Movie News
Marvel’s favorite frenemies are back in the second trailer for the hotly anticipated “Deadpool and Wolverine” — the third installment in the “Deadpool” series of films and the first set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This time, Deadpool and Wolverine fight like bloody hell to the tune of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
“I’m about to lose everything that I’ve ever cared about,” Deadpool tells Wolverine in the trailer, to which Wolverine responds, “Not my fucking problem.”
“Is that what you said when your world went to shit?” Deadpool retorts, provoking Wolverine to strike his crotch with those claws before Deadpool shoots him several times in the torso.
Cut to the two heroes chumming it up over lunch: “Wanna talk about what’s haunting you, or should we wait for a third act flashback?”
The threequel stars Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and brings back Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, whom...
This time, Deadpool and Wolverine fight like bloody hell to the tune of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
“I’m about to lose everything that I’ve ever cared about,” Deadpool tells Wolverine in the trailer, to which Wolverine responds, “Not my fucking problem.”
“Is that what you said when your world went to shit?” Deadpool retorts, provoking Wolverine to strike his crotch with those claws before Deadpool shoots him several times in the torso.
Cut to the two heroes chumming it up over lunch: “Wanna talk about what’s haunting you, or should we wait for a third act flashback?”
The threequel stars Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and brings back Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, whom...
- 4/22/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety - Film News
Sylvester Stallone revealed on the TMZ special “Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons” (via The Daily Mail) that a near career-ending injury in the lead up to “Rocky II” threatened to end the boxing franchise before its first sequel got off the ground. Stallone was training with bodybuilder Franco Columbu about a month and a half before the “Rocky 2” shoot when he ripped his pec muscle right off the bone.
“So, I go down, and it’s maybe only 200 [lbs]. I’m just warming up, and I hear a Pow!’ Stallone remembered. “I fall on the floor. And Franco goes, ‘Let me see.’ He jams his fingers — I’ve torn my pec off the bone. I mean, bad. I could hear it go rip, and he’s jamming his fingers. And I think I’m going to black out.”
“I go home. I feel like my career is over. I’m supposed to start ‘Rocky II,...
“So, I go down, and it’s maybe only 200 [lbs]. I’m just warming up, and I hear a Pow!’ Stallone remembered. “I fall on the floor. And Franco goes, ‘Let me see.’ He jams his fingers — I’ve torn my pec off the bone. I mean, bad. I could hear it go rip, and he’s jamming his fingers. And I think I’m going to black out.”
“I go home. I feel like my career is over. I’m supposed to start ‘Rocky II,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Ethan and Maya Hawke Almost Abandoned ‘Wildcat’ After Discovering Flannery O’Connor’s Racist Letters
“Wildcat” director Ethan Hawke was introduced to the books of Flannery O’Connor by his mother, but it was his then-teenaged daughter, Maya, who introduced him to a more personal side of the writer.
Maya Hawke, then a teenager looking for something original to recite for her Julliard audition, dug into O’Connor’s “Prayer Journal,” which captured the young, yet-to-be-published writer searching for meaning in journal entries she addressed to God. When Maya’s acting career took off with “Stranger Things,” and she approached O’Connor’s age writing the journal entries, Maya optioned the rights and asked her father to develop them into a film for her to portray O’Connor.
It was deep into the scriptwriting process that Ethan was introduced to yet another, far uglier side of O’Connor: Paul Elie’s 2020 New Yorker article, “How Racist Was Flannery O’Connor?” featured bigoted quotes from O’Connor’s personal correspondences.
Maya Hawke, then a teenager looking for something original to recite for her Julliard audition, dug into O’Connor’s “Prayer Journal,” which captured the young, yet-to-be-published writer searching for meaning in journal entries she addressed to God. When Maya’s acting career took off with “Stranger Things,” and she approached O’Connor’s age writing the journal entries, Maya optioned the rights and asked her father to develop them into a film for her to portray O’Connor.
It was deep into the scriptwriting process that Ethan was introduced to yet another, far uglier side of O’Connor: Paul Elie’s 2020 New Yorker article, “How Racist Was Flannery O’Connor?” featured bigoted quotes from O’Connor’s personal correspondences.
- 4/23/2024
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
The subject of a timely new Variety profile praising his versatility, British actor Dan Stevens is having a moment. The actor is currently competing with himself at the box office with two different films: MonsterVerse installment “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” for Warners and directing duo Radio Silence’s new vampire movie “Abigail” for Universal.
Stevens is already lining up his next genre project, and it’ll see him co-starring alongside Hollywood royalty, Al Pacino, in a horror film focused on two trouble priests.
Continue reading ‘The Ritual’: Al Pacino & Dan Stevens To Lead New Exorcism Film Coming Out In 2025 at The Playlist.
Stevens is already lining up his next genre project, and it’ll see him co-starring alongside Hollywood royalty, Al Pacino, in a horror film focused on two trouble priests.
Continue reading ‘The Ritual’: Al Pacino & Dan Stevens To Lead New Exorcism Film Coming Out In 2025 at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Post Malone, Vault Comics and Michael Bay and Brad Fuller’s Platinum Dunes have partnered to create an all-new IP universe based on an original story by the recording artist.
Blending elements of road thrillers like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and demonic horror like “Evil Dead,” Malone’s story is set in medieval Europe, where the only thing standing in the way of the horde of demons infesting the continent is a mysterious armored 18-wheeler seemingly sent back from the heavens.
“I’m so pumped to share this badass story with the world, and I couldn’t ask for better partners than Michael Bay and Vault to help bring this story to life,” says Malone.
Working closely with Malone, Vault will launch the story first as a graphic novel, set for publication in 2025. Meanwhile, Post Malone, Platinum Dunes and Vault will concurrently develop a feature film adaptation.
“This is the...
Blending elements of road thrillers like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and demonic horror like “Evil Dead,” Malone’s story is set in medieval Europe, where the only thing standing in the way of the horde of demons infesting the continent is a mysterious armored 18-wheeler seemingly sent back from the heavens.
“I’m so pumped to share this badass story with the world, and I couldn’t ask for better partners than Michael Bay and Vault to help bring this story to life,” says Malone.
Working closely with Malone, Vault will launch the story first as a graphic novel, set for publication in 2025. Meanwhile, Post Malone, Platinum Dunes and Vault will concurrently develop a feature film adaptation.
“This is the...
- 4/23/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Life’s not all a cabaret for film actors making their way to Broadway.
In the case of Eddie Redmayne, who now stars as the ghoul-like and flamboyant Emcee in director Rebecca Frecknall’s “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” at New York’s August Wilson Theatre, life behind the scenes is more “monastic,” as he told IndieWire, than song-and-dance bacchanalia.
