Ron Howard has been part of our collective consciousness for as long as I can remember. Or at least he looms large in mine. Born in 1954, he was on many of the TV series I grew up watching and had his own starring role on “The Andy Griffith Show” by 1960. And his father had the idea that little “Ronny Howard” should play a good kid, not the wise-guy type popular in those “Dennis the Menace” years. He’d be nice. It stuck. He’s been known as “nice” ever since.
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
- 5/7/2024
- by Janet Maslin
- Variety Film + TV
Sydney Sweeney isn’t letting anyone keep her down. Yesterday, representatives for the “Immaculate” and “Madame Web” actress hit back at film producer Carol Baum for criticizing her appearance and disparaging remarks about her ability to act.
Following a public screening of the 1988 horror film “Dead Ringers,” which she produced, Baum spoke with Janet Maslin of the New York Times and randomly threw barbs at the “Euphoria” star.
Continue reading Sydney Sweeney Claps Back At Producer For Random Diss, Saying She “Can’t Act” at The Playlist.
Following a public screening of the 1988 horror film “Dead Ringers,” which she produced, Baum spoke with Janet Maslin of the New York Times and randomly threw barbs at the “Euphoria” star.
Continue reading Sydney Sweeney Claps Back At Producer For Random Diss, Saying She “Can’t Act” at The Playlist.
- 4/19/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Basically, everyone knows Sydney Sweeney at this point. The young actress has had a string of successful projects after her breakout role in HBO’s Euphoria. Her new movie, the horror Immaculate, is currently in cinemas and while the young actress is slowly working on building her career, there are some who don’t seem to understand her success and are actually ready to publicly call her out because of that.
We know that many people think that Sweeney succeeded simply because of her looks, but is that really fair towards the young actress? There seems to be a lot of criticism directed at her, creating a toxic atmosphere that should not be there, and these recent comments show just how wrong all of that is.
So, what happened? One of America’s major female producers, Carol Baum, had a talk with film critic Janet Maslin and the two touched...
We know that many people think that Sweeney succeeded simply because of her looks, but is that really fair towards the young actress? There seems to be a lot of criticism directed at her, creating a toxic atmosphere that should not be there, and these recent comments show just how wrong all of that is.
So, what happened? One of America’s major female producers, Carol Baum, had a talk with film critic Janet Maslin and the two touched...
- 4/19/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Sydney Sweeney has starred in a string of hits of late, and her Hollywood career has truly taken off. The actress has delivered power-packed performances, showcasing her range as an artist. From her role as a troubled nun in Immaculate to a lovestruck woman in Anyone But You, Sweeney has been winning hearts.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry feels that way about the actress. Carol Baum thinks that the Euphoria star is not worth the hype she has been generating of late. Sweeney, who is known for speaking her mind, clapped back, and the drama has only intensified since then.
Sweeney came under a verbal attack (Source: Euphoria) Carol Baum is not a fan of Sydney Sweeney
Carol Baum is a very well-respected producer and executive in Hollywood. With projects such as Read Ringers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer to her credit, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry feels that way about the actress. Carol Baum thinks that the Euphoria star is not worth the hype she has been generating of late. Sweeney, who is known for speaking her mind, clapped back, and the drama has only intensified since then.
Sweeney came under a verbal attack (Source: Euphoria) Carol Baum is not a fan of Sydney Sweeney
Carol Baum is a very well-respected producer and executive in Hollywood. With projects such as Read Ringers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer to her credit, she is a force to be reckoned with.
- 4/18/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
What happened to women supporting women? Earlier this week Hollywood producer Carol Baum disparaged Sydney Sweeney’s acting ability and appearance, prompting the actress and fellow producer to respond.
“How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” a representative for Sweeney said in a statement to press. “If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms.
“How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” a representative for Sweeney said in a statement to press. “If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms.
- 4/18/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Actress Sydney Sweeney, who garnered significant acclaim for her role in ‘Euphoria’, slammed Hollywood producer Carol Baum after she claimed in a scathing review that Sydney “can’t act” and is “not pretty”.
Baum harshly attacked the 26-year-old star during an interview with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin in front of a live audience this week, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.
The 81-year-old producer ripped apart Sydney’s latest performance in the rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ alongside Glen Powell, claiming that the film was “unwatchable” while critiquing her acting abilities.
As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, after Sydney caught wind of the harsh public criticism, she furiously slammed the producer for tearing down another hardworking woman in the industry.
A representative for Sydney told DailyMail: “How sad that a woman in a position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman.”
She continued, “If that...
Baum harshly attacked the 26-year-old star during an interview with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin in front of a live audience this week, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.
The 81-year-old producer ripped apart Sydney’s latest performance in the rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ alongside Glen Powell, claiming that the film was “unwatchable” while critiquing her acting abilities.
As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, after Sydney caught wind of the harsh public criticism, she furiously slammed the producer for tearing down another hardworking woman in the industry.
A representative for Sydney told DailyMail: “How sad that a woman in a position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman.”
She continued, “If that...
- 4/18/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Sydney Sweeney caught a stray last week when veteran Hollywood producer Carol Baum said at an event that Sweeney is “not pretty” and “can’t act” — and that her hit rom-com “Anyone but You” was “unwatchable.”
A representative for Sweeney has now fired back at Baum, saying in a statement shared with Variety: “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Baum, a longtime Hollywood producer and executive behind films including “Dead Ringers,” “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” made the disparaging comments about Sweeney during a discussion in Pleasantville, N.Y., with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin.
A representative for Sweeney has now fired back at Baum, saying in a statement shared with Variety: “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Baum, a longtime Hollywood producer and executive behind films including “Dead Ringers,” “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” made the disparaging comments about Sweeney during a discussion in Pleasantville, N.Y., with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin.
- 4/17/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
“You get me?” barks Career Drill Sergeant Zim (Clancy Brown). The young, beautiful, and vapid recruits giving him their full attention answer in kind: “Sir yes sir!” Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) and his fellow roughnecks might get Zim, but most people do not. Since its first theatrical run through today, viewers misread, misunderstand, and, frankly, misattribute Starship Troopers time and again, failing to see the cutting satire at work.
The most recent example comes from author Isaac Young, who took to Twitter to critique the film’s approach to satire. Young argued that director Paul Verhoeven failed to make fun of the Terran Federation because the attractive heroes, clean cities, and technologically advanced schools look nicer than the ugly bugs they fight.
Why the first Starship Troopers movie failed as a parody, a thread:
Watching the movie, it was clear the director was aiming for a campy, over-the-top depiction of the Terran Federation.
The most recent example comes from author Isaac Young, who took to Twitter to critique the film’s approach to satire. Young argued that director Paul Verhoeven failed to make fun of the Terran Federation because the attractive heroes, clean cities, and technologically advanced schools look nicer than the ugly bugs they fight.
Why the first Starship Troopers movie failed as a parody, a thread:
Watching the movie, it was clear the director was aiming for a campy, over-the-top depiction of the Terran Federation.
- 2/28/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
The luxury photo book brand Assouline has announced a new photo book behind Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” including an introduction by Steven Spielberg.
A digital version of the book, which comes with an audio narration and musical score, is now available for free at www.makingofmaestro.com. A physical version of the book will become available to purchase next month.
The 288-page book delves behind the scenes of the Leonard Bernstein biopic , offering insights from Cooper on the creative journey from conception to realization. Contributors include Academy Award winners like Mark Bridges, Michelle Tesoro, Kazu Hiro, and Matthew Libatique, who provide a comprehensive exploration of the filmmaking process. Other essays include those by Jamie Bernstein, Janet Maslin and Rick Rubin, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, production art and set images.
