“Abba Zabba, you my only friend!” Imagine they made a Half Baked 2. That sounds like a slam dunk, right? After all, the original didn’t set the box office on fire, but it’s presumably made a mint on home video. Well, it looks like Universal finally pulled the trigger on a Half Baked 2, but of the original cast, the only person to return is Rachel True, who played the love interest, Mary Jane. Yes folks, it happened, and the sequel, Half Baked: Totally High, is going straight to Blu-ray, with an April 16th release date.
All this begs the question, why, twenty-five years later, make a Half Baked sequel without either Dave Chappelle, an infinitely bigger star now than he was in 1998, and Jim Breuer? Chappelle, I kind of get – the man is busy and would probably cost millions and millions to get, but Jim Breuer? Could...
All this begs the question, why, twenty-five years later, make a Half Baked sequel without either Dave Chappelle, an infinitely bigger star now than he was in 1998, and Jim Breuer? Chappelle, I kind of get – the man is busy and would probably cost millions and millions to get, but Jim Breuer? Could...
- 3/10/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2 at Warner Bros. has rounded its cast with Amy Aquino, Adrienne C. Moore, Cedric Yarbrough, Chikako Fukuyama and Onix Serrano.
The movie follows Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, who while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma — one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict–or free–the wrong killer. Eastwood is producing under his Malpaso banner in addition to directing off of Jonathan Abrams’ screenplay. The pic is currently shooting in Georgia.
Also part of the ensemble are Toni Collette (prosecutor), Gabriel Basso (accused), Zoey Deutch (Kemp’s wife), Leslie Bibb (juror), Chris Messina (public defender), and Kiefer Sutherland (Kemp’s AA sponsor).
Also producing for Malpaso are Tim Moore and Jessica Meier, and Dichotomy’s Adam Goodman & Matt Skiena. EPs are Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and David M. Bernstein.
The movie follows Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, who while serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma — one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict–or free–the wrong killer. Eastwood is producing under his Malpaso banner in addition to directing off of Jonathan Abrams’ screenplay. The pic is currently shooting in Georgia.
Also part of the ensemble are Toni Collette (prosecutor), Gabriel Basso (accused), Zoey Deutch (Kemp’s wife), Leslie Bibb (juror), Chris Messina (public defender), and Kiefer Sutherland (Kemp’s AA sponsor).
Also producing for Malpaso are Tim Moore and Jessica Meier, and Dichotomy’s Adam Goodman & Matt Skiena. EPs are Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and David M. Bernstein.
- 12/15/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Keanu Reeves has been at the forefront of some of cinema's most important franchises, including "The Matrix" and "John Wick." Even one of his biggest bombs has, against all odds, also become a franchise. Reeves starred in Universal's tremendously expensive blockbuster "47 Ronin" back in 2013. It was a major flop at the time and actually hurt the actor's career a bit. But nearly a full decade later, everything came full circle, and a sequel to that flop was released. Yes, was! As in, it already came out ... last year.
"Blade of the 47 Ronin" is a sequel to the movie in question, and debuted in 2022. One would be forgiven for not realizing it, as it wasn't quite as big as the original, to put it mildly. Unfortunately, Reeves didn't return for the follow-up, but for those who enjoyed that film, there is a sequel out there you can watch right now.
"Blade of the 47 Ronin" is a sequel to the movie in question, and debuted in 2022. One would be forgiven for not realizing it, as it wasn't quite as big as the original, to put it mildly. Unfortunately, Reeves didn't return for the follow-up, but for those who enjoyed that film, there is a sequel out there you can watch right now.
- 11/4/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Stars: Jeffrey Donovan, Tilly Keeper, Richard Fleeshman, Penelope Mitchell, Richard Brake | Written by Paul Leyden, Andrew Klein | Directed by Paul Leyden
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned may be the most unexpected sequel in recent memory, and in a year that’s seen Eraser: Reborn and Blade of the 47 Ronin that’s saying a lot. The 2013 original was a Men in Black style action comedy that featured Ryan Reynolds as a ghostly cop protecting the living from undead threats. It was also an expensive flop, the kind studios want to forget, not make sequels, or in this case, prequels, to.