“When you’re doing a musical like this, it’s quite monastic living, and it’s almost more like being an athlete than an actor sometimes because when you’re doing eight shows a week, you’re keeping your voice in decent nick,” said Redmayne, Zooming from the backseat of a car between appointments, which just included lunch with Joel Grey, who famously starred as the Master of Ceremonies in Bob Fosse‘s Oscar-winning 1972 film.
“It’s quite a physical role,” said Redmayne, who first played The Emcee on...
In the case of Eddie Redmayne, who now stars as the ghoul-like and flamboyant Emcee in director Rebecca Frecknall’s “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” at New York’s August Wilson Theatre, life behind the scenes is more “monastic,” as he told IndieWire, than song-and-dance bacchanalia.
“When you’re doing a musical like this, it’s quite monastic living, and it’s almost more like being an athlete than an actor sometimes because when you’re doing eight shows a week, you’re keeping your voice in decent nick,” said Redmayne, Zooming from the backseat of a car between appointments, which just included lunch with Joel Grey, who famously starred as the Master of Ceremonies in Bob Fosse‘s Oscar-winning 1972 film.
“It’s quite a physical role,” said Redmayne, who first played The Emcee on...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Super-producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently told People magazine that Bruce Willis was so generous on the set of their 1998 blockbuster “Armageddon” that he gave money away to the crew to make sure people had some “nice extra cash at the end of the week.” Willis headlined the Michael Bay-directed film opposite Billy Bob Thornton, Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck.
“Bruce is such a good guy,” Bruckheimer said. “He was so generous to the crew. They’d have [cash giveaway] drawings, and he’d throw a lot of money in the hat, and the crew members would always take away some nice extra cash at the end of the week, whoever won.”
Bruckheimer called Willis a “giving guy” and a “good friend.” Apparently the “Armageddon” crew had a weekly cash pot going at the end of each week of production. Willis made sure to increase the jackpot with his own money to make the reward that much greater.
“Bruce is such a good guy,” Bruckheimer said. “He was so generous to the crew. They’d have [cash giveaway] drawings, and he’d throw a lot of money in the hat, and the crew members would always take away some nice extra cash at the end of the week, whoever won.”
Bruckheimer called Willis a “giving guy” and a “good friend.” Apparently the “Armageddon” crew had a weekly cash pot going at the end of each week of production. Willis made sure to increase the jackpot with his own money to make the reward that much greater.
- 4/23/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
When millions of Americans came together to marvel at the stunning solar eclipse, we saw a rare moment of unity amid the darkness of a country torn apart by polarization. Bookending the same week? The release of action-thriller “Civil War,” now the number one film in America and A24 Films’ most successful release yet. Set against the backdrop of an imagined second American Civil War, the film follows photojournalists led by Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), as they capture the horrors of a failed country.
After previewing the film, I fixated on the plot’s open space left by writer and director Alex Garland. For audiences wondering what leads us to this point of no return, Garland deliberately shoots back with blanks, inviting us to fill in the rest.
I believe that it matters how we fill those gaps. Films of this magnitude, especially on a radioactive topic, set a narrative in our culture.
After previewing the film, I fixated on the plot’s open space left by writer and director Alex Garland. For audiences wondering what leads us to this point of no return, Garland deliberately shoots back with blanks, inviting us to fill in the rest.
I believe that it matters how we fill those gaps. Films of this magnitude, especially on a radioactive topic, set a narrative in our culture.
- 4/23/2024
- by Steven Olikara
- Variety - Film News
The last time I spoke to Noah Jupe was four years ago when he was just 15 years old. It was over Zoom, and he was promoting HBO’s “The Undoing” from a Detroit hotel room, where he was under mandatory quarantine waiting to be cleared to start work on Steven Soderbergh’s “No Sudden Move.”
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama loosely based on Shia Labeouf’s childhood.
The British actor is now 19 and I’m meeting him once again over Zoom — this time, he’s in his London-area home — for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. He’s promoting Apple TV+’s “Franklin.” The limited series follows Benjamin Franklin,...
At the time, Jupe’s list of credits already included “The Night Manager,” “Suburbicon,” the first two “A Quiet Place” films and “Ford v Ferrari.” He had earned a Spirit Award nomination for his work starring role in “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el’s drama loosely based on Shia Labeouf’s childhood.
The British actor is now 19 and I’m meeting him once again over Zoom — this time, he’s in his London-area home — for this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. He’s promoting Apple TV+’s “Franklin.” The limited series follows Benjamin Franklin,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - Film News
Sydney Sweeney is a marketing genius. That’s Glen Powell’s reasoning for how their rom-com “Anyone but You” went from anything but a success to a box-office and VOD hit.
“The two things that you have to sell a rom-com are fun and chemistry. Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry,” Powell told the New York Times. “That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.”
Sweeney, who also executive produced the film through her Fifty-Fifty Films banner, was directly behind the “Anyone but You” marketing strategy. It included romantic pictures of her and Powell, longing looks on red carpets, and lots of flirting in interviews. And when Powell and his long-term girlfriend broke up, the rumors heated up.
“The two things that you have to sell a rom-com are fun and chemistry. Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry,” Powell told the New York Times. “That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.”
Sweeney, who also executive produced the film through her Fifty-Fifty Films banner, was directly behind the “Anyone but You” marketing strategy. It included romantic pictures of her and Powell, longing looks on red carpets, and lots of flirting in interviews. And when Powell and his long-term girlfriend broke up, the rumors heated up.
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The baffling phrase on the lips of every TV fan is suddenly “Baby Reindeer” — and for good reason. The Netflix limited series premiered on April 11 and quickly skyrocketed into the Top 10 in several countries, including the U.S. and U.K.
The series stars creator and writer Richard Gadd as an extension of his one-man Edinburgh Fringe show from 2016. In the TV version, Gadd plays a fictionalized version of himself named Donny Dunn, who is harassed by a female stalker for years while disentangling the ordeal from a sexual assault years prior. It evokes the transfixing storytelling and precision of “Fleabag” (another Fringe darling) and “I May Destroy You” (another complex piece processing sexual assault and subsequent self destruction). The title “Baby Reindeer” references a bizarre nickname he receives from stalker Martha (Jessica Gunning) — among many others.
So why is everyone talking about “Baby Reindeer?” On the surface, the series...
The series stars creator and writer Richard Gadd as an extension of his one-man Edinburgh Fringe show from 2016. In the TV version, Gadd plays a fictionalized version of himself named Donny Dunn, who is harassed by a female stalker for years while disentangling the ordeal from a sexual assault years prior. It evokes the transfixing storytelling and precision of “Fleabag” (another Fringe darling) and “I May Destroy You” (another complex piece processing sexual assault and subsequent self destruction). The title “Baby Reindeer” references a bizarre nickname he receives from stalker Martha (Jessica Gunning) — among many others.
