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For the first time in its history, the Morelia Film Festival will open with a European film, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne’s drama “Le Jeune Ahmed” (“Young Ahmed”), which garnered a best director prize for the Belgian siblings at Cannes last May. Luc Dardenne will be on hand to present the drama, described by Variety critic Peter Debruge as an “instantly recognizable” Dardenne film for having a “deceptively ‘rough’ quality as the directors’ earlier work, a carryover from their documentary background.”

Helmer-scribe James Ivory, who won a best adapted screenplay Oscar last year for his first-love gay drama “Call Me By Your Name” is also making his first visit to Morelia, which will honor him with a retrospective of his films.

“Five continents will be represented in Morelia this year, but most important are the 100-plus Mexican filmmakers participating in this edition,” said Morelia artistic director Daniela Michel.

The festival,...

Telemundo has unveiled its latest slate of 900 hours of original content including a new drug lord drama starring Majida Issa and Mark Tacher.

NBCUniversal’s Hispanic network is launching a slew of new shows and renewals, including an update on its adaptation of gameshow The Wall, ahead of NBCU’s Upfront presentation on Monday.

This marks its first slate since the departure of president Luis Silberwasser.

Operación Pacífico is the broadcaster’s latest Super Series, a slate of action-orientated telenovelas that have reinvented the genre with shorter runs. The show is inspired by the true story of federal agent Amalia Ortega.

Elsewhere, it has renewed El Señor de los Cielos for a seventh season and is launching limited series No Te Puedes Esconder. In reality, it is “recharging” shows including The Voice (La Voz) and Exatlon as well as premiering The Wall.

“Hispanics are no longer just a demographic story.

Kuno Becker voices Lightning McQueen's voice in the Latin American version of Pixar Disney's Cars 3. He talks about voicing "Rayo" in the Spanish version of the animated movie, and how he's most like Rayo who's unwilling to give up on his dream. Cars 3 is now on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD which includes the Spanish version of the movie with Kuno Becker as Rayo McQueen.

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Well, now, here's something you may not have seen coming from director Michael D. Olmos on the heels of his Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominated indie hit Filly Brown: A kid friendly, multicultural superhero film titled The Green Ghost. A "gringo" raised by a Latino family, discovers that they're all superheroes. Now he must fulfill his destiny and fight alongside them, against their powerful enemies.Charlie Clark takes the title role with a host of notable faces throughout, including Danny Trejo, Marko Zaror, Ufc star Cain Velasquez, Kuno Becker and more. Zaror - well know to readers in these parts - also did duty as fight choreographer on the film and you can get a first taste of the results below with the first teaser....

[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...

The stage for the 15th annual Latin Grammy Awards will see Pitbull and Carlos Santana come together for a special live performance. Santana is also up for two awards this year: Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for Corazón (Deluxe Version) and Best Long Form Music Video for “Corazón: Live From Mexico — Live It To Believe It.” See photos: MTV VMAs 2014 Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos) Pepe Aguilar and Miguel Bosé are also set take the stage together. Bosé was named the 2013 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Grammy winner Ne-Yo, Sebastian Rulli, Kuno Becker and Angelique Boyer have also been.

It's the end of the line for the Dallas TV show -- for the second time. TNT has announced that they've cancelled the new Dallas TV show after three seasons.

A continuation of the successful CBS series from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Dallas follows the machinations of two generations of the dysfunctional and powerful Ewing clan. The cast includes Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Brenda Strong, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Emma Bell, Kuno Becker, and Juan Pablo Di Pace.

Year-to-year, season three of Dallas was down by 26% in viewership and down by 38% in the 18-49 demographic. It's one of TNT's lowest-rated scripted series and that certainly wasn't a good sign for its chances of a fourth season.

In a statement, TNT said, "We are extremely proud of the series, which defied expectations by standing...

This will be the first full season of Dallas without Larry Hagman's Jr Ewing. Can the cast and producers continue to draw viewers and solid ratings without their quintessential bad guy? Will the new Dallas be cancelled or renewed for a fourth season? Stay tuned to find out.

Airing on Monday nights, Dallas continues to follow the machinations of the dysfunctional and powerful Ewing clan. The cast includes Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Brenda Strong, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Emma Bell, Kuno Becker, and Juan Pablo Di Pace.

The ratings are typically the best indication of a show's chances of staying on the air. The higher the ratings, the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available.

Final season averages: 0.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 1.92...

Next week, TNT's Dallas will complete its third season -- the first full one without Jr Ewing. How's the TV show done in the ratings? Will it be renewed for a fourth season or will it be cancelled instead?

Airing on Monday nights, Dallas continues to follow the machinations of the dysfunctional and powerful Ewing clan. The cast includes Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Brenda Strong, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Mitch Pileggi, Emma Bell, Kuno Becker, and Juan Pablo Di Pace.

The third season began airing in late February and the first episode was down by 11% when compared to the second season opener. That was a reasonable decline but then the second installment dropped by 27%. The numbers dropped even lower as the season progressed.

Year-to-year, Dallas is down by 26% in viewership and down by 38% in...

