After months of speculation, the critical book has finally been opened on Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. The word? Largely positive, with some very high highs, and inevitably a few low lows.
Below, we run through some of the early reactions.
Deadline’s Damon Wise praised the movie, calling it a “mad modern masterwork that reinvents the possibilities of cinema”. He said the film is “something of a mess; unruly, exaggerated and drawn to pretension like a moth to a flame. It is also, however, a pretty stunning achievement, the work of a master artist who has taken to Imax like Caravaggio to canvas. It is a true modern masterwork of the kind that outrages with its sheer audacity.”
He continued: “Halfway through, there’s a very audacious gimmick that tears down the fourth wall in ways younger filmmakers can only dream of. Coppola breaks many of the cardinal rules...
Below, we run through some of the early reactions.
Deadline’s Damon Wise praised the movie, calling it a “mad modern masterwork that reinvents the possibilities of cinema”. He said the film is “something of a mess; unruly, exaggerated and drawn to pretension like a moth to a flame. It is also, however, a pretty stunning achievement, the work of a master artist who has taken to Imax like Caravaggio to canvas. It is a true modern masterwork of the kind that outrages with its sheer audacity.”
He continued: “Halfway through, there’s a very audacious gimmick that tears down the fourth wall in ways younger filmmakers can only dream of. Coppola breaks many of the cardinal rules...
- 5/16/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Screen International can reveal the critics participating in this year’s jury grid at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25).
Joining Screen’s reviewing team will be critics from 11 international outlets to give their verdict on the 22 films in Competition this year for the Palme d’Or.
This year’s critics are all returners to the jury grid with the exception of Nt Binh who replaces Michel Ciment for France’s Positif. Ciment passed away in November last year at 85 and was a long-time contributor to the jury grid.
The selection also includes Justin Chang for The New Yorker who...
Joining Screen’s reviewing team will be critics from 11 international outlets to give their verdict on the 22 films in Competition this year for the Palme d’Or.
This year’s critics are all returners to the jury grid with the exception of Nt Binh who replaces Michel Ciment for France’s Positif. Ciment passed away in November last year at 85 and was a long-time contributor to the jury grid.
The selection also includes Justin Chang for The New Yorker who...
- 5/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jeffrey Wright is a well-respected character actor with a slew of awards on his mantle. However, despite his more-than-stellar career, this lauded thespian has yet to reap an Oscar nomination. That could be about to change, however, with his new Amazon/MGM release “American Fiction,” which is out in theaters in the US on December 15.
Cord Jefferson adapted Percival Everett’s comic novel “Erasure” for his feature film directorial debut. Wright plays Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English literature professor whose lampooning of another Black writer’s success turns into an unexpected success. The film is a biting social satire with Wright’s witty, intelligent performance at the heart of it.
Lovia Gyarke (The Hollywood Reporter) explained: “Wright plays Monk, a figure so absorbed in how the world perceives him that he forgets to see what’s right in front of him, with an understated tenderness. The actor adds a subtle...
Cord Jefferson adapted Percival Everett’s comic novel “Erasure” for his feature film directorial debut. Wright plays Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English literature professor whose lampooning of another Black writer’s success turns into an unexpected success. The film is a biting social satire with Wright’s witty, intelligent performance at the heart of it.
Lovia Gyarke (The Hollywood Reporter) explained: “Wright plays Monk, a figure so absorbed in how the world perceives him that he forgets to see what’s right in front of him, with an understated tenderness. The actor adds a subtle...
- 11/21/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
AMC and Cinemark Theatres launched “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” on October 13, giving fans an up-close look at the singer-songwriter in a concert film directed by Sam Wrench. The movie documents the superstar’s 2023-24 concert tour where she celebrates her entire discography. Swift struck an unprecedented distribution agreement with AMC Theatres and Cinemark Theatres.
The film’s premiere shut down the streets surrounding The Grove in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, and the guest list included Beyoncé, who will launch her own concert film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” on December 1. Critics are heaping praise on Swift’s documentary, which holds a perfect 100% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Read our full review round-up below.
See Taylor Swift’s Eras tour movie premieres with an appearance by Beyonce
Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter writes, “What a concert it is — and what an experience it makes, even in the relatively...
The film’s premiere shut down the streets surrounding The Grove in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, and the guest list included Beyoncé, who will launch her own concert film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” on December 1. Critics are heaping praise on Swift’s documentary, which holds a perfect 100% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Read our full review round-up below.
See Taylor Swift’s Eras tour movie premieres with an appearance by Beyonce
Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter writes, “What a concert it is — and what an experience it makes, even in the relatively...
- 10/13/2023
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
A record 102 reviews were published in the festival’s 12 days.
With its review of the closing film, Elemental, Screen International marks the second year in which it has reviewed every title in selection at Cannes during the festival itself — from Official Selection - Competition, Un Certain Regard, Special Screenings, Out of Competition and midnight - to Quinzaine and Critics Week.
That makes a record 102 reviews published in the festival’s 12 days from a team of highly experienced and professional trade critics.
Led by executive editor, reviews, Fionnuala Halligan and deputy reviews editor Nikki Baughan Screen’s critics team at Cannes also included Wendy Ide,...
With its review of the closing film, Elemental, Screen International marks the second year in which it has reviewed every title in selection at Cannes during the festival itself — from Official Selection - Competition, Un Certain Regard, Special Screenings, Out of Competition and midnight - to Quinzaine and Critics Week.
That makes a record 102 reviews published in the festival’s 12 days from a team of highly experienced and professional trade critics.
Led by executive editor, reviews, Fionnuala Halligan and deputy reviews editor Nikki Baughan Screen’s critics team at Cannes also included Wendy Ide,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
A record 102 reviews were published in the festival’s 12 days.
With its review of the closing film, Elemental, Screen International marks the second year in which it has reviewed every title in selection at Cannes during the festival itself — from Official Selection - Competition, Un Certain Regard, Special Screenings, Out of Competition and midnight - to Quinzaine and Critics Week.
That makes a record 102 reviews published in the festival’s 12 days from a team of highly experienced and professional trade critics.
Led by executive editor, reviews, Fionnuala Halligan and deputy reviews editor Nikki Baughan Screen’s critics team at Cannes also included Wendy Ide,...
With its review of the closing film, Elemental, Screen International marks the second year in which it has reviewed every title in selection at Cannes during the festival itself — from Official Selection - Competition, Un Certain Regard, Special Screenings, Out of Competition and midnight - to Quinzaine and Critics Week.
That makes a record 102 reviews published in the festival’s 12 days from a team of highly experienced and professional trade critics.
