Enter the fast and turbulent world of underground crime in the new trailer from the Netflix original series The Gentlemen. The new show is inspired by Guy Ritchie‘s film of the same name. The trailer sees an unsuspecting chap get in over his head as he unintentionally becomes involved with his family’s drug dealings. This new peek at the series showcases the signature aggressive manic style of Guy Ritchie’s gangster films. Ritchie himself is wearing multiple hats behind the scenes as the creator, writer, and executive producer. He has also directed the first two episodes of the series. The show was also previously known to premiere sometime next month, but we now have a release date as Netflix announced the premiere will be on March 7.
The official logline from Netflix reads,
“The Gentlemen sees Eddie Horniman (Theo James) unexpectedly inherit his father’s sizable country estate – only...
The official logline from Netflix reads,
“The Gentlemen sees Eddie Horniman (Theo James) unexpectedly inherit his father’s sizable country estate – only...
- 2/22/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Theo James as Eddie Horniman in ‘The Gentlemen’ (Photo Credit: Christopher Rafael/Netflix)
Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen series, set in the same world as his 2020 The Gentleman film, will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2024. Ritchie created the series, writes, directs, and executive produces the eight-episode season starring Theo James.
Joining Theo James are Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito, Chanel Cresswell, Michael Vu, and Max Beesley. Jasmine Blackborow, Harry Goodwins, Dar Salim, Pearce Quigley, Ruby Sear, Peter Serafinowicz, Ray Winstone, and Guz Khan also star.
Ritchie’s co-writers include Matthew Read, Haleema Mirza, Billy and Theo Mason Wood, Stuart Carolan, and John Jackson. Nima Nourizadeh, Eran Creevy, and David Caffrey serve as directors.
“The Gentlemen sees Eddie Horniman (Theo James) unexpectedly inherit his father’s sizable country estate – only to discover it’s part of a cannabis empire. Moreover, a host of unsavory characters from...
Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen series, set in the same world as his 2020 The Gentleman film, will premiere on Netflix on March 7, 2024. Ritchie created the series, writes, directs, and executive produces the eight-episode season starring Theo James.
Joining Theo James are Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito, Chanel Cresswell, Michael Vu, and Max Beesley. Jasmine Blackborow, Harry Goodwins, Dar Salim, Pearce Quigley, Ruby Sear, Peter Serafinowicz, Ray Winstone, and Guz Khan also star.
Ritchie’s co-writers include Matthew Read, Haleema Mirza, Billy and Theo Mason Wood, Stuart Carolan, and John Jackson. Nima Nourizadeh, Eran Creevy, and David Caffrey serve as directors.
“The Gentlemen sees Eddie Horniman (Theo James) unexpectedly inherit his father’s sizable country estate – only to discover it’s part of a cannabis empire. Moreover, a host of unsavory characters from...
- 2/12/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Miguel Wants to Fight is a comedy film directed by Oz Rodriguez. The Hulu original film is set in a neighborhood where fighting and violence are at every corner despite that our protagonist Miguel has never been a part one. Miguel Wants to Fight stars Tyler Dean Flores, Raul Castillo, Imani Lewis, Suraj Partha, and Jordyn Owens. So, if you loved the Hulu film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Big Time Adolescence (Hulu) Credit – Hulu
Synopsis: A seemingly bright and mostly innocent 16-year-old named Mo (Griffin Gluck) attempts to navigate high school under the guidance of his best friend Zeke (Pete Davidson), an unmotivated-yet-charismatic college dropoout. Although Zeke genuinely cares about Mo, thing start to go awry as he teaches Mo nontraditional life lessons in drug dealing, partying, and dating. Meanwhile, Mo’s well-meaning dad (Jon Cryer) tries to step in and take back the reins of his son’s upbringing.
Big Time Adolescence (Hulu) Credit – Hulu
Synopsis: A seemingly bright and mostly innocent 16-year-old named Mo (Griffin Gluck) attempts to navigate high school under the guidance of his best friend Zeke (Pete Davidson), an unmotivated-yet-charismatic college dropoout. Although Zeke genuinely cares about Mo, thing start to go awry as he teaches Mo nontraditional life lessons in drug dealing, partying, and dating. Meanwhile, Mo’s well-meaning dad (Jon Cryer) tries to step in and take back the reins of his son’s upbringing.
- 8/16/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
For fans of action TV and martial arts cinema, "Gangs of London" is one of the greatest series of the modern era. Created by Matt Flannery and "The Raid" director Gareth Evans, series director Corin Hardy has crafted a high-octane gangland thriller with the kind of stunts you don't typically see on TV. Season 1 ended with the series' mysterious Investors achieving apparent victory in their efforts to eliminate Sean Wallace (Joe Cole), replace him as head of the Wallace Organization, and get back to business as usual. Meanwhile, undercover cop Elliot (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) finds himself in a bind that only changing alliances can solve. Now working for the villainous Investors, Elliot has to get himself free from their grasp.
In a wide-ranging interview, I spoke with Corin Hardy and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù about the show's second season. We discussed the origins of that major opening surprises, the final episodes' most intense action sequences,...
In a wide-ranging interview, I spoke with Corin Hardy and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù about the show's second season. We discussed the origins of that major opening surprises, the final episodes' most intense action sequences,...
- 12/15/2022
- by Jeff Ewing
- Slash Film
With filming now underway on season 2 of the highly acclaimed Sky series ‘Gangs of London’ a line-up of fresh new faces to join the cast have been announced.
Joining the cast of series one, which include Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuk, Narges Rashidi and Asif Raza are Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central, The Spy), French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali, Aymen Hamdouchi and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central, A Private War).
Season 2 is set one year after the tumultuous events of series one, since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire, order is lacking, and the energy and chaos of a gold rush threaten the city with gangland anarchy. The Investors are viewing the city as a place of ruin and decide enough is enough. Licensing a new gang to restore stability, drama instead ensues. These...
Joining the cast of series one, which include Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuk, Narges Rashidi and Asif Raza are Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central, The Spy), French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali, Aymen Hamdouchi and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central, A Private War).
