programs in the network’s history.
Combining epic cinematography with intimate storytelling, KILLING JESUS was shot entirely in the Moroccan desert with a crew of 250 and more than 4,500 extras. The 93 speaking roles are brought to life by an incredibly diverse cast, with actors representing Lebanon, Morocco, Czech Republic, Ireland, Great Britain, Israel, Canada, Syria, Australia and the United States. The massive production, unlike anything undertaken by National Geographic Channel before, puts familiar Biblical characters under a new lens to give them layers of meaning rarely explored before.
Leading the cast are Kelsey Grammer (“Partners,” “Boss”) as King Herod the Great, the unrelenting and ambitious Roman-appointed King of Judea, who notoriously ordered the murder of all baby boys in Bethlehem, and Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”) as Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion.
Haaz Sleiman (“The Visitor”) portrays the title character Jesus, with Rufus Sewell (“Hercules”) as Caiaphas, high priest of Jerusalem and conspirator in Jesus’s death; Emmanuelle Chriqui (“Entourage”) as Herodia, ex-wife of Herod II and wife of his brother Antipas, who manipulated her husband into having John the Baptist beheaded; Eoin Macken (“The Night Shift”) as Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; John Rhys Davies (“Indiana Jones”) as Annas, a high priest in Jerusalem who first questioned Jesus and his teachings; Abhin Galeya as John the Baptist, who was considered a prophet and arrested and killed by Antipas; and Stephanie Leonidas (“Defiance”) as Salome, daughter of Herod II and Herodias, whose dancing led to the demise of John the Baptist.
Rounding out the cast is Aneurin Barnard (“The White Queen”) as James, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles; Vernon Dobtcheff (“Before Sunset”) as Isaiah, the prophet whom King Herod claimed came to him in a dream and prophesied his death; Tamsin Egerton (“The Look of Love”) as Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate; John Lynch (“Sliding Doors”) as Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the high court in Israel, who was sympathetic to Jesus; Joe Doyle (“Reign”) as Judas, the apostle who eventually betrayed Jesus; Alexis Rodney (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) as Simon (Peter), the apostle who was Jesus’ closest confidant; and Chris Ryman (“28 Weeks Later”) as Malchus, a servant to Caiaphas.
With a script from Academy and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Walon Green (“The Wild Bunch”), and directed by BAFTA Award-winner Chris Menaul (“The Passion of Ayn Rand,” “Fatherland”), KILLING JESUS brings a rich perspective to Jesus’ story that will intrigue believers and nonbelievers alike.
KILLING JESUS begins in the era of Jesus’ birth, with King Herod the Great ruling Judea, but feeling uneasy about potential threats to his power. This uneasiness leads Herod to order the murder of all boys under age 2, but a young Jesus and his family have already escaped. Moving 26 years into the future, we follow Jesus as he starts to develop and spread his message and begins to amass a following of devout believers. At the same time, new political players, including Herod’s son Antipas and Roman-appointed ruler Pontius Pilate, find themselves troubled by the growing influence of Jesus, while leaders in the Jewish Temple, Caiaphas and Annas, question his teachings and methods.
Through collusion, conspiracy and influence, Jesus is eventually arrested, in part due to the betrayal of one of his disciples, and crucified. He is buried in an unguarded tomb, and when mourners return several days later to anoint his body, the body is missing.
To this day, the body of Jesus of Nazareth has never been found.
KILLING JESUS is produced by Scott Free Productions. For Scott Free, Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker and Mary Lisio are executive producers along with Bill O’Reilly and Teri Weinberg. For National Geographic Channel, executive producers are Charlie Parsons and Heather Moran. Tim Pastore is NGC president of original programming and production.
The Renaissance man of heavy metal, Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden
By GTVW
Photos Agency
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has revealed that he has been undergoing treatment to remove a cancerous tumor on his tongue. Besides, he has completed a seven-week course of treatment due the tumor was caught in the early stages. He’s such a talented person in so many different arenas. Many fans wish him a speedy recovery.
Remember Vanilla Ice?
By GTVW
Photos Agency
Robert Matthew VanWinkle best known as Vanilla Ice, who is American rapper, actor and television host, was arrested for burglary charges. However, there will be no jail, probably dropped charges for Burglary Residence and Grand Theft. Despite he seems to do quite a bit of the work himself. Maybe, this incident is a one-time, isolated incident.
Darren Criss will surprise with a pair of heeled shoes
By GTVW staff
Photo Agency
Darren Criss will be play one of his best roles on Broadway with HEDWIG. “Glee” star will step into the title role’s high heels April 29, taking over from co-creator John Cameron Mitchell. According to some sources, this great actor will part of the show is about an East German transsexual seeking love and stardom backed by a retro glam-rock band.