Led by executive editor, reviews, Fionnuala Halligan and deputy reviews editor Nikki Baughan Screen’s critics team at Cannes also included Wendy Ide,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Emmy contender “Reality” (minimally) dramatizes Reality Winner’s arrest and interrogation by the FBI. The Nsa-linguist-turned-whistleblower received a record-long sentence, five years and three months, for stealing and disseminating classified documents related to Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Tina Satter’s verbatim stage adaptation of the FBI transcript, the curiously (un)punctuated “Is This A Room,” sought to restore some of the agency that was taken from Winner when statements she had made prior to being formally arrested were levied against her in court. Jessica Kiang (Variety) argues just as much, writing that the framework “proves that sometimes what you say can be used for you too.” The play’s filmed rendition, also directed by Satter, got positive write-ups and unanimous praise for lead Sydney Sweeney after premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, where HBO purchased it for an undisclosed price. What had been hyped as a big-screen...
Tina Satter’s verbatim stage adaptation of the FBI transcript, the curiously (un)punctuated “Is This A Room,” sought to restore some of the agency that was taken from Winner when statements she had made prior to being formally arrested were levied against her in court. Jessica Kiang (Variety) argues just as much, writing that the framework “proves that sometimes what you say can be used for you too.” The play’s filmed rendition, also directed by Satter, got positive write-ups and unanimous praise for lead Sydney Sweeney after premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, where HBO purchased it for an undisclosed price. What had been hyped as a big-screen...
- 5/30/2023
- by Ronald Meyer
- Gold Derby
Critics this year include LA Times’ Justin Chang, Die Zeit’s Katja Nicodemus, and Positif’s Michel Ciment.
Screen International has revealed its critics for the jury grid that will run throughout the 2023 Cannes Film Festival (May 16-27).
Joining Screen’s reviewing team will be critics from 11 international outlets to give their verdict on the 21 films in Competition this year for the Palme d’Or.
The results will be published in Screen’s Cannes daily magazines and for the first time the grid will also be updated live on screendaily.com.
Egyptian critic Ahmed Shawky joins the Screen jury critics...
Screen International has revealed its critics for the jury grid that will run throughout the 2023 Cannes Film Festival (May 16-27).
Joining Screen’s reviewing team will be critics from 11 international outlets to give their verdict on the 21 films in Competition this year for the Palme d’Or.
The results will be published in Screen’s Cannes daily magazines and for the first time the grid will also be updated live on screendaily.com.
Egyptian critic Ahmed Shawky joins the Screen jury critics...
- 5/16/2023
- by ¬Ella Gauci
- ScreenDaily
Joseph Williams was eight years old when his father John earned his first Academy Award nomination for scoring the sudsy big-screen adaptation of Jacqueline Susann's "Valley of the Dolls." Yes, the legendary composer whose music would whisk moviegoers off to a galaxy far, far away, and make us believe a man could fly once flung us into the ugly, pill-popping drudgery of 1960s Hollywood.
John Williams was the son of jazz drummer Johnny Williams, so music has always coursed through the blood of this brood. But while John could occasionally knock out a magnificently jazzy score, he didn't become the Max Steiner of his era until he delivered the nerve-jangling, two-note motif for Steven Spielberg's "Jaws." Almost 50 years later, he is the most beloved scorer of the post-New Hollywood era. He's practically a rock star. Wherever he conducts an orchestra, there will be a roaring, sold-out crowd.
Joseph...
John Williams was the son of jazz drummer Johnny Williams, so music has always coursed through the blood of this brood. But while John could occasionally knock out a magnificently jazzy score, he didn't become the Max Steiner of his era until he delivered the nerve-jangling, two-note motif for Steven Spielberg's "Jaws." Almost 50 years later, he is the most beloved scorer of the post-New Hollywood era. He's practically a rock star. Wherever he conducts an orchestra, there will be a roaring, sold-out crowd.
Joseph...
- 5/7/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Ari Aster’s first two films, 2018’s “Hereditary” and 2019’s “Midsommar,” cultivated the young director enough cachet for A24 to hand him a blank check for “Beau is Afraid,” his “Jewish ‘Lord of the Rings’” about the psychological horror of visiting your mother. The three-hour horror-comedy epic is the indie studio’s most expensive movie to date. Starring Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix as the stunted and anxiety-ridden Beau of the title, the movie defies easy categorization and is, expectedly, inspiring awe and disgust in nearly equal measure – often within individual viewers.
Beau lives in an urban hellscape that approximates what “New York City looked like in the mind of Travis Bickle and Bernhard Goetz” and is in a persistent state of waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it finally does, it’s a chandelier on top of his mother’s head (it wouldn’t be an Aster film...
Beau lives in an urban hellscape that approximates what “New York City looked like in the mind of Travis Bickle and Bernhard Goetz” and is in a persistent state of waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it finally does, it’s a chandelier on top of his mother’s head (it wouldn’t be an Aster film...
- 4/14/2023
- by Ronald Meyer
- Gold Derby
2023 Sundance Film Festival: Early highlights include ‘Fairyland,’ ‘Magazine Dreams,’ ‘Past Lives’ …
The first week of the Sundance Film Festival is drawing mixed-to-positive reactions, but several performers have garnered unanimous praise. Jonathan Majors made a big splash in Elijah Bynum’s “Magazine Dreams.” He stars as Killian Maddox, an obsessive bodybuilder who takes care of his Vietnam vet grandfather (Harrison Page) and pursues a relationship with a store clerk (Hayley Bennett) while trying to become a celebrity. The film, which is being compared to Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver,” looked noteworthy heading into the festival and is reportedly just as intense as early buzz had promised. Even critics who have expressed skepticism regarding the film’s third act are in awe of Majors’ committed work.
Kate Erbland of IndieWire writes, “As mistakes and missteps and pain continues to pile on to Killian, Majors turns an already wonderfully empathetic and deeply touching performance into something much more brutal, something explosive, something truly shocking.
Kate Erbland of IndieWire writes, “As mistakes and missteps and pain continues to pile on to Killian, Majors turns an already wonderfully empathetic and deeply touching performance into something much more brutal, something explosive, something truly shocking.
- 1/29/2023
- by Ronald Meyer
- Gold Derby
Long-time chief critic and reviews editor will also roll out the trade magazine’s new talent programme.
Screen International has promoted Fionnuala Halligan to executive editor, reviews and new talent, formalising the responsibility for developing its new talent ‘Stars’ programme globally alongside her long-term roles as chief film critic and reviews editor.
Halligan, whose association with Screen dates to the late 1990s, will take up the position immediately.
Joining her as deputy reviews editor is Nikki Baughan, who has worked with Screen International as contributing editor since 2016.
Halligan has been building Screen’s reviews desk for the last seven years,...