Hola Mexico, the film festival celebrating the best of Mexico's film, music and regional cuisine, returns for a sixth edition. Special guests this year include Eugenio Derbez, Ludwika Paleta, Martha Higareda, Miriam Higareda, El Hijo Del Santo, Kuno Becker, Karla Souza and directors Carlos Cuaron, Amat Escalante and Samuel Kishi. Take a look at the movies and events taking place between May 9th and May 18th.

Hola Mexico, the film festival celebrating the best of Mexico's film, music and regional cuisine, returns for a sixth edition. Special guests this year include Eugenio Derbez, Ludwika Paleta, Martha Higareda, Miriam Higareda, El Hijo Del Santo, Kuno Becker, Karla Souza and directors Carlos Cuaron, Amat Escalante and Samuel Kishi. Take a look at the movies and events taking place between May 9th and May 18th.

There's nothing like a Ewing-family wedding to lure familiar faces back to Southfork Ranch.

Such guests were present in "Lifting the Veil," Monday's (March 17) episode of TNT's "Dallas" update. The occasion was the official nuptials of the already eloped John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Pamela (Julie Gonzalo), but complications arose right from the start of the big day, as John Ross' secretary Candice (Jude Demorest) summoned him to a long-sought meeting about the fracking permit he wanted.

"I've gotta take another raincheck," he told the romantically inclined Pamela, but he promised he'd be back in plenty of time for the ceremony. Her worried look indicated she didn't completely buy it.

Sue Ellen confirmed to Ann that John Ross was dallying with Emma ... "and we have got to do something about it." To that end, Sue Ellen wanted Emma to leave Southfork, but Ann feared that might make the drug cartel suspicious.

Even the best football movies struggle to capture the sport's drama on film. The worst (and there are many) are truly abysmal

Why has cinema found football to be such a tricky customer? Football scenes in film and television are traditionally very awkward affairs, with the "defenders" tip-toeing nervously around the "attackers" as they advance, the goal finally coming via the sort of impractical flying volley you just never see on a real pitch. It's clearly very difficult to let someone score a script-dictated goal while pretending to try to stop them but, at the same time, trying not to look like you're pretending to try to stop them. Perhaps they teach it at Rada, who knows?

Furthermore, filmmakers have the challenge of adding a fictional big-screen gloss to what is already an overwhelmingly camera-friendly and consistently dramatic spectacle in its own right. Real-life football already has its own "script...

"Dallas" is starting its new season in a way it never has before, in either its initial or current versions ... without J.R. Ewing.

The iconic character's death echoed the passing of his portrayer, Larry Hagman, but both their shadows continued to loom large over the rest of Season 2 of the TNT reboot. The legacy of J.R. remains a big factor as the third season starts Monday, Feb. 24, even as others try to fill his shoes and new characters pose fresh complications for the residents of Southfork Ranch. And their allies. And their enemies.

As Hagman did, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray -- who also starred in the 1978-91 CBS incarnation -- remain pivotal to "Dallas" as J.R.'s brother Bobby and ex-wife Sue Ellen. The saga picks up 12 hours after it left off, so Duffy feels it's appropriate for J.R. still to be invoked from the get-go,...

Dallas probably sounded like a strange idea when reworking the classic first hit you, but there’s no denying that the show has found an audience, and with the third season set to hit on February 24th, TNT wants to prepare you with not only a 25-Hour marathon of the earlier episodes, but also with some interesting key art and promo spots.

I’ll have a detailed preview for you soon, with some info on what to expect with the new season and preview reviews, but for now, take a look at what TNT has for you as far as quick teases. In case you were wondering why you like it (or why you should watch it)… it’s because there are hot people on it, and if that isn’t enough, they aren’t above sexual innuendo. So… you should watch.

The backstabbing, two-timing, double-crossing drama of TNT’s...

A bit later than anticipated, "Dallas" still will restart all the usual drama at Southfork reasonably early in the new year.

Season 3 of the TNT reboot will begin Monday, Feb. 24 -- marking the first time in the history of the franchise, including the original 1978-91 CBS run -- that a year of the serial will begin without J.R. Ewing present as a major character. He died last season ... as did his portrayer, Larry Hagman, a year ago while those episodes were in production.

That doesn't mean there still isn't enough scheming to go around, though. The sons of J.R. and Bobby (Patrick Duffy), John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe), remain at odds with each other -- reinforced by their romances with the woman who's now an ex of both of them, Elena (Jordana Brewster).

John Ross is out to live up to his late dad's legacy as the third season starts,...

Earlier this year production company Pantelion scored its first major U.S. theatrical hit with the release of Eugenio Derbez' Instructions Not Included, a heartfelt comedy about a father who reconnects with his young daughter. Written, directed, and starring Derbez himself the PG-13 film has grossed close to $35 million playing as a limited release in under 1,000 screens. The success has been overwhelming in all main markets (Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Dallas), becoming not only the highest grossing Spanish-language film in the U.S. but the biggest Mexican film opening weekend ever in Mexico with $11.6 million.

