“Scream VI” Rating: 4/5

Ghostface is back with an exciting new chapter in the “Scream” series. We find our characters from “Scream 5” in the next chapter of their lives, moving to New York to attend college. Sam has assumed a protective role over her sister. While Tera appreciates her sister’s care, she desperately wants to forge her own path. As they try to move on from the past, a new Ghostface emerges. But this particular killer is more sinister than the rest, intending to bring them down by any means necessary. Can Sam protect her friends? Or will Ghostface destroy everything she cares about?

Positives

The “Scream” series has always been a favorite of mine. Each entry in the franchise manages to subvert expectations and provide a generous number of thrills. I also look forward to the meta commentary, where each story examines the current state of horror and the culture that surrounds it.

Every film stands apart in a unique way with a great set of characters. All of this applies to the sixth installment here. The characters from the fifth film were one of my main gripes. I’m happy to say that each of them elevate their standing in the franchise, especially Melissa Barrera. I found her portrayal of Sam to be rather bland in the previous installment. Here, we see a true progression of Sam’s character in a believable way. This helps get emotionally invested as we move forward with the franchise. Props to her for improving Sam’s character.

These new leads have large shoes to fill. While I don’t believe their group is as strong as the original trio, they are certainly moving forward in a fresh way. The opening scene was also impressive. It truly did something new and unexpected. This set the precedent for a story that largely goes in a new direction from the rest of the franchise.

The New York setting was also a nice change of pace. The urban environment provided a tense, riveting series of chase sequences. The idea that Ghostface could be killing in front of other people and blending in with the public adds an extra layer of tension to the story. The bodega chase scene, the claustrophobic train sequence, the ladder escape, and Gale’s one-on-one with Ghostface were some of the best scenes of the franchise.

Ghostface was also at his best, featuring some of the most brutal kills in the series. His dialogue was menacing and mean spirited, creating a truly large threat for our characters.

The cinematography is also a standout. A number of sequences feature crisp imagery and well-crafted set pieces. I also enjoyed the killer reveal. It was quite a different way of going about the finale, embracing the bold, over-the-top nature of the film. Lots to love here!

Negatives

While I believe “Scream VI” is an improvement over its’ predecessor, the flaws are not small enough to overlook. There are certain elements about the fifth film that rubbed me the wrong way.The filmmakers run with some of these controversial ideas in this installment…for better or worse. I could see those who didn’t enjoy the fifth film relaying that sentiment for the sixth.

The film embraces the idea that franchises can evolve and go in a new direction. This could be a divisive aspect of the film, but ultimately I believe this is good to avoid feeing stale.

Some of the dialogue was poorly written and felt too quippy (like the fifth). My main gripe with the film is the amplification of major logic gaps established in the previous film. Characters surviving brutal stabbings and then moving along as if they’re not in pain are prominent throughout the film. This was an issue in the fifth but is more problematic here. Stretching plausibility to this extent can lower the stakes of a film, making the audience believe certain characters are unkillable. If there are no stakes, it’s hard to worry about what will happen. “Scream” used to do this very well, but these past two movies have been extremely lazy in this regard. The filmmakers seem to want to have their cake and eat it too. I hope this is adjusted in future “Scream” installments.

Once the killers are finally revealed, the motivations weren’t the strongest either. Their material felt familiar, while the rest of the film felt fresh.

Conclusion

“Scream VI” slays! It’s a fun, fresh entry that proves a slasher series can continue to surprise the fanbase. I enjoyed the new setting, chilling chase sequences and the character progressions.

While the logic gaps and plausibility continue to be stretched, a brutal Ghostface manages to make this one of the most fun entries in the series. As a longtime fan of the franchise, I definitely recommend checking it out. Strap in for a killer sequel!

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Ade Femzo is a young, talented director, writer and actor whose star is rising. He is a modern renaissance man of a filmmaker. He is the first to be part of a series of interviews of our HNS Spotlight series with young talent from around the world in film and television from in front of and behind the camera. He spoke to us about his origins and love for the movie industry, inspirations and how he uses his talents to evolve the industry going forward. Femzo has worked with John Boyega, Converse and many more. He just recently won Best Director at this years BFI Future of Film Festival 2023, to go with his BFI Best Short Film Award at London Film Festival, and Best Director at the S.O.U.L. Fest x American Black Film Festival in 2022 for Best Director.

Check out our exclusive interview below!

What made you first fall in love with the film industry?

AF-When I went on a professional set and realized how creative it can be.

Who inspired you to become a filmmaker?

AF-My family and friends.

What films inspired you growing up?

AF-Anything that had aliens or superheroes I’d love, my favourite being Attack The Block.

How did you come up with the idea for your film “Drop Out”?

AF-It was based on me telling my mum I wanted to leave school and follow my passion.

You are a real renaissance man Ade, as you wrote, directed, starred and did the music for “Dropout.” How was that how experience and process for you?

AF-Thanks, being able to do the things I enjoy doing was a great experience for me and a process I’m still learning.

I really enjoyed the comedic element of the time travel aspect you dove into, reminded me of iconic movies Groundhog Day (1993) and Back to the Future (1985). How did you want to put your own spin on the genre?

AF-Having a more relatable story and characters for my audience

How did it feel to be a part of the John Boyega and the Converse Create Next Film Project, which debuted your film “Drop Out” and then winning Best Director at The S.O.U.L Film Festival 2022 collaboration with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)? One of the biggest film festivals in the world which took place at the BFI (British Film Institute)… what has the whole experience been like?

AF-I’ve learnt so much more about the industry and filmmaking. It’s been a big learning experience.

You run your own production company ACP Network. What was your inspiration behind creating it?

AF-Being able to create and working with different creatives

What advice would you give the 10-year-old version of yourself or anybody wanting to succeed in the film industry?

AF-Know who you are and what you offer

What would you like the audience to take away from your work?

AF-Some sort of feeling or joy

Below is “Drop Out” | Award-Winning Short Film on the ACP Network Channel :

Instagram: @adefemzo

Twitter: @AdeFemzo

YouTube: ACP Network

BFI Future Film Festival Trailer

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Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut in spectacular fashion, with the third installment of the franchise that propelled him to become a superstar, which is ironic because just as the character of Adonis is ascending into superstardom, Michael B. Jordan was becoming a bigger movie star in the same time period of the last decade, a tale of art imitating life and life imitating art. Adonis Creed has been retired for three years as the former undisputed champion of the world, happily married with his wife, a now award-winning music star and producer Bianca Creed (Tessa Thompson), and daughter Amara Creed (Mila Davis-Kent), now a legend in the sport who is helping to train and promote the next generation of fighters. Things suddenly change for Adonis when a face from his past turns up outside his gym, Damian Anderson, played with great heart and soul by Jonathan Majors. Damian was his childhood best friend and a former Golden Gloves champion and gifted boxing prodigy when they were teenagers, who has spent the last 18 years in prison due to a incident that took place which changed the course of their lives forever, a tragic sliding doors moment. This brings back memories of trauma and guilt that Adonis has buried from his past. He wants to help Damian and lets him train and spar at his gym, but little does Adonis know of the determination, rage, and hunger that Damian has held all these years to fulfill his potential of being a boxing champion that was derailed nearly two decades earlier. He will stop at nothing in his relentless pursuit to achieve the life he should’ve had, that he sees Adonis living, and the resulting anger and sadness Damian feels towards his former friend.

Adonis has to accept that he will have to take on his former childhood friend and now rival Damian Anderson, after his relentless pursuit to right a wrong he feels was done to him. Adonis Creed will once again have to fight for his name, his legacy, his family and finally face his past, in the fight of his life for both men. The fight itself was very powerful and visceral. You can feel every punch, sweat and bone crunching connection, along with the tactics, strategy and game of chess that is needed to compete at a world-class level in a film. Michael B. Jordan shot this brilliantly and used cameras for IMAX, and you feel the immersive experience as the audience. His love for anime was a major influence in the fight scenes. Both actors were in the best shape of their careers physically. The dynamic brought to the screen by Jonathan Majors is powerful; you feel for him with an earnest, passionate, rage that leaves you kind of wanting to root for him. Creed III touches subtly on the unfortunate experiences of young black American men in the American justice system. That hit me personally as a Black British man myself, this even happens in the UK on a smaller scale. Adonis was fortunate that he had people to support him growing up such as Mary-Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) and Bianca (Tessa Thompson) as a young adult providing him with guidance and love. But Damian did not have that same support network. Creed III seems to be the conclusion of this story but Michael B. Jordan has said he is open to expanding the Rocky/Creed Universe, as it would be interesting to explore more of Damian’s story and his daughter Amara who’s developing a love for boxing as he starts to train her. A masterstroke was the addition of ESPN’s Stephen A Smith one of America’s premier sports personalities brought a nice realism and relevance to the film.

