The matinee idol’s death in 1985 changed the public’s perception of Aids. Yet in life, the golden age actor was anything but an activist
Gore Vidal’s reaction to the news of Truman Capote’s death in 1984 is well known. “Good career move,” the writer said. Rock Hudson, once the most bankable star in Hollywood, died the following year – like Capote, he was 59 – but the manner of his death and the revelations that preceded it have deterred anyone from applying Vidal’s line to him. Looked at coldly from a 21st-century vantage point, though, Hudson’s death was a good career move, deepening his persona in ways that would never otherwise have happened. The actor died of complications from Aids, having been outed as gay months beforehand. His sexuality had been an open secret within the industry for decades: his pool parties, described as “blond bacchanalias”, were legendary. The public,...
Gore Vidal’s reaction to the news of Truman Capote’s death in 1984 is well known. “Good career move,” the writer said. Rock Hudson, once the most bankable star in Hollywood, died the following year – like Capote, he was 59 – but the manner of his death and the revelations that preceded it have deterred anyone from applying Vidal’s line to him. Looked at coldly from a 21st-century vantage point, though, Hudson’s death was a good career move, deepening his persona in ways that would never otherwise have happened. The actor died of complications from Aids, having been outed as gay months beforehand. His sexuality had been an open secret within the industry for decades: his pool parties, described as “blond bacchanalias”, were legendary. The public,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Universal Pictures has debuted a poignant trailer for the upcoming documentary on a Hollywood legend ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed.’
The documentary is an intimate portrait of actor Rock Hudson, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men of the 1950’s and ‘60’s and an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, whose diagnosis and eventual death from AIDS in 1985 shocked the world, subsequently shifting the way the public perceived the pandemic.
Directed by celebrated documentary filmmaker Stephen Kijak the film features a wealth of interviews from Doris Day, Linda Evans, Piper Laurie, Douglas Sirk and Ross Hunter who all worked alongside Rock Hudson, in addition to interviews with Rock Hudson’s friends Armistead Maupin and Allison Anders, and author of All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson, Mark Griffin.
Hudson became a number one box-office superstar in sweeping melodramas like ‘All That Heaven Allows,’ ‘Giant’ (starring opposite...
The documentary is an intimate portrait of actor Rock Hudson, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men of the 1950’s and ‘60’s and an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, whose diagnosis and eventual death from AIDS in 1985 shocked the world, subsequently shifting the way the public perceived the pandemic.
Directed by celebrated documentary filmmaker Stephen Kijak the film features a wealth of interviews from Doris Day, Linda Evans, Piper Laurie, Douglas Sirk and Ross Hunter who all worked alongside Rock Hudson, in addition to interviews with Rock Hudson’s friends Armistead Maupin and Allison Anders, and author of All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson, Mark Griffin.
Hudson became a number one box-office superstar in sweeping melodramas like ‘All That Heaven Allows,’ ‘Giant’ (starring opposite...
- 9/28/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Four excellent new movies are waiting to whet your Fourth of July weekend appetite. At least two are family-friendly affairs, but all of them have a joyful spirit that’s apt for holiday viewing.
The contender to watch this week: “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret“
Kelly Fremon Craig‘s charming adaptation of Judy Blume‘s YA classic did modest business in theaters, so it deserves a second life on VOD. Craig, who established her teen movie bona fides with 2016’s “The Edge of Seventeen,” perfectly captures the book’s shrewd spirit. She cast “Ant-Man” actress Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon, an 11-year-old forced to move to a new town where she and her friends endure the anxieties of puberty. Craig’s acclaimed script could make her a Best Adapted Screenplay contender, and the supporting cast — particularly Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie as Margaret’s lovingly scattered parents — are equally worthy Oscar candidates.
The contender to watch this week: “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret“
Kelly Fremon Craig‘s charming adaptation of Judy Blume‘s YA classic did modest business in theaters, so it deserves a second life on VOD. Craig, who established her teen movie bona fides with 2016’s “The Edge of Seventeen,” perfectly captures the book’s shrewd spirit. She cast “Ant-Man” actress Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon, an 11-year-old forced to move to a new town where she and her friends endure the anxieties of puberty. Craig’s acclaimed script could make her a Best Adapted Screenplay contender, and the supporting cast — particularly Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie as Margaret’s lovingly scattered parents — are equally worthy Oscar candidates.
- 7/1/2023
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Gold Derby
To those who don’t obsessively watch TCM, or generally eschew movies made before 1980, Rock Hudson is little more than a factoid, best remembered for his sexuality than for the movies he made. And yet, while Hudson today is known as a gay man, it was something that he did his best to keep hidden and, as Stephen Kijak lays out towards the end of his HBO documentary, would have taken to the grave if he could have.
“Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed” is in the vein of other prominent documentaries aimed at telling the real story behind the Old Hollywood façade, including HBO’s most recent “The Last Movie Stars.” The revelations within the documentary’s 104-minute runtime aren’t revolutionary, but seek to give viewers an authentic look at a man whose life so often was swathed in artifice.
It’s impossible to underscore Hudson’s appeal...
“Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed” is in the vein of other prominent documentaries aimed at telling the real story behind the Old Hollywood façade, including HBO’s most recent “The Last Movie Stars.” The revelations within the documentary’s 104-minute runtime aren’t revolutionary, but seek to give viewers an authentic look at a man whose life so often was swathed in artifice.
It’s impossible to underscore Hudson’s appeal...
- 6/11/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Stars: Stu Bennett, Vinnie Jones, Jessica-Jane Stafford, Lee Charles, Joe Egan, Katrina Durden, Greg Burridge, Josh Myers, David Schaal, Bentley Kalu, Sam Benjamin, Mark Griffin, Lainy Boyle, Jean-Paul Ly, Leon Sua, Phoebe Robinson-Galvin | Written and Directed by Ross Boyask
It hasn’t taken long for writer/director Ross Boyask to follow up 2018’s Vengeance (aka I Am Vengeance) with a sequel, probably because that film struck a massive chord with genre fans across the globe – respecting the action genre’s vast, and may I say beloved, past, whilst delivering a modern take on the traditional Dtv action film; and, of course, featuring Stu Bennett in a compelling lead role. I’m guessing that the fact Bennett was on UK screens as part of World of Sport wrestling And had a huge name presence thanks to his former WWE career didn’t hurt either.
However Vengeance proved that Bennett was so...
It hasn’t taken long for writer/director Ross Boyask to follow up 2018’s Vengeance (aka I Am Vengeance) with a sequel, probably because that film struck a massive chord with genre fans across the globe – respecting the action genre’s vast, and may I say beloved, past, whilst delivering a modern take on the traditional Dtv action film; and, of course, featuring Stu Bennett in a compelling lead role. I’m guessing that the fact Bennett was on UK screens as part of World of Sport wrestling And had a huge name presence thanks to his former WWE career didn’t hurt either.
However Vengeance proved that Bennett was so...
- 6/19/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Ok, a quick show of hands: How many of you actually knew there was a movie titled “I Am Vengeance” released in 2018? Wow, that many? Well, that’s probably why we now have a sequel, “I Am Vengeance: Retaliation,” even though it isn’t likely to reach beyond the niche audience of undiscriminating action fans who eagerly viewed its predecessor on digital and home video platforms.
Much like the original 2018 opus, “Retaliation” plays like a throwback to the era when similar low-budget fare routinely strained shelves at Blockbuster outlets, and provided gainful employment for such cult faves as Jeff Speakman, Gary Busey, Cynthia Rothrock and direct-to-video icon Wings Hauser. Here, the main attraction is Stu Bennett (aka WWE wrestler Wade Barrett), a taciturn tough customer who once again inhabits the lead role of John Gold, a British special forces soldier turned freelance mercenary turned self-employed vengeance seeker.
In “I Am Vengeance...
Much like the original 2018 opus, “Retaliation” plays like a throwback to the era when similar low-budget fare routinely strained shelves at Blockbuster outlets, and provided gainful employment for such cult faves as Jeff Speakman, Gary Busey, Cynthia Rothrock and direct-to-video icon Wings Hauser. Here, the main attraction is Stu Bennett (aka WWE wrestler Wade Barrett), a taciturn tough customer who once again inhabits the lead role of John Gold, a British special forces soldier turned freelance mercenary turned self-employed vengeance seeker.
In “I Am Vengeance...
- 6/19/2020
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
In Ryan Murphy's Hollywood, Jim Parsons brings the character of prominent agent Henry Willson to life, but how much of Hollywood's depiction is actually true? A good amount of it, actually, if we take a look back at the real Willson's life as an agent to the stars - namely Rock Hudson.
The fictionalized Willson is a brash, closeted gay man who seemingly preys on inexperienced actors. He discovers Hudson - when he's still Roy Fitzgerald - and changes his name, his teeth, and his appearance to groom him to be a mainstay in Hollywood. He also sleeps with him, knowing Hudson is also in the closet. In the show, though, Willson loses control of Hudson when the actor decides to go public with his screenwriter boyfriend. After treating his client like trash and pushing him away, he comes groveling back a year later saying he's a changed man...
The fictionalized Willson is a brash, closeted gay man who seemingly preys on inexperienced actors. He discovers Hudson - when he's still Roy Fitzgerald - and changes his name, his teeth, and his appearance to groom him to be a mainstay in Hollywood. He also sleeps with him, knowing Hudson is also in the closet. In the show, though, Willson loses control of Hudson when the actor decides to go public with his screenwriter boyfriend. After treating his client like trash and pushing him away, he comes groveling back a year later saying he's a changed man...
- 5/3/2020
- by Hedy Phillips
- Popsugar.com
Rock Hudson is a prominent character in Ryan Murphy's latest show Hollywood, now streaming on Netflix. Though Hudson is a very real actor who led a high-profile life in Hollywood, the characteristics between Murphy's iteration of him and the real man are vastly different. In Hollywood, Hudson shows up in the City of Angels with his real name, Roy Fitzgerald, looking to become a star. The handsome and very green actor is terrified to be gay but ends up accepting that he is. This is basically where Murphy deviates from Hudson's real story and into a fictional character.