Set in 1876, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is the story of Sheriff Roy Pulsipher, played by Jeff Bridges in the original and Jeffrey Donovan this time around. Here he’s meeting his daughter Charlotte and her fiance Angus at the train station when a robbery occurs and he’s killed in a shootout.
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned may be the most unexpected sequel in recent memory, and in a year that’s seen Eraser: Reborn and Blade of the 47 Ronin that’s saying a lot. The 2013 original was a Men in Black style action comedy that featured Ryan Reynolds as a ghostly cop protecting the living from undead threats. It was also an expensive flop, the kind studios want to forget, not make sequels, or in this case, prequels, to.
Set in 1876, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is the story of Sheriff Roy Pulsipher, played by Jeff Bridges in the original and Jeffrey Donovan this time around. Here he’s meeting his daughter Charlotte and her fiance Angus at the train station when a robbery occurs and he’s killed in a shootout.
- 5/9/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Dazzler Media presents fresh martial arts adventure, Blade Of The 47 Ronin, coming to Blu-ray and DVD from 24th April 2023. In this exhilarating martial arts adventure, an evil witch named Yurei, whose ancestor was slain by one of the legendary 47 Ronin, has surfaced in modern day Budapest determined to have his revenge. Yurei seeks to completely destroy all samurai by uniting both halves of the powerful Tengu Sword. A prophecy claims only a descendant of the original 47 Ronin can wield the blade and defeat this great evil. The samurai are shocked when Lord Shinshiro identifies a streetwise New Yorker named Luna as the one who was prophesied. He charges ronin Reo and apprentice Onami with training Luna to be the hero they desperately need. With most of the samurai lords dead or missing, and a traitor hiding among them, the remaining warriors must summon all of their skills as martial...
- 4/24/2023
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Stars: Dan Southworth, Chris Pang, Teresa Ting, Mark Dacascos, Mike Moh, Anna Akana | Written by Aimee Garcia, A.J. Mendez, John Swetnam | Directed by Ron Yuan
Who would have thought we would be seeing a sequel to 47 Ronin among all of the Halloween goodies? But sure enough, Universal 1440 Entertainment, the company’s direct-to-video department, has come up with Blade of the 47 Ronin, a modern-day sequel to the Keanu Reeves samurai epic. And they said there’s no such thing as The Great Pumpkin.
Somewhere in Budapest Yurei kills Arai thought to be the last in the bloodline of those who wielded the Blade of the 47 Ronin. But as he kills him he senses the existence of another heir.
As the other clans argue over what to do about the sword and the prophecy attached to it, Onami one of Lord Shinshiro’s onna-bugeisha reaches out to Reo.
Who would have thought we would be seeing a sequel to 47 Ronin among all of the Halloween goodies? But sure enough, Universal 1440 Entertainment, the company’s direct-to-video department, has come up with Blade of the 47 Ronin, a modern-day sequel to the Keanu Reeves samurai epic. And they said there’s no such thing as The Great Pumpkin.
Somewhere in Budapest Yurei kills Arai thought to be the last in the bloodline of those who wielded the Blade of the 47 Ronin. But as he kills him he senses the existence of another heir.
As the other clans argue over what to do about the sword and the prophecy attached to it, Onami one of Lord Shinshiro’s onna-bugeisha reaches out to Reo.
- 4/20/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
The story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most famous tales of the Samurai era. A story that has been passed down over the years and made into numerous films. It's a classic saga of betrayal, loyalty and sacrifice that makes it perfect for cinematic treatment. The Hollywood version in 2013 proved controversial in it's addition of fantasy elements and the casting of Keanu Reeves in the lead role. In addition to this controversy it was also critically panned. That alone makes the idea of a sequel daunting viewing. Those familiar with the story will also know that it's not exactly one that allows for a follow up. I'm sure the producers will have thought of that and have a completely compelling new narrative for this potential issue…..right??
“Blade of the 47 Ronin” is streaming on Netflix
The witch Yuri (Daniel Southworth) seeks to gain both the witch...
“Blade of the 47 Ronin” is streaming on Netflix
The witch Yuri (Daniel Southworth) seeks to gain both the witch...