In a interview with Deadline, Michael B. Jordan said:

“Building the Creed universe is something that I’m really excited about,”

“Every day I tried to show up and I wanted to impress them. I wanted to let them know that I wasn’t doing it just to do the job. And finding the truth within the Creed family was really, really important to us.”

In a Interview with Total Film, Jonathan Majors talked about his mindset in relation to his creed III character, read below:

“At 33 years old, I’m still full of piss and vinegar,”

“Do I always have a chip on my shoulder? I’ve got the whole chip bag on my shoulder. It only grows the more I pay attention to what’s going on in the world.”

CREED III

In Cinemas 3^rd March 2023

Below Official Creed Synopsis from Warner Bros. Pictures:

Directed By:

Michael B. Jordan

Starring:

Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, Mila Kent, and Phylicia Rashad

From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures comes “Creed III,” with Michael B. Jordan making his directorial debut and returning in the role of Adonis Creed in the third installment of the hit franchise. The film also stars Tessa Thompson (“Creed” franchise, “Passing”), Jonathan Majors (“Da 5 Bloods,” “Lovecraft Country”), Wood Harris (“Creed” franchise, “Blade Runner 2049”), Florian Munteanu (“Creed II,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), newcomer Mila Kent, and Phylicia Rashad (“Creed” franchise, “Soul”).

Jordan directs from a screenplay by Keenan Coogler (“Space Jam: A New Legacy”) & Zach Baylin (“King Richard”), from a story by Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) and Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin. It is produced by Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Jonathan Glickman and Sylvester Stallone. The executive producers are Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Nicolas Stern and Adam Rosenberg.

Jordan is joined behind the camera by director of photography Kramer Morgenthau (“Creed II,” “Thor: The Dark World”), production designer Jahmin Assa (“mid90s,” “Angelyne”), editor Tyler Nelson (“The Batman,” “Rememory”),  costume designer Lizz Wolf (“Creed II,” “Pacific Rim: Uprising”), with a score by composer Joseph Shirley (“Jackass Forever,” “The Book of Boba Fett”).

Creed III will be released in the UK on 3^rd March 2023 by Warner Bros. Pictures

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The post Review: “CREED III” first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

“Cocaine Bear” Rating: 1.5/5

If the concept of a bear on cocaine sounds interesting…then this might be worth seeing. Here, we encounter a random group of people who encounter a black bear. The twist: it’s eaten a batch of lost cocaine via a drug operation gone wrong. The bear manages to lose control and terrorize these individuals. Will anyone make it out alive?

Positives

I’ll admit right away, movies like this aren’t my cup of tea. On occasion, I’ve managed to have fun with B-movie schlock. Having a good time at the theater is all we need sometimes. I think “Cocaine Bear” will find an audience that revels in the campy tone and ridiculous premise.

The cast is surprisingly good here. Big names like Ray Liotta, Keri Russel, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are just a handful of stars who show up. I enjoyed seeing them embrace the wonkiness of the film.

Negatives

Unfortunately, I didn’t care for “Cocaine Bear” at all. I went in wanting to enjoy the goofiness, but found myself more annoyed the longer the film went on. At minimum, I wanted to see a bear massacring a group of stupid people (per the marketing). Having the bear on cocaine might have made this even funnier. However, the film squanders the ridiculous premise for long periods of slow, bearless sequences with nauseating characters. I know they’re meant to be stupid, but c’mon, this was just ridiculous!

What’s even more frustrating is that there were multiple groups of these stupid characters, getting more screen time than they deserved. We didn’t come to see a story about them. A movie about a bear doing cocaine didn’t need three different groups of characters spouting off horrendous dialogue.

I won’t knock the visuals much because I’m sure they were intended to be campy. Just something to keep in mind. We’re also treated to multiple post credit scenes. Normally we leave this to Marvel and DC, but is “Cocaine Bear” teasing a drug riddled animal universe? One can hope! *sarcasm*

Conclusion

“Cocaine Bear” is a schlocky, uneven B-movie that manages to fumble its ridiculous premise. Instead of delivering a dumb good time, it diverts with terrible characters and a lack of killer bear. Don’t expect a resounding growl from this one.

Instead, disappointment and a lighter wallet is all you’ll be thinking about, wishing you went and saw something else. Skip this unless a cocaine riddled bear sounds…fun? Otherwise, stay away from this animal!

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Thanks to Universal Studios, we had a chance to review “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” 4K HD blu-ray combo pack with our very own copy! Below is our description and analysis of the product. Pick up your copy — now available for purchase!

About “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” – After a decade-long wait, DreamWorks Animation presents an all-new adventure in the Shrek universe with PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH Collector’s Edition available on Digital February 21, 2023 and on 4K UHD, Blu-rayTM and DVD February 28, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Nominated for Best Animated Film by both the Academy Awards® and the BAFTA Film Awards, Puss in Boots’ latest adventure now includes over an hour of bonus content featuring an all-new exclusive animated short “The Trident”, deleted scenes, a lyric video, and a cast of characters.

Everyone’s favorite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline, Puss in Boots, returns in a new adventure from the Shrek universe as the daring outlaw discovers that his passion for adventure and heroic missions have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star on his grandest quest yet. With only one life left, Puss is forced to humble himself and ask for help from his former partner and nemesis: Kitty Softpaws. They are joined in their journey by a chatty and cheerful mutt named Perrito. Together, our trio of heroes will need to stay one step ahead of the fairy tale realm’s craftiest crooks including Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The film is directed by Joel Crawford (The Croods: A New Age), produced by Mark Swift (The Croods: A New Age, the Madagascar films) co-directed by Januel Mercado, and written by Paul Fisher (The Croods: A New Age) and Tommy Swerdlow and starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone (Black Widow), Samson Kayo (Sliced), John Mulaney (Big Mouth), Wagner Moura (Narcos), Tony® nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Trolls World Tour) and Emmy® nominee Anthony Mendez (Jane the Virgin). The original score is by Heitor Pereira.

With the purchase of PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards digital movies via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, swag and more! For registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K UHD, BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL FOR YOUR COLLECTION:

• ALL-NEW EXCLUSIVE SHORT “THE TRIDENT” – When you’re the legendary Puss in Boots, life and death go paw in paw. In this epic original short, Puss recalls one of his most daring deaths yet.

• DELETED SCENES

o POTTY BREAK

o LOVE AND DEATH

o WALL O’SNAKES

• A CAST OF CHARACTERS – You know their voices, now see the faces behind all the beloved PUSS IN BOOTS characters.

o PUSS IN BOOTS

o KITTY SOFTPAWS

o PERRITO

o GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

o JACK HORNER

o WOLF

• IN THE BEGINNING – Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers of PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH to discover how they brought this great tale to life.

• JACK HORNER’S LINE-O-RAMA – Jack Horner says it all in this comedic line-o-rama.

• “FEARLESS HERO” LYRIC VIDEO – Sing along from home!

• HOW TO DRAW THE PURRFECT PAWTRAIT – Join Director Joel Crawford and Co-Director Januel Mercado as they teach us how to draw our favorite characters.

o PUSS IN BOOTS

o KITTY SOFTPAWS

o PERRITO

• HOW TO MAKE A PAPER PERRITO – Every hero needs a sidekick and this ‘how to’ will help you create your very own.

• KITTY CAM – Sit back, relax and enjoy a festive cluster of kittens as they frolic and play. This cat-stravaganza is sure to entertain for hours.

• FEATURE COMMENTARY – with Director Joel Crawford, Co-Director Januel Mercado, Producer Mark Swift, Editor James Ryan and Head of Story Heidi Jo Gilbert.

HNS Review: Never would you think the sixth entry in a franchise would reinvigorate the charm, but here we are! “The Last Wish” provides stunning animation and a nice story about living life with purpose. That being said, it still misses the great characters from the first two “Shrek” films.

About the Product: A purchase of this blu-ray pack will give you the option of watching in 4K HD. This provides sharp imagery and really makes the animation pop. It’s very accessible too, giving you the option to watch on blu-ray, 4K DVD and digitally with a code. The package comes with a shiny casing, highlighting the colorful nature of the film. The package even offers a downloadable Digi-Cat. All a buyer needs to do is scan the QR code to adopt it!

