Get your scalpels ready, E! has renewed “Botched” for Season 8.
The popular reality show, set to premiere in 2023, follows plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif as they bring their unparalleled surgical skills — and trademark banter — to the operating room for mind-blowing patient transformations.
Nassif took to social media on Wednesday to announce the renewal, asking “Can I have a drumroll please?”
“Dr. Dubrow and I are bringing another season of ‘Botched’ on E!” Nassif said in a video posted on Twitter. “Gonna have great new patients, incredible surgeries and a lot more bromance with — of course — me, the better looking one out of the two. So we’ll see you soon.”
Drumroll please…...
The popular reality show, set to premiere in 2023, follows plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif as they bring their unparalleled surgical skills — and trademark banter — to the operating room for mind-blowing patient transformations.
Nassif took to social media on Wednesday to announce the renewal, asking “Can I have a drumroll please?”
“Dr. Dubrow and I are bringing another season of ‘Botched’ on E!” Nassif said in a video posted on Twitter. “Gonna have great new patients, incredible surgeries and a lot more bromance with — of course — me, the better looking one out of the two. So we’ll see you soon.”
Drumroll please…...
- 7/22/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The first four episodes of the second season of Derbez Family Vacation (De Viaje Con Los Derbez) will premiere on May 20 on Spanish-language streaming service Pantaya.
The remaining three episodes will launch on May 27.
The Spanish-language docu-comedy offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vacation adventures of Mexican megastar Eugenio Derbez and his family, many of whom also are actors.
In Season 2, the family explores the scenery of the northwest of the United States, from extreme adventures at Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho, exploring the breathtaking views at Yellowstone National Park, to having close encounters with big and small wild creatures in Big Sky, Montana.
The series is produced in association with Lionsgate by Derbez and Ben Odell’s 3Pas Studios as well as Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers’ Wallin Chambers Entertainment. Derbez, Ben Odell, Javier Williams, Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers serve as executive producers and...
The remaining three episodes will launch on May 27.
The Spanish-language docu-comedy offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vacation adventures of Mexican megastar Eugenio Derbez and his family, many of whom also are actors.
In Season 2, the family explores the scenery of the northwest of the United States, from extreme adventures at Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho, exploring the breathtaking views at Yellowstone National Park, to having close encounters with big and small wild creatures in Big Sky, Montana.
The series is produced in association with Lionsgate by Derbez and Ben Odell’s 3Pas Studios as well as Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers’ Wallin Chambers Entertainment. Derbez, Ben Odell, Javier Williams, Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers serve as executive producers and...
- 4/12/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s the sort of wealth that buys designer clothes. Then there’s the sort of wealth that shuts down Rodeo Drive for a private Lunar New Year party, has a nine-piece band and a Gucci claw machine for a 1-year-old’s birthday, and takes a friend to their favorite restaurant — in Paris — as a treat.
These are the socialite activities of Netflix’s “Bling Empire,” part of a wave of Asian and Asian American unscripted fare that has popped up on TV screens in the wake of the 2018 hit film “Crazy Rich Asians.”
“I bet Anna goes to Paris more times in a year than she goes to Silverlake,” quips cast member Kelly Mi Li in the first episode, referring to L.A. socialite Anna Shay, who flies Li to France for her birthday and buys her a friendship ring from high-end jeweler Boucheron.
The eight-episode docusoap joins HBO Max’s “House of Ho,...
These are the socialite activities of Netflix’s “Bling Empire,” part of a wave of Asian and Asian American unscripted fare that has popped up on TV screens in the wake of the 2018 hit film “Crazy Rich Asians.”
“I bet Anna goes to Paris more times in a year than she goes to Silverlake,” quips cast member Kelly Mi Li in the first episode, referring to L.A. socialite Anna Shay, who flies Li to France for her birthday and buys her a friendship ring from high-end jeweler Boucheron.
The eight-episode docusoap joins HBO Max’s “House of Ho,...
- 1/16/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, CBS released the premiere date and teaser for its long-awaited drama “Clarice,” and OWN announced the recurring cast and directors for Season 2 of “David Makes Man.”