Hudson, whose birth name was Roy Scherer but became Roy Fitzgerald when his stepdad adopted him, did grow up in Winnetka, Il, before coming to Hollywood to become a star. After sending his headshots all over town, he met an agent named Henry Willson. Like in Hollywood, Willson took a liking...
Hudson, whose birth name was Roy Scherer but became Roy Fitzgerald when his stepdad adopted him, did grow up in Winnetka, Il, before coming to Hollywood to become a star. After sending his headshots all over town, he met an agent named Henry Willson. Like in Hollywood, Willson took a liking...
- 5/3/2020
- by Hedy Phillips
- Popsugar.com
Universal Pictures, moving ahead with its Rock Hudson biopic “All That Heaven Allows,” is in talks with Richard Lagravenese to write the screenplay.
The studio bought the movie rights last year to Mark Griffin’s “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson.” Greg Berlanti is attached to direct and will produce alongside Sarah Schechter for Berlanti Film Corp. and Sherry Marsh for Marsh Productions Entertainment.
Hudson was one of the leading movie stars of the 1950s and ’60s, with credits on “Magnificent Obsession,” “Pillow Talk,” “All That Heaven Allows,” “Send Me No Flowers,” and the James Dean western “Giant,” for which he received an Oscar nomination. Hudson successfully transitioned to television in the ’70s in the long-running series “McMillan & Wife” and “Dynasty.”
He remained discreet about his sexual orientation throughout his life and died of complications from AIDS in 1985.
Berlanti is a prolific television producer with credits on “Dawson’s Creek,...
The studio bought the movie rights last year to Mark Griffin’s “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson.” Greg Berlanti is attached to direct and will produce alongside Sarah Schechter for Berlanti Film Corp. and Sherry Marsh for Marsh Productions Entertainment.
Hudson was one of the leading movie stars of the 1950s and ’60s, with credits on “Magnificent Obsession,” “Pillow Talk,” “All That Heaven Allows,” “Send Me No Flowers,” and the James Dean western “Giant,” for which he received an Oscar nomination. Hudson successfully transitioned to television in the ’70s in the long-running series “McMillan & Wife” and “Dynasty.”
He remained discreet about his sexual orientation throughout his life and died of complications from AIDS in 1985.
Berlanti is a prolific television producer with credits on “Dawson’s Creek,...
- 3/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Universal is in negotiations with Richard Lagravanese to adapt the Mark Griffin book All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson. Greg Berlanti will direct and produce alongside Sarah Schechter for Berlanti Film Corp. and Sherry Marsh for Marsh Productions & Entertainment Inc.
The film deals with the matinee idol of Universal romantic comedies and Oscar-nominated actor of Giant and how the ruggedly handsome star was forced to masquerade as a heterosexual sex symbol, the whole time closeted and fearful of being exposed for a gay lifestyle that would have ended his illustrious movie and TV career. Hudson was diagnosed with HIV in 1984, and still denied rumors he had AIDS. He died in October 1985 of AIDS-related complications at 59.
Lagravanese recently scripted for Luca Guadagnino and Rt Features Blood on the Tracks, inspired by the famous Bob Dylan album. His credits include Unbroken and Beautiful Creatures.
Berlanti most recently directed...
The film deals with the matinee idol of Universal romantic comedies and Oscar-nominated actor of Giant and how the ruggedly handsome star was forced to masquerade as a heterosexual sex symbol, the whole time closeted and fearful of being exposed for a gay lifestyle that would have ended his illustrious movie and TV career. Hudson was diagnosed with HIV in 1984, and still denied rumors he had AIDS. He died in October 1985 of AIDS-related complications at 59.
Lagravanese recently scripted for Luca Guadagnino and Rt Features Blood on the Tracks, inspired by the famous Bob Dylan album. His credits include Unbroken and Beautiful Creatures.
Berlanti most recently directed...
- 3/5/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
TV producer-extraordinaire Greg Berlanti has lined up his next film project, and for its subject, he’s tackling one of the most famous and secretive subjects in Hollywood history.
Deadline is reporting that Universal has hired Berlanti to direct a film based on the life of actor Rock Hudson. The film will be inspired by the upcoming book “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson,” from author Mark Griffin.
Continue reading ‘Love, Simon’ Director Greg Berlanti To Helm A Rock Hudson Biopic For Universal at The Playlist.
Deadline is reporting that Universal has hired Berlanti to direct a film based on the life of actor Rock Hudson. The film will be inspired by the upcoming book “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson,” from author Mark Griffin.
Continue reading ‘Love, Simon’ Director Greg Berlanti To Helm A Rock Hudson Biopic For Universal at The Playlist.
- 11/9/2018
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
In today’s film news roundup, Chris McKay is attached to direct “Jonny Quest,” Greg Berlanti is directing a Rock Hudson movie, documentary “The Last Race” gets an early release, and Valeria Golino is honored.
Director Attachments
Chris McKay, director of “The Lego Batman Movie,” is attached to helm a live-action “Jonny Quest” movie for Warner Bros.
Producers are Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich along with Adrian Askarieh of Prime Universe. Daniel Alter will executive produce.
