ICONIC CHICA - Art

A New Action Thriller, 'Vanquish' Starring Ruby Rose and Morgan Freeman

3/11/2021

Directed by George Gallo and written by George Gallo and Sam Bartlett comes Vanquish. A glossy action-thriller starring Morgan Freeman (Se7en) and Ruby Rose (Orange Is the New Black) that shows what desperation can drive a person to do.

Synopsis
A mother, Victoria (Rose), is trying to put her dark past as a Russian drug courier behind her, but retired cop Damon (Freeman) forces Victoria to do his bidding by holding her daughter hostage. Now, Victoria must use guns, guts, and a motorcycle to take out a series of violent gangsters — or she may never see her child again.

Vanquish will be in select theaters on April 16. You can find On Demand and Digital on April 20 and on Blu-Ray and DVD on April 27.

IC mag

Children's Book 'His Own Way' by Sergio Liden Inspired by Firsthand Experience of Having an Autistic Son

3/9/2021

A new children's book, His Own Way is being released just in time for Autism Awareness month, which is in April. Dad’s Publishing is setting out to help children who have an autistic brother or sister better understand their sibling as well as their own feelings with the release of their third children’s book. His Own Way written by children’s book author and human

rights activist Sergio Liden was inspired by his firsthand experience of having an autistic son.

The book will be released on March 22, 2021.The book will be available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold.

“I wish I had had a book like this when our son was diagnosed. We didn’t know what to expect. This book was written from my oldest daughter’s perspective on having an autistic brother. A person’s worth shouldn’t depend on whether or not they have a disability. His Own Way promotes understanding which inevitably leads to a more loving world. If we are going to make the world a better place for autistic people and their families, we need to talk openly about the disadvantages associated with autism as well as how to understand autistic people while protecting their rights and dignity.” said Liden about his new book.

The 39-page book was beautifully illustrated by Francesco Orazzini; they have dedicated it “To those who feel invisible, remember, you are very much seen.”

The Autism Society of America, one of the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organizations, celebrates National Autism Awareness Month in April each year and is designed to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms, and realities of autism. Their campaign #CelebrateDifferences focuses on providing information and resources to be more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in everyday life.

About the Author:
Children’s Book Author and Human Rights activist Sergio Liden’s first 19 years of his life began running, literally. Fleeing first his country of birth, Spain (Madrid) – under then dictator General Franco – and again from a military coup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his family came to the United States and settled in sunny Southern California, in the quiet suburbs of Los Angeles when he was 5. But for Sergio, they were anything but quiet. This was just the beginning.

As a survivor of an extremely violent childhood, Liden attended Mountain Avenue Elementary from kindergarten to the sixth grade and Rosemont Jr. High for middle school. Before completing the seventh grade, he was institutionalized for attempted suicide. Being that he was in the throes of alcoholism, he has no recollection of his time in eighth grade and the following year he moved to Argentina to live with his grandmother. Unfortunately, he fell through the cracks again and attended ten different high schools.

As a senior at El Camino Real High School, he asked his counselor about his credits, and a dizzying array of sources told him conflicting answers, from being a freshman while others thought he was a senior. In his mind, dropping out appeared to be his only solution as he was about to be emancipated from Penny Lane Centers and had nowhere to go. With nothing, he moved to Austin, Texas, then to Washington D.C., and found himself in New York City where he attended a semester at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Liden credits his counselor and mentor Elin Bradley at Penny Lane Centers for saving his life. She was the one who drove Sergio to his first AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting at age 17. He has been sober ever since and holds a 32-year friendship with Ms. Bradley.

At 19, Sergio became homeless living on the streets, and though he was offered drugs multiple times, he maintained his sobriety. He did this by going to 7 to 10 AA meetings a day. With a lot of help and love, his life took a turn in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. where he met the woman that would later become his wife. From there he became a better counselor, friend, and listener, and found happiness for the first time.