Certainly, the success of the film can be attributed to Derbez' loyal following that knows him from his work in Mexican television and in films like Under the Same Moon. The actor's charismatic image makes him the poster child for Mexican comedy, an asset that prove to strike a chord with Latino audiences both in his home country and in the U.S. Instructions'  presentation as a family film and the publicity efforts by the studio behind it, which is in turn backed by Lionsgate and Televisa, worked splendidly to attract their targeted audience and hopefully open up a market that has long been ignored.

Pantelion had two other releases this year so far. Back in May the studio released a historical/ war film entitled Cinco de Mayo: The Battle, which retells the events of the fateful day when the seemingly weaker Mexican army repelled a French invasion in 1862. A film like this was the first of its kind in Mexico in terms of production value and resources employed to produce a work of such magnitude. Starring Mexican star Kuno Becker (Goal!, Goal II) in the role of national hero General Ignacio Zaragoza, the film opened on May 3rd both in Mexico and the U.S.

Read a review for the film Here

Read an interview with Kuno Becker on the film Here

Pulling Strings, the other Pantelion release, opened on October 4th and its a bilingual romantic comedy. The film stars Mexican soap opera actor Jaime Camil and comedian Omar Chaparro. The film has clearly benefited from the recent success of Derbez' film and it has become Pantelion's second consecutive hit grossing over $2.5 million so far, a solid number for any film opening in limited release.

It seems like Hollywood is finally trying to fill up the gap by creating content targeted to the vastly underserved Latino market, who ironically is one of the groups who most regularly goes to the movies. 

Read more on the subject on Variety's article Hollywood Gets 'Instructions' from Latino Audiences...

Mexico City — English speakers need subtitles to understand the movie and probably Google to know where they've seen the star, if at all.

But a movie featuring a Mexican actor whose shows have been a TV staple in Mexico for years has taken Hollywood by surprise.

The movie "Instructions Not Included," with Eugenio Derbez as actor, director and one of the writers, turned in the biggest Spanish-language opening ever over the Labor Day holiday weekend in the U.S., according to studio estimates Monday.

It took in $10 million and ranked fifth at the box office, competing with blockbusters such as "The Butler" and Disney animation "Planes" that were shown in 10 times more theaters.

"Latinos are becoming more and more the population. In a way, you can count on them to be an anchor audience," said Charles Ramirez Berg, media studies professor at the University of Texas and author of "Latino Images in Film.

After taking goals to Newcastle, star striker Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker) gans down south to join Real Madrid's Galacticos. The second part of the football odyssey sees our hero taking his place alongside soccer legends David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo and, er, Rutger Hauer. Dazzled by the bright lights, he finds his engagement to Geordie nurse Anna Friel under strain while he also learns the truth about the mother who deserted him when he was a child.

An illegal Mexican immigrant and footballing prodigy finds himself on the hallowed turf of Newcastle's St James' Park via Los Angeles in this first division footballing yarn. Kuno Becker is the pool cleaner-turned-premiership player and the love interest is provided by Anna Friel as the club nurse. Look out for cameos from Alan Shearer and David Beckham in this enjoyable run-out.

This a great blending of companies and material. Canada's sales agents have always led the way internationally and Mexico is our pick of cinema territory on the rise.

Toronto-based sales and distribution outfit Raven Banner has picked up international rights to Rafa Lara’s historical epic Cinco de Mayo: The Battle and will commence world sales in Cannes.

Directed by young Mexican sensation, Rafa Lara, the $10 million dollar action adventure is the biggest budget Mexican film to date and was released on a record 500 prints in Mexico. U.S. theatrical is through Pantelion/Televisa/Lionsgate. The film took more than $1 million in its first weekend of domestic release last week.

Cinco de Mayo: The Battle chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. The film, recounts the bravery of a people pushed to the limit, fighting for their nation, their families and their pride. The film features an all-star Mexican cast (Angelica Aragon, Kuno Becker, Mario Zaragoza, Liz Gallardo and Christian Vasquez). The film was produced by Paco Gallastegui, Rafa Lara and executive produced by Televisa CEO, Emilio Azcarraga.

Today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

The deal with Raven Banner was negotiated by Managing partners, Michael Paszt and James Fler and producers Paco Gallastegui and Rafa Lara. The film screens in the Cannes market on May 16.

“This is such an ambitious epic with flawless production values,” says Paszt. “We’re honoured to be bringing the biggest Mexican film of all time to the international marketplace.”

Director, Lara's previous film, La Milagrosa, was sold in more than 50 territories.

About Raven Banner Entertainment

Raven Banner Entertainment is a sales, distribution and production company, based in Toronto, specializing in genre films for the worldwide market. Through its expertise in strategic project management and campaigns, Rbe can also assist in any and all capacities of production, from acquisitions, representation, negotiations, marketing management and plans, and sales.

Besides appearing in the American television hit Dallas, Kuno Becker is staying close to his Mexican roots by starring as the famous Mexican general who won the battle over the French in the Spanish war drama, Cinco De Mayo: La Batalla. CineMovie sits down with the actor to talk about his historical-based character.