“Jonny Quest” first appeared as an animated sci-fi series in 1964 through Hanna Barbera. The narrative focused on an 11-year-old boy, his sidekick Hadji, his scientist dad, secret agent Race Bannon, and pet bulldog, Bandit. The show led to several series and TV movies.
Richard Donner, Dwayne Johnson, and Robert Rodriguez have been involved in development of a “Jonny Quest” movie for the past two decades. McKay is also attached to direct the live-action “Nightwing” for Warner Bros.
Director Attachments
Chris McKay, director of “The Lego Batman Movie,” is attached to helm a live-action “Jonny Quest” movie for Warner Bros.
Producers are Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich along with Adrian Askarieh of Prime Universe. Daniel Alter will executive produce.
“Jonny Quest” first appeared as an animated sci-fi series in 1964 through Hanna Barbera. The narrative focused on an 11-year-old boy, his sidekick Hadji, his scientist dad, secret agent Race Bannon, and pet bulldog, Bandit. The show led to several series and TV movies.
Richard Donner, Dwayne Johnson, and Robert Rodriguez have been involved in development of a “Jonny Quest” movie for the past two decades. McKay is also attached to direct the live-action “Nightwing” for Warner Bros.
- 11/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Pictures has optioned the upcoming Harper Collins Mark Griffin book All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson which Greg Berlanti will direct and produce alongside Sarah Schechter for Berlanti Film Corp. and Sherry Marsh for Marsh Productions & Entertainment, Inc. A search for a writer on the project is underway.
The matinee idol of Universal romantic comedies and Oscar-nominated actor of Giant worked in Hollywood and remained closeted for fear of coming out over his gay lifestyle. Hudson was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 but still denied rumors he had AIDS. He died in October 1985 of AIDS-related complications at 59.
The studio’s Evp Kristin Lowe is overseeing the project.
Berlanti recently inked an overall deal with Wbtv on the heels of setting a new record for a producer with 15 live-action scripted series on the air. On the film side, he recently directed the gay teenage romance feature Love Simon...
The matinee idol of Universal romantic comedies and Oscar-nominated actor of Giant worked in Hollywood and remained closeted for fear of coming out over his gay lifestyle. Hudson was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 but still denied rumors he had AIDS. He died in October 1985 of AIDS-related complications at 59.
The studio’s Evp Kristin Lowe is overseeing the project.
Berlanti recently inked an overall deal with Wbtv on the heels of setting a new record for a producer with 15 live-action scripted series on the air. On the film side, he recently directed the gay teenage romance feature Love Simon...
- 11/8/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Rock Hudson, the Hollywood screen icon whose death in the 1980s put a mainstream face on the growing AIDS crisis, is getting the big-screen biopic treatment.
Universal Pictures has optioned All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson by Mark Griffin with plans of turning it into a film to be directed by Greg Berlanti, the prolific showrunner and creator who recently helmed the high school-set gay tale Love, Simon.
Berlanti also will produce, along with his Berlanti Productions president Sarah Schechter and Marsh Productions and Entertainment's Sherry Marsh (Vikings).
Hudson led a glamorous but ultimately tragic life. On the ...
Universal Pictures has optioned All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson by Mark Griffin with plans of turning it into a film to be directed by Greg Berlanti, the prolific showrunner and creator who recently helmed the high school-set gay tale Love, Simon.
Berlanti also will produce, along with his Berlanti Productions president Sarah Schechter and Marsh Productions and Entertainment's Sherry Marsh (Vikings).
Hudson led a glamorous but ultimately tragic life. On the ...
- 11/8/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rock Hudson, the Hollywood screen icon whose death in the 1980s put a mainstream face on the growing AIDS crisis, is getting the big-screen biopic treatment.
Universal Pictures has optioned All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson by Mark Griffin with plans of turning it into a film to be directed by Greg Berlanti, the prolific showrunner and creator who recently helmed the high school-set gay tale Love, Simon.
Berlanti also will produce, along with his Berlanti Productions president Sarah Schechter and Marsh Productions and Entertainment's Sherry Marsh (Vikings).
Hudson led a glamorous but ultimately tragic life. On the ...
Universal Pictures has optioned All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson by Mark Griffin with plans of turning it into a film to be directed by Greg Berlanti, the prolific showrunner and creator who recently helmed the high school-set gay tale Love, Simon.
Berlanti also will produce, along with his Berlanti Productions president Sarah Schechter and Marsh Productions and Entertainment's Sherry Marsh (Vikings).
Hudson led a glamorous but ultimately tragic life. On the ...
- 11/8/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Brace yourself for hard-hitting action when I Am Vengeance arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD October 23 from Lionsgate
I Am Vengeance is currently available On Demand. Professional wrestler and former champion bare-knuckle boxer Stu Bennett stars as John Gold, an ex-soldier turned mercenary determined to avenge the death of his best friend. Winner of the Best Feature Film at the London Independent Film Awards, I Am Vengeance is “a heavy-duty, weapons-grade action masterclass” also starring Anna Shaffer and Mark Griffin. The I Am Vengeance Blu-ray and DVD includes never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes and will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.