So why is everyone talking about “Baby Reindeer?” On the surface, the series...
- 4/23/2024
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Oscar-nominated “Robot Dreams” is getting a theatrical release almost one year after its Cannes debut.
Directed by Pablo Berger, “Robot Dreams” is based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon and follows the unexpected friendship between a dog and a robot. Dog lives in Manhattan and is tired of being alone, so he does what any good boy would do: build himself a robot companion. Their friendship blossoms until they become inseparable — until Dog is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. And it’s all set to ’80s music.
The Oscar-nominated feature premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and later won the Special Jury Prize at the Animation Is Film Festival. “Robot Dreams” marks the “Blancanieves” filmmaker Berger’s animated feature debut.
“With ‘Robot Dreams’ I wanted to explore the infinite narrative possibilities of animation. A medium
where everything is possible and there are no formal limits,” Berger said in a press statement.
Directed by Pablo Berger, “Robot Dreams” is based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon and follows the unexpected friendship between a dog and a robot. Dog lives in Manhattan and is tired of being alone, so he does what any good boy would do: build himself a robot companion. Their friendship blossoms until they become inseparable — until Dog is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. And it’s all set to ’80s music.
The Oscar-nominated feature premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and later won the Special Jury Prize at the Animation Is Film Festival. “Robot Dreams” marks the “Blancanieves” filmmaker Berger’s animated feature debut.
“With ‘Robot Dreams’ I wanted to explore the infinite narrative possibilities of animation. A medium
where everything is possible and there are no formal limits,” Berger said in a press statement.
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Josh O’Connor shines in the sizzling tennis romance drama “Challengers,” but that doesn’t mean “The Crown” alum is a fan of his own character.
O’Connor told WSJ magazine that he actually thought his character Patrick was a bit of a “monster.” The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, centers on Tashi (Zendaya), a former college tennis star who is torn between her three loves: husband Art (Mike Faist), ex Patrick (O’Connor), and the sport itself. While Tashi’s dalliances between Art and Patrick overlap over the years, O’Connor calls Patrick a total “dick” of a role.
“How do you make a character likable whilst being a monster?,” O’Connor said of his core struggle to play Patrick. “It’s the first time I think I’ve played a character who’s just like, ‘I’m fucking mad.’ Like, ‘I’m a dick and I’m proud.'”
In fact,...
O’Connor told WSJ magazine that he actually thought his character Patrick was a bit of a “monster.” The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, centers on Tashi (Zendaya), a former college tennis star who is torn between her three loves: husband Art (Mike Faist), ex Patrick (O’Connor), and the sport itself. While Tashi’s dalliances between Art and Patrick overlap over the years, O’Connor calls Patrick a total “dick” of a role.
“How do you make a character likable whilst being a monster?,” O’Connor said of his core struggle to play Patrick. “It’s the first time I think I’ve played a character who’s just like, ‘I’m fucking mad.’ Like, ‘I’m a dick and I’m proud.'”
In fact,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
We don’t often see the release of an Oscar-nominated animated movie released in theaters after the Academy Awards ceremonies had aired, as most studios want to capitalize on the buzz of a nomination. But “Robot Dreams” is breaking with tradition as the Spanish/French animation pic is heading to the big screen next month. The movie that made the film festival circuit last year focuses on a Robot and Dog’s budding relationship in Manhattan during 1984, a unique premise and setting.
Continue reading ‘Robot Dreams’ Trailer: Neon’s Oscar-Nominated Animated Film Hits Theaters On May 31 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Robot Dreams’ Trailer: Neon’s Oscar-Nominated Animated Film Hits Theaters On May 31 at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Alec Baldwin’s lawyers alleged a “stunning abuse of prosecutorial power” in the “Rust” case on Tuesday, arguing that a favorable plea offer was withdrawn last fall due to a misunderstanding about Baldwin’s role in a documentary about the case.
Baldwin is facing a trial in July in Santa Fe, N.M., on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.
Last October, prosecutors offered him a misdemeanor plea that would carry no jail time. But prosecutor Kari Morrissey said in a recent filing that she rescinded that offer after learning that Baldwin had “commissioned his own documentary” about Hutchins’ death, and was pressuring witnesses in the case to participate.
Concerned that Baldwin’s conduct would cause ongoing harm the victims and their families, she withdraw the offer and decided to seek a felony indictment.
Baldwin is facing a trial in July in Santa Fe, N.M., on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.
Last October, prosecutors offered him a misdemeanor plea that would carry no jail time. But prosecutor Kari Morrissey said in a recent filing that she rescinded that offer after learning that Baldwin had “commissioned his own documentary” about Hutchins’ death, and was pressuring witnesses in the case to participate.
Concerned that Baldwin’s conduct would cause ongoing harm the victims and their families, she withdraw the offer and decided to seek a felony indictment.
- 4/23/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety - Film News
Long live Queen Cleopatra, even if her film adaptations have been plagued for more than half a century.
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Despite winning his defamation trailer against his ex-wife Amber Heard following her allegations of domestic violence, actor Johnny Depp is still a persona non-grata in Hollywood, by and large. The actor hasn’t starred in anything significant since he was fired/resigned from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise in 2020, but that hasn’t really stopped the less-discerning European film market from tapping his talents. One of those helmers less concerned with the controversies involving casting Depp is the French filmmaker Maïwenn, the director, writer, and actress behind the upcoming movie “Jeanne du Barry.” In the period drama, Maïwenn plays a sex worker in 18th-century France who becomes the mistress to King Louis Xv, the role played by Depp.
Continue reading ‘Jeanne Du Barry’: Maïwenn Says “Crew Were Afraid” Of Johnny Depp During “Difficult Shoot” at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Jeanne Du Barry’: Maïwenn Says “Crew Were Afraid” Of Johnny Depp During “Difficult Shoot” at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Terry Carter, who played sergeant Joe Broadhurst on the TV series “McCloud” and detective Colonel Tigh on the original “Battlestar Galactica,” died at his home in New York, N.Y., Tuesday morning. He was 95.
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,” in which he played Private Sugarman.
Carter’s other credits include the 1970 TV movie “Company of Killers,” in which he starred alongside Van Johnson and Ray Milland, and the 1974 film “Foxy Brown” with Pam Grier.
In 1979 Carter formed the Council for Positive Images, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing intercultural and interethnic understanding through media.
Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1928, to parents of Dominican, Argentine and African American descent, Carter would go on to become the first Black TV news anchor for Boston’s Wbz-tv Eyewitness News, where he also became their first opening night drama and movie critic. He was also one of the first Black regulars on the 1956 TV sitcom series “The Phil Silvers Show,” in which he played Private Sugarman.