Latin Grammy Nominated Producer and Artist Mr. Pauer Kicking-off Hispanicize 2015’s First Annual Tecla Social Media Awards
By GalaTView Staff
Photos Agency
Venezuelan producer, DJ and remixer, Mr. Pauer (Toto González) will be kicking-off the First Annual TECLA awards with an exciting surreal performance that is sure to entertain all the senses. His visual sound and lights show is going to set the energy level for Hispanicize’s first social media awards celebration. The private event takes place on Monday, March 16th at 6:30 pm at the JW Marriott rooftop in Downtown Miami and will also include performances by Chino & Nacho.
Mr. Pauer is considered one of the pioneers in the new sounds of Latin electronica receiving recognition for his debut album “Soundtrack” earning him a nomination for “Best Alternative Album” in the 12th annual Latin Grammy® Awards. He also received a triple nomination for Premios Pepsi Music in Venezuela for “Best Electronic Album”, “Best Electronic Song” and “Best Electronic Video”.
In addition to Mr. Pauer’s performance, attendees can expect celebrity appearances, TV personality hosts, as well as other surprises during the first annual TECLA awards gala that officially kicks off Hispanicize 2015 week, March 16-20.
The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment
By Jenny Álvarez
Photos Alfonso De Elías
The Globetrotters have played games on ice rinks, in dusty bullrings, haylofts, rooftops, empty swimming pools, on board aircraft carriers, on top of desks put together, and even during a rainstorm. The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, were at Staples Center in their famous tour “Washington Generals Revenge Tour.”In this show these great trotters played a portion of each game with a camouflage basketball as a sign of respect to all who protect our freedom. Big stars such as Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and Moose Weekes, plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* were received as heroes in LA.
In general terms this show is very enjoyable and exceptional. Even the half time show was entertaining and fun. This was definitely a family event and well worth the money. The players are very talented and this show includes comedy, dance, and amazing basketball. The guys keep the fans entertained. Also before the game started they had entertainment on the floor then after the game they had a free autograph session with the players. They were really nice and even posed for a few pictures with the kids. I would definitely recommend this show.
Keith Sweat and Musiq Souldchild were in a concert full of love
Photos and review by Jenny Alvarez
From nightclubs to Nokia Theater, Keith Sweat and Musiq Souldchild made the love with their voices. These great singers had a successful concert the past February 14th in Los Angeles, CA and many fans enjoyed their music and style on the stage.
Musiq Souldchild well known as the best soulful singer has been very successful in his career as a musician and in this concert as well. His songs such as “Teach Me”, “B.U.D.D.Y” and “Make You Happy” were the most applauded.
Keith Sweat is one of the smoothest men on his genre. His music is so smooth and collapsed with his voice and deep feelings. As reviewer he makes magic with his music because I found it very easy to listen to and enjoy.” Make it Last Forever”,” I Want Her”,”How Deep is your Love” and more hits were the most romantic and sweet of the show for Valentine’s Day.
These R&B legends were special due their music make feel that life is about trusting on our feelings, taking chances, finding happiness, learning from the past and one of the best moments of this great concert was when Keith shared some roses with his public. Obviously many fans were excited and emotional with his songs and performance during more than 120 minutes.
Def Leppard Preps North American Summer Tour
By GTVW
Photos Agency
Def Leppard returns to the road this summer for an extensive North American tour. The Live Nation-promoted tour hitting nearly 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada will kick off on June 23 in Tampa, Fla.
Def Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums—including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria, capturing the group’s legendary tracks, bringing together classic Leppard hits such as “Rock of Ages,” Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Foolin.” The upcoming tour follows on the heels of the band’s massive 2014 co-headlining tour with KISS, last summer.
The darkest shadow of “50 Shades of Grey”
By Jenny Alvarez
Photos Agency
The release of the most famous film of the year “50 Shades of Grey” (Fifty Shades of Grey), based on the bestseller of the same erotic title from British author EL James and director Sam Taylor-Johnson, has sparked a buzz worldwide. Lots of collective laughter over the dialogue mainly from Dakota Johnson who had to spend in bed with Jamie Dornan, totally naked. This story talks about the relationship between a young student of literature and a millionaire businessman.
But the most interesting part of the movie is only in US, manufacturers of toys and sex aids have seen in recent weeks, including some Target stores, with the wide promotion that has received of this film, many sales have boosted of some of these products. According to some sources, they use in their sex, characters Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, a phenomenon that has already occurred after the novel publication in 2011.
Another expensive aspect of this film is all compulsive marketing. Apparently, the new standard operating procedure is to fabricate some sort of controversy and disguise your marketing as news. As a viewer of this film, I think this is only a good product of sales and unfortunately she reflects something sad due she gave her soul during a film role instead of during a real intimate moment with someone she truly loves and who loves her in return (but not really). I will never understand why society has felt the need to bring intimate, important, and amazing moments to such a commercialized level in movies and TV. Nothing is sacred anymore…and most women have to learn that a millionaire will not necessarily make you happy.
