Left to right: Wrath of Man (United Artists), Sherlock Holmes (Warner Bros.), Guy Ritchie (Shutterstock), Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels (Universal Pictures), The Gentlemen (Miramax)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Guy Ritchie’s two-and-a-half-decade career as a filmmaker has been a bit of a mixed bag, and that’s being generous.
Guy Ritchie’s two-and-a-half-decade career as a filmmaker has been a bit of a mixed bag, and that’s being generous.
- 4/23/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Stars: Julian Rhind-Tutt, Sally Phillips, Adrian Edmondson, Carol Cleveland, Stephen Marcus, Sarine Sofair, Omri Rose, Harriet Madly, Laura Swift, Kevin Leslie, Laurence Kennedy, Connor Williams, Sophie MIller-Sheen, Michael Fatogun | Written and Directed by Matt Mitchell
Despite the nondescript title, The Facility is actually a sequel to 2017’s British zombie horror The Rizen, and originally debuted in 2019 on the festival circuit as The Rizen: Possession… a title which clearly marks out where the film is headed and what we should expect. So why the title change? Maybe because the sequel has been released by a different distributor who, selfishly, didn’t want to give the first films release any publicity as they didn’t release it or – and I want to say this is the more logical reason – The Rizen wasn’t actually that well received on its release and the distributor wanted to distance this film from the original. Plus,...
Despite the nondescript title, The Facility is actually a sequel to 2017’s British zombie horror The Rizen, and originally debuted in 2019 on the festival circuit as The Rizen: Possession… a title which clearly marks out where the film is headed and what we should expect. So why the title change? Maybe because the sequel has been released by a different distributor who, selfishly, didn’t want to give the first films release any publicity as they didn’t release it or – and I want to say this is the more logical reason – The Rizen wasn’t actually that well received on its release and the distributor wanted to distance this film from the original. Plus,...
- 2/2/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Laura Swift, Patrick Knowles, Christopher Tajah, Laurence Kennedy, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Adrian Edmondson, Sally Phillips, Tom Goodman-Hill, Bruce Payne, Stephen Marcus, Bruce Herbelin-Earle | Written and Directed by Matt Mitchell
[Note: With High Fliers Films re-releasing The Rizen on VOD this week, here’s a reposting of our review from the films original DVD release back in early 2018]
The Rizen is a UK indie-horror film set in a black hallway during the early days of the Cold War in 1955. You can tell this a period piece by the handcrafted, vintage style black walls and black floors. If this movies set design got any darker it would write poetry and start cutting itself.
I had a hard time getting into this film before I even hit the play button. The title is The Rizen. No, not “the risen” as in “the dead has risen” if you’re referencing zombies, or “He has risen” if you’re referencing theological zombies.
[Note: With High Fliers Films re-releasing The Rizen on VOD this week, here’s a reposting of our review from the films original DVD release back in early 2018]
The Rizen is a UK indie-horror film set in a black hallway during the early days of the Cold War in 1955. You can tell this a period piece by the handcrafted, vintage style black walls and black floors. If this movies set design got any darker it would write poetry and start cutting itself.
I had a hard time getting into this film before I even hit the play button. The title is The Rizen. No, not “the risen” as in “the dead has risen” if you’re referencing zombies, or “He has risen” if you’re referencing theological zombies.
- 5/28/2020
- by Nik Holman
- Nerdly
Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi, who exhibition chain like the rest of the industry is shut down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, earned $6.3 million in total compensation for 2019, up from $5.2 million the year before, the company said Friday in its annual proxy statement filed with the SEC.
The year-over-year gain stemmed from a $100,000 boost in base salary to $1.1 million and a cash bonus of $1.9 million – up by almost a $1 million from 2018. Cinemark’s proxy noted that last year the exhibitor had its fifth consecutive year of record worldwide revenue, with its domestic box office outperforming the North American industry box office for the same stretch. Global revenue rose 2% in 2019 to $3.3 billion.
Chairman Lee Roy Mitchell earned $2.4 million last year, up from $2 million in 2018.
Cinemark – the nation’s third largest chain – on March 18 joined the other major U.S. exhibition circuits in shutting its doors in the face of the pandemic. The chain has 345 theaters nationwide and operates 554 theaters with 6,132 screens in 42 states domestically and 15 countries throughout South and Central America.
On March 30, Zoradi announced that he and the chain’s board of directors will not draw a salary for the foreseeable future, while other U.S. corporate employees will see deep cuts in compensation of at least 50%. Some have voluntarily agreed to take even steeper cuts than were mandated and some have volunteered to continue with a full workload. Employees will maintain full benefits.
In a letter to shareholders in the proxy, Zoradi acknowledged “the social and economic effects of Covid-19, which are widespread and hard-hitting. Everyone continues to battle through this uncertainty, including Cinemark.” With theater shuttered, he said, “We are taking prudent steps to withstand the economic impact of our temporary closures during this pandemic. Our priority as we navigate this uncharted territory is to ensure that Cinemark will be able to open its theatres and employ our global team members when this pandemic subsides.”
Separately Friday, Marcus Corp., which owns Marcus Theatres, the nation’s fourth largest chain, said CEO Gregory Marcus earned $5.3 million in total compensation last year, up from $2.9 million in 2018. In its proxy filing, it said chairman Stephen Marcus saw his compensation rise to $1.16 million from $1.01 milion.
Marcus Corp. has two divisions, Marcus Theatres and Marcus Hotels and Resorts. Marcus The theater circuit owns or operates 1,106 screens at 91 locations in 17 states.
The year-over-year gain stemmed from a $100,000 boost in base salary to $1.1 million and a cash bonus of $1.9 million – up by almost a $1 million from 2018. Cinemark’s proxy noted that last year the exhibitor had its fifth consecutive year of record worldwide revenue, with its domestic box office outperforming the North American industry box office for the same stretch. Global revenue rose 2% in 2019 to $3.3 billion.
Chairman Lee Roy Mitchell earned $2.4 million last year, up from $2 million in 2018.
Cinemark – the nation’s third largest chain – on March 18 joined the other major U.S. exhibition circuits in shutting its doors in the face of the pandemic. The chain has 345 theaters nationwide and operates 554 theaters with 6,132 screens in 42 states domestically and 15 countries throughout South and Central America.
On March 30, Zoradi announced that he and the chain’s board of directors will not draw a salary for the foreseeable future, while other U.S. corporate employees will see deep cuts in compensation of at least 50%. Some have voluntarily agreed to take even steeper cuts than were mandated and some have volunteered to continue with a full workload. Employees will maintain full benefits.
In a letter to shareholders in the proxy, Zoradi acknowledged “the social and economic effects of Covid-19, which are widespread and hard-hitting. Everyone continues to battle through this uncertainty, including Cinemark.” With theater shuttered, he said, “We are taking prudent steps to withstand the economic impact of our temporary closures during this pandemic. Our priority as we navigate this uncharted territory is to ensure that Cinemark will be able to open its theatres and employ our global team members when this pandemic subsides.”
