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Thursday, 18 July 2019

Roku Blog Feed: “Top 9 movie/TV scenes that went off the script” plus 1 more

Top 9 movie/TV scenes that went off the script

Posted: 18 Jul 2019 09:04 AM PDT

What is movie magic? Sometimes it's a masterful screenplay. Sometimes it's a director's special touch, or perfect casting. Sometimes movie magic isn't planned at all. Whether due to creative improv or complete accidents, some of the best scenes in film and TV happened by sheer chance. Today, we celebrate the top nine movie and television scenes that went off the script. Get ready to re-watch some of your favorite onscreen moments with even more appreciation.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) | Prime Video, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox.

Set in the year 1936, famed archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones must locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain it.

Off-Script Magic: During a wild chase through the street markets of Cairo, Indiana Jones encounters a fierce, sword-wielding bad guy. After the bad guy showcases some impressive sword handling skills, a tired Indiana Jones calmly pulls out his revolver and shoots him. Originally, the two were supposed to engage in a whip vs. sword fight. However, after Harrison Ford fell ill from a bad case of food poisoning, Steven Spielberg decided to change the scene.

Good Will Hunting (1997) | Prime Video, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox.

Will Hunting, a brilliant but wayward M.I.T janitor, agrees to go to therapy and help a mathematics professor to keep himself out of jail.

Off-Script Magic: Will Hunting's therapist, Sean Maguire, tells a personal story involving his late wife's unusual farting habits. The funny yet intimate story makes Will uncontrollably laugh. Surprisingly, the entire story was made up on the spot. Not only did Matt Damon genuinely laugh, but the cameraman giggled, causing the frame to shake a tiny bit.

The Shining (1980) | Prime Video, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox, Hulu.

After receiving a job as a winter caretaker, Jack Torrance takes his family to an isolated hotel in the Colorado mountains. During their stay, sinister forces of the hotel gradually influence Jack to attack his family.

Off-Script Magic: After Jack Torrance chops his way through the bathroom door, he sticks his head through the splintered opening and yells, "Here's Johnny!" Believe it or not, Jack Nicholson improvised the line, inspired by Ed McMahon’s catchphrase on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) | Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox, Sling.

A lunatic general uses a back-door mechanism to launch a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, in the Pentagon War Room, key personal frantically try to stop the attack.

Off-Script Magic: Although Dr. Strangelove is bound to a wheelchair, the nuclear scientist unexpectedly stands up at the end of the film and declares, "Mein Fuhrer, I can walk!" The stellar scene is a famous flub — Peter Sellers forgot his character was disabled.

Casablanca (1942) | Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox.

A cynical nightclub owner Rick Blaine decides if he should help his former lover and her resistance leader husband flee from Nazi-occupied Casablanca.

Off-Script Magic: Before Rick's former lover leaves Casablanca, Rick tells her "Here's looking at you, kid." Although the American Film Institute lists this line as the fifth most memorable movie quote, the line wasn’t in the script. Bogart used this phrase while teaching Bergman how to play poker between takes.

Pretty Woman (1990) | Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Sling.

Ruthless businessman Edward Lewis travels to Los Angeles for a business trip. Edward decides to visit the city's red-light district and hires a local escort Vivian Ward to accompany him to social events and business meetings.

Off-Script Magic: When Edward Lewis presents Vivian Ward with an expensive diamond necklace, she cautiously reaches out for it. Unexpectedly, Edward quickly snaps the jewelry box shut, causing Vivian to burst out laughing. The famous scene was an improvised playful moment between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The director felt Julia’s laugh was so genuine he kept it in the film.

Being John Malkovich (1999) | Prime Video, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox, Spectrum, Sling.

Puppeteer Craig Schwartz is down on his luck until he discovers a hidden portal that leads him into the mind of actor John Malkovich.

Off-Script Magic: As John Malkovich wanders by the side of a road, a car approaches with a man hanging out the window. The man yells, "Hey Malkovich! Think fast!" The man whips a beer can off John's head, causing John to yell out in pain. The hilarious beer can encounter was not in the script —the extra was just acting on a moment of drunken inspiration. While most people would assume a lawsuit would quickly follow, director Spike Jonze thought the scene was brilliant. Instead of firing the extra, the director gave him a raise.

Roman Holiday (1953) |Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox, Via subscription to Starz on The Roku Channel

Bored of her sheltered existence, European princess Ann escapes from her guardians and enjoys a night out in Rome. During her time out, she runs into American reporter Joe Bradley. It doesn't take long before the two fall in love.