As a Human Rights activist and volunteer counselor, Liden has worked with children in juvenile hall, those housed in “camps,” and with children in group homes. Liden has also worked with adult inmates in the LA county jail system – from the Men’s Central and Twin Towers, to female inmates at CRDF in Lynwood – and inmates housed at both Wayside and Wayside Supermax in Santa Clarita, California. He has also counseled members of law enforcement, both Sheriff, LAPD, and every branch of the military suffering from PTSD.

Sergio has also taken his work to state prisons around the country to meet with school shooters as well. On his most recent trip, he went to Texas’ death row to meet with an inmate. After the pandemic is over, he plans to meet with another prisoner who is on Alabama’s death row. Why? Because he believes these people would not be there if they had an Elin Bradley in their lives.

Sergio and his wife Anna had their first child, a daughter, on March 22, 2003. His inspiration for writing children’s books came after her birth. His daughter was born weighing 10 lbs., but compared to him, standing at a whopping 6’5 ½, she was little, to which he nicknamed her Itty Bitty. This was the third and boldest demarcation of his life before and after he had children. The first was Elin, the second was his wife.

One morning while his daughter was lying on the living room floor, barely able to lift her head, Sergio got the curiosity of lying down next to her and seeing the world from her perspective. He saw that the dining table was nothing but four legs holding “something up,” that the chairs were also just legs holding “something up,” and that the couch was this “long thing” that made no sense. It was at this moment when he realized that he must appear as a giant to his infant daughter and after observing his surroundings from her perspective, he ran over to his office and poured out his first book, Little Itty Bitty’s First Day.

Since then, Itty Bitty had a teeny younger brother, who was diagnosed with autism, that became the inspiration to Sergio’s new book His Own Way.

In his books, Sergio’s characters find themselves alone in their plight and take great influence on those people Sergio has counseled in his past, making his illustrations a great form of counseling. You feel lost and alone? Go read Little Itty Bitty’s First Day. Do you feel like a financial failure? Read The Greatest Christmas Ever. Do you feel like you might be going insane due to this lockdown caused by the pandemic? Read Little Itty Bitty’s Fly Me to the Moon. And there are many other prescriptions in the form of beautifully illustrated and exceptionally well-told children’s books. Other titles include My Mommy and Daddy’s My Mom, which is inspired by the kidnapping of Sergio’s first son by his mother (also to be released in 2021).

His purpose is to effect legislation barring Pharmaceuticals from over-prescribing medication, expose abuse in mental hospitals and push to review the laws about parental kidnappings.

Liden is a big supporter of the Penny Lane Centers and was the keynote speaker at Penny Lane’s 45th annual Voices of Our Children Fundraiser. He also supports the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Autism Speaks, EJI (Equal Justice Initiative), and The Help Group, the largest school system for children with autism in Los Angeles.

About Dads Publishing
Dads Publishing is a privately held publishing company started by 2 dads who met in their children’s kindergarten class in Los Angeles. The 2 dads in charge, writer Sergio Liden and Zachary Zemby are dedicated to publishing children’s books that help children better understand their emotions and help parents better understand their own role in life, especially as a parent. For more information, please visit www.dadspublishing.com.

IC Mag

'Genius: Aretha' Returns this March

3/8/2021

It was during the network's TCA session that National Geographic and Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, The Color Purple) revealed the highly anticipated premiere date and official series trailer for the multiple Emmy award-winning anthology series Genius: Aretha. We've got the details, images, and more.

From 20th Television and Imagine Television, this new season will premiere in the U.S. on the channel with double-stacked episodes across four consecutive nights, beginning on Sunday, March 21, at 9/8c. The premiere episodes will be available the next day on Hulu, culminating in a celebration of Aretha Franklin’s birthday, with all eight episodes available to stream by Thursday, March 25.

Happy Birthday to the Queen.

The National Geographic’s Ongoing Podcast Series

The Making Of released the first of three Genius: Aretha themed episodes, featuring in-depth interviews with individuals who are both in front of the camera and also those behind the scenes. The latest episode features Genius: Aretha's cinematographer Kevin McKnight, costume designer Jennifer Bryan and choreographer Dondraico Johnson. They discuss the process of recreating and honoring key and iconic moments in Aretha Franklin’s life that will be covered in Genius: Aretha.