Separately Friday, Marcus Corp., which owns Marcus Theatres, the nation’s fourth largest chain, said CEO Gregory Marcus earned $5.3 million in total compensation last year, up from $2.9 million in 2018. In its proxy filing, it said chairman Stephen Marcus saw his compensation rise to $1.16 million from $1.01 milion.
Marcus Corp. has two divisions, Marcus Theatres and Marcus Hotels and Resorts. Marcus The theater circuit owns or operates 1,106 screens at 91 locations in 17 states.
- 4/11/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Hey,"NCIS: Los Angeles" fans. We hope you guys enjoyed tonight's episode 5. We are back to give you guys some spoiler goodies for the next, new episode 6, which is due out next Sunday night. We were able to get our hands on the main plotline for episode 6 via an official press release from CBS. So, we thank them for that. CBS also released some new preview pics for episode 6 that we're going to go over with you guys. We're also going to give you a link to see all of the new preview photos for yourself. So, let's get this spoiler party started. First off, the official title for episode 6 is, "A Bloody Brilliant Plan." That is definitely a good title for this installment as you will soon see. It sounds like episode 6 will feature some very interesting, possible action-filled and dramatic scenes. In the new episode 6 a very...
- 10/27/2019
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
The Rizen: Possession, the sequel to Lost Eye Entertainment Ltd. 2017 original, will be premiering at the Sci-Fi London Film Festival next month. The film follows a group of urban explorers and a private mercenary unit as they unwittingly embark upon an underground military base used for secret, occult experiments in 1955 in a bid to win the Arms Race.
In 1955, Nato and the Allied Forces conducted secret, occult experiments in a bid to win the Arms Race. They succeeded, and what they unleashed almost tore our world apart. On the brink of apocalypse, it was only through the silent self-sacrifice of an incredible female Army Captain (Frances) that our world was saved.
Today a group of urban explorers and a private military unit could become the final pieces in a 60-year plan to reopen a door that Frances has been holding closed ever since. As the urban explorers break into the...
In 1955, Nato and the Allied Forces conducted secret, occult experiments in a bid to win the Arms Race. They succeeded, and what they unleashed almost tore our world apart. On the brink of apocalypse, it was only through the silent self-sacrifice of an incredible female Army Captain (Frances) that our world was saved.
Today a group of urban explorers and a private military unit could become the final pieces in a 60-year plan to reopen a door that Frances has been holding closed ever since. As the urban explorers break into the...
- 4/16/2019
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Stars: Daniel O’Reilly, Danielle Harold, Stu Bennett, Vas Blackwood, Stephen Marcus, Steven Berkoff, Lauren Socha, Chris R. Wright, Huw Samuel, Roland Manookian | Written by Nick Nevern, Daniel O’Reilly | Directed by Christian James
Okay so on paper this reads as a low-budget British vampire-comedy set in a prison starring WWE Superstar Stu Bennett, The Dapper Laughs Guy and the legend that is Steven Berkoff… However only some… of this is true???
A short while ago I was asked to give Fanged Up a cheeky watch with the intentions of giving a short one paragraph critique for some reason or other. I was more than happy to oblige however I couldn’t wait for the movie to drop so I could really sink my teeth – get it – nto this movie and give you my honest review. Mostly because a lot of people checking out the film in the DVD section...
Okay so on paper this reads as a low-budget British vampire-comedy set in a prison starring WWE Superstar Stu Bennett, The Dapper Laughs Guy and the legend that is Steven Berkoff… However only some… of this is true???
A short while ago I was asked to give Fanged Up a cheeky watch with the intentions of giving a short one paragraph critique for some reason or other. I was more than happy to oblige however I couldn’t wait for the movie to drop so I could really sink my teeth – get it – nto this movie and give you my honest review. Mostly because a lot of people checking out the film in the DVD section...
- 8/15/2018
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
Check out the Teaser Trailer for upcoming crime thriller Welcome to Curiosity set for release in May. Welcome to Curiosity is the second feature from British director Ben Pickering and is the world’s first film to have raised its entire production budget through equity crowdfunding. A heist followed by betrayal, a serial killer on the loose, a lunatic out of the asylum, a girl stepping out with a very bad man and a salesman with a vivid imagination: five people whose lives are interconnected without them knowing it but all sharing one thing in common: curiosity kills... Welcome to Curiosity is Directed by Ben Pickering and stars: Amrita Acharia, Jack Ashton, Richard Blackwood, Kacey Clarke, Cristian Solimeno, Lili Bordan, Stephen Marcus and Eke Chukwu ...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/20/2018
- Screen Anarchy
Stars: Laura Swift, Patrick Knowles, Christopher Tajah, Laurence Kennedy, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Adrian Edmondson, Sally Phillips, Tom Goodman-Hill, Bruce Payne, Stephen Marcus, Bruce Herbelin-Earle | Written and Directed by Matt Mitchell
The Rizen is a UK indie-horror film set in a black hallway during the early days of the Cold War in 1955. You can tell this a period piece by the handcrafted, vintage style black walls and black floors. If this movies set design got any darker it would write poetry and start cutting itself.
I had a hard time getting into this film before I even hit the play button. The title is The Rizen. No, not “the risen” as in “the dead has risen” if you’re referencing zombies, or “He has risen” if you’re referencing theological zombies. As far as I can tell The Rizen is purposefully misspelled like “Kewl Katz” or “Hawt Dawg”. I had to Google...
The Rizen is a UK indie-horror film set in a black hallway during the early days of the Cold War in 1955. You can tell this a period piece by the handcrafted, vintage style black walls and black floors. If this movies set design got any darker it would write poetry and start cutting itself.
I had a hard time getting into this film before I even hit the play button. The title is The Rizen. No, not “the risen” as in “the dead has risen” if you’re referencing zombies, or “He has risen” if you’re referencing theological zombies. As far as I can tell The Rizen is purposefully misspelled like “Kewl Katz” or “Hawt Dawg”. I had to Google...
- 2/20/2018
- by Nik Holman
- Nerdly
"The Panthers... You shall all be warriors once more!" 20th Century Fox UK has unveiled an official trailer for a feel-good, cheesy comedy titled Walk Like A Panther, which opens in UK cinemas in March (but no Us release planned yet). The film stars Stephen Graham and Dave Johns (the lead of I, Daniel Blake) as a father-son duo who must team up to help save their local pub when it's threatened. They gather up their old wrestling friends to put on one big show dressed up in their goofy 80's wrestling costumes to make extra money for the pub. The cast includes Stephen Marcus, Julian Sands, Jill Halfpenny, Christopher Fairbank, Robbie Gee, Sue Johnston, plus Stephen Tompkinson, along with Lena Headey and Jason Flemyng. This looks sort of fun, I guess. If this kind of British humor is your thing, then have at it. Here's the official UK trailer...