The luxury photo book brand Assouline has announced a new photo book behind Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” including an introduction by Steven Spielberg.
A digital version of the book, which comes with an audio narration and musical score, is now available for free at www.makingofmaestro.com. A physical version of the book will become available to purchase next month.
The 288-page book delves behind the scenes of the Leonard Bernstein biopic , offering insights from Cooper on the creative journey from conception to realization. Contributors include Academy Award winners like Mark Bridges, Michelle Tesoro, Kazu Hiro, and Matthew Libatique, who provide a comprehensive exploration of the filmmaking process. Other essays include those by Jamie Bernstein, Janet Maslin and Rick Rubin, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, production art and set images.
- 12/21/2023
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Spielberg had tackled serious subjects before, but none of his previous work had the power and artistic vision of “Schindler’s List,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Based on the book by Thomas Keneally, “Schindler’s List” relates the true story of Nazi party member and war profiteer Oskar Schindler, who ended up saving 1,000 Jews from the Nazi death camps during World War II. Shot in black-and-white-save for a little girl wearig red coat- ‘Schindler’s List” is often a difficult watch, but it’s message of “Never Forget” is particularly relevant today with the rise of anti-Semitism and the white power movement. The epic stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ben Kingsley as the Jewish manager of Schindler’s factor and Ralph Fiennes, terrifying as a ruthless Nazi commandant Amon Goth.
The reviews were laudatory and despite its length — 3 hours 15 minutes — “Schindler’s List” made over $322 million worldwide. Nominated for 12 Oscars...
The reviews were laudatory and despite its length — 3 hours 15 minutes — “Schindler’s List” made over $322 million worldwide. Nominated for 12 Oscars...
- 12/18/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The AFI Awards has made its selection of the top 10 television series of 2023, a list that includes the first-year comedies “Jury Duty” (Amazon Freevee) and “Poker Face” (Peacock) along with HBO’s post-apocalyptic freshman drama “The Last of Us” and the Netflix limited series “Beef” along with Apple TV+’s “The Morning Show,” the HBO drama “Succession” and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” There are also three programs also on last year’s list: the ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary” and FX’s “The Bear” (streaming on Hulu) and “Reservation Dogs.”
Among the acclaimed programs that were passed over are “Ted Lasso,” “The Crown,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Barry,” “The Diplomat” and “A Small Light.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
Among the acclaimed programs that were passed over are “Ted Lasso,” “The Crown,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Barry,” “The Diplomat” and “A Small Light.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The AFI Awards has made its selection of the top 10 films of 2023, a list that includes the summer bl9ckbusters “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” along with director Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the Netflix drama “May December,” the Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro,” director Yorgos Lanthimos’ “”Poor Things,” Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” “American Fiction,” “Past Lives” and the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
Over the past two decades, the AFI list is a pretty accurate indicator of how the Academy Awards category for Best Picture will look. Last year, only three movies not included in the AFI top 10 – “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “The Banshees of Inisherin”- made that Oscar group.
Among the acclaimed films that were passed over are “The Color Purple,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Air” and “The Zone of Interest.”
See‘Oppenheimer’ maintains lead over ‘Killers of the Flower Moon...
Over the past two decades, the AFI list is a pretty accurate indicator of how the Academy Awards category for Best Picture will look. Last year, only three movies not included in the AFI top 10 – “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “The Banshees of Inisherin”- made that Oscar group.
Among the acclaimed films that were passed over are “The Color Purple,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Air” and “The Zone of Interest.”
See‘Oppenheimer’ maintains lead over ‘Killers of the Flower Moon...
- 12/8/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Group also unveils top 10 TV shows of the year.
The awards group picks continue to roll in with American Film Institute unveiling its film and TV selections for the AFI Awards 2023.
The top 10 films are: American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
AFI’s top TV shows of the year are: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last Of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders In The Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.
Honourees will assemble at the annual AFI Awards...
The awards group picks continue to roll in with American Film Institute unveiling its film and TV selections for the AFI Awards 2023.
The top 10 films are: American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers Of The Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
AFI’s top TV shows of the year are: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last Of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders In The Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.
Honourees will assemble at the annual AFI Awards...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced its annual list of best films and TV for the past year. The 2023 honorees include summer smash hits “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”; plus streamer-backed fare like “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” “May December,” and “American Fiction”; and indie films “The Holdovers,” “Poor Things,” and “Past Lives.” Animated feature “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” was additionally among the top 10 picks.
Television series “Abbott Elementary,” “Succession,” and “The Bear” returned to the AFI list, as well as new series “Jury Duty,” “Poker Face,” “The Last of Us,” and “Beef.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, said in an official statement. “That we do so without competition is AFI’s hallmark, and we...
Television series “Abbott Elementary,” “Succession,” and “The Bear” returned to the AFI list, as well as new series “Jury Duty,” “Poker Face,” “The Last of Us,” and “Beef.”
“As our nation and our world continue to navigate difficult times, AFI is honored to shine a proper light upon these works of art that lift us up and, ultimately, lead us to empathy,” Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, said in an official statement. “That we do so without competition is AFI’s hallmark, and we...
- 12/7/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Hollywood has been adapting Tom Clancy’s techno-thrillers for three decades-plus — with a handful of familiar faces playing the famous character of Jack Ryan, from Alec Baldwin to Ben Affleck. But how have critics on RottenTomatoes.com rated these adaptations?
“The Hunt for Red October” (1990)
Tomatometer: 89%
Tom Clancy’s first big-screen outing pitted CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) against a mysterious Russian sub commander played by Sean Connery. As the L.A. Times critic Sheila Benson wrote: “You may not be limp from accumulated tension when this hunt is over, but its cautiously upbeat global message leaves a satisfying glow and it operates with a crackerjack premise.”
“Clear and Present Danger” (1994)
Tomatometer: 80%
In his second outing as Jack Ryan, Harrison Ford chases down a rogue CIA agent and a drug cartel. The New York Times’ Janet Maslin praises “another fast, gripping spy story with some good tricks up its sleeve,...
“The Hunt for Red October” (1990)
Tomatometer: 89%
Tom Clancy’s first big-screen outing pitted CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) against a mysterious Russian sub commander played by Sean Connery. As the L.A. Times critic Sheila Benson wrote: “You may not be limp from accumulated tension when this hunt is over, but its cautiously upbeat global message leaves a satisfying glow and it operates with a crackerjack premise.”
“Clear and Present Danger” (1994)
Tomatometer: 80%
In his second outing as Jack Ryan, Harrison Ford chases down a rogue CIA agent and a drug cartel. The New York Times’ Janet Maslin praises “another fast, gripping spy story with some good tricks up its sleeve,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
One of the most high-profile releases in the spring of 1983 was “Flashdance,” starring Jennifer Beals, directed by Adrian Lyne, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson. It marked Beals’ feature film debut, as well as Lyne’s second major feature following 1980’s “Foxes.” It was also one of Bruckheimer’s and Simpson’s earliest projects, coming soon after “American Gigolo.” Released 40 years ago on April 15, 1983, “Flashdance” took second place at the box office its opening weekend with four million dollars, but then it became the sensation of the spring movies, jumping up to first place the next weekend and staying there well into early May. By the end of its run, “Flashdance,” about a woman who works as both a welder and an exotic dancer and wants to get into ballet school, made more than $90 million in the United States and more than $200 million worldwide. Read on for our...
- 4/13/2023
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
(Welcome to Best Actor Ever, an ongoing series where we explore the careers and performances of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen.)