When John Gold, an ex-Special Forces soldier turned mercenary, learns of the murder of his best friend, Dan — and Dan’s parents — he heads to their hometown, seeking justice. Gold soon discovers Dan and his father were murdered while investigating a Special Forces unit led by an enigmatic,...
I Am Vengeance is currently available On Demand. Professional wrestler and former champion bare-knuckle boxer Stu Bennett stars as John Gold, an ex-soldier turned mercenary determined to avenge the death of his best friend. Winner of the Best Feature Film at the London Independent Film Awards, I Am Vengeance is “a heavy-duty, weapons-grade action masterclass” also starring Anna Shaffer and Mark Griffin. The I Am Vengeance Blu-ray and DVD includes never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes and will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.
When John Gold, an ex-Special Forces soldier turned mercenary, learns of the murder of his best friend, Dan — and Dan’s parents — he heads to their hometown, seeking justice. Gold soon discovers Dan and his father were murdered while investigating a Special Forces unit led by an enigmatic,...
- 10/2/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Stars: Stu Bennett, Gary Daniels, Keith Allen, Sean Blowers, Anna Shaffer, Bryan Larkin, Sapphire Elia, Kevin Leslie, James Fisher, Mark Griffin, Orion Lee, Wayne Gordon, Fleur Keith, Alan Calton | Written and Directed by Ross Boyask
When ex-soldier turned mercenary, John Gold (Bennett), learns of the murder of his best friend, he sets off on a mission to find out what happened. What he discovers is a sinister conspiracy and he sets about taking down those responsible one by one.
Since parting ways with the WWE, former superstar Stu Bennett (aka Wade Barrett) has turned his hand to a career as a movie hard man. First as the villain in the fantastic Scott Adkins movie Eliminators and now here in Vengeance – where he takes on a more heroic role. Well I say hero, but it’s more in the sense of a vengeful, single-minded anti-hero in the grand revenge-seeking tradition of Charles Bronson.
When ex-soldier turned mercenary, John Gold (Bennett), learns of the murder of his best friend, he sets off on a mission to find out what happened. What he discovers is a sinister conspiracy and he sets about taking down those responsible one by one.
Since parting ways with the WWE, former superstar Stu Bennett (aka Wade Barrett) has turned his hand to a career as a movie hard man. First as the villain in the fantastic Scott Adkins movie Eliminators and now here in Vengeance – where he takes on a more heroic role. Well I say hero, but it’s more in the sense of a vengeful, single-minded anti-hero in the grand revenge-seeking tradition of Charles Bronson.
- 9/13/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
"You best stop shooting your mouth off, now – or you're a dead man!" Saban Films + Lionsgate have just released an official trailer for another one of these low budget, super cheesy, totally awful-looking action films. This one is titled I Am Vengeance, a variation on the original Vengeance title for UK release. I Am Vengeance stars former WWE wrestler Stu Bennett (who wrestled under the name Wade "King" Barrett) as an ex-Special Forces soldier turned professional mercenary, who goes to a small town to investigate the murder of a friend and his parents. The film's cast includes Keith Allen, Gary Daniels, Anna Shaffer, Bryan Larkin, Sean Blowers, Sapphire Elia, Mark Griffin, and Wayne Gordon. I'm so, so tired of these films, only about guns and muscles and bravado and being men and honor and glory and all that crap. Here's the official Us trailer (+ poster) for Ross Boyask's I Am Vengeance,...
- 7/23/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
BBC One has revealed a slate of new drama projects in the works or set to air in the UK later this Fall alongside new episodes of returning favorites like "Doctor Who," "Luther" and "Sherlock".
First up there's the epic event series "Troy – Fall Of A City," a multi-part drama which will be set against the backdrop of the war between Greece and Troy and focuses on the collapse of one family. This explores the origins of the saga and offers a Trojan point of view to events.
Next comes an adaptation of Jk Rowling's secretly-penned post-'Harry Potter' series of detective novels "The Cormoran Strike Mysteries". The contemporary series will focus on a war veteran turned private detective.
A new telemovie adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite's 1959 novel "To Sir With Love" is on the way which will be set in the East End following WW2 and follows...
First up there's the epic event series "Troy – Fall Of A City," a multi-part drama which will be set against the backdrop of the war between Greece and Troy and focuses on the collapse of one family. This explores the origins of the saga and offers a Trojan point of view to events.
Next comes an adaptation of Jk Rowling's secretly-penned post-'Harry Potter' series of detective novels "The Cormoran Strike Mysteries". The contemporary series will focus on a war veteran turned private detective.
A new telemovie adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite's 1959 novel "To Sir With Love" is on the way which will be set in the East End following WW2 and follows...
- 9/23/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
With BBC One's Saturday teatime spot now vacated by Atlantis, here's a few suggestions for myth and folklore that could be adapted for TV...
The BBC have beaten the gods to it and destroyed Atlantis before Zeus had so much as prepped his thunderbolt. What we don’t know is what they’ll produce to replace it. Surely our autumnal Saturday teatimes can’t go without a fantastically themed family show to accompany our dinner, and Doctor Who can’t run all year round unless the props department manage to produce an actual time machine.
