The second episode of the newly relaunched Doctor Who is a haunting, contemplative story about what might happen if the world was robbed of its love of music. Like all good Who sci-fi premises, “The Devil’s Chord” takes something that is a given about human nature, and suggests our experience of life might be totally different without that thing. Just like “Blink” made us worry about trying to control our inherent reflex to bat our eyes, “The Devil’s Chord” makes us worried about how depressing and dystopian things would become without being able to hear a tune.
The episode also features a bootleg version of The Beatles, which should be a slam-dunk for Doctor Who, but isn’t. Instead, in creating a timey-wimey story about the death of music in a bizarro timeline, Who makes some blunders about why The Beatles became The Beatles.
Spoilers ahead.
While some...
The episode also features a bootleg version of The Beatles, which should be a slam-dunk for Doctor Who, but isn’t. Instead, in creating a timey-wimey story about the death of music in a bizarro timeline, Who makes some blunders about why The Beatles became The Beatles.
Spoilers ahead.
While some...
- 5/15/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Hugh Grant is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, and his perfect combination of wit and charm only makes it more understandable why. Needless to say, his very charming personality and physical features are also the reason why a lot of the roles he has donned have been in rom-coms. But even through those rom-coms, Grant has displayed quite a bit of action.
Hugh Grant. | Credit: Julien Rath/Wikimedia Commons.
However, one time, this display of action in a similar ruthless manner as Tom Cruise almost ended up killing him. This happened in the iconic film that set him up as the King of rom-coms and is still regarded as a masterpiece, Four Weddings and a Funeral. But that isn’t the only surprising fact, because Grant was actually never the first choice to play the protagonist in that movie!
Hugh Grant Almost Killed Himself While Shooting Four Weddings...
Hugh Grant. | Credit: Julien Rath/Wikimedia Commons.
However, one time, this display of action in a similar ruthless manner as Tom Cruise almost ended up killing him. This happened in the iconic film that set him up as the King of rom-coms and is still regarded as a masterpiece, Four Weddings and a Funeral. But that isn’t the only surprising fact, because Grant was actually never the first choice to play the protagonist in that movie!
Hugh Grant Almost Killed Himself While Shooting Four Weddings...
- 5/8/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
The low-budget romcom about Britain’s upper middle classes launched the careers of its writer Richard Curtis and Grant. Cast and crew share their stories – from Liz Hurley in that dress to Amber Rudd’s role as an ‘aristocracy coordinator’
It’s been 30 years since audiences first met Hugh Grant as a stuttering serial monogamist who falls hopelessly in love with a glamorous American (Andie MacDowell) in Four Weddings and a Funeral. The low-budget romcom, directed by Mike Newell and scripted by Richard Curtis, came out of nowhere to become a global hit when it was released in 1994.
Based on Curtis’s own experiences of being a guest at a seemingly endless merry-go-round of weddings, the film follows Grant’s sweary, bumbling Charles and his group of friends – which includes his deaf brother – as they navigate love, loss and grief. From the first “fuck” uttered by Grant as he wakes...
It’s been 30 years since audiences first met Hugh Grant as a stuttering serial monogamist who falls hopelessly in love with a glamorous American (Andie MacDowell) in Four Weddings and a Funeral. The low-budget romcom, directed by Mike Newell and scripted by Richard Curtis, came out of nowhere to become a global hit when it was released in 1994.
Based on Curtis’s own experiences of being a guest at a seemingly endless merry-go-round of weddings, the film follows Grant’s sweary, bumbling Charles and his group of friends – which includes his deaf brother – as they navigate love, loss and grief. From the first “fuck” uttered by Grant as he wakes...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ann Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Dozens of top Hollywood creatives and activists have signed an open letter in response to the shuttering of production company Participant — imploring the industry to continue to effect change through film and television as the defunct company once did.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Hugh Grant’s remarkable ability to walk in the shoes of a hopeless romantic makes the audience swoon with every look and every dialogue that his characters convey. The British star has a lot of these characters in his old Hollywood roster to claim a credible authority over the genre of rom-coms as a whole.
However, it wasn’t until Four Weddings and a Funeral that he became the unofficial face of the charming lover boy that rom-com directors tripped head over heels for. Directed by the esteemed Richard Curtis, the 1994 film established Grant in Hollywood as the British counterpart of Tom Hanks, who was at the time equally famous for his rom-com films.
Hugh Grant – the face of rom-com [Photo taken from Notting Hill; Credit: Universal Pictures]
Although the Forrest Gump star quickly grew out of his reputation as the affable and charming Everyman suited for a bit of nostalgic romance on the side, Grant...
However, it wasn’t until Four Weddings and a Funeral that he became the unofficial face of the charming lover boy that rom-com directors tripped head over heels for. Directed by the esteemed Richard Curtis, the 1994 film established Grant in Hollywood as the British counterpart of Tom Hanks, who was at the time equally famous for his rom-com films.
Hugh Grant – the face of rom-com [Photo taken from Notting Hill; Credit: Universal Pictures]
Although the Forrest Gump star quickly grew out of his reputation as the affable and charming Everyman suited for a bit of nostalgic romance on the side, Grant...
- 5/5/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Four Weddings and a Funeral is one of the best British romantic comedy films ever made. It marks the breakthrough performance of actor Hugh Grant and catapulted him to stardom. As a result, it might surprise some viewers to learn that Grant was initially skeptical about the film’s chances of becoming successful.
Hugh Grant gave his breakthrough performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral
Meanwhile, Richard Curtis, who wrote the film was skeptical of Grant’s suitability for the lead role and the actor wasn’t his first choice for the part. Here is why Hugh Grant wasn’t the first choice for Four Weddings and a Funeral and why he initially thought that the film would end up being the biggest flop of his career.
Hugh Grant Believed Four Weddings and a Funeral Was Going to Be a Major Flop in His Career
Hugh Grant played the lead...
Hugh Grant gave his breakthrough performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral
Meanwhile, Richard Curtis, who wrote the film was skeptical of Grant’s suitability for the lead role and the actor wasn’t his first choice for the part. Here is why Hugh Grant wasn’t the first choice for Four Weddings and a Funeral and why he initially thought that the film would end up being the biggest flop of his career.
Hugh Grant Believed Four Weddings and a Funeral Was Going to Be a Major Flop in His Career
Hugh Grant played the lead...
- 5/5/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Annecy International Animation Film Festival has unveiled the programme for its 2024 edition, including the Competition line-up and a programme of previews from the major studios.
The 12-strong Official Competition includes Adam Elliot’s Australian feature Memoir Of A Snail, in which Succession star Sarah Snook voices a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails; and stop-motion Savages!, director Claude Barras’ first feature since his Bafta- and Oscar-nominated My Life As A Courgette.
Scroll down for the full Competition line-up
The festival will open with Michel Hazanavicius’ Competition title The Most Precious Of Cargoes, heading to Annecy from its debut in Cannes Competition.
The 12-strong Official Competition includes Adam Elliot’s Australian feature Memoir Of A Snail, in which Succession star Sarah Snook voices a lonely hoarder of ornamental snails; and stop-motion Savages!, director Claude Barras’ first feature since his Bafta- and Oscar-nominated My Life As A Courgette.
Scroll down for the full Competition line-up
The festival will open with Michel Hazanavicius’ Competition title The Most Precious Of Cargoes, heading to Annecy from its debut in Cannes Competition.
- 4/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Among 70 lots donated by film and music stars are up for grabs, including Neil Tennant’s coat and Stanley Tucci’s hotpot
An original shooting script of much-loved Christmas romcom Love Actually is among the lots up for grabs in an auction to support charity War Child.
The script from the 2003 film contains three unseen storylines “which we eventually cut,” say director Richard Curtis and screenwriter Emma Freud, “lots of jokes which didn’t work, and some childish swearing which we were forced to remove by adults.”...
An original shooting script of much-loved Christmas romcom Love Actually is among the lots up for grabs in an auction to support charity War Child.