Casting
OWN announced Tony Plana, Brittany S. Hall, Erica Luttrell, Zsané Jhé, Bobbi Baker, Patrice Arenas, Trinity Cidel, Brandi Huzzie, Rodney Gardiner and Janmarco Santiago would recur on Season 2 of “David Makes Man.” They join the previously-announced series regulars Kwame Patterson as adult David and Arlen Escarpeta as adult Jg, alongside returning Season 1 regulars. Also, Kiel Adrian Scott and Erica Watson are tapped to direct five episodes each of the new season, which finds David in his 30s as a rising business man facing a potential opportunity that will change the course of his life. Filming commenced in October, with the season premiering in early summer 2021.
Dates
CBS’ highly-anticipated new drama “Clarice,” from executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet,...
Casting
OWN announced Tony Plana, Brittany S. Hall, Erica Luttrell, Zsané Jhé, Bobbi Baker, Patrice Arenas, Trinity Cidel, Brandi Huzzie, Rodney Gardiner and Janmarco Santiago would recur on Season 2 of “David Makes Man.” They join the previously-announced series regulars Kwame Patterson as adult David and Arlen Escarpeta as adult Jg, alongside returning Season 1 regulars. Also, Kiel Adrian Scott and Erica Watson are tapped to direct five episodes each of the new season, which finds David in his 30s as a rising business man facing a potential opportunity that will change the course of his life. Filming commenced in October, with the season premiering in early summer 2021.
Dates
CBS’ highly-anticipated new drama “Clarice,” from executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet,...
- 12/8/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers, who run unscripted producer Wallin Chambers Entertainment, have extended their overall deal with Lionsgate.
The pair struck an overall deal with the Orange Is The New Black studio in January 2018 and have now reupped their agreement.
It comes ahead of the launch of House of Ho, their Crazy Rich Asians-inspired reality series on HBO Max this week and the second season renewal of docu-comedy De Viaje Con Los Derbez (Derbez Family Vacation) by Pantaya and Amazon Prime Video.
The pair will continue to develop and produce original series for broadcast networks, cable platforms and premium streamers
Wallin Chambers was founded by Welcome to the Family producer Wallin and Chrisley Knows Best’s Bloch Chambers in 2018. Their team includes Head of Development Nick Lee.
“Katy and Stephanie are incredibly talented producers and great partners for our content,” said Lionsgate SVP and Head of Unscripted Programming Alice Dickens-Koblin.
The pair struck an overall deal with the Orange Is The New Black studio in January 2018 and have now reupped their agreement.
It comes ahead of the launch of House of Ho, their Crazy Rich Asians-inspired reality series on HBO Max this week and the second season renewal of docu-comedy De Viaje Con Los Derbez (Derbez Family Vacation) by Pantaya and Amazon Prime Video.
The pair will continue to develop and produce original series for broadcast networks, cable platforms and premium streamers
Wallin Chambers was founded by Welcome to the Family producer Wallin and Chrisley Knows Best’s Bloch Chambers in 2018. Their team includes Head of Development Nick Lee.
“Katy and Stephanie are incredibly talented producers and great partners for our content,” said Lionsgate SVP and Head of Unscripted Programming Alice Dickens-Koblin.
- 12/8/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Disney Plus shared a trailer for its “On Pointe” docuseries, and Lifetime announced the premiere date for Season 12 of “Married at First Sight.”
Dates
Lifetime announced that “Married at First Sight” will return on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. for a three-hour Season 12 premiere. The show introduces 10 single people are paired together and married, as the title suggests, at first sight. For the next eight weeks, the couples then live together as the show documents their experiences. At the end of the season, they choose whether or not they’d like to divorce or remain a married couple. Dec. 30 will see the matchmaking special, which introduces the cast and explains how the matchmaking process works. And on Jan. 6, the kickoff special shows behind-the-scenes insight into the selection process with a panel of experts. Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Ally Simpson, Montre Burton, Toni Gallagher and Gena McCarthy executive produce the show.
Dates
Lifetime announced that “Married at First Sight” will return on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. for a three-hour Season 12 premiere. The show introduces 10 single people are paired together and married, as the title suggests, at first sight. For the next eight weeks, the couples then live together as the show documents their experiences. At the end of the season, they choose whether or not they’d like to divorce or remain a married couple. Dec. 30 will see the matchmaking special, which introduces the cast and explains how the matchmaking process works. And on Jan. 6, the kickoff special shows behind-the-scenes insight into the selection process with a panel of experts. Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Ally Simpson, Montre Burton, Toni Gallagher and Gena McCarthy executive produce the show.