Carter’s other credits include the 1970 TV movie “Company of Killers,” in which he starred alongside Van Johnson and Ray Milland, and the 1974 film “Foxy Brown” with Pam Grier.
In 1979 Carter formed the Council for Positive Images, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing intercultural and interethnic understanding through media.
- 4/23/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety - Film News
It took Richard Shepard years to get out of “movie jail” after he made “The Linguini Incident,” the nearly-forgotten 1991 crime comedy starring David Bowie and Rosanna Arquette. But now the film is getting a second chance, with a series of screenings and an upcoming Blu-ray release.
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
Just about everything went wrong with the production that could go wrong, Shepard recalls. “I made this movie when I was 25 — and I was no genius at 25,” admits the director, who went on to helm features including “The Perfection” as well as TV series like Lena Dunham’s HBO comedy “Girls.”
Unlike Dunham, who was “in complete control of her artistic self” at that age, “I was not,” says Shepard.
But when his original co-producer, Sarah Jackson, suggested he try to rerelease a director’s cut of the scrappy indie caper about two restaurant employees who decide to rob their bosses, Shepard jumped at...
- 4/23/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety - Film News
In what will surely come as a huge shock to the general public and cause no small number of monocles to pop out, Amazon MGM Studios has elected to retitle Zoë Kravitz's feature directing debut, which was previously going under the not-at-all provocative moniker "Pussy Island." Kravitz's film will instead be released as "Blink Twice," which for me conjures memories of David Tennant's 10th Doctor desperately warning Carey Mulligan not to blink around the Weeping Angels in the classic modern "Doctor Who" episode "Blink."
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
That association isn't entirely inappropriate, either. "Blink Twice," like "Blink," is a potpourri of horror, mystery-thriller, and humor with an English actor at its core. In this case, it's Naomi Ackie of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Master of None" season 3 fame starring as a young woman who accompanies a tech billionaire -- played by Kravitz's current real-life significant other,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Victoria Gold, formerly co-publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, will join Variety next month as senior VP of entertainment and special projects.
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria’s expertise in the film industry coupled with her history with Variety makes her a natural choice for the role.”
Gold’s appointment is effective May 15. In announcing the transition, Sobrino-Stearns paid tribute to Allen and the legacy she leaves at the industry’s most-read entertainment news outlet.
“Dawn Allen...
The move marks a homecoming for Gold, who previously spent eight years with Variety prior to her 14-year tenure at the Reporter, where she rose to co-publisher in 2021. In her new role, Gold will succeed Dawn Allen, the respected Variety sales executive who is retiring after a 35-year career.
“We are thrilled to have Victoria rejoin our winning team as the No. 1 entertainment business news organization in the world,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety. “Victoria’s expertise in the film industry coupled with her history with Variety makes her a natural choice for the role.”
Gold’s appointment is effective May 15. In announcing the transition, Sobrino-Stearns paid tribute to Allen and the legacy she leaves at the industry’s most-read entertainment news outlet.
“Dawn Allen...
- 4/23/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - Film News
Roadside Attractions has acquired US rights to Sundance drama Exhibiting Forgiveness starring André Holland, Andra Day, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and plans an awards season release.
‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’: Sundance Review
Visual artist Titus Kaphar’s feature directorial debut premiered in Sundance’s US Dramatic Competition in January and explores parental relationships and the wounds of the past.
Holland plays Tarrell Rodin, a painter who suppresses the scars of his youth through his art, and lives with his wife and singer-songwriter Aisha and young son Jermaine.
However Tarrell’s path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged...
‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’: Sundance Review
Visual artist Titus Kaphar’s feature directorial debut premiered in Sundance’s US Dramatic Competition in January and explores parental relationships and the wounds of the past.
Holland plays Tarrell Rodin, a painter who suppresses the scars of his youth through his art, and lives with his wife and singer-songwriter Aisha and young son Jermaine.
However Tarrell’s path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged...
- 4/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Roadside Attractions has acquired “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” the directorial debut of artist Titus Kaphar that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Exhibitors will get “Exhibiting Forgiveness” thanks to distribution company Roadside Attractions.
After premiering at the 2024 Sundance Festival and screening at the New Directors/New Films festival, Titus Kaphar’s directorial debut has been acquired by Roadside Attractions, IndieWire can confirm. It will open nationwide this fall for awards season.
Renowned artist Kaphar wrote the semi-autobiographical script for “Exhibiting Forgiveness” after completing a series of paintings and a short documentary — “The Jerome Project” (2016) — inspired by his relationship with his father. Kaphar’s most recent short documentary, “Shut up and Paint,” was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2022.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” follows Tarrell Rodin (André Holland), an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Andra Day), and young son. Rodin’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay, per the synopsis. Yet his path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father,...
After premiering at the 2024 Sundance Festival and screening at the New Directors/New Films festival, Titus Kaphar’s directorial debut has been acquired by Roadside Attractions, IndieWire can confirm. It will open nationwide this fall for awards season.
Renowned artist Kaphar wrote the semi-autobiographical script for “Exhibiting Forgiveness” after completing a series of paintings and a short documentary — “The Jerome Project” (2016) — inspired by his relationship with his father. Kaphar’s most recent short documentary, “Shut up and Paint,” was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2022.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” follows Tarrell Rodin (André Holland), an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Andra Day), and young son. Rodin’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay, per the synopsis. Yet his path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Peabody Awards are revealing their 2024 nominees in two batches this year and today was an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the non-narrative works. Among the Documentary, News, Public Service, and Radio/Podcast nominees were a slew of Oscar-nominated films including “The Eternal Memory,” “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” and “All The Beauty and the Bloodshed.” Oh, and this year’s Academy Award winner, “20 Days in Mariupol.”
Read More: 10 pressing questions for the 2024 Emmy Award Season
This year’s narrative nominees will be revealed on Thursday.
Continue reading ’20 Days In Mariupol’ & ‘The Eternal Memory’ Among Early 2024 Peabody Awards Nominees at The Playlist.
Read More: 10 pressing questions for the 2024 Emmy Award Season
This year’s narrative nominees will be revealed on Thursday.
Continue reading ’20 Days In Mariupol’ & ‘The Eternal Memory’ Among Early 2024 Peabody Awards Nominees at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Paris-based Xr distributor Diversion Cinema will partner with the Cannes Film Festival to oversee this year’s inaugural Immersive Competition. A specialist in location-based exhibition, Diversion will handle technical duties for the 14 immersive experiences spread across the competitive and non-competitive sections.
Running concurrent to the film event, Cannes’ immersive showcase will spread out across 700 sq. m. at the Cineum – a modern multiplex about three miles from the Palais that has served as an official festival site since 2021 – while Diversion will have a staff of eight welcoming festival attendees each and every day.