Screen International has promoted Fionnuala Halligan to executive editor, reviews and new talent, formalising the responsibility for developing its new talent ‘Stars’ programme globally alongside her long-term roles as chief film critic and reviews editor.
Halligan, whose association with Screen dates to the late 1990s, will take up the position immediately.
Joining her as deputy reviews editor is Nikki Baughan, who has worked with Screen International as contributing editor since 2016.
Halligan has been building Screen’s reviews desk for the last seven years,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Critics reviewing for 10 international outlets will join Screen’s own reviewing team to give their verdicts on each of the 21 films in Competition.
Screen International has revealed its critics for the jury grid that will run throughout the 2022 Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28).
Critics reviewing for 10 international outlets will join Screen’s own reviewing team to give their verdicts on each of the 21 films in Competition for the Palme d’Or this year.
This year Screen’s long-term Russian contributor to the jury, Anton Dolin, will be joined by his Ukrainian counterpart, Nataliia Serebriakova. Both have had to leave their...
Screen International has revealed its critics for the jury grid that will run throughout the 2022 Cannes Film Festival (May 17-28).
Critics reviewing for 10 international outlets will join Screen’s own reviewing team to give their verdicts on each of the 21 films in Competition for the Palme d’Or this year.
This year Screen’s long-term Russian contributor to the jury, Anton Dolin, will be joined by his Ukrainian counterpart, Nataliia Serebriakova. Both have had to leave their...
- 5/12/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The Santa Barbara Film Festival unveiled winners for its 37th edition on Saturday morning, bestowing its Audience Choice award to the Irish-language film Róise and Frank.
Juried winners at this year’s festival include Jon-Sesrie Goff’s After Sherman as Best Documentary, and Shawkat Amin Korki’s The Exam (Ezmûn) winning the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for best international feature film.
Róise and Frank (Mo ghrá buan), directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, centers on Róise (Brid Ni Neachtain), a widow in mourning who befriends a dog who just might be her late husband reincarnated. The pic earlier this week screened at the Dublin Film Festival where it won the Best Ensemble award.
Overall, this year’s in-person festival attracted 200 films from 54 countries along with its usual A-list of panel galas celebrating the year’s best in film – a traditional stop on the awards circuit. This year included Q...
Juried winners at this year’s festival include Jon-Sesrie Goff’s After Sherman as Best Documentary, and Shawkat Amin Korki’s The Exam (Ezmûn) winning the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for best international feature film.
Róise and Frank (Mo ghrá buan), directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, centers on Róise (Brid Ni Neachtain), a widow in mourning who befriends a dog who just might be her late husband reincarnated. The pic earlier this week screened at the Dublin Film Festival where it won the Best Ensemble award.
Overall, this year’s in-person festival attracted 200 films from 54 countries along with its usual A-list of panel galas celebrating the year’s best in film – a traditional stop on the awards circuit. This year included Q...
- 3/12/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The real novelty of Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ninth feature, may have much less to do with the film’s locale and plot than its tone. Set in 1973 in the San Fernando Valley of the director’s childhood, the film chronicles the unlikely friendship-cum-maybe-romance between fifteen-year-old child actor and precocious entrepreneur Gary and a young woman ten years his senior, Alana. Sprawling and laid-back, replete with narrative cul-de-sacs, cameos, and oddball tangents, Licorice Pizza marks an abrupt rupture from the austere formalism of some of Anderson’s other works—think The Master or the more recent Phantom Thread. As Richard Lawson argues at Vanity Fair, "Over his brilliant, wandering career, Anderson has shown us plenty of scuzz and grime, alongside flashes of kinetic verve and primordial howl. But Licorice Pizza is, by some measure, his most deliberately pleasant film to date. It’s a lively, messy coming-of-age story...
- 12/16/2021
- MUBI
Cinema Retro has received the following press release from Paramount Home Video:
Hollywood, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” (Tim Grierson, Screen International) thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of the new film as he details the cast and crew’s incredible work in a video Director’s Diary...
Hollywood, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” (Tim Grierson, Screen International) thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of the new film as he details the cast and crew’s incredible work in a video Director’s Diary...
- 7/31/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
David Ayer has made no secret of his dislike for “Suicide Squad,” the 2016 film he directed that was released to lots of money but not-so-super reviews. But the upcoming release of James Gunn’s sequel/soft reboot, “The Suicide Squad,” has revived criticism of the original film — and, for some reason, him. And as a result, he’s made his longest public statement yet about it.
In short, he unambiguously disavowed “Suicide Squad” as “not my movie.”
On Wednesday night, film critic Tim Grierson randomly tweeted “Many times while watching the new movie, I thought, ‘Yeah, David Ayer should just abandon the idea of that director’s cut.'” Grierson was referring to Ayer’s public statements in 2020 asking Warner Bros. and then-parent company AT&T to release his original version of the film, which he called a “Soulful drama” that was “beaten into a ‘comedy.'”
Ayer responded to Grierson...
In short, he unambiguously disavowed “Suicide Squad” as “not my movie.”
On Wednesday night, film critic Tim Grierson randomly tweeted “Many times while watching the new movie, I thought, ‘Yeah, David Ayer should just abandon the idea of that director’s cut.'” Grierson was referring to Ayer’s public statements in 2020 asking Warner Bros. and then-parent company AT&T to release his original version of the film, which he called a “Soulful drama” that was “beaten into a ‘comedy.'”
Ayer responded to Grierson...
- 7/29/2021
- by Alex Noble
- The Wrap
Following a tweet by film journalist Tim Grierson about loving James Gunn‘s “The Suicide Squad” and suggesting that director “David Ayer should just abandon the idea of [his] director’s cut,” Ayer, the director of 2016’s “Suicide Squad” — the film Grierson is specifically addressing — Ayer posted a lengthy rebuttal on Twitter once again disavowing the theatrical cut of that film, because it wasn’t his cut.
Continue reading David Ayer Blasts The Theatrical ‘Suicide Squad’ Again: “The Studio Cut Is Not My Movie” at The Playlist.
Continue reading David Ayer Blasts The Theatrical ‘Suicide Squad’ Again: “The Studio Cut Is Not My Movie” at The Playlist.
- 7/29/2021
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Suicide Squad director David Ayer has taken to Twitter to give his perspective on the 2016 Warner Bros. feature, responding at the same time to those who continue to criticize it.
In a three-page letter posted to his account Thursday, titled “My Turn,” Ayer disavowed the studio’s cut of the film as well as a “10 week director’s cut,” saying that he can’t take credit for either.
“The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again,” he wrote. “And my cut is not the 10 week director’s cut – It’s a fully mature edit by Lee Smith standing on the incredibly [sic] work by John Gilroy. It’s all Steven Price’s brilliant score, with not a single radio song in the whole thing. It has traditional character arcs, amazing performances, a solid 3rd Act resolution.”