The script from the 2003 film contains three unseen storylines “which we eventually cut,” say director Richard Curtis and screenwriter Emma Freud, “lots of jokes which didn’t work, and some childish swearing which we were forced to remove by adults.”...
- 4/25/2024
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: British actor and screenwriter Jamie Bacon has signed with UK agency United Agents.
Going forwards, United literary agent Charles Walker will represent Bacon, who is known for writing and starring 2018 film Into the Mirror and for roles in Netflix series White Lines and Stephen Cookson-directed feature film Brighton.
Bacon has a role in the BBC’s upcoming Lennie James vehicle Mr Loverman, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, and recent wrapped shooting on another BBC title, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s debut feature film Dreamers.
He is also in pre-production to star in Pradeep Shahi’s Eklo: The Final Survivor, which will start shooting in Nepal in August, and is developing a crime drama called The Smiths, a four-part series. It has Sheridan Smith cast in the lead role and Emma Burge (Shameless) producing.
Bacon made thriller In the Mirror, which had a theatrical run in the U.
Going forwards, United literary agent Charles Walker will represent Bacon, who is known for writing and starring 2018 film Into the Mirror and for roles in Netflix series White Lines and Stephen Cookson-directed feature film Brighton.
Bacon has a role in the BBC’s upcoming Lennie James vehicle Mr Loverman, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, and recent wrapped shooting on another BBC title, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s debut feature film Dreamers.
He is also in pre-production to star in Pradeep Shahi’s Eklo: The Final Survivor, which will start shooting in Nepal in August, and is developing a crime drama called The Smiths, a four-part series. It has Sheridan Smith cast in the lead role and Emma Burge (Shameless) producing.
Bacon made thriller In the Mirror, which had a theatrical run in the U.
- 4/25/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, April 25 (Ians) A Margot Robbie-signed ‘Barbie’ poster, the original script for ‘Love Actually’ starring Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, and a signed guitar from Ed Sheeran are among several star-studded items in the latest auction for War Child, which advocates for children living through war.
Over 70 celebrities have donated rare items to the charity’s ‘Spring Clean’ fundraiser, including War Child global ambassador Carey Mulligan, who is gifting a limited edition book of the ‘Saltburn’ script signed by the cast.
Other items up for bid include a signed Dutch oven from Stanley Tucci, a jacket worn by Gillian Anderson on ‘Sex Education’, signed guitars from Ed Sheeran and Nile Rodgers, a signed drum skin from Coldplay, several costumes from ‘The Crown’, and a signed script.
Additionally, there’s the ‘Banshees of Inisherin’ script signed by Martin McDonagh, an ‘Evita’ script signed by Jonathan Pryce, a Bradley Cooper-signed ‘Maestro’ book and album,...
Over 70 celebrities have donated rare items to the charity’s ‘Spring Clean’ fundraiser, including War Child global ambassador Carey Mulligan, who is gifting a limited edition book of the ‘Saltburn’ script signed by the cast.
Other items up for bid include a signed Dutch oven from Stanley Tucci, a jacket worn by Gillian Anderson on ‘Sex Education’, signed guitars from Ed Sheeran and Nile Rodgers, a signed drum skin from Coldplay, several costumes from ‘The Crown’, and a signed script.
Additionally, there’s the ‘Banshees of Inisherin’ script signed by Martin McDonagh, an ‘Evita’ script signed by Jonathan Pryce, a Bradley Cooper-signed ‘Maestro’ book and album,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
What more could the heart want than a sweeping romantic drama dealing with grief, loss, love, and music? The Greatest Hits is a fantasy romantic drama film written and directed by Ned Benson, the Hulu film follows the story of a young woman Lucy who had a picture-perfect romance but an accident took him away from her. But she gets a second chance when she discovers that she can travel back in time through the music they love, but her excursions in her past are interfering with a new love interest. The Greatest Hits stars Lucy Boynton, David Corenswet, and Justin H. Min in the lead roles with Nelly Furtado, Andie Ju, Austin Crute, Tom Yi, Bryan Ferry, and Retta starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the sweeping love story and the time-traveling drama in The Greatest Hits, here are some similar films you could check out next.
- 4/25/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
A “Barbie” poster signed by Margot Robbie and the original script for “Love Actually” are just a few of the star-studded items taking part in the latest auction for War Child, which advocates for children living through war.
Over 70 celebrities have donated rare items to the charity’s “Spring Clean” fundraiser, including War Child global ambassador Carey Mulligan, who is gifting a limited edition book of the “Saltburn” script signed by the cast. Other items available to bid on include a signed dutch oven from Stanley Tucci, a jacket worn by Gillian Anderson on “Sex Education,” signed guitars from Ed Sheeran and Nile Rodgers, a signed drum skin from Coldplay, several “The Crown” costumes and a signed script, a “Banshees of Inisherin” script signed by Martin McDonagh, an “Evita” script signed by Jonathan Pryce, a Bradley Cooper-signed “Maestro” book and album, a signed Florence + the Machine poster, an original...
Over 70 celebrities have donated rare items to the charity’s “Spring Clean” fundraiser, including War Child global ambassador Carey Mulligan, who is gifting a limited edition book of the “Saltburn” script signed by the cast. Other items available to bid on include a signed dutch oven from Stanley Tucci, a jacket worn by Gillian Anderson on “Sex Education,” signed guitars from Ed Sheeran and Nile Rodgers, a signed drum skin from Coldplay, several “The Crown” costumes and a signed script, a “Banshees of Inisherin” script signed by Martin McDonagh, an “Evita” script signed by Jonathan Pryce, a Bradley Cooper-signed “Maestro” book and album, a signed Florence + the Machine poster, an original...
- 4/24/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix will be playing catch-up with its slate of films in the latter half of 2024 due to last fall’s dual union strikes. And their slate of animated projects is set to be previewed at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France this June. Last year, the streamer had achieved a high-profile attendance for their showcase of Nimona along with their teasers for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Blue Eye Samurai. According to Deadline, this year’s presentation will feature directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham as they give a sneak peek of Aardman’s upcoming new Wallace & Gromit project, which has yet to have an official title.
Additionally, just after his newest sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver, debuts on Netflix, Zack Snyder will be joined by executive producer Deborah Snyder and Xilam Animation Director Slimane Aniss to reveal clips from his...
Additionally, just after his newest sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver, debuts on Netflix, Zack Snyder will be joined by executive producer Deborah Snyder and Xilam Animation Director Slimane Aniss to reveal clips from his...
- 4/22/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Netflix and the Annecy Film Festival have fostered an incredible relationship over the last several years. No other major studio or distributor has been as omnipresent at the French film festival, and this year should be no different.
Netflix is planning several major sneak peeks of upcoming titles, a work-in-progress session, the world premiere of “Ultraman: Rising,” an exhibition of stop-motion figures from the upcoming Wallace & Gromit film, and two of its titles – “Blue Eye Samurai” and “Pokémon Concierge” – are screening in competition.
On Wednesday, June 12, the streamer will host Next on Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit, a sneak peek at some of its most high-profile upcoming film and series titles.
“Wallace & Gromit” directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham and several of the film’s puppets will be in Annecy to tease their upcoming film. “Twilight of the Gods” will be presented by director Zack Snyder,...
Netflix is planning several major sneak peeks of upcoming titles, a work-in-progress session, the world premiere of “Ultraman: Rising,” an exhibition of stop-motion figures from the upcoming Wallace & Gromit film, and two of its titles – “Blue Eye Samurai” and “Pokémon Concierge” – are screening in competition.
On Wednesday, June 12, the streamer will host Next on Netflix Animation: From Twilight of the Gods to Wallace & Gromit, a sneak peek at some of its most high-profile upcoming film and series titles.
“Wallace & Gromit” directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham and several of the film’s puppets will be in Annecy to tease their upcoming film. “Twilight of the Gods” will be presented by director Zack Snyder,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix returns to the Annecy Animation Festival (June 9-15) with a robust slate of animated feature and TV projects, highlighted by the premiere of “Ultraman: Rising” on June 12 (two days ahead of the feature’s streaming debut).