While most Americans think of Cinco de Mayo as another excuse to party, the win over the invading French army on May 5, 1829 in Puebla, Mexico also was a victory for the United States. CineMovie’s Pili Montilla sat down with the Mexican heartthrob who gave us a bit of a history lesson from the Cinco De Mayo battle.

Kuno Becker plays General Ignacio Zaragoza, Mexico’s Secretary of War during Benito

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Cine Latino covers, well, all things relating to Latino culture and the movies, every Wednesday. Lionsgate and Pantellion films are releasing Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla, the first film to ever depict the Battle of Puebla. Directed by Rafa Lara, the film opens in Los Angeles and Orange County on Friday, May 3. We got the opportunity to speak with director Rafa Lara, Kuno Becker and Angelica Aragon on all things Cinco de Mayo. Click on the image below. We're only a few days away from Cinco de Mayo but before you indulge in margaritas and all-you-can-eat tacos and guacamole, here are a few fun facts on what you're really celebrating on May 5. 1. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla, not Mexico’s Independence Day. You heard right. The holiday...

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Cine Latino covers, well, all things relating to Latino culture and the movies, every Wednesday. Lionsgate and Pantellion films are releasing Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla, the first film to ever depict the Battle of Puebla. Directed by Rafa Lara, the film opens in Los Angeles and Orange County on Friday, May 3. We got the opportunity to speak with director Rafa Lara, Kuno Becker and Angelica Aragon on all things Cinco de Mayo. Click on the image below. We're only a few days away from Cinco de Mayo but before you indulge in margaritas and all-you-can-eat tacos and guacamole, here are a few fun facts on what you're really celebrating on May 5th. 1. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla not Mexico’s Independence Day. You heard right. The...

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Watch new spots from Rafa Lara's Cinco de Mayo: The Battle. The film stars Pablo Abitia, Angélica Aragón, Kuno Becker, Liz Gallardo, Ginés García Millán and Noé Hernández, finding theaters via Pantelion Films on May 3rd. On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world’s largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for Mexico. Cinco de Mayo, La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. Meanwhile, two young Mexican lovers manage to find love amidst the chaos of war. Cinco de Mayo, La Batalla chronicles...

CineMovie is giving away movie tickets to see Kuno Becker in Cinco De Mayo, La Batalla when the movie opens May 3rd. Enter to win tickets in the Los Angeles area (Long Beach).

Cinco De Mayo, La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico's Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico's history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. Meanwhile, two young Mexican lovers manage to find love amidst the chaos of war. Cinco de Mayo chronicles the bravery of a people pushed to the limit, fighting for their nation, their families and their pride.

Cinco De

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We have photos and the poster for Pantelion Films' Cinco de Mayo: The Battle, starring Pablo Abitia, Angélica Aragón, Kuno Becker, Liz Gallardo, Ginés García Millán and Noé Hernández. The war drama opens May 3rd under the direction of writer Rafa Lara, who also produces with Paco Gallástegui. On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world’s largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for Mexico. Cinco de Mayo, La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. Meanwhile, two young Mexican lovers manage to find love amidst the chaos of war.

This evening, TNT airs the final two episodes of Dallas' second season and, unlike the price of oil, the ratings have been down. Will the TV series return for a third season or will it be cancelled instead?

The new Dallas picks up several years after the original show ended. Time has passed but the Ewings and the Barnes are still at each others' throats. And, though Larry Hagman passed away, there's still plenty of drama at Southfork. The cast includes Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Brenda Strong, Mitch Pileggi, Emma Bell, Kuno Becker, and Judith Light.

Last season, the new Dallas was one of TNT's most-watched dramas, averaging 4.42 million viewers and a 1.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

This time around, the ratings weren't so hot. The second season has averaged 2.64 million...

Kuno Becker leads the charge on the new movie poster for the film, Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla. 

On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world's largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for México.  

Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico's Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico's history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. Meanwhile, two young Mexican lovers manage to find love amidst the chaos of war. Cinco de Mayo chronicles the bravery of a people pushed to the limit, fighting for their nation, their

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Cinco de Mayo is not just a day of partying and drinking, and a new movie starring Kuno Becker takes on the historical batlle in Cinco De Mayo.  Take a look at Kuno Becker as el general an image from Cinco De Mayo, La Batalla.

Mexican-born Kuno Becker, currently appearing on TBS' Dallas, stars as General Ignacio Zargoza who led the battle against the French in the town of Puebla in 1862. On May 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world's largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom and for México.

Cinco De Mayo, La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico's Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico's history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General

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Jordana Brewster knows "Dallas" can get fast and furious, too.

Now in Season 2 of TNT's reboot of the classic serial, she sees it salute her popular movie franchise with Monday's (March 4) episode subtitled "The Furious and the Fast." Its thrust is something the actress knows a lot about: a car race, this one between Christopher and John Ross Ewing (Jesse Metcalfe, Josh Henderson), the antagonistic relatives Elena Ramos (Brewster) has been involved with romantically.

"I had a laugh out of it," Brewster tells Zap2it about her first glimpse of the story's name. "It was particularly funny to me because I was shooting the next 'Fast & Furious' at the same time I was shooting that 'Dallas' episode." Indeed, Brewster and fellow returnees Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson race into theaters again with "Fast & Furious 6" Friday, May 24.

