[This story contains major spoilers from the season finale of Palm Royale.]
After a series of unsavory encounters with the black sheep of their exclusive social club in Palm Royale, Leslie Bibb’s character Dinah told Maxine two episodes ago, “I cannot tell if you are a country bumpkin or the most ruthless woman in Palm Beach.” If you ask Kristen Wiig — who portrays the eager newcomer into the wealthy Florida community — for her take, however, she’ll tell you, “I don’t think she’s either one of those things.”
Those words might not best characterize the former Chattanooga pageant queen who tries to impress a different set of judges in the Apple TV+ series (the unneighborly socialites she meets at the exclusive Palm Royale beach club when she moves to Palm Beach). But the duality of Maxine was an aspect of her character that Wiig worked hard to showcase.
“It was trying to find that balance for her of,...
After a series of unsavory encounters with the black sheep of their exclusive social club in Palm Royale, Leslie Bibb’s character Dinah told Maxine two episodes ago, “I cannot tell if you are a country bumpkin or the most ruthless woman in Palm Beach.” If you ask Kristen Wiig — who portrays the eager newcomer into the wealthy Florida community — for her take, however, she’ll tell you, “I don’t think she’s either one of those things.”
Those words might not best characterize the former Chattanooga pageant queen who tries to impress a different set of judges in the Apple TV+ series (the unneighborly socialites she meets at the exclusive Palm Royale beach club when she moves to Palm Beach). But the duality of Maxine was an aspect of her character that Wiig worked hard to showcase.
“It was trying to find that balance for her of,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for Palm Royale Season 1 finale, “Maxine Throws a Party.”] Palm Royale‘s Beach Ball arrived in the Season 1 finale and delivered more than one explosive cliffhanger surrounding Maxine (Kristen Wiig), Norma (Carol Burnett), and their complicated societal entanglements. After spending most of the season preparing to throw the annual event, Maxine’s world was blown apart with the revelation that her husband Douglas (Josh Lucas) had cheated on her with manicurist Mitzi (Kaia Gerber), resulting in a pregnancy. The metaphorical bomb was dropped just seconds before Maxine took to the stage to deliver her performance of “Is That All There Is?” which soon turned into a monologue about her observations on life. At the same time, viewers learn that Norma, Douglas’s wealthy aunt, isn’t in fact a Dellacort, and seemingly murdered her former boarding school classmate, assuming her identity and inheritance. How do we know this? Robert (Ricky Martin...
- 5/8/2024
- TV Insider
Palm Royale with its meticulously matched period décor and costuming is a true immersion in late 1960s Palm Beach culture. But while watching the Apple TV+ series, one can’t help but see the connections between the topics that were emerging as national concerns then and the biggest social issues now.
“It’s so cool to think about how far we’ve come as women and that we have so many options today, but 1969 isn’t that long ago,” says Leslie Bibb, who stars in the Kristen Wiig-starring comedy as Dinah, a woman desperate to maintain her wealthy status after marrying for money rather than love. “It’s not that far back that women’s rights weren’t an issue.”
For the women of the Palm Royale country club that the series orbits around, including newbie Maxine (Wiig), they still aren’t an issue — even in the face of...
“It’s so cool to think about how far we’ve come as women and that we have so many options today, but 1969 isn’t that long ago,” says Leslie Bibb, who stars in the Kristen Wiig-starring comedy as Dinah, a woman desperate to maintain her wealthy status after marrying for money rather than love. “It’s not that far back that women’s rights weren’t an issue.”
For the women of the Palm Royale country club that the series orbits around, including newbie Maxine (Wiig), they still aren’t an issue — even in the face of...
- 4/22/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Adrian D. Mendizabal
Usmar Ismail's recently restored “After the Curfew” revolves around a soldier returning to his former life in the bustling city of Bandung, Indonesia, only to find himself increasingly alienated by the American-influenced modernity prevalent there.
Buy This Title
by clicking on the image below Tokoh Iskandar dan Norma
Set in postwar Indonesia following the nation's struggle for independence from Dutch colonizers (1945-1949), the film reflects the shaping of Indonesia's contemporary historical and political landscape. This period also gave rise to significant global alliances, notably the Bandung Conference of 1955, uniting nations of the Global South against colonialism and neocolonialism, with the Philippines among the participating countries. Nationalist, democratic, and communist ideals proliferated in postwar Indonesian society, championed by figures like Sukarno, the leader of Indonesia's anti-colonial movement against the Dutch. During this period, the sense of impending freedom was palpable, reflected in the mise-en-scene that portrays...
Usmar Ismail's recently restored “After the Curfew” revolves around a soldier returning to his former life in the bustling city of Bandung, Indonesia, only to find himself increasingly alienated by the American-influenced modernity prevalent there.
Buy This Title
by clicking on the image below Tokoh Iskandar dan Norma
Set in postwar Indonesia following the nation's struggle for independence from Dutch colonizers (1945-1949), the film reflects the shaping of Indonesia's contemporary historical and political landscape. This period also gave rise to significant global alliances, notably the Bandung Conference of 1955, uniting nations of the Global South against colonialism and neocolonialism, with the Philippines among the participating countries. Nationalist, democratic, and communist ideals proliferated in postwar Indonesian society, championed by figures like Sukarno, the leader of Indonesia's anti-colonial movement against the Dutch. During this period, the sense of impending freedom was palpable, reflected in the mise-en-scene that portrays...
- 4/18/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Exclusive: Jamie Lloyd, director of the history-making reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, reveals that his star Nicole Scherzinger initially “refused to consider” accepting his offer to play Norma Desmond in the show adapted from Billy Wilder’s 1950 classic.
“Nicole was not flattered,” he gasped, speaking to Breaking Baz backstage at the London theatre awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.
Lloyd says that the show’s “obviously associated with Glenn Close’s iconic performance and therefore people think about Norma Desmond being a much older woman.”
Mmm, that’s unlikely to amuse Glenn Close.
He tells me that Scherzinger, a one-time member of The Pussycat Dolls, called Norma Desmond a “has been” and stormed at Lloyd that she “still looks good under the bright lights.”
Lloyd encouraged her to study Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s book and lyrics and to listen to Lloyd Weber’s music.
“Nicole was not flattered,” he gasped, speaking to Breaking Baz backstage at the London theatre awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.
Lloyd says that the show’s “obviously associated with Glenn Close’s iconic performance and therefore people think about Norma Desmond being a much older woman.”
Mmm, that’s unlikely to amuse Glenn Close.
He tells me that Scherzinger, a one-time member of The Pussycat Dolls, called Norma Desmond a “has been” and stormed at Lloyd that she “still looks good under the bright lights.”
Lloyd encouraged her to study Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s book and lyrics and to listen to Lloyd Weber’s music.
- 4/15/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
[This story is focused on the sixth episode of Palm Royale, “Maxine Takes a Step.”]
In Palm Royale, parties and Palm Beach high society go together like Maxine Dellacorte (Kristen Wiig) and her signature grasshopper cocktail. But pulling off these ostentatious displays of wealth and popularity disguised as charitable events, episode after episode, was no small feat for the production team behind the Apple TV+ series.