Also on June 12, Netflix will offer sneak peeks of an untitled “Wallace and Gromit” stop-motion feature from Aardman (streaming this winter), and Zack Snyder’s upcoming adult animated series, “Twilight of the Gods” (streaming this fall). Nick Park returns to directing “Wallace and Gromit,” about an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own, while Snyder digs into Norse mythology for a violent Viking revenge actioner (from Xilam Animation).
Netflix will additionally offer previews on June 12 of Skydance Animation’s musical adventure “Spellbound” (streaming this year), directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”), and “The Twits” (2025), a comedy about the never-ending battle between cruelty and empathy, from first-time director Phil Johnston (writer of “Zootopia...
Also on June 12, Netflix will offer sneak peeks of an untitled “Wallace and Gromit” stop-motion feature from Aardman (streaming this winter), and Zack Snyder’s upcoming adult animated series, “Twilight of the Gods” (streaming this fall). Nick Park returns to directing “Wallace and Gromit,” about an out-of-control “smart gnome” with a mind of its own, while Snyder digs into Norse mythology for a violent Viking revenge actioner (from Xilam Animation).
Netflix will additionally offer previews on June 12 of Skydance Animation’s musical adventure “Spellbound” (streaming this year), directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek”), and “The Twits” (2025), a comedy about the never-ending battle between cruelty and empathy, from first-time director Phil Johnston (writer of “Zootopia...
- 4/22/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Claymation legends Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham will offer stop-motion fans a sneak peek at their upcoming Wallace & Gromit film at this year’s Annecy animation festival.
The still-untitled feature will see inveterate, cheese-loving inventor Wallace designing a “smart gnome” for the family garden who begins to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it is up to faithful dog Gromit to put things right. Park and Crossingham co-directed the film, based on a story by Park and a screenplay from Shaun the Sheep and Gnomeo & Juliet writer Mark Burton.
The film, which will premiere on Netflix worldwide outside the U.K., where it will have a first-release window on the BBC, is the second feature from Aardman Animations based on the beloved characters, following the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and the series of award-winning shorts, including Oscar-winners The Wrong...
The still-untitled feature will see inveterate, cheese-loving inventor Wallace designing a “smart gnome” for the family garden who begins to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it is up to faithful dog Gromit to put things right. Park and Crossingham co-directed the film, based on a story by Park and a screenplay from Shaun the Sheep and Gnomeo & Juliet writer Mark Burton.
The film, which will premiere on Netflix worldwide outside the U.K., where it will have a first-release window on the BBC, is the second feature from Aardman Animations based on the beloved characters, following the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and the series of award-winning shorts, including Oscar-winners The Wrong...
- 4/22/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix will be out in force at France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival once again this June, after last year’s high-profile attendance with Nimona as well as teasers for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Blue Eye Samurai.
Its annual Annecy presentation will see directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham give a sneak peek of Aardman’s upcoming new and still untitled Wallace & Gromit film, while Zack Snyder, executive producer Deborah Snyder and Xilam Animation Director Slimane Aniss will unveil clips from the adult animated series Twilight of the Gods.
The Netflix event will also feature material from The Twits and Skydance Animation’s Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and featuring Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and John Lithgow in the voice cast.
The new Wallace & Gromit feature will also be spotlighted in the wider festival with an exhibition featuring some of the puppets from the upcoming sequel.
Its annual Annecy presentation will see directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham give a sneak peek of Aardman’s upcoming new and still untitled Wallace & Gromit film, while Zack Snyder, executive producer Deborah Snyder and Xilam Animation Director Slimane Aniss will unveil clips from the adult animated series Twilight of the Gods.
The Netflix event will also feature material from The Twits and Skydance Animation’s Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and featuring Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and John Lithgow in the voice cast.
The new Wallace & Gromit feature will also be spotlighted in the wider festival with an exhibition featuring some of the puppets from the upcoming sequel.
- 4/22/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Yesterday, all their troubles seemed so far away.
In 2022, Peter Rosza and Conor Woulfe sued Universal Pictures after they rented the 2019 movie “Yesterday” on Amazon Prime Video and subsequently felt they had been bamboozled by the trailer. The film, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, is a zany musical fantasy in which Himesh Patel, a struggling musician, is bonked on the head and wakes up in a world in which The Beatles Never Happened. As such, he starts playing their songs as if they are his own and the movie follows the expected Preston Sturges-like tropes you might expect.
The trailer for the movie featured quite a few glimpses of the alluring Cuban-born actress Ana de Armas, later Oscar-nominated for her leading turn in “Blonde,” who ended up not being in the movie at all. An early cut included her character, but that storyline was shaved down after the movie tested poorly.
In 2022, Peter Rosza and Conor Woulfe sued Universal Pictures after they rented the 2019 movie “Yesterday” on Amazon Prime Video and subsequently felt they had been bamboozled by the trailer. The film, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, is a zany musical fantasy in which Himesh Patel, a struggling musician, is bonked on the head and wakes up in a world in which The Beatles Never Happened. As such, he starts playing their songs as if they are his own and the movie follows the expected Preston Sturges-like tropes you might expect.
The trailer for the movie featured quite a few glimpses of the alluring Cuban-born actress Ana de Armas, later Oscar-nominated for her leading turn in “Blonde,” who ended up not being in the movie at all. An early cut included her character, but that storyline was shaved down after the movie tested poorly.
- 4/17/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Two men have settled their lawsuit with Universal Pictures following a two-year legal battle after they claimed they were misled into believing Ana de Armas would be in Yesterday because the actress was initially featured in a trailer for the film.
The two men — Peter Michael Rosza and Conor Woulfe — accepted a settlement on Friday, though the terms of the of lawsuit were not disclosed, according to Variety.
The suit, originally filed for false advertisement, unjust enrichment, and violation of unfair competition, noted that “such consumers were not provided with...
The two men — Peter Michael Rosza and Conor Woulfe — accepted a settlement on Friday, though the terms of the of lawsuit were not disclosed, according to Variety.
The suit, originally filed for false advertisement, unjust enrichment, and violation of unfair competition, noted that “such consumers were not provided with...
- 4/17/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Film novelizations have existed for over 100 years, dating back to the silent era, but they peaked in popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, following the advent of the modern blockbuster but prior to the rise of home video. Despite many beloved properties receiving novelizations upon release, a perceived lack of interest have left a majority of them out of print for decades, with desirable titles attracting three figures on the secondary market.
Once such highly sought-after novelization is that of Halloween by Richard Curtis (under the pen name Curtis Richards), based on the screenplay by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. Originally published in 1979 by Bantam Books, the mass market paperback was reissued in the early ’80s but has been out of print for over 40 years.
But even in book form, you can’t kill the boogeyman. While a simple reprint would have satisfied the fanbase, boutique publisher Printed in Blood...
Once such highly sought-after novelization is that of Halloween by Richard Curtis (under the pen name Curtis Richards), based on the screenplay by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. Originally published in 1979 by Bantam Books, the mass market paperback was reissued in the early ’80s but has been out of print for over 40 years.
But even in book form, you can’t kill the boogeyman. While a simple reprint would have satisfied the fanbase, boutique publisher Printed in Blood...
- 4/16/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Paul Giamatti is set to join Stephen Colbert for an evening of conversation as part of the second annual North to Shore Festival in New Jersey this June.
The event, set for June 29 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, will raise money for Montclair Film, the New Jersey based arts organization with which Colbert has long been involved, which runs the Montclair Film Festival.
Onstage, the Late Show host and Holdovers star will discuss Giamatti’s long-running screen career. In addition to his recent, Oscar-nominated role in the Alexander Payne-directed film, Giamatti’s film credits include Sideways, his Oscar-nominated role in Cinderella Man and performances in such movies as American Splendor, Barney’s Version, 12 Years a Slave, Straight Outta Compton, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, San Andreas, Planet of the Apes and Saving Private Ryan.
On the small screen, Giamatti spent seven seasons starring in Billions and previously...
The event, set for June 29 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, will raise money for Montclair Film, the New Jersey based arts organization with which Colbert has long been involved, which runs the Montclair Film Festival.