Season 2 is set one year after the tumultuous events of series one, since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire, order is lacking, and the energy and chaos of a gold rush threaten the city with gangland anarchy. The Investors are viewing the city as a place of ruin and decide enough is enough. Licensing a new gang to restore stability, drama instead ensues. These...
- 6/29/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Gangs of London’s second season is currently shooting ahead of its return to Sky and AMC next year.
Production got underway on the eight-part mob drama three weeks ago, with Pulse Films producing in association with Sister. No news yet though on whether Joe Cole will reprise his role as Sean Wallace after Season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
Returning cast includes Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuka, Asif Raza, and Narges Rashid. New cast includes Baghdad Central star Waleed Zuaiter, as previously revealed by Deadline.
French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali (Un Prophete), Aymen Hamdouchi (Sas: Red Notice) and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central) have also joined the gangland drama series.
Created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery, Season 2 is set a year after the events of the first season. Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire,...
Production got underway on the eight-part mob drama three weeks ago, with Pulse Films producing in association with Sister. No news yet though on whether Joe Cole will reprise his role as Sean Wallace after Season 1’s cliffhanger ending.
Returning cast includes Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuka, Asif Raza, and Narges Rashid. New cast includes Baghdad Central star Waleed Zuaiter, as previously revealed by Deadline.
French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali (Un Prophete), Aymen Hamdouchi (Sas: Red Notice) and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central) have also joined the gangland drama series.
Created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery, Season 2 is set a year after the events of the first season. Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire,...
- 6/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky has confirmed directors on the second season of its crime series Gangs Of London. Corin Hardy, who directed four episodes on season one, will return for another quartet this time out and will be joined by Marcela Said (Lupin) and Nima Nourizadeh (Little America) who return for two apiece.
Creator Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery will return as Executive Producers alongside Pulse Films’ Thomas Benski. Tom Butterworth has taken on the role of lead writer and executive producer overseeing four out of the eight episodes and leading the writer’s room. Additional Executive Producers include Hugh Warren and Helen Grégory for Pulse Films, Jane Featherstone for Sister, and Gabriel Silver for Sky Studios.
Production is set to begin imminently. The show is produced by Pulse Films in association with Sister, for Sky Studios and AMC. Series two will transmit on Sky Atlantic and Now in the...
Creator Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery will return as Executive Producers alongside Pulse Films’ Thomas Benski. Tom Butterworth has taken on the role of lead writer and executive producer overseeing four out of the eight episodes and leading the writer’s room. Additional Executive Producers include Hugh Warren and Helen Grégory for Pulse Films, Jane Featherstone for Sister, and Gabriel Silver for Sky Studios.
Production is set to begin imminently. The show is produced by Pulse Films in association with Sister, for Sky Studios and AMC. Series two will transmit on Sky Atlantic and Now in the...
- 5/6/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky has announced that ‘Gangs of London’ director Corin Hardy will return for season 2 to take on the role of lead director and executive producer.
Hardy will helm four episodes for the second series while the rest of the directorial duties will upon acclaimed television directors Marcela Said (Lupin, Narcos Mexico) and Nima Nourizadeh (Little America (TV), American Ultra) who have also signed on to direct two episodes each.
The critically acclaimed and BAFTA-nominated first series became the biggest Sky Original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years and will also see series creator Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery return as Executive Producers alongside Pulse Films’ Thomas Benski.
Also in news – Blake Lively to star in Dark Horse comic title ‘Lady Killer’ written by Diablo Cody
Corin Hardy said “Helping Gareth and the team bring the first series of Gangs of London kicking, screaming...
Hardy will helm four episodes for the second series while the rest of the directorial duties will upon acclaimed television directors Marcela Said (Lupin, Narcos Mexico) and Nima Nourizadeh (Little America (TV), American Ultra) who have also signed on to direct two episodes each.
The critically acclaimed and BAFTA-nominated first series became the biggest Sky Original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years and will also see series creator Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery return as Executive Producers alongside Pulse Films’ Thomas Benski.
Also in news – Blake Lively to star in Dark Horse comic title ‘Lady Killer’ written by Diablo Cody
Corin Hardy said “Helping Gareth and the team bring the first series of Gangs of London kicking, screaming...
- 5/6/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Corin Hardy (“The Nun”) will be the lead director for the second season of hit Sky and AMC series “Gangs of London.”
Hardy, who previously directed four episodes for season one, will also serve as executive producer, and will direct four episodes of season 2. Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh have also signed on to direct two episodes each.
Season 2 begins rolling in late spring.
“Gangs of London” was the biggest Sky original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years. In the U.S., it debuted on AMC Plus, helping to launch the new streaming platform, becoming one of its most watched series.
Internationally, “Gangs of London” launched successfully across Europe, Latin America, Australia, Japan and most recently in China.
The BAFTA-nominated series is produced by Pulse Films in association with Sister, for Sky Studios and AMC. Series creator Gareth Evans and creative partner Matt Flannery return as...
Hardy, who previously directed four episodes for season one, will also serve as executive producer, and will direct four episodes of season 2. Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh have also signed on to direct two episodes each.
Season 2 begins rolling in late spring.
“Gangs of London” was the biggest Sky original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years. In the U.S., it debuted on AMC Plus, helping to launch the new streaming platform, becoming one of its most watched series.
Internationally, “Gangs of London” launched successfully across Europe, Latin America, Australia, Japan and most recently in China.
The BAFTA-nominated series is produced by Pulse Films in association with Sister, for Sky Studios and AMC. Series creator Gareth Evans and creative partner Matt Flannery return as...
- 5/6/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Former CAA agent also worked at Fox, Scott Rudin Productions.
Mark O’Connor is stepping up to head the feature film development and production division of Los Angeles-based independent finance and production company Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
Ske is the English-language finance and production division of the recently formed Sk Global, a merger of Ske and Ivanhoe Pictures.
Sidney Kimmel and Ivanhoe’s Robert Friedland serve as co-chairs of Sk Global, while John Penotti is the president of Sk Global.
O’Connor, who has been at Ske since early last year, assumes the duties and responsibilities previously held by Carla Hacken, who left the company last month to form her own production company, Paper Pictures. Hacken will continue to produce select films for Ske.