Off-Script Magic: When Joe puts his hand inside the Mouth of Truth, he pretends it was bitten off, scaring Ann half to death. Gregory Peck improvised the cute moment, inspired by a Red Skelton comedy bit. Audrey Hepburn wasn't in on the gag – her priceless reaction is completely genuine.

Django Unchained (2012) | Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Redbox.

Set in the late 1850s, German dentist turned bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz buys the freedom of slave Django to help him identify several wanted men. During their bounty hunter quests, the two form a friendship and devise a plan to rescue Django's wife from ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candy.

Off-Script Magic: After Calvin Candy discovers Schultz and Django were attempting to scam him, Calvin slams his hand against a table, cutting it open. The cut was an accident, but Leonardo DiCaprio decided to keep acting anyway. Despite the blood, he finished the scene to a standing ovation from the cast and crew. The moment was simply too good to cut out.

Looking for more? Check out these new movie releases.

Happy Streaming!

The post Top 9 movie/TV scenes that went off the script appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

14 new movie releases in July

Posted: 17 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT

July brings us a variety of new movie releases and there are a few standouts we think you'll enjoy, like Breakthrough – a faithful mother prays to save her dying son, Shazam! – by shouting "Shazam!" a teenage foster kid can become a grown-up superhero, Intruder – a young married couple buys a new house but the person they bought it from won't let it go, and Avengers Endgame – the Avengers take one final stand against Thanos in the Endgame.

What are you waiting for? Fire up your Roku players and Roku TVs and start streaming!

AVAILABLE NOW

Breakthrough – When her 14-year-old son drowns in a lake, a faithful mother prays for him to come back from the brink of death and be healed. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

Escape Plan: The Extractors – After security expert Ray Breslin is hired to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a Hong Kong tech mogul from a formidable Latvian prison, Breslin’s girlfriend is also captured. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

Shazam! – We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word – SHAZAM – this streetwise fourteen-year-old foster kid can turn into the grown-up superhero Shazam. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

Hellboy – Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

The Professor – Black comedy stars Johnny Depp as a college professor who decides to live his last chapter with reckless abandon after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

Alita: Battle Angel – Set several centuries in the future, the abandoned cyborg Alita is found in the scrapyard of Iron City by Ido, a compassionate cyber-doctor who takes her to his clinic. When Alita awakens, she has no memory of who she is, nor does she have any recognition of the world she finds herself in. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious past. | Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

Missing Link – Mr. Link recruits explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend. | Google Play, Redbox, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, VUDU

July 16

The Intruder – A young married couple buy a beautiful house on several acres of land only to find out that the man they bought it from refuses to let go of the property.

Long Shot – Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen), a hard-partying journalist has got it bad for Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), his first crush turned presidential candidate. After Charlotte hires Fred as a speech writer, he's a fish out of water on her elite team. But sparks fly as he turns her on to a wild new world of raging parties, secret rendezvous, and hilarious rule-breaking.

UglyDolls – Animated film centers around the adorably unique town of Uglyville. The film follows Moxy and her friends as they confront what it means to be different and discover that you don't have to be perfect to be amazing. Inspired by the global plush phenomenon.

July 19

Supervised – Real superheroes get better with age. Tom Berenger and Beau Bridges lead this comedy centered around a group of senior superheroes spending their twilight years in a nursing home in Ireland. When Ray (Berenger) suspects foul play at the nursing home, he reassembles his old team for one last mission, proving that saving the world never gets old.

July 23

Poms – Uplifting comedy about a woman who forms a cheerleading squad at a retirement community. With an all-star ensemble cast led by Diane Keaton and Jacki Weaver and co-starring Pam Grier, Celia Weston and Rhea Perlman.

July 30

Trial by Fire – Based on the true story of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was wrongfully sentenced to death in Texas for a gruesome triple homicide.

Avengers Endgame – The climactic conclusion to an unprecedented, 11-year (and 22 film) cinematic journey in which the Avengers take one final stand against Thanos. Digital Exclusive: "Steve and Peggy: One Last Dance" explores Captain America and Peggy Carter's bond, forged in moments from previous films that lead to a momentous choice in "Avengers: Endgame."

Looking for more? Here’s how to watch free movies online on The Roku Channel..

Happy Streaming!

The post 14 new movie releases in July appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

Wednesday, 17 July 2019

The Departed: Let’s talk about that ending

Posted: 16 Jul 2019 08:00 AM PDT

I'm on the team that brings you The Roku Channel, so I get a sneak peek at all the movies and TV shows that are featured each month. When I noticed that we were bringing The Departed for the whole month of July I was excited – and to confess – I'd never seen the movie before.