About the Bonus Features:

Deleted Scenes – This section features three scenes cut from the film. They are in a rough sketch format that provides an insight to the early animation stages.  Unedited voicing is also showcased. It was cool to examine how the filmmakers construct a scene in this way, making the viewer appreciate what goes on behind the scenes in the animation department. At times, it was difficult to discern what was going on in each scene due to the quick cuts between frames and the voices not lining up.

A Cast of Characters – The cast gives a breakdown of their voice acting in this section. Each actor is given the opportunity to explain the approach behind their character. I always enjoy hearing about this, as it helps the viewer relate to the characters on a deeper level. I especially enjoyed hearing Antonio Banderas explain how he has crafted his role as Puss. He has been around for many years now, so it’s clear the character is one he takes seriously.

In the Beginning – Filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado explain the inspiration behind the film. They wanted to bring a mix of fairy tale creatures to the forefront in this story. I especially enjoyed the explanation behind Death the Wolf, who is one of the best villains in an animated film. The animation style was one of the first attributes I noticed when first watching the film. It was nice to hear the directors break down how this was done and why it was different from the previous film.

Jack Horner’s Line-O-Rama – Pretty short section here. John Mulaney shows off his eccentric voice abilities when portraying Jack Horner.

“Fearless Hero” Lyric Video – A music video is also included in the package. This will be fun for younger audiences to sing along and watch clips from the movie. Catchy tune, too. Parents be prepared to play this song on repeat!

How to Draw the Purrfect Pawtrait – What a great section! Drawing the characters here was my favorite segment of the bonus features. Both Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado show the viewer how to sketch the main characters. Here, kids will have a field day creating their own drawings at home. It’s easy and straightforward. Lots of fun!

How to Make a Paper Perrito – Another great section for the family! Director Joel Crawford provides a step-by-step template to create a 3D Perrito. A good activity for parents and kids to do together. Loads of fun all around.

Kitty Cam – The Kitty Cam section is okay. Might be fun to have on as background noise while going about your day. Cute cats are scattered throughout the segment playing and interacting with each other. Not the most exciting of the bonus features but definitely nice for cat lovers.

Feature Commentary – I always enjoy the commentary section. Each member of the crew explains the role they played in bringing these characters to life. It’s interesting to hear how the filmmakers have brought Puss to the forefront and created a world around him. His relationship with Kitty Softpaws is also highlighted as a main part of the film. This section will especially be interesting for those interested in artistry and animation. Dreamworks and the crew clearly wanted to bring something fresh to the franchise. They certainly left their mark with this film.

Be sure to pick up your copy!

The post “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” 4K Combo Pack Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

“Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” Rating: 2/5

Phase 5 kicks off with one of Marvel’s smaller characters.

I’ve always enjoyed what Ant Man brings to the table, but having his own “larger” movie raises a few questions. Scott Lang is enjoying his newfound reputation as a hero. His daughter is struggling with crime (as he did), and he must intervene when she begins studying the Quantum Realm. But once a calculation goes wrong, they are drawn inside. This forces Scott and his family to deal with Kang, a conqueror with horrifying ambitions.

Positives

When seeing an MCU movie, I usually expect some entertainment value. “Quantumania” brings a certain amount of visual creativity and fun action sequences. Seeing Ant Man helm a leadership position and examine his family relationships was a nice touch. A family dynamic and emotional core always anchors a story with emotional stakes. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t capitalize on this enough.

The performances in the “Ant Man” franchise have always intrigued me. I’m impressed with the talent involved, which makes the journey these characters endure more interesting. Each lead performance was enjoyable. But the newcomer Jonathan Majors adds to this trend, turning in a compelling showing as Kang. I hope the MCU builds upon his character and finally gives fans a villain worth fearing.

Negatives

After the mixed reception of Phase 4, I was hoping Marvel would redeem themselves with better storytelling. But to my dismay…they rehash their old bag of tricks.

“Quantumania” indulges in the MCU trends that have started turning audiences away. The story doesn’t do much new. It relies on being a setup movie (as most MCU movies do). Unfortunately, “Ant Man” is being used as a plot device to push audience members to buy tickets to the next number of movies.

There is no love, no passion, and no reason to see this film unless audiences are all in on the MCU formula. All else will likely feel tired and burnt out by this point.

The film doubles down on the forced humor into sequences that should be serious, which cuts any tension being built. I was never nervous about the resolution because the trend of lighthearted conflict continues to purge this franchise. It is not funny nor necessary. I truly don’t understand why Marvel thinks this formula is effective.

The visuals feel rushed and fake. I’ll admit certain pieces of the production are cool, but for the most part, a green screen background is obvious.

The story has a strange blend of tones, where Kang is murdering groups of people in droves, but another character screams profanities and poorly executed jokes.

The low risk trend continues in this story, where cameos and short shock value take precedent over building a long-term story with stakes and intrigue. At this point, I don’t expect the MCU to deliver A+ storytelling, but this kind of material is just lazy. The term “cash grab” couldn’t be more fitting in this case. It’s just frustrating to see the MCU continue this downward spiral.

Conclusion

Instead of giving the MCU a fresh sense of optimism, “Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” begins phase 5 with an uninteresting, tonally inconsistent opening. It is swamped with shoddy CGI and a low stakes story, something the MCU continues to struggle with.

I wish I could say Marvel has a chance at bouncing back. But alas, I think the MCU magic is likely gone. What a shame.

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We take a retrospective look back as The Sunday Film Club returned with its founder, writer and host Domingos Coxi for back-to-back panels at MCM Comic Con London that took place in May and October 2022. The two panels were full of young talented filmmakers, musicians and creators, to educate, inform and inspire.

The Sunday Film Club Presents: Behind The Scenes with Indie Filmmakers : Part 2 Panel

Everybody loves a great sequel and the second part of the Behind the Scenes With Indie Filmmakers Panel was not one to be missed, hosted by The Sunday Film Club Founder Domingos Coxi. Last time we had the opportunity to delve about the entertainment industry with gifted independent creators and filmmakers: Sanchez, Valentina, Ros, Gabrielle, Michael and Darryl spoke about their experiences behind and in front of the camera and advice about the inner workings of the entertainment industry and how to navigate it. This time they dove deeper and broke down various fundamental parts that will give young potential filmmakers and creators more knowledge of pathways into the industry. Including tactics such as the script supervision with directors, actors, boom operators, camera operators interaction with other crew, an actors process, and how the music score is composed in the directors vision on set safety. Also discussed was traditional and social media coverage of film and TV and the different processes of getting independent films into festivals. We spoke about getting an agent in the UK and USA, the various unions for performers or crew members to be part of, more diversity and how that part can be improved, the influence of international content and more. We also discussed what needs to change to make the film/media/ TV industry more accessible and much more.

The Sunday Film Club Presents: The New Age of Filmmakers, Musicians & Creators Panel

Domingos Coxi (Host, Moderator, Writer and Founder of The Sunday Film Club) brought you a new panel of young, talented filmmakers, musicians and creators in this new age of modern entertainment in the social media era. They delved into the advantages that modern new age entertainers and creators of today have, and disadvantages. We find out more about the magic of visual effects artists today, the writing process of musicians, touring, podcasting, content writing, directing, film editing on indies and big features, film and TV productions etc. We explore the best modern ways and strategies to navigate various platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and much more. Anna Nokomis, Harry Baker, Anna Mayers, Joseph Sciberras, Daniel Colbert, and Rosie Webb will talk about their experiences and advice of how to navigate this digital era in front and behind the cameras of their respective fields. We explore the evolution of the entertainment industry in the last 30 years, and the effect on audiences. The panel also evaluate traditional media vs new age media, and how these changes in media have influenced their own mediums.