Before joining Ske, O’Connor was a senior executive at Green Hat Films, which he joined in 2009, working on such projects as Nima Nourizadeh’s Project X and Todd Phillips’ War Dogs.
O’Connor...
Mark O’Connor is stepping up to head the feature film development and production division of Los Angeles-based independent finance and production company Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
Ske is the English-language finance and production division of the recently formed Sk Global, a merger of Ske and Ivanhoe Pictures.
Sidney Kimmel and Ivanhoe’s Robert Friedland serve as co-chairs of Sk Global, while John Penotti is the president of Sk Global.
O’Connor, who has been at Ske since early last year, assumes the duties and responsibilities previously held by Carla Hacken, who left the company last month to form her own production company, Paper Pictures. Hacken will continue to produce select films for Ske.
Before joining Ske, O’Connor was a senior executive at Green Hat Films, which he joined in 2009, working on such projects as Nima Nourizadeh’s Project X and Todd Phillips’ War Dogs.
O’Connor...
- 7/6/2017
- ScreenDaily
Logan Lerman and soon-to-be Ready Player One star Olivia Cooke have come attached to headline Tracking of a Russian Spy, THR has learned.
The timely thriller mines inspiration from Mitch Swenson’s memoir in which a taboo romance spawns between the journalist Swenson (Lerman) and Katya, an enigmatic Russian woman, after the two cross paths in a New York nightclub. American Ultra‘s Nima Nourizadeh has been appointed at the helm, with StudioCanal and The Picture Company leveraging financial support. It should be noted that Lerman and Cooke’s respective deals are in the final stages, and though neither has signed on the dotted line at the time of writing, THR’s report indicates that early signs are positive.
And for two of Hollywood’s brightest up-and-comers, Tracking of a Russian Spy is a difficult project to pass up. After breaking hearts in Me, Earl & the Dying Girl, Olivia Cooke...
The timely thriller mines inspiration from Mitch Swenson’s memoir in which a taboo romance spawns between the journalist Swenson (Lerman) and Katya, an enigmatic Russian woman, after the two cross paths in a New York nightclub. American Ultra‘s Nima Nourizadeh has been appointed at the helm, with StudioCanal and The Picture Company leveraging financial support. It should be noted that Lerman and Cooke’s respective deals are in the final stages, and though neither has signed on the dotted line at the time of writing, THR’s report indicates that early signs are positive.
And for two of Hollywood’s brightest up-and-comers, Tracking of a Russian Spy is a difficult project to pass up. After breaking hearts in Me, Earl & the Dying Girl, Olivia Cooke...
- 3/29/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Logan Lerman and Olivia Cooke are in final negotiations to topline The Tracking Of A Russian Spy, the thriller based on real events that is being mounted by StudioCanal and The Picture Company. Nima Nourizadeh (American Ultra) is directing the pic based on Mitch Swenson’s memoir. The Picture Company’s Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman, who worked with Nourizadeh on his feature debut Project X, are producing, and a summer shoot is in the works. Ron Halpern and Shana Eddy are…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline
Logan Lerman and Olivia Cooke are in final negotiations to star in The Tracking of a Russian Spy for StudioCanal and The Picture Company.
Nima Nourizadeh, who helmed American Ultra, is directing the true-life thriller that is so timely it could be tomorrow’s New York Times headline.
Based on Mitch Swenson’s memoir, the plot centers on a secret romance between Swenson, a journalist, and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian-Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to Moscow to uncover who...
Nima Nourizadeh, who helmed American Ultra, is directing the true-life thriller that is so timely it could be tomorrow’s New York Times headline.
Based on Mitch Swenson’s memoir, the plot centers on a secret romance between Swenson, a journalist, and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian-Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to Moscow to uncover who...
- 3/29/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Nima Nourizadeh, director of Project X and 2015’s divisive stoner comedy American Ultra, has been brought aboard to helm Tracking of a Russian Spy.
The true-life thriller, one that’s set up shop at StudioCanal and The Picture Company, is to be based on Mitch Swenson’s novella of love and espionage and, frankly, the devastating consequences when the two intertwine. Drake Doremus was once attached at the helm, and while he’s now gone, we understand the original, adapted screenplay from Charles Cumming and Chris Salmanpour remains in place.
There’s currently no mention of a release window just yet, but the official pitch teases “a secret romance between Swenson and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to...
The true-life thriller, one that’s set up shop at StudioCanal and The Picture Company, is to be based on Mitch Swenson’s novella of love and espionage and, frankly, the devastating consequences when the two intertwine. Drake Doremus was once attached at the helm, and while he’s now gone, we understand the original, adapted screenplay from Charles Cumming and Chris Salmanpour remains in place.
There’s currently no mention of a release window just yet, but the official pitch teases “a secret romance between Swenson and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to...
- 1/4/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Nima Nourizadeh, who directed American Ultra and Project X, has been tapped to helm The Tracking of a Russian Spy for StudioCanal and The Picture Company.
The true-story thriller is based on Mitch Swenson's novella. The plot centers on a secret romance between Swenson and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian-Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to Moscow to uncover who his love really was, leading him down a rabbit hole of intrigue and shadow government operations deep within Russia.
...
The true-story thriller is based on Mitch Swenson's novella. The plot centers on a secret romance between Swenson and Katya, a mysterious Russian woman he met in a New York nightclub. She disappeared suddenly after the arrest of 10 Russian-Americans who were charged with spying for the Kremlin. Swenson went to Moscow to uncover who his love really was, leading him down a rabbit hole of intrigue and shadow government operations deep within Russia.
...
- 1/4/2017
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
American Ultra (Nima Nourizadeh)
From its first few shots, it’s clear that American Ultra is removed from the relatively grounded drama of Greg Mottola’s underrated Adventureland, the last film that paired Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. We first meet Eisenberg’s bloodied and beaten Mike Howell detained and chained to a table in a septic interrogation room. As an agent throws photographic evidence of...
American Ultra (Nima Nourizadeh)
From its first few shots, it’s clear that American Ultra is removed from the relatively grounded drama of Greg Mottola’s underrated Adventureland, the last film that paired Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. We first meet Eisenberg’s bloodied and beaten Mike Howell detained and chained to a table in a septic interrogation room. As an agent throws photographic evidence of...