“We shot episode one and two together with Tate Taylor directing, and it was back-to-back balls. Then we got to episode four and there was another one, and then we got to episode six and there was another one, and we’re like, ‘Oh my God, we’re doing Palm Beach Bridgerton,’” production designer Jon Carlos tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We realized we really have to up the ante on every single one of these parties. They have to be insane and then the next one has to be even more insane.”
The...
In Palm Royale, parties and Palm Beach high society go together like Maxine Dellacorte (Kristen Wiig) and her signature grasshopper cocktail. But pulling off these ostentatious displays of wealth and popularity disguised as charitable events, episode after episode, was no small feat for the production team behind the Apple TV+ series.
“We shot episode one and two together with Tate Taylor directing, and it was back-to-back balls. Then we got to episode four and there was another one, and then we got to episode six and there was another one, and we’re like, ‘Oh my God, we’re doing Palm Beach Bridgerton,’” production designer Jon Carlos tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We realized we really have to up the ante on every single one of these parties. They have to be insane and then the next one has to be even more insane.”
The...
- 4/13/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[This story contains spoilers from the fifth episode of Palm Royale, “Maxine Shakes the Tree.”]
Despite a rocky start to their relationship in Apple TV+’s 1969 comedy Palm Royale, as time goes on, series lead Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons (Kristen Wiig) and Robert (Ricky Martin), a closeted bartender at the exclusive Palm Royale beach club, form an unlikely bond that’s explored in greater depth than in the show’s original source material, Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie.
“She was our muse for the theme of found family, which is so at the core of this piece,” Laura Dern, executive producer and star of the series, tells The Hollywood Reporter of the world the author established in her book. “[McDaniel] created this central protagonist who’s desperately trying to create family in this marriage, in this world of wealth, and this club that she’s not a part of, while Robert is the one that really sees her...
Despite a rocky start to their relationship in Apple TV+’s 1969 comedy Palm Royale, as time goes on, series lead Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons (Kristen Wiig) and Robert (Ricky Martin), a closeted bartender at the exclusive Palm Royale beach club, form an unlikely bond that’s explored in greater depth than in the show’s original source material, Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie.
“She was our muse for the theme of found family, which is so at the core of this piece,” Laura Dern, executive producer and star of the series, tells The Hollywood Reporter of the world the author established in her book. “[McDaniel] created this central protagonist who’s desperately trying to create family in this marriage, in this world of wealth, and this club that she’s not a part of, while Robert is the one that really sees her...
- 4/5/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two new additions are arriving in Port Charles as General Hospital has cast Kody Kavitha (Dead End: Paranormal Park) and Virginia Ma (Chindia) in recurring roles. As first reported by Soap Opera Digest, Kavitha and Ma will make their General Hospital debuts this week. Ma is set to debut on the Tuesday, April 2 episode, playing Madison, Nina’s (Cynthia Watros) new assistant. Meanwhile, Kavitha will make her first appearance on Thursday, April 4, portraying Hunter, the new manager at Bobbie’s. On television, Ma’s credits include The Thundermans, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and Magnum P.I. More recently, she starred in the 2023 romantic-comedy film Chindia and the 2024 thriller Final Heist. Kavitha is best known for her voiceover work, most notably voicing Norma in Netflix’s animated fantasy horror comedy Dead End: Paranormal Park. She’s also provided voices for We Bare Bears, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,...
- 4/1/2024
- TV Insider
Striking a tonal balance between drama and comedy can be difficult. It’s even harder when the series must adhere to a specific place and time. Yet Palm Royale, which debuts on March 20th on Apple TV+, makes a strong play for the Mad Men demographic. Equal parts stylish, melodramatic, and witty, there’s a lot to like about Palm Royale. However, even with one of the greatest casts ever assembled for a television show on paper, one cannot help but feel disappointed. There are fun performances, but its premise and story feel antiquated in 2024.
Palm Royale Plot
Based on the novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, Palm Royale follows Maxine Simmons-Dellacort (Kristen Wiig) as she walks in two worlds. She reaches for high status at the Palm Royal Club, where the socialites of Palm Beach lounge. Among her idols are Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb), Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney...
Palm Royale Plot
Based on the novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, Palm Royale follows Maxine Simmons-Dellacort (Kristen Wiig) as she walks in two worlds. She reaches for high status at the Palm Royal Club, where the socialites of Palm Beach lounge. Among her idols are Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb), Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney...
- 3/21/2024
- by Alan French
- FandomWire
In the first episode of the new Apple comedy series Palm Royale, Kristen Wiig’s Maxine tells a long, rambling story to Dinah (Leslie Bibb), a wealthy woman she’s trying to befriend. An impatient Dinah tells her, “I have lost the thread here, Maxine.”
Dinah is meant to be one of the villains of Palm Royale, forever trying to undercut Maxine’s attempts to claw her way into Palm Beach high society in the summer of 1969. Yet in this moment and many others, her complaints about Maxine ring truer...
Dinah is meant to be one of the villains of Palm Royale, forever trying to undercut Maxine’s attempts to claw her way into Palm Beach high society in the summer of 1969. Yet in this moment and many others, her complaints about Maxine ring truer...
- 3/19/2024
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
“Why do you want to be where you’re not wanted?”
Posed by Linda Shaw (Laura Dern) — a proud hippie of the ’60s recently accused of “dressing like an indigent Mennonite railway priestess” — this question rests at the center of “Palm Royale,” alongside its recipient, Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig). The 40-something new kid in town insists to everyone she meets they use her married name, D’ellacourt, in the hopes its notoriety around Palm Beach will help hasten her acceptance there. Maxine wants nothing more than to be a member of high society, rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers at South Florida’s glam parties and opulent benefits, and she knows looking the part is just as important as living it. To her benefit: She is, in fact, a D’ellacourt. She is not, however, as wealthy as the minted moniker suggests, which proves a recurring impediment in her...
Posed by Linda Shaw (Laura Dern) — a proud hippie of the ’60s recently accused of “dressing like an indigent Mennonite railway priestess” — this question rests at the center of “Palm Royale,” alongside its recipient, Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig). The 40-something new kid in town insists to everyone she meets they use her married name, D’ellacourt, in the hopes its notoriety around Palm Beach will help hasten her acceptance there. Maxine wants nothing more than to be a member of high society, rubbing elbows with the movers and shakers at South Florida’s glam parties and opulent benefits, and she knows looking the part is just as important as living it. To her benefit: She is, in fact, a D’ellacourt. She is not, however, as wealthy as the minted moniker suggests, which proves a recurring impediment in her...
- 3/19/2024
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
“When you first come to Palm Beach, you think you’re the oldest and the richest. But then you realize you are the youngest and poorest.”
Everybody has goals. For new resident Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), hers is to enter the world of Palm Beach high society circa 1969. She dreams of joining the Palm Royale, the most exclusive country club in the area. It’s the sort of exclusive place filled with swimming pools, galas and daytime martinis that feeds into the competitive charity season. It’s the time of year where the wealthy women in the area show off their wallets and organizational skills to vie for the coveted title of “Queen of the Season.”