I know. I know. Ever since its release, The Departed quickly joined the ranks of Scarface and The Godfather in the crime film canon. The cast is stacked with Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, and with Martin Scorsese masterminding the tense thriller – there's no way the film could not be good – I just missed it.

Now that it’s streaming for free on The Roku Channel, I had to see it. Long story short, I loved this Scorsese's film – it surpassed all my expectations. Scorsese's The Departed tells the story of two men serving as double agents—one for the Irish Mob and one for the Boston PD. They are the same, yet opposites. They even share a love interest in common. If they weren't working for rival organizations, you'd almost assume they'd be best friends in another life. Or, you know, not.

DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, an undercover Boston officer and a rat inside Nicholson's Frank Costello's inner circle. In a similar predicament, Damon plays Colin Sullivan, Frank's mole within Boston's Special Investigations Unit. Both men are wildly successful infiltrating their enemy organization and quickly rise through the ranks. While the film was filled with twists and delectable cat and mouse sequences, it was the last few minutes that really haunt me.

If you haven't seen the film yet – look away now… spoilers are coming…

Everyone dies?! After an all-out blood bath where almost everyone we met in the film died (yes, even Jack Nicholson), the film veers to Costigan's funeral. Sullivan is there along with his ex-girlfriend Dr. Madolyn Madden, played by the amazing Vera Farmiga. The last we saw of Madolyn was when she found out her perfect boyfriend Sullivan was a no-good rat and extra dirty cop. Also, she's pregnant with either Sullivan or Costigan's baby. Dicey to say the least…

After Costigan's funeral, Sullivan calls after Madolyn "What about the baby?" A common trope used to symbolize starting life anew, a baby would mean starting over for Sullivan, more importantly starting over without Costello hanging over him. Tough for him though, because Madolyn wants nothing to do with him. In the next shot, and totally out of nowhere, Sullivan is shot and killed by Sgt. Sean Dignam (Mark Wahlberg.)

Now the question to be asked is this…did Madolyn tell Dignam the truth about Sullivan? Or did she just sit and stew with this massive truth bomb poised to set off at any point? Or did Dignam act alone and kill Sullivan because he suspected him all along?

Maybe Madolyn told Dignam out of a final act of love for Costigan. There's something to be said with the immediacy of the scene after Costigan's funeral, but then again, Scorsese could be manipulating time. Sadly, we will never know as that answer lies with him.

Normally I'd end this with some recommendations of what else to watch if you, too, loved The Departed, but since it's such a darkly epic masterpiece, I'll go in the other direction and offer up some great comedies streaming right now on The Roku Channel.

A Knight's Tale (free) – Heath Ledger plays a clever and talent knight with some kick butt jousting skills. Great costumes and even better music. Miss you forever Heath.

Something's Gotta Give (free) – Nancy Meyers knows good romantic comedies. Want to know what she knows even better? Kitchens. Bonus: watch immediately after The Departed for a Jack Nicholson double feature.

Schitt's Creek (free) – I know. I know. But it's not a comedy movie! No, but it is one stellar comedy series. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara reunite for an amazingly unique sitcom unlike anything you've seen before.

Game Night – It's got Rachel McAdams. It's got Patrick Bateman. Dark comedy lovers, this one’s for you. Seriously underrated and dare I say… a laugh a minute?

Check out Game Night via subscription to Cinemax on The Roku Channel.

Mr. Right – Sam Rockwell stars as a professional assassin who kills the people who hire him. It's got romance and epic dance moves from Sam Rockwell, need I say more??

Check out Mr. Right via subscription to HBO on The Roku Channel.

If you haven't already, add The Roku Channel to your Roku players or Roku TVs.

Happy Streaming!

The post The Departed: Let's talk about that ending appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

Saturday, 13 July 2019

Roku Blog Feed: “Face-off debate: Walter White vs. Tyrion Lannister” plus 1 more

Face-off debate: Walter White vs. Tyrion Lannister

Posted: 12 Jul 2019 11:12 AM PDT

What does a party-loving son of medieval royalty and a high school teacher turned drug kingpin have in common? They are both highly intelligent and meticulous strategists you wouldn't want to challenge in a battle of wits. Tyrion Lannister, the lead character of Game of Thrones, uses his wit and status to overcome the challenges he faces from invading forces and his family. Walter White, the main character in Breaking Bad, uses his chemistry know-how and intellect to outmaneuver law enforcement and drug cartels. You can't help but ask: pitted against each other, who would come out on top?