There is not an actor in the history of moving pictures who has been more egregiously taken for granted by her industry than Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Critics have always had her back. The New York Times' Janet Maslin got it from the jump when she singled Leigh out as "the only thing worth seeing" in her film debut "Eyes of a Stranger." The better-than-average 1981 slasher film set the tone for Leigh's career in that she plays a victim. Her character is a blind-deaf mute whose condition was brought on by being kidnapped and raped at an early age. The 19-year-old Leigh projects sweetness and innocence, but this young woman is all serrated edges. Because she isn't just a victim. She's a survivor.
Roger Ebert was also an early admirer of Leigh,...
There is not an actor in the history of moving pictures who has been more egregiously taken for granted by her industry than Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Critics have always had her back. The New York Times' Janet Maslin got it from the jump when she singled Leigh out as "the only thing worth seeing" in her film debut "Eyes of a Stranger." The better-than-average 1981 slasher film set the tone for Leigh's career in that she plays a victim. Her character is a blind-deaf mute whose condition was brought on by being kidnapped and raped at an early age. The 19-year-old Leigh projects sweetness and innocence, but this young woman is all serrated edges. Because she isn't just a victim. She's a survivor.
Roger Ebert was also an early admirer of Leigh,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
A24 has acquired worldwide rights to the classic Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense.” A 4K restoration of the movie will be released in theaters globally later this year.
Jonathan Demme, the acclaimed filmmaker of “Silence of the Lambs” and “Philadelphia,” directed 1984’s “Stop Making Sense,” which is regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever.
If the suit still fits… This year, we’re bringing Jonathan Demme’s groundbreaking 1984 Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense (newly remastered in 4K!) back to theaters worldwide. #StopMakingSense2023 pic.twitter.com/Kh2Nevaf2X
— A24 (@A24) March 16, 2023
In the New York Times’ 1984 review of “Stop Making Sense,” critic Janet Maslin says the rock concert film “looks and sounds like no other.”
“The film’s visual style is as coolly iconoclastic as Talking Heads itself,” she wrote. “Mr. Demme has captured both the look and the spirit of this live performance...
Jonathan Demme, the acclaimed filmmaker of “Silence of the Lambs” and “Philadelphia,” directed 1984’s “Stop Making Sense,” which is regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever.
If the suit still fits… This year, we’re bringing Jonathan Demme’s groundbreaking 1984 Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense (newly remastered in 4K!) back to theaters worldwide. #StopMakingSense2023 pic.twitter.com/Kh2Nevaf2X
— A24 (@A24) March 16, 2023
In the New York Times’ 1984 review of “Stop Making Sense,” critic Janet Maslin says the rock concert film “looks and sounds like no other.”
“The film’s visual style is as coolly iconoclastic as Talking Heads itself,” she wrote. “Mr. Demme has captured both the look and the spirit of this live performance...
- 3/16/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
When Wes Craven's "Scream" hit theaters on December 20, 1996, The New York Times' Janet Maslin wrote, "n 'Scream' [Craven] wants things both ways, capitalizing on lurid material while undermining it with mocking humor. Not even horror fans who can answer all this film's knowing trivia questions may be fully comfortable with such an exploitative mix."
Turns out they were more than comfortable.
This isn't a swipe at Maslin. Critics miscall the zeitgeist all the time. In her defense, many people in Hollywood thought Dimension Pictures' Bob Weinstein was stretching the notion of counterprogramming well beyond the breaking point by releasing a slasher flick five days before Christmas. Also, the demand for slashers in 1996 was nearly nonexistent outside of the gorehound contingent (and even they were bored with the formula).
But Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson's meta take on the disreputable genre caught fire, spawning a full-scale slasher revival as well as a long-running franchise that,...
Turns out they were more than comfortable.
This isn't a swipe at Maslin. Critics miscall the zeitgeist all the time. In her defense, many people in Hollywood thought Dimension Pictures' Bob Weinstein was stretching the notion of counterprogramming well beyond the breaking point by releasing a slasher flick five days before Christmas. Also, the demand for slashers in 1996 was nearly nonexistent outside of the gorehound contingent (and even they were bored with the formula).
But Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson's meta take on the disreputable genre caught fire, spawning a full-scale slasher revival as well as a long-running franchise that,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
"Rocky" was a pop cultural phenomenon that pulled off the rare achievement of winning the Academy Award for Best Picture while reigning as the top grossing movie of the year. Though many cinephiles grouse that it shouldn't have won the Oscar over instant classics like "All the President's Men," "Network," and "Taxi Driver," voters and regular moviegoers alike were eager to shake off the misery of the recently concluded Vietnam War. They wanted to feel good about themselves and humanity, so they rallied around the movie that sent them walking out of the theater on air.
Given that "The Godfather Part II" had just become the first sequel to win Best Picture, there was no shame in making a follow-up where Sylvester Stallone's gutsy pugilist goes back on his word and agrees to a rematch with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The difference, though, is that nearly everything we loved...
Given that "The Godfather Part II" had just become the first sequel to win Best Picture, there was no shame in making a follow-up where Sylvester Stallone's gutsy pugilist goes back on his word and agrees to a rematch with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The difference, though, is that nearly everything we loved...
- 1/11/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Hollywood comedies are a dime a dozen. Yet, many receive flak for their attempts to tickle our funny bones, while only a select few earn rave reviews or accolades from critics. Honestly, I can only think of a handful of comedic films that made their way to the tops of end-of-year lists, while also recalling hundreds more that drew the ire of bigwigs like Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel for accomplishing what they set out to do.
Don't get me wrong. Bad comedies exist, but everyone's sense of humor is different. Some people get a good chuckle from the physical pratfalls enacted by Chris Farley, while others revel in the low-brow antics of Will Ferrell and Jim Carrey. At any rate, the purpose of a comedy is to supply laughs and entertain its audience. The purpose of this article is to highlight a handful of poorly reviewed comedies that are...
Don't get me wrong. Bad comedies exist, but everyone's sense of humor is different. Some people get a good chuckle from the physical pratfalls enacted by Chris Farley, while others revel in the low-brow antics of Will Ferrell and Jim Carrey. At any rate, the purpose of a comedy is to supply laughs and entertain its audience. The purpose of this article is to highlight a handful of poorly reviewed comedies that are...
- 12/11/2022
- by Jeff Ames
- Slash Film
December 9, 2022, Los Angeles, CA – The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the recipients of AFI Awards 2022. AFI Awards honorees include 10 outstanding films and 10 outstanding TV programs deemed culturally and artistically representative of this year’s most significant achievements in the art of the moving image. An additional honoree was selected for an AFI Special Award, designated for works of excellence that fall outside of AFI Awards’ eligibility criteria.
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
AFI Movies Of The Year
Avatar: The Way Of Water
Elvis
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The Fabelmans
Nope
She Said
TÁR
Top Gun: Maverick
The Woman King
Women Talking
AFI Television Programs Of The Year
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Better Call Saul
Hacks
Mo
Pachinko
Reservation Dogs
Severance
Somebody Somewhere
The White Lotus
AFI Special Award
The Banshees Of Inisherin
“AFI Awards shines a light upon excellence in storytelling and the collaborators who bring these stories to the screen,” said Bob Gazzale,...
- 12/11/2022
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The American Film Institute’s annual list of the best films and television of the year always includes awards frontrunners as well as at least one or two unexpected dark horses. This time, as usual, the list skewed largely toward mainstream studio fare like Warner Bros.’ “Elvis” and Sony’s “The Woman King,” Paramount Pictures’ “Top Gun: Maverick,” 20th Century Studios and Disney’s “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and Universal’s “Nope.”