Much as some of us like to cling to fond memories of the gauzily lit children’s fantasy adaptations of the past (The Chronicles Of Narnia, The Borrowers, Merlin And The Crystal Cave – all aired on Sunday because we were all watching Noel’s House Party on the Saturday), the Beeb’s recent efforts...
The BBC have beaten the gods to it and destroyed Atlantis before Zeus had so much as prepped his thunderbolt. What we don’t know is what they’ll produce to replace it. Surely our autumnal Saturday teatimes can’t go without a fantastically themed family show to accompany our dinner, and Doctor Who can’t run all year round unless the props department manage to produce an actual time machine.
Much as some of us like to cling to fond memories of the gauzily lit children’s fantasy adaptations of the past (The Chronicles Of Narnia, The Borrowers, Merlin And The Crystal Cave – all aired on Sunday because we were all watching Noel’s House Party on the Saturday), the Beeb’s recent efforts...
- 7/6/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Actor Nigel Terry has passed away at the age of 69.
Famed for playing King Arthur in John Boorman's Excalibur in 1981, opposite Helen Mirren, Terry passed away from emphysema on April 30.
He made his big-screen debut in 1968's The Lion in Winter alongside Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins.
The actor took lead roles in Caravaggio (1986) and War Requiem (1989) and a number of others, but most of his work was on the stage.
He worked extensively at the Royal Court in the '70s in productions such as Edward Bond's The Fool and Caryl Churchill's Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, and for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore and Julius Caesar.
Terry continued his stage work throughout the '80s under the direction of the likes of Danny Boyle and Max Stafford-Clark.
His last film was 2004's epic Troy starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom,...
Famed for playing King Arthur in John Boorman's Excalibur in 1981, opposite Helen Mirren, Terry passed away from emphysema on April 30.
He made his big-screen debut in 1968's The Lion in Winter alongside Peter O'Toole, Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins.
The actor took lead roles in Caravaggio (1986) and War Requiem (1989) and a number of others, but most of his work was on the stage.
He worked extensively at the Royal Court in the '70s in productions such as Edward Bond's The Fool and Caryl Churchill's Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, and for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore and Julius Caesar.
Terry continued his stage work throughout the '80s under the direction of the likes of Danny Boyle and Max Stafford-Clark.
His last film was 2004's epic Troy starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom,...
- 5/4/2015
- Digital Spy
We certainly felt the power of 10 former Gladiators yesterday, as we took a look at what some of the stars went on to after the success of ITV's '90s hit.
We were bowled over to discover that Blaze (Eunice Huthart) is a stunt double to A-listers and godmother to Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh, and that Rhino (Mark Smith) went on to star in Hollywood films including Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning drama Argo.
But whatever happened to the villainous Wolf or the infamous Shadow, who was dramatically sacked from the series? We haven't found many current pictures of this lot, but here's a little bit about what 9 more of our favourite former Gladiators got up to after their time on the show:
1. Scorpio (Nikki Diamond)
Contenders were subjected to the mighty sting of the speedy Scorpio. Former bodybuilder and model Nikki Diamond was an original Gladiator, but was forced...
We were bowled over to discover that Blaze (Eunice Huthart) is a stunt double to A-listers and godmother to Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh, and that Rhino (Mark Smith) went on to star in Hollywood films including Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning drama Argo.
But whatever happened to the villainous Wolf or the infamous Shadow, who was dramatically sacked from the series? We haven't found many current pictures of this lot, but here's a little bit about what 9 more of our favourite former Gladiators got up to after their time on the show:
1. Scorpio (Nikki Diamond)
Contenders were subjected to the mighty sting of the speedy Scorpio. Former bodybuilder and model Nikki Diamond was an original Gladiator, but was forced...
- 5/1/2015
- Digital Spy
"Do you feel the power of the Gladiators? Can you face the challenge of the champions? Do you have the courage of the heroes?
"Do you have the will or the skill? Do you have the strength, the speed the heart to be a winner? Deep down in your Soul?"
These were the fundamental questions posed by ITV's original Gladiators, to both the audience and brave contenders who dared to take part. While this particular writer longed to be Lightning (her backflips were to die for), all the seemingly superhuman powerhouses were forces to reckon with - only occasionally tamed by strict referee John Anderson.
Originally hosted by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, Gladiators was what Saturday nights in the '90s were made of.
So as Saracen (aka Mike Lewis) returns to our small screens to tackle the Ninja Warrior UK obstacle course, we pick out some of the...
"Do you have the will or the skill? Do you have the strength, the speed the heart to be a winner? Deep down in your Soul?"
These were the fundamental questions posed by ITV's original Gladiators, to both the audience and brave contenders who dared to take part. While this particular writer longed to be Lightning (her backflips were to die for), all the seemingly superhuman powerhouses were forces to reckon with - only occasionally tamed by strict referee John Anderson.
Originally hosted by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, Gladiators was what Saturday nights in the '90s were made of.
So as Saracen (aka Mike Lewis) returns to our small screens to tackle the Ninja Warrior UK obstacle course, we pick out some of the...