- 1/16/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
More than five years after 20th Century Fox executive Gavin Smith was killed, convicted drug dealer John Creech was found guilty today of voluntary manslaughter. Acquitted of the original charge of first-degree murder and also of second-degree murder by the jurors, Creech faces up to 11 years behind bars for the lesser crime. Having avoided life in prison from the harsher charges, the defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19 by Judge Stephen Marcus in L.A…...
- 7/3/2017
- Deadline
Stars: Scott Adkins, Lily Ann Stubbs, Wade Barrett, James Cosmo, Daniel Caltagirone, Stephen Marcus, Nick Nevern, Ty Glaser, Sean Cronin, Mark Wingett, Mem Ferda | Written by Nathan Brookes, Bobby Lee Darby | Directed by James Nunn
If there’s ever a phrase that will have me instantly reaching for my wallet it’s “a Scott Adkins film…” Honestly, nine times out of ten I will buy an Adkins film without so much as seeing a trailer. Why? Well because for me, Adkins is keeping the Dtv dream alive, picking up the action hard-man mantle from 90s pioneers like Jeff Speakman, Olivier Gruner, Gary Daniels and in particular Jeff Wincott, one of the only other true action heroes to have the same perfect blend of fighting skills, charisma and acting chops as Adkins.
Eliminators sees Adkins re-team with his Green Street 3 director James Nunn (who also co-directed the fab British thriller Tower Block...
If there’s ever a phrase that will have me instantly reaching for my wallet it’s “a Scott Adkins film…” Honestly, nine times out of ten I will buy an Adkins film without so much as seeing a trailer. Why? Well because for me, Adkins is keeping the Dtv dream alive, picking up the action hard-man mantle from 90s pioneers like Jeff Speakman, Olivier Gruner, Gary Daniels and in particular Jeff Wincott, one of the only other true action heroes to have the same perfect blend of fighting skills, charisma and acting chops as Adkins.
Eliminators sees Adkins re-team with his Green Street 3 director James Nunn (who also co-directed the fab British thriller Tower Block...
- 2/24/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Screen can reveal a first-look image from the comedy-horror.
Daniel O’Reilly, aka controversial comedy character Dapper Laughs, has wrapped shooting on his debut feature film as an actor, the vampire comedy Fanged Up.
Directed by Christian James (Stalled), the film’s cast also features Steven Berkoff (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Lauren Socha (E4 series Misfits), Danielle Harold (Eastenders), former WWE wrestler Stu Bennett, and Joe Egan (Sherlock Holmes).
The film was shot entirely on location in Portsmouth. It follows a young rogue (O’Reilly) who is thrown into prison for the weekened, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims.
Fanged Up was produced by Terry Stone (Anuvahood) and Richard Turner (Nativity!), with Chris Howard (The Messenger) as executive producer. It was financed by film financer Investor Profit Portfolio and The Wealth Advisory.
O’Reilly co-wrote the screenplay with Nick Nevern (The Hooligan Factory) and Dan Palmer ([link...
Daniel O’Reilly, aka controversial comedy character Dapper Laughs, has wrapped shooting on his debut feature film as an actor, the vampire comedy Fanged Up.
Directed by Christian James (Stalled), the film’s cast also features Steven Berkoff (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Lauren Socha (E4 series Misfits), Danielle Harold (Eastenders), former WWE wrestler Stu Bennett, and Joe Egan (Sherlock Holmes).
The film was shot entirely on location in Portsmouth. It follows a young rogue (O’Reilly) who is thrown into prison for the weekened, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims.
Fanged Up was produced by Terry Stone (Anuvahood) and Richard Turner (Nativity!), with Chris Howard (The Messenger) as executive producer. It was financed by film financer Investor Profit Portfolio and The Wealth Advisory.
O’Reilly co-wrote the screenplay with Nick Nevern (The Hooligan Factory) and Dan Palmer ([link...
- 12/9/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Former rap mogul Marion “Suge” Knight experienced a setback in his ongoing legal saga during a court hearing Tuesday, as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephen Marcus rejected Knight’s motion to dismiss the murder case against him. Knight is facing murder and attempted murder charges stemming from a January hit-and-run incident in Compton, California, during which he allegedly ran over Cle Sloan and Terry Carter, killing Carter and injuring Sloan. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Knight’s attorney had contended that the case should be dismissed because Sloan failed to identify Knight as the driver of the truck during.
- 7/7/2015
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Japanese distributor picks up Neil Horner’s crime thriller from Jinga Films.
Chance iN has acquired Ab Negative for Japan from Jinga Films.
Neil Horner’s crime thriller stars Vincent Regan, Seb Castang, Robert Cavanagh and Stephen Marcus, and follows two hit men who become the subject of a sadistic game of revenge.
Jinga’s Julian Richards commented: “Ab Negative combines classic British gangster tropes with an intricate plot more typical of American crime thrillers. It may look like another Lock Stock but it has more in common with Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects.”
Ab Negative has also been picked up by Invincible Pictures for North America, who are planning a theatrical release in April 2015.
Chance iN has acquired Ab Negative for Japan from Jinga Films.
Neil Horner’s crime thriller stars Vincent Regan, Seb Castang, Robert Cavanagh and Stephen Marcus, and follows two hit men who become the subject of a sadistic game of revenge.
Jinga’s Julian Richards commented: “Ab Negative combines classic British gangster tropes with an intricate plot more typical of American crime thrillers. It may look like another Lock Stock but it has more in common with Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects.”
Ab Negative has also been picked up by Invincible Pictures for North America, who are planning a theatrical release in April 2015.
- 11/8/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Stars: Matt Di Angelo, Lili Bordán, Stephen Marcus, Darren Ripley, Velibor Topic, Christian Brassington, Anna Passey, Jeff Leach, Lindsay Armaou, Alan Ford | Written by Darren Ripley | Directed by Ben Pickering
The modern British gangster movies are strange beasts, and I admit I do have a weakness for them. With acting that is often questionable and stories that tend to be on the sillier side of crime thrillers they have a charm that can even survive a Danny Dyer starring role (that was a joke, don’t bite my head off). The Smoke, to be fair, only takes a gentle stroll into the British gangster movie style, though it does feature some actors that you’ve seen in them before, and more bizarrely more than its fair share of soap stars too.
When city lawyer Brad Walker (Matt Di’Angelo) finds himself fired and dumped by his girlfriend it’s fair...
The modern British gangster movies are strange beasts, and I admit I do have a weakness for them. With acting that is often questionable and stories that tend to be on the sillier side of crime thrillers they have a charm that can even survive a Danny Dyer starring role (that was a joke, don’t bite my head off). The Smoke, to be fair, only takes a gentle stroll into the British gangster movie style, though it does feature some actors that you’ve seen in them before, and more bizarrely more than its fair share of soap stars too.
When city lawyer Brad Walker (Matt Di’Angelo) finds himself fired and dumped by his girlfriend it’s fair...