All this just to be mentioned in the local society papers. After all, “At the Palm Royale, the more you gave, the more you got.”
Krsiten Wiig in “Palm Royale.” (Apple TV+)
But poor...
Everybody has goals. For new resident Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), hers is to enter the world of Palm Beach high society circa 1969. She dreams of joining the Palm Royale, the most exclusive country club in the area. It’s the sort of exclusive place filled with swimming pools, galas and daytime martinis that feeds into the competitive charity season. It’s the time of year where the wealthy women in the area show off their wallets and organizational skills to vie for the coveted title of “Queen of the Season.”
All this just to be mentioned in the local society papers. After all, “At the Palm Royale, the more you gave, the more you got.”
Krsiten Wiig in “Palm Royale.” (Apple TV+)
But poor...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matthew Creith
- The Wrap
Long before Instagram stories and TikTok videos were a thing, gossip magazines and television allowed everyday people to feel a connection to the wealthy and beautiful. In real life, few are brave enough to elbow their way onto the A-list, but others are bold enough to demand a seat at the table — which brings us to “Palm Royale.” Based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel, “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie,” and adapted for television by Abe Sylvia, Apple TV+’s new 1960s-set comedy, “Palm Royale” follows bottle-blonde Palm Beach transplant Maxine Simmons (a perfectly cast Kristen Wiig), who is determined to craft a glitzy and glamorous life for herself, even if it means bending the rules a smidge. Wildy outrageous and amusing, “Palm Royale” suggests that you might get more than you requested if you’re delusional enough to go after what you want.
The series opens in the early summer days...
The series opens in the early summer days...
- 3/18/2024
- by Aramide Tinubu
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+’s Palm Royale may be set in the late 1960s, but its greatest pleasures seem tailor-made for the age of the internet. Every shot of a socialite smirking over the rim of a cocktail glass plays like the perfect reaction Gif. The bitchy bon mots might as well be engineered for portioning into TikTok-sized soundbites, the outrageous plot twists for drawing gasps in the group chat. And the aesthetic — oh, the aesthetic! In a repudiation of the “quiet luxury” greige, this vision of America’s elite is awash in shimmering jewel tones and Lilly Pulitzer brights. You could build entire mood boards around the hippie-chic bookstore or the baroque mansion. I myself lost a good 20 minutes Googling between episodes for cat-eye sunglasses just like the ones featured on Maxine (Kristen Wiig).
But the eye-popping style is as good as the show gets; the fun ends where the surface does.
But the eye-popping style is as good as the show gets; the fun ends where the surface does.
- 3/18/2024
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Found is a crime thriller series created by Nkechi Okoro Carroll. The NBC series revolves around Gabrielle “Gabi” Mosley, who works with her crisis management team to find missing people. Gabi was also a kidnapping victim herself as a teenage girl, but what the world doesn’t know is that she keeps her abductor chained up in her basement and makes him help her on the cases. Found stars Shameless‘s famed actress Shanola Hampton in the lead role of Gabi, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, and Gabrielle Walsh starring in supporting roles. So, if you love the NBC series here are some similar shows you could watch next.
The Following (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
If you loved the thrilling and dangerous relationship between Gabi and Hugh “Sir” Evans, then Fox’s thrilling drama titled The Following might be of interest. Starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy...
The Following (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
If you loved the thrilling and dangerous relationship between Gabi and Hugh “Sir” Evans, then Fox’s thrilling drama titled The Following might be of interest. Starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy...
- 2/20/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Plot: Gal Dove and Don Logan are best friends and small-town thieves living the good life in ‘90s East London. Deedee Harrison is a captivating adult film star whose ambitions to control her own personal destiny and her love affair with Gal Dove put her in danger. Teddy Bass is a treacherous, rising name in the gangster world who seduces Gal and Don into his criminal web.
Review: Of all the films I never expected to get a prequel, Sexy Beast would never have occurred to me. The 2001 crime movie, director Jonathan Glazer’s feature debut, focused on a pair of former friends whose lives have drifted apart since they were thieves working for a London crime boss. That film was barely a blip at the domestic box office but garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Sir Ben Kingsley. Since Sexy Beast, screenwriters Louis Mellis and David Scinto...
Review: Of all the films I never expected to get a prequel, Sexy Beast would never have occurred to me. The 2001 crime movie, director Jonathan Glazer’s feature debut, focused on a pair of former friends whose lives have drifted apart since they were thieves working for a London crime boss. That film was barely a blip at the domestic box office but garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Sir Ben Kingsley. Since Sexy Beast, screenwriters Louis Mellis and David Scinto...
- 1/22/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
The "Twilight Zone" episode "The Midnight Sun" took place on an Earth that had fallen out of its orbit and was drifting very slowly closer and closer toward the sun. The episode was an exploration of humanity during its waning hours, as seen through the eyes of Norma (Lois Nettleton), a painter who tried desperately to hang on to water and stay cool as temperatures rose and rose. Norma's only recourse is to paint the fires she sees out the window and the burning, growing sun in the sky. Eventually, her neighbor breaks down and implores Norma to paint something cool and refreshing, like a waterfall. The episode ends with Norma being overwhelmed by the heat and her neighbor dying of heat stroke.
There is a twist, of course. Norma wakes up in bed, having dreamed the entire episode. It's revealed that the Earth is, in fact, drifting away from...
There is a twist, of course. Norma wakes up in bed, having dreamed the entire episode. It's revealed that the Earth is, in fact, drifting away from...
- 1/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Stars: Jackson White, Natalie Alyn Lind, Henry Thomas, David Duchovny, Jack Mulhern, Pam Grier | Written by Lindsey Anderson Beer, Jeff Buhler | Directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer
Pet Sematary has been sequelized, rebooted, and now with the arrival of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines it has a prequel. Adapting Stephen King’s works for the screen is a risky enough proposition, creating new stories based on them even more so as anyone whose seen a few Children of the Corn sequels or reboots can attest. King himself however seems to be happy with this film and tweeted:
“In the book, this is the story Jud Crandall tells Louis Creed to try and dissuade him from using the Pet Sematary,” wrote King. “The screenplay takes a few liberties, but it’s a fine story. David Duchovny is excellent. The secret, as always, is caring about the characters.”
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines opens in the summer...
Pet Sematary has been sequelized, rebooted, and now with the arrival of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines it has a prequel. Adapting Stephen King’s works for the screen is a risky enough proposition, creating new stories based on them even more so as anyone whose seen a few Children of the Corn sequels or reboots can attest. King himself however seems to be happy with this film and tweeted:
“In the book, this is the story Jud Crandall tells Louis Creed to try and dissuade him from using the Pet Sematary,” wrote King. “The screenplay takes a few liberties, but it’s a fine story. David Duchovny is excellent. The secret, as always, is caring about the characters.”
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines opens in the summer...
- 1/8/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
When Harry Met Sally (courtesy Columbia Pictures)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Whether it’s the tension of the countdown, the promise of romance, or simply the idea of letting go of the past and moving on into an unknown future, there’s just something about New Year’s Eve that brings on new revelations,...