- 8/12/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Veteran film production executive Mark O’Connor is joining Sidney Kimmel Entertainment as its executive VP of production, effective immediately, the company announced Monday. The well-respected O’Connor will report directly to Ske production president Carla Hacken, and will be instrumentally involved in all Ske film and television projects. O’Connor most recently served as a senior executive at Todd Phillips‘ Warner Bros.-based production company Green Hat Films, which he joined in 2009. During his time at Green Hat, O’Connor worked on such projects as Nima Nourizadeh’s found-footage comedy “Project X” and the upcoming Warners release “War Dogs,...
- 4/4/2016
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
American Ultra (Nima Nourizadeh)
From its first few shots, it’s clear that American Ultra is removed from the relatively grounded drama of Greg Mottola’s underrated Adventureland, the last film that paired Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. We first meet Eisenberg’s bloodied and beaten Mike Howell detained and chained to a table in a septic interrogation room. As an agent throws photographic evidence of...
American Ultra (Nima Nourizadeh)
From its first few shots, it’s clear that American Ultra is removed from the relatively grounded drama of Greg Mottola’s underrated Adventureland, the last film that paired Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. We first meet Eisenberg’s bloodied and beaten Mike Howell detained and chained to a table in a septic interrogation room. As an agent throws photographic evidence of...
- 11/13/2015
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
They starred together in "Adventureland," and recently wrapped shooting on Woody Allen's next film, but sandwiched between for Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart is "American Ultra." Hitting theaters late this summer, you might've missed it, but we've got the movie on DVD for some lucky readers. Read More: Review: 'American Ultra' Starring Jesse Eisenberg And Kristen Stewart Directed by Nima Nourizadeh, the comedic thriller centers on the small-town life of stoner Mike (Eisenberg) and his girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart). Mike’s sleepy world goes wild after he discovers that he’s actually a CIA sleeper agent with lethal fighting skills — and the target of government hitmen. The ultimate slacker, Mike transforms into an ultra-attacker as he and Phoebe fight to survive, and in the exclusive featurette below, the director explains his approach to marrying ultra-violence and comedy. To win the movie on DVD, follow us on Facebook and Twitter,...
- 11/6/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Screen International has revealed its Stars of Tomorrow, spotlighting the hottest up-and-coming actors and filmmakers.
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
- 10/5/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Screen International has revealed its Stars of Tomorrow, spotlighting the hottest up-and-coming actors and filmmakers.
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
Click here to access the Screen Stars of Tomorrow microsite, including full profiles, picture gallery and digital edition
Now in its 12th year, the annual showcase spotlights up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and producers who will be making waves in the years to come.
Scroll down for the full list
Past Stars of Tomorrow selected by Screen include Benedict Cumberbatch (2004), Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (2005), Suffragette star Carey Mulligan, Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega (2011) and last year’s cover stars Taron Egerton, Olivia Cooke and Sam Keeley.
Stars of Tomorrow editor Fionnuala Halligan curates the stars after considering hundreds of candidates and consulting with industry experts including casting agents, talent agents, managers, producers and directors.
This year marks a partnership with the BFI London Film Festival (Oct 7-18), which will present the Stars as part of its programme of events.
Halligan...
- 10/5/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart brave an anarchic mish-mash with lots of violence but few laughs
This stoner/secret agent mash-up of The Bourne Identity and Pineapple Express promises cross-generic thrills and doesn’t skimp on crunchy violence, but comedy is in far shorter supply. Jesse Eisenberg is the hapless convenience-store clerk who discovers he has super-combat skills; Kristen Stewart is his long-suffering girlfriend with hidden secrets of her own.
At its best, Max Landis’s script channels some of the anarchic energy of Into the Night (which his father, John, directed), but too often American Ultra looks like 17 different movies thrown into a body bag and left to duke it out. Topher Grace and Connie Britton have snippy fun as warring CIA drones each trying to manage an increasingly explosive situation, but Project X director Nima Nourizadeh seems too seduced by the action set pieces to keep his eyes on the characters.
This stoner/secret agent mash-up of The Bourne Identity and Pineapple Express promises cross-generic thrills and doesn’t skimp on crunchy violence, but comedy is in far shorter supply. Jesse Eisenberg is the hapless convenience-store clerk who discovers he has super-combat skills; Kristen Stewart is his long-suffering girlfriend with hidden secrets of her own.
At its best, Max Landis’s script channels some of the anarchic energy of Into the Night (which his father, John, directed), but too often American Ultra looks like 17 different movies thrown into a body bag and left to duke it out. Topher Grace and Connie Britton have snippy fun as warring CIA drones each trying to manage an increasingly explosive situation, but Project X director Nima Nourizadeh seems too seduced by the action set pieces to keep his eyes on the characters.
- 9/6/2015
- by Mark Kermode, Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
What if Jason Bourne lost his memory not because of head trauma, but because he was a massive stoner? That’s the question screenwriter Max Landis (Chronicle, the upcoming Victor Frankenstein) asks with American Ultra, and he and director Nima Nourizadeh (Project X) provide a pretty entertaining answer, for the most part at least, with this intriguing stoner comedy/action hybrid. Jesse Eisenberg is Mike Howell, an unmotivated stoner happy to waste his days getting high with his girlfriend Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). What he doesn’t know is that he is the last remaining subject of a CIA program to create lethal sleeper agents, which sees him targeted for termination by smarmy company man Adrian Yates (Topher Grace). With his programming hidden beneath a haze of pot smoke, Mike must take down the highly trained government agents sent to kill him and save the day. So, yeah, American Ultra is pretty high (geddit?...