Onstage, the Late Show host and Holdovers star will discuss Giamatti’s long-running screen career. In addition to his recent, Oscar-nominated role in the Alexander Payne-directed film, Giamatti’s film credits include Sideways, his Oscar-nominated role in Cinderella Man and performances in such movies as American Splendor, Barney’s Version, 12 Years a Slave, Straight Outta Compton, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, San Andreas, Planet of the Apes and Saving Private Ryan.
On the small screen, Giamatti spent seven seasons starring in Billions and previously...
- 4/15/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lucy Boynton plays a woman who can travel back in time with the power of a song in a high-concept, low-enjoyment fantasy
In the often insufferably cutesy romance The Greatest Hits, our heroine travels back in time whenever a song from her past is played, nostalgia acting as a magical, transporting force. While watching the film, we too are pulled back but rather to all of the far superior films we’re inconveniently reminded of, from High Fidelity to Richard Curtis’s similarly high-concept About Time to the ’00s Sundance breakouts (500) Days of Summer and Garden State. It’s a film about the power that great music has in distracting us from the now that instead showcases the power that great films have in distracting us from the lesser ones they inspire.
But even without the many whiffs of familiarity, writer-director Ned Benson’s film would still be hitting a bum note.
In the often insufferably cutesy romance The Greatest Hits, our heroine travels back in time whenever a song from her past is played, nostalgia acting as a magical, transporting force. While watching the film, we too are pulled back but rather to all of the far superior films we’re inconveniently reminded of, from High Fidelity to Richard Curtis’s similarly high-concept About Time to the ’00s Sundance breakouts (500) Days of Summer and Garden State. It’s a film about the power that great music has in distracting us from the now that instead showcases the power that great films have in distracting us from the lesser ones they inspire.
But even without the many whiffs of familiarity, writer-director Ned Benson’s film would still be hitting a bum note.
- 4/10/2024
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Música is a “non-musical musical” coming-of-age romantic comedy film co-written and directed by Rudy Mancuso. Based on his personal experiences, the Prime Video film follows the story of a young college student Rudy, who is about to graduate but still doesn’t if he should get a stable job or go after his dream of becoming a puppeteer. He finds himself stuck in a love triangle between his long-time girlfriend who doesn’t understand him and his dreams and a girl he recently met who seems to support his dreams, while also dealing with his overbearing mother who wants him to get himself a Brazilian girlfriend. Música stars Mancuso in the lead role with Camila Mendes, Francesca Reale, J.B. Smoove, and Maria Mancuso starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the charming story and music of Música, here are some similar films you should check out next.
In the Heights...
In the Heights...
- 4/5/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
A woman tragically dying in a car accident and her husband or boyfriend magically going back in time to save her—how many times have we seen a plot like that? Doctor Strange would say an infinite number of times, but that can’t stop Netflix from bringing out this new movie, Rewind, which has the exact same plot. Although there’s still an appeal to stories that involve the concept of time-traveling, what’s the harm in cashing in on that? Absolutely nothing, but Mae Cruz-Alvair’s Filipino movie is both banal and bland. Not everyone can be Richard Curtis pulling off something like About Time (2013), after all!
Spoilers Ahead
What Happens In The Movie?
Blame it on Netflix for giving away the main plot in the description itself, which effectively makes the first hour of the movie pointless. You know what’s going to happen to John and Mary already,...
Spoilers Ahead
What Happens In The Movie?
Blame it on Netflix for giving away the main plot in the description itself, which effectively makes the first hour of the movie pointless. You know what’s going to happen to John and Mary already,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
It’s here! The first full trailer for Doctor Who‘s new series has arrived, giving us never-before-seen glimpses of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in action. And with it comes glimpses of a whole host of new adventures and scenarios, promising a very different take on Doctor Who than we’ve seen before.
Before we dig into the trailer for hints as to what will be in store for series 14, give the the video a watch if you haven’t already:
Alright, below are all the important things we noticed in the trailer. Let us know in the comments if there’s anything we missed!
The Hooded Stranger
The Christmas Special “The Church on Ruby Road” not only introduced the Doctor’s next companion Ruby Sunday, but also a good ol’ mystery. Like Clara and Rose before her, Ruby is much more than she appears.
“Ruby Road” began with a “hooded stranger,...
Before we dig into the trailer for hints as to what will be in store for series 14, give the the video a watch if you haven’t already:
Alright, below are all the important things we noticed in the trailer. Let us know in the comments if there’s anything we missed!
The Hooded Stranger
The Christmas Special “The Church on Ruby Road” not only introduced the Doctor’s next companion Ruby Sunday, but also a good ol’ mystery. Like Clara and Rose before her, Ruby is much more than she appears.
“Ruby Road” began with a “hooded stranger,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Netflix has unveiled the voice cast and brand new images from Locksmith Animation (Ron’s Gone Wrong) and director Simon Otto’s (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy) upcoming CG animated feature That Christmas.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book series written by acclaimed BAFTA Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis.
That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys! A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’s first animation project and the directorial debut of animation veteran Otto.
The film stars Brian Cox as Santa, Fiona Shaw (Ms. Trapper), Jodie Whittaker (Mrs. Williams), and Bill Nighy (Bill) as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The movie will debut on Netflix later this year.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book series written by acclaimed BAFTA Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis.
That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys! A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’s first animation project and the directorial debut of animation veteran Otto.
The film stars Brian Cox as Santa, Fiona Shaw (Ms. Trapper), Jodie Whittaker (Mrs. Williams), and Bill Nighy (Bill) as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The movie will debut on Netflix later this year.
- 3/21/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Tony Robinson talks to his old friend and collaborator, screenwriter Richard Curtis in a special episode of Cunningcast dedicated to the lost Blackadder pilot. They share memories and secrets of making Blackadder from the early years to how it all ended. Along the way, Richard and Tony discuss Richard’s comedy roots and how he became a leading screenwriter: meeting Rowan Atkinson at Oxford Uni, working on Not The Nine O’Clock News, the influence of Fawlty Towers and plans for a Blackadder series set in the 1960s that never happened.
- 3/20/2024
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Netflix on Wednesday unveiled the voice cast of CG animated feature film That Christmas from Locksmith Animation (Ron’s Gone Wrong) and director Simon Otto’s (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy). The movie will star Brian Cox as Santa, Fiona Shaw as Ms. Trapper, Jodie Whittaker as Mrs. Williams, and Bill Nighy as Bill.
They are the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The film will debut on Netflix later this year.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series (The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and That Christmas) written by BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday). “A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto,” Netflix said.
The film also stars Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen,...
They are the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The film will debut on Netflix later this year.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series (The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and That Christmas) written by BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday). “A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto,” Netflix said.
The film also stars Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has revealed a stellar voice cast and brand new images from Locksmith Animation and director Simon Otto’s upcoming CG animated feature That Christmas. The film stars Brian Cox as Santa, Fiona Shaw (Ms. Trapper), Jodie Whittaker (Mrs. Williams), and Bill Nighy (Bill) as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas.
The animation is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book series written by acclaimed BAFTA® Award-winning and Academy Award®-nominated writer and director, Richard Curtis. A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto.
Bernadette “Bernie” leads a Christmas revolution with (L-r) Nisha (Kuhu Agarwal), Eve “Evie” (Bronte Smith), Scarlett (Ava Talbot) and Teddy (Freddie Spry) following suit in Locksmith Animation and Netflix’s heartwarming comedy, That Christmas. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Also in news – Jamie Dornan set for...
The animation is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book series written by acclaimed BAFTA® Award-winning and Academy Award®-nominated writer and director, Richard Curtis. A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto.
Bernadette “Bernie” leads a Christmas revolution with (L-r) Nisha (Kuhu Agarwal), Eve “Evie” (Bronte Smith), Scarlett (Ava Talbot) and Teddy (Freddie Spry) following suit in Locksmith Animation and Netflix’s heartwarming comedy, That Christmas. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
Also in news – Jamie Dornan set for...