Whether it’s the tension of the countdown, the promise of romance, or simply the idea of letting go of the past and moving on into an unknown future, there’s just something about New Year’s Eve that brings on new revelations,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Norma, directed by Santiago Giralt, is a movie about an aging woman who finds herself having a midlife crisis. But the most important part of this film, which is based on a novella titled Senales de Humo, is its emphasis on the origins of her midlife crisis. It begins when Norma, wife of Gustavo and mother of Ines, realizes that her maid is quitting her job. This simple revelation shatters her, and Norma begins a journey of self-discovery after having spent a lifetime as a wife and a mother. Norma might also be for those who are interested in good films that pass the Bechdel test and not just for the sake of it. Her life is surrounded mostly by women, and even though her husband impacts her life in a major way, the movie becomes a slice-of-life dramedy that might help someone reclaim the power in their lives, as Norma does in the film.
- 12/23/2023
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
Get ready for a nail-biting episode of “Hollyoaks” on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 7:00 Pm on E4. With time ticking away, Tony and Darren find themselves caught in a web of escalating tensions as they unleash some harsh home truths on Norma. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking, setting the stage for an intense and emotionally charged evening.
Jealousy takes center stage, pushing one resident into a perilous situation that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. As the drama unfolds, the intricate web of relationships in the tight-knit community becomes even more tangled. The consequences of a looming threat send shockwaves through the lives of the characters, leading to regrettable outcomes that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the aftermath.
Don’t miss this rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists in the world of “Hollyoaks” on E4. With its compelling narrative and a cast that knows how to deliver the drama,...
Jealousy takes center stage, pushing one resident into a perilous situation that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. As the drama unfolds, the intricate web of relationships in the tight-knit community becomes even more tangled. The consequences of a looming threat send shockwaves through the lives of the characters, leading to regrettable outcomes that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the aftermath.
Don’t miss this rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists in the world of “Hollyoaks” on E4. With its compelling narrative and a cast that knows how to deliver the drama,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
Norma Barzman, one of the last surviving members of the Hollywood Blacklist, has died at her home in Beverly Hills at the age of 103, according to media reports.
Born in New York City, Barzman moved to Hollywood in the 1940s and married fellow screenwriter Ben Barzman. Looking for ways to organize around progressive politics, the pair joined the Communist Party from 1942-49.
“Hitler was invading the Soviet Union, so there was no reason to be anti-Russian. They were our allies at the time,” Barzman told the blog FilmTalk last year.
But after World War II, Barzman began to get warnings from her neighbors that her family was under surveillance, and one day heard a conversation she had with a friend days prior when she picked up the phone.
“I could hear it playing back. Then I put down the phone because I realized that my phone was tapped and I knew they were watching us,...
Born in New York City, Barzman moved to Hollywood in the 1940s and married fellow screenwriter Ben Barzman. Looking for ways to organize around progressive politics, the pair joined the Communist Party from 1942-49.
“Hitler was invading the Soviet Union, so there was no reason to be anti-Russian. They were our allies at the time,” Barzman told the blog FilmTalk last year.
But after World War II, Barzman began to get warnings from her neighbors that her family was under surveillance, and one day heard a conversation she had with a friend days prior when she picked up the phone.
“I could hear it playing back. Then I put down the phone because I realized that my phone was tapped and I knew they were watching us,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Norma Barzman, Screenwriter Who Was Among the Last Survivors of the Hollywood Blacklist, Dies at 103
Norma Barzman, an admired screenwriter of 1940s films whose career was derailed by the Hollywood blacklist and who was one of its last survivors, died Sunday. She was 103.
Barzman died of natural causes, surrounded by family, at her home in Beverly Hills, her daughter Suzo Barzman told The Hollywood Reporter.
Born Norma Levor in New York City on Sept. 15, 1920, and raised between the U.S. and Europe, Barzman moved to Hollywood on her 21st birthday. By that time, she had already attended Radcliffe for two years before dropping out and had spent a year living in Princeton, New Jersey, as the young bride of Claude Shannon — later known as “the father of information theory” — before their divorce in 1941.
Out west, Barzman was enrolled by her older cousin, a writer, at the left-leaning School of Writers. In 1942, after a fateful meeting at a Halloween party, she married the up-and-coming screenwriter Ben Barzman,...
Barzman died of natural causes, surrounded by family, at her home in Beverly Hills, her daughter Suzo Barzman told The Hollywood Reporter.
Born Norma Levor in New York City on Sept. 15, 1920, and raised between the U.S. and Europe, Barzman moved to Hollywood on her 21st birthday. By that time, she had already attended Radcliffe for two years before dropping out and had spent a year living in Princeton, New Jersey, as the young bride of Claude Shannon — later known as “the father of information theory” — before their divorce in 1941.
Out west, Barzman was enrolled by her older cousin, a writer, at the left-leaning School of Writers. In 1942, after a fateful meeting at a Halloween party, she married the up-and-coming screenwriter Ben Barzman,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Halfway into The Delinquents, a character named Roman randomly meets three new characters. They just happen to be called Morna, Norma, and Ramon. From here on, we see a very different film from what we were seeing before. It almost feels like two very different kinds of films conjoined together, but it can also be said that the two halves complement each other. Rodrigo Moreno’s 2023 film, which happens to be the official Argentine entry in the “best international feature” category at the upcoming Oscars, is a heist film at its core, with additional layers of a love triangle as well as a very specific kind of social commentary. True to its title, which basically means people who break the law, The Delinquents is centered on a crime, but the direction it takes is not something you would see coming. The runtime does seem a bit too much at times,...
- 12/17/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Kristen Wiig is a Palm Springs socialite struggling for a perfect life at the top in the first photos for Palm Royale, Apple TV+’s star-driven series that will launch globally on March 20, 2024.
The scripted comedy, loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie, tells the story of Maxine Simmons, played by Wiig, attempting to break into Palm Beach high society after being dumped by her husband and social circle.
Allison Janney in Palm Royale
As Maxine struggles to cross the line between the haves and the have-nots, she questions what it takes to get to the top of Palm Springs’ exclusive, yet treacherous high society. Burnett guest-stars as Norma, the grande dame of Palm Beach high society and a keeper of secrets with more than a few of her own.
Carol Burnett in Palm Royale
Set in 1969, the sun-drenched Palm Royale series also stars Laura Dern,...
The scripted comedy, loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie, tells the story of Maxine Simmons, played by Wiig, attempting to break into Palm Beach high society after being dumped by her husband and social circle.
Allison Janney in Palm Royale
As Maxine struggles to cross the line between the haves and the have-nots, she questions what it takes to get to the top of Palm Springs’ exclusive, yet treacherous high society. Burnett guest-stars as Norma, the grande dame of Palm Beach high society and a keeper of secrets with more than a few of her own.