- 9/5/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
It’s one joke dragged out for 90 minutes, and while it’s not entirely unamusing, the comedy feels mired in the same stoner fog as its slacker protagonist. I’m “biast” (pro): like Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
It’s one joke — stoner slacker Jesse Eisenberg is actually a sleeper badass covert operative, har har — dragged out for 90 minutes. And while it’s not entirely unamusing, the fact that the trailer tells the same story in two minutes and doesn’t feature any fewer jokes than the film itself tells you all you need to know. Mike Howell (Eisenberg: Rio 2) suffers from panic attacks, a kind of agoraphobia that doesn’t allow him to leave his small West Virginia town, and a complete and utter lack of ambition. But life isn’t too bad,...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
It’s one joke — stoner slacker Jesse Eisenberg is actually a sleeper badass covert operative, har har — dragged out for 90 minutes. And while it’s not entirely unamusing, the fact that the trailer tells the same story in two minutes and doesn’t feature any fewer jokes than the film itself tells you all you need to know. Mike Howell (Eisenberg: Rio 2) suffers from panic attacks, a kind of agoraphobia that doesn’t allow him to leave his small West Virginia town, and a complete and utter lack of ambition. But life isn’t too bad,...
- 9/4/2015
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Jesse Eisenberg is the unlikely action hero at the centre of American Ultra, a fast-talking, hyper-violent action-comedy about a stoner who turns out to be a Jason Bourne-like sleeper agent. Making it an Adventureland reunion is Kristen Stewart, onboard as Eisenberg's equally-blazed girlfriend Phoebe.
Eisenberg plays Mike Howell in typically fidgety fashion, working a dead-end job at a convenience store while he tries to find the right moment to propose to Phoebe. When the CIA puts a kill order on him (Mike was part of the defunct "Ultra" programme before getting his memory wiped), old instincts kick in and before long he's turned a spoon into a deadly weapon to take down a pair of government goons.
Staging a fake viral outbreak, the government seal off Mike's small West Virginia town to pen him in and finish the job. Topher Grace's conniving agent Yates pulls the strings from Langley...
Eisenberg plays Mike Howell in typically fidgety fashion, working a dead-end job at a convenience store while he tries to find the right moment to propose to Phoebe. When the CIA puts a kill order on him (Mike was part of the defunct "Ultra" programme before getting his memory wiped), old instincts kick in and before long he's turned a spoon into a deadly weapon to take down a pair of government goons.
Staging a fake viral outbreak, the government seal off Mike's small West Virginia town to pen him in and finish the job. Topher Grace's conniving agent Yates pulls the strings from Langley...
- 9/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Though marketed as something of a stoner comedy, Nima Nourizadeh’s American Ultra may just catch you by surprise, as an adrenaline-fuelled, action thriller with more inclination for speed than weed, with more of a point than a mere blunt or a joint. Undoubtedly jovial in parts, with a playful, adventurous tone, what transpires is
The post American Ultra Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post American Ultra Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 9/1/2015
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
'Straight Outta Compton' poster. Weekend box office: 'Straight Outta Compton' to beat weak competitors, but still far from being top blockbuster directed by black filmmaker If you thought last weekend was bad at the U.S. and Canada box office, you should see what's in store for this weekend, Aug. 28-30, '15. For starters, only one movie, F. Gary Gray's sleeper hit Straight Outta Compton, is expected to earn more than $10 million. The rest – and that includes Zac Efron, Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, and the Power of (Christian) Prayer – will perform quite powerlessly indeed. In case Straight Outta Compton reaches the box office gurus' estimated $15 million, it will get close to the $140 million mark. Bear in mind there's no guarantee that will happen; despite basically no competition, the drop-off rate of Gray's hip hopping film was steeper than expected last weekend. (See updated weekend box office estimates.) Now, some...
- 8/28/2015
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
While promoting American Ultra, screenwriter Max Landis has described his idea of what a new Lethal Weapon sequel should look like...
If Lethal Weapon is to return to our screens at all, it will almost certainly take the form of a reboot. But what if Mel Gibson and Danny Glover were miraculously reunited for a fifth time? Screenwriter Max Landis has one possible answer.
During an interview with Grantland for his latest movie American Ultra, the new action comedy directed by Nima Nourizadeh, Landis was thrown a fun hypothetical question: if you were given $130m to make a new Lethal Weapon, would you do it? Landis' reply was an emphatic yes, which he followed with a remarkably well-formed, off-the-cuff pitch:
The final Lethal Weapon, if I have to pocket-pitch it right now, is Murtaugh and Riggs are asked to work with a group of, like, four cops who are younger,...
If Lethal Weapon is to return to our screens at all, it will almost certainly take the form of a reboot. But what if Mel Gibson and Danny Glover were miraculously reunited for a fifth time? Screenwriter Max Landis has one possible answer.
During an interview with Grantland for his latest movie American Ultra, the new action comedy directed by Nima Nourizadeh, Landis was thrown a fun hypothetical question: if you were given $130m to make a new Lethal Weapon, would you do it? Landis' reply was an emphatic yes, which he followed with a remarkably well-formed, off-the-cuff pitch:
The final Lethal Weapon, if I have to pocket-pitch it right now, is Murtaugh and Riggs are asked to work with a group of, like, four cops who are younger,...
- 8/24/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
'Sinister 2' poster. 'American Ultra,' 'Hitman: Agent 47' and 'Sinister 2': Weekend box office bombs American Ultra, Hitman: Agent 47, and Sinister 2 are the new entries at the North American box office this weekend, Aug. 21-23, '15. All three of them are expected to underperform – with American Ultra having a particularly disastrous bow, especially for a movie starring Best Actor Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and former Twilight star Kristen Stewart. Whether you blame it on a glut of movies targeting the same audience, a lack of major box office draws, or poor reviews, only one of the debutantes is expected to score more than $10 million at U.S. and Canadian theaters by Sunday evening. 'Sinister 2' According to early estimates found at Deadline.com, Ciarán Foy's Sinister 2 will lead the pack of newcomers with...
- 8/23/2015
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
With so many classic movies receiving sequels, reboots, and reimaginings, it’s really just a matter of time before we get a fifth Lethal Weapon movie. Screenwriter Max Landis -- who previously penned Chronicle -- believes he has found a way to breathe new life into the classic action franchise. In a recent interview with Grantland, while discussing their new film American Ultra, the conversation with Landis and director Nima Nourizadeh quickly turned towards how to go about a new adventure between Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). To which Landis quickly gave his pitch: The final Lethal Weapon, if I have to pocket-pitch it right now, is Murtaugh and Riggs are asked to work with a group of, like, four cops who are younger, who were all involved in an action movie that we didn’t see. You hear the report, and it sounds ...
