Movie Spotlight

Synopsis: “Addicted” follows the life of a sex crazed African American business woman as she goes through the trials and tribulations of life.

Directed by: Billie Woodruff

Screenplay: Christina Walsh, Ernie Barbarash

Based on the novel by: Zane

Producer: Paul Hall

Cast: The film stars Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Boris Kodjoe, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Tyson Beckford and William Levy

Release date: October 10, 2014

Exclusive Interview from HelloBeautiful.com

*Fans self* It just got really hot in here!

You may not remember exactly where you were when you first began reading Zane’s book “Addicted,” but we’re certain you can recall how it made every hair on the back of your neck stand at attention. And let’s not even talk about the famous car scene when main character “Zoe Reynard” couldn’t resist the urge to touch herself…

That was the effect Zane’s erotic fiction had on you. The lusty scenes and forbidden behavior…it was “50 Shades Of Grey” before Christian Grey was even thought of (And there’s no hate there. Zane tells us, “I’m very happy for her,” of “50 Shades” author E. L. James’ success).

“Addicted” became one of Zane’s most successful thrillers. The story centered around Zoe and her husband who had a good marriage, careers and were busy raising three children, however, this picturesque life is not enough to fulfill all of Zoe’s desires. She soon finds herself satisfying her addiction to sleeping with other men, which puts her on a dangerous path that may cost not only her relationship but her life as well.

Fast-forward a few years and the New York Times Best-Seller is still relevant. “Addicted” is coming to theaters this fall! That’s right, Zoe and her desire for indiscretion will come to life in the “Addicted” movie.

Sharon Leal (“Why Did I get Married,” “Dream Girls”) nabbed the lead role of Zoe with the smoldering Boris Kodjoe playing her husband (we know what you’re thinking, who the hell would cheat on him?) But the steam doesn’t stop there. The hunky Tyson Beckford, William Levy and Tasha Smith round out the cast of seasoned actors.

With “Addicted” rekindling old raunchy emotions, we reached out to Zane for an exclusive image from the film (and as you can see Boris and Sharon are committed to their roles).

Zane also answered all of our questions about the forthcoming film. Get the tea on “Addicted” below:

HelloBeautiful: What can you tell us about the shower scene in the exclusive image?

Zane: It shows intimacy between a married couple, which I think is important. Just because you’re married with children doesn’t mean you can’t have an intimate relationship.

HB: What inspired “Addicted?”

Zane: “Addicted” started out as a short story. At the time, I was writing a lot of short stories, I don’t know what got into me, but then I really started thinking about the main character and the whole situation and I never actually finished the whole story. I sat it aside. A few months later, I went back and wrote it as my first novel. The funny thing is I never intended it to be published, so it’s great that it has turned into what it’s turned into.

HB: What took so long for it to actually become a movie?

Zane: There were a lot of different reasons. But, everything will happen when it’s supposed to happen. It was supposed to be a movie several years ago, but it never came to fruition. The situation came back around and we decided to go for it and this time it happened fairly quickly, so I’m very excited that it has come to pass now and I’m very proud of the movie.

HB: Tell us a little bit about choosing the cast.

Zane: I think Sharon Leal is perfect for the role and she embodies the role and she does an excellent job bringing Zoe to life. She has the range of an actress, the vulnerability, the sexiness. She’s the total package. Boris is the obvious choice. He’s the perfect husband and it may have people wonder why she wants to leave her marriage. He’s very loving. William Levy is…what can I say? [Laughs]. The cast work very well together.

HB: Will a lot of those stand out scenes be in the movie?

Zane: There will be a lot of stand out scenes. The film is more visual and a lot of the scenes she did in the book, quite frankly may not translate on film. Lust definitely comes across in the movie like it did in the book.

HB: Have you seen the final cut of the movie?

Zane: Yes, I have. I actually was able to see it at a screening and see how people thought about the movie. They didn’t announce that I was there until the very end. It allowed me to see reaction to the movie and it’s wonderful.

HB: How much sex is in the movie?

Zane: We cut out a lot because we wanted to audience to be comfortable, so a lot of it was left on the cutting room floor. But, at the same time, no one will be disappointed (laughs). It’s definitely sexy and erotic. But, who knows we may put it in the uncut DVD.

HB: You were writing ’50 Shades Of Grey’ type stories decades before that book went viral. What are thoughts on that book’s success?

Zane: I will be honest and say that I have not read the book. I publish at least a book a week, so I have a weird reading schedule anyway. But, I am happy for the author and wish her continued success.