- 4/18/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Kristen Stewart Joins Michael Angarano, Michael Cera & Maya Erskine In Road-Trip Comedy ‘Sacramento’
Exclusive: Kristen Stewart (Spencer) is joining Michael Angarano (This Is Us), Michael Cera (Juno) and Maya Erskine (Pen15) in road-trip comedy Sacramento.
Angarano is directing the feature, which is due to shoot this spring. He also co-wrote the script with Chris Smith.
Pic follows Rickey (Angarano), an energetic and free-spirited young man, and Glenn (Cera), his long-time friend who’s settled into domestic life. On an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento, their past comes into focus and questions their future. Erskine will play Rickey’s wife, Tallie, and Stewart is Glenn’s wife, Rosie.
Also among cast are wrestler-turned-author and screenwriter Aj Mendez (Blade Of The 47 Ronin), Iman Karram (Daft State) and Rosalind Chao (Mulan). Mendez and Karram will play best friends and ex-professional fighters who help teach Rickey and Glenn about their own relationship.
Producers are Bee-Hive Production’s Stephen Braun, The Wonder Company’s...
Angarano is directing the feature, which is due to shoot this spring. He also co-wrote the script with Chris Smith.
Pic follows Rickey (Angarano), an energetic and free-spirited young man, and Glenn (Cera), his long-time friend who’s settled into domestic life. On an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento, their past comes into focus and questions their future. Erskine will play Rickey’s wife, Tallie, and Stewart is Glenn’s wife, Rosie.
Also among cast are wrestler-turned-author and screenwriter Aj Mendez (Blade Of The 47 Ronin), Iman Karram (Daft State) and Rosalind Chao (Mulan). Mendez and Karram will play best friends and ex-professional fighters who help teach Rickey and Glenn about their own relationship.
Producers are Bee-Hive Production’s Stephen Braun, The Wonder Company’s...
- 4/12/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Pang has joined Hulu’s Interior Chinatown in a pivotal recurring role.
The casting marks a reunion with Interior Chinatown lead Jimmy O. Yang. The two were in Crazy Rich Asians together, where Yang’s Bernard threw Pang’s Colin a bachelor bacchanal aboard a cargo ship in international waters. This time around, Pang plays Older Brother, the charming and talented beloved sibling of protagonist Willis Wu (Yang) whose mysterious disappearance years ago tore the family apart. Now, Willis has an opportunity to investigate his brother’s case when Det. Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet) arrives in the neighborhood with new information.
Interior Chinatown is based on the National Book Award-winning novel of the same name from Charles Yu, who serves as showrunner and is an executive producer on the project alongside Rideback’s Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore and Elsie Choi, Participant’s Jeff Skoll, Miura Kite and Dive’s...
The casting marks a reunion with Interior Chinatown lead Jimmy O. Yang. The two were in Crazy Rich Asians together, where Yang’s Bernard threw Pang’s Colin a bachelor bacchanal aboard a cargo ship in international waters. This time around, Pang plays Older Brother, the charming and talented beloved sibling of protagonist Willis Wu (Yang) whose mysterious disappearance years ago tore the family apart. Now, Willis has an opportunity to investigate his brother’s case when Det. Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet) arrives in the neighborhood with new information.
Interior Chinatown is based on the National Book Award-winning novel of the same name from Charles Yu, who serves as showrunner and is an executive producer on the project alongside Rideback’s Dan Lin, Lindsey Liberatore and Elsie Choi, Participant’s Jeff Skoll, Miura Kite and Dive’s...
- 4/11/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Apple has rounded out the cast for its crime drama series Sinking Spring with the addition of Golden Globe winner Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible franchise), Dustin Nguyen (The Accidental Getaway Driver), Nesta Cooper (See), Idris Debrand (Dear Edward), Liz Caribel (Pussy Island) and Will Pullen (A Little Prayer).
The actors join an ensemble led by 2023 Academy Award nom Brian Tyree Henry (of the Apple drama Causeway) which also includes Michael Mando, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew and Amir Arison, as previously announced.