- 3/20/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
An A-list cast including Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy will lend their voices to That Christmas, an animated feature from Netflix penned by Richard Curtis and directed by Simon Otto (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy).
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series written by Curtis. The pic also marks the directorial debut of animation vet Otto.
Cox voices Santa in the pic. Shaw is Ms. Trapper, Whittaker is Mrs. Williams, and Nighy is Bill, residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The full synopsis reads: That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys. Also starring are Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown,...
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series written by Curtis. The pic also marks the directorial debut of animation vet Otto.
Cox voices Santa in the pic. Shaw is Ms. Trapper, Whittaker is Mrs. Williams, and Nighy is Bill, residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The full synopsis reads: That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys. Also starring are Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
That Christmas, the upcoming Netflix animation co-written and produced by Richard Curtis has revealed its stacked voice cast. More on that below.
March is coming to an end soon, so it feels only appropriate to start talking about Christmas, right? Or, at least, Christmas films.
One of this year’s buzziest titles has to be That Christmas, which we reported was in the works back in 2022. The project has since found a home at Netflix and is expected to land during the festive season this year.
The film will be directed by Simon Otto and the script is penned by Peter Souter and Richard Curtis. That seems logical, considering the film is based on Curtis’ trilogy of children’s books. Curtis is also on board as an executive producer.
As announced today by Netflix, the voice cast for the film includes Brian Cox as Santa Claus himself and he will be joined by Fiona Shaw,...
March is coming to an end soon, so it feels only appropriate to start talking about Christmas, right? Or, at least, Christmas films.
One of this year’s buzziest titles has to be That Christmas, which we reported was in the works back in 2022. The project has since found a home at Netflix and is expected to land during the festive season this year.
The film will be directed by Simon Otto and the script is penned by Peter Souter and Richard Curtis. That seems logical, considering the film is based on Curtis’ trilogy of children’s books. Curtis is also on board as an executive producer.
As announced today by Netflix, the voice cast for the film includes Brian Cox as Santa Claus himself and he will be joined by Fiona Shaw,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Brian Cox is set to voice Santa Claus in Netflix’s upcoming festive animated feature “That Christmas.”
Due later this year, the film marks the directorial debut of animation veteran Simon Otto and comes from Locksmith Animation (“Ron’s Gone Wrong”). “That Christmas” is adapted from the children’s book series by BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis.
Alongside Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and Bill Nighy have also joined the film as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. Other voice stars include Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot and Rhys Darby.
‘That Christmas’
“Becoming an animator had been on my Christmas wish list ever since I was a child and watching animated movies was...
Due later this year, the film marks the directorial debut of animation veteran Simon Otto and comes from Locksmith Animation (“Ron’s Gone Wrong”). “That Christmas” is adapted from the children’s book series by BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis.
Alongside Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and Bill Nighy have also joined the film as the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. Other voice stars include Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, Ava Talbot and Rhys Darby.
‘That Christmas’
“Becoming an animator had been on my Christmas wish list ever since I was a child and watching animated movies was...
- 3/20/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Sofia Coppola's Priscilla is now showing exclusively on Mubi in many countries.Priscilla.Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023) is deceptively soft to the touch. In adapting Priscilla Presley’s 1985 Elvis and Me memoir, the filmmaker brings an astonishing life story to the big screen, but also all of the beautiful, enviable objects that line the cage of celebrity. From luxurious Cadillacs to a lush array of sparkly designer dresses, accessorized with equally shiny handguns, these markers of luxury hum with palpable allure. At the same time, a sense of foreboding looms large. The opening shot lingers on the perfectly manicured feet of Cailee Spaeny’s Priscilla as they gingerly step across a shaggy, coral-pink rug. The seductive, tactile tableau conjures pleasure and comfort, yet it also foreshadows how Priscilla will sink further and further into a gilded sepulcher throughout her turbulent relationship with Elvis, embodied here by Jacob Elordi. Celebrated...
- 2/29/2024
- MUBI
The BBC has revealed more details about this year’s Comic Relief telethon, which will be broadcast on 15th March on BBC One.
Comic Relief launched in 1985 with a telethon that has since become embedded in British culture. Known as Red Nose Day, on account of the red noses sold as part of the appeal, over the years this has led to many classic comic moments, from The Young Ones singing Livin’ Doll with Cliff Richard, to Johnny Depp and Sting appearing in The Vicar Of Dibley, to Billy Connolly running naked through Trafalgar Square and Mr Bean infiltrating both Blind Date, and a Torvill and Dean dance routine.
Lenny Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, recently revealed that he will be stepping down as host after this year’s telethon. Henry said of his decision that “when we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed...
Comic Relief launched in 1985 with a telethon that has since become embedded in British culture. Known as Red Nose Day, on account of the red noses sold as part of the appeal, over the years this has led to many classic comic moments, from The Young Ones singing Livin’ Doll with Cliff Richard, to Johnny Depp and Sting appearing in The Vicar Of Dibley, to Billy Connolly running naked through Trafalgar Square and Mr Bean infiltrating both Blind Date, and a Torvill and Dean dance routine.
Lenny Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, recently revealed that he will be stepping down as host after this year’s telethon. Henry said of his decision that “when we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed...
- 2/29/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Writer Paul Mayhew-Archer has penned comedy drama But When We Dance based on his own experience of Parkinson’s. Here are the details:
Work has finally started on veteran comedy writer Paul Mayhew-Archer’s next project: But When We Dance, a feature length drama which was meant to go into production for the BBC over three years ago, but the pandemic threw the schedule into chaos.
Johnny Campbell is on board to direct from Mayhew-Archer’s script, while the BBC is currently finalising the cast.
The story “centres on two people with lots in common: a great sense of humour, a love of dance, and Parkinson’s,” according to Deadline.
Mayhew-Archer is probably best known for co-writing every episode of The Vicar Of Dibley with Richard Curtis. He has worked behind the scenes in BBC comedy since the 1980s, script editing shows as diverse as Steven Moffat’s Chalk to...
Work has finally started on veteran comedy writer Paul Mayhew-Archer’s next project: But When We Dance, a feature length drama which was meant to go into production for the BBC over three years ago, but the pandemic threw the schedule into chaos.
Johnny Campbell is on board to direct from Mayhew-Archer’s script, while the BBC is currently finalising the cast.
The story “centres on two people with lots in common: a great sense of humour, a love of dance, and Parkinson’s,” according to Deadline.
Mayhew-Archer is probably best known for co-writing every episode of The Vicar Of Dibley with Richard Curtis. He has worked behind the scenes in BBC comedy since the 1980s, script editing shows as diverse as Steven Moffat’s Chalk to...
- 2/28/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
‘Esio Trot’ Writer Paul Mayhew-Archer’s BBC Drama ‘But When We Dance’ To Film After Three-Year Delay
Exclusive: The BBC is finally going into production on But When We Dance, the feature-length Parkinson’s drama penned by Esio Trot writer Paul Mayhew-Archer.
The show was greenlit in 2019 but the Endor Productions shoot was delayed for around three years after the pandemic wreaked havoc on production schedules.
But When We Dance is expected to shoot in the coming months, with the BBC still finalizing the drama’s cast. Jonny Campbell, who has helmed episodes of Westworld and Doctor Who, was set to direct.
The story centers on two people with lots in common: a great sense of humor, a love of dance, and Parkinson’s.
Mayhew-Archer is one of 153,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He has helped raise awareness for the disease through the Movers and Shakers podcast, which he co-hosts with former BBC presenters including Jeremy Paxman.
Mayhew-Archer’s 2015 TV movie...
The show was greenlit in 2019 but the Endor Productions shoot was delayed for around three years after the pandemic wreaked havoc on production schedules.
But When We Dance is expected to shoot in the coming months, with the BBC still finalizing the drama’s cast. Jonny Campbell, who has helmed episodes of Westworld and Doctor Who, was set to direct.
The story centers on two people with lots in common: a great sense of humor, a love of dance, and Parkinson’s.
Mayhew-Archer is one of 153,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He has helped raise awareness for the disease through the Movers and Shakers podcast, which he co-hosts with former BBC presenters including Jeremy Paxman.