- 10/21/2014
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Around these parts we love us some Peter Stormare. This guy can do creepy and evil with The Best of 'em so it only makes sense that he join the ever-growing cast of the new flick from Scott Spiegel (Evil Dead) entitled Welcome to Purgatory. Read on for the latest.
Cupsogue Pictures announced today that Stormare will be playing Lucius, one of the main antagonists in the flick. He joins the previously announced Bruce Campbell, Stephen Marcus, and James Buckley for the feature, which is set to take us deep into the bowels of Hell.
Though Campbell's role hasn't yet been revealed, Buckley will play Luke, a petty thief who doesn’t have much luck, even in the Afterlife. Along with his partner-in-crime, Charlie (Marcus), they try to make the best of every bad situation in Purgatory but with little success.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, the film also stars Jillian Murray,...
Cupsogue Pictures announced today that Stormare will be playing Lucius, one of the main antagonists in the flick. He joins the previously announced Bruce Campbell, Stephen Marcus, and James Buckley for the feature, which is set to take us deep into the bowels of Hell.
Though Campbell's role hasn't yet been revealed, Buckley will play Luke, a petty thief who doesn’t have much luck, even in the Afterlife. Along with his partner-in-crime, Charlie (Marcus), they try to make the best of every bad situation in Purgatory but with little success.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, the film also stars Jillian Murray,...
- 8/11/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
After a brief hiatus due to our live coverage of Comic-Con, we’re back with a double-sized edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting the recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a new trailer for Come Back to Me and I Spill Your Guts 2, release details on Schism, Silent Retreat, and the Class of Nuke ‘Em High soundtrack, and much more:
Come Back to Me Trailer: “Sarah (Walder) and Josh McLaren (Passmore) are a young married couple living in suburban Las Vegas. Shortly after a car accident, Sarah begins to suffer a series of disturbing memory lapses and frequent blackouts that seem to be increasing in intensity. Unsure of what is happening, and feeling as though she is losing her mind, Sarah comes to learn she is pregnant. To add to her shock, she subsequently discovers that her husband is sterile. As her marriage and world begin to fall apart,...
Come Back to Me Trailer: “Sarah (Walder) and Josh McLaren (Passmore) are a young married couple living in suburban Las Vegas. Shortly after a car accident, Sarah begins to suffer a series of disturbing memory lapses and frequent blackouts that seem to be increasing in intensity. Unsure of what is happening, and feeling as though she is losing her mind, Sarah comes to learn she is pregnant. To add to her shock, she subsequently discovers that her husband is sterile. As her marriage and world begin to fall apart,...
- 8/10/2014
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Last month we learned that Evil Dead 2 co-writer Scott Spiegel is producing an upcoming film called Welcome to Purgatory, and today the exciting announcement has been made that Spiegel's most badass buddy has joined the cast. Read on, fiends!
Cupsogue Pictures has revealed that both Bruce Campbell and James Buckley have joined the cast of the feature, which is set to take us deep into the bowels of Hell.
Though Campbell's role hasn't yet been revealed, Buckley will play Luke, a petty thief who doesn’t have much luck, even in the Afterlife. Along with his partner-in-crime, Charlie (Stephen Marcus), they try to make the best of every bad situation in Purgatory, but with little success.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, the film also stars Jillian Murray, Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tony Cook and Tory Kittles.
Tony Cook and Fallaize are producing the picture for Cupsogue Pictures, which was written by Marcus Ako & Tony Cook.
Cupsogue Pictures has revealed that both Bruce Campbell and James Buckley have joined the cast of the feature, which is set to take us deep into the bowels of Hell.
Though Campbell's role hasn't yet been revealed, Buckley will play Luke, a petty thief who doesn’t have much luck, even in the Afterlife. Along with his partner-in-crime, Charlie (Stephen Marcus), they try to make the best of every bad situation in Purgatory, but with little success.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, the film also stars Jillian Murray, Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tony Cook and Tory Kittles.
Tony Cook and Fallaize are producing the picture for Cupsogue Pictures, which was written by Marcus Ako & Tony Cook.
- 7/28/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Who would you want to meet if you could find anyone you wanted after you died? Chances are a few people would say Bruce Campbell, especially since a) he’s entertaining and b) he’s got the chin to deal with anything dangerous in the afterlife. He’s now headed to limbo, signing to star alongside The Inbetweeners’ James Buckley in Welcome To Purgatory.Gene Fallaize is gearing up to shoot the film at Pinewood Studios in London, working from a script by Marcus Ako and Tony Cook. The story finds three new arrivals in Purgatory who must find their way around the afterlife with the help of St. Paul. Unfortunately for them, the gates separating heaven and hell have been broken, leaving the world of angels and demons in ruins. Soon, our heroes are tasked with putting things right to avert a war between God’s celestial hosts and Satan’s devilish army.
- 7/28/2014
- EmpireOnline
Evil Dead and Inbetweeners stars join cast of fantasy feature.
Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell and James Buckley, best known as Jay in British comedy The Inbetweeners, have joined the cast of fantasy feature Welcome to Purgatory.
The film, from Cupsogue Pictures, also stars Jillian Murray, Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran and Stephen Marcus, and will film at Pinewood Studios ahead of a theatrical release in 2015.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, it centres on three new arrivals to Purgatory as they navigate the Afterlife, helped by Guardian Paul. But after the gates of Heaven and Hell are broken, leaving the Afterlife in ruins, the new arrivals must put things right to avert a battle between good and evil.
Producers are Tony Cook and Gene Fallaize for Cupsogue Pictures. Writers are Marcus Ako and Tony Cook.
Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell and James Buckley, best known as Jay in British comedy The Inbetweeners, have joined the cast of fantasy feature Welcome to Purgatory.
The film, from Cupsogue Pictures, also stars Jillian Murray, Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran and Stephen Marcus, and will film at Pinewood Studios ahead of a theatrical release in 2015.
Directed by Gene Fallaize, it centres on three new arrivals to Purgatory as they navigate the Afterlife, helped by Guardian Paul. But after the gates of Heaven and Hell are broken, leaving the Afterlife in ruins, the new arrivals must put things right to avert a battle between good and evil.
Producers are Tony Cook and Gene Fallaize for Cupsogue Pictures. Writers are Marcus Ako and Tony Cook.
- 7/28/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
We’re back with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes a new poster for L.A. Slasher, details on Headless, casting update on Welcome to Purgatory, trailers for Truth or Dare and Red Sleep, and more:
New Poster for L.A. Slasher: “Sales agency Circus Road Films has picked up Martin Owen’s horror/satire feature “L.A. Slasher.” Glenn Reynolds’ Circus Road is handling domestic sales. The film stars Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Mischa Barton (“The O.C.”), Dave Bautista (“Riddick”), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight), Drake Bell (“Drake & Josh”), Brooke Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”), Tori Black (“Not Another Celebrity Movie”) and Marisa Lauren (“Superhero Movie”), with the of voice of Andy Dick (“News Radio”) as the ‘L.A. Slasher’.