You can also follow The Sunday Film Club Podcast below :

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The post Retrospective Recap: THE SUNDAY FILM CLUB Strikes Again at MCM Comic Con London 2022 first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Silence and her Roommate is written and created by the multi-talented Joanna Woźnicka and directed by Liam Harris. The animation is beautiful and the story is relatable of overcoming loneliness and finding yourself, and the silence of that journey. Every individual who’s been to university and is currently studying away from home around the globe can relate to this wonderful, heart warming short story. Silence and her Roommate follows Lola as she navigates silence as her roommate and the affect this has on her and other relationships. This short film brought back memories of my own experiences away from home at University at this age, the excitement of new adventures, meeting new people, but also the fear of not knowing anyone and being away from family and friends. The story is smoothly edited, well-written, highly engaging, and has a lot of heart. The use of sound, music, various effects and the voiceover of Lola (Tia Bannon) telling the story is powerful and earnest, and I felt adapted to the mood of Lola’s emotions. I believe the story is a metaphor of us as people growing up, developing and moving onto new paths in life, with the fear of leaving what we have always known. The traditional animation style and colours add to the sharpness and heartfelt intent and message I felt as an audience watching this. This is a gem of a short animated film I very much enjoyed and I would recommend everybody to watch it as it touches on a subject every person will relate to, silence and loneliness especially in this modern society.

Silence and her Roommate can be seen on the Rural Media Charity YouTube Channel Below:

Official Synopsis from the BBC and New Creatives website below:

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“Infinity Pool” Rating: 3/5

Brandon Cronenberg is back with another controversial thriller. Seems he is following in his father’s footsteps.

“Infinity Pool” explores the life of James Foster, a writer who can’t seem to find success. He and his wife travel to an exclusive resort to find inspiration for his next novel. They meet Gabi, a mysterious but alluring young woman who entices James to join her in an exploration outside of resort confines. When a terrible accident ensues, James is exposed to a nightmarish subculture that could have dire consequences for everyone involved.

Positives

“Infinity Pool’s” greatest attribute is the mesmerizing ambiance throughout the film. There is a certain artistic flare that utilizes sharp color contrasts with the hypnotic tone. This mirrors Cronenberg’s previous film, “Possessor.”

Mystery surrounds every aspect of the story. I was impressed at the constant jolt of expectations as many of the plot expectations are subverted. Many of these directions weave interesting commentary throughout the story as it builds to the conclusion.

Cronenberg doesn’t spoon-feed the audience with themes, but rather challenges us to observe the horrible culture the main characters lavish in. While watching I couldn’t believe how disgusted I was with some of their actions. To my surprise, the weirdness and sadistic culture got worse and worse. I believe that’s the takeaway, where the actions of those with fortune hurt those around them.

By the film’s conclusion, each character was irredeemable. Such a heinous story couldn’t be crafted without the committed performances of the cast. Their immersion into the roles were both intense and horrifying. Does this make for the most pleasant experience? Not by a long shot. It certainly left me thinking long after the credits rolled.

Negatives

While I enjoyed “Infinity Pool’s” ability to elicit strong feelings, it doesn’t piece together its’ ideas enough for a recommendation to most audiences.

There is enough brutal violence and explicit sexual content to warrant a shower after watching. I could see viewers who weren’t prepared for such intense elements to hate the film. Cronenberg probably wants us to feel this way.

The grotesque sequences he creates are purposefully horrific to convey the ideas explored. Some might find it hard to separate the ideas from the nastiness. I admit there were times I felt extremely uncomfortable, hoping the plot would center around the ideas rather than the graphic elements. Alas, it’s Cronenberg…what should we expect?

“Possessor” seemed to convey the themes in a more interesting way, which makes me wish “Infinity Pool” could be on that level.

Conclusion

“Infinity Pool” manages to create a hypnotic story that entices the viewer to join on this terrifying journey. However, the film bites off more than it can chew, focusing on violence and sexual content more than a rude awakening of thematic exposition.

Check it out if weird, ultra-niche horror films pique your interest. I’d advise audiences who are squeamish to sit this one out.

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“Sick” Rating: 3.5/5

This clever, little slasher snuck up on us! In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is running rampant. Parker and her friend decide to spend their quarantine period at the family lake house. When a group of masked intruders invade their getaway, they must defend themselves to survive the attack.

Positives

“Sick” could have been heavy-handed with the themes presented. The pandemic is very prominent within the plot and features commentary throughout. Instead of forcing an ideology down our throat, it pokes fun at both sides of the extremes. With the tense nature of discussing masks, vaccines and other controversial aspects of the pandemic…this was refreshing.

Another piece of the story that works is the remote, intimate location. I always enjoy when a horror movie allows the tension to linger in each scene, building the atmospheric ambiance that audiences crave. Some horror tropes will never get old.

Any slasher fan will notice the little nods to films like “Scream” or “When a Stranger Calls.” It’s fun to see when a writer pays homage to the classics while creating something fresh. That’s the case here. The most surprising piece of the story is the third act reveal. It was unexpected and helped the COVID theme come full circle. A fitting end to such a story.

Negatives

While the story was fresh enough to recommend, a few pieces didn’t come together.

The two lead girls are pretty weak. Having competent leads for a slasher of this nature is important. Unfortunately, they are quite unlikable and given plot armor to the fullest extent. I would never pick them to put up a formidable fight against these killers. They only did because the plot needed it to happen.

By nature of being a straight-to-streaming film, it feels cheaply constructed at times. This is true with the scares, too, which felt B-rate at best. It could be due to the lack of scary presence from the killers. Their mask and design were forgettable.

Conclusion

“Sick” tests positive! Although it falters on several levels, we manage to get a story that’s clever and plays nicely on the pandemic.

Most slasher fans will find comfort in knowing that it pays homage to the classics while giving us something new. It’s not the scariest movie but certainly provides enough gore. The commentary is smart and weaves nicely into the story being told. Give it a watch if you’re a fan of the genre.

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Thanks to Universal Studios, we had a chance to review The Fabelmans 4K HD blu-ray combo pack with our very own copy! Below is our description and analysis of the product. Be sure to pick up your copy on 2-14-2023!

About The Fabelmans – Director Steven Spielberg brings a deeply personal portrait of a 20^th century American childhood in the semi-autobiographical film, THE FABELMANS, available to own on Digital January 17, 2023 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on February 14, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed by critics as “An enduring classic” (Peter Travers, ABC NEWS), THE FABELMANS is a heartfelt tale that “we’ve been waiting 45 years for Steven Spielberg to make” (Rolling Stone). THE FABELMANS comes with exclusive bonus content that takes viewers behind the scenes with Spielberg, filmmakers and the all-star cast as they bring the audience into the world that brought Spielberg’s story to life.
 
Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s own childhood, rediscover the magic of movies in THE FABELMANS, a coming-of-age story about a young man uncovering a shattering family secret and the power of film and imagination to help us see the truth about ourselves and each other. With a star-studded cast featuring Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea, My Week with Marilyn), Paul Dano (The Batman, There Will Be Blood), Seth Rogen (Steve Jobs, An American Pickle), Gabriel LaBelle (The Predator, “American Gigolo”) and Academy Award® nominee Judd Hirsch (Uncut Gems, Ordinary People), THE FABELMANS tells a timeless tale of heartbreak, healing, and hope for the dreamer inside all of us.
 
With the purchase of THE FABELMANS on disc or digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards digital movies via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, swag and more!  For registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.
 
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL: 

• THE FABELMANS: A Personal Journey – Steven Spielberg reflects on how THE FABELMANS is inspired by his own personal story and family.
• Family Dynamics *- Discover how the film’s cast brought THE FABELMANS to life as Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen and more build a bridge between their onscreen personalities and their true-life counterparts.
• Crafting the World of THE FABELMANS *- From costume and set design to music and cinematography, the filmmakers behind THE FABELMANS reveal how they created movie magic while capturing the film’s unique look.

HNS Review: “The Fabelmans” is a wonderful film. Spielberg pours himself into the journey, crafting his most intimate story yet. It captures the complex relationship he had with his parents growing up, using film to showcase how important family is. His passion for film is apparent. Fans of Spielberg and his movies will have lots to love here.

About the Product: The best feature of the product is the accessibility. A purchase will include the option to watch in 4K, providing sharp imagery and a format that makes the film feel more immersive. The package offers a blu-ray, dvd and digital code. I really enjoy this as it allows the viewer to watch the film at any time with ease. The package comes with a slick cover featuring different images from the film. This is a nice touch because it compliments the sentiment of film and the passion that went into production.

About the Special Features:

The Fabelmans – A Personal Journey –This section features the inspiration behind the film and how Spielberg was inspired to tell this story. He mentions that he spent most of the COVID pandemic watching movies. It reminded him about his journey to filmmaking, which was so wonderful to hear him describe. He describes how each member of his family shaped him.