Mayhew-Archer’s 2015 TV movie...
- 2/27/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
When rising star (and recently minted breakthrough star) Vivian Oparah was nominated for her first BAFTA, in the stacked Best Actress in a Leading Role category, she did what any young, hip, and stunned star might: she took her feelings to Instagram. Upon learning she was nominated for her charming work in Raine Allen-Miller’s rom-com “Rye Lane” — her first leading film role — alongside such heavy-hitters as Fantasia Barrino, Sandra Huller, Carey Mulligan, Margot Robbie, and Emma Stone, Oparah shared a picture of the nominees and simply wrote: “I’ve run out of words. what insane company like wtaf.”
“I wish I could have been more articulate in that moment,” Oparah told IndieWire during a recent interview. “But I literally was like, ‘What the hell?’”
Oparah still remembers when she got the script: it was early days with Covid, and she’d gone on a day trip to the Seven...
“I wish I could have been more articulate in that moment,” Oparah told IndieWire during a recent interview. “But I literally was like, ‘What the hell?’”
Oparah still remembers when she got the script: it was early days with Covid, and she’d gone on a day trip to the Seven...
- 2/14/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The BBC have launched this year’s Comic Relief appeal, while Lenny Henry has also confirmed that he will step down as host.
Comic Relief launched in 1985 with a telethon that has since become embedded in British culture. Known as Red Nose Day, on account of the red noses sold as part of the appeal, over the years this has led to many classic comic moments, from The Young Ones singing Livin’ Doll with Cliff Richard, to Johnny Depp and Sting appearing in The Vicar Of Dibley, to Billy Connolly running naked through Trafalgar Square and Mr Bean infiltrating both Blind Date and a Torvill and Dean dance routine.
The BBC have launched this year’s appeal with a sketch featuring Alex Jones, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Gemma Collins, Dame Joan Collins, Jonathan Bailey, Nick Grimshaw, Rosie Jones and Simon Cowell, which you can see below:
Lenny Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis,...
Comic Relief launched in 1985 with a telethon that has since become embedded in British culture. Known as Red Nose Day, on account of the red noses sold as part of the appeal, over the years this has led to many classic comic moments, from The Young Ones singing Livin’ Doll with Cliff Richard, to Johnny Depp and Sting appearing in The Vicar Of Dibley, to Billy Connolly running naked through Trafalgar Square and Mr Bean infiltrating both Blind Date and a Torvill and Dean dance routine.
The BBC have launched this year’s appeal with a sketch featuring Alex Jones, Alison Hammond, Davina McCall, Gemma Collins, Dame Joan Collins, Jonathan Bailey, Nick Grimshaw, Rosie Jones and Simon Cowell, which you can see below:
Lenny Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief with Richard Curtis,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
With her thousand-watt smile and wild mane of curly hair, Julia Roberts has an effervescence that is unmatched. Roger Ebert once described her as "an actress with a winning way; we like her, feel protective toward her, want her to prevail." She has a natural luminosity that conjures an unforgettable and commanding on-screen presence. Roberts quickly rose to fame after her role in "Mystic Pizza" in 1988. Throughout the 1990s and into the millennium, she became one of the most celebrated female actors and a bona fide movie star.
While she is often associated with romantic comedies, Julia Roberts has also tackled many intense roles. She has earned four Academy Award nominations and won for "Erin Brockovich," which also established her as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. She became the first female actor to receive a $20 million paycheck for a film (via History.com). In her three-decade-long career, Roberts has emerged...
While she is often associated with romantic comedies, Julia Roberts has also tackled many intense roles. She has earned four Academy Award nominations and won for "Erin Brockovich," which also established her as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. She became the first female actor to receive a $20 million paycheck for a film (via History.com). In her three-decade-long career, Roberts has emerged...
- 2/1/2024
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
“Love Actually” sucks indeed, both as that horrendous film directed by Richard Curtis from 2003, and as a real life experience that barely any of us was spared of. In the case of Scud's drama from 2011, there is also a third, literal interpretation of the title that is very nicely explained in a wedding video screened right at the beginning of the film. The wedding celebration that goes terribly wrong is a place where all film's protagonists who will later on indulge in different types of relationships, are gathered. We recognize their faces one by one as the story unfolds.
Love Actually…Sucks! is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
A middle aged fitness instructor (John Tai) takes fancy at his much younger class participant who happens to be cruising at the same places as him. The young man does agree to pose model for the fitness trainer who turns...
Love Actually…Sucks! is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
A middle aged fitness instructor (John Tai) takes fancy at his much younger class participant who happens to be cruising at the same places as him. The young man does agree to pose model for the fitness trainer who turns...
- 1/31/2024
- by Marina D. Richter
- AsianMoviePulse
Lenny Henry is to present his final Comic Relief this year.
The comedian co-founded the charity with fabled director Richard Curtis in 1985 and has since hosted multiple BBC telethons and been involved closely with the organization.
He said it was time to see “new faces” at the helm but remains life president of Comic Relief – a telethon called Red Nose Day that takes place annually and features comedians, singers and actors trying to raise money for various charities.
“When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today,” said Henry, an actor, comedian and creative who recently launched a Banijay-backed indie, Esmerelda Productions. Recent acting credits include The Witcher and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, while he created ITV drama Three Little Birds.
“I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years,...
The comedian co-founded the charity with fabled director Richard Curtis in 1985 and has since hosted multiple BBC telethons and been involved closely with the organization.
He said it was time to see “new faces” at the helm but remains life president of Comic Relief – a telethon called Red Nose Day that takes place annually and features comedians, singers and actors trying to raise money for various charities.
“When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today,” said Henry, an actor, comedian and creative who recently launched a Banijay-backed indie, Esmerelda Productions. Recent acting credits include The Witcher and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, while he created ITV drama Three Little Birds.
“I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In honor of the Sundance Film Festival’s 40th Edition, The Hollywood Reporter is looking back at the reviews of some of the festival’s biggest premieres. Four Weddings and a Funeral premiered in Park City in 1994, going on to become a classic of the 90s rom-com oeuvre. THR’s original review is below:
Four Weddings and a Funeral, which premieres tonight as the kickoff to this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is a romantic comedy in the grand old style of top hats and champagne. Yet underneath its tony trappings and frothy topping, this Gramercy release is unfortunately layered with an inner unkindness and coated with a snide incivility that saps its overall merriment. Still, it should win some mixed applause among select-site audiences starved for romantic mirth in this block(buster)-headed age.
Chipper Charles (Hugh Grant) finds he’s best man in many a wedding but never the groom.
Four Weddings and a Funeral, which premieres tonight as the kickoff to this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is a romantic comedy in the grand old style of top hats and champagne. Yet underneath its tony trappings and frothy topping, this Gramercy release is unfortunately layered with an inner unkindness and coated with a snide incivility that saps its overall merriment. Still, it should win some mixed applause among select-site audiences starved for romantic mirth in this block(buster)-headed age.
Chipper Charles (Hugh Grant) finds he’s best man in many a wedding but never the groom.
- 1/19/2024
- by Duane Bygre
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
No nudes is good news, says Julia Roberts, who explained in an interview for her British Vogue cover debut why she avoids baring all on-camera.
The 56-year-old Roberts said to screenwriter Richard Curtis that she wants to champion other women who feel pressured to strip on camera.
“You know, not to be criticizing others’ choices, but for me to not take off my clothes in a movie or be vulnerable in physical ways is a choice that I guess I make for myself.”
It may be genetic. Roberts said she did her family tree with Finding Your Roots star Dr. Henry Gates and discovered, “I am DNA cousins with Gloria Steinem.”
She also revealed that she didn’t want to strip off for the sake of her children.
“You know, it’s not really what I do. So if you are going ask me to do it, you have to...
The 56-year-old Roberts said to screenwriter Richard Curtis that she wants to champion other women who feel pressured to strip on camera.
“You know, not to be criticizing others’ choices, but for me to not take off my clothes in a movie or be vulnerable in physical ways is a choice that I guess I make for myself.”