Ayer shared that “a handful of people” have seen his cut of the film,...
In a three-page letter posted to his account Thursday, titled “My Turn,” Ayer disavowed the studio’s cut of the film as well as a “10 week director’s cut,” saying that he can’t take credit for either.
“The studio cut is not my movie. Read that again,” he wrote. “And my cut is not the 10 week director’s cut – It’s a fully mature edit by Lee Smith standing on the incredibly [sic] work by John Gilroy. It’s all Steven Price’s brilliant score, with not a single radio song in the whole thing. It has traditional character arcs, amazing performances, a solid 3rd Act resolution.”
Ayer shared that “a handful of people” have seen his cut of the film,...
- 7/29/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Justin Kurzel’s Nitram left an indelible impression on critics following its premiere at Cannes Film Festival on Friday, with many singling out the film’s tone and performances for praise.
The pre-Port Arthur massacre portrait of perpetrator Martin Bryant – who is not named in the film – is the first Australian feature to screen in competition at the French festival since Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty in 2011. In the same year, Kurzel’s debut Snowtown, about a series of murders committed in Adelaide between 1992-1999, screened in Critic’s Week.
Like Snowtown, Nitram is also based on true events and penned by Shaun Grant. However, the reviews that followed last week’s screening drew only broad stroke comparisons between the two films while commending Kurzel for his storytelling choices.
Writing for Variety, Jessica Kiang described Nitram as “ostensibly similar” to Snowtown, but noted the former represented “a far more mature...
The pre-Port Arthur massacre portrait of perpetrator Martin Bryant – who is not named in the film – is the first Australian feature to screen in competition at the French festival since Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty in 2011. In the same year, Kurzel’s debut Snowtown, about a series of murders committed in Adelaide between 1992-1999, screened in Critic’s Week.
Like Snowtown, Nitram is also based on true events and penned by Shaun Grant. However, the reviews that followed last week’s screening drew only broad stroke comparisons between the two films while commending Kurzel for his storytelling choices.
Writing for Variety, Jessica Kiang described Nitram as “ostensibly similar” to Snowtown, but noted the former represented “a far more mature...
- 7/19/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
With today's release of A Quiet Place Part II to digital services, we're giving away prize packs to three lucky Daily Dead readers!
---------
Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Prize Pack for A Quiet Place Part II (pictured below), including a digital copy of the movie and branded merchandise.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “A Quiet Place Part II Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on July 20th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age...
---------
Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Prize Pack for A Quiet Place Part II (pictured below), including a digital copy of the movie and branded merchandise.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “A Quiet Place Part II Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on July 20th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age...
- 7/13/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
In Jim Batts review, he says “Krasinski and crew have delivered a solid triple. A tightly muffled hurray for A Quiet Place Part II, it’s more horror and heart.”
Read his review here: http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2021/05/a-quiet-place-part-ii-review/
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of...
In Jim Batts review, he says “Krasinski and crew have delivered a solid triple. A tightly muffled hurray for A Quiet Place Part II, it’s more horror and heart.”
Read his review here: http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2021/05/a-quiet-place-part-ii-review/
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of...
- 7/12/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
If you didn't have a chance to catch A Quiet Place Part II in theaters, you will get a chance to check it out on the platform / format of your choice this month! Here's a look at the official cover art and home media release details from Paramount Home Entertainment:
Hollywood, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world...
Hollywood, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world...
- 7/12/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Hollywood, Calif. – Hailed by critics and audiences alike and Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes®, John Krasinski’s “exhilarating”, and “nerve-shredding” thriller A Quiet Place: Part II debuts on Digital July 13, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD July 27 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Plus, fans can experience the whole Abbott family saga with the 2-Movie Collection, available to buy exclusively on Digital or Blu-ray with bonus content on both films.*
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of the new film as he details the cast and crew’s incredible work in a video Director’s Diary; uncover the secrets of the monstrous invaders; dig into the two-film character arc of daughter Regan; watch...
The A Quiet Place: Part II 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital* releases boast exclusive special features that take viewers deeper into the world originated in the global smash hit A Quiet Place. Follow Krasinski on the set of the new film as he details the cast and crew’s incredible work in a video Director’s Diary; uncover the secrets of the monstrous invaders; dig into the two-film character arc of daughter Regan; watch...
- 7/12/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
While critics agree that “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” might offer the entertainment of watching Samuel L. Jackson swear incessantly, the film’s reviews suggest that the film’s lack of a plot is not made up for through its stale and overused humor.
Reviews from early Wednesday agree that the sequel to the 2017 film “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” has even less going for it than the original — besides the fact that it opens during a time when audiences are eager to head the movie theaters after a long haitus.
TheWrap’s own Alonso Duralde wrote, “’Hitman’s Wife Bodyguard’ is a comedy with not one legitimate laugh, and an action movie where cars keep blowing up while the A-listers yell at each other, as though that were inherently amusing or entertaining. It’s a film that’s both frantic and listless; the overall impression is one of movie stars screaming their lines...
Reviews from early Wednesday agree that the sequel to the 2017 film “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” has even less going for it than the original — besides the fact that it opens during a time when audiences are eager to head the movie theaters after a long haitus.
TheWrap’s own Alonso Duralde wrote, “’Hitman’s Wife Bodyguard’ is a comedy with not one legitimate laugh, and an action movie where cars keep blowing up while the A-listers yell at each other, as though that were inherently amusing or entertaining. It’s a film that’s both frantic and listless; the overall impression is one of movie stars screaming their lines...
- 6/9/2021
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Fox Searchlight unveiled Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” to sharply divided reactions at the Toronto International Film Festival. The coming-of-age comedy-drama is set in Nazi Germany and centers around a young boy whose sense of nationalism is rattled after he discovers his mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their home. Waititi himself stars in the movie as the boy’s imaginary friend, who just so happens to be a cartoonish version of Adolf Hitler. More than a few film critics have compared “Jojo Rabbit” to “Life Is Beautiful,” Roberto Benigni’s equally divisive 1997 Holocaust comedy-drama.
Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman called “Jojo Rabbit” this year’s “model of Nazi Oscar-bait showmanship: ‘Life Is Beautiful’ made with attitude,” adding the film “pretends to be audacious when it’s actually quite tidy and safe…it’s a studiously conventional movie dressed up in the self-congratulatory ‘daring’ of its look!-let’s-prank-the-Nazis cachet.
Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman called “Jojo Rabbit” this year’s “model of Nazi Oscar-bait showmanship: ‘Life Is Beautiful’ made with attitude,” adding the film “pretends to be audacious when it’s actually quite tidy and safe…it’s a studiously conventional movie dressed up in the self-congratulatory ‘daring’ of its look!-let’s-prank-the-Nazis cachet.