Family Dynamics – What makes this so personal for Spielberg is how vulnerable he is with family dynamics. The dimensions, struggles and triumphs are all displayed in the story. His interplay with each actor was fascinating to observe because he was reliving a period of his life through their performances. I loved seeing him describe how much that meant to him. Capturing the magic of his inspiration was so special, even as a viewer. Each actor sharing their perspective was interesting, too. They admit that Spielberg’s casting choices were party because of how they looked, but also due to the familiar feeling they gave him during interactions. This was my favorite section of the special features.

Crafting the World of The Fabelmans – When I first saw the film, I immediately noticed names in which Spielberg frequently collaborates with. From John Williams composing the score, to Mark Bridges designing costumes, and Tony Kushner as a writer…it’s clear Spielberg was taking those close to him on this journey. Attention to detail from the times was apparent. Even the hairstyles of the actors mirrored those of his parents. The production design was highlighted as a personal favorite to Spielberg. Seeing his childhood home reconstructed was transportive. His fans will really appreciate getting to know him in this intimate setting.

Be sure to pick up your copy on 2-14-2023!

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“Knock at the Cabin” Rating: 4/5

I always look forward to an M Night Shyamalan film because I never know what to expect. He’s provided a few gems that are unpredictable and inventive. He’s not adverse to concocting stinkers as well. “Knock at the Cabin” is a nice little thriller, featuring a family vacationing at a remote cabin. Early in their stay, they are visited by a group of strangers who present an unspeakable choice: sacrifice a family member to prevent the apocalypse. Are the strangers part of a brainwashed cult? Or is their warning legitimate?

Positives

A M Night film always intrigues me. He rarely makes movies that are great (in my opinion), but I always appreciate his ability to go outside the box and swing for the fences. I’d say I enjoy his films more than I don’t. We need more creative minds like him.

This entry in his filmography plays it a bit safer than normal. It was a good idea because his last few films were polarizing. I’m happy to say I really enjoyed this one. It doesn’t pull the rug from beneath the audience, but instead, tells a straightforward apocalypse story. Perhaps this is what M Night needs to get his career back on track?

Dave Bautista turns in a nice performance as the leader of this group. Each of the other cast members turn in impressive performances, too. The film stays within the confines of the cabin for the duration of the film. Outside of a few flashback moments, this small setting serves the story well. We’re constantly guessing where the story will go, or who is correct in this scenario. That kind of tension and intrigue is hard to sustain.

I did enjoy how each character was humanized in the midst of a very unpleasant situation. No one wanted to be involved; yet, each of the characters brought a unique perspective. It was particularly interesting when each of the invaders introduced themselves and provided backstories, making the entire situation more emotionally engaging.

Negatives

While Shyamalan hits many of the right notes, a few pitfalls hold this one from greatness. A few wonky spurts of dialogue made me chuckle, as Shyamalan has struggled with this throughout his career.

The script is better than his last few films because he allows other (stronger) writers to course correctly where the story could have gone haywire. Certain segments of the film didn’t feel as tense or high stakes as the rest, especially the third act. I enjoyed the ending more than most seem to, but there’s no doubt the first act is the strongest.

Conclusion

I went into “Knock at the Cabin” with few expectations. I was pleasantly surprised with the tightly constructed story and constant thrills.

It makes me optimistic that Shyamalan can still craft a unique story that stands apart from the rest. Check it out of you enjoy a good thriller!

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Director Guillaume Heulard and screenwriter Stéphane Valette, bring you a very ambitious French film production – short horror film “Maryla” starring Otilia Royer, Christine Lutete and Paul Bandey. The story is about two American friends Ashley (Cristine Lutete) and Cassie (Otilia Royer) who decide to take a trip to a haunted old mansion for a job in Poland, but what they find is far darker, chaotic and evil than they could have imagined. The longer they stay in the house, the more danger they unwittingly find themselves in, as more supernatural incidents keep occurring and more secrets start to unravel for Ashley and Cassie. With dire consequences, the film shows a tale of two women experiencing a traumatic supernatural event and its aftermath. The production value and cinematography are very high level which was a pleasant surprise for an indie film. It was shot crisply, viscerally and effectively. There are a lot of yellows, light browns, and dirty blonde colours used which is almost another character in the film. I would be curious to know why these colours were used as they help the aesthetic feel of this film come to life. The special effects were used to move the story forward and were of very high quality. I could tell that the cast and crew gave a united effort to produce this film. The editing revealed smoothly transitioned scenes, which can make or break any movie, from a blockbuster to an indie drama. “Maryla” has been selected at various festivals around the world such as Fright-B-Wry Festival in Portland, Oregon and Sandgrounder International Short Film Festival. It has been nominated and won several awards including the Prix du Public Award 2023 in Paris.

Below is the Official MARYLA synopsis:

Maryla is a 20-minute horror short film.

“During a trip to Poland, two young American photographers, Ashley and Cassie, are sent by their employer to photograph an old uninhabited mansion resembling a haunted house deep in the forest. Cassie is confronted by some very strange phenomena on her way to the manor…”

The creators behind the film, Guillaime and Stephane, discussed Maryla below on the website KissKissBankBank:

MARYLA, un film de Guillaume Heulard by Guillaume — KissKissBankBank

“Our primary goal is to make the audience shiver with fear and suspense. At the same time, the script can be seen from another angle. The ghost that persecutes the young woman can be seen as a metaphor for a woman’s fight against an old resurfacing trauma.

These two women of the same age and social environment, develop entirely different views based on their own personal experiences.”

Stéphane Valette, screenwriter

“A horror film is like a symphony, full of rhythm and notes that bring the whole ensemble together. You can be sure that our musicians are ready to give their all to bring Maryla to life.”

Guillaume Heulard, director

Follow them for more information on Facebook : (20+) Maryla – le film | Facebook

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It’s cold, it’s dreary. Nothing cures the winter blues quite like a funny show. For me, that was the Irish comedy, “Derry Girls.”

While picking something new to watch amongst all the content currently streaming, I look for something that will entertain me but also keep me wanting more. I had been eyeing “Derry Girls” for a while now, but I never made the move to watch it. Having just finished the series, I am so glad I did, but so sad it’s over!

Here are four reasons “Derry Girls” needs to be on your Netflix queue:

It’s laugh out loud hysterical

The thing you should know about me is that I am easily entertained by TV. However, there aren’t many shows where I laugh out loud. “Derry Girls” had so many laugh out loud moments that I can’t help but want to meet the writers. I feel like that’d be a good time!

The antics the girls (and James) get up to are super unrealistic, but nonetheless, hysterical. It’s ridiculous, really. It’s not even just the dialogue that is funny but the physical comedy, too. Erin, Sister Michael, Orla are all great at their physical comedy, whether it be their facial expressions or some weird movement/flailing they’re doing in a scene.

We can’t forget the grandfather’s absolute disgust over his daughter’s husband, or Orla’s step pilates that will take her to the next level, or Sarah’s utter appreciation for a woman’s eyebrows. Each character has their own quirks and storyline that will have you laughing at and with them.

A Focus on Friendships

Oftentimes, TV shows like to find a central romance and make it the focal point of the show. Listen, I like romance and shipping TV characters like any other person, but it’s nice that romance and couples take the back burner in “Derry Girls.” Not to say the show was devoid of any of this.

Sure, Michelle was super thirsty for male companionship. However, it wasn’t the whole plot line of the show. “Derry Girls” focused on friendship between five girls (well, four plus, James, but he did go to an all girls school and got clumped into the group. They often group him as being one of the girls, despite his insistence that he was a boy). They fought, they laughed and cried together and they stuck by one another’s side. Even when things got bad, which more than not, they did!

There were moments that were so sweet to see them support each other, such as Claire’s coming out and when her father passed. They were all there for her. Or when the girls at school were making fun of Orla’s talent show step pilates routine, and the girls all stood up for her. We love to see girl friendships that don’t turn on one another or fight over boys.

A Glimpse Into History

This show brought us back to the 90s in Ireland. I don’t know much about the history of Ireland, but this show does explore some of its history. In Derry, where the story is told, it was during a time of conflict in Northern Ireland. Some scenes showed the girls and family walking or driving past guards to gain admittance onto their own roads.

It was a history that was unknown to me. By the end of the series, we see the girls voting to put an end to the conflict. So, not only was the show funny, but I learned something new.

A Fun Cast of Characters

I loved every single character. Every. Single. One. There wasn’t one character that I disliked, which if you know me, I always find one character to hate on. Each character brought their own personality traits — this helped give the show an edge because every character was so different from the next.