It may be genetic. Roberts said she did her family tree with Finding Your Roots star Dr. Henry Gates and discovered, “I am DNA cousins with Gloria Steinem.”
She also revealed that she didn’t want to strip off for the sake of her children.
“You know, it’s not really what I do. So if you are going ask me to do it, you have to...
- 1/12/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Roberts almost stayed on this side of the pond before starring in Notting Hill.
In a recent cover interview with the film’s screenwriter Richard Curtis for British Vogue, the Oscar-winning actress admitted she almost turned down the role of Anna Scott in the rom-com because she was “uncomfortable” with the part.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was your movie, playing a movie actress,” she told the writer. “I was so uncomfortable! I mean, we’ve talked about this so many times, but I almost didn’t take the part because it just seemed… oh, it just seemed so awkward. I didn’t even know how to play that person.”
The actress also revealed she “loathed” her costume in the film because she didn’t like having to dress like a movie star. The morning they shot the film’s iconic “I’m also just a girl,...
In a recent cover interview with the film’s screenwriter Richard Curtis for British Vogue, the Oscar-winning actress admitted she almost turned down the role of Anna Scott in the rom-com because she was “uncomfortable” with the part.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was your movie, playing a movie actress,” she told the writer. “I was so uncomfortable! I mean, we’ve talked about this so many times, but I almost didn’t take the part because it just seemed… oh, it just seemed so awkward. I didn’t even know how to play that person.”
The actress also revealed she “loathed” her costume in the film because she didn’t like having to dress like a movie star. The morning they shot the film’s iconic “I’m also just a girl,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Julia Roberts was interviewed for a Vogue U.K. fashion spread by her “Notting Hill” director Richard Curtis, who asked the Oscar winner if she feels “responsibility to other women” when choosing her movie roles as an A-list star for well over three decades.
“Do you ever think, ‘I’m representing something?'” Curtis asked Roberts.
“I think it would be more to the point that the things I choose not to do are representative of me,” Roberts answered, noting that “my G-rated career” is an example.
“You know, not to be criticizing others’ choices, but for me to not take off my clothes in a movie or be vulnerable in physical ways is a choice that I guess I make for myself,” Roberts said about how she’s chosen to represent herself. “But in effect, I’m choosing not to do something as opposed to choosing to do something.
“Do you ever think, ‘I’m representing something?'” Curtis asked Roberts.
“I think it would be more to the point that the things I choose not to do are representative of me,” Roberts answered, noting that “my G-rated career” is an example.
“You know, not to be criticizing others’ choices, but for me to not take off my clothes in a movie or be vulnerable in physical ways is a choice that I guess I make for myself,” Roberts said about how she’s chosen to represent herself. “But in effect, I’m choosing not to do something as opposed to choosing to do something.
- 1/11/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
A 'Love Actually' sequel could finally be in development.Bosses at Universal Pictures have filed paperwork protecting the name in the strongest clue yet that a follow-up to the 2003 Christmas rom-com is in the pipeline.The paperwork, filed by the film company last month, covers: "Entertainment services in the nature of a film series, television series, short form entertainment content, videos and podcasts in the field of news, sports, comedy, drama, music and variety content."It was reported last year that director Richard Curtis had started work on a sequel with Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson keen to reprise their roles as Prime Minister David and grieving father Daniel respectively.Richard explained that a sequel to the movie – which explores love stories among characters who are all connected in some way – would have to make changes to reflect modern society.Speaking in a recent documentary, the 67-year-old filmmaker said: "Thank God,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Tony Robinson’s much loved 1990s Cbbc sitcom Maid Marian And Her Merry Men is heading to the stage this year, here are the details.
Though Tony Robinson is best known as dim-witted servant Baldrick alongside Rowan Atkinson across several iterations of Blackadder, to a certain generation he is creator, writer as well as playing the role of the Sherrif of Nottingham in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. A classic show, which ran for four series on the BBC from 1989 to 1994.
For kids TV trivia fans, it is thanks to Maid Marian that Russell T Davies got his start in writing television drama.
Funding and studio time was booked for Maid Marian in 1991, but it was put on hiatus. Davies submitted his script for children’s sci-fi serial Dark Season to both the Head of Cbbc and to Granada. Both were interested, but Cbbc’s offer was better, Maid...
Though Tony Robinson is best known as dim-witted servant Baldrick alongside Rowan Atkinson across several iterations of Blackadder, to a certain generation he is creator, writer as well as playing the role of the Sherrif of Nottingham in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. A classic show, which ran for four series on the BBC from 1989 to 1994.
For kids TV trivia fans, it is thanks to Maid Marian that Russell T Davies got his start in writing television drama.
Funding and studio time was booked for Maid Marian in 1991, but it was put on hiatus. Davies submitted his script for children’s sci-fi serial Dark Season to both the Head of Cbbc and to Granada. Both were interested, but Cbbc’s offer was better, Maid...
- 1/9/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The animated version of Rowan Atkinson’s silent slapstick sitcom Mr Bean is to return to television for a fourth series in 2025.
Mr Bean must be one of the most well known comedy characters on the planet. Relying entirely on Rowan Atkinson’s rubber face, slapstick and visual humour, Atkinson first wrote the show with Richard Curtis and Robin Driscoll almost 35 years ago.
Premiering in 1990, Mr Bean ran for just 15 episodes, with stories typically following a formula of the hapless title character trying to accomplish a seemingly simple task and escalating it to farcical levels. Memorable moments include a dangerous diving experience, putting his swimming trunks on without removing his trousers and, perhaps the most iconic sequence from the entire series – getting a turkey stuck on his head. In 1997, the character went to America in the feature film Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie, which was directed by the much missed comedian Mel Smith.
Mr Bean must be one of the most well known comedy characters on the planet. Relying entirely on Rowan Atkinson’s rubber face, slapstick and visual humour, Atkinson first wrote the show with Richard Curtis and Robin Driscoll almost 35 years ago.
Premiering in 1990, Mr Bean ran for just 15 episodes, with stories typically following a formula of the hapless title character trying to accomplish a seemingly simple task and escalating it to farcical levels. Memorable moments include a dangerous diving experience, putting his swimming trunks on without removing his trousers and, perhaps the most iconic sequence from the entire series – getting a turkey stuck on his head. In 1997, the character went to America in the feature film Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie, which was directed by the much missed comedian Mel Smith.
- 1/4/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
A fourth season of “Mr. Bean: The Animated Series” is set to return worldwide in 2025.
Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Kids & Family has commissioned the series in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Itvx, via deals agreed by Banijay Rights.
Executive produced and voiced by Rowan Atkinson, Season 4 will comprise 52 x 11’ episodes, bringing the total number of episodes across all series to 182 x 11-minutes. It will air on Cartoonito and HBO Max across Europe, the Middle East and Africa on Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids channels and streaming services across Southeast Asia and South Asia, and on Itvx Kids in the U.K. and Ireland from 2025, which marks the 35th anniversary of the first live-action episode.
The animation follows the antics of Mr. Bean and Teddy, as they embark on a series of adventures, making plenty of mischief along the way. Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, managing director Tom Beattie is also an executive producer.
Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Kids & Family has commissioned the series in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Itvx, via deals agreed by Banijay Rights.
Executive produced and voiced by Rowan Atkinson, Season 4 will comprise 52 x 11’ episodes, bringing the total number of episodes across all series to 182 x 11-minutes. It will air on Cartoonito and HBO Max across Europe, the Middle East and Africa on Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids channels and streaming services across Southeast Asia and South Asia, and on Itvx Kids in the U.K. and Ireland from 2025, which marks the 35th anniversary of the first live-action episode.
The animation follows the antics of Mr. Bean and Teddy, as they embark on a series of adventures, making plenty of mischief along the way. Produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, managing director Tom Beattie is also an executive producer.