- 9/9/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Brad Pitt was already having a banner 2019 before the Venice Film Festival premiere of “Ad Astra” thanks to his critically-acclaimed work in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” but now Pitt’s comeback year has gotten even stronger. The actor is receiving rave reviews for his work in James Gray’s “Ad Astra,” which stars Pitt as an astronaut heading out on a mission through space to find his lost father. While “Ad Astra” did not launch at Venice with the kind of instant Oscar buzz that met Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” earlier in the festival (Pitt’s best shot at an Oscar nom remains “Hollywood”), Pitt is being unanimously praised for his work.
IndieWire senior film critic David Ehrlich had nothing but raves for “Ad Astra” in his A review, calling Gray’s space movie an “introspective but immaculately crafted adventure epic.” Ehrlich drew a...
IndieWire senior film critic David Ehrlich had nothing but raves for “Ad Astra” in his A review, calling Gray’s space movie an “introspective but immaculately crafted adventure epic.” Ehrlich drew a...
- 8/29/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, and early reviews are calling the film “mesmerizing,” “beautiful” and “the film Qt was meant to make.”
However, Screen Daily’s Tim Grierson writes: “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood: Like a lot of recent Tarantino, this is baggy, self-indulgent, fascinatingly its own thing and ambitiously conceived. Of course it’s accomplished, sometimes dazzlingly so, but it ends up being as hit-or-miss as his last few.”
“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is set in Hollywood in 1969 and follows a fading TV actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) who teams up with his stunt double (Brad Pitt) to reclaim fame during Hollywood’s final years of its golden age. But always lurking in the shadows of what is, in a way, an otherwise sunny and colorful Hollywood fairy tale, is Charles Manson and the Manson...
However, Screen Daily’s Tim Grierson writes: “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood: Like a lot of recent Tarantino, this is baggy, self-indulgent, fascinatingly its own thing and ambitiously conceived. Of course it’s accomplished, sometimes dazzlingly so, but it ends up being as hit-or-miss as his last few.”
“Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” is set in Hollywood in 1969 and follows a fading TV actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) who teams up with his stunt double (Brad Pitt) to reclaim fame during Hollywood’s final years of its golden age. But always lurking in the shadows of what is, in a way, an otherwise sunny and colorful Hollywood fairy tale, is Charles Manson and the Manson...
- 5/21/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Film sales heated up on the Croisette as the Cannes Film Festival entered its second week.
On Monday, Fox Searchlight snapped up the U.S. rights, along with some international rights, to Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” selling for $14 million, according to THR.
The deal is one of the largest of the festival so far, and it was a result of a heated bidding war that also included Netflix and Paramount, according to an individual with knowledge.
In Monday’s report, we mentioned that the film was heralded as a beautiful, poetic return to form for Malick, who is back at Cannes after winning the Palme d’Or for “The Tree of Life” back in 2011. August Diehl stars in the film about a World War II conscientious objector in Austria who refused to fight for the Nazis. The film is told in English and German, and Matthias Schoenaerts, Valerie Pachner,...
On Monday, Fox Searchlight snapped up the U.S. rights, along with some international rights, to Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” selling for $14 million, according to THR.
The deal is one of the largest of the festival so far, and it was a result of a heated bidding war that also included Netflix and Paramount, according to an individual with knowledge.
In Monday’s report, we mentioned that the film was heralded as a beautiful, poetic return to form for Malick, who is back at Cannes after winning the Palme d’Or for “The Tree of Life” back in 2011. August Diehl stars in the film about a World War II conscientious objector in Austria who refused to fight for the Nazis. The film is told in English and German, and Matthias Schoenaerts, Valerie Pachner,...
- 5/21/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“A Hidden Life” comes to Cannes with high expectations. For one, it’s Terrence Malick’s most story-driven film since 2005’s “The New World.” For another, the true-life story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian conscientious objector who refused to serve in the Nazi war effort, is the kind of powerful narrative that could even resonate with Academy Awards voters. But if the past decade has proven anything at this point, it’s that it’s hard to know what expect from Malick.
Malick won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2011 for “The Tree of Life,” widely regarded by critics as one of the best films of the 21st century to date. Though they have their fans, his follow-ups haven’t earned the same level of acclaim and devotion. “To the Wonder,” “Knight of Cups,” and “Song to Song” were impressionistic reveries with little plot and lots of poetic voiceover. His...
Malick won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2011 for “The Tree of Life,” widely regarded by critics as one of the best films of the 21st century to date. Though they have their fans, his follow-ups haven’t earned the same level of acclaim and devotion. “To the Wonder,” “Knight of Cups,” and “Song to Song” were impressionistic reveries with little plot and lots of poetic voiceover. His...
- 5/19/2019
- by Christian Blauvelt and Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Every Friday, we’re recommending an older movie available to stream or download and worth seeing again through the lens of our current moment. We’re calling the series “Revisiting Hours“— consider this Rolling Stone’s unofficial film club. This week’s edition: Tim Grierson on Oliver Stone’s 2008 Presidential biopic W.
George W. Bush loved baseball. Long before he ran for president, the man’s greatest aspiration was to become commissioner of Major League Baseball. It’s quite conceivable that he’d been pretty good at the job — after all,...
George W. Bush loved baseball. Long before he ran for president, the man’s greatest aspiration was to become commissioner of Major League Baseball. It’s quite conceivable that he’d been pretty good at the job — after all,...
- 12/14/2018
- by Tim Grierson
- Rollingstone.com
Following the Golden Globe nominations last week, the 2018-19 awards season continues today in a big way with the announcement of the 2018 Los Angeles Film Critics Association winners. Lafca, as the group is known, is set to honor the year in film by awarding prizes to the best performances and features of 2018.
Lafca’s east coast counterpart, the New York Film Critics Circle (Nyfcc), announced its winners on November 29, with Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” winning three prizes: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. The drama is expected to have another strong showing with Lafca, although the group is known to make surprising choices every now and then.
Recent Lafca winners for Best Film include “Call Me By Your Name,” “Moonlight,” “Spotlight,” “Boyhood,” and “Her.” All of these films went on to earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture, with “Moonlight” and “Spotlight” winning the top honor. Last year’s Lafca...
Lafca’s east coast counterpart, the New York Film Critics Circle (Nyfcc), announced its winners on November 29, with Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” winning three prizes: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. The drama is expected to have another strong showing with Lafca, although the group is known to make surprising choices every now and then.
Recent Lafca winners for Best Film include “Call Me By Your Name,” “Moonlight,” “Spotlight,” “Boyhood,” and “Her.” All of these films went on to earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture, with “Moonlight” and “Spotlight” winning the top honor. Last year’s Lafca...