Produced by Jeffrey Wright and Daniel Sollinger (“Girls Against Boys”), “L.A. Slasher” is a biting, social satire about reality TV and the...
New Poster for L.A. Slasher: “Sales agency Circus Road Films has picked up Martin Owen’s horror/satire feature “L.A. Slasher.” Glenn Reynolds’ Circus Road is handling domestic sales. The film stars Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Mischa Barton (“The O.C.”), Dave Bautista (“Riddick”), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight), Drake Bell (“Drake & Josh”), Brooke Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”), Tori Black (“Not Another Celebrity Movie”) and Marisa Lauren (“Superhero Movie”), with the of voice of Andy Dick (“News Radio”) as the ‘L.A. Slasher’.
Produced by Jeffrey Wright and Daniel Sollinger (“Girls Against Boys”), “L.A. Slasher” is a biting, social satire about reality TV and the...
- 6/22/2014
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Scott Spiegel has had his hands in many different cookie jars throughout his unique career, most notably serving as the co-writer of Evil Dead 2. Up next he's putting on his producer hat and sending us all straight to Hell.
Some quick casting news has arrived for Welcome to Purgatory as Bloody Disgusting is reporting that Jillian Murray (pictured; The Graves, Cabin Fever: Patient Zero), Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tony Cook, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus are set to appear in the film directed by Gene Fallaize.
According to the IMDb, a sequel, Welcome to Purgatory II: The Journey to Hell, is already planned with Fallaize back at the helm.
Check out the artwork below.
Synopsis
Welcome to Purgatory follows three new arrivals – Willis, Taylor (Cook), and Danni (Murray) – as they navigate this fresh vision of the Afterlife, helped along the way by trusty Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife...
Some quick casting news has arrived for Welcome to Purgatory as Bloody Disgusting is reporting that Jillian Murray (pictured; The Graves, Cabin Fever: Patient Zero), Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tony Cook, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus are set to appear in the film directed by Gene Fallaize.
According to the IMDb, a sequel, Welcome to Purgatory II: The Journey to Hell, is already planned with Fallaize back at the helm.
Check out the artwork below.
Synopsis
Welcome to Purgatory follows three new arrivals – Willis, Taylor (Cook), and Danni (Murray) – as they navigate this fresh vision of the Afterlife, helped along the way by trusty Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife...
- 6/16/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Exclusive: Comedies dominate Films Boutique’s line-up of market premieres at next week’s Marché du Film in Cannes.
The Berlin-based sales outfit will be presenting three comedies among its latest pickups.
These include Serbian writer-director Darko Lungulov’s Monument To Michael Jackson. It follows his award-winning feature Here And There and was pitched at various co-production events, including Sofia Meetings and Moscow Business Square; the film was co-produced by Macedonia’s Producer on the Move, Ognen Antov of Dream Factory Macedonia;T
The other two titles are Belgian film-maker Geoffrey Enthoven’s Halfway and Pascal Rabaté’s Patchwork Family, to be released in France on July 9 by Ad Vitam Distribution, as buyers-only screenings.
Halfway is the second film by Enthoven to be handled internationally by Films Boutique after the sales company had sold Come As You Are, a drama about three disabled youngsters going to Spain to get laid, to 42 territories...
The Berlin-based sales outfit will be presenting three comedies among its latest pickups.
These include Serbian writer-director Darko Lungulov’s Monument To Michael Jackson. It follows his award-winning feature Here And There and was pitched at various co-production events, including Sofia Meetings and Moscow Business Square; the film was co-produced by Macedonia’s Producer on the Move, Ognen Antov of Dream Factory Macedonia;T
The other two titles are Belgian film-maker Geoffrey Enthoven’s Halfway and Pascal Rabaté’s Patchwork Family, to be released in France on July 9 by Ad Vitam Distribution, as buyers-only screenings.
Halfway is the second film by Enthoven to be handled internationally by Films Boutique after the sales company had sold Come As You Are, a drama about three disabled youngsters going to Spain to get laid, to 42 territories...
- 5/8/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Scott Spiegel (Hostel III, Evil Dead II) has come aboard Cupsogue Pictures' Welcome to Purgatory as an executive producer.
Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus are set to star in the film for director Gene Fallaize.
Welcome to Purgatory follows three new arrivals – Willis, Taylor and Danni - as they navigate this fresh vision of the Afterlife, helped along the way by trusty Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife in ruins amidst a growing war between Good and Evil. All the rules of the Afterlife have been broken, both pain and pleasure can be experienced, and death here may not be final, but it leads directly to the Seventh Circle of Hell, Lucifer's very own domain, and they must find a way to make things right, before Heaven is ruined for the rest of time.
Read more...
Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus are set to star in the film for director Gene Fallaize.
Welcome to Purgatory follows three new arrivals – Willis, Taylor and Danni - as they navigate this fresh vision of the Afterlife, helped along the way by trusty Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife in ruins amidst a growing war between Good and Evil. All the rules of the Afterlife have been broken, both pain and pleasure can be experienced, and death here may not be final, but it leads directly to the Seventh Circle of Hell, Lucifer's very own domain, and they must find a way to make things right, before Heaven is ruined for the rest of time.
Read more...
- 8/20/2013
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Scott Spiegel, co-writer of Evil Dead II and director of Hostel III, has been announced as the executive producer of a new movie that follows three new arrivals in purgatory:
“London, August 20th 2013 – Cupsogue Pictures are pleased to announce that Scott Spiegel, known for his roles in Hollywood as a screenwriter, director, producer and actor, has been confirmed as the executive producer for its upcoming fantasy motion picture ‘Welcome to Purgatory’.
Spiegel, who is best known for co-writing ‘Evil Dead II’ (1987) with director Sam Raimi, producing ‘Hostel’ (2005) with Eli Roth, and directing ‘Hostel: Part III’ (2011), will executive-produce the picture, which stars Nathan Jones (‘Troy’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’), Jack O’Halloran (‘Superman’, ‘King Kong’), Tory Kittles (‘Olympus Has Fallen’, ‘Next’) and Stephen Marcus (‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, ‘Quills’), and will be directed by British director Gene Fallaize.
Spiegel, who often works with Sam Raimi, Eli Roth and Bruce Campbell,...
“London, August 20th 2013 – Cupsogue Pictures are pleased to announce that Scott Spiegel, known for his roles in Hollywood as a screenwriter, director, producer and actor, has been confirmed as the executive producer for its upcoming fantasy motion picture ‘Welcome to Purgatory’.
Spiegel, who is best known for co-writing ‘Evil Dead II’ (1987) with director Sam Raimi, producing ‘Hostel’ (2005) with Eli Roth, and directing ‘Hostel: Part III’ (2011), will executive-produce the picture, which stars Nathan Jones (‘Troy’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’), Jack O’Halloran (‘Superman’, ‘King Kong’), Tory Kittles (‘Olympus Has Fallen’, ‘Next’) and Stephen Marcus (‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, ‘Quills’), and will be directed by British director Gene Fallaize.