- 8/22/2015
- cinemablend.com
Lionsgate released their new action/comedy movie, "American Ultra," into theaters today , August 21st, 2015, and all the top, major movie critics have submitted their reviews reviews. It turns out that it got a pretty mixed bag with an overall 50 score out of a possible 100 across 29 reviews at Metacritic.com. The film stars: Connie Britton, Jesse Eisenberg, John Leguizamo, and Kristen Stewart. We've posted blurbs from a few of the critics,below. Peter Hartlaub from the San Francisco Chronicle, gave it a decent 75 grade, stating: "The screenplay is deceptively tight, even as the main characters seem to be buzzing aimlessly through the proceedings. Like the most successful films of the drug-hazed genre, this movie only appears to be going off the rails." Leah Greenblatt over at Entertainment Weekly, gave it a 75 grade too, saying: "Check your brain at the popcorn-butter pump in the lobby and enjoy it." Brian Truitt from USA Today,...
- 8/21/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
“American Ultra” is this August’s attempt to reel in audiences still hungry for that last bit of relentless, momentous summer action and thirsty for an original story. It succeeds moderately well at delivering both. The film follows lost soul/American slacker yute Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg). A kind, but broken burnout who spends his days manning the register at a Cash ‘n’ Carry convenience store, getting high in the empty parking lot, and sketching out the various adventures of his unrealized comic creation “Apollo Ape.” His nights pass with his beloved Phoebe (Kristen Stewart) in their not quite rundown, but “lived in” stoner love shack. Mike is crippled by paralyzing panic attacks whenever he attempts to travel and is convinced that he’s hobbling Phoebe’s full potential. She does, in fact, seem all but saintly, initially. Phoebe functions as what one character describes as Mike’s “girlfriend, mother,...
- 8/21/2015
- by Roth Cornet
- Hitfix
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, August 21. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise. Wide American Ultra Director: Nima Nourizadeh Cast: Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Bill Pullman, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo, Walton Goggins, Teri Wyble, Connie Britton, Michael Papajohn, Monique Ganderton, Lavell Crawford, Nash Edgerton Synopsis: "A stoner and his girlfriend's sleepy, small-town existence is disrupted when his past comes back to haunt him in the form of a government operation set to wipe him out." Criticwire Grade Average: C (4 reviews) Hitman: Agent 47 Director: Aleksander Bach Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah Ware, Emilio Rivera, Rolf Kanies, Thomas Kretschmann, Dan Bakkedahl, Ciarán Hinds, Mona Pirzad, Prince William E. Morris, Michaela Caspar, Jerry Hoffmann Synopsis: "An assassin teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the...
- 8/21/2015
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Universal will be adding 200 theaters to their hit Straight Outta Compton's current 2,757 venues, assuring that it takes the weekend with an estimated $30M. Given the N.W.A. biopic's current domestic haul of $84M that would put it well over $100M by Monday. The rest of the field, two secret agents flicks and horror sequel, can only look at that late August haul for Compton and drool. One of those secret agent flicks, Lionsgate's American Ultra, with Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, made $425K in Thursday screenings and has a 44% on Rotten Tomatoes. That estimated $8M weekend Ultra is heading towards is better than the actors' last collaboration, the under-appreciated Adventureland, which opened at $5.7M on its way to $16M cume. It would be quite worse, however, than director Nima Nourizadeh's Project X, which opened to $21M in 2012 on its way to $54M. Hitman 47, the sequel to the original Timothy Olyphant Hitman,...
- 8/21/2015
- by Keith Simanton <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
So we’re finally in the last stretch of Summer, the slow march to reach the (hopefully) cooler temps just past Labor Day. And along with those Fall breezes will come the more, somber award-worthy films. But there’s still time for a bit of mayhem to squeeze into those final August days. And mayhem seems to be the main purpose of this new release hitting the multiplex. Its main character is on a mission (not for a microchip or some, such macguffin, but to survive along with his gal) and many assassins are mowed down along with even more property damage (they blow up good). But unlike Ethan Hunt or Mad Max, he’s not aware of his “particular set of skills” at the movie’s beginning. Like Clark Kent, is he meek and “mild-mannered”? Well, more like meek and “mellow”, thanks to some tasty herbs. And he’s...
- 8/21/2015
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
American Ultra
Written by Max Landis
Directed by Nima Nourizadeh
USA, 2015
Take the amnesiac spy from the Bourne franchise, throw him into the anarchic nihilism of Kick-Ass, add some romantic idealism and then bubble it all through the comedic sensibilities of Pineapple Express and you have something that approximates American Ultra. As entertaining as it is flawed, director Nima Nourizadeh’s film is sure to divide audiences with its haphazard mix of ultra-violence and heartfelt romance. A gleefully-belligerent experiment in style that thumbs its nose at your expectations.
Can a pair of hopeless romantics survive in a modern world consumed by security, surveillance, and sarcasm? Not if one of them is a merciless killing machine for the CIA! Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) is a well-meaning stoner who just wants to find the right moment to propose to his long-suffering girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). Those plans seem permanently derailed when a...
Written by Max Landis
Directed by Nima Nourizadeh
USA, 2015
Take the amnesiac spy from the Bourne franchise, throw him into the anarchic nihilism of Kick-Ass, add some romantic idealism and then bubble it all through the comedic sensibilities of Pineapple Express and you have something that approximates American Ultra. As entertaining as it is flawed, director Nima Nourizadeh’s film is sure to divide audiences with its haphazard mix of ultra-violence and heartfelt romance. A gleefully-belligerent experiment in style that thumbs its nose at your expectations.
Can a pair of hopeless romantics survive in a modern world consumed by security, surveillance, and sarcasm? Not if one of them is a merciless killing machine for the CIA! Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) is a well-meaning stoner who just wants to find the right moment to propose to his long-suffering girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). Those plans seem permanently derailed when a...
- 8/20/2015
- by J.R. Kinnard
- SoundOnSight
Rolled into a joint made with the kief leftover from a dozen different movies, American Ultra is a natural underachiever. An early action scene, in which our protagonist average Joe brutally dispatches of two government goons through unconscious reflex, is a familiar one. So too are many of the events that follow, like when a military liaison explains to his CIA superior (Topher Grace, delightful) why their hit on a former asset has gone pear-shaped. “How is he still alive?” yells Grace’s pissy and psychotic company man. “Well, sir,” replies the Army brass, “he had a spoon.”