Before engaging in this great debate, we highly recommend watching Breaking Bad (Prime Video, Netflix, Google Play, Vudu) and Game of Thrones (via HBO on The Roku Channel) on your Roku device.

vs.

Who would win in a battle between Breaking Bad's Walter White and Game of Throne's Tyrion Lannister?

Trait	Tyrion Lannister	Walter White	Our Pick
Wealth	Tyrion's wealth primarily derives from his father Tywin Lannister, which Forbes estimated at $2.1 billion.	According to CNN, Walter White accumulated $80 million in profit from his drug empire —in less than a year.	Tyrion
Family	Tyrion's family is a double-edged sword. Tyrion's family gave him access to immense wealth and power, yet they all but ostracized him in the meantime.	Although Walter's devotion to his family got him into the drug business, his family obligations ultimately held him back.	Walter
Politics	Tyrion's formal political acumen is nearly unmatched.	Walter innately understands the politics of the criminal underworld.	Tyrion
Loyalty	Despite his family issues, Tyrion is very capable of charming others and inspiring their loyalty.	The loyalty Walter enjoys primarily comes from fear or money.	Tyrion
Power	Tyrion's status as a Lannister gives him access to all the resources of Westeros.	Walter's status as drug kingpin gives him access to millions of dollars and numerous criminal underworld resources.	Tyrion
Emotion	Tyrion is well known for his ability to keep his emotions in line and think strategically.	Walter is incredibly calculating but can get impatient and make decisions based on emotions.	Walter
Resourcefulness	Tyrion's status and resources were endowed to him by his family.	Walter built an entire drug enterprise from scratch.	Walter
Logistical Planning	Tyrion organized an army of thousands to defend King's Landing.	Walter organized the killing of ten inmates in two minutes at three different prisons.	Tyrion
Determination	There are some lines Tyrion refuses to cross.	Walter will do whatever is necessary to achieve his goals.	Walter
X-Factor	Charisma.	Chemistry.	Walter
Weakness	Insecurity.	Pride.	Tyrion

And the winner is…Tyrion! Do you think we got it right? Let us know.

Happy Game Of Thrones GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Do you agree? Let us know your answer over on Twitter!

Happy Streaming!

The post Face-off debate: Walter White vs. Tyrion Lannister appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

How to live stream Pacquiao vs. Thurman on Roku devices

Posted: 12 Jul 2019 09:52 AM PDT

On July 20, Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao (61-7-2) and Keith "One Time" Thurman, Jr. (29-0-0) will go toe-to-toe at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The future Hall of Famer Pacquiao and unbeaten knockout artist Thurman will put their WBA titles on the line in what boxing experts are seeing as the fight of the summer.

Read below for details on how to stream Pacquiao vs. Thurman live on FOX Sports PPV.

How to stream Pacquiao vs. Thurman:

Date: Saturday, July 20th
Time: Card begins at 9:00pm ET
Where to watch: Open the FOX Sports channel on your Roku device, find "Pay-per-view – Pacquiao vs. Thurman" and click "Order now."
Price: $74.99 plus applicable taxes and fees

In the meantime, tune in to FOX Sports to catch PBC Fight Camp: Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman. The series details the lives and regimens of both fighters as they prepare for the match.

Happy Streaming!

The post How to live stream Pacquiao vs. Thurman on Roku devices appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

Friday, 12 July 2019

5 classic TV shows you can stream today

Posted: 11 Jul 2019 03:06 PM PDT

Fanny Packs. Bomber Jackets. Hair Scrunchies. Monochrome. The Classics Are Back.

From Lara Jean's hair scrunchie in To All The Boys I've Loved Before, to Fujifilm bringing back monochrome film (yes film), the classics are coming back better than ever before. Instead of crafting brand spanking new shows, content creators like Netflix and Spectrum are flocking to old classics to revamp and entice audiences today.

And its working…

Look at One Day at a Time from Netflix. The reboot was cancelled in March 2019, much to the dismay of their very loyal fans. Thanks to its overwhelmingly vocal fanbase and creators, it was picked up by POPtv in June.

Not only are audiences craving the feel good classic TV shows of the past, but they're also great to see where popular programs today take their inspiration. Let's dive in!

If you are just as hyped about the latest Charlie's Angels as me, be sure to check out the original series Charlie's Angels for free on The Roku Channel to watch where it all began.

Three private eye ladies fighting crime for a reclusive boss who only communicates to his employees over a speakerphone… what can be better? With kick-butt women leading this series and amazing chemistry between the trio to boot, it is not to be missed.