Carol Burnett in Palm Royale
Set in 1969, the sun-drenched Palm Royale series also stars Laura Dern,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ABC’s The Golden Bachelor is over, and Gerry Turner chose Theresa Nist as the next great love of his life. Gerry and Theresa seem like the perfect match, as they both went through the grief of losing a spouse. Fans adored watching Gerry’s journey, as it seemed more authentic than previous seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. But Gerry’s parents claimed their son hinted that aspects of the show weren’t entirely truthful.
‘The Golden Bachelor’ star Gerry Turner told his father and stepmom that he ‘followed a script’
The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner ended the season happily engaged to Theresa Nist. Viewers loved watching the journey of the oldest lead to date, as it started with light-hearted fun. However, as the season progressed, we noticed a tonal shift. Gerry fell in love with multiple women, and the breakups felt more devastating than ever. By the time the finale aired,...
‘The Golden Bachelor’ star Gerry Turner told his father and stepmom that he ‘followed a script’
The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner ended the season happily engaged to Theresa Nist. Viewers loved watching the journey of the oldest lead to date, as it started with light-hearted fun. However, as the season progressed, we noticed a tonal shift. Gerry fell in love with multiple women, and the breakups felt more devastating than ever. By the time the finale aired,...
- 12/9/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Mexican film Hurricane Season is based on a novel of the same name by Spanish author Fernanda Melchor, who meticulously writes a vicious story of rural Mexico in the most colloquial language possible. To translate that into film would’ve been an impossible task, yet here we have it, and it’s pretty good. Hurricane Season begins with some teens finding a dead corpse in the canal near their small village, La Matosa. A little while later, a bunch of women want to take away the body of this dead woman they call the “witch,” even though they have nothing to do with her. At the same time, a young woman named Yesenia tells the police that she was a witness to a murder, and so the story begins.
Spoilers Ahead
Yesenia
Yesenia is a young, beautiful woman who is insecure because of the people in her little village and her grandmother.
Spoilers Ahead
Yesenia
Yesenia is a young, beautiful woman who is insecure because of the people in her little village and her grandmother.
- 11/2/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Some liquid courage will drive Ingrid to talk to Original Nathan about Norma, err, Nora during this Friday’s Upload.
In the second of this week’s two episodes, Ingrid gets drunk and opens up about her insecurities with AI Bartender, which prompts her to then confront her relationship issues head-on. For starters, Ingrid is unhappy that Nora is spending so much time with her (Backup Copy) Nathan. So in TVLine’s exclusive sneak peek, a very wasted Ingrid — randomly sporting pockets full of sand — shows up in the middle of one of Nathan’s real-world missions to issue an order.
In the second of this week’s two episodes, Ingrid gets drunk and opens up about her insecurities with AI Bartender, which prompts her to then confront her relationship issues head-on. For starters, Ingrid is unhappy that Nora is spending so much time with her (Backup Copy) Nathan. So in TVLine’s exclusive sneak peek, a very wasted Ingrid — randomly sporting pockets full of sand — shows up in the middle of one of Nathan’s real-world missions to issue an order.
- 11/1/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Based on the Booker Prize-nominated novel of the same name by author Fernanda Melchor, Hurricane Season is Netflix’s latest prized possession. As much as I like to hate on Netflix, sometimes (very rarely), the platform provides us with such quality content that I have to be grateful. Only recently has world cinema been on my radar, and every day there’s a growing hunger for more unique, deeply cultural cinema coming from different corners of the world. There is an abundance of thematic exploration in this Mexican film. When a bunch of kids find a corpse in the canal of a village named La Matosa, all the town secrets unravel slowly through the stories of five villagers. The film begins with a cryptic note from “The Dead Girls” stating that some of the events presented are true, but all characters are fictional. Author Fernanda Melchor wrote her book based...
- 11/1/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Sir Bobby Charlton, an English soccer icon and the leader of his country’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, has died. He was 86 and died of complications from dementia at home surrounded by family.
A gifted midfielder with a ferocious shot, Charlton was the leading scorer for United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years, until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.
Charlton made 758 appearances for United from 1956-73, playing alongside George Best and Denis Law in the so-called “Trinity” that led United to the 1968 European Cup.
The team was noted for several players surviving a 1958 Munich plane crash which wiped out the celebrated “Busby Babes” team.
Charlton won three English league titles and one Fa Cup with United. Ovrall, he played 106 matches for England, including every minute of the team’s World Cup-winning team, for which he scored three goals.
A statue of him is outside of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
A gifted midfielder with a ferocious shot, Charlton was the leading scorer for United (249 goals) and England (49 goals) for more than 40 years, until being overtaken by Wayne Rooney.
Charlton made 758 appearances for United from 1956-73, playing alongside George Best and Denis Law in the so-called “Trinity” that led United to the 1968 European Cup.
The team was noted for several players surviving a 1958 Munich plane crash which wiped out the celebrated “Busby Babes” team.
Charlton won three English league titles and one Fa Cup with United. Ovrall, he played 106 matches for England, including every minute of the team’s World Cup-winning team, for which he scored three goals.
A statue of him is outside of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
- 10/21/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Heist movies tend to operate by a narrative rule of three: You show the preparation; you detail the execution, bit by painstaking bit; and you map out how the criminals and/or their crew get away with it, or don’t. The Delinquents, Argentine writer-director Rodrigo Moreno’s left-of-center contribution to the genre, dispenses with the first part entirely, and fast-forwards you right to second base. A bank manager named Morán (Daniel Elías) wakes up in the morning, gets dressed, and leisurely strolls through the streets of downtown Buenos Aires to work.
- 10/21/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Editors note: This review was originally published May 29 when the movie premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Now Argentina’s Oscar entry, it hits theaters Friday via Mubi.
Whether it’s the flat white lighting and washed-out color grading that gives The Delinquents the look of a ‘70s TV serial, or the fact that much of it is set in a mountain swimming beach where people claim to see apparitions, there is an undercurrent of genuine oddity running beneath this long, complex film. Screening at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section for innovative or personal cinema, Rodrigo Moreno’s story begins with a bank robbery. The very ease with which this crime is committed is odd in itself: Moran (Daniel Elias) simply walks into the bank vault, puts a pile of American dollars in his gym bag and goes home. Not what you expect in a heist film, but here is the point.
Whether it’s the flat white lighting and washed-out color grading that gives The Delinquents the look of a ‘70s TV serial, or the fact that much of it is set in a mountain swimming beach where people claim to see apparitions, there is an undercurrent of genuine oddity running beneath this long, complex film. Screening at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section for innovative or personal cinema, Rodrigo Moreno’s story begins with a bank robbery. The very ease with which this crime is committed is odd in itself: Moran (Daniel Elias) simply walks into the bank vault, puts a pile of American dollars in his gym bag and goes home. Not what you expect in a heist film, but here is the point.
- 10/20/2023
- by Stephanie Bunbury
- Deadline Film + TV
On Friday, October 20, 2023, at 7:00 Pm, E4 presents the next episode of “Hollyoaks.” In this exciting installment, viewers will witness a series of intriguing developments in the lives of the residents of Hollyoaks.