“Providing for festivals like Cannes is part of our DNA,” says Diversion founder Camille Lopato. “Cannes was one of our first clients when we started our business back in 2016. Back then, it was among the first A-class festival to screen VR with such ambition, and this year Cannes is back with a vengeance, with a very fine and...
Running concurrent to the film event, Cannes’ immersive showcase will spread out across 700 sq. m. at the Cineum – a modern multiplex about three miles from the Palais that has served as an official festival site since 2021 – while Diversion will have a staff of eight welcoming festival attendees each and every day.
“Providing for festivals like Cannes is part of our DNA,” says Diversion founder Camille Lopato. “Cannes was one of our first clients when we started our business back in 2016. Back then, it was among the first A-class festival to screen VR with such ambition, and this year Cannes is back with a vengeance, with a very fine and...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
It was no secret heading into 2024 that it was going to be a bumpy ride as far as the box office was concerned. Last year's SAG and WGA strikes ended up delaying tons of movies, giving us a sparse release calendar this year. Well, the sad state of affairs reared its terrible head this past weekend, which was one of the worst of the year so far. The industry at large can only cross its fingers and hope against hope that it gets better from here.
This past weekend saw three new movies hit theaters in the form of "Abigail," "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," and "Spy x Family Code: White." Unfortunately, all three underperformed against relatively modest expectations. The vampire flick "Abigaily" pulled in just $10 million, failing to take the crown away from A24"s "Civil War," which earned $11 million in its second weekend. The horror film, which hails...
This past weekend saw three new movies hit theaters in the form of "Abigail," "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," and "Spy x Family Code: White." Unfortunately, all three underperformed against relatively modest expectations. The vampire flick "Abigaily" pulled in just $10 million, failing to take the crown away from A24"s "Civil War," which earned $11 million in its second weekend. The horror film, which hails...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Zoë Kravitz sure turned heads with the announcement of her directorial debut, a crazy island thriller initially titled “Pussy Island.” Eventually changed to the less provocative, more-marketable “Blink Twice” —a reference to being kidnapped and blinking to convey you’re in danger—the film is a psychological thriller about a cocktail waitress who becomes infatuated with a tech billionaire and travels with him to his private island, where things begin to go wrong.
Continue reading ‘Blink Twice’ Trailer: Channing Tatum & Naomi Ackie Star In Zoë Kravitz’s Crazy Trapped-On-An-Island Thriller at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Blink Twice’ Trailer: Channing Tatum & Naomi Ackie Star In Zoë Kravitz’s Crazy Trapped-On-An-Island Thriller at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first trailer for Zoë Kravitz’s twisted directorial debut “Blink Twice.”
Originally titled “Pussy Island,” the movie follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) as they are charmed by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and lured to his private island for a weekend getaway. What starts as a steamy vacation soon devolves into a reality-bending nightmare that the women soon learn they must escape if they want to live.
“So do you think the human sacrifice is before or after dinner?” Jess asks Frida in jest, before things get truly scary.
Other cast members include Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Simon Rex, Christian Slater and Liz Caribel. Producers include Kravitz, Bruce Cohen, Garret Levitz and Tiffany Persons with Jordan Harkins and Stacy Perskie serving as executive producers.
Amazon MGM has been off to a strong start with theatrical...
Originally titled “Pussy Island,” the movie follows Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) as they are charmed by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and lured to his private island for a weekend getaway. What starts as a steamy vacation soon devolves into a reality-bending nightmare that the women soon learn they must escape if they want to live.
“So do you think the human sacrifice is before or after dinner?” Jess asks Frida in jest, before things get truly scary.
Other cast members include Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Simon Rex, Christian Slater and Liz Caribel. Producers include Kravitz, Bruce Cohen, Garret Levitz and Tiffany Persons with Jordan Harkins and Stacy Perskie serving as executive producers.
Amazon MGM has been off to a strong start with theatrical...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
As part of the 2025 Oscar rule changes for the 97th Academy Awards, animated movies can be simultaneously submitted for Best International Feature and Best Animated Feature. This will simplify the qualifying method for the latter and specifically help animated international films that may not have access to U.S. distribution.
“Previously, animated movies selected as a country’s international feature selection [which do not require U.S. theatrical distribution] were not qualified to enter for animated feature consideration unless they also met the qualifying standards for general entry [which require U.S. theatrical distribution],” an Academy insider told IndieWire.
“This consisted of separate submission forms. Submitters will still need to complete different forms, but now animated movies selected as a country’s international feature selection no longer need to meet general entry standards to be considered for the Animated Feature award. They would, however, still need to be ruled eligible under the Academy’s definition of ‘animation.'”
Two examples of animated international feature...
“Previously, animated movies selected as a country’s international feature selection [which do not require U.S. theatrical distribution] were not qualified to enter for animated feature consideration unless they also met the qualifying standards for general entry [which require U.S. theatrical distribution],” an Academy insider told IndieWire.
“This consisted of separate submission forms. Submitters will still need to complete different forms, but now animated movies selected as a country’s international feature selection no longer need to meet general entry standards to be considered for the Animated Feature award. They would, however, still need to be ruled eligible under the Academy’s definition of ‘animation.'”
Two examples of animated international feature...
- 4/23/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Nothing is as it seems on the private islands of the elite.
In Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut “Blink Twice,” that duplicity just might be the difference between life and death. “Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat co-star in the feature Kravitz co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum (“High Fidelity”).
The official synopsis reads: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time.
In Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut “Blink Twice,” that duplicity just might be the difference between life and death. “Blink Twice” follows tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), who invites cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) on a dream vacation to his private island. Yet, while on the trip, strange things start to happen and Frida begins to question her reality.
Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat co-star in the feature Kravitz co-wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum (“High Fidelity”).
The official synopsis reads: “When tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time.
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
For years, streaming had been a great home to canceled series, revivals, and sequels. However, an attempt to get Netflix to bite on a sequel to the late Heath Ledger’s medieval rom-com “A Knight’s Tale” was recently passed on thanks to a clinical computer assessment. According to the original film’s director, Brian Helgeland (“Payback,” “Legend”), in an interview with Inverse, the filmmaker had recently shopped around an “A Knight’s Tale 2” sequel to Sony and Netflix.
Continue reading Brian Helgeland Says Netflix Scrapped ‘A Knight’s Tale’ Sequel Based On Their Algorithm at The Playlist.
Continue reading Brian Helgeland Says Netflix Scrapped ‘A Knight’s Tale’ Sequel Based On Their Algorithm at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Strand Releasing has acquired North American rights from sales company Films Boutique to tender coming-of-age drama “Young Hearts” by Belgian newcomer Anthony Schatteman, which recently launched from the Berlin Film Festival.