The Making Of podcast is hosted by the celebrated entertainment journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt and is available to stream on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and other podcasting platforms.

Genius is National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators and their extraordinary achievements with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career. Genius: Aretha will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966, she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979, she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world’s bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a “natural resource” by her home state of Michigan.

The previously announced cast includes triple threat Tony-, Emmy-and GRAMMY Award-winning Erivo as Aretha Franklin who will be performing many songs from Franklin’s rich catalogue; the Emmy-winning Courtney B. Vance(The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) as Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin; Malcolm Barrett (Timeless, Preacher) as Ted White, Franklin’s first husband and business manager; David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development) as legendary music producer Jerry Wexler, who guided Franklin as she developed into a confident singer and commercial success;

Patrice Covington (The Color Purple, Ain’t Misbehavin’) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (Oklahoma!, The Big Sick) portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, as Aretha’s sisters and frequent background singers, who supported and collaborated with their famous sibling; Steven Norfleet (Watchmen, Dynasty) as older brother Cecil Franklin, who stepped in as Aretha’s manager following her divorce from Ted White; veteran actress Pauletta Washington (Beloved, She’s Gotta Have It) as Aretha’s nurturing and loving paternal grandmother, Rachel; Omar J. Dorsey (Queen Sugar) as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson (Dear White People) as King Curtis, Kimberly Hébert Gregory(Vice Principals) as Ruth Bowen; and introducing Shaian Jordanas young Aretha Franklin, aka Little Re.

Season 2 'Luis Miguel, The series'

3/3/2021

Told in two timelines and with a plot that will explore the difficulties Luis Miguel faced to balance his family and professional life, this second season will consist of 8 episodes that will be available every Sunday at 5pm PST.

Directed by Humberto Hinojosa and Adrian Grunberg, with scripts by Daniel Krauze, Ana Sofia Clerici, Anton Goenechea, Diego Ayala, Karin Valecillos and Paulina Barros. Mark Burnett, Carla

González Vargas, Pablo Cruz, Diego Boneta, Miguel Aleman, Luis Miguel Gallego and Carolina Leconte serve as Executive Producers. Luis Miguel, The series is an MGM and Gato Grande production.

The cast, led by Diego Boneta, is joined by Macarena Achaga, Fernando Guallar, Pablo Cruz Guerrero, Juan Ignacio Cane, Teresa Ruiz, Valery Sais and Axel Llunas. In addition, Camila Sodi, Cesar Bordón, Juan Pablo Zurita, Cesar Santana, Martin Bello, Lola Casamayor, Pilar Santacruz, Javier Gómez, Kevin Holt and Gabriel Nuncio, among others, return to the series.

Catch it on April 18.

A New Docuseries Examines the Scandal and Allegations of Abuse and Cover-up at Ohio State University

2/26/2021

A first of its kind docuseries that will extensively examine the decades-long scandal uncovered in the Sports Illustrated digital cover story by Jon Wertheim. Some of you may remember Wertheim's groundbreaking digital cover story detailing prolific alleged abuse at Ohio State University (OSU). This series, produced by Smokehouse Pictures and Sports Illustrated Studios will detail the scandal that lasted three decades and left many questioning how this victimization went largely unreported.

Sports Illustrated executive editor and senior writer Jon Wertheim - one of the most accomplished sports journalists in America - broke the story on the October 5, 2020 digital cover: Why Aren't More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal? The in-depth expose revealed the extent of Ohio State's sports doctor Richard Strauss' alleged sexual assaults and manipulation of over 350 (reported) student athletes.

Jon Wertheim explained: "This article uncovers the most widespread sexual abuse scandal in the history of American higher education. It is a story about power, abuse, enabling and the hierarchy of college sports that had been concealed for far too long. Because these courageous men made the decision to remain silent no longer, we can finally begin to hold the abuser, and those who were complicit in their silence, accountable for their actions - and inactions. With the help of 101 Studios, Authentic Brands Group and Smokehouse Pictures, their voices and stories---harrowing as they are-will be amplified."