The Earl, a key character, stumbles upon a shocking revelation that has the potential to disrupt Sienna’s intricate plan. The intricate drama unfolds as the characters grapple with the consequences of this revelation.
Meanwhile, Warren, prompted by Norma’s advice, takes steps to reconcile with his daughter. This emotional journey highlights the complexities of family relationships and the efforts to mend past grievances.
Additionally, the Hutchinson family receives alarming news that will undoubtedly add more layers to the ongoing storyline.
For those who follow the lives, dramas, and secrets of the residents of Hollyoaks, this episode promises to be a captivating installment filled with twists and turns. Tune in to E4 at 7:00 Pm on Friday...
The Earl, a key character, stumbles upon a shocking revelation that has the potential to disrupt Sienna’s intricate plan. The intricate drama unfolds as the characters grapple with the consequences of this revelation.
Meanwhile, Warren, prompted by Norma’s advice, takes steps to reconcile with his daughter. This emotional journey highlights the complexities of family relationships and the efforts to mend past grievances.
Additionally, the Hutchinson family receives alarming news that will undoubtedly add more layers to the ongoing storyline.
For those who follow the lives, dramas, and secrets of the residents of Hollyoaks, this episode promises to be a captivating installment filled with twists and turns. Tune in to E4 at 7:00 Pm on Friday...
- 10/14/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
The Losers’ Club receive a letter from the Crandalls and return to Ludlow, Maine for the first time in years. Why? There’s been a series of murders. Unspeakable violence that sounds… otherworldly… perhaps from beyond the grave even. Whatever it is, it’s nothing the Losers haven’t seen before. After all, the undead is expected in King’s Dominion.
After much anticipation, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, the long-awaited prequel to Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s 2019 remake has arrived. Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, and Jenn Adams as they review the film, thirst over Hot Jud and Norma, praise the practical effects, and debate whether this IP is franchisable.
That’s not all. After you hear their thoughts, you can join Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams as they speak to Pet Sematary: Bloodlines writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer. Together, they discuss how the prequel came to fruition, what...
After much anticipation, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, the long-awaited prequel to Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s 2019 remake has arrived. Join Losers Randall Colburn, Justin Gerber, and Jenn Adams as they review the film, thirst over Hot Jud and Norma, praise the practical effects, and debate whether this IP is franchisable.
That’s not all. After you hear their thoughts, you can join Losers Michael Roffman and Jenn Adams as they speak to Pet Sematary: Bloodlines writer-director Lindsey Anderson Beer. Together, they discuss how the prequel came to fruition, what...
- 10/6/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Geralyn Marie Betzler worked on several movies throughout the ’80s and ’90s. On her first feature, 1985’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, she was credited by her full birth name, but as her screen acting career went on she would take credit as either Geri Betzler or Zoe Trilling – and it’s that second name that most fans seem to know her by. Among her credits are episodes of Guiding Light, 21 Jump Street, and Married… with Children, and the films Amityville Horror: The Evil Escapes, They Came from Outer Space, The Borrower, Dr. Giggles, Night Terrors, Hellbound, and Leprechaun 3 – but her most popular role may be in the 1994 horror comedy Night of the Demons 2, where she stole the show as bad girl Shirley Finnerty. Sadly, just as Night of the Demons 2 is reaching Blu-ray courtesy of Scream Factory, it has been confirmed that Betzler / Trilling passed away...
- 10/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
There is one fundamental thing about every single Stephen King story. In able hands, all of them can be made into exciting cinema. Unfortunately, though, that is not the case with Lindsey Anderson Beer’s prequel of the 2023 horror film, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. I am not exactly a fan of the 2019 version of King’s Pet Sematary, which was a rather generic adaptation that couldn’t quite do justice to the source material. It had reliable actors like Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, and John Litngow, who all did their best, but the film didn’t quite have the punch that was needed. Making a prequel to that clearly doesn’t make any sense, at least to me, but the latest obsession with turning a classic horror novel into a dull, mediocre film is too hard to avoid for some people, I suppose. And truth be told, we only fuel this...
- 10/6/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Plot: Pet Sematary character Jud Crandall has his first run-in with the walking dead in 1969.
Review: If you’re reading this review, you’re probably aware that the Stephen King novel Pet Sematary deals with an ancient Miꞌkmaq Tribe burial ground in the wilderness surrounding the town of Ludlow, Maine. Any dead animal or human that gets buried in this ground will be resurrected – but they don’t come back quite right. In the book, lifelong Ludlow resident Jud Crandall tells the story of Timmy Baterman, a local boy who died in World War II and was buried in the resurrecting ground by his father. That didn’t turn out well. Now, following a 1989 adaptation of Pet Sematary, a sequel to that adaptation, and a 2019 remake / re-adaptation of Pet Sematary, director Lindsey Anderson Beer brings us Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, which expands the Timmy Baterman story into feature length… but as...
Review: If you’re reading this review, you’re probably aware that the Stephen King novel Pet Sematary deals with an ancient Miꞌkmaq Tribe burial ground in the wilderness surrounding the town of Ludlow, Maine. Any dead animal or human that gets buried in this ground will be resurrected – but they don’t come back quite right. In the book, lifelong Ludlow resident Jud Crandall tells the story of Timmy Baterman, a local boy who died in World War II and was buried in the resurrecting ground by his father. That didn’t turn out well. Now, following a 1989 adaptation of Pet Sematary, a sequel to that adaptation, and a 2019 remake / re-adaptation of Pet Sematary, director Lindsey Anderson Beer brings us Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, which expands the Timmy Baterman story into feature length… but as...
- 10/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Nicole Scherzinger may have been in the showbiz industry for years, but she insisted she’s still “proving” herself.
The star — who is taking a break from “The Masked Singer” to play Norma Desmond in the West End revival of Sunset Boulevard in London, U.K. — shot to fame as a member of the band the Pussycat Dolls.
In a new interview with People, Scherzinger said she’s “absolutely” been underestimated in the acting world after being a pop star.
She shared, “That’s why I’m making moves now. It’s hard when people don’t see you for who you truly are. But if you don’t show it to them, they will never know; so that’s why I’ve taken this.
“Hopefully people will get the opportunity now to see who I really am and what I have to give.”
Read More: Nicole Scherzinger Is Engaged...
The star — who is taking a break from “The Masked Singer” to play Norma Desmond in the West End revival of Sunset Boulevard in London, U.K. — shot to fame as a member of the band the Pussycat Dolls.
In a new interview with People, Scherzinger said she’s “absolutely” been underestimated in the acting world after being a pop star.
She shared, “That’s why I’m making moves now. It’s hard when people don’t see you for who you truly are. But if you don’t show it to them, they will never know; so that’s why I’ve taken this.
“Hopefully people will get the opportunity now to see who I really am and what I have to give.”
Read More: Nicole Scherzinger Is Engaged...