However, also from Universal, “She Said,” which has struggled to connect with audiences at the box office and appears to be a straggler in the awards race, got a needed boost in the top 10. Universal also got an expected shout-out for “The Fabelmans” (director Steven Spielberg is on the board of AFI trustees). A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Focus Features’ “TÁR” (director Todd Field is an AFI Conservatory alum), and United Artists Releasing’s “Women Talking” also notched spots.
However, also from Universal, “She Said,” which has struggled to connect with audiences at the box office and appears to be a straggler in the awards race, got a needed boost in the top 10. Universal also got an expected shout-out for “The Fabelmans” (director Steven Spielberg is on the board of AFI trustees). A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Focus Features’ “TÁR” (director Todd Field is an AFI Conservatory alum), and United Artists Releasing’s “Women Talking” also notched spots.
- 12/9/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
The American Film Institute has revealed its picks for the best movies and TV shows of 2022.
The group’s picks for the 10 best films are, in alphabetical order: Avatar: The Way of Water, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Nope, She Said, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, The Woman King and Women Talking.
On the TV side, AFI’s picks for the 10 best TV shows of the year are, again alphabetically, Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Better Call Saul, Hacks, Mo, Pachinko, Reservation Dogs, Severance, Somebody Somewhere and The White Lotus.
AFI also awarded a special award to The Banshees of Inisherin, with AFI saying the special honor is given to “works of excellence that fall outside of AFI Awards’ eligibility criteria.”
AFI’s honorees will be recognized in an awards ceremony luncheon on Jan. 13, 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
The American Film Institute has revealed its picks for the best movies and TV shows of 2022.
The group’s picks for the 10 best films are, in alphabetical order: Avatar: The Way of Water, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Nope, She Said, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, The Woman King and Women Talking.
On the TV side, AFI’s picks for the 10 best TV shows of the year are, again alphabetically, Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Better Call Saul, Hacks, Mo, Pachinko, Reservation Dogs, Severance, Somebody Somewhere and The White Lotus.
AFI also awarded a special award to The Banshees of Inisherin, with AFI saying the special honor is given to “works of excellence that fall outside of AFI Awards’ eligibility criteria.”
AFI’s honorees will be recognized in an awards ceremony luncheon on Jan. 13, 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
- 12/9/2022
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article is presented by Plex
As the seasons change once again, it’s a perfect time to snuggle up on the couch and dive into a first-time watch or an old familiar favorite. No matter what kind of movie or TV show you’re looking for this November, Plex TV has you covered. As temperatures start to plummet, it’s time to fire up Plex TV!
Plex offers a one-stop-shop streaming service offering 50,000+ free titles and 200+ of free-to-stream live TV channels, from the biggest names in entertainment, including Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, Lionsgate, Legendary, AMC, A+E, Crackle, and Reuters. Plex is always overflowing with thousands of new and old familiar favorites on its platform and we’re here to happily select the cream of the crop.
This month, we’ve got engaging film documentaries, groundbreaking horror comedies, through-provoking character studies, and more! Head...
As the seasons change once again, it’s a perfect time to snuggle up on the couch and dive into a first-time watch or an old familiar favorite. No matter what kind of movie or TV show you’re looking for this November, Plex TV has you covered. As temperatures start to plummet, it’s time to fire up Plex TV!
Plex offers a one-stop-shop streaming service offering 50,000+ free titles and 200+ of free-to-stream live TV channels, from the biggest names in entertainment, including Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, Lionsgate, Legendary, AMC, A+E, Crackle, and Reuters. Plex is always overflowing with thousands of new and old familiar favorites on its platform and we’re here to happily select the cream of the crop.
This month, we’ve got engaging film documentaries, groundbreaking horror comedies, through-provoking character studies, and more! Head...
- 11/4/2022
- by Nick Harley
- Den of Geek
Zach Cregger’s Barbarian is one of the surprise horror hits of the year. Combining wicked twists, an unorthodox structure, and a dash of good humor, Barbarian became a word-of-mouth hit that’s now finding an even wider audience thanks to streaming on HBO Max. Fun, but still unsettling at times, Barbarian strikes a campy horror tone that’s both refreshingly irreverent and also cinematically satisfying.
With Spooky Season heading to a close, and Halloween right around the corner, you might be looking for more films that scratch this camp horror itch. If you’re looking for self-serious horror films, this isn’t the list for you. But if you’re looking for something that inspires laughter while you’re watching through the cracks in your fingers, something decidedly Barbarian-esque, check out these creepy classics below.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
In her review of John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London,...
With Spooky Season heading to a close, and Halloween right around the corner, you might be looking for more films that scratch this camp horror itch. If you’re looking for self-serious horror films, this isn’t the list for you. But if you’re looking for something that inspires laughter while you’re watching through the cracks in your fingers, something decidedly Barbarian-esque, check out these creepy classics below.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
In her review of John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London,...
- 10/28/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Former “Friends” star Matthew Perry is being called “evil” and “a self-indulgent tool” after saying, essentially, that the world would be a better place if Keanu Reeves had died instead of River Phoenix or Heath Ledger.
“Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us?” Perry writes in his upcoming memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” which was excerpted in the New York Post on Wednesday.
Perry doubled down on his Keanu-bashing in his recollection about the death of Chris Farley in 1997: “I punched a hole through Jennifer Aniston’s dressing room wall when I found out,” adding again, “Keanu Reeves walks among us.”
Also Read:
Matthew Perry Reveals Opioid Abuse Put Him in a 2-Week Coma: ‘I’m Grateful to Be Alive’
Among the stars leaping to Keanu’s defense on Wednesday was Lynda Carter,...
“Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us?” Perry writes in his upcoming memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” which was excerpted in the New York Post on Wednesday.
Perry doubled down on his Keanu-bashing in his recollection about the death of Chris Farley in 1997: “I punched a hole through Jennifer Aniston’s dressing room wall when I found out,” adding again, “Keanu Reeves walks among us.”
Also Read:
Matthew Perry Reveals Opioid Abuse Put Him in a 2-Week Coma: ‘I’m Grateful to Be Alive’
Among the stars leaping to Keanu’s defense on Wednesday was Lynda Carter,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
It is important to remember that film is an art form, therefore it is subjective. Your opinion will be different from mine, and there is no "right or wrong." However, genres and narrative structures often shape the expectations of our favorite movies. So when filmmakers operate outside of the established rules, they know that they're taking a risk.
When George Romero debuted his 1978 zombie film "Dawn of the Living Dead" he understood that it might not be for everyone. He was fine even if audiences walked out of one of his movies.
Romero began his journey of becoming the "father of the zombie movie" in 1968 with his directorial debut "Night of the Living Dead." The movie created a new genre and critics often considered the film an allegory for race relations during the era. A decade later, Romero released the sequel "Dawn of the Dead." Set in a shopping mall,...
When George Romero debuted his 1978 zombie film "Dawn of the Living Dead" he understood that it might not be for everyone. He was fine even if audiences walked out of one of his movies.
Romero began his journey of becoming the "father of the zombie movie" in 1968 with his directorial debut "Night of the Living Dead." The movie created a new genre and critics often considered the film an allegory for race relations during the era. A decade later, Romero released the sequel "Dawn of the Dead." Set in a shopping mall,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Travis Yates
- Slash Film
In the midst of the 1997 fall movie season, “Boogie Nights” came out of nowhere to be one of the most acclaimed and talked-about films of the year. The biggest name in its ensemble cast was Burt Reynolds, who hadn’t been in a hit film or television series in years. The movie was directed by the virtually unknown Paul Thomas Anderson, whose sole credit “Hard Eight” had been essentially dumped into theaters the previous February. And a narrative about the rise and fall of a porn start that ran a long two-and-a-half hours didn’t exactly seem like a slam dunk production for critics or at the box office.