HB: Do you think you’ve paved the way for books like that?

Zane: I did have erotic books that were mainstream way back in the early 2000s. I think that, yes, I probably opened some doors to make people more comfortable with it.

Um, where can we get that uncut DVD? “Addicted” will be released by Lionsgate on October 10.

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Synopsis: All the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas, but plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.

Directed by: Tim Story

Screenplay: Keith Marryman, David A. Newman

Based on a work by: Steve Harvey

Executive Producer: Steve Harvey, Rob Hardy, Glenn S.Gainor, Rushion McDonald

Producer: Will Packer

Cast: Jenifer Lewis, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, Kevin Hart, Romany Malco, Regina Hall, Jerry Ferrara, Gary Owens, Terrence J.

Release date: Friday, June 20th

Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thinklikeaman/

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Synopsis: A flamboyant English teacher (Clive Owen) and a new, stoic art teacher (Juliette Binoche) collide at an upscale prep school. A high-spirited courtship begins and she finds herself enjoying the battle. Another battle they begin has the students trying to prove which is more powerful, the word or the picture. But the true war is against their own demons, as two troubled souls struggle for connection.

Directed and Produced by: Fred Schepisi

Cast: Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche, Bruce Daviscon, Navid Negahban

Release date: Friday, June 6th

Official Website: http://wordsandpicturesthemovie.com/

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Synopsis: TRANSFORMERS 4 begins after an epic battle left a great city torn, but with the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history…while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs.

With help from a new cast of humans (led by Mark Wahlberg), Optimus Prime and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

Directed by: Michael Bay

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci, and Kelsey Grammer

Release date: Friday, June 27

Official Website: http://www.TransformersMovie.com

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On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he's willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.

Directed by:  Ivan Reitman

Written by: Scott Rothman, Rajiv Joseph

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Kevin Costner, Chadwick Boseman, Tom Welling, Terry Crews, Sam Elliott, Denis Leary

Release date:  In Theaters April 11, 2014

Website: http://draftdaythemovie.com

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Amma Asante's new drama BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode).  Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. While her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love.  After meeting an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England. BELLE will be released in theaters May 2, 2014!

Directed by:  AmmaAsante

Produced by: Damian Jones

Written by: Misan Sagay

Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton, Matthew Godde, Emily Watson, Sam Reis, Sarah Gadon, Tom Felton, James Norton

Music by: Rachel Portman

Release date:  In Theaters May 2, 2014

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When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sisterhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Directed by:  Tyler Perry

Screenwriter: Tyler Perry

Cast: Tyler Perry, Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covy, Amy Smart, Zulay Henao, Cocoa Brown, Ryan Eggold, William Levy, Terry Criews, Eddit Cibrian

Release date:  In Theaters March 14, 2014

Official Website: TheSingleMomsClub.com

Screening Information: Tuesday, January 28th, Regal Natomas, 7:30 PM

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Synopsis: LABOR DAY centers on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence.  On a back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be an escaped convict.  The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.

Directed by: Jason Reitman

Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, and Tobey Maguire

Release date: In Theaters January 31st

Official Website: www.labordaymovie.com

Screening Information: Tuesday, January 28th, Regal Natomas, 7:30 PM

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Synopsis:A modern reimagining of the classic romantic comedy, this contemporary version closely follows new love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world.

Directed by: Steve Pink

Produced by: Will Packer, Will Gluck

Cast: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, Christopher McDonald and Paula Patton

Release date: In Theaters February 14th

Screening information: Promo Screening on Tuesday, February 11th in Sacramento

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Synopsis: Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the lineup in Ride Along, the new film from the director and the producer of the blockbuster comedy Think Like a Man.  When a fast-talking guy joins his girlfriend’s brother—a hot-tempered cop—to patrol the streets of Atlanta, he gets entangled in the officer’s latest case.  Now, in order to prove that he deserves his future bride, he must survive the most insane 24 hours of his life.

For the past two years, high-school security guard Ben (Hart) has been trying to show decorated APD detective James (Cube) that he’s more than just a video-game junkie who’s unworthy of James’ sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter).  When Ben finally gets accepted into the academy, he thinks he’s earned the seasoned policeman’s respect and asks for his blessing to marry Angela.

Knowing that a ride along will demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister, James invites him on a shift designed to scare the hell out of the trainee.  But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it.

Directed by: Tim Story

Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, John Leguizamo, Laurence Fishburn

Release date: In Theaters January 13, 2014. Rated PG-13

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