For the first time ever - UFC Heavyweight Champion and OSU alum Mark Coleman provided Wertheim with his detailed account and disclosed Strauss' administration of anabolic steroids. In addition, Coleman (among others) has alleged that Congressman Jim Jordan knowingly ignored Strauss' alleged abuse to the athletes as he served as the OSU Assistant Wrestling Coach from 1986-1994. No one believed that the alphas of campus, the star wrestlers and NFL-bound football players, could be sexually abused by a man.

Even after the school identified merit behind Strauss' alleged abuse claims, he was simply and quietly let go. No formal reports were ever filed, and he remained on the university's payroll as a tenured professor. Strauss' behavior continued unchecked when he was able to open a private men's clinic in Columbus, just down the street from campus. He continued to operate this clinic until his death by suicide in 2005.

George Clooney and Grant Heslov from Smokehouse Pictures emphasized: "We're very pleased to partner with 101 Studios and Sports Illustrated in bringing this devastating and tragic story to light."

"It's enormously important that we continue to shine a light on this ongoing, painful story and further explore its wide-ranging effects" said Marc Rosen, President, Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, who in partnership with 101 Studios formed Sports Illustrated Studios in 2020. Rosen continued: "We are lucky to be able to tap into the exceptional journalism of Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim and we are incredibly proud and humbled to bring even more awareness to his investigation."

Strauss' hundreds of victims continue to seek justice. Only 162 have reached a settlement of $250,000 each and there are over 250 claims still pending.

George Clooney and Grant Heslov of Smokehouse Pictures will serve as Executive Producers along with Jon Wertheim; Jamie Salter, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen of Sports Illustrated Studios and David Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari of 101 Studios.

Andrew Kramer of Loeb & Loeb negotiated the deal on behalf of Sports Illustrated Studios.

by IC mag Editors

Iconic Chica Mag Giveaway: 'The Croods: A New Age'

2/24/2021

You know them. We know them. We love them and we're pretty sure you do too! I mean you did click on this. We know you're here for the giveaway, so here are the details on how to win.

To Enter Giveaway, Follow 3 Simple Steps:

Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

*winners will be contacted via DM by next Monday, March 1st to get shipping info*

DreamWorks Animation presents The Croods: A New Age. If you haven't seen it already, it's a colorful story, brimming with heart and hilarious moments, that is guaranteed repeat viewing for the whole family. Join Grug, Eep, Guy and the rest of the Croods as they face off against the more-evolved Bettermans, releasing on Digital February 9, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD February 23, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The first prehistoric family is ready for another rocking adventure! The Croods have survived fanged beasts, natural disasters, and even young love, but now they must face their biggest challenge yet: another family! In search of a new home, the Croods discover a walled-in paradise created by the sophisticated Betterman family (emphasis on the “better”). As they try to coexist, the differences between the two families escalate into a full-blown feud, but when a new threat forces both families to embark on an epic adventure, they must all learn to work together...or they’ll all go extinct!

IC mag

'The Affair' Will be On Demand this March

2/22/2021

It all begins in 1930s Czechoslovakia when newlyweds Viktor (Claes Bang) and Liesel Landauer (Hanna Alström) are filled with optimism and happiness in their new home. But all too soon, extramarital temptations bring out their darkest secrets and desires. As Liesel turns to her sensual friend Hana (Carice van Houten) for the passion she lacks in her marriage, Nazi troops enter the country, threatening the Landauer's lives and the burning desire between

the two women. We're talking about The Affair.

Directed by Julius Sevcik, the cast includes Hanna Alström, Clarice van Houten, Claes Bang, Alexandra Borbély, and Martin Hofmann. Based on the novel, The Glass Room by Simon Mawer, the screenplay was written by Andrew Shaw and Simon Mawer. The film was produced by Rudolf Biermann and Josefina Borecka.

From Vertical Entertainment, The Affair will be available On Demand on March 5, 2021.