Spiegel, who often works with Sam Raimi, Eli Roth and Bruce Campbell,...
- 8/20/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Hostel 3 director to executive produce afterlife fantasy film.
Cupsogue Pictures have announced that Scott Spiegel is to executive produce its upcoming fantasy feature Welcome to Purgatory.
Spiegel is best known for co-writing Evil Dead II (1987) with director Sam Raimi, producing Hostel (2005) with Eli Roth, and directing Hostel: Part III (2011).
Directed by Gene Fallaize, Welcome to Purgatory stars Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus.
The film follows three new arrivals as they navigate the Afterlife, helped by Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife in ruins amidst a growing war between good and evil. All the rules of the Afterlife have been broken and both pain and pleasure can be experienced. While death here may not be final, it leads directly to the Seventh Circle of Hell and the group must find a way to fix things before Heaven is ruined for eternity.
Tony Cook and Gene Fallaize will produce the film for Cupsogue Pictures, which...
Cupsogue Pictures have announced that Scott Spiegel is to executive produce its upcoming fantasy feature Welcome to Purgatory.
Spiegel is best known for co-writing Evil Dead II (1987) with director Sam Raimi, producing Hostel (2005) with Eli Roth, and directing Hostel: Part III (2011).
Directed by Gene Fallaize, Welcome to Purgatory stars Nathan Jones, Jack O’Halloran, Tory Kittles and Stephen Marcus.
The film follows three new arrivals as they navigate the Afterlife, helped by Guardian Paul. They find the afterlife in ruins amidst a growing war between good and evil. All the rules of the Afterlife have been broken and both pain and pleasure can be experienced. While death here may not be final, it leads directly to the Seventh Circle of Hell and the group must find a way to fix things before Heaven is ruined for eternity.
Tony Cook and Gene Fallaize will produce the film for Cupsogue Pictures, which...
- 8/20/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: March 5, 2013
Price: DVD $19.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Well Go USA
Luke Goss (r.) looks for answers before getting down to business in Interview With a Hitman.
Luke Goss (Death Race 2) stars in first-time writer/director Perry Bhandal’s 2012 action-thriller film Interview With a Hitman.
Trust no one…feel nothing…never lose – that’s Viktor’s (Goss) personal code. It’s the mantra that took him from the slums of Romania to the pinnacle of his profession – as a murderer for hire. But this perfect killer is running into problems lately: After a ruthless betrayal by his bosses, he escapes to London, joins a new “family,” and finds himself caught in a vicious underworld power struggle. But while Viktor is better, faster and more ruthless than ever, an encounter with a dark beauty (Caroline Tillette, Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life) offers him a chance at new life. But can...
Price: DVD $19.98, Blu-ray $29.98
Studio: Well Go USA
Luke Goss (r.) looks for answers before getting down to business in Interview With a Hitman.
Luke Goss (Death Race 2) stars in first-time writer/director Perry Bhandal’s 2012 action-thriller film Interview With a Hitman.
Trust no one…feel nothing…never lose – that’s Viktor’s (Goss) personal code. It’s the mantra that took him from the slums of Romania to the pinnacle of his profession – as a murderer for hire. But this perfect killer is running into problems lately: After a ruthless betrayal by his bosses, he escapes to London, joins a new “family,” and finds himself caught in a vicious underworld power struggle. But while Viktor is better, faster and more ruthless than ever, an encounter with a dark beauty (Caroline Tillette, Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life) offers him a chance at new life. But can...
- 1/15/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Luke Goss stars as a hitman that has realized his future is in jeopardy in Well Go USA’s “Interview with a Hitman,” coming out on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download March 5. The film, which also stars Caroline Tillette, Stephen Marcus and Danny Midwinter and written and directed by Perry Bhandal, will include bonus materials, such as the behind-the-scenes featurette “The Making of Interview with a Hitman.” Here’s the official synopsis of “Interview with a Hitman:” “Trust no one. Feel nothing. Never lose. This is Viktor’s (Luke Goss) code. This mantra took him from the slums of Romania to the pinnacle of his profession – as a murderer for hire. [ Read More ]
The post Luke Goss Stars In Interview With A Hitman, Coming Out March 5 appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Luke Goss Stars In Interview With A Hitman, Coming Out March 5 appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/15/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Interview with a Hitman is the début production by Perry Bhandal and stars a certain Luke Goss, who rose to fame as one half of 1980′s pop sensation Bros. Having appeared in a host of American titles such as Blade II, Hellboy II: The Golden Army and Death Race 2, it’s bound to be refreshing for the actor to return to his native country, and also to be in a film that isn’t a sequel.
Goss plays Viktor, an Eastern European assassin who takes a long, hard look at his life when being interviewed post-career, and although no longer a hitman, there seems to be some unfinished business that remains. He begins by analysing his very own childhood, where we see how the troubled child (played by Elliot Greene) first came to be involved in the darker side of the Romanian streets, as he slowly builds up somewhat of a notorious reputation,...
Goss plays Viktor, an Eastern European assassin who takes a long, hard look at his life when being interviewed post-career, and although no longer a hitman, there seems to be some unfinished business that remains. He begins by analysing his very own childhood, where we see how the troubled child (played by Elliot Greene) first came to be involved in the darker side of the Romanian streets, as he slowly builds up somewhat of a notorious reputation,...
- 9/12/2012
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Last week saw the release of Kevin Macdonald’s acclaimed documentary, Marley, alongside Peter Berg’s mammoth blockbuster, Battleship, and this week brings with it a handful of new films and, most importantly in my books, the long-anticipated release of The Walking Dead Season 2. Today is a good day.
It’s a fairly light week with new releases, so without further ado,
My pick of the week:
The Walking Dead – Season 2.
The Walking Dead – Season 2 Iframe Embed for Youtube
DVD and Blu-ray
(also available: The Walking Dead – Seasons 1 and 2 Box Set)
Ordinarily, I focus on television programmes after the week’s new film releases, but The Walking Dead deserves to be the exception to that rule.
The show is one of the finest currently on TV, and if you haven’t started, now is definitely the time to pick up the first two seasons. It’s not often we get...
It’s a fairly light week with new releases, so without further ado,
My pick of the week:
The Walking Dead – Season 2.
The Walking Dead – Season 2 Iframe Embed for Youtube
DVD and Blu-ray
(also available: The Walking Dead – Seasons 1 and 2 Box Set)
Ordinarily, I focus on television programmes after the week’s new film releases, but The Walking Dead deserves to be the exception to that rule.
The show is one of the finest currently on TV, and if you haven’t started, now is definitely the time to pick up the first two seasons. It’s not often we get...
- 8/27/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Shot entirely on location in and around Newcastle, Interview with a Hitman stars Luke Goss, Stephen Marcus, Rene Zagger and French newcomer, actress Caroline Tillette. The film is the brainchild of Perry Bhandal who wrote the original screenplay, directed the movie and also serves as the executive producer. It also marks the first feature film that Luke Goss has made in the UK, having carved a highly successful movie career in the Us working on films such as Blade 2, Hellboy 2, and the recent Death Race prequel.