Deadpan statements shine like whites beneath the wide, spectral black light of American Ultra’s influences. It’s a paranoid pothead thriller (The Bourne Indica) that’s been hybridized with a sweetly simple relationship comedy. It’s also a violent action vehicle, a dopey stoner romp, and a Looney Tunes vision of surveillance state overreach.
Deadpan statements shine like whites beneath the wide, spectral black light of American Ultra’s influences. It’s a paranoid pothead thriller (The Bourne Indica) that’s been hybridized with a sweetly simple relationship comedy. It’s also a violent action vehicle, a dopey stoner romp, and a Looney Tunes vision of surveillance state overreach.
- 8/20/2015
- by Sam Woolf
- We Got This Covered
The Long Spliff Goodnight: Nourizadeh’s Stoner Action Flick Mixes Kooky with Convention
Comprised of a tangle of similar narrative threads spliced together from a variety of genres and time periods, Nima Nourizadeh’s sophomore directorial effort American Ultra is generally more often entertaining than not, though considering the significant reputations of its leads and zany array of the supporting cast, it could have been better served with a bit more outlandishness than the conventional acts it delivers. As it stands, the success of this rural set conspiracy comedy depends mostly on the low-key charm this rather approximately defined scenario allows to transpire, but it ultimately isn’t goofy enough to allow for the cult notoriety something like this promises. As scripted by Max Landis (again returning to the landscape of youthful, self-reliant outsiders as in his 2012 Chronicle), there’s not a whole lot of surprise, but much like its drug of choice,...
Comprised of a tangle of similar narrative threads spliced together from a variety of genres and time periods, Nima Nourizadeh’s sophomore directorial effort American Ultra is generally more often entertaining than not, though considering the significant reputations of its leads and zany array of the supporting cast, it could have been better served with a bit more outlandishness than the conventional acts it delivers. As it stands, the success of this rural set conspiracy comedy depends mostly on the low-key charm this rather approximately defined scenario allows to transpire, but it ultimately isn’t goofy enough to allow for the cult notoriety something like this promises. As scripted by Max Landis (again returning to the landscape of youthful, self-reliant outsiders as in his 2012 Chronicle), there’s not a whole lot of surprise, but much like its drug of choice,...
- 8/19/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
The cast of upcoming spy comedy “American Ultra” made no secret of their loyalty to each other and the action movie at the Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday. Stars Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg gathered with Connie Britton, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo and director Nima Nourizadeh on the red carpet at the Ace Theater Downtown L.A. to celebrate the Lionsgate film, which opens Friday. Dressed in a Zuhair Murad floral jumpsuit and with her hair in bohemian braids, Stewart was also reunited with her “Twilight” co-star Taylor Lautner (below), as the pair looked like old pals posing for photographers.
- 8/19/2015
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart star as a pair of mismatched small-town stoners, hopelessly in love without prospects or aspirations in Nima Nourizadeh's "Project X" followup "American Ultra." Eisenberg's laid-back character, Mike, is also a "stoned cold killer" waiting to be activated by the CIA. And after killing two covert operatives with nothing more than a spoon, Mike and Stewart's Phoebe, become targeted by a unified U.S. military calvary. The film looks to send up the stereotype already held about stoners: they are paranoid. And they are moonstruck dreamers with delusions of grandeur that they're being followed by the FBI, or are involved in a government conspiracy plotting to take them down. Which makes Mike and Phoebe's conceits all the more plausible. Under the surface of this manic juxtaposition of firearms, black helicopters, and sleeper cell agents, could Mike and Phoebe be battling their own hazy, unwelcome high?...
- 8/18/2015
- by Ruben Guevara
- Thompson on Hollywood
Jesse Eisenberg plays a stoned shop assistant with latent special agent skills in Nima Nourizadeh’s weak rip of The Bourne Identity
Summer 2015: the year half-cocked, medium-budget spins on The Bourne Identity made their way to the American theaters. First there was Self/Less, in which an aging Donald Trump-ish developer transfers his consciousness into a Ryan Reynolds special forces fighter, and now there’s American Ultra.
Jesse Eisenberg plays Mike Howell, a convenience store clerk in Nowheresville, West Virginia, whose primary activities include tokin’ weed, being a bit of an anxious space-case and not-deserving his saintly girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). One day bad men come to eliminate Mike, but before they do a strange woman comes and “activates” him with a subliminal phrase. Instinctually, he knows how to turn a spoon into a killbot weapon. The very same one with which he was planning to slurp down some Ramen.
Summer 2015: the year half-cocked, medium-budget spins on The Bourne Identity made their way to the American theaters. First there was Self/Less, in which an aging Donald Trump-ish developer transfers his consciousness into a Ryan Reynolds special forces fighter, and now there’s American Ultra.
Jesse Eisenberg plays Mike Howell, a convenience store clerk in Nowheresville, West Virginia, whose primary activities include tokin’ weed, being a bit of an anxious space-case and not-deserving his saintly girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). One day bad men come to eliminate Mike, but before they do a strange woman comes and “activates” him with a subliminal phrase. Instinctually, he knows how to turn a spoon into a killbot weapon. The very same one with which he was planning to slurp down some Ramen.
- 8/18/2015
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Guardian - Film News
It’s difficult to articulate without going into near unprofessional superlatives, just how punchable the odious and insufferable “American Ultra” is. It's a deeply unsophisticated movie about a dummy stoner, his dutifully suffering girlfriend, and the government agencies that are trying to kill them. An attempt to cross the supernova young lovers passion of “True Romance,” and the visceral, turn-on-a-dime instinctual violence of the ‘Bourne’ series, while this stoner action comedy channels both Quentin Tarantino and Paul Greengrass, it misses the mark by a mile, delivering a phony version of both styles. While it may sound like an entertaining crossbred of genres, it’s really just a hollow hybrid experiment gone horribly wrong. Written with smug, vulgar zeal by Max Landis (“Chronicle”) and directed with A.D.D.-fueled, amphetamine-driven enthusiasm by Nima Nourizadeh (“Project X”), tonally, “American Ultra” provides no insight or substance anywhere, happy to just pour...