While the latest "Dallas" tale acknowledges her other major credit, Brewster finds...

The March 11 episode of TNT’s Dallas features J.R. Ewing’s funeral, but tonight’s hour (9 p.m. Et) is, according to the network’s promo, “the end of J.R. Ewing.” Haven’t been watching the reboot’s second season but want to take part in this pop culture moment? Here’s a quick primer:

1. While season 1 of TNT’s Dallas was about J.R. (Larry Hagman) and his son John Ross (Josh Henderson) scheming to steal Southfork from Bobby (Patrick Duffy), whose name is still on the deed, season 2 has revolved around John Ross and J.R.

Even if it didn't have to deal with a pivotal death, there would be much new in Season 2 of "Dallas."

TNT's reboot of the 1978-91 CBS serial resumes Monday, Jan. 28, with the ever-wily J.R. Ewing still present. Larry Hagman had completed five of the new episodes at the time of his death in November, and by necessity as well as the desire to give the actor and character a fitting send-off, the show will focus on J.R.'s sudden absence in an episode tentatively slated for Monday, March 11.

"Every episode will have it," executive producer Cynthia Cidre tells Zap2it of "Dallas" retaining the spirit of J.R. once he departs. "And also [Ewing family patriarch] Jock's. He died in the third season [of the original series], and his presence has been felt forever. I think J.R. will always be with the show, but for this season at a minimum, it's the mystery of what's happened to him.

"Breaking Bad" star Betsy Brandt is trading one dysfunctional TV family for another, at least for one episode. TV Guide reports that the actress will guest star on "Parenthood" as the ex-wife of Ray Romano's Hank Rizzoli.

Romano's character already has a lot to deal with, including a teenage daughter and a crush on his engaged assistant, Sarah (Lauren Graham), whom he kissed in last week's episode. Will Brandt's character will set Hank straight?

In other casting news ...

The Old Spice Guy has a new gig on "Sirens." Isaiah Mustafa will guest star as Danny on the USA Network’s Denis Leary-produced comedy about three EMTs. Danny will be a new partner for Theresa (Jessica McNamee). [TVLine]

Wyclef Jean is headed to "Nashville." Jean will play the head of a music label on the new ABC musical drama starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere. [THR]

Kuno Becker is visiting "Dallas.

Dallas has cast Goal! actor Kuno Becker as the brother of Elena (Jordana Brewster). The Mexican star will join TNT's revival of the classic soap for season two, TV Guide reports. His character Andres - nicknamed 'Drew' - is described as an angry young man who enlisted in the military and ultimately began working on oil rigs. The army veteran will arrive in Southfork planning to follow in his late father's footsteps and drill for oil. Becker is best known for his work in Mexican film and television, but was cast in short-lived CBS legal drama The Defenders in 2010 and also appeared in three episodes of CSI: Miami's final season in late 2011 (more)...

Guadalajara Wraps and a New Fest Begins

Ficg (pronounced FeeSeeg and standing for the Festival International de Cine in Guadalajara), displayed a new vibrancy. Besides some great films, great attendance and great organization, several Latin American countries are entering the international film business for the first time (Peru and Ecuador) with subsidies from their government pointing to an optimism for film production as an economic factor in their country's growth. I blogged about the Dominican Republic but not about the new Law 226 in Mexico which encourages businesses to invest up to 20 million pesos (U.S.$2 million) or 10% of the taxes they owed the previous year (whichever is higher) into Mexican film production, or Brazilian access to subsidies.

In addition, Guadalajara is becoming known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico as its economy is based especially on information technology with a large number of international firms having facilities there. It is also considered to be the home of Mariachi music. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara with the name originating from the Arabic word meaning "Valley of Stones". It is the highest ranking major Mexican city and has the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city. Only Chicago scores more highly for sheer economic potential (Per a 2007 report in fDi magazine, an English-language news and foreign direct investment publication owned by The Financial Times Ltd and edited in London). The same research calls Guadalajara the "city of the future" due to its youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals. It was also ranked the third most business friendly city in North America.

A new digital film studio is going up. The University is an important center of culture and learning.

And sadly, violence over drugs is not far away. This past Friday, Narco gangs appropriated 25 vehicles in 16 separate incidents – 11 of them in the Guadalajara metropolitan zone where they set fire to them in retaliation for action taken against them in a military action to capture two Mexican drug cartel members. At the Centro Magno festival venue, festival transport staff stopped filmgoers leaving a screening of Andres Wood's Violeta Went to Heaven as they sought to return to the festival's central Expo Center venue, acknowledging concerns for safety. A truck was set on fire not far (but not too close either: at Calzada Lázaro Cárdenas and Mezquite, at la Colonia de El Fresno) from the Expo where the festival was still being held, but there was no disruption of the festival.