- 1/4/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Considering his hilarious multiple Emmy-winning work on Schitt’s Creek, this markedly different feature filmmaking debut as writer-director-producer and star from Daniel Levy is a revelation — and a welcome one. The appropriately titled Good Grief explores exactly what that name implies, as Levy uses his own experience as an impetus to paint a larger picture of love, loss and grief in all its complexity. But at its heart, this impressive if sometimes tonally dicey story is also about the complications — and importance — of friendship in a scenario that revolves around a trio of BFFs who take a life-changing trip to Paris and get more than they each bargained for.
The opening sets the stage, as we meet Marc (Levy) at a holiday party in the spacious and impressive London apartment, where his flamboyant and successful filmmaker husband Oliver (Luke Evans) is sucking up all the energy.
Marc is an artist (his poignant paintings that play a part in the film’s finale are by Kris Knight) but clearly lives in the shadow of his more famous partner. But it seems to be a life they both love.
In the crowd are Marc’s good friends, the vivacious and lively Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), the latter once a romantic interest for Marc before their breakup and his subsequent relationship and marriage to Oliver. However, tragedy rears its head, as Oliver heads out from the party to grab a cab to the airport and dies in a head-on collision before leaving the street.
The grieving process begins but doesn’t end with the emotional funeral for Oliver, and it all comes to a crescendo a year later and in another holiday season, where friends Sophie and Thomas convince Marc it is time to move on, and one way to do it is to finally read the card Oliver had left him for him as he took off that fateful evening.
In it is far more than he ever bargained for, and to say it provides complications is an understatement. Those only pile up when Marc and Oliver’s lawyer Imelda (Celia Imrie – wonderful) reveals Oliver had a lavish Paris apartment, the existence of which he never shared with his husband. “I guess now is not the time to talk about your will,” she deadpans.
Joined by his two best friends for what they think will be finally a snapping-back-to-life for Marc, the trio heads off for a fun few days to Paris, but unbeknownst to them, Marc is privately on a mission to discover the answer to all the secrets left behind by Oliver, with whom he apparently had an open marriage, a plot point tossed in and given oddly short shrift in Levy’s script.
Although this offers plenty of melodramatic opportunities for Levy, he fortunately resists laying on the soapy elements. It really is just as much a chance to focus on three individuals whose own problems hit the boiling point in different ways that not only reveal truths for each, but also their longtime connection to each other. The balancing act in a movie that is largely about the process and the price of grief is formidable for the debuting filmmaker, who is better known for his comedic chops. But it is just promising enough to make us look forward to where he goes next. The guy is a quadruple threat and an assured talent.
Levy’s ability for directing actors and giving them juicy roles is evident immediately with choice turns by both Negga, sensational as the freewheeling and fun Sophie, and Patel, who is completely believable as he winds himself up in a frenzy at the individual and unexpected actions of his buddies.
It is also a credit to Levy, who lets both of these exceptional actors steal all the scenes they are in. Even though Levy’s Marc is at the center of this, he is somewhat weighed down, having to first play so much grief, and then the complex reaction to the dark situation Oliver has handed him in death.
There are others in the mix as well including Arnaud Valois as Theo, a brief attraction for Marc in Paris that turns into an opportunity to escape the hold Oliver still has on him, and Medhi Baki as Luca, a mystery man with a key to answering some of the unanswered questions.
Emma Corrin also turns up briefly as a performance artist, as does Kaitlyn Dever. But neither has much to do. Evans hits all the right notes as Oliver, even if his presence in the story is felt more offscreen after his character’s early demise.
Paris has never looked more inviting than it does here with Ole Bratt Birkeland’s sumptuous cinematography. The handsome production design of both the London and Paris apartments is perfectly handled by Alice Normington, as are the flashy fashions of costume designer Julian Day. A big shoutout to Rob Simonsen’s music score, and the soundtrack delivered by music supervisor Season Kent, with some terrific songs from the likes Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and especially Neil Young’s haunting evergreen “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.”
Producers are Levy, Megan Zehmer, Debra Hayward and Kate Fenske. Executive producers are Stacey Snider and Caroline Levy.
Title: Good Grief
Distributor: Netflix
Release Date: December 29, 2023 in select theatres; January 5 streaming
Director-screenwriter: Daniel Levy
Cast: Daniel Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, Luke Evans, Celia Imrie, Arnaud Valois, Emma Corrin, Kaitlyn Dever, David Bradley, Medhi Baki
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 40 min...
The opening sets the stage, as we meet Marc (Levy) at a holiday party in the spacious and impressive London apartment, where his flamboyant and successful filmmaker husband Oliver (Luke Evans) is sucking up all the energy.
Marc is an artist (his poignant paintings that play a part in the film’s finale are by Kris Knight) but clearly lives in the shadow of his more famous partner. But it seems to be a life they both love.
In the crowd are Marc’s good friends, the vivacious and lively Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel), the latter once a romantic interest for Marc before their breakup and his subsequent relationship and marriage to Oliver. However, tragedy rears its head, as Oliver heads out from the party to grab a cab to the airport and dies in a head-on collision before leaving the street.
The grieving process begins but doesn’t end with the emotional funeral for Oliver, and it all comes to a crescendo a year later and in another holiday season, where friends Sophie and Thomas convince Marc it is time to move on, and one way to do it is to finally read the card Oliver had left him for him as he took off that fateful evening.
In it is far more than he ever bargained for, and to say it provides complications is an understatement. Those only pile up when Marc and Oliver’s lawyer Imelda (Celia Imrie – wonderful) reveals Oliver had a lavish Paris apartment, the existence of which he never shared with his husband. “I guess now is not the time to talk about your will,” she deadpans.
Joined by his two best friends for what they think will be finally a snapping-back-to-life for Marc, the trio heads off for a fun few days to Paris, but unbeknownst to them, Marc is privately on a mission to discover the answer to all the secrets left behind by Oliver, with whom he apparently had an open marriage, a plot point tossed in and given oddly short shrift in Levy’s script.
Although this offers plenty of melodramatic opportunities for Levy, he fortunately resists laying on the soapy elements. It really is just as much a chance to focus on three individuals whose own problems hit the boiling point in different ways that not only reveal truths for each, but also their longtime connection to each other. The balancing act in a movie that is largely about the process and the price of grief is formidable for the debuting filmmaker, who is better known for his comedic chops. But it is just promising enough to make us look forward to where he goes next. The guy is a quadruple threat and an assured talent.
Levy’s ability for directing actors and giving them juicy roles is evident immediately with choice turns by both Negga, sensational as the freewheeling and fun Sophie, and Patel, who is completely believable as he winds himself up in a frenzy at the individual and unexpected actions of his buddies.
It is also a credit to Levy, who lets both of these exceptional actors steal all the scenes they are in. Even though Levy’s Marc is at the center of this, he is somewhat weighed down, having to first play so much grief, and then the complex reaction to the dark situation Oliver has handed him in death.
There are others in the mix as well including Arnaud Valois as Theo, a brief attraction for Marc in Paris that turns into an opportunity to escape the hold Oliver still has on him, and Medhi Baki as Luca, a mystery man with a key to answering some of the unanswered questions.
Emma Corrin also turns up briefly as a performance artist, as does Kaitlyn Dever. But neither has much to do. Evans hits all the right notes as Oliver, even if his presence in the story is felt more offscreen after his character’s early demise.
Paris has never looked more inviting than it does here with Ole Bratt Birkeland’s sumptuous cinematography. The handsome production design of both the London and Paris apartments is perfectly handled by Alice Normington, as are the flashy fashions of costume designer Julian Day. A big shoutout to Rob Simonsen’s music score, and the soundtrack delivered by music supervisor Season Kent, with some terrific songs from the likes Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and especially Neil Young’s haunting evergreen “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.”
Producers are Levy, Megan Zehmer, Debra Hayward and Kate Fenske. Executive producers are Stacey Snider and Caroline Levy.
Title: Good Grief
Distributor: Netflix
Release Date: December 29, 2023 in select theatres; January 5 streaming
Director-screenwriter: Daniel Levy
Cast: Daniel Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel, Luke Evans, Celia Imrie, Arnaud Valois, Emma Corrin, Kaitlyn Dever, David Bradley, Medhi Baki
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 40 min...
- 12/29/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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