- 11/25/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
In the spirit of the blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians, HBO Max has ordered The Ho’s (working title) from Lionsgate TV. The new docuseries will shed a bling-worthy light on the opulence and over-the-top lives of the real-life, multi-generational Ho family, who have built a multi-million dollar empire.
The new series, which will include eight 30-minute episodes, follows the Ho family led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho. As Vietnamese immigrants, the power couple is the epitome of the American Dream. After moving here from Vietnam with little money, they worked hard and a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company as well as a new generation of American Ho’s including their children Judy and Washington. The docuseries will give a peek at their lavish Houston lifestyle and will showcase the tight family connections that unite them. Of course, there will be some multi-generational...
The new series, which will include eight 30-minute episodes, follows the Ho family led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho. As Vietnamese immigrants, the power couple is the epitome of the American Dream. After moving here from Vietnam with little money, they worked hard and a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company as well as a new generation of American Ho’s including their children Judy and Washington. The docuseries will give a peek at their lavish Houston lifestyle and will showcase the tight family connections that unite them. Of course, there will be some multi-generational...
- 10/21/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max has ordered the perfect docuseries for the ultimate “Crazy Rich Asians” fan.
“The Ho’s” (working title) is a Lionsgate Television-produced show is a “comedic, full-hearted doc style series in the spirit of ‘Crazy Rich Asians'” that follows the Ho family in Houston. The first season of the will consist of eight, 30-minute episodes.
Here’s the Ho family’s story, according to HBO Max:
Led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho, the power couple immigrated from Vietnam to the United States with little money, relying on hard work to establish the ultimate American dream. They have built a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company and a new generation of American Ho’s. The series pulls back the curtain of their lavish Houston lifestyle and showcases the tight family connections that unite them as well as the multi-generational outrageous drama that ensues.
“The Ho’s” (working title) is a Lionsgate Television-produced show is a “comedic, full-hearted doc style series in the spirit of ‘Crazy Rich Asians'” that follows the Ho family in Houston. The first season of the will consist of eight, 30-minute episodes.
Here’s the Ho family’s story, according to HBO Max:
Led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho, the power couple immigrated from Vietnam to the United States with little money, relying on hard work to establish the ultimate American dream. They have built a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company and a new generation of American Ho’s. The series pulls back the curtain of their lavish Houston lifestyle and showcases the tight family connections that unite them as well as the multi-generational outrageous drama that ensues.
- 10/21/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
HBO Max is continuing its content push with an order for a “Crazy Rich Asians” inspired docuseries.
Titled “The Ho’s,” the eight-episode half-hour series hails from Lionsgate TV and plunges viewers into the over-the-top world of the Ho’s, a Vietnamese immigrant family who built a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company and a new generation in America.
Led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho, the series pulls back the curtain of their lavish Houston lifestyle and showcases the tight family connections that unite them as well as the multi-generational drama that ensues. The docuseries will depict how the couple’s children, Judy Ho and Washington Ho, are not exempt from the constant pressure to achieve and to live up to their parents’ lofty expectations.
“Rarely do you come across a family that is so rich in so many ways – not just in wealth,...
Titled “The Ho’s,” the eight-episode half-hour series hails from Lionsgate TV and plunges viewers into the over-the-top world of the Ho’s, a Vietnamese immigrant family who built a multi-million dollar bank, a real estate development company and a new generation in America.
Led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife, Hue Ho, the series pulls back the curtain of their lavish Houston lifestyle and showcases the tight family connections that unite them as well as the multi-generational drama that ensues. The docuseries will depict how the couple’s children, Judy Ho and Washington Ho, are not exempt from the constant pressure to achieve and to live up to their parents’ lofty expectations.
“Rarely do you come across a family that is so rich in so many ways – not just in wealth,...
- 10/21/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Mexican mega-star Eugenio Derbez (Overboard) and his thespian family are the subjects of under-the-radar reality TV series De Viaje Con Los Derbez (Derbez Family Vacation).
The unscripted docu-comedy series, about a Derbez family vacation to Morocco, will launch in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on October 18 via Pantaya, Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group’s Spanish-language Svod service, and will stream internationally on Amazon Prime Video.
The half-hour Spanish-language episodes will see a camera crew follow the family on the surprise vacation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their adventures and escapades.