However, the film premiered to a wave of enthusiasm at the Toronto Film Festival and critical raves upon its limited release in October 1997. And the rest is now history. Read on for our appreciation of the “Boogie Nights” 25th anniversary.
At the time,...
However, the film premiered to a wave of enthusiasm at the Toronto Film Festival and critical raves upon its limited release in October 1997. And the rest is now history. Read on for our appreciation of the “Boogie Nights” 25th anniversary.
At the time,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
Veteran documentary filmmaker and fashion photographer Douglas Keeve has signed with Buchwald for entertainment representation.
More recently, Keeve directed and executive produced Supreme Models, a six-part docuseries for YouTube and Vogue. The series is based on Marcellas Reynolds’ book Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion, as it portrays fashion trailblazers like Iman and Bethann Hardison, and fellow models Joan Smalls, Indya Moore and Precious Lee.
Also featured in the series on the official Vogue YouTube Channel is Anna Wintour, Pat Cleveland, Roshumba Williams and Veronica Webb. Keeve won an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival for Unzipped, a light-hearted documentary that followed designer Isaac Mizrahi as he prepared for his 1994 runway collection.
The 1995 documentary also featured Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford alongside the famed fashion designer. Film critic Janet Maslin in The New York Times called...
Veteran documentary filmmaker and fashion photographer Douglas Keeve has signed with Buchwald for entertainment representation.
More recently, Keeve directed and executive produced Supreme Models, a six-part docuseries for YouTube and Vogue. The series is based on Marcellas Reynolds’ book Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion, as it portrays fashion trailblazers like Iman and Bethann Hardison, and fellow models Joan Smalls, Indya Moore and Precious Lee.
Also featured in the series on the official Vogue YouTube Channel is Anna Wintour, Pat Cleveland, Roshumba Williams and Veronica Webb. Keeve won an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival for Unzipped, a light-hearted documentary that followed designer Isaac Mizrahi as he prepared for his 1994 runway collection.
The 1995 documentary also featured Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford alongside the famed fashion designer. Film critic Janet Maslin in The New York Times called...
- 10/14/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over the years, there have been several launching-pad movies, where the casting edict is to find as many fresh young faces as possible rather than lean on established star power. In 1955, "Rebel Without a Cause" assembled a number of exciting performers in James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper. Nearly 30 years later, Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" served up a smorgasbord of rising stars in C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Diane Lane, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise. And in 1993, director Robert Mandel brought together a company of future stars via the crackling drama "School Ties."
Though many of the actors in "School Ties" had popped up here and there in smaller roles, Mandel's drama about a Jewish student contending with antisemitism at a Massachusetts boarding school in 1959 was the movie where they got to show off their considerable chops. Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser...
Though many of the actors in "School Ties" had popped up here and there in smaller roles, Mandel's drama about a Jewish student contending with antisemitism at a Massachusetts boarding school in 1959 was the movie where they got to show off their considerable chops. Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser...
- 9/28/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
In between his mega-hit “Back to the Future” sequels and his Oscar juggernaut crowdpleaser “Forrest Gump,” Robert Zemeckis directed the sublime black comedy “Death Becomes Her,” released to theaters 30 years ago on July 31, 1992. In a summer of mostly safe, audience-friendly comedies like “Sister Act” and “HouseSitter,” “Death Becomes Her” entered the marketplace an oddball piece of dark, absurdist humor that didn’t fit into a clear category. Let’s take a moment and reflect on the “Death Becomes Her” 30th anniversary.
Starring Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn, the film tells of a fading actress named Madeline (Streep) who takes a magical immortality treatment that makes her beautiful and ageless, only to discover her old rival Helen (Hawn) long ago consumed the potion. After Madeline’s husband Ernest (Willis) pushes Madeline down the stairs, breaking her neck, havoc and hilarity ensue as both Madeline and Helen suffer increasingly debilitating...
Starring Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn, the film tells of a fading actress named Madeline (Streep) who takes a magical immortality treatment that makes her beautiful and ageless, only to discover her old rival Helen (Hawn) long ago consumed the potion. After Madeline’s husband Ernest (Willis) pushes Madeline down the stairs, breaking her neck, havoc and hilarity ensue as both Madeline and Helen suffer increasingly debilitating...
- 7/30/2022
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
William Richert, the maverick writer-director behind the Jeff Bridges-starring conspiracy thriller Winter Kills and A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, which gave River Phoenix his first leading role, has died. He was 79.
Richert died Tuesday at his home in Portland, Oregon, his wife, Gretchen, told The Hollywood Reporter. She would not disclosed the cause of death but said he chose to use Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act.
Richert’s résumé also included co-writing The Happy Hooker (1975), starring Lynn Redgrave as celebrity madam Xaviera Hollander, and a pair of Ivan Passer-directed films: Law and Disorder (1974), starring Carroll O’Connor and Ernest Borgnine, and Crime and Passion (1976), starring Omar Sharif and Karen Black.
A black comedy take on the mystery surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination, Winter Kills (1979) featured Bridges fronting an all-star cast that also included John Huston, Elizabeth Taylor,...
William Richert, the maverick writer-director behind the Jeff Bridges-starring conspiracy thriller Winter Kills and A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, which gave River Phoenix his first leading role, has died. He was 79.
Richert died Tuesday at his home in Portland, Oregon, his wife, Gretchen, told The Hollywood Reporter. She would not disclosed the cause of death but said he chose to use Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act.
Richert’s résumé also included co-writing The Happy Hooker (1975), starring Lynn Redgrave as celebrity madam Xaviera Hollander, and a pair of Ivan Passer-directed films: Law and Disorder (1974), starring Carroll O’Connor and Ernest Borgnine, and Crime and Passion (1976), starring Omar Sharif and Karen Black.
A black comedy take on the mystery surrounding the John F. Kennedy assassination, Winter Kills (1979) featured Bridges fronting an all-star cast that also included John Huston, Elizabeth Taylor,...
- 7/24/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The latest in our series of writers defending unloved films is a defense of a sequel with more to it than people originally saw
After Bill L Norton’s More American Graffiti hit theaters in August 1979, Janet Maslin called it “grotesquely misconceived” in the New York Times. The movie still holds a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes and, since its release, has been largely forgotten. But just like 2008 Kentucky Derby race horse Big Truck, More American Graffiti was thrown to the wolves under the guise of a pitiful, boring title and high expectations. At the box office, the future Oscar-winner Apocalypse Now and the audacious Life of Brian ran the gamut – so More American Graffiti had to be a near perfect sequel in order to outshine its competition sweeping the US. It wasn’t.
Related: Hear me out: why Titan Ae isn’t a bad movie...
After Bill L Norton’s More American Graffiti hit theaters in August 1979, Janet Maslin called it “grotesquely misconceived” in the New York Times. The movie still holds a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes and, since its release, has been largely forgotten. But just like 2008 Kentucky Derby race horse Big Truck, More American Graffiti was thrown to the wolves under the guise of a pitiful, boring title and high expectations. At the box office, the future Oscar-winner Apocalypse Now and the audacious Life of Brian ran the gamut – so More American Graffiti had to be a near perfect sequel in order to outshine its competition sweeping the US. It wasn’t.
Related: Hear me out: why Titan Ae isn’t a bad movie...
- 7/6/2021
- by Matt Mitchell
- The Guardian - Film News
“Gossip nowadays passes for news,” the late Bobby Kennedy once told me. Except I never met him and he might never have said that.