- 8/18/2015
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
There are moments in “American Ultra” where you can see the smart, outrageous, hyper-violent farce that would attract the likes of not only stars Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart but also distinguished supporting players, including Connie Britton, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, Walton Goggins and John Leguizamo. What these talented folks must not have seen coming, however, is how director Nima Nourizadeh (“Project X”) and screenwriter Max Landis (“Chronicle”) lose their way, allowing the film’s sensibility to degenerate from outrageous to cartoony, and piling up plot contrivances and corpses in stacks so high that they obscure whatever charms the film once.
- 8/18/2015
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Read More: Watch: Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg Skewer Sexist Interview Questions on Funny or Die It's appropriate that the plotline for Nima Nourizadeh's "American Ultra" sounds like the sort of thing cooked up during a drug-fueled brainstorming session -- "what if they were stoners, but also secret agents?" -- and although it's a mostly underbaked idea, the action-comedy repeatedly attempts to breathe new life into the stoner comedy genre. Screenwriter Max Landis' basic narrative idea is furthered by ace casting, with Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart reuniting after the charming "Adventureland" to try their hand at another romance between sweet, if wholly directionless people. It's that casting that really elevates the film, a meandering and well-meaning take on a Bonnie and Clyde story -- albeit one with more illicit drugs and about as many guns -- but it's still not enough to make "American Ultra" really spark.
- 8/18/2015
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
How high is too high? Find out in Nima Nourizadeh's American Ultra – a fast-paced action comedy from the warped mind of Max Landis, writer of Chronicle - where a small town stoner comes face to gun with his own unlikely past as a covert government sleeper agent. In the film, Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) - an ill-fated burnout - and his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart), are about to have... Read More...
- 8/18/2015
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Wamg has your free passes to the advance screening American Ultra in St. Louis.
American Ultra is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Jesse Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart), is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive.
Written by Max Landis, the film also features Connie Britton, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo, Bill Pullman & Walton Goggins.
From director Nima Nourizadeh, American Ultra opens in theaters on August 21.
Wamg invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening on Tuesday, August 18th at 7Pm in the St.
American Ultra is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Jesse Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart), is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive.
Written by Max Landis, the film also features Connie Britton, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo, Bill Pullman & Walton Goggins.
From director Nima Nourizadeh, American Ultra opens in theaters on August 21.
Wamg invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening on Tuesday, August 18th at 7Pm in the St.
- 8/11/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Fed up of summer blockbusters, and looking for some more diverse films to watch in the month ahead? Here are some recommendations...
If you haven't seen it yet, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the kind of film that ruins you for other blockbusters. Handily, it was deployed right at the end of July, right around the time that most of us have had our blocks thoroughly busted. As we've noted around this time in recent years, you might even be feeling a little fatigued with the smashy-bangy of it all.
But the big movies will keep coming through August. Still to come this month, as blockbuster season winds down, are films like Adam Sandler's video game-themed sci-fi comedy Pixels, horror sequel Sinister 2 and reboots galore, in the form of Fantastic Four, Hitman: Agent 47 and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Before you know it, it'll be time to...
If you haven't seen it yet, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the kind of film that ruins you for other blockbusters. Handily, it was deployed right at the end of July, right around the time that most of us have had our blocks thoroughly busted. As we've noted around this time in recent years, you might even be feeling a little fatigued with the smashy-bangy of it all.
But the big movies will keep coming through August. Still to come this month, as blockbuster season winds down, are films like Adam Sandler's video game-themed sci-fi comedy Pixels, horror sequel Sinister 2 and reboots galore, in the form of Fantastic Four, Hitman: Agent 47 and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Before you know it, it'll be time to...
- 8/5/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Well, it's finally August, and while the summer movie season isn't completely over it might as well be. This article was a difficult one to put together, because there just isn't much to recommend this month. But you know what, that's okay, I think I managed to pull together five solid titles for the "must-see" section, and lucky for us the fall festival season is just around the corner, which means things are about to heat up exponentially on the prestige movie front just in time to compensate for things cooling down outside as the seasons change. (I should note here, it is currently 106 degrees fahrenheit here in the desert, and the thought of things cooling down is marvelous, but also very premature.) We are coming off what turned out to be a pretty solid month last month, in my opinion, as I settled back into my routine after a...
- 7/31/2015
- by Jordan Benesh
- Rope of Silicon
Jesse Eisenberg is just about the last guy you’d expect to emerge as a lethal agent. It’s easier to buy him as a supervillain, even. But that’s exactly the point of his latest movie, American Ultra. Directed by Nima Nourizadeh and written by Max Landis, the action-comedy stars Eisenberg as an aimless stoner who’s secretly a highly trained […]
The post American Ultra Trailer: Jesse Eisenberg Does His Best Jason Bourne appeared first on /Film.
The post American Ultra Trailer: Jesse Eisenberg Does His Best Jason Bourne appeared first on /Film.
- 7/31/2015
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
Take another look @ the 'red band' restricted trailer supporting the action comedy feature "American Ultra", written by Max Landis and directed by Nima Nourizadeh, starring Jesse Eisenberg ("Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice") and Kristen Stewart ("The Twilight Saga") , opening August 21, 2015:
"...a stoner and his girlfriend's sleepy, small-town existence is disrupted when his past comes back to haunt him in the form of a government operation set to wipe him out..."
Cast also includes Connie Britton, Topher Grace, John Leguizamo, Walton Goggins, Bill Pullman, Tony Hale, Stuart Greer, Monique Ganderton, Lavell Crawford, Michael Papajohn and Nash Edgerton.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "American Ultra"...
"...a stoner and his girlfriend's sleepy, small-town existence is disrupted when his past comes back to haunt him in the form of a government operation set to wipe him out..."
Cast also includes Connie Britton, Topher Grace, John Leguizamo, Walton Goggins, Bill Pullman, Tony Hale, Stuart Greer, Monique Ganderton, Lavell Crawford, Michael Papajohn and Nash Edgerton.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "American Ultra"...
- 7/22/2015
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
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