It will mark the first time the entire family of performers, who reach nearly 70M followers on social
media, will be seen together on TV. The star-studded family consists of Derbez’s wife/actress Alessandra Rosaldo, their daughter Aitana, Derbez’s older actor sons Vadhir and José Eduardo and actress daughter Aislinn Derbez (La Casa de Las Flores...
The unscripted docu-comedy series, about a Derbez family vacation to Morocco, will launch in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on October 18 via Pantaya, Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group’s Spanish-language Svod service, and will stream internationally on Amazon Prime Video.
The half-hour Spanish-language episodes will see a camera crew follow the family on the surprise vacation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their adventures and escapades.
It will mark the first time the entire family of performers, who reach nearly 70M followers on social
media, will be seen together on TV. The star-studded family consists of Derbez’s wife/actress Alessandra Rosaldo, their daughter Aitana, Derbez’s older actor sons Vadhir and José Eduardo and actress daughter Aislinn Derbez (La Casa de Las Flores...
- 9/16/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has signed an overall deal with veteran unscripted producers Katy Wallin and Stephanie Bloch Chambers. The pair will create original nonfiction programming and formats for TV and digital platforms through their new Wallin-Chambers Entertainment banner. "I couldn't be more pleased to work with the highly sought after, multi-talented duo of Stephanie Bloch Chambers and Katy Wallin," said Jennifer O'Connell, Lionsgate Evp of Alternative Programming. "Having worked…...
- 1/24/2018
- Deadline TV
Press Release:
News Flash….News Flash… News Flash
Get Ready To Super-charge Yourself With The Series
That Started A Global Pop Culture Phenomenon,
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers:
The Complete Series
featuring all 145 episodes from the complete first series,
the ten-episode Alien Rangers miniseries and two discs of bonus content containing rarely seen archival material and brand-new retrospective featurettes
This Collectible 19-dvd Box Set Will Finally Hit
Store Shelves Nationwide On November 20
From Shout! Factory
Following its debut in 1993, Saban’s iconic live-action pop culture series, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in North America. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes, this long-running series has been seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and remains a mainstay in children’s programming blocks. For 19 years, the highly...
News Flash….News Flash… News Flash
Get Ready To Super-charge Yourself With The Series
That Started A Global Pop Culture Phenomenon,
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers:
The Complete Series
featuring all 145 episodes from the complete first series,
the ten-episode Alien Rangers miniseries and two discs of bonus content containing rarely seen archival material and brand-new retrospective featurettes
This Collectible 19-dvd Box Set Will Finally Hit
Store Shelves Nationwide On November 20
From Shout! Factory
Following its debut in 1993, Saban’s iconic live-action pop culture series, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in North America. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes, this long-running series has been seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and remains a mainstay in children’s programming blocks. For 19 years, the highly...
- 11/1/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
The Amazing Kreskin is partnering with producer Katy Wallin on a reality TV version of CBS' new procedural "The Mentalist."
The project, being called "Poi: Persons of Interest," follows Kreskin as he assists law enforcement in gathering information that could help solve open missing-persons or criminal cases. Kreskin and Wallin, president and CEO of Los Angeles-based MysticArt Pictures, are shopping the half-hour project to cable networks and already have shot a pilot in which the mentalist helps solve a case involving Scott Javins, a college student from Indiana who disappeared in 2002.
Wallin, who said "Poi" has been in development for more than a year, noted the similarities with CBS' "Mentalist," which joins the network's schedule in the fall at 9 p.m. Tuesdays. That series stars Simon Baker as a deceptive celebrity psychic who puts his observational skills to better use working for law enforcement.
"There's an uncanny similarity between our pilot and the forthcoming CBS series 'The Mentalist,' " Wallin said. "There is one basic and major difference: 'Poi' is not fiction and stars the real mentalist."
Kreskin, who recently has served as a consultant to law enforcement and security personnel, created the project with Indiana state investigator John Kleiman. Kreskin said the project is "a great chance to bring closure to families who need it."...
The project, being called "Poi: Persons of Interest," follows Kreskin as he assists law enforcement in gathering information that could help solve open missing-persons or criminal cases. Kreskin and Wallin, president and CEO of Los Angeles-based MysticArt Pictures, are shopping the half-hour project to cable networks and already have shot a pilot in which the mentalist helps solve a case involving Scott Javins, a college student from Indiana who disappeared in 2002.