- 12/9/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Master filmmaker Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Burning’, his first as director since 2010’s ‘Poetry’ is a riveting stunner. ‘Burning’ is the winner of the Fipresci Prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, and South Korea’s Official Oscar® entry for Best Foreign Language Film.
Lee expertly adapts international bestselling author Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning” in a marvelously cinematic fashion, carefully crafting the tale of the fateful triangle portrayed by Korean star Yoo Ah-In, newcomer Jeo Jong-seo, and international breakout Steven Yeun.
When an alienated young man, Jongsu (Yoo), a frustrated and introverted writer struggling with his first novel, meets an old friend from his small hometown, his already difficult life is complicated by her. Haemi (Jeo), a spirited woman who offers a romantic possibility, asks him to look after her cat while she’s on a trip to Africa. It becomes more complicated when she returns with Ben (Yeun...
Lee expertly adapts international bestselling author Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning” in a marvelously cinematic fashion, carefully crafting the tale of the fateful triangle portrayed by Korean star Yoo Ah-In, newcomer Jeo Jong-seo, and international breakout Steven Yeun.
When an alienated young man, Jongsu (Yoo), a frustrated and introverted writer struggling with his first novel, meets an old friend from his small hometown, his already difficult life is complicated by her. Haemi (Jeo), a spirited woman who offers a romantic possibility, asks him to look after her cat while she’s on a trip to Africa. It becomes more complicated when she returns with Ben (Yeun...
- 11/27/2018
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
“Assassination Nation” deserved to play in a much bigger theatre screen at the London Film Festival. Every single seat was taken in the tiny 127-seater screen in Picturehouse Central. Why this film was shoved in this screen, we shall never know. But it’s safe to say that each and every one of the 127 people thoroughly enjoyed Sam Levinson‘s film with a round of applause greeting the film come the end credits, which included a one-shot marching band sequence that was inspired.
Here’s the official synopsis from the Refinery29, Agbo and Neon film, the latter of which released last year’s Oscar winner “I, Tonya:” After a malicious data hack exposes the secrets of the perpetually American town of Salem, chaos descends and four girls must fight to survive while coping with the hack themselves.
“Assassination Nation” stars Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, Abra, and transgender actress Hari Nef...
Here’s the official synopsis from the Refinery29, Agbo and Neon film, the latter of which released last year’s Oscar winner “I, Tonya:” After a malicious data hack exposes the secrets of the perpetually American town of Salem, chaos descends and four girls must fight to survive while coping with the hack themselves.
“Assassination Nation” stars Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, Abra, and transgender actress Hari Nef...
- 11/3/2018
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Keira Knightley‘s new period drama “Colette” earned rave reviews in England following its premiere at the London Film Festival. This biopic of the acclaimed writer is set in turn of the century Paris and is directed by Wash Westmoreland (“Still Alice”). It co-stars the terrific Dominic West as Colette’s husband, Willy.
Jordan Hoffman of The Guardian was among the most enthusiastic of the critics, noting: “the life of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette makes for fascinating drama in a nuanced and inspiring film with a luminous central performance.” Singling out the actress for more praise, he observed: “Colette’s life is deserving of nuance and care, and that’s what she gets in this film. She also gets Keira Knightley is top form: luminous, clever, sexy and sympathetic. The scenes of physical intimacy are tasteful and few but have quite an impact. Much of what drove Colette was a need to be recognized.
Jordan Hoffman of The Guardian was among the most enthusiastic of the critics, noting: “the life of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette makes for fascinating drama in a nuanced and inspiring film with a luminous central performance.” Singling out the actress for more praise, he observed: “Colette’s life is deserving of nuance and care, and that’s what she gets in this film. She also gets Keira Knightley is top form: luminous, clever, sexy and sympathetic. The scenes of physical intimacy are tasteful and few but have quite an impact. Much of what drove Colette was a need to be recognized.
- 10/31/2018
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
John Carpenter spent September 27 like most Americans: Watching Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and university professor Christine Blasey Ford testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As the horror director was watching Kavanaugh under oath, he also happened to be speaking to film critic Tim Grierson for an interview with Revolver magazine. The interview was published October 4 and includes Carpenter’s amazing real-time reactions to Kavanaugh’s testimony.
When first asked about Ford’s testimony, Carpenter praised the professor, saying, “It’s just really credible. She’s an amazing witness. I’m riveted by the image of Kavanaugh on my TV screen.”
Grierson noted the trauma Ford has been living with since allegedly being assaulted by Kavanaugh ties in to David Gordon Green’s upcoming “Halloween,” in which Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode is living with Ptsd years after her experiences with Michael Myers in Carpenter’s 1978 original. Carpenter agreed, saying,...
When first asked about Ford’s testimony, Carpenter praised the professor, saying, “It’s just really credible. She’s an amazing witness. I’m riveted by the image of Kavanaugh on my TV screen.”
Grierson noted the trauma Ford has been living with since allegedly being assaulted by Kavanaugh ties in to David Gordon Green’s upcoming “Halloween,” in which Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode is living with Ptsd years after her experiences with Michael Myers in Carpenter’s 1978 original. Carpenter agreed, saying,...
- 10/5/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Every Friday, we’re recommending an older movie that’s worth seeing again through the lens of our current moment. We’re calling the series “Revisiting Hours” — consider this Rolling Stone’s unofficial film club. This week: Tim Grierson on Robert Altman’s 1993 celebrity-ensemble feel-bad masterpiece Short Cuts.
Because movies are a global art form, it’s natural that some filmmakers get interested in how stories connect us as human beings. (Yawn.) Much like life itself, which can sometimes be a medley of unrelated events that ultimately form a grand...
Because movies are a global art form, it’s natural that some filmmakers get interested in how stories connect us as human beings. (Yawn.) Much like life itself, which can sometimes be a medley of unrelated events that ultimately form a grand...
- 9/21/2018
- by Tim Grierson
- Rollingstone.com
Every Friday, we’re recommending an older movie that’s available to stream or download and worth seeing again through the lens of our current moment. We’re calling the series “Revisiting Hours” — consider this Rolling Stone’s unofficial film club. First up: Tim Grierson on Lars von Trier’s warped Our-Town-through-a-glass-darkly parable Dogville.
“This is the sad tale of the township of Dogville.” With those words, spoken by off-screen narrator John Hurt, writer-director Lars von Trier introduced us to a community (and a movie) that invited audiences to project...
“This is the sad tale of the township of Dogville.” With those words, spoken by off-screen narrator John Hurt, writer-director Lars von Trier introduced us to a community (and a movie) that invited audiences to project...