Related Story ‘Presumed Innocent’: Chase Infiniti, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, Matthew Alan & Kingston Rumi Southwick Cast In Apple TV+ Series Related Story 'The Blacklist' Star Amir Arison Joins Ridley Scott's Apple Series 'Sinking Spring' Related Story Marin Ireland Joins Apple's 'Sinking Spring' TV Series
The eight-episode series created by Top Gun: Maverick scribe Peter Craig, entering production this week in Philadelphia,...
The actors join an ensemble led by 2023 Academy Award nom Brian Tyree Henry (of the Apple drama Causeway) which also includes Michael Mando, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew and Amir Arison, as previously announced.
Related Story ‘Presumed Innocent’: Chase Infiniti, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, Matthew Alan & Kingston Rumi Southwick Cast In Apple TV+ Series Related Story 'The Blacklist' Star Amir Arison Joins Ridley Scott's Apple Series 'Sinking Spring' Related Story Marin Ireland Joins Apple's 'Sinking Spring' TV Series
The eight-episode series created by Top Gun: Maverick scribe Peter Craig, entering production this week in Philadelphia,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Jeffrey Donovan, Tilly Keeper, Richard Fleeshman, Penelope Mitchell, Richard Brake | Written by Paul Leyden, Andrew Klein | Directed by Paul Leyden
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned may be the most unexpected sequel in recent memory, and in a year that’s seen Eraser: Reborn and Blade of the 47 Ronin that’s saying a lot. The 2013 original was a Men in Black style action comedy that featured Ryan Reynolds as a ghostly cop protecting the living from undead threats. It was also an expensive flop, the kind studios want to forget, not make sequels, or in this case, prequels, to.
Set in 1876, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is the story of Sheriff Roy Pulsipher, played by Jeff Bridges in the original and Jeffrey Donovan this time around. Here he’s meeting his daughter Charlotte and her fiance Angus at the train station when a robbery occurs and he’s killed in a shootout.
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned may be the most unexpected sequel in recent memory, and in a year that’s seen Eraser: Reborn and Blade of the 47 Ronin that’s saying a lot. The 2013 original was a Men in Black style action comedy that featured Ryan Reynolds as a ghostly cop protecting the living from undead threats. It was also an expensive flop, the kind studios want to forget, not make sequels, or in this case, prequels, to.
Set in 1876, R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned is the story of Sheriff Roy Pulsipher, played by Jeff Bridges in the original and Jeffrey Donovan this time around. Here he’s meeting his daughter Charlotte and her fiance Angus at the train station when a robbery occurs and he’s killed in a shootout.
- 11/7/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
When describing movies such as Blade of the 47 Ronin, it’s usually wise to pay some respect to the ideas that stand as the base for such a story considering that the samurai did exist, and Japanese culture is more than a little interesting. If one can take this movie at face value and simply enjoy the action, then it becomes less of an issue, but delving any deeper into the plot is bound to confuse some folks and perhaps even anger others, given that this story feels like it aims to deviate from the main idea that the samurai
Movie Review: Blade of the 47 Ronin...
Movie Review: Blade of the 47 Ronin...
- 11/1/2022
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Stars: Dan Southworth, Chris Pang, Teresa Ting, Mark Dacascos, Mike Moh, Anna Akana | Written by Aimee Garcia, A.J. Mendez, John Swetnam | Directed by Ron Yuan
Who would have thought we would be seeing a sequel to 47 Ronin among all of the Halloween goodies? But sure enough, Universal 1440 Entertainment, the company’s direct-to-video department, has come up with Blade of the 47 Ronin, a modern-day sequel to the Keanu Reeves samurai epic. And they said there’s no such thing as The Great Pumpkin.
Somewhere in Budapest Yurei kills Arai thought to be the last in the bloodline of those who wielded the Blade of the 47 Ronin. But as he kills him he senses the existence of another heir.
As the other clans argue over what to do about the sword and the prophecy attached to it, Onami one of Lord Shinshiro’s onna-bugeisha reaches out to Reo.
Who would have thought we would be seeing a sequel to 47 Ronin among all of the Halloween goodies? But sure enough, Universal 1440 Entertainment, the company’s direct-to-video department, has come up with Blade of the 47 Ronin, a modern-day sequel to the Keanu Reeves samurai epic. And they said there’s no such thing as The Great Pumpkin.