I read it in a new book by Jake Tapper, the CNN anchor who, like some other TV newsmen, cheerfully invents dialogue between famous people. In doing so, he (and they) further contribute to the blur between the real and unreal that characterizes the media today. Tapper, to his credit, at least labels some of his inventions as fiction, albeit well-researched fiction.
Across the media landscape, documentaries ranging from Tiger King to My Octopus Teacher occupy an increasingly prominent role on the home screen, even though they are often steeped in “re-enactments” and “re-imaginings.” Most of last year’s Oscar contenders also depend on fictionalized re-creations of past events, from trials to nightclub performances. And then there’s the much-hyped domain of deepfake videos that flawlessly...
I read it in a new book by Jake Tapper, the CNN anchor who, like some other TV newsmen, cheerfully invents dialogue between famous people. In doing so, he (and they) further contribute to the blur between the real and unreal that characterizes the media today. Tapper, to his credit, at least labels some of his inventions as fiction, albeit well-researched fiction.
Across the media landscape, documentaries ranging from Tiger King to My Octopus Teacher occupy an increasingly prominent role on the home screen, even though they are often steeped in “re-enactments” and “re-imaginings.” Most of last year’s Oscar contenders also depend on fictionalized re-creations of past events, from trials to nightclub performances. And then there’s the much-hyped domain of deepfake videos that flawlessly...
- 5/13/2021
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Among Oscars hosts, few are as beloved as nine-time emcee Billy Crystal. Over the years, Crystal received critical and commercial adulation, as well as four Emmys, for his work on the big stage, but to do it again? Eh, not so much. Asked if Oscars brass had asked him back in recent years, Crystal told IndieWire during a recent interview, “No, they haven’t, but that’s okay.”
It’s a few days before the 2021 Oscars ceremony, and Crystal is promoting “Here Today,” a dramedy he co-wrote and stars in opposite Tiffany Haddish; it also represents the first time he’s directed a theatrical feature since “Forget Paris” in 1995. (Sony releases “Here Today” in theaters on May 7.) The last time Crystal hosted was when he stepped in after Eddie Murphy dropped out. The Oscars have had no host since Jimmy Kimmel in 2018, and Crystal said that today it’s an almost impossible role to fulfill.
It’s a few days before the 2021 Oscars ceremony, and Crystal is promoting “Here Today,” a dramedy he co-wrote and stars in opposite Tiffany Haddish; it also represents the first time he’s directed a theatrical feature since “Forget Paris” in 1995. (Sony releases “Here Today” in theaters on May 7.) The last time Crystal hosted was when he stepped in after Eddie Murphy dropped out. The Oscars have had no host since Jimmy Kimmel in 2018, and Crystal said that today it’s an almost impossible role to fulfill.
- 4/23/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Legendary movie star, Last Call‘s Bruce Dern, joins Josh and Joe to discuss a few of his favorite movies and moments.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Cowboys (1972)
Last Call (2021)
Silent Running (1972)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Reivers (1969)
The War Wagon (1967)
Support Your Local Sheriff (1969)
The Shootist (1976)
Sands Of Iwo Jima (1949)
Wild River (1960)
Viva Zapata (1952)
Castle Keep (1969)
The Big Knife (1955)
Attack (1956)
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962)
Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
Suspicion (1941)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Ben-Hur (1959)
The Trial (1962)
Great Expectations (1946)
The Sound Barrier (1952)
Oliver Twist (1948)
The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
Rko 281 (1999)
Citizen Kane (1941)
Mank (2020)
The Chase (1966)
The Formula (1980)
Shine (1996)
All That Jazz (1979)
A Decade Under The Influence (2003)
Shane (1953)
The Sons Of Katie Elder (1965)
The King Of Marvin Gardens (1972)
Deliverance (1972)
Nebraska (2013)
Twixt (2011)
The ’Burbs (1989)
About Schmidt (2002)
Sideways (2004)
The Descendants (2011)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Charade (1963)
The Truth About Charlie...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Cowboys (1972)
Last Call (2021)
Silent Running (1972)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Reivers (1969)
The War Wagon (1967)
Support Your Local Sheriff (1969)
The Shootist (1976)
Sands Of Iwo Jima (1949)
Wild River (1960)
Viva Zapata (1952)
Castle Keep (1969)
The Big Knife (1955)
Attack (1956)
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1962)
Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
Suspicion (1941)
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
The Great Gatsby (1974)
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Ben-Hur (1959)
The Trial (1962)
Great Expectations (1946)
The Sound Barrier (1952)
Oliver Twist (1948)
The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
Rko 281 (1999)
Citizen Kane (1941)
Mank (2020)
The Chase (1966)
The Formula (1980)
Shine (1996)
All That Jazz (1979)
A Decade Under The Influence (2003)
Shane (1953)
The Sons Of Katie Elder (1965)
The King Of Marvin Gardens (1972)
Deliverance (1972)
Nebraska (2013)
Twixt (2011)
The ’Burbs (1989)
About Schmidt (2002)
Sideways (2004)
The Descendants (2011)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Charade (1963)
The Truth About Charlie...
- 4/6/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
One could have watched the Critics Choice Awards last Sunday and thought they were re-watching the Golden Globes. Same nominees, mostly the same winners, same sweatshirt for Jason Sudeikis. Wait … didn’t the professional entertainment judgers generally blast the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for, well, for being what and who they are?
What happened to early critics’ winners like “First Cow”? How quickly they forget and go with the flow. In fact, this is the time critics — respect or resent them — are currently getting a taste of their own.
Consider “Malcolm and Marie,” the controversial film from Sam Levinson starring John Thomas Washington and Zendaya. It is basically one long argument about whether “that white lady of the L.A. Times” wrote a positive or negative review of Washington’s character’s film, seen through the racial lens. Washington ends his screed by saying he hopes the writer gets “f...
What happened to early critics’ winners like “First Cow”? How quickly they forget and go with the flow. In fact, this is the time critics — respect or resent them — are currently getting a taste of their own.
Consider “Malcolm and Marie,” the controversial film from Sam Levinson starring John Thomas Washington and Zendaya. It is basically one long argument about whether “that white lady of the L.A. Times” wrote a positive or negative review of Washington’s character’s film, seen through the racial lens. Washington ends his screed by saying he hopes the writer gets “f...
- 3/13/2021
- by Michele Willens
- The Wrap
Sundance Institute today announced that Gina Duncan will join the Sundance Film Festival team in the newly-created role of producing director, reporting to festival director Tabitha Jackson and working closely with programming director Kim Yutani. Duncan is the latest big hire for the Utah festival which, earlier this month, tapped Carrie Lozano to head their documentary film program.
Per Sundance, as producing director, Duncan “will integrate the artistic vision of the festival with its practical, audience-facing elements. She’ll work with the programming team as they curate works for exhibition, and serve as a leader for creating strategic vision and decision-making on both the Sundance Film Festival and year-round public programs.” Further key duties for Duncan include “continuing to build policies and plans to develop and increase the inclusivity of the festival more broadly, and managing year-round engagement among the industry and artist communities.”
“Gina’s experience across the arts,...
Per Sundance, as producing director, Duncan “will integrate the artistic vision of the festival with its practical, audience-facing elements. She’ll work with the programming team as they curate works for exhibition, and serve as a leader for creating strategic vision and decision-making on both the Sundance Film Festival and year-round public programs.” Further key duties for Duncan include “continuing to build policies and plans to develop and increase the inclusivity of the festival more broadly, and managing year-round engagement among the industry and artist communities.”
“Gina’s experience across the arts,...