Hands down, Sarah was my favorite character. When you think of a quirky aunt, Sarah is what comes to mind. She was so weird and oblivious and quirky. All traits that made me like her — she made me laugh the most.

The main set of characters, Michelle, Erin, Claire, James and Orla each had their own flare. They were a group of girls I would have hung around in high school. I can’t forget Sister Michaels who was the most sassy, edgy nun ever. Seriously, that woman was hilarious.

Wait…I did dislike one character: Jenny Joyce, but I think that was the point.

I can’t say enough good things about this show. It’s definitely going to be one I will rewatch and one where I will force all my friends to watch it. I should note, it’s only three seasons with less than 10 episodes per season. Savor it!

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“A Man Called Otto” Rating: 3.5/5

Tom Hanks returns as Otto, a man displeased with the course of his life. He also struggles to cope with the loss of his wife. When a happy-go-lucky family moves in next door, Otto’s world is turned upside down. He finds friendship and a new purpose, realizing life is still worth living.

Positives

Otto is a nice movie that shift things up, featuring a story that tugs at the heartstrings. What carries the film forward is the character dynamics. Tom Hanks and Mariana Trevino give good performances. Hanks’ grumpy Otto nicely contrasts with the cheery Marisol.

The friendship that blossoms is the reason to check it out. We see both become vulnerable in ways that are unexpected. Their differences compliment each other in such a way that makes them both better individuals. I loved seeing the relationship evolve into a support system, holding each other accountable while always having each other’s back. Sometimes we don’t need a story that will change our lives, but one that reminds us to be better people.

The earnest moments come across as sincere, but I can’t always say the same for the heavier moments.

Negatives

While I enjoyed the ideas explored in the film, the tone is exceedingly uneven. This creates a jarring experience for audience members that doesn’t flow very well. If the story had chosen to separate the funny moments from the sad moments, the message would have been more effective.

I do believe the sad moments play a nice part in emphasizing how important moving on is. They feel more like emotional manipulation on occasion. That’s where a better blend of tones could make the themes explored more potent. It’s still good, but wildly uneven.

The pacing also stood out as odd, going in some odd directions while not being in sync with the tone.

Conclusion

“A Man Called Otto” is an upbeat story that will satisfy most audiences. The film struggles with an uneven tone and some pacing issues. It’s hard to ignore the relationship Otto builds with his new neighbors.

It won’t be deemed a classic, but it’s hard to deny a story that brings people together in such a fashion. Otto reminds us that no matter the circumstance, life is certainly worth living. Where a community is what we need to pick ourselves back up. Sometimes that’s all we need in a story.

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“Top Gun: Maverick” Rating: 5/5

In the midst of reviving old franchises, Tom Cruise gives us one of the greatest sequels of all time. 36 years after the original, we find Maverick as one of the Navy’s most decorated pilots. But he rejects promotional opportunities to continue flying. Maverick still struggles with the loss of his friend, Goose. When approached to lead the next generation of Top Gun graduates, he must train Goose’s son and prepare them for a very dangerous mission.

Positives

I can honestly say that “Top Gun: Maverick” is one of the best theatrical experiences I’ve ever had. The film glows with nostalgia and provides easter eggs from the original throughout the story. While most films struggle to balance nostalgia with originality, “Maverick” shines as the star on top of the tree.

We see Maverick as a version of himself that feels real. He’s even-tempered, confident and still maintains a high-level skillset. Timing of his legacy sequel feels organic. The story isn’t forced, but features a natural progression over a long period of time.

Each event feels real — admiring Maverick along his journey while appreciating the new pilots that are introduced. Tom Cruise is excellent in his return as the title character. He is surprisingly reserved and avoids many of his over-the-top acting tropes. His performance is humbling and layered, almost as if we’re visiting an old friend from many years ago.

The new cast is excellent too. We don’t spend too much time exploring their backgrounds but are given enough exposition to root for them in the upcoming mission. Each persona brings a fresh edge to the plot. I’d even argue that the cast is stronger than the first.

The score is absolutely phenomenal. We’re treated to the classic theme from the original while getting brilliant selection of new songs to compliment the story. Each piece of music carries the audience from scene to scene. Whether it’s an energetic introduction, emotional sequence, or tense build into the final mission…the score never misses a beat. The sound mixing is amazing, as well. Each time a jet engine turned on, I could feel my seat rumbling along with it.

The editing and visual sequences during the jet sequences are truly game changing. Audience members are transported inside the cockpit, feeling the pressure changes and swerving motions while the jet moves. “Top Gun: Maverick” rejects the CGI mess that many modern blockbusters lean into. It instead absorbs the strength of practical effects, going the extra mile to make every aspect of the film feel immersive. Experiences like this remind me why I love movies. We laugh, gasp, tear up and get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.

“Top Gun: Maverick” made me feel like a kid again, admiring the awe and wonder of being swept up in a grandiose montage of memorable sequences.

Negatives

The film maintains some of the cheese we’d expect, which wasn’t my favorite part of the original. But it’s significantly toned down, which is a welcomed change. I also feel the third act stretches believability in more ways than one. However, it was easy to overlook with how great the rest of the story was.

Conclusion

“Top Gun: Maverick” provides blockbuster extravaganza with an emotional story at the center. Tom Cruise fought to provide the best possible experience and delivered in stunning fashion.

The film will transcend time because it’s truly that good. I loved this movie so much. Add it to your collection and strap in for the ride of a lifetime!

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We guide you through the next group of talented young actors and rising stars, who have been doing great work and making waves on the big and small screen. These actors gave star-turning performances the last few years, in a diverse mix of movies and TV shows leading to global success, making Hollywood take notice and take the whole film and television industry by storm. Showcasing charisma, screen presence, talent and maturity beyond their years, we look forward to these talented young performers gracing our screens for decades to come on their journey to superstardom. For our list of rising stars, we chose: Jonathan Majors, Jenna Ortega, Glen Powell, Xochitl Gomez, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Xolo Mariduena, Coco Jones, Austin Butler, Amber Midthunder, Henry Golding, Aldis Hodge & Samara Weaving. Hollywood is in good hands for the future.

Jonathan Majors is a graduate from the Yale School of Drama with an MFA in acting and graduate from the University of Arts at North Carolina, and was also a recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) National Drama Competition. He has recently come to prominence in the independent film Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), and his breakthrough roles in the critically acclaimed TV show Lovecraft Country and Spike Lee’s Netflix war drama Da 5 Bloods (2020). He was the lead, starring as righteous outlaw Nat Love in the action-packed Western The Harder They Fall (2021) opposite Idris Elba. He starred in the war time biopic of pilot Jessie Brown in Devotion. In 2023 he will star in even bigger projects like Marvel Studios’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), where he will appear as villain Kang The Conqueror and in Creed III opposite Michael B Jordan. Majors is a special talent, who I believe in the next few years will continue to reach the levels of greatness in acting like Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eddie Murphy and many more. He is that gifted of a performer whether he plays a villain, hero, romantic lead in various genres i.e.. action, comedy, horror, or the stage, as he is classically trained in theatre. He is without doubt a force of nature when he performs.

Jenna Ortega has graced our screens on projects such as the Emmy award winning Jane The Virgin (2012), Ironman 3 and many more. She would the go on to star in her own Disney series Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018). Her star would begin to rise rapidly during the next few years, in such projects from Netflix: The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Yes Day, YOU and then 3 defining roles came her way, HBO’s Fallout (2021), Scream 5 (2022), and Wednesday (2022). The latter of which would bring her true global stardom in showcasing her talents on the worldwide stage. Her likability and intense screen presence have engaged well with a worldwide audience and allowed her to excel. She has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her wonderful portrayal of Wednesday Addams further cementing her stardom. Recently Netflix renewed Wednesday for Season 2 after it became one of its most viewed shows of all time. In 2023 she will star opposite another rising star Samara Weaving in Scream 5, which is the 6th film in the horror franchise.