Schatteman’s standout debut follows a 13-year-old boy named Elias, who feels drawn to his new neighbor, Alexander, and must overcome his conflicted feelings about being attracted to another boy. “Young Hearts” won a special mention in the Generation Kplus section of the Berlinale in February and has now been selected by Cannes Écran Junior, the Cannes Film Festival sidebar section showcasing films for all audiences that have a specific cultural and educational value for younger viewers.
The film will soon have its North American premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival in May.
“Casting directors take note: Lou Goossens [who plays Elias] in this first feature film role is an actor to watch out for,” wrote Variety critic Catherine Bray in her “Young Hearts” review,...
Schatteman’s standout debut follows a 13-year-old boy named Elias, who feels drawn to his new neighbor, Alexander, and must overcome his conflicted feelings about being attracted to another boy. “Young Hearts” won a special mention in the Generation Kplus section of the Berlinale in February and has now been selected by Cannes Écran Junior, the Cannes Film Festival sidebar section showcasing films for all audiences that have a specific cultural and educational value for younger viewers.
The film will soon have its North American premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival in May.
“Casting directors take note: Lou Goossens [who plays Elias] in this first feature film role is an actor to watch out for,” wrote Variety critic Catherine Bray in her “Young Hearts” review,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have teamed up for exorcism horror film “The Ritual” from director David Midell.
XYZ Films has acquired worldwide rights to the feature, with plans to release it theatrically in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the upcoming Cannes market.
“The Ritual” was written by Midell and Enrico Natale and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.
Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.
Pacino has multiple projects in the pipeline,...
XYZ Films has acquired worldwide rights to the feature, with plans to release it theatrically in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the upcoming Cannes market.
“The Ritual” was written by Midell and Enrico Natale and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.
Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.
Pacino has multiple projects in the pipeline,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Jerry Seinfeld and Martin Scorsese have at least one thing in common: They both are lamenting just how much the film industry has changed within the hierarchy of media.
Seinfeld, who makes his directorial debut with Netflix’s Pop-Tarts origin story “Unfrosted,” told GQ that fellow filmmakers have “no idea” that the “movie business is over.” Or, well, at least not what it once was.
“It was totally new to me,” Seinfeld said of directing the feature which he also co-wrote, produced, and starred in. “I thought I had done some cool stuff, but it was nothing like the way these people work. They’re so dead serious! They don’t have any idea that the movie business is over. They have no idea.”
Seinfeld continued, “Film doesn’t occupy the pinnacle in the social, cultural hierarchy that it did for most of our lives. When a movie came out,...
Seinfeld, who makes his directorial debut with Netflix’s Pop-Tarts origin story “Unfrosted,” told GQ that fellow filmmakers have “no idea” that the “movie business is over.” Or, well, at least not what it once was.
“It was totally new to me,” Seinfeld said of directing the feature which he also co-wrote, produced, and starred in. “I thought I had done some cool stuff, but it was nothing like the way these people work. They’re so dead serious! They don’t have any idea that the movie business is over. They have no idea.”
Seinfeld continued, “Film doesn’t occupy the pinnacle in the social, cultural hierarchy that it did for most of our lives. When a movie came out,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “Shōgun” Episode 10, “A Dream of a Dream,” including the ending.]
As a sweeping samurai epic, “Shōgun” understands it’s meant to end a certain way. Opposing parties draw swords, don their armor, and square off on the battlefield. Tensions teased over nine hours erupt in the roar of combat. That’s how grand conflicts regarding the future of great nations have been decided for centuries, and it’s only natural for a visual medium like film (or prestige television) to embrace war’s inherent spectacle. Soldiers charging down a hillside, canons firing across an open plain, horses galloping through fields filled with bodies either dead or clinging to life, as the grass under their feet quickly deteriorates into muddied, bloodied slop. These are the scenes we expect in an epic’s ending.
Because we’ve seen those images so many times — slain men strewn over blackened trenches — it’s easy...
As a sweeping samurai epic, “Shōgun” understands it’s meant to end a certain way. Opposing parties draw swords, don their armor, and square off on the battlefield. Tensions teased over nine hours erupt in the roar of combat. That’s how grand conflicts regarding the future of great nations have been decided for centuries, and it’s only natural for a visual medium like film (or prestige television) to embrace war’s inherent spectacle. Soldiers charging down a hillside, canons firing across an open plain, horses galloping through fields filled with bodies either dead or clinging to life, as the grass under their feet quickly deteriorates into muddied, bloodied slop. These are the scenes we expect in an epic’s ending.
Because we’ve seen those images so many times — slain men strewn over blackened trenches — it’s easy...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
In many ways, “Letters From Drancy” has hewed a prestigious if unremarkable path. The VR doc premiered at last year’s Venice Immersive before additional festival slots at the BFI London Film Festival, South by Southwest and now the NewImages Festival in Paris. In other ways the title is all too uncommon – as it was one of three films commissioned by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, where it is now on permanent display.
The wrenching film follows survivor Marion Deichmann as she returns to her native France to retrace both family tragedy and her own path to safety. Produced by East City Films, “Letters From Drancy” is part of a trilogy that uses new-media tools to shine light on these tales. Other films include “Walk to Westerbork” and “Escape to Shanghai.”
The film also crystalizes a major theme of this year’s NewImages, showing how an affecting and artistically...
The wrenching film follows survivor Marion Deichmann as she returns to her native France to retrace both family tragedy and her own path to safety. Produced by East City Films, “Letters From Drancy” is part of a trilogy that uses new-media tools to shine light on these tales. Other films include “Walk to Westerbork” and “Escape to Shanghai.”
The film also crystalizes a major theme of this year’s NewImages, showing how an affecting and artistically...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
Who says this summer is light on blockbuster fare, despite the strikes holding productions and release dates up?
Big movies coming to theaters in the next hot few months include favorite IP getting a 2024 burnish, from “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” to “Alien: Romulus” and “Twisters”. Oh, and a little movie called “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (May 24), which George Miller will first bring to the Cannes Film Festival before opening it in theaters later that month. Plus, poised to be a Netflix hit this summer is Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” (May 24 in theaters), playing for a couple of weeks in select cities before the crime comedy starring Glen Powell hits the streaming platform.
But those bigger-ticket titles aside, summer 2024 is a time for indies to shine, from Annie Baker’s long-awaited festival hit “Janet Planet” (June 14) to India Donaldson’s wonderful Sundance premiere “Good One” (August...
Big movies coming to theaters in the next hot few months include favorite IP getting a 2024 burnish, from “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” to “Alien: Romulus” and “Twisters”. Oh, and a little movie called “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (May 24), which George Miller will first bring to the Cannes Film Festival before opening it in theaters later that month. Plus, poised to be a Netflix hit this summer is Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” (May 24 in theaters), playing for a couple of weeks in select cities before the crime comedy starring Glen Powell hits the streaming platform.