The good folks at Kaleidoscope Entertainment have given us and exclusive clip from the film to share with you in anticiapation of the films cinema release this Friday, July 20th.
Trust No one. Feel nothing. Never lose: this is the mantra that has helped a ruthless Eastern European assassin rise to the pinnacle of his profession.
Raised in the harsh slums of Romania, Victor...
The good folks at Kaleidoscope Entertainment have given us and exclusive clip from the film to share with you in anticiapation of the films cinema release this Friday, July 20th.
Trust No one. Feel nothing. Never lose: this is the mantra that has helped a ruthless Eastern European assassin rise to the pinnacle of his profession.
Raised in the harsh slums of Romania, Victor...
- 7/17/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Luke Goss has landed the lead role in Interview With A Hitman, which is currently shooting in Newcastle. The former Bros singer features alongside Stephen Marcus, Rene Zagger and French actress Caroline Tillette. What sounds like a sci-fi flick on first reading (an elite hitman takes on one final mission, as he returns to erase his past - only to find that somebody has messed with his future) actually seems more straightforward in the full explanation: “Raised in the harsh slums of Romania, Victor...
.
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- 9/19/2011
- by Matt Chapman
- TotalFilm
You may remember him as egotistical plastic surgeon Dr. Oliver Barnes in the Henry Winkler/Stockard Channing medical sitcom Out of Practice. Or as the weatherman with the unpronounceable last name in the 2007 Kelsey Grammer/Patricia Heaton sitcom Back to You. Or maybe even as doomed yacht captain Steve Marcus in the 2004 remake of the zombie horror classic Dawn of the Dead.
But odds are even if you've only seen one episode of (or arguably even one commercial for) ABC's breakout comedy Modern Family, you aren't likely to forget Ty Burrell as occasionally dim-witted, always kind-hearted Dunphy dad Phil.
It's a role that the new dad believes he may have born -- or at the very least raised -- to play, as he told me in an insightful and sometimes comical interview from the set of the upcoming feature film comedy Butter, not long before Family's season finale.
— Lori Acken,...
But odds are even if you've only seen one episode of (or arguably even one commercial for) ABC's breakout comedy Modern Family, you aren't likely to forget Ty Burrell as occasionally dim-witted, always kind-hearted Dunphy dad Phil.
It's a role that the new dad believes he may have born -- or at the very least raised -- to play, as he told me in an insightful and sometimes comical interview from the set of the upcoming feature film comedy Butter, not long before Family's season finale.
— Lori Acken,...
- 5/18/2010
- ChannelGuideMag
Obama may have declared our country the Land of High-Speed Rail last April, but here in California, we promised back in November 2008 to raise more than $40 billion to fund a massive high-speed network running from San Diego to the Bay Area. But that didn't include an all-important spur for one of the most heavily traveled routes in the state: One third of Las Vegas' 38 million annual visitors are Southern Californians who drive the four-hour route up I-15 in heavy traffic clogged by drunken bachelor party caravans.
Enter the DesertXpress, a $4 billion high-speed train that plans to break ground this fall, traveling from Vegas to...well, not quite L.A., or Anaheim, or even San Bernadino. It will terminate in Victorville (pop. 107,720), a city that's located a full 100 miles from Los Angeles and possibly best known as the film location for Terminator III: Rise of the Machines.
Angelenos will have to take one train to Palmdale,...
Enter the DesertXpress, a $4 billion high-speed train that plans to break ground this fall, traveling from Vegas to...well, not quite L.A., or Anaheim, or even San Bernadino. It will terminate in Victorville (pop. 107,720), a city that's located a full 100 miles from Los Angeles and possibly best known as the film location for Terminator III: Rise of the Machines.
Angelenos will have to take one train to Palmdale,...
- 3/31/2010
- by Alissa Walker
- Fast Company
Trailer for Ninja assassin directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) and starring Korean heartthrob Rain and British beauty Naomie Harris.
UK based readers of a certain age may recognise "Dave" from birds of a feather in that trailer. Aka Stephen Marcus who plays Kingpin and some may know Rudolpho in Starhunter (A series I rather liked).
Read More From LateMag
tags: action, martial arts, naomie harris, rain...
UK based readers of a certain age may recognise "Dave" from birds of a feather in that trailer. Aka Stephen Marcus who plays Kingpin and some may know Rudolpho in Starhunter (A series I rather liked).
Read More From LateMag
tags: action, martial arts, naomie harris, rain...
- 7/29/2009
- by Leigh
- Latemag.com/film
The true story of golf's 1913 U.S. Open is full of the stuff inspiring movies are made of: underdog triumph, the breaking of class barriers, a down-to-the-wire showdown. In his first nonfiction book, "The Greatest Game Ever Played", writer-producer Mark Frost exhumed the event that once riveted the nation -- an unlikely match between a 20-year-old amateur and the game's reigning champ. He adapts the tale to the big screen with economy but not without conceding to certain rules of the genre; there's a familiarity to the saga as it hits predictable plot points. Still, actor-turned-helmer Bill Paxton has fashioned solid family entertainment in this well-cast feature, which in turn should provide solid boxoffice returns.
If the film makes its points early and sets out on an obvious trajectory, Paxton's love of the game is evident throughout. He and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut inject pizzazz into the proceedings with ball's-p.o.v. shots and telescoping effects. Although the story can't escape a certain sentimentality, Paxton leavens the inspirational element with admirable dramatic restraint, particularly in the two central performances.
Shia LaBeouf is full of quiet determination as Brookline, Mass., boy Francis Ouimet. He's been obsessed with golf since he began caddying at a tender age at the country club across the street from his working-class parents' home. From his Irish mother (Marnie McPhail) he receives undying encouragement, while his wary French father (Elias Koteas, bringing an affecting complexity to what could have been a by-the-numbers role) sees only heartbreak ahead for a poor boy dabbling in a gentleman's game.
But with the support and coaching of golfer Hastings (Justin Ashforth) and pro-shop expert Campbell (Luke Askew), Francis makes his way onto the green as a player, nabbing amateur titles until he finds himself squaring off in the U.S. Open against world-class players. Further bending the game's etiquette, circumstances leave Francis with a 10-year-old caddie, Eddie (Josh Flitter), who's not much taller than the bag. Eddie feeds Francis wisdom and rhyming pep talks with the delivery of a pintsize Borscht Belt comedian.
If the heart of the story is Francis' pairing with the spunky Eddie, its soul is the unspoken connection between him and his chief competition, Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), the British superstar of the game. Despite his professional status, Vardon feels he is the working-class outsider among the moneyed elite. The specter of a crucial moment from his Isle of Jersey childhood, hauntingly depicted in the film's prologue, arises to unnerve him during crucial moments at the tee. With his doleful gaze and self-contained intensity, the estimable Dillane movingly conveys Harry's profound pleasure in Francis' performance.