- 9/27/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Stars: Jackson White, Natalie Alyn Lind, Henry Thomas, David Duchovny, Jack Mulhern, Pam Grier | Written by Lindsey Anderson Beer, Jeff Buhler | Directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer
Pet Sematary has been sequelized, rebooted, and now with the arrival of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines it has a prequel. Adapting Stephen King’s works for the screen is a risky enough proposition, creating new stories based on them even more so as anyone whose seen a few Children of the Corn sequels or reboots can attest. King himself however seems to be happy with this film and tweeted:
“In the book, this is the story Jud Crandall tells Louis Creed to try and dissuade him from using the Pet Sematary,” wrote King. “The screenplay takes a few liberties, but it’s a fine story. David Duchovny is excellent. The secret, as always, is caring about the characters.”
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines opens in the summer...
Pet Sematary has been sequelized, rebooted, and now with the arrival of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines it has a prequel. Adapting Stephen King’s works for the screen is a risky enough proposition, creating new stories based on them even more so as anyone whose seen a few Children of the Corn sequels or reboots can attest. King himself however seems to be happy with this film and tweeted:
“In the book, this is the story Jud Crandall tells Louis Creed to try and dissuade him from using the Pet Sematary,” wrote King. “The screenplay takes a few liberties, but it’s a fine story. David Duchovny is excellent. The secret, as always, is caring about the characters.”
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines opens in the summer...
- 9/27/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
R.E.M. have been retired for more than a decade, but fans of the band will still have a chance to catch a live performance of their 1983 debut album Murmur in the near future. That’s because actor Michael Shannon and guitarist Jason Narducy have announced a seven-date US tour, during they’ll perform Mumur and other early R.E.M. songs.
With accompaniment from Jon Wurster (drums), Dag Juhlin (guitar), Nick Macri (bass), and Vijay Tellis-Nayak (piano), Shannon and Narducy will visit Minneapolis, Athens, D.C., Brooklyn, and more throughout February 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 29th.
“I have been a fan of R.E.M. since my cousin played me the Document cassette out at my Aunt Norma’s trailer,” said Shannon in a statement. “I spent days and hours stumbling around my hometown of Lexington, Ky listening to Murmur on my Walkman, long before the notion of...
With accompaniment from Jon Wurster (drums), Dag Juhlin (guitar), Nick Macri (bass), and Vijay Tellis-Nayak (piano), Shannon and Narducy will visit Minneapolis, Athens, D.C., Brooklyn, and more throughout February 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 29th.
“I have been a fan of R.E.M. since my cousin played me the Document cassette out at my Aunt Norma’s trailer,” said Shannon in a statement. “I spent days and hours stumbling around my hometown of Lexington, Ky listening to Murmur on my Walkman, long before the notion of...
- 9/26/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
The Woman in the Wall psychological crime thriller series created by Joe Murtagh. The BBC One series follows the story of Lorna, who wakes up to find a dead body in her house. She has a sleepwalking problem that stretches back to her days spent in Ireland’s controversial Magdalene Laundries. The Woman is a dark drama with many twists and it stars Ruth Wilson and Daryl McCormack in the lead role. So, if you love the series here are some similar shows you could watch next.
The Sinner (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – USA Network
Synopsis: The Sinner follows a young mother (Jessica Biel) who, when on a day trip with her husband (Christopher Abbott) and son, commits a startling act of violence and, to her horror, has no idea why. The event launches an inverted and utterly surprising crime thriller whose driving force is not the “who...
The Sinner (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – USA Network
Synopsis: The Sinner follows a young mother (Jessica Biel) who, when on a day trip with her husband (Christopher Abbott) and son, commits a startling act of violence and, to her horror, has no idea why. The event launches an inverted and utterly surprising crime thriller whose driving force is not the “who...
- 9/26/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
[Editor's Note: This article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being discussed here wouldn't exist.]
Pet Sematary has long been one of my absolute favorites. It’s one of my favorite Stephen King books, it’s one of my favorite horror films; in fact it’s the film that got me hooked on horror when I was a kid. The story of a father who falls under the spell of an unearthly piece of land and will do anything to restore his family is one that has held my attention and imagination for years. And though the 2019 adaptation didn’t capture my nightmares the way the 1989 film has, I still thought it was a solid effort that would bring the story to another generation of movie audiences.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a reimagining of the Timmy Bateman story that Jud told Lewis Creed in the original book and earlier films. It is a prequel to the 2019 adaptation, which puts the timeline during the Vietnam War.
Pet Sematary has long been one of my absolute favorites. It’s one of my favorite Stephen King books, it’s one of my favorite horror films; in fact it’s the film that got me hooked on horror when I was a kid. The story of a father who falls under the spell of an unearthly piece of land and will do anything to restore his family is one that has held my attention and imagination for years. And though the 2019 adaptation didn’t capture my nightmares the way the 1989 film has, I still thought it was a solid effort that would bring the story to another generation of movie audiences.
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a reimagining of the Timmy Bateman story that Jud told Lewis Creed in the original book and earlier films. It is a prequel to the 2019 adaptation, which puts the timeline during the Vietnam War.
- 9/24/2023
- by Emily von Seele
- DailyDead
Jackson White as Jud Crandall in ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines’ (Photo Cr: Philippe Bosse / Paramount Players)
Paramount+’s Pet Sematary: Bloodlines sets up Ludlow, Maine as a town in need of a serious exorcism. A lot of heartache could have been avoided if only its settlers had pulled a Roanoke and left the town to the indigenous population in the area. But they didn’t, and this prequel to Stephen King’s 1983 bestseller fills in details about the town’s history and why reanimating dead loved ones – whether they be covered in fur, feathers, or human skin – is always a bad idea.
Bloodlines reveals that Ludlow has problems that go beyond its misspelled cemetery. The Micmacs knew the woods were evil, the ground was sour, and that death was different there. Centuries later, children built the Pet Sematary on a patch of ground that serves as a gateway between the living and the dead.
Paramount+’s Pet Sematary: Bloodlines sets up Ludlow, Maine as a town in need of a serious exorcism. A lot of heartache could have been avoided if only its settlers had pulled a Roanoke and left the town to the indigenous population in the area. But they didn’t, and this prequel to Stephen King’s 1983 bestseller fills in details about the town’s history and why reanimating dead loved ones – whether they be covered in fur, feathers, or human skin – is always a bad idea.
Bloodlines reveals that Ludlow has problems that go beyond its misspelled cemetery. The Micmacs knew the woods were evil, the ground was sour, and that death was different there. Centuries later, children built the Pet Sematary on a patch of ground that serves as a gateway between the living and the dead.
- 9/24/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
In Stephen King’s 1983 novel Pet Sematary, long-term Ludlow resident Jud Crandall relays the town’s history with the cursed burial ground. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, the prequel to the 2019 remake, explores some of that history without any purpose other than to deliver entertaining jolts and a potent reminder that Jud Crandall was right: sometimes dead is better.
Writer/Director Lindsey Anderson Beer, sharing writing credits with Jeff Buhler, sets the prequel in 1969 to introduce a young Jud Crandall (Jackson White), who seeks to leave Ludlow behind with his longtime sweetheart Norma (Natalie Alyn Lind). Never mind that Jud can’t figure out why he’s managed to evade all the Vietnam war drafts; there’s an unspoken sickness rotting the roots of Ludlow, an evil desperate to spread across the town. Jud learns firsthand about the evil when Bill (David Duchovny) buries his son Timmy Baterman (Jack Mulhern) in the cursed burial ground.