Website: www.Vert-Ent.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/VertEnt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/VerticalEntertainment
Hashtags: #TheAffair

by IC mag Editors

With Michelle Obama, 'Waffles and Mochi' Arrives this March

2/22/2021

Kids and grown ups can now join in on the fun of cooking together. With Michelle Obama and friends, viewers can travel as they discover new meals to cook together in this new live action series called Waffles and Mochi. Will you be watching?

Synopsis:
Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waffles and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs! The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like the supermarket owner, Mrs. Obama, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities. Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles and Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe.

Waffles and Mochi premieres March 16, 2021 on Netflix.

Format: Single Camera (Live Action)
Episodes: 10 x 20 minutes
Showrunners: Erika Thormahlen & Jeremy Konner
Executive Producers: Erika Thormahlen, Jeremy Konner, Tonia Davis, Priya Swaminathan, Barack and Michelle Obama
Production Company: Higher Ground Productions
Featuring: Michelle Obama
Puppeteers: Michelle Zamora (Waffles), Russ Walko (Mochi and Intercommy), Jonathan Kidder (Busy), Diona Elise Burnett (Steve the Mop and voice of Magicart), Taleia Gilliam (Shelfie), Andy Hayward (puppet swing), Piotr Michael (voice of Mochi), and George Konner (voice of Intercommy)

by IC mag Contributors

'Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell' Arrives in March

2/20/2021

An intimate documentary, Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell takes us into the life of one of the most influential rappers of all time, Biggie. The film unravels a side of the late Christopher Wallace most of us never knew. Directed by Emmett Malloy, here are the film details.

In the wake of the Notorious B.I.G.’s landmark induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and ahead of what would have been his 50th birthday, Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell offers a fresh look at one of the greatest, most influential rappers of all time by those who knew him best. Made in collaboration with Biggie’s estate, I Got A Story To Tell is an intimate rendering of a man whose rapid ascent and tragic end has been at the center of rap lore for more than twenty years.

Directed by Emmett Malloy, this intimate documentary features rare footage filmed by his best friend Damion “D-Roc” Butler and new interviews with his closest friends and family, revealing a side of Christopher Wallace that the world never knew. I Got A Story To Tell is executive produced by Sean Combs, Voletta Wallace, Mark Pitts, Stanley Buchthal, and Emmett and Brendan Malloy. The film is produced by David Koh, Wayne Barrow, William Green, Aaron L. Ginsburg, Terry Leopard and Daniel Pappas.

Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell premieres on March 1, 2021 on Netflix. For more, visit https://www.netflix.com/BiggieIGotaStorytoTell.

#IGotAStoryToTell

by IC mag Editors

Grab the Whole Family, 'Yes Day' is a Guaranteed Fun Time

2/19/2021

Remember those feel good movies filled with adventure that engages the entire family? This film is one of them. Get your popcorn ready, gather the family, and press play on Yes Day.

Miguel Arteta is a favorite director. He brought you Youth in Revolt in 2009 and the in 2014 he brought us the hilarious film, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This time around, her brings us a new family adventure, Yes Day. Based on the book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the screenplay is written by Justin Malen. The cast includes Jennifer Garner, Édgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega, Julian Lerner, Everly Carganilla, H.E.R., Nat Faxon, Molly Sims, Fortune Feimster, and Arturo Castro.

Here's the Official Synopsis:
Always feeling like they have to say NO to their kids and co-workers, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a YES DAY -- where for 24 hours the kids make the rules. Little did they know that they'd be going on a whirlwind adventure around Los Angeles, that would bring the family closer to each other than ever before.

The film was produced by Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Daniel Rappaport, Nicole King Solaka, Jennifer Garner and executive produced by Mark Moran, Miguel Arteta, Adam Marshall, Justin Malen.
Director of Photography: Terry Stacey
Production Designer: Doug Meerdink
Costume Designer: Susie Desanto
Editor: Jay Deuby
Composer: Mike Andrews

Everyone deserves a Yes Day, so mark your calendars for March 12, 2021 when Yes Day premieres on Netflix. Check out the trailer below!

#YESDAYchallenge
@netflixfamily

by IC mag Editors

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