Our friend, Hebe Tabachnik, Iberoamerican programmer for the Palm Springs Film Festival is on the jury and writes from there:

Dear friends, in spite of the disruptive and unfortunately deadly incidents in Guadalajara today, all the attendees to the Ficg Guadalajara are Ok. We are sorry this beautiful city and specially its amazing people have to experience this kind of criminal acts. The festival is going ahead with its schedule events, as it should be. Celebrating the arts and show no fear is the best way to manifest against the non sense violence. Viva Guadalajara. Viva Mexico!!!!

The activities of the industry, with meetings about Iberoamerican coproductions with its well presented professional projects, the film market itself with films available to watch up to 2 weeks after the closing, the Cannes Marche Producers Network, Works in Progress, Berlinale's Talent Campus and Doculab, and of course, the festival itself with galas every night, a Focus on U.K. and Mike Leigh, Homages, Mexican and Iberoamerican Competition, Sounds of Cinema, Children's Cinema, Lgbt prizes, Open Air Screenings - all defy easy decision making on how best to spend one's time there.

The prize winners:

PalmarÉS FICG27

Premio Maguey

Mención Especial

“Todo el mundo tiene alguien menos yo” (México) Dir. Raúl Fuentes

Premio Maguey

“Mía“ (Argentina) Dir. Javier van de Couter

Premio del Público Milenio

“Espacio Interior“ (México) Dir. Kai Parlange

Premio Mezcal

“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño

Premio Cinecolor

“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño

Mejor Cortometraje de Animación - Premio Rigo Mora

“Un ojo” (México) Dir. Lorenza Manrique

Mejor Cortometraje Iberoamericano

“Minuto 200” (Colombia) Dir. Frank Benítez

Mejor Cortometraje Mexicano

“Lucy vs. los límites de la voz” (México) Dir. Mónica Herrera

Largometraje Iberoamericano Documental

Mención Especial

“El salvavidas“ (Chile) Dir. Maite Alberdi

Mejor Documental Iberoamericano

“ ¡Vivan las antípodas! “(Argentina - Chile - Alemania - Holanda) Dir. Víctor Kossakovsky

Largometraje Mexicano Documental

Mención Especial

“Carrière, 250 metros” Dir. Juan Carlos Rulfo y Natalia Gil

Mención Especial

“El paciente interno” Dir. Alejandro Solar

Mejor Documental Mexicano

“Cuates de Australia” Everardo González

Largometraje de Ficción Iberoamericana

Mejor Guion

Jaime Osorio por “El páramo” (Colombia)

Mejor Fotografía

Mauro Pinheiro Jr. por “Sudoeste” (Brasil)

Mejor Actriz

Francisca Gavilán por “Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile)

Mejor Actor

Andrés Crespo por “Pescador” (Ecuador)

Premio Especial del Jurado

“Los pasos dobles” (España - Suiza) Dir. Isaki Lacuesta

Mejor Opera Prima

“Transeunte” (Brasil) Dir. Eryk Rocha

Mejor Director

Sebastián Cordero por “Pescador” (Ecuador)

Mejor Película Iberoamericana

"Abrir puertas y ventanas" (Argentina) "Dir. Milagros Mumenthaler

Largometraje de Ficción Mexicana

Mención Especial

Música Original de "Días de gracia"

Mejor Guion

Miguel Bonilla por “Diente por diente”

Mejor Fotografía

Jerónimo Rodríguez por “Todo el mundo tiene a alguien menos yo”

Mejor Actriz

Martha Higareda por “Mariachi Gringo”

Mejor Actor

Kuno Becker por “Espacio Interior”

Mejor Opera Prima

"El fantástico mundo de Juan Orol" Dir. Sebastián del Amo

Mejor Director

Everardo Gout por “Días de gracia”.

Mejor Película

“Mariachi Gringo” Dir. Tom Gustafson

alt=premios-paralelos>

Premio de los Niños

“El secreto del medallón de jade” (México) Dir. Rodolfo Guzmán y Leopoldo Aguilar

Premio Feisal

Mención Especial

“No hay lugar lejano” (México) Dir. Michelle Ibaven

Mención Especial

“Oro Colombiano: 400 años de música del alma” (Colombia) Dir. Sanjay Agarwal e Iván Higa

Premio Feisal

“75 habitantes, 20 casas, 300 vacas” (Argentina) Dir. Fernando Domínguez

Premio Fipresci

“Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile) Dir. Andrés Wood

Guerrero de la Prensa

Mejor largometraje de ficción “Días de gracia” (México) Dir. Everardo Gout Mejor largometraje documental “El paciente interno” (México) Dir. Alejandro Solar

Academia Jalisciense de Cinematografía

Mejor cortometraje jalisciense “La noria” Dir. Karla Castañeda Mejor largometraje jalisciense “Fecha de caducidad” Dir. Kenya Márquez

No sooner does this festival and market wrap when a new Mexican festival, the Riviera Maya Film Festival, begins March 20 - 25 which will play in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Holbox. The industry component Rivieralab, a coproduction event will take place in Quintana Roo March 22-25 and will host 158 projects from Latin America and Europe. 10 projects will be showcased to financiers, fund representatives, producers and sales agents, 3 will receive 200,000 pesos or approximately Us$15,500. 8 international works in progress at post-production stage from a pool of 40 will be selected to receive support.