- 8/17/2018
- by Tim Grierson
- Rollingstone.com
The early buzz on Alex Garland’s “Annihilation” was strong, but the official first reviews are even stronger. Paramount has lifted the review embargo on Garland’s latest science-fiction drama, and film critics are comparing the film to the likes of Stanley Kubrick, David Cronenberg, Ridley Scott, and Darren Aronofsky, among other auteurs who have mastered the art of mind-bending genre films.
IndieWire’s own Eric Kohn called “Annihilation” a “stunning science-fiction thriller” in his A- review. “Garland’s cinematic interpretation plays more like ‘Alien’ by way of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘mother!'” he says of the film. “It’s a horror show in which the survivors’ prospects are dim, but they’re consumed by an environment of ethereal beauty, and Garland makes it clear that those two variables can coexist.”
“Annihilation” stars Natalie Portman as a biologist who joins a mission into an environmental disaster zone in order to...
IndieWire’s own Eric Kohn called “Annihilation” a “stunning science-fiction thriller” in his A- review. “Garland’s cinematic interpretation plays more like ‘Alien’ by way of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘mother!'” he says of the film. “It’s a horror show in which the survivors’ prospects are dim, but they’re consumed by an environment of ethereal beauty, and Garland makes it clear that those two variables can coexist.”
“Annihilation” stars Natalie Portman as a biologist who joins a mission into an environmental disaster zone in order to...
- 2/21/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
It might not have been intentional, but it’s fortunate that Fox pushed out the news of Neill Blomkamp’s Instagram post-turned-"Alien" sequel before the release of "Chappie," since the reviews of his third feature are enough to quell anyone’s enthusiasm for his next project. It seemed impossible that the movie could be as bad as its advance publicity, which promised something like a rehash of Blomkamp’s cult favorite "District 9" and its near-disastrous followup, "Elysium" with the Steve Guttenberg classic "Short Circuit." But based on the initial round of reviews — and the fact that the movie’s not being screened for press at all in much of the country — it seems it is just that bad.
The plot, from what one can garner between critics’ howls of pain, involves a robot designer played Dev Patel in a near-future Johannesburg who wants to rejigger his crime-fighting creations to more existential ends.
The plot, from what one can garner between critics’ howls of pain, involves a robot designer played Dev Patel in a near-future Johannesburg who wants to rejigger his crime-fighting creations to more existential ends.
- 3/4/2015
- by Sam Adams
- Indiewire
The best movie culture writing from around the internet-o-sphere. There will be a quiz later. Just leave a tab open for us, will ya? “Don’t let movie social media get toxic” — Matt Singer at The Dissolve advocates for an improv class approach to our critical conversations online. So that they’re, you know, actual conversations. “Why Guardians of the Galaxy Could Be Marvel’s First Flop” — Rob Bricken at io9 makes a clear case of what we all know in our hearts: that the public at large might not be ready for a wacky talking space raccoon. And yet they totally got behind a moose peeing on Adam Sandler. “Sympathy for the Loser: Mitt Romney’s Sobering Netflix Documentary” — Tim Grierson at Safe For Work Playboy discusses an excellent documentary in the context of a position we hate to find ourselves in (and one that humanizes all of us). “How 12 Years a Slave Broke Through India...
- 2/6/2014
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The best movie culture writing from around the internet-o-sphere. Just leave a tab open for us, will ya? “The Wind Rises and Cinematic Moralism” — Film Crit Hulk argues that Hayao Miyazaki is all too aware of his country’s difficult history and displaying it with a conscience in his latest (and last). “Accept The Mystery: The Brilliance of The Coen Brothers’ Character Studies” — Tim Grierson at Deadspin combs through three decades of Joel and Ethan Coen to find a growing complexity where once there were punchlines. “The sentimental, cynical, undying charm of A Christmas Story” — Jen Chaney at The Dissolve produces an appreciation that will shoot your eye out. “The Fourteen Best Costumes in American Hustle” — Our associate editor Kate Erbland’s piece at Film.com gets sartorial on David O. Russell’s 1970s con job. All that’s missing is an in-depth exploration of the movie’s hairstyles. “The Hair Stories Behind American Hustle” — Thankfully NY...
- 12/11/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
We’ve all gathered here today not to mock him, but to express our concern and worry for Vince Vaughn. Yes, friends, you might well consider the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema as a kind of career intervention, even if Mr. Vaughn may not be…you know, listening to the show. But he should be, because the topic of discussion is his new film, the Touchstone/DreamWorks comedy Delivery Man, a remake of the French-Canadian comedy Starbuck. The story is about a slacker whose sperm donations in the early 1990s were used to sire over 500 children, many of whom want to know the identity of their biological father, but that only inspired Josh, Gabe, and their guest, Tim Grierson of Deadspin, Paste Magazine, Screen International, and Playboy, to wonder when the Vince Vaughn they loved a decade ago is coming back. Take our word for it: even if you didn...
- 11/30/2013
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
The wait is over, Katniss fans! The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opens in UK cinemas today (its Us release is tomorrow) just as hype levels are hitting fever pitch.
Film critics have already had their say, with critics largely delivering rave reviews about Jennifer Lawrence's hotly-anticipated return to the arena. Digital Spy rounds up a selection of the reviews below...
Emma Didbin - Digital Spy
"Catching Fire succeeds on a great many fronts, not the least of which is pacing - despite its hefty running time it never feels less than lean and efficient. But it strays too often into unearned melodrama and by-numbers plotting, with even Lawrence struggling to sell some of Katniss's more abrupt emotional shifts. Fans who want to see a story they already love brought vividly to life won't be disappointed, but there's nothing here to engage the uninitiated."
Robbie Collin - The Telegraph
"It's...
Film critics have already had their say, with critics largely delivering rave reviews about Jennifer Lawrence's hotly-anticipated return to the arena. Digital Spy rounds up a selection of the reviews below...
Emma Didbin - Digital Spy
"Catching Fire succeeds on a great many fronts, not the least of which is pacing - despite its hefty running time it never feels less than lean and efficient. But it strays too often into unearned melodrama and by-numbers plotting, with even Lawrence struggling to sell some of Katniss's more abrupt emotional shifts. Fans who want to see a story they already love brought vividly to life won't be disappointed, but there's nothing here to engage the uninitiated."
Robbie Collin - The Telegraph
"It's...
- 11/21/2013
- Digital Spy
The second Hunger Games film makes a good fist of adapting Suzanne Collins's weaker sequel, but it's really the heroine, Katniss Everdeen, who keeps the blood pumping
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – first look review
• Watch The Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer
If the critics are to be believed, the latest Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire, is this year's Dark Knight, a smart and full-blooded blockbuster with a deliciously icy core. Francis Lawrence's film has a hugely impressive 95% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which would make it one of the year's best-reviewed major releases. Author Suzanne Collins, who wrote the trilogy of novels on which this saga is based, created a world that touched upon the insipid romance of the Twilight movies but was really far more interested in heroine Katniss Everdeen's fight for survival against a dystopian political powderkeg backdrop. All things considered, Lawrence has done a...