- 9/25/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
As the Sundance Film Festival plots what will be an unconventional 2021 festival meant to take place beyond Park City, the Sundance Institute has hired Gina Duncan in a newly created role as the team’s producing director.
Duncan, formerly leading the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s film operations, will report directly to festival director Tabitha Jackson and will work closely with programming director Kim Yutani.
Duncan will focus on the practical, audience-facing elements of the Sundance Film Festival, including working with the programming team on curating works for exhibition and lead the vision on the Sundance Institute’s year-round public programs.
She’ll also be working to build more inclusivity at the festival and manage year-round engagement between the industry and other artists. Her first day will be Monday, Sept. 28.
“Gina’s experience across the arts, industry, and festival space excited us, as did her stellar reputation, innovative spirit, values-driven approach and transformational results,...
Duncan, formerly leading the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s film operations, will report directly to festival director Tabitha Jackson and will work closely with programming director Kim Yutani.
Duncan will focus on the practical, audience-facing elements of the Sundance Film Festival, including working with the programming team on curating works for exhibition and lead the vision on the Sundance Institute’s year-round public programs.
She’ll also be working to build more inclusivity at the festival and manage year-round engagement between the industry and other artists. Her first day will be Monday, Sept. 28.
“Gina’s experience across the arts, industry, and festival space excited us, as did her stellar reputation, innovative spirit, values-driven approach and transformational results,...
- 9/25/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Sundance Institute has hired former Brooklyn Academy of Music executive Gina Duncan for the newly created Producing Director position at the Sundance Film Festival.
Duncan will start Sept. 28 and she’ll report Sundance Festival Director Tabitha Jackson, while working closely with Programming Director Kim Yutani.
Duncan will work with the programming team as they curate year round works for exhibition and engaging the industry and artist communities. She’ll also continue to build policies and plans to develop and increase the inclusivity of Sundance more broadly.
“Gina’s experience across the arts, industry, and festival space excited us,” says Jackson, “as did her stellar reputation, innovative spirit, values-driven approach and transformational results. I can’t wait to partner with her and the rest of our incredible team on writing and producing the next chapter of Sundance Film Festival.”
Duncan served as VP of Film and Strategic Programming at the Brooklyn Academy of Music most recently,...
Duncan will start Sept. 28 and she’ll report Sundance Festival Director Tabitha Jackson, while working closely with Programming Director Kim Yutani.
Duncan will work with the programming team as they curate year round works for exhibition and engaging the industry and artist communities. She’ll also continue to build policies and plans to develop and increase the inclusivity of Sundance more broadly.
“Gina’s experience across the arts, industry, and festival space excited us,” says Jackson, “as did her stellar reputation, innovative spirit, values-driven approach and transformational results. I can’t wait to partner with her and the rest of our incredible team on writing and producing the next chapter of Sundance Film Festival.”
Duncan served as VP of Film and Strategic Programming at the Brooklyn Academy of Music most recently,...
- 9/25/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
New hire starts on September 28.
Sundance Film Festival has hired Gina Duncan in the new role of producing director.
Duncan, who most recently worked at Brooklyn Academy of Music (Bam), will work with the programming team to curate works for exhibition and will lead strategic vision for the festival and year-round programmes.
Reporting to festival director Tabitha Jackson and working closely with programming director Kim Yutani, Duncan will work on strategy to increase inclusivity.
She will also manage year-round engagement with industry and artist communities. She starts work on Monday (September 28).
Jackson hailed Duncan’s experience in arts, industry and festivals,...
Sundance Film Festival has hired Gina Duncan in the new role of producing director.
Duncan, who most recently worked at Brooklyn Academy of Music (Bam), will work with the programming team to curate works for exhibition and will lead strategic vision for the festival and year-round programmes.
Reporting to festival director Tabitha Jackson and working closely with programming director Kim Yutani, Duncan will work on strategy to increase inclusivity.
She will also manage year-round engagement with industry and artist communities. She starts work on Monday (September 28).
Jackson hailed Duncan’s experience in arts, industry and festivals,...
- 9/25/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ed Harris has popped up a few times in my Catalog From the Beyond’s coverage, which isn’t surprising considering he’s one of my favorite character actors of all time. He brings an intensity that always seems like he’s on the brink of a meltdown in any movie he’s in, from a vengeful gangster in A History of Violence to an obsessed LARPer in George Romero’s Knightriders. The dude even dances like a nut in Creepshow. As it turns out, this simmering rage is the perfect fit for the lead in another Stephen King property, 1993’s Needful Things.
Based on King’s 1991 novel, Needful Things features Harris as Castle Rock sheriff Alan Pangborn, who’s settled into what he thinks will be a quiet life after leaving the Pittsburgh police force. As the movie opens, things are looking up, as he proposed to local diner owner Polly Chalmers.
Based on King’s 1991 novel, Needful Things features Harris as Castle Rock sheriff Alan Pangborn, who’s settled into what he thinks will be a quiet life after leaving the Pittsburgh police force. As the movie opens, things are looking up, as he proposed to local diner owner Polly Chalmers.
- 6/24/2020
- by Bryan Christopher
- DailyDead
“If all of the people who hate ‘Ishtar’ had seen it,” Elaine May famously said, “I would be a rich woman today.” On Wikipedia’s list of the biggest box-office disasters, with losses over $100 million (at current dollar values), “Ishtar” doesn’t even rate a mention. That’s because the movie lost about $91 million — more in the range of a box-office dud like “Cats.”
But to this day, Elaine May’s 1987 comedy adventure about two floundering singer/songwriters meandering around the Sahara — played by Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman — is considered one of Hollywood’s great box-office debacles, rivaled only by Michael Cimino’s studio-destroying “Heaven’s Gate,” with its loss of $126 million.
Here’s why “Ishtar” outlasted so many bigger money-losers as the poster child for a troubled belly-flop.
Media Coverage
From in front, “Ishtar” was a troubled production. One red flag went up when May (who directed the hit...
But to this day, Elaine May’s 1987 comedy adventure about two floundering singer/songwriters meandering around the Sahara — played by Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman — is considered one of Hollywood’s great box-office debacles, rivaled only by Michael Cimino’s studio-destroying “Heaven’s Gate,” with its loss of $126 million.
Here’s why “Ishtar” outlasted so many bigger money-losers as the poster child for a troubled belly-flop.
Media Coverage
From in front, “Ishtar” was a troubled production. One red flag went up when May (who directed the hit...
- 5/17/2020
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Character actor known for the films First Blood and Cocoon, and in his stage work a genuine colossus
Built like a truck but with the capacity to be as gentle as a pussycat, Brian Dennehy was smarter than the average bear-like character actor. The 6ft 3in performer, who has died aged 81 from a heart attack resulting from sepsis, made his screen breakthrough as an adversarial small-town sheriff in First Blood (1982), the thoughtful opening instalment in what would become the Rambo action series. It was the first in his hat-trick of hits from that decade: he also twinkled benignly as one of a group of aliens who have a rejuvenating effect on an elderly community in Cocoon (1985) and played a grizzled but amiable cop in F/X (1986), an enjoyable thriller set in the special effects industry; it was popular enough to spawn a 1991 sequel in which he also starred.
Unusually for a character actor,...
Built like a truck but with the capacity to be as gentle as a pussycat, Brian Dennehy was smarter than the average bear-like character actor. The 6ft 3in performer, who has died aged 81 from a heart attack resulting from sepsis, made his screen breakthrough as an adversarial small-town sheriff in First Blood (1982), the thoughtful opening instalment in what would become the Rambo action series. It was the first in his hat-trick of hits from that decade: he also twinkled benignly as one of a group of aliens who have a rejuvenating effect on an elderly community in Cocoon (1985) and played a grizzled but amiable cop in F/X (1986), an enjoyable thriller set in the special effects industry; it was popular enough to spawn a 1991 sequel in which he also starred.