Wallin, who said "Poi" has been in development for more than a year, noted the similarities with CBS' "Mentalist," which joins the network's schedule in the fall at 9 p.m. Tuesdays. That series stars Simon Baker as a deceptive celebrity psychic who puts his observational skills to better use working for law enforcement.
"There's an uncanny similarity between our pilot and the forthcoming CBS series 'The Mentalist,' " Wallin said. "There is one basic and major difference: 'Poi' is not fiction and stars the real mentalist."
Kreskin, who recently has served as a consultant to law enforcement and security personnel, created the project with Indiana state investigator John Kleiman. Kreskin said the project is "a great chance to bring closure to families who need it."...
- 7/24/2008
- by By Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bernie Mac has teamed with producer Ben Silverman for Welcome to the Family, a reality pilot for NBC.
The project, from Mac's MacMan Entertainment and Silvermans' Reveille, revolves around couples in love who are ready to take their relationship to the next level and get engaged. However, the spouses-to-be come from completely different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Family, which Mac will narrate, will feature the couples meeting each other's families for the first time and breaking to them the news that they've gotten engaged.
Silverman called the concept "both intriguing and addictive."
"It's all about falling in love, family and learning how to accept someone despite cultural, economic or social differences," he said. "We are thrilled that NBC is once again taking the lead in supporting innovative programming, just as it did with our hit shows 'The Office' and 'The Biggest Loser.' "
Silverman and Mac are executive producing the project with creator Katy Wallin and Greg Johnston (MTV's The Osbournes) -- who will serve as showrunner.
The project, from Mac's MacMan Entertainment and Silvermans' Reveille, revolves around couples in love who are ready to take their relationship to the next level and get engaged. However, the spouses-to-be come from completely different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Family, which Mac will narrate, will feature the couples meeting each other's families for the first time and breaking to them the news that they've gotten engaged.
Silverman called the concept "both intriguing and addictive."
"It's all about falling in love, family and learning how to accept someone despite cultural, economic or social differences," he said. "We are thrilled that NBC is once again taking the lead in supporting innovative programming, just as it did with our hit shows 'The Office' and 'The Biggest Loser.' "
Silverman and Mac are executive producing the project with creator Katy Wallin and Greg Johnston (MTV's The Osbournes) -- who will serve as showrunner.
Admittedly, in terms of her striking good looks, newcomer Sophia-Adella Hernandez in and out of the ring is hard to keep your eyes off. But while producer-writer-director Lorenzo Doumani's low-budget boxing drama revels in the ferocity of female fighters in order to provide a new dimension to the usual violence for fans of the genre, "Knockout" is far too formulaic in its filmmaking, the performances are strained at best, and many of the dramatic scenes are so poorly written as to test one's patience.
A Renegade Pictures release not to be confused with the 1941 film of the same name and general boxing milieu starring Arthur Kennedy -- and bearing passing resemblance to "Girlfight", the popular and critical favorite at Sundance -- "Knockout" strives to be a rousing sports drama, an East L.A. "Rocky" with a beautiful Mexican-American as the lead. Over time it will make the rounds and gain a few fans, but on its initial theatrical foray, interest will mainly come from the young urban target audience, with little crossover to adults.
Belle Alvarado (Hernandez) is the happy, confident daughter of a cop (Tony Plana) who trains fighters. From an early age, she's not afraid to trade punches and get a black eye, but she is still a reluctant competitor. Badly shaken by the death of her mother Maria Conchita Alonso) years earlier, she's inspired by the aggressive nature of her best friend and sparring partner Sandra Gina La Piana) to think about turning pro.
Unfortunately for Sandra, who precedes Belle into professional fighting, the big time is a brutal bout with one-woman wrecking crew Tanya (Fredia Gibbs), ominously nicknamed "The Terminator". In the first of several extended boxing sequences, Sandra is thoroughly whipped by the savage Tanya and sent to the hospital unconscious. What's a homegirl to do?
There are few obstacles Belle doesn't easily sweep aside as she sets out to uphold the family and neighborhood honor, with the help of handsome, sensitive trainer Mario (Eduardo Yanez) and her father. The story tries to be up front with the issue of assessing separately Belle's sex appeal and athletic skills, and Doumani gives Hernandez every opportunity to impress us with her acting, but her beauty mostly overwhelms issues of credibility.