Mexico City, Jan 25 (Ians/Efe) Mexican actor Kuno Becker is set to present his latest film, the science fiction thriller "La ultima muerte" (The last death), a story that deals with controversial issues like the death penalty and organ cloning in a futuristic context.

After spending a decade in Hollywood, Becker is returning to the Mexican silver screen "captivated" by this project, directed by compatriot David Ruiz, a.k.a. "Letxe", a well-known director of music videos who has worked with Miguel Bose, Ricardo Arjona, Alejandra Guzman and Benny Ibarra.

"I try to work where I feel they're offering me a good story," said the.

Raquel Welch is more than just a pretty face, folks. In fact, the big, bad momma she’ll be playing on CBS’ CSI: Miami (Sundays at 10/9c) could be deemed a downright dangerous beauty — in that she is poised to trigger the beginning of the end for Horatio’s band of crime-solvers.

CSI: Miami‘s Adam Rodriguez Called on To Write/Direct Episode Covering a Delicate Subject

Guest-starring later this winter as the Navarro family matriarch — aka mother of Diego (Carlos Bernard) mother and grandmother to “Miami Taunter” suspect Esteban (Kuno Becker) – “All the roads of murder lead to her,...

There is no such thing as ‘sacred’ anymore. To suggest that any film is inviolable in the modern era is unfortunately not the case, remakes are omnipresent. I completely understand why studios endure the ‘lack of creativity’ insults thrown at them and Hollywood as a whole. Money. A big budget film failing can deal a killer blow to any studio; turning to a ready made fanbase enables them to pretty much ensure a success. Even the fans who are so disgusted at the idea of a remake buy a ticket just to confirm they were right. I know this because I bought a ticket to Let Me In. It is the exact same reason that every half decent young-adult novel with good sales is being adapted.

OldBoy and Akira respectively are held in extremely high regard, both with very niche fan bases and a penchant for extreme violence, at first...

CSI: Miami is planning a string of episodes to feature old school sexy, the kind our fathers used to leer at when they were younger. Back in their prime, during the 60s and 70s, these two women were the women who hung on posters in teenagers’ bedrooms. They may not be as young as they used to be, but they’re still gorgeous to look at and will add a little extra sizzle to Miami’s 10th season.

TV Guide broke the news of our first girl, Bo Derek. She’ll be playing a well-preserved mother (another word that could be used is Milf) who runs a horse stable. Things get thrown into chaos when a murder is committed at her stable. Derek has recently become a more prominent name, with a couple of TV guest appearances. She’ll also be a guest star on Chuck, but she will be playing herself.

CSI: Miami baddie Diego Navarro comes from very, very good stock — in that his mother is Raquel Welch.

TVLine has learned exclusively that the actress and 1960s/70s sex symbol will guest-star on CBS’ Sunday night crime drama as the matriarch of the very powerful Miami family from which Carlos Bernard’s character and thus his son Esteban (Kuno Becker) aka “The Miami Taunter” hail.

CSI Taps Elisabeth Shue to Replace Marg Helgenberger

Welch’s episode is set to air in early 2012, following a guest appearance by another iconic bombshell, 10‘s Bo Derek (playing the owner of a horse stable,...

Hitting movie theaters this weekend:

Jumping the Broom – Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett

Something Borrowed – Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield

Thor – Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman

Movie of the Week

Thor

The Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman

The Plot: The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor (Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth.

The Buzz: When I first heard about this film there was no accompanying metaphorical rumble of thunder. As a matter of fact, I instead grumbled at Marvel’s blunder — a film about Thor? He’s got to be one of the least popular Marvel Comics heroes out there. He’s not even a super hero, he’s the god of thunder, and his books are some of the most boring that Marvel has ever published. What was Marvel thinking? I just couldn...

The movie From Prada to Nada, a Latina reworking of Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility, comes to Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate on May 3. (Clever title! But not as cute as The Devil Wears Nada, which is on late night Cinemax every friggin’ night of the week.)

The eyes have it in From Prada to Nada.

A fish-out-of-water romantic comedy (who woulda thunk it!?), From Prada to Nada explores the relationship of spoiled Beverly Hills sisters Nora (Camilla Belle, Push) and Mary (Alexa Vega, Broken Hill). When their loving father unexpectedly dies, leaving them penniless, the girls embark on their biggest adventure yet: to live with an estranged aunt on the other side of town — East L.A. — and embrace their long denied heritage… without their designer labels.

The feature film directorial debut of Angel Garcia, From Prada to Nada also stars Wilmer Valderrama (TV’s The Dry Land...

This week there was plenty of conflicting interests. Beginning with Lisa's food allergy client. She shares her excitement for the case with her secret lover Ada Ward, while he tries to lure her to switch sides. It was not surprising to see these two together, after their run-in during the Doug Christensen case, a few weeks ago.

Back at the office, the team review the surveillance video showing Sonya Lee die. It proved that something else cause her to have a heart attack. Nick advises her to direct blame elsewhere, other than the restaurant.