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – first look review
• Watch The Hunger Games: Catching Fire trailer
If the critics are to be believed, the latest Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire, is this year's Dark Knight, a smart and full-blooded blockbuster with a deliciously icy core. Francis Lawrence's film has a hugely impressive 95% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which would make it one of the year's best-reviewed major releases. Author Suzanne Collins, who wrote the trilogy of novels on which this saga is based, created a world that touched upon the insipid romance of the Twilight movies but was really far more interested in heroine Katniss Everdeen's fight for survival against a dystopian political powderkeg backdrop. All things considered, Lawrence has done a...
- 11/14/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Umbrella Entertainment is renewing its relationship with Fred Schepisi after releasing the director.s first two movies, The Devil.s Playground (1976) and The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), on DVD.
At the Toronto International Film Festival Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison went to the world premiere of Words and Pictures, Schepisi.s Us-set romantic comedy/drama starring Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche.
Harrison made an offer for the Australian rights and a deal was negotiated with the international sales rep, Nicolas Chartier.s Voltage Pictures. Roadside Attractions subsequently bought the Us rights.
Owen plays Jack Marcus, an English teacher at a New England prep school. Jack is a former literary star who hasn.t had a book published in years. Estranged from his son, he takes refuge in booze, which gets him banned from the local pub.
His life changes when he meets art instructor Dina Delsanto (Binoche), who.s been forced...
At the Toronto International Film Festival Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison went to the world premiere of Words and Pictures, Schepisi.s Us-set romantic comedy/drama starring Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche.
Harrison made an offer for the Australian rights and a deal was negotiated with the international sales rep, Nicolas Chartier.s Voltage Pictures. Roadside Attractions subsequently bought the Us rights.
Owen plays Jack Marcus, an English teacher at a New England prep school. Jack is a former literary star who hasn.t had a book published in years. Estranged from his son, he takes refuge in booze, which gets him banned from the local pub.
His life changes when he meets art instructor Dina Delsanto (Binoche), who.s been forced...
- 9/12/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
"Lee Daniels' The Butler," starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey and a parade of famous faces, isn't out in theaters until Aug. 16, but with the film's review embargo lifted by The Weinstein Company on Friday at midnight, critics are free to let their voices be heard right now.
"Daniels knows how to push an audience's buttons, and as crudely obvious as 'The Butler' can be -- whether juxtaposing a Woolworth's lunch-counter protest with a formal White House dinner, or showing a character keeling over at the breakfast table with oxygen tank attached -- it's also genuinely rousing," Variety critic Scott Foundas wrote in his positive notice on the film. "By the end, it's hard not to feel moved, if also more than a bit manhandled."
This is only Daniels' fourth feature as a director; he was nominated in the Best Director category for "Precious," his second film, and is...
"Daniels knows how to push an audience's buttons, and as crudely obvious as 'The Butler' can be -- whether juxtaposing a Woolworth's lunch-counter protest with a formal White House dinner, or showing a character keeling over at the breakfast table with oxygen tank attached -- it's also genuinely rousing," Variety critic Scott Foundas wrote in his positive notice on the film. "By the end, it's hard not to feel moved, if also more than a bit manhandled."
This is only Daniels' fourth feature as a director; he was nominated in the Best Director category for "Precious," his second film, and is...
- 8/9/2013
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
The morning’s most fascinating articles from around the movie website-o-sphere. Just leave a tab open for us, will ya? “Male-Pattern Badness: Breaking Bad‘s Doomed, Antiquated Masculinity” — Tim Grierson breaks down Walter White’s cajones for Playboy. A great read made bizarre by the naked women framing it. “Half-Lives: The Walking Dead, 400 Days, Sorcery!, and Depression Quest” — Without a doubt one of the strongest video game editorials of the year. An exploration on identity and empathy created in a way only gaming can manage, and a reasonable call out for why we need more diverse playable characters. “The 11 Most Important Political Science Fiction Movies” — Charlie Jane Anders gets listy for i09, holds out a hand, and says “Come with me if you want to think about governmental constructs represented by robots (and live).” “Five Easy Pieces Actress Karen Black Dies at 74” — A thorough, fitting memorial for a true actor’s actor. From...
- 8/9/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Johnny Depp and Jerry Bruckheimer struck box office gold with Pirates of the Caribbean, pulling in more than $3 billion in ticket sales and turning Captain Jack Sparrow into a pop culture icon. They'll be looking to pull off the same trick twice with the release of The Lone Ranger, a revamp of the classic outlaw tale with director Gore Verbinski (the first three Pirates films) taking the reins.
The first Lone Ranger reviews are in, and based on the early word things are looking a little shaky for lightning striking twice with the Depp/Bruckheimer/Verbinski team.
Variety (Peter Debruge)
"No longer simply the sidekick, Tonto gets top billing in Disney's extravagant but exhausting reboot, whose vaguely revisionist origin story partners a heavily face-painted Johnny Depp with the blandly handsome Armie Hammer. Directed by Pirates of the Caribbean's Gore Verbinski, this over-the-top oater delivers all the energy and spectacle audiences...
The first Lone Ranger reviews are in, and based on the early word things are looking a little shaky for lightning striking twice with the Depp/Bruckheimer/Verbinski team.
Variety (Peter Debruge)
"No longer simply the sidekick, Tonto gets top billing in Disney's extravagant but exhausting reboot, whose vaguely revisionist origin story partners a heavily face-painted Johnny Depp with the blandly handsome Armie Hammer. Directed by Pirates of the Caribbean's Gore Verbinski, this over-the-top oater delivers all the energy and spectacle audiences...
- 7/1/2013
- Digital Spy
The following is an excerpt from "Film Craft: Screenwriting,"edited by Tim Grierson. The book is now available from Focal Press. The excerpt below was made available by the book's publisher. Stephen Gaghan’s writing career started quite promisingly, publishing a short story in The Iowa Review before he was even 26. He also impressed the writing staff of "The Simpsons" with a spec episode entitled “Family Wheel of Jeopardy,” as well as producer and talent agent Bernie Brillstein with a collection of "Saturday Night Live" sketches he’d written. But a career in television writing in the 1990s— including stints at "New York Undercover," "The Practice," "American Gothic," and "NYPD Blue" (where he shared an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series)—soon gave way to screenwriting. His first produced film credit was "Rules of Engagement" (2000), which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones, but he received much acclaim for his next film,...
- 6/24/2013
- by Stephen Gaghan
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.