If you crave more of Jake Peralta & Captain Raymond Holt's father-son-like antics on NBC's Brooklyn 99, check out Sanford & Son on STARZ on The Roku Channel.

Bet you didn't know this one was based off of a British show! Adapted from the UK series Steptoe & Son by TV legend Norman Lear, Sanford & Son focuses on father son duo Fred G. Sanford, played by the always hilarious Redd Foxx, and Lamont Sanford (Desmond Wilson) who work as junk dealers in South Los Angeles. Think Holt's witty burns are legendary? Just wait until you see Fred Sanford!

If you miss ABC's The Middle and the constant chaos that followed the Heck Family, check out the Mitchell family in Dennis the Menace on Shout! Factory TV on The Roku Channel.

Based off Hank Ketcham's comic strip of the same name Dennis the Menace follows the antics and disastrous plights of Dennis Mitchell (Jay North) who can't seem to help anybody without destroying whatever it was they were doing first. Fun fact, Legendary director Ron Howard was in it!

If you like the chatty souped-up wheels of The Transformers franchise, don't miss Knight Rider on STARZ on The Roku Channel.

Before there were self-driving Teslas, you had KITT!

Back when smart cars were a lofty dream, Knight Rider was about a crime fighting duo made up of billionaire turned vigilante, Michael Knight (David Hasslehoff) and an outrageously smart Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, KITT. From super speed to hacking into computer mainframes, there wasn't anything KITT couldn't do. Well, except maybe walk…

If you are loving the Halliwell Sisters on the CW's rebooted Charmed, and are anxiously awaiting the next season, be sure to check out Bewitched for free on The Roku Channel to fill your witchy woes.

Bewitched follows Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) as she tries to keep a happy balance between her human husband and her magical family. You think you butt heads with your partner? Imagine if you were a witch and they were a mortal. Talk about different upbringings!

Truly, the classics never go out of style.

Happy Streaming!

The post 5 classic TV shows you can stream today appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.

Thursday, 11 July 2019

6 Roku mobile app tips all users should know

Posted: 10 Jul 2019 09:35 AM PDT

If you're like me you always have your mobile device by your side – especially when watching TV. When I love a show I'm constantly discussing with my friends via text, checking out what people are saying on Twitter and looking up the actors. I am notorious for being the annoying "what's that guy from?" friend. And I do all of this while somehow paying attention to the show. ‍

The Roku mobile app has become the last piece to my TV watching puzzle. It helps me out when I can't quite reach the remote, shows me where I can watch what I love, allows me to watch The Roku Channel on the go and much more. Here are six tips to help get you streaming like a pro. Don't have the free Roku mobile app yet? Download it for iOS or Android.

Tip #1

Save time searching

Inputting letter by letter with a remote takes some patience. To find the entertainment you're looking for quickly, tap "Search" in the mobile app and search with your keyboard or voice. Like searching on device, you'll see results across 1,000+ channels, so you can see where to stream your favorites for free or at the lowest cost.

Tip #2

Watch free entertainment on the go

Tap the "Roku Channel" icon in the mobile app to access hundreds of hit movies, popular shows, 24/7 live news, and more for free. That means you can watch live news on your way to work or have a movie marathon while lounging by the pool. When you see a title you love, tap to watch on your mobile device.

Tip #3

Take control

When your kids or the couch seize the remote, the entertainment doesn't have to stop. Use the Roku mobile app as a second remote. Tap "Remote" and enjoy a digital version of the remote that can do everything your physical remote can do!

Tip #4

Stream without disturbing

Don't let your sleeping family or roommates keep you from watching another episode! Crank up the volume without waking the house with private listening on the free Roku mobile app. Plug in headphones and tap the headphones icon on the remote screen (see remote in tip #3) to get quietly streaming.

Tip #5

Look up your favorite actors

As I mentioned above, if I love an actor or actress, I seek out all the other stuff they've been in. In addition to searching TV shows and movies, you can search for people (actors, actresses and directors), browse their filmography, see where the title's available and tap to start streaming. Chris Pratt marathon, anyone?

Tip #6

Huddling around your mobile device to share photos and videos isn't ideal, so why not display them on your big screen? It's easy to do with the Roku mobile app. You can even create photo slideshows and have your friends share their photos and videos from their mobile device at the same time. Tap "Photos" to get started. Learn more about this feature here.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Roku mobile app for iOS or Android now.

Happy Streaming!

The post 6 Roku mobile app tips all users should know appeared first on The Official Roku Blog.