Glen Powell is a former student from the University of Texas. His first big breakthrough role was when he was cast in The Great Debaters, directed by Denzel Washington, while a senior at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas in 2007. After completing his freshman year in college, he made the move to Hollywood, California. In the next few years he would begin booking regular roles in projects such as The Dark Knight (2012), The Expendables 3 (2014), Scream Queens (2015-2016), and Hidden Figures (2016). Showcasing his ability in comedy, he starred in the Netflix rom-com Set It Up (2018). But it wouldn’t be until Top Gun: Maverick (2022) that would solidify what a talented actor and bonafide star he is starring as the cocky, charismatic, quick-witted, self-absorbed, but elite fighter pilot Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin, opposite Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, which would go on to be a box-office hit worldwide. Glenn literally stole almost every scene he was in, showing a magnetic presence, swagger and confidence on screen. His character had great one liners that held the audience’s attention every time he came on screen, which I believe was also elevating his co-stars performance. His next project was a passion project, which he produced and starred opposite fellow rising star Jonathan Majors. This film is Devotion (2022) and tells the story of the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history- Jessie Brown.

Xochitl Gomez was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and is of Mexican descent. Xochitl is the youngest of our rising stars at just 16 years old. She literally burst onto our screens and the world’s radar in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) opposite Benedict Cumberbatch, a career changing role for her as multi-dimensional traveling superhero America Chavez. Before entering the MCU, she grew up starring in musical theatre from as young as 5 years old. This would lead to other roles and award nominations such as the Platinum Award Winner for Best Child/Best Young Actress in 2019, the Festival Award Winner in 2018, and the Young Entertainers Award Winner for Best Leading Young Actress in a Television Series for The Baby-Sitters Club. She exudes a wonderful natural likability, wholesome joy, and integrity that pulls in the audience and allows you to root for her on America Chavez’s journey on screen. She is likable, charismatic and glows on screen conveying an X-factor you simply cannot teach.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is a young British actress whose reputation has been steadily growing as she showed her talents in TV series War of the Worlds (2020) and most recently films such as horror Fresh (2022) which premiered at the Sundance Festival 2022 and her starring role in Where The Crawdads Sing (2022) based on the coming of age murder mystery, of the popular novel by Delia Owen. Daisy has the ability to showcase charisma, empathy, compassion, vulnerability and inner strength in the various characters she portrays, making it difficult for you not to empathize with whomever she plays. She will next be starring as the legendary American singer/songwriter Carole King. She was nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA for her work on the coming of age drama TV series Normal People (2020). She also showed her stage prowess starring in Albion at the Almeida Theatre in her hometown of Islington, North London. She learned her craft at the National Youth Theatre in London which has produced the likes of Idris Elba, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Craig, Kate Winslet and many more. Her best years are ahead of her on the big and small screen.

Xolo Mariduena was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Xolo got his big break on the NBC TV series Parenthood which started as a guest role, then turned into a regular role. It was also the show that helped launch a young Michael B. Jordan on the path to becoming a big name. He made appearances on Twin Peaks (2017), but it was the role of Miguel Diaz on The Karate Kid spin-off Cobra Kai (2018) where he played the young Latin American student of Johnny Lawrence, that his star would begin to rocket. Cobra Kai’s first two seasons started as a cult hit on YouTube with nearly 100 million views, but it was not until the show moved to Netflix in 2020 that it became the global phenomenon it deserved to be, launching Xolo Mariduena’s star further. This would lead to him being cast as the lead in DC Comics movie adaption of the superhero Blue Beetle where he would star as the young Latinx American Jamie Reyes. Xolo’s natural ability to gain sympathy, show desire and passion, and connect in his portrayals with audiences has gained him fans worldwide. Xolo is of Mexican, Cuban and Ecuadorian heritage.

Coco Jones has been a revelation on Bel-Air (2022) stealing every scene she appears in as the modern incarnation of Hilary Banks, the ambitious eldest daughter of a wealthy African American black family. The Banks from Bel-Air, California is a modern re-telling of Will Smiths 90’s hit “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. Coco brilliantly captured Hilary’s ambition to succeed in this modern era and create a name for herself. She is also a very gifted singer/songwriter and former Disney star, previously appearing on shows such as Good Luck Charlie (2010-2014) and So Random! (2011-2012) respectively, and the Netflix horror/comedy Vampires Vs. The Bronx (2020). Season 2 of Bel-Air returns in February 2023 and we all look forward to witnessing the growing talents of Courtney Michaela Ann “Coco” Jones on the small and big screen.

Austin Butler gave the performance of a lifetime in his young career as the legendary Elvis Presley. Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie was released in the summer of 2022 and a new star was born on screen in the shape of one Austin Butler, an extraordinary talent. His performance was magnetic, electrifying, mesmerising and unforgettable. His portrayal of one of the most iconic real-life figures in music and pop-culture was one of the best I have personally ever witnessed. From the dancing, the singing, the instruments, and the swagger, he is a special talent who if he continues on the correct trajectory could be one of the best actors of his generation. He captured how Elvis growing up was influenced by great Black African American musicians and culture in his performances and conveyed it brilliantly on screen with the relationship dynamics with his manager Colonel Parker (Tom Hanks) and own family. Austin had appeared in various TV shows and movies in small parts such as Arrow (2013-2014), The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). In 2018 he appeared on Broadway in the play ‘The Iceman Cometh’ with a cast featuring Denzel Washington, David Morse, and Colm Meany. After winning a Golden Globe for best actor, Austin thanked Washington in his speech, saying, “Also, I gotta thank Denzel Washington. Denzel, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your generosity and championing me when you did not have to.” Austin has mentioned in numerous interviews that Denzel Washington recommended him to director Baz Luhrmann for the role of Elvis Presley.

Amber Midthunder is a Native American actress whose appeared on shows such as Legion (2017-2019) and Roswell: New Mexico (2019-2022). In the summer of 2022, she captured our hearts and minds with the spirited portrayal of skilled and resourceful Native Comanche warrior Naru in Prey, the prequel to the original Predator movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover. Amber was an absolute revelation in the role that has made her a star on the rise. Prey was a massive hit with fans on Hulu and Disney Plus, with the possibility of sequels to come. Amber had her first speaking role as a 9 year old opposite Academy Award winner Alan Arkin in Sunshine Cleaning (2008) and starred with another legendary actor Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges in Hell or High Water(2016). After helping bring a franchise back to relevance, Amber solidified her spot on our list. I look forward to what project Amber will showcase her talents on next in 2023 and beyond.

Henry Golding has had a meteoritic rise in the last 5 years in Hollywood and the film industry. The British/Malaysian actor has shown great natural talent, eloquence, versatility, and star powered X-Factor whenever he is on the screen. He started as a successful and charismatic travel show host for the BBC in the UK. He made his feature film debut in the global smash hit Crazy RichAsians (2018) as the suave and likable a Singaporean multi-millionaire Nick who brings his fiancé Rachel played by Constance Wu to meet his family in Malaysia. Then he starred with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in the murder mystery/thriller A Simple Favor (2018). He starred in romantic comedy LastChristmas (2019) with Emilia Clarke. But for me, it was his performance in Guy Ritchie’s stylish British gangster flick The Gentlemen (2019) where his talents stood out. In the film, he plays a comedic, ruthless and obnoxious gangster named Dry Eye, holding his own opposite the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant. He starred in Snake Eyes (2021), the title character in a spin-off of the GI-Joe franchise, showing he could do action and train in the martial-arts for the role. In 2023, Henry will be starring in Netflix’s The Old Guard 2 (2023) opposite star Charlize Theron and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Samara Weaving has come a long way. The young Australian actress’s reputation has been steadily growing bigger ever since she made her debut on Australia’s legendary soap opera Home and Away (2009). She would go on to star in over 300 episodes, the show that Chris Hemsworth, Luke Mitchell, Isabelle Lucas and the late Heath Ledger also starred in during the beginning of their young careers. After leaving Home and Away, Samara would star in indie films like Mayhem (2017) and the horror TV series Ash Vs Evil Dead (2016). Her standout roles would come in a quirky horror/comedy from Netflix’s The Babysitter (2017) as the character of Bee, a babysitter who is the leader of a satanic cult. She showed the ability to have compassion, empathy and a cold-hearted ruthlessness in her performance and surprising comedic timing. Another breakthrough role was in the entertaining, fun, over-the-top horror/action film Ready or Not (2019) where she played a bride who has to take part in a horrifying game against her in-laws and ends up fighting for her life with a whole amount of chaos, showcasing her abilities to do action and carry a film emotionally, and conveying that ability to engage with the audience. She starred opposite Keanu Reeves in Bill & Ted: Face the Music (2020) and will be seen in Scream 6 (2023) opposite Jenna Ortega.