Writer/Director Lindsey Anderson Beer, sharing writing credits with Jeff Buhler, sets the prequel in 1969 to introduce a young Jud Crandall (Jackson White), who seeks to leave Ludlow behind with his longtime sweetheart Norma (Natalie Alyn Lind). Never mind that Jud can’t figure out why he’s managed to evade all the Vietnam war drafts; there’s an unspoken sickness rotting the roots of Ludlow, an evil desperate to spread across the town. Jud learns firsthand about the evil when Bill (David Duchovny) buries his son Timmy Baterman (Jack Mulhern) in the cursed burial ground.
- 9/24/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Evil, as conceived by Stephen King, is an inexorable force as old as the world itself. It exists in countless forms, some of which can be staved off for a time but none of which can be extinguished permanently. It’s as much a part of the earth as it is a part of us, and it persists in a way none of us can or will.
The best adaptations of King’s work get under the skin as they force you to reckon with such ideas, staying with you in much the same way his books do. “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is not one of those adaptations. On a scale from “Thinner” to “The Shining,” it falls in the bottom half alongside the likes of last year’s “Firestarter” remake. “Who asked for this?” is the question such projects invoke, and Lindsey Anderson Beer’s film never comes up with a satisfying answer.
The best adaptations of King’s work get under the skin as they force you to reckon with such ideas, staying with you in much the same way his books do. “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” is not one of those adaptations. On a scale from “Thinner” to “The Shining,” it falls in the bottom half alongside the likes of last year’s “Firestarter” remake. “Who asked for this?” is the question such projects invoke, and Lindsey Anderson Beer’s film never comes up with a satisfying answer.
- 9/24/2023
- by Michael Nordine
- Variety Film + TV
Sometimes dead is better, and that's a lesson that "Pet Sematary: Bloodlines" probably should've taken to heart. Maybe it's time to let this horror series stay in its grave. A prequel to "Pet Sematary," arguably Stephen King's scariest novel, is a great idea ... in theory. But Lindsey Anderson Beer's gnarly new movie leaves a lot to be desired; it's a rushed, clumsy, unscary affair that wastes a good premise. It feels edited to hell, as if there was something better, and longer, that got hacked and slashed down to the bloody mess now headed to Paramount+ in time for Halloween season. While there are occasional flashes of gory fun to be had, "Bloodlines" ultimately fails to crawl out of its moldy grave, leaving us with an undead film.
King's novel is a modern gothic affair, the story of an ancient indigenous burial ground that has the power to bring back the dead.
King's novel is a modern gothic affair, the story of an ancient indigenous burial ground that has the power to bring back the dead.
- 9/24/2023
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Few titles from this year’s Cannes were a bigger surprise than The Delinquents, a three-hour-plus Argentinian crime comedy with existentialist leanings. Word from the festival was largely outstanding, critics finding Rodrigo Moreno’s treatment of the heist subgenre entirely fresh when such seems impossible. Ahead of its October 18 release from Mubi, a trailer has arrived.
As Rory O’Connor said in our review, “In each of those lives the film’s central question about the nature and cost of freedom is finely sketched out. The men Morán encounters in prison enjoy a freedom of time and thought that is alien to him at first; while in Córdoba, both men discover a freedom beyond the reach of their urban, consumerist lives. The money, of course, promises another kind of freedom entirely. These ideas are drip-fed over The Delinquents‘ leisurely runtime, and thanks to Moreno’s patient, wistful approach, there is no...
As Rory O’Connor said in our review, “In each of those lives the film’s central question about the nature and cost of freedom is finely sketched out. The men Morán encounters in prison enjoy a freedom of time and thought that is alien to him at first; while in Córdoba, both men discover a freedom beyond the reach of their urban, consumerist lives. The money, of course, promises another kind of freedom entirely. These ideas are drip-fed over The Delinquents‘ leisurely runtime, and thanks to Moreno’s patient, wistful approach, there is no...
- 9/14/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Dear Child is a mystery crime drama series written and directed by Isabel Kleefeld. The Netflix series is based on an international bestselling novel titled Liebes Kind by Romy Hausmann. Dear Child revolves around a 13-year-old missing persons case which is reopened after an unknown woman is struck by a car in a German forest and the girl who accompanies her is being interviewed by the police. The Netflix series is a claustrophobic and dark experience with plenty of twists and turns. So, if you loved Dear Child here are some similar shows you could watch next.
Sharp Objects (Max & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – HBO
Synopsis: For Camille Preaker, it’s a dark path down memory lane. Based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn (“Gone Girl”) and directed by Emmy(R) winner Jean-Marc Vallee (HBO’s “Big Little Lies”), this thrilling limited series stars five-time Oscar(R) nominee Amy Adams...
Sharp Objects (Max & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – HBO
Synopsis: For Camille Preaker, it’s a dark path down memory lane. Based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn (“Gone Girl”) and directed by Emmy(R) winner Jean-Marc Vallee (HBO’s “Big Little Lies”), this thrilling limited series stars five-time Oscar(R) nominee Amy Adams...
- 9/10/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
The best capers are endowed with a professional gambler’s spirit of self-assured play, and this inherent mischievousness is both taken to logical extremes and given a less flashy treatment in Rodrigo Moreno’s The Delinquents. The film constantly toys with its audience, deploying genre cues only to sidestep their expected payoffs and moral resolutions. Whether one interprets the routes that it takes as relatively frivolous fun or serious arthouse theme-making hardly affects the pleasure of watching it. That distinction is just one of many that are defied in a film that treats the very notion of identity like an easily foiled con man.
The Delinquents alternatingly dares the viewer to read it as a caper flick, a moral parable, a comedy of coincidences, and an existential probe. It probably lands closest to the latter, though in fine existential fashion, it also cautions against searching for too much weighty significance in its story.
The Delinquents alternatingly dares the viewer to read it as a caper flick, a moral parable, a comedy of coincidences, and an existential probe. It probably lands closest to the latter, though in fine existential fashion, it also cautions against searching for too much weighty significance in its story.
- 9/9/2023
- by Pat Brown
- Slant Magazine
There is nothing extraordinary about Norma. A sweet-natured and caring elderly lady, she bears a crown of hair curlers on her head and the weight of decades of marriage on her shoulders. But today is Norma’s birthday and she has finally had enough of her daughter’s constant complaints and her husband’s barely concealed resentment. Written and directed by Emily Munster during lockdown No.1, Norma is a character study of a woman trapped in her house and in the memories of her long-lost youth, giving the nine-minute darkly funny short huge emotional heft and crowd appeal. Grounded by a winning central performance by Susie Blake, the film showcases the importance of dreaming and seeking happiness at every stage in life, without ever slipping into saccharine or self-pitying waters. We are celebrating the online premiere of Norma with cake and plenty of insights from Munster – from the reasons behind...
- 9/6/2023
- by Serafima Serafimova
- Directors Notes
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