- 4/30/2015
- Digital Spy
Have you ever wondered what Jet, Wolf, and the rest of ITV's Gladiators did after the show finished? Wonder no more...
ITV’s Gladiators - the show that for eight years made children everywhere become interested in sports, eating well and keeping fit... for about five minutes on a Saturday night, then we all went back to our natural state of sitting on the settee eating sugar straight from the packet.
What was it that inspired this minor surge of enthusiasm for being buff? That would be the gladiators themselves. Every week, twelve superhuman powerhouses - six men and six women - would intimidate, bully, and otherwise humiliate whichever puny contestants stepped up to try their luck, beating or hindering them in a series of physical skill games. This took place before the big finale – where the contenders would race each other up a downwards escalator, while the gladiators were...
ITV’s Gladiators - the show that for eight years made children everywhere become interested in sports, eating well and keeping fit... for about five minutes on a Saturday night, then we all went back to our natural state of sitting on the settee eating sugar straight from the packet.
What was it that inspired this minor surge of enthusiasm for being buff? That would be the gladiators themselves. Every week, twelve superhuman powerhouses - six men and six women - would intimidate, bully, and otherwise humiliate whichever puny contestants stepped up to try their luck, beating or hindering them in a series of physical skill games. This took place before the big finale – where the contenders would race each other up a downwards escalator, while the gladiators were...
- 8/3/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Fans of New Who can’t get enough of the story arcs, unless of course there are too many or too few in one series to deal with. But they hark back to the days of classic Who, when stories were divided into serials and themes would be scattered across them.
More subtle than the arcs though, is the symbolism of New Who. Not only do writers try and tell us something through plot and dialogue, they foreshadow storylines with props and items, or communicate ideas through the direction of the show. I’m talking about the duck pond having no ducks because Amy Pond couldn’t have children. Yes, that’s probably why that line was included in ‘The Eleventh Hour’.
I’m going to be talking a lot about foreshadowing, subtle themes, words and the importance of colours. More of the duck pond stuff: the recurring ideas that...
More subtle than the arcs though, is the symbolism of New Who. Not only do writers try and tell us something through plot and dialogue, they foreshadow storylines with props and items, or communicate ideas through the direction of the show. I’m talking about the duck pond having no ducks because Amy Pond couldn’t have children. Yes, that’s probably why that line was included in ‘The Eleventh Hour’.
I’m going to be talking a lot about foreshadowing, subtle themes, words and the importance of colours. More of the duck pond stuff: the recurring ideas that...
- 9/4/2013
- by Mark White
- Obsessed with Film
Lucas learns that Sonny was out all night partying with Brent. Do you think he’ll overreact? Join us for the fun at 1 Pm Et!
This is one of my new favorite pics of Wilson. Sonny’s glistening torso, and Will’s badunkadunk.
Rafe is drifting in and out of consciousness … so he’s back to normal! Actually, he’s unconscious again, and Kate has a flashback to five minutes ago, when he woke up and asked “Why did Sami try to kill me?” But then half the people in Salem have said the same thing at one point.
Sonny is at the coffeehouse, where Adrienne is fluttering behind him, warning him that Stefano is probably planning some hideous revenge. She looks around nervously … because he could … be there in disguise? Hey, that blond girl looks suspicious! She makes Sonny promise to be careful, and then remarks how tired he looks.
This is one of my new favorite pics of Wilson. Sonny’s glistening torso, and Will’s badunkadunk.
Rafe is drifting in and out of consciousness … so he’s back to normal! Actually, he’s unconscious again, and Kate has a flashback to five minutes ago, when he woke up and asked “Why did Sami try to kill me?” But then half the people in Salem have said the same thing at one point.
Sonny is at the coffeehouse, where Adrienne is fluttering behind him, warning him that Stefano is probably planning some hideous revenge. She looks around nervously … because he could … be there in disguise? Hey, that blond girl looks suspicious! She makes Sonny promise to be careful, and then remarks how tired he looks.
- 7/12/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Got a scoop request? An anonymous tip you’re dying to share? Just want to say hello? Send any/all of the above to askausiello@tvline.com
Question: Can it really be happening? Is Gossip Girl really coming to an end? Since I know it is, can you let me in on some series finale secrets — especially regarding the flash-forward? —John
Ausiello: Three future couplings will surprise you. Two won’t.
Question: Do you have one last Gossip Girl scoop for me? — Kayla
Ausiello: There’s a twist in the final 15 minutes that I dare say will prove more polarizing...
Question: Can it really be happening? Is Gossip Girl really coming to an end? Since I know it is, can you let me in on some series finale secrets — especially regarding the flash-forward? —John
Ausiello: Three future couplings will surprise you. Two won’t.
Question: Do you have one last Gossip Girl scoop for me? — Kayla
Ausiello: There’s a twist in the final 15 minutes that I dare say will prove more polarizing...