A sports agent (William McNamara) and wheelchair-bound promoter (Paul Winfield) don't seem to have faith in her. But in looking to make some fast bucks, they launch her rapid rise to fame, which includes national magazine covers, and, at long last, a showdown with Tanya. It's not the least bit shocking when Belle's father is sacrificed to the rising stakes. The lead also discovers romance with Mario.
Doumani even has the nerve to include a spiritual dimension to Belle's quest for glory and redemption in the ring, with her having fuzzy visions of deceased loved ones in moments of maximum peril. Alas, the project's limited budget and lack of ambition cinematically is matched by the often third-rate acting and dismally predictable dialogue. The result is not a pretty sight.
KNOCKOUT
Renegade Pictures
CEO Films
DMG Entertainment
Producers: Simone Sheffield,
Lorenzo Doumani
Director: Lorenzo Doumani
Writers: Mark Stevens,
Lorenzo Doumani
Director of photography: Hisham Abed
Editor: Dayle Mustain
Costumes: Sylvia Vega-Vasquez
Music: Sidney James
Casting: Katy Wallin,
Thom Klohn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Belle Alvarado: Sophia-Adella Hernandez
Mario: Eduardo Yanez
Chuck Alvarado: Tony Plana
Sandra: Gina La Piana
Tanya: Fredia Gibbs
Michael DeMarco: William McNamara
Carmen Alvarado: Maria Conchita Alonso
Ron: Paul Winfield
Running time -- 103 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
A Renegade Pictures release not to be confused with the 1941 film of the same name and general boxing milieu starring Arthur Kennedy -- and bearing passing resemblance to "Girlfight", the popular and critical favorite at Sundance -- "Knockout" strives to be a rousing sports drama, an East L.A. "Rocky" with a beautiful Mexican-American as the lead. Over time it will make the rounds and gain a few fans, but on its initial theatrical foray, interest will mainly come from the young urban target audience, with little crossover to adults.
Belle Alvarado (Hernandez) is the happy, confident daughter of a cop (Tony Plana) who trains fighters. From an early age, she's not afraid to trade punches and get a black eye, but she is still a reluctant competitor. Badly shaken by the death of her mother Maria Conchita Alonso) years earlier, she's inspired by the aggressive nature of her best friend and sparring partner Sandra Gina La Piana) to think about turning pro.
Unfortunately for Sandra, who precedes Belle into professional fighting, the big time is a brutal bout with one-woman wrecking crew Tanya (Fredia Gibbs), ominously nicknamed "The Terminator". In the first of several extended boxing sequences, Sandra is thoroughly whipped by the savage Tanya and sent to the hospital unconscious. What's a homegirl to do?
There are few obstacles Belle doesn't easily sweep aside as she sets out to uphold the family and neighborhood honor, with the help of handsome, sensitive trainer Mario (Eduardo Yanez) and her father. The story tries to be up front with the issue of assessing separately Belle's sex appeal and athletic skills, and Doumani gives Hernandez every opportunity to impress us with her acting, but her beauty mostly overwhelms issues of credibility.
A sports agent (William McNamara) and wheelchair-bound promoter (Paul Winfield) don't seem to have faith in her. But in looking to make some fast bucks, they launch her rapid rise to fame, which includes national magazine covers, and, at long last, a showdown with Tanya. It's not the least bit shocking when Belle's father is sacrificed to the rising stakes. The lead also discovers romance with Mario.
Doumani even has the nerve to include a spiritual dimension to Belle's quest for glory and redemption in the ring, with her having fuzzy visions of deceased loved ones in moments of maximum peril. Alas, the project's limited budget and lack of ambition cinematically is matched by the often third-rate acting and dismally predictable dialogue. The result is not a pretty sight.
KNOCKOUT
Renegade Pictures
CEO Films
DMG Entertainment
Producers: Simone Sheffield,
Lorenzo Doumani
Director: Lorenzo Doumani
Writers: Mark Stevens,
Lorenzo Doumani
Director of photography: Hisham Abed
Editor: Dayle Mustain
Costumes: Sylvia Vega-Vasquez
Music: Sidney James
Casting: Katy Wallin,
Thom Klohn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Belle Alvarado: Sophia-Adella Hernandez
Mario: Eduardo Yanez
Chuck Alvarado: Tony Plana
Sandra: Gina La Piana
Tanya: Fredia Gibbs
Michael DeMarco: William McNamara
Carmen Alvarado: Maria Conchita Alonso
Ron: Paul Winfield
Running time -- 103 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
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