Unusually for a character actor,...
- 4/17/2020
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
“We knew how good we had it.”
John Milius, 33 years old, said that to the Los Angeles Times in 1977. At the time, he was shooting Big Wednesday, his third full-blown feature film as a director. Supposedly, it was about surfing in Southern California. In truth, the movie was about John, and that one glorious moment in his life – those years on the beach, in the early 1960s – when he was briefly at one with the times.
Milius was back on the beach Wednesday, where he anchored a gathering at Duke’s, in Malibu. The occasion was a memorial service for Jan-Michael Vincent, who died last February after a long, troubled life that was only briefly interrupted by his role as surf legend Matt Johnson in Big Wednesday.
“He was a good bad boy,” said actress Lee Purcell, who played his wife and lover in Big Wednesday,...
John Milius, 33 years old, said that to the Los Angeles Times in 1977. At the time, he was shooting Big Wednesday, his third full-blown feature film as a director. Supposedly, it was about surfing in Southern California. In truth, the movie was about John, and that one glorious moment in his life – those years on the beach, in the early 1960s – when he was briefly at one with the times.
Milius was back on the beach Wednesday, where he anchored a gathering at Duke’s, in Malibu. The occasion was a memorial service for Jan-Michael Vincent, who died last February after a long, troubled life that was only briefly interrupted by his role as surf legend Matt Johnson in Big Wednesday.
“He was a good bad boy,” said actress Lee Purcell, who played his wife and lover in Big Wednesday,...
- 4/25/2019
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Agnes Varda is deservedly eulogized in newspapers and on social media all over America today, but critics, programmers and audiences in the U.S. took time in recognizing her accomplishments. It took several decades for her work gain appreciation in the U.S., and during that time, I witnessed Varda’s ability to continue evolving as an artist every step of the way.
While Varda’s debut feature, “La Pointe Courte” (1955) has yet to have a theatrical release in America, her early short, “L’Opera Mouffe” (1958), was distributed by Cinema 16, an important film club run by Amos and Marcia Vogel in the 50’s and early 60’s dedicated to the showing and release of experimental and avant-garde cinema. The film won some notoriety because of its casual nudity — then still rare on American screens — and it was booked in film societies around the country seeding the bed for later Varda appreciation.
While Varda’s debut feature, “La Pointe Courte” (1955) has yet to have a theatrical release in America, her early short, “L’Opera Mouffe” (1958), was distributed by Cinema 16, an important film club run by Amos and Marcia Vogel in the 50’s and early 60’s dedicated to the showing and release of experimental and avant-garde cinema. The film won some notoriety because of its casual nudity — then still rare on American screens — and it was booked in film societies around the country seeding the bed for later Varda appreciation.
- 3/31/2019
- by Laurence Kardish
- Indiewire
Penny Marshall, who starred alongside Cindy Williams in the hit ABC comedy “Laverne & Shirley” and then became a successful director, died on Monday night at her Hollywood Hills home due to complications from diabetes, Variety has confirmed. She was 75.
Marshall was the first woman to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million, the first woman to direct two films that grossed more than $100 million, and she was only the second woman director to see her film Oscar nominated for best picture.
“Laverne & Shirley” ran from 1976-1983 and proved an enormous success for ABC. It was the No. 3 show on television in 1975-76, No. 2 in 1976-77, and No. 1 in 1977-78 and 1978-79, spawning ancillary revenue in the form of merchandising, a record album and an animated series based on the show.
Marshall began her directing career by helming several episodes of “Laverne & Shirley.” With little experience, she...
Marshall was the first woman to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million, the first woman to direct two films that grossed more than $100 million, and she was only the second woman director to see her film Oscar nominated for best picture.
“Laverne & Shirley” ran from 1976-1983 and proved an enormous success for ABC. It was the No. 3 show on television in 1975-76, No. 2 in 1976-77, and No. 1 in 1977-78 and 1978-79, spawning ancillary revenue in the form of merchandising, a record album and an animated series based on the show.
Marshall began her directing career by helming several episodes of “Laverne & Shirley.” With little experience, she...
- 12/18/2018
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
The creators of the “Inside Jaws” podcast are turning their attention to Jonathan Demme’s stigma-shattering “Philadelphia” to mark the 25th anniversary of the Tom Hanks-Denzel Washington drama — and raise money to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide.
The 1993 film helped put a human face on the virus at a time when patients suffered horrific discrimination and ignorance. That is still true in much of the world, and through an arrangement with Coca-Cola, 100 percent of donations made by listeners of the podcast will go to support the (Red) campaign to rid the world of AIDS.
Host Mark Ramsey, who created the podcast with audio designer Jeff Schmidt, told TheWrap that he sought and received the blessing of Hanks, Washington, “Philadelphia” screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, and Joanne Howard, wife of Demme, who died last year at 73.
Also Read: 'Inside Jaws,' About Steven Spielberg's Rise, Lures Hollywood Interest (Podcast)
“I think...
The 1993 film helped put a human face on the virus at a time when patients suffered horrific discrimination and ignorance. That is still true in much of the world, and through an arrangement with Coca-Cola, 100 percent of donations made by listeners of the podcast will go to support the (Red) campaign to rid the world of AIDS.
Host Mark Ramsey, who created the podcast with audio designer Jeff Schmidt, told TheWrap that he sought and received the blessing of Hanks, Washington, “Philadelphia” screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, and Joanne Howard, wife of Demme, who died last year at 73.
Also Read: 'Inside Jaws,' About Steven Spielberg's Rise, Lures Hollywood Interest (Podcast)
“I think...
- 11/17/2018
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Suspiria
Blu ray
Synapse
1977 / 2:35 / Street Date March 13, 2018
Starring Jessica Harper, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett
Cinematography by Luciano Tovoli
Production Design by Giuseppe Bassan
Directed by Dario Argento
The story of a ballet school staffed by devil-worshipping harridans, Dario Argento’s Suspiria opened at New York City’s Criterion in the dog days of ’77. A friend was at one of those early matinees when, 26 minutes into the film, his companion leaned over and whispered, “This movie is evil.”
Jessica Harper plays Suzy Bannion, a transplanted New Yorker taking up residence at a German dance academy – just landed in the alpine splendor of Baden-Württemberg, the doll-faced ballerina makes her entrance emerging from an airport lounge lit like a broadway production of Dante’s Inferno.
A windswept taxi ride bombarded by a neon-colored thunderstorm is no less melodramatic but it can’t prepare Suzy for the stark sight waiting at journey’s...
Blu ray
Synapse
1977 / 2:35 / Street Date March 13, 2018
Starring Jessica Harper, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett
Cinematography by Luciano Tovoli
Production Design by Giuseppe Bassan
Directed by Dario Argento
The story of a ballet school staffed by devil-worshipping harridans, Dario Argento’s Suspiria opened at New York City’s Criterion in the dog days of ’77. A friend was at one of those early matinees when, 26 minutes into the film, his companion leaned over and whispered, “This movie is evil.”
Jessica Harper plays Suzy Bannion, a transplanted New Yorker taking up residence at a German dance academy – just landed in the alpine splendor of Baden-Württemberg, the doll-faced ballerina makes her entrance emerging from an airport lounge lit like a broadway production of Dante’s Inferno.
A windswept taxi ride bombarded by a neon-colored thunderstorm is no less melodramatic but it can’t prepare Suzy for the stark sight waiting at journey’s...
- 6/2/2018
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
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