But those bigger-ticket titles aside, summer 2024 is a time for indies to shine, from Annie Baker’s long-awaited festival hit “Janet Planet” (June 14) to India Donaldson’s wonderful Sundance premiere “Good One” (August...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio, David Ehrlich and Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
With the advent of intimacy coordinators and more evolved forms of safeguards, the film and acting industry has dramatically changed for the better in the last few years in the post #MeToo era. But it used to be much worse. In the not-too-distant past, there was a time when “chemistry tests” included intimacy scenes, actors forced to kiss and make out with strangers so directors could watch, leer, and gauge how they might fare on screen together.
Continue reading Anne Hathaway Says 2000s-Era Make-Out Chemistry Tests Were “Gross” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Anne Hathaway Says 2000s-Era Make-Out Chemistry Tests Were “Gross” at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Studiocanal’s Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” stayed atop the U.K. and Ireland box office for the second consecutive weekend with £1.8 million ($2.3 million), according to numbers from Comscore. The film now has a running total of £6.3 million.
In its second weekend, in second place, Entertainment Film Distributors’ “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, collected £1.05 million for a total of £3.8 million. In third position, in its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” collected £901,615 for a total of £18.5 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” earned £652,128 for a total of £12.8 million. Universal’s “Abigail” debuted in fifth position with £596,590. There were no other debuts in the top 10.
Coming up, Trafalgar Releasing is opening “Aespa World Tour in Cinemas” featuring the eponymous Korean band in their concert at London’s O2 Arena, midweek.
There are a...
In its second weekend, in second place, Entertainment Film Distributors’ “Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland and starring Kirsten Dunst, collected £1.05 million for a total of £3.8 million. In third position, in its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” collected £901,615 for a total of £18.5 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” earned £652,128 for a total of £12.8 million. Universal’s “Abigail” debuted in fifth position with £596,590. There were no other debuts in the top 10.
Coming up, Trafalgar Releasing is opening “Aespa World Tour in Cinemas” featuring the eponymous Korean band in their concert at London’s O2 Arena, midweek.
There are a...
- 4/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
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When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's approach to the multiverse on the big screen, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is the only movie that realizes the potential of franchise crossovers between the old guard of Marvel movies and the interconnected films of Kevin Feige's Marvel Studios. That's right, not even "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" properly delivered on the promise of a multiverse truly full of madness, opting instead for hollow fan service, even though director Sam Raimi had fun tearing all those alternate Marvel superheroes apart at the hands of the Scarlet Witch. Instead, it was the meeting of Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire as the various big screen Spider-Men that delivered a mostly satisfying spin through the wallcrawlers' weaving webs.
Since all of the versions of Spider-Man came together on the big screen,...
When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's approach to the multiverse on the big screen, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is the only movie that realizes the potential of franchise crossovers between the old guard of Marvel movies and the interconnected films of Kevin Feige's Marvel Studios. That's right, not even "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" properly delivered on the promise of a multiverse truly full of madness, opting instead for hollow fan service, even though director Sam Raimi had fun tearing all those alternate Marvel superheroes apart at the hands of the Scarlet Witch. Instead, it was the meeting of Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire as the various big screen Spider-Men that delivered a mostly satisfying spin through the wallcrawlers' weaving webs.
Since all of the versions of Spider-Man came together on the big screen,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
The 2024 Tribeca Festival has officially unveiled its shorts lineup.
Presented by Okx, the festival includes short narrative, documentary, and animated films, as well as music videos. This year’s festival takes place June 5 through 16, and boasts 12 short film sections, including 87 total shorts from 101 filmmakers with 65 films in competition and 10 music videos.
The 2024 lineup has a record-breaking number of countries represented ranging from Saudi Arabia, Côte D’Ivoire, Martinique, Chile, Qatar, and more for a total of 27 nations. For the first time, the majority of the program is directed by female filmmakers. The lineup includes 50 world premieres, seven international premieres, six North American premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 22 New York premieres. Seven directors return to Tribeca with their latest projects.
Highlights include the world premieres of “Motorcycle Mary,” directed by Haley Watson and produced by two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, Rachel Greenwald, seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton; queer romance “Ripe!
Presented by Okx, the festival includes short narrative, documentary, and animated films, as well as music videos. This year’s festival takes place June 5 through 16, and boasts 12 short film sections, including 87 total shorts from 101 filmmakers with 65 films in competition and 10 music videos.
The 2024 lineup has a record-breaking number of countries represented ranging from Saudi Arabia, Côte D’Ivoire, Martinique, Chile, Qatar, and more for a total of 27 nations. For the first time, the majority of the program is directed by female filmmakers. The lineup includes 50 world premieres, seven international premieres, six North American premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 22 New York premieres. Seven directors return to Tribeca with their latest projects.
Highlights include the world premieres of “Motorcycle Mary,” directed by Haley Watson and produced by two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, Rachel Greenwald, seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton; queer romance “Ripe!
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Jennifer Lopez has had a mixed year so far. Her back-to-back documentaries, “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” and “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” for Prime Video, seemingly did well enough with critics. But the docs didn’t really help her music career much, and in March of this year, multiple dates on her ‘This Is Me’ concert tour were canceled due to sluggish ticket sales.
Continue reading ‘Atlas’ Trailer: Jennifer Lopez Must Save Humanity From A.I. In New Sci-Fi Actioner at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Atlas’ Trailer: Jennifer Lopez Must Save Humanity From A.I. In New Sci-Fi Actioner at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Other Angle Pictures has boarded international sales on Christine Paillard and Chad Chenouga’s A Smile Doesn’t Lie and will kick off sales in Cannes in May.
The film, whose French title Pourquoi tu souris? means ‘why do you smile?’, follows a man who is always smiling despite life’s hassles. He heads to Bordeaux to start a new life, passes himself off as a migrant and forms an unlikely trio with a humanitarian woman and homeless man who secretly leads them into a questionable situation. It stars Simply Black’s Jean-Pascal Zadi, Emmanuelle Devos and 2023 breakout star Raphael Quenard.
The film, whose French title Pourquoi tu souris? means ‘why do you smile?’, follows a man who is always smiling despite life’s hassles. He heads to Bordeaux to start a new life, passes himself off as a migrant and forms an unlikely trio with a humanitarian woman and homeless man who secretly leads them into a questionable situation. It stars Simply Black’s Jean-Pascal Zadi, Emmanuelle Devos and 2023 breakout star Raphael Quenard.
- 4/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Brandon Evans and Todd Slater’s Brick Lane Entertainment - the newly-formed sales, financing and production partnership between between the US’ Convoke Media and Ireland’s Brick Lane Pictures – has added a trio of features to its slate and will sell them at Cannes.