- 12/11/2012
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
In all honesty, it's not going to be the maddening plot holes or ridiculous character continuity that makes me eventually give up Glee, it's going to be the creators screwing with the fans. A month after Ryan Murphy said quite clearly that Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, and Chris Colfer are "not going to be back at all for Season Four," his partner Brad Fulchuk goes to Comic-Con and says the exact opposite. "Here's the exact thing: They are seniors, so they're graduating, but because they're graduating doesn't mean they're leaving the show. If you have Lea Michele under contract, you don't say, 'We're gonna let you go.'"
But the news wasn't so good for Chord Overstreet, who was offered recurring status for 10 episodes with an option for joining the cast midseason, but he turned it down. "We wanted him back because we like Chord personally and had some good...
But the news wasn't so good for Chord Overstreet, who was offered recurring status for 10 episodes with an option for joining the cast midseason, but he turned it down. "We wanted him back because we like Chord personally and had some good...
- 7/25/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by Phase 4 Films.
Director: Andrew Thomas Hunt.
Writers: James Fler, Michael Paszt and Andrew Thomas Hunt.
Canadians continually get a bad wrap in film. In Phase 4 Film's Sweet Karma, Canadians are drug peddlers, rapists and extortionists. However, many of the characters in Sweet Karma are illegal immigrants, so you obviously cannot make a sweeping generalization of all Canadians. Although there are a few bad apples (non-hockey fans) north of the border. In the film, which releases on DVD June 14th, Karma terrorizes an underworld Russian-born crime syndicate. Her method of terror involves seductive charm and a penchant for brutal violence.
Heroine and central character Karma (Shera Bechard) goes in search of her missing sister in Canada, from Russia. She believes that Anna (Patricia Stasiak) has been murdered by a group of street hustlers and pimps. Her introduction to the gang involves gunfire,...
Director: Andrew Thomas Hunt.
Writers: James Fler, Michael Paszt and Andrew Thomas Hunt.
Canadians continually get a bad wrap in film. In Phase 4 Film's Sweet Karma, Canadians are drug peddlers, rapists and extortionists. However, many of the characters in Sweet Karma are illegal immigrants, so you obviously cannot make a sweeping generalization of all Canadians. Although there are a few bad apples (non-hockey fans) north of the border. In the film, which releases on DVD June 14th, Karma terrorizes an underworld Russian-born crime syndicate. Her method of terror involves seductive charm and a penchant for brutal violence.
Heroine and central character Karma (Shera Bechard) goes in search of her missing sister in Canada, from Russia. She believes that Anna (Patricia Stasiak) has been murdered by a group of street hustlers and pimps. Her introduction to the gang involves gunfire,...
- 6/10/2011
- by Remove28DaysLaterAnalysisThis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
An Aardman Production For Sony Pictures Animation Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen Also On Board
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
- 5/17/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Paris - When you want to escape to the Riviera without spending the vacation time, you can always catch a foreign film that captures the sea, sun and fun. The Girl From Monaco transports us to the principality nestled along the French coastline.
Fabrice Luchini plays a Parisian lawyer who heads to the coast to defend a client accused of killing a Russian mobster. He gets distracted from the courthouse drama by a local weather girl (Louise Bourgoin). Can he get his mind back on the homicide? Or has he gone on vacation?
The film is now out on DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Director Anne Fontaine was willing to answer a few questions via email. Fontaine had been an actress in French cinema during the ’80s before stepping behind the camera as a writer-director. She also recently wrote and directed critically praised Coco Before Chanel.
Party Favors: What was...
Fabrice Luchini plays a Parisian lawyer who heads to the coast to defend a client accused of killing a Russian mobster. He gets distracted from the courthouse drama by a local weather girl (Louise Bourgoin). Can he get his mind back on the homicide? Or has he gone on vacation?
The film is now out on DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Director Anne Fontaine was willing to answer a few questions via email. Fontaine had been an actress in French cinema during the ’80s before stepping behind the camera as a writer-director. She also recently wrote and directed critically praised Coco Before Chanel.
Party Favors: What was...
- 12/28/2009
- by UncaScroogeMcD
Chicago – The final week of the 12th Annual EU Film Festival at the Siskel Film Center perfectly illustrates the main strength of this festival - amazing diversity. From what we had time to see of the final stretch of films, the four highlights couldn’t be more diverse, featuring movies from four different countries with four completely different tones and styles.
The highlights of the first three weeks of EU included a coming-of-age drama from Ireland (“Kisses”), a sexy romantic comedy from France (“The Girl From Monaco”), an amazing Danish drama (“Worlds Apart”), and a very interesting horror film from Belgium (“Left Bank”). Read more here, here, and here)
The final week takes us back to two of those countries - Belgium and France - and also features a fascinating Finnish shocker before closing with a gentle and sweet film from Sweden. Overall, it’s been a fantastic festival for...
The highlights of the first three weeks of EU included a coming-of-age drama from Ireland (“Kisses”), a sexy romantic comedy from France (“The Girl From Monaco”), an amazing Danish drama (“Worlds Apart”), and a very interesting horror film from Belgium (“Left Bank”). Read more here, here, and here)
The final week takes us back to two of those countries - Belgium and France - and also features a fascinating Finnish shocker before closing with a gentle and sweet film from Sweden. Overall, it’s been a fantastic festival for...
- 3/25/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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