The ever resourceful Tony (Kuno Becker) is back. He discovers more information on the case through unofficial channels. He learns that Sonya overdosed on epinephrine. Hospital records also show a similar thing happened to Luke Noland who was brain dead for 10 minutes. Different Emt, same drug. It becomes a case of misleading packaging. The two dosages were virtually identical.

Lisa took on a major character role on “Noland v. Galloway Pharmaceuticals.” First, she finally received a little romantic involvement with the Ada from last week’s episode.

Following in Pete’s footsteps perhaps?

Why she likes him, I don’t know. However, he does serve a purpose in proposing an intriguing job offer to work for the Da’s office. She’s literally in bed with the enemy.

Lisa even seemed to be heading the food allergy case that began last week. It was interesting to see her disagree with Nick for the sake of her client (which was actually their client). Was it because the client was a woman?

She’s only been working with Nick and Pete for 6 months, so it’s a little surprising she’d be quick to argue on which case to try first. After all, they are in charge.

To be honest, I...

Dan Aykroyd made good use of his guest spot in this week’s episode, “Nevada v. Hunter.”

I know that last week I was disappointed that he only appeared for a few minutes. I felt that it was a waste of talent. However, I didn’t know that the episode was only setting his character up for full coverage the following week.

It did not disappoint.

In fact, it was enjoyable to watch Judge Max Hunter be obnoxious, pushy, and somewhat of a know it all. He’s one of those guys that you love to hate.

Nick’s difficulties with Max extended the entire episode. From going over simple facts to being interrupted in the courtroom, the Judge made it extremely exhausting to help him out.

Nick’s frustrations were understandable and as much as I’d have a similar reaction to Max’s bossiness, it was funny to watch.

As a Latina female currently defending my dissertation on 19th Century English Romance Fiction, I am clearly the most suited person to write about this film. The question is, do I need to be? Should I only be qualified to speak on certain cultural aspects of films if I fall within their demographic? It's unfair that when a filmmaker of any ethnicity makes a film, suddenly it's expected to speak for that entire culture. But what if the film itself tries to make that claim? From Prada to Nada touts itself as "a Latina take on Sense and Sensibility." But when all the jokes are about stealing hubcaps or immigration, when all the Mexican characters are basically janitors or housemaids, when all the Spanish being spoken is pretty much menu items or shouting "Aye yo mio!" or "Madre dios!," whose fault is that? Latinos get treated like Asians -- sure...

Hitting movie theaters this weekend:

From Prada to Nada – Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Kuno Becker (limited)

The Mechanic – Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland

The Rite – Colin O’Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins, Ciarán Hinds

Movie of the Week

The Mechanic

The Stars: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland

The Plot: An elite hit man teaches his trade to an apprentice who has a connection to one of his previous victims.

The Buzz: Jason Statham is kind of cookie cutter, and this looks to be just another of his many action extravaganzas, but he does turn in some good work from time to time. Death Race, for instance, was good, and I enjoyed the first Transporter too. Ben Foster has been on the rise now for quite some time — I imagine a few years from now he’ll be knocking on the door of the household name. I enjoyed him a lot in Pandorum,...

"From Prada to Nada" cast made a trip to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of their movie in the Live Regal Cinemas on Tuesday, January 18. Despite the chilling weather, Camilla Belle opted an open pantsuit and a ruffled raw silk bra top that bared her midriff, making it an unconventional choice of wardrobe.

Joining the 24-year-old beauty at the screening was another lead star Alexa Vega. The newlywed, who donned a red Lipsy dress, was hitting the red carpet with the companion of husband Sean Covel. She completed her look with Sophia jewels, but she was most proud of her wedding ring which she flaunted in front of cameras.

Other cast members making appearance that night were Wilmer Valderrama, April Bowlby, Nicholas D'Agosto, Adriana Barraza, Patricia De Leon and Kuno Becker. Director Angel Gracia was also present, while other stars like Carla Ortiz, Fernanda Romero and Mason Cook came as guests.

Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega go From Prada to Nada. Check out new clips as well as interviews from Lionsgate's comedy. The film stars and their roles are as follows: Camilla Belle as Nora Dominguez, Alexa Vega as Mary Dominguez, Wilmer Valderrama as Bruno, Nicholas D’Agosto as Edward, April Bowlby as Olivia with Kuno Becker as Rodrigo. From Prada to Nada is a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, is a new romantic comedy and is directed by Angel Garcia from the writing by Fina Torres. It’s a whimsical fish-out-of-water story of two spoiled sisters: Nora (Camilla Belle), a law student, and Mary (Alexa Vega), an undergrad party girl...

Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega go From Prada to Nada. Check out new clips as well as interviews from Lionsgate's comedy. The film stars and their roles are as follows: Camilla Belle as Nora Dominguez, Alexa Vega as Mary Dominguez, Wilmer Valderrama as Bruno, Nicholas D’Agosto as Edward, April Bowlby as Olivia with Kuno Becker as Rodrigo. From Prada to Nada is a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, is a new romantic comedy and is directed by Angel Garcia from the writing by Fina Torres. It’s a whimsical fish-out-of-water story of two spoiled sisters: Nora (Camilla Belle), a law student, and Mary (Alexa Vega), an undergrad party girl...