Tiffany Kim Stevens’s Trigger Happy centres on a repressed husband attempting to murder his wife for her life insurance, starring Tyler Poelle, Elsha Kim and Christina Kirkman. Kyle Herman produces for Los Angeles-based West 36 Productions.
Matt McClung’s Inhabitants is a psychological horror starring Anna Jacoby-Heron, West Side Story’s Josh Andrés Rivera and comedian Kevin Nealon.
Tiffany Kim Stevens’s Trigger Happy centres on a repressed husband attempting to murder his wife for her life insurance, starring Tyler Poelle, Elsha Kim and Christina Kirkman. Kyle Herman produces for Los Angeles-based West 36 Productions.
Matt McClung’s Inhabitants is a psychological horror starring Anna Jacoby-Heron, West Side Story’s Josh Andrés Rivera and comedian Kevin Nealon.
- 4/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
A24’s political thriller “Civil War” is resonating not just in red states and blue but overseas, too.
Alex Garland’s film, starring Kirsten Dunst as a photojournalist who traverses a violently divided United States, has grossed $45.7 million in North America and $20 million internationally. Global ticket sales stand at $67.3 million through Monday, and it’s projected to cross $70 million on Tuesday.
“Civil War” is the first A24 movie to top the domestic box office, and it’s impressively remained the No. 1 film for two consecutive weekends. Given the fiercely U.S.-centric subject matter, it wasn’t clear the film would resonate at the international box office. But “Civil War” has managed to appeal to overseas audiences with the biggest turnout in the United Kingdom, where it has grossed $4.8 million, followed by the Netherlands, where it has grossed $750,000. Over the weekend, the film opened in first place in several smaller moviegoing markets,...
Alex Garland’s film, starring Kirsten Dunst as a photojournalist who traverses a violently divided United States, has grossed $45.7 million in North America and $20 million internationally. Global ticket sales stand at $67.3 million through Monday, and it’s projected to cross $70 million on Tuesday.
“Civil War” is the first A24 movie to top the domestic box office, and it’s impressively remained the No. 1 film for two consecutive weekends. Given the fiercely U.S.-centric subject matter, it wasn’t clear the film would resonate at the international box office. But “Civil War” has managed to appeal to overseas audiences with the biggest turnout in the United Kingdom, where it has grossed $4.8 million, followed by the Netherlands, where it has grossed $750,000. Over the weekend, the film opened in first place in several smaller moviegoing markets,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
Kit Zauhar’s sophomore feature “This Closeness” follows the promise of her 2021 debut “Actual People,” which demonstrated she could tell an immersive story with few resources. Her microbudget feature “This Closeness,” a Narrative Spotlight premiere of SXSW 2023, is now about to open from Factory 25 on June 7, followed by a Mubi streaming premiere on July 3. Watch the trailer, an IndieWire exclusive, below.
Per IndieWire’s 2023 SXSW preview, “This Closeness” “wields its lo-fi constraints with tremendous sophistication and insight. The entire story takes place within the constraints of a Philadelphia apartment, booked by a young couple (Zauhar and Zane Pais) for a high school reunion weekend; once there, they find themselves dealing with the awkward loner (Ian Edlund) who lives there. As tensions mount, the movie dances an elegant line between cringe-comedy and erotic thriller, with Zauhar’s character, an Asmr YouTuber, developing an enigmatic bond with their temporary roommate while...
Per IndieWire’s 2023 SXSW preview, “This Closeness” “wields its lo-fi constraints with tremendous sophistication and insight. The entire story takes place within the constraints of a Philadelphia apartment, booked by a young couple (Zauhar and Zane Pais) for a high school reunion weekend; once there, they find themselves dealing with the awkward loner (Ian Edlund) who lives there. As tensions mount, the movie dances an elegant line between cringe-comedy and erotic thriller, with Zauhar’s character, an Asmr YouTuber, developing an enigmatic bond with their temporary roommate while...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Creative UK, a non-profit that supports the UK’s creative industries, has urged the next UK government to make investment in the sector a “national priority”.
Ahead of the impending general election, the charity today (Apri 23) made a direct call for more public funding and for the creative sector to be viewed as a central pillar of the UK economy.
“Our sector is growing at a rate that exceeds the national average by more than a factor of three,” said chief executive Caroline Norbury in her introduction to Creative UK’s manifesto, Our Creative Future.
“The next UK government has...
Ahead of the impending general election, the charity today (Apri 23) made a direct call for more public funding and for the creative sector to be viewed as a central pillar of the UK economy.
“Our sector is growing at a rate that exceeds the national average by more than a factor of three,” said chief executive Caroline Norbury in her introduction to Creative UK’s manifesto, Our Creative Future.
“The next UK government has...
- 4/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Between his massively successful sitcom “Seinfeld” and his popular Netflix streaming talk show “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee” and his various stand-up specials, comedian Jerry Seinfeld has long established himself as arguably a master of comedic television. Seinfeld has spent nearly four decades on television, but after all this time, the funny man is finally making the jump to movies with “Unfrosted,” a comedic take on the origin of the beloved breakfast pastry Pop-Tarts, which he both stars and directs.
Continue reading Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Who Just Directed His First Film, Says, “The Movie Business Is Over” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Who Just Directed His First Film, Says, “The Movie Business Is Over” at The Playlist.
- 4/23/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
This article contains spoilers for both "Shōgun" the 2024 TV show and the 1975 novel.
When I first finished James Clavell's novel "Shōgun," the comparison that immediately came to mind was Homer's "Iliad." The epic Greek poem is famous for recounting the events of the Trojan War, a war that is still famous thousands of years later. I was hardly an expert at Greek mythology before reading "The Iliad," but going in I already knew two big events: that the fierce warrior Achilles (who was portrayed by Brad Pitt in Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy") died near the end of the Trojan War, and that the Greek soldiers won by hiding inside a giant wooden horse and tricking the Trojans into letting them behind their city walls.
The latter was the big moment I was looking forward to. The Trojan horse is such an iconic image; it's still referenced constantly in...
When I first finished James Clavell's novel "Shōgun," the comparison that immediately came to mind was Homer's "Iliad." The epic Greek poem is famous for recounting the events of the Trojan War, a war that is still famous thousands of years later. I was hardly an expert at Greek mythology before reading "The Iliad," but going in I already knew two big events: that the fierce warrior Achilles (who was portrayed by Brad Pitt in Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy") died near the end of the Trojan War, and that the Greek soldiers won by hiding inside a giant wooden horse and tricking the Trojans into letting them behind their city walls.
The latter was the big moment I was looking forward to. The Trojan horse is such an iconic image; it's still referenced constantly in...
- 4/23/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
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