Somewhere in Budapest Yurei kills Arai thought to be the last in the bloodline of those who wielded the Blade of the 47 Ronin. But as he kills him he senses the existence of another heir.
As the other clans argue over what to do about the sword and the prophecy attached to it, Onami one of Lord Shinshiro’s onna-bugeisha reaches out to Reo.
- 11/1/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
With all the (justified) media notice of the surprise success of micro-budget horror film “Terrifier 2” (Iconic), studio-made but still low-budget “Barbarian” (Disney/3.99) is adding to its much bigger take with an amazing response on multiple home platforms.
The 4.5 million budget release from their Fox unit isn’t remotely aligned with what Disney ownership sees as a priority in their productions. It already has an over 40 million domestic theatrical gross.
It popped up on both HBO Max and Hulu 45 days after theatrical release. The availability came with no PVOD first, which is somewhat different than is typically seen from many studios taking the direct revenue from rentals and purchases ahead of subscriber-based streaming appeal.
The most amazing note on “Barbarian” is that it is #1 at Vudu, which ranks by revenue and usually favors higher-priced titles. An explanation could be that its 14.99 download sales boosted its figures. At iTunes and Google Play,...
The 4.5 million budget release from their Fox unit isn’t remotely aligned with what Disney ownership sees as a priority in their productions. It already has an over 40 million domestic theatrical gross.
It popped up on both HBO Max and Hulu 45 days after theatrical release. The availability came with no PVOD first, which is somewhat different than is typically seen from many studios taking the direct revenue from rentals and purchases ahead of subscriber-based streaming appeal.
The most amazing note on “Barbarian” is that it is #1 at Vudu, which ranks by revenue and usually favors higher-priced titles. An explanation could be that its 14.99 download sales boosted its figures. At iTunes and Google Play,...
- 10/31/2022
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Here’s a sequel I’m willing to bet you forgot was coming, because I certainly did. It was announced over two years ago that Universal Pictures was developing a sequel to 47 Ronin, the 2013 action/fantasy movie that starred Keanu Reeves as a half-Japanese, half-English outcast who joins forces with a group of ronin out to avenge the death of their master. The film was one of the biggest box-office bombs of the year, which made the announcement of a sequel all the more puzzling, but here we are. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment have released an extended clip from Blade of the 47 Ronin, which you can check out above.
Related Ron Yuan to helm cyberpunk sequel to Keanu Reeves’ 47 Ronin
Just what is Blade of the 47 Ronin about? Take us away, official synopis! “An evil witch named Yurei, whose ancestor was slain by one of the 47 Ronin,...
Related Ron Yuan to helm cyberpunk sequel to Keanu Reeves’ 47 Ronin
Just what is Blade of the 47 Ronin about? Take us away, official synopis! “An evil witch named Yurei, whose ancestor was slain by one of the 47 Ronin,...
- 10/27/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Production wraps this week in Hungary on “Blade of the 47 Ronin,” a sequel to Universal’s 2013 Japanese-themed action classic “47 Ronin.” The new movie represents a substantial revamp that emphasizes Asian fantasy heroes and female characters and addresses some of the cultural criticisms of the previous Keanu Reeves-starring picture.
The action is moved forward by some 300 years to present-day Budapest, which is intended as a metaphor for East-West confluence, and where a meeting of the five Samurai clans is taking place. In addition to the male clan leaders, the meeting is also attended by three Onna Bugeisha (literally ‘Women Warriors’), though their presence is initially resented.
Production was handled by Universal Studios through its 1440 Productions unit for Netflix. The streamer is expected to release it sometime in 2022, though a specific date is still unknown.
The existence of female Samurai who fought alongside their male colleagues in feudal Japan is well documented.
The action is moved forward by some 300 years to present-day Budapest, which is intended as a metaphor for East-West confluence, and where a meeting of the five Samurai clans is taking place. In addition to the male clan leaders, the meeting is also attended by three Onna Bugeisha (literally ‘Women Warriors’), though their presence is initially resented.
Production was handled by Universal Studios through its 1440 Productions unit for Netflix. The streamer is expected to release it sometime in 2022, though a specific date is still unknown.
The existence of female Samurai who fought alongside their male colleagues in feudal Japan is well documented.
- 12/17/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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