The fine supporting cast includes Stephen Marcus as Harry's no-nonsense colleague; Peter Firth as the hissable Lord Northcliffe, sponsor of Harry and Ted's stateside expedition; George Asprey as Britain's top amateur, a snob of the first order with a mean talent for smoke rings; Michael Weaver as the defending U.S. champion, a man of frothing nationalistic fervor; Robin Wilcock as the Brit journalist who loves the story; and Peyton List as the Smith girl who takes an interest in Francis, in a subplot that feels tacked-on.
Turn-of-the-century period detail is strong, the Quebec locations striking. A lovely conceit strips away the crowds and noise and leaves Vardon alone on a pristine landscape, while a sequence of rain-soaked golfing benefits from Elliot Graham's dynamic editing. Brian Tyler contributes a rousing, if insistent, score, and opera star Dawn Upshaw appears onscreen to trill a composition by Joe Jackson.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Pictures
A Morra Brezner Steinberg Tenenbaum production
Credits:
Director: Bill Paxton
Screenwriter: Mark Frost
Producers: Larry Brezner, Mark Frost, David Blocker
Executive producer: David Steinberg
Director of photography: Shane Hurlbut
Production designer: Francois Seguin
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume designer: Renee April
Editor: Elliot Graham
Cast:
Francis Ouimet: Shia LaBeouf
Harry Vardon: Stephen Dillane
Lord Northcliffe: Peter Firth
Arthur Ouimet: Elias Koteas
Ted Ray: Stephen Marcus
Eddie Lowery: Josh Flitter
Ted Hastings: Justin Ashforth
Stedman Comstock: Len Cariou
Sarah Wallis: Peyton List
Alec Campbell: Luke Askew
Bernard Darwin: Robin Wilcock
John McDermott: Michael Weaver
Mary Ouimet: Marnie McPhail
Wilfred Reid: George Asprey
Soprano: Dawn Upshaw
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
If the film makes its points early and sets out on an obvious trajectory, Paxton's love of the game is evident throughout. He and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut inject pizzazz into the proceedings with ball's-p.o.v. shots and telescoping effects. Although the story can't escape a certain sentimentality, Paxton leavens the inspirational element with admirable dramatic restraint, particularly in the two central performances.
Shia LaBeouf is full of quiet determination as Brookline, Mass., boy Francis Ouimet. He's been obsessed with golf since he began caddying at a tender age at the country club across the street from his working-class parents' home. From his Irish mother (Marnie McPhail) he receives undying encouragement, while his wary French father (Elias Koteas, bringing an affecting complexity to what could have been a by-the-numbers role) sees only heartbreak ahead for a poor boy dabbling in a gentleman's game.
But with the support and coaching of golfer Hastings (Justin Ashforth) and pro-shop expert Campbell (Luke Askew), Francis makes his way onto the green as a player, nabbing amateur titles until he finds himself squaring off in the U.S. Open against world-class players. Further bending the game's etiquette, circumstances leave Francis with a 10-year-old caddie, Eddie (Josh Flitter), who's not much taller than the bag. Eddie feeds Francis wisdom and rhyming pep talks with the delivery of a pintsize Borscht Belt comedian.
If the heart of the story is Francis' pairing with the spunky Eddie, its soul is the unspoken connection between him and his chief competition, Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), the British superstar of the game. Despite his professional status, Vardon feels he is the working-class outsider among the moneyed elite. The specter of a crucial moment from his Isle of Jersey childhood, hauntingly depicted in the film's prologue, arises to unnerve him during crucial moments at the tee. With his doleful gaze and self-contained intensity, the estimable Dillane movingly conveys Harry's profound pleasure in Francis' performance.
The fine supporting cast includes Stephen Marcus as Harry's no-nonsense colleague; Peter Firth as the hissable Lord Northcliffe, sponsor of Harry and Ted's stateside expedition; George Asprey as Britain's top amateur, a snob of the first order with a mean talent for smoke rings; Michael Weaver as the defending U.S. champion, a man of frothing nationalistic fervor; Robin Wilcock as the Brit journalist who loves the story; and Peyton List as the Smith girl who takes an interest in Francis, in a subplot that feels tacked-on.
Turn-of-the-century period detail is strong, the Quebec locations striking. A lovely conceit strips away the crowds and noise and leaves Vardon alone on a pristine landscape, while a sequence of rain-soaked golfing benefits from Elliot Graham's dynamic editing. Brian Tyler contributes a rousing, if insistent, score, and opera star Dawn Upshaw appears onscreen to trill a composition by Joe Jackson.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Pictures
A Morra Brezner Steinberg Tenenbaum production
Credits:
Director: Bill Paxton
Screenwriter: Mark Frost
Producers: Larry Brezner, Mark Frost, David Blocker
Executive producer: David Steinberg
Director of photography: Shane Hurlbut
Production designer: Francois Seguin
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume designer: Renee April
Editor: Elliot Graham
Cast:
Francis Ouimet: Shia LaBeouf
Harry Vardon: Stephen Dillane
Lord Northcliffe: Peter Firth
Arthur Ouimet: Elias Koteas
Ted Ray: Stephen Marcus
Eddie Lowery: Josh Flitter
Ted Hastings: Justin Ashforth
Stedman Comstock: Len Cariou
Sarah Wallis: Peyton List
Alec Campbell: Luke Askew
Bernard Darwin: Robin Wilcock
John McDermott: Michael Weaver
Mary Ouimet: Marnie McPhail
Wilfred Reid: George Asprey
Soprano: Dawn Upshaw
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 10/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LAS VEGAS -- At ShoWest 2005's official opening ceremony Tuesday at the Paris hotel, Nielsen Entertainment presented its inaugural Nielsen EDI Platinum Reel Award to DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg for the extraordinary boxoffice performance of Shrek 2, which became the top grosser of last year with $436 million domestically. Also, the annual ShoWester of the Year Award was bestowed upon longtime theater operator Stephen Marcus of the Marcus Corp. for his commitment to the exhibition industry. Katzenberg, whose award was presented by Nielsen Entertainment president and CEO Andy Wing, also was given the job of introducing the films that topped $100 million last year. In looking over the list, the only conclusion Katzenberg could offer was the William Goldman adage about the film business, "No one knows anything."...
- 3/16/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stephen Marcus, chairman, president and CEO of the Marcus Corp., will receive the ShoWester of the Year Award at ShoWest 2005, which will take place March 14-17 at the Bally's and Paris hotels in Las Vegas. Marcus' honor will be presented at the opening ceremony March 15. "We are pleased to be honoring Stephen Marcus as the 2005 ShoWester of the Year," ShoWest co-managing director Mitch Neuhauser said. "He has followed his father's footsteps to take Marcus Theaters to a whole new level. He is one of the industry's true greats and has played a huge role in its growth in recent years."...
- 12/21/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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