Aldis Hodge is not just a talented performer who has been acting for a long time consistently, he is also something of a renaissance man. He writes, paints, is a qualified watchmaker (horologist) and learned to play the violin as a teenager. Aldis was born in North Carolina but raised in New York. His first debut role was in Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) along with his brother Edwin Hodge when they were kids. He would continue to work consistently appearing in shows such as Supernatural (2005), The Walking Dead (2010) and many more. His popularity would rise on the highly rated TNT television series Leverage (2008) as Alec Hardison. He would start to be involved in critically acclaimed and Academy Award nominated films such as Straight Outta Compton (2015) where he played MC Ren, a member of the Rap Group N.W.A and Hidden Figures (2016) alongside Octavia Spencer, Tajari P. Henson and Janelle Monae. His portrayal of Jim Brown in One Night in Miami (2020) was inspired and commanding. His performance was a revelation in the horror/thriller The Invisible Man (2020) from Blumhouse Productions, opposite Elizabeth Moss. He was cast as the first big screen portrayal of DC Comics Hawkman aka Carter Hall, the high flying, winged, mace carrying superhero who plays by his own rules in Black Adam (2022) and would put him on the global stage opposite Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. He will next be seen on Amazon Prime TV series Cross (2023) based on James Paterson’s Alex Cross novels as the title character.

Character quotes below:

Nat Love– “Just A Man. Here To Kill The Scorpion.” (The Harder They Fall)

Wednesday Addams– “I find social media to be a soul sucking void of meaningless affirmation”. (Wednesday)

America Chavez– “More complicated than being chased by a witch through the multiverse?” (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin -” You really don’t get it. On this mission, a man flies like Maverick here, or a man does not come back. No offense, intended.” (Top Gun: Maverick)

Kya Clark-“If you’re in trouble, run and hide deep in the creek where the crawdads sing like Ma always said.” (Where the Crawdads Sing)

Miguel Diaz-“I didn’t get into karate to hurt people. I did it to be a badass and find balance.” (Cobra Kai)

Hilary Banks– “I’m sorry, I don’t feel sorry.” (Bel-Air)

Elvis Presley– “When things are too dangerous to say, sing.” (Elvis)

Naru– “It knows how to hunt. But I know how to survive.” (Prey)

Dry Eye– “A gentlemen’s quote is a gentlemen’s word.” (The Gentlemen)

Grace– “You said your family was f****d up, but you didn’t say psycho killers.” (Ready or Not)

Hawkman– “We’re the Justice Society. Our mission is to protect global stability. We’re here to restore peace to Kahndaq. And we will use force if necessary.” (Black Adam)

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The post HNS Presents: THE RISING STARS OF TOMORROW IN FILM & TELEVISION first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

Recent Disney projects have been hit and miss to say the least. “Strange World” is likely to continue the divisive trend between audiences and the studio. We find the Clade family on their next adventure, looking to explore an unknown part of their world. But when conflicting ideals come between the family, they must put aside their differences to make sure their mission doesn’t fail.

Positives:

The film has garnered a very split reaction thus far. Some blasting the film for the overuse of virtue signaling and political commentary, others enjoying the film’s desire to explore these areas. Both perspectives are understandable based on your perspective as an audience member. I found the film to be pretty enjoyable as a whole while recognizing it won’t be a classic. The strongest aspect of the film is the animation. It was surprisingly awesome and features lots of creativity from the team behind it. The world building was cool and provided many eye-popping sequences. Another aspect the story explores is the idea of family and how to move forward with different outlooks. The characters often mirror scenarios that parent-child relationships face. These relationships are creatively intertwined within the world they build, making for a thoughtful takeaway for kids and parents alike. I also found the twist to the family’s mission to be an unexpected surprise. It isn’t preachy, but instead serves as a uniting force for the family, bringing the larger idea of the story together.  

Negatives:

While I enjoy a film that allows us to step back and examine ourselves, films like “Strange World” deliver it in a messy way. It provides commentary so on-the-nose that audiences might feel a bit underappreciated. I say that meaning film doesn’t allow filmgoers to observe the ideas explored and make up their own minds. It instead throws the perspective of the filmmakers in your face with a clunky and uneven format. Commentary can be explored in a layered, thoughtful way. That’s not the case with “Strange World.” The film isn’t exactly memorable either. The story follows similar ideas found in previous Disney stories. Some of the voice acting seems miscast too. While I love Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid as actors, their voices didn’t fit the wavelength of the film and didn’t mash up well with the dynamic of their characters.

Conclusion:

Is “Strange World” going to change the world? Be the next classic animated feature? No. It does however provide stunning animation and a nice story about family at the center. While certain elements won’t impress all audiences, it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of animation.

The post “Strange World” Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

“Tar” is a sure-fire awards contender. Filmed in a biographical style, the story is actually fictional. It is nonetheless a fascinating journey to explore. Set in the international music scene, Lydia Tar is one of the finest composers in the world. She is the first female director of the Berlin Philharmonic. We see her importance and contribution to the industry, but also her downfall.

Positives:

There isn’t a film in 2022 that has more craft and detail than “Tar.” That being said, I don’t think it’s perfect. Cate Blanchett is the reason to see the film. One can expect a powerhouse performance from her and that’s no different here. She really dives into Lydia Tar’s persona, relaying the intensity and troubled layers within her character. It was so interesting watching her character operate with her style in modern times. Her abrasive yet passionate approach proved to be detrimental to her career in the long run. There are some good supporting performances too, but none that match Blanchett’s. The story is unique enough to stand on its own this year too. We get to spend long periods of time getting familiar with our lead which is a nice change of pace, especially in this blockbuster heavy market.

Negatives:

I can’t say I’m in the camp that believes “Tar” is one of the year’s best films, but it’s certainly a story I appreciate. The movie is very long, so if you’re an audience member that gets antsy with slow moving, dialogue heavy plots…it might not be the film for you. But the detail-oriented story will reward those willing to take this journey. There are certain lulls throughout the plot that could have been more concise. If the story flowed with a tighter pace, the film might have been more effective. My personal issues with the film won’t bother those that are the target audience though. That’s something to take into consideration. Films like this are very niche, which will resonate with certain audiences and completely falter with others.

Conclusion:

“Tar” is a clear-cut awards contender that will thrive within the indie film community. Cate Blanchett shows up once again with an Oscar worthy performance. It’s not a film I’m itching to rewatch, but I’d remiss my duty as a film critic to ignore the technicalities that help it thrive. Check it out if it’s a film that might pique your interest. Otherwise, it might be a chore for others.

The post “Tar” Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

The Pale Blue Eye is a thriller that approached quickly. But Christian Bale helming an icy cold murder mystery is too enticing to miss! He plays Augustus Landor, a detective hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. He meets a young Edgar Allen Poe, a cadet who doesn’t blend in with the student body. Together they attempt to unravel the mystery of the case before the murderer strikes again.

Positives:

The story ingredients tick every box of my movie preferences. The cast, setting and plot all sounded top notch. To say I was excited would be an understatement. I’m happy to say it mostly satisfied expectations. The winter setting with the hilly New York landscape really captures the bleak nature of the story. The claustrophobic feeling of being stuck on the West Point campus in frigid conditions really amplified the tension. Cinematography on every level was excellent. Scott Cooper always delivers in this way. Christian Bale gives a great performance as expected. His somber presence as a veteran detective counters Harry Melling’s performance as Poe nicely. He on the other hand is quite animated, brimming with personality and intellect. Their teamwork makes for a nice pair of leads. The story moves patiently, allowing us to bask in the mystery and uncertainty as the murders keep piling up. I’ll also admit that the third act twist caught me off guard. Some may find this revelation a bit grim but I felt it fit nicely into the story being told.

Negatives:

I realize this kind of movie won’t be for everyone. It’s quite grim and leans into the darker side of the murder mystery genre. But if you can handle the slower pace, the rewards are abundant. Some audience members might get a bit restless as the film is very dialogue heavy and doesn’t hesitate to spend long spouts in dark rooms. Certain story elements aren’t exactly exciting, but I’d say the immersive tone of the film makes up for it. There are some spotty special effects particularly during the climax as well. But with a Netflix production I’m sure the budget was put elsewhere.

Conclusion:

This is a refreshing return to form for director Scott Cooper. The stunning setting and tense story is a welcome return for the genre. It’s a shame that this won’t get more recognition during awards season. Definitely check it out because Christian Bale and Harry Melling turn in impressive performances.

The post “The Pale Blue Eye” Review first appeared on Hollywood News Source.