It is totally unsurprising that Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" has taken the internet by storm since its release, its fresh, adrenaline-soaked story invigorating the very concept of an erotic sports drama. The sexual tension between the central throuple — Tashi (Zendaya), Art (Mike Faist), and Patrick (Josh O'Connor) — is condensed into more subtle, tangible forms, such as the frenetic tennis matches that underline their complex, heady inner dynamics. This spirit of erotically-charged competitiveness lingers right until the end, and is meant to be absorbed via the biggest screen possible, it being the best conduit for this almost-obsessive, feverish energy. For those who wish to relax and catch this racy sports drama at home: do not worry, as the film is available to rent digitally at the moment and is expected to be available for streaming relatively soon.
/Film's Witney Seibold gave "Challengers" a 7.5 out of 10 in his review, describing it as...
/Film's Witney Seibold gave "Challengers" a 7.5 out of 10 in his review, describing it as...
- 5/17/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
In a much-needed bit of good news for the box office in 2024, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" had a very solid opening weekend. Hailing from Disney's 20th Century Studios, the latest entry in the long-running sci-fi franchise opened to $58.5 million domestically. That figure is $2 million above the $56.5 million estimates that hit the boards on Sunday. That's good news, as it suggests word of mouth was strong out of Friday and Saturday screenings heading into Mother's Day.
Director Wes Ball's film took in an additional $72.7 million from overseas markets to date, giving it a $131.2 million global start. That is even higher than 2017's "War for the Planet of the Apes" ($130 million), meaning it's the best worldwide opening for the modern "Planet of the Apes" franchise. Now, it's still got a very long way to go to get anywhere near the outsized global total of 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes...
Director Wes Ball's film took in an additional $72.7 million from overseas markets to date, giving it a $131.2 million global start. That is even higher than 2017's "War for the Planet of the Apes" ($130 million), meaning it's the best worldwide opening for the modern "Planet of the Apes" franchise. Now, it's still got a very long way to go to get anywhere near the outsized global total of 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes...
- 5/13/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
A good "Omen" prequel? Alright, which one of you jokers made a deal with the devil? Director Richard Donner's original 1976 horror classic has spawned no shortage of film sequels, plus a failed TV pilot, a sequel TV series, and a 2006 remake featuring an utterly bizarre screenwriting credit. However, director and co-writer Arkasha Stevenson's "The First Omen" is the first entry to be widely heralded as a worthy continuation. In his review for /Film, Witney Seibold described the picture as "thoughtfully menacing, uniquely stylish, deathfully intense, and utterly terrifying" before crowning it "the best horror movie of the year so far."
Sadly, early 2024 hasn't been kind to horror at the box office, and Stevenson's film was no exception. On the other hand, Disney had initially planned on punting the movie straight to Hulu before sending it to theaters, so "The First Omen" was never under pressure to become a huge hit.
Sadly, early 2024 hasn't been kind to horror at the box office, and Stevenson's film was no exception. On the other hand, Disney had initially planned on punting the movie straight to Hulu before sending it to theaters, so "The First Omen" was never under pressure to become a huge hit.
- 5/13/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
A whole lot of moviegoers this past weekend probably just became enthusiastic tennis fans, so it's important that they know just how well the sport lends itself to the type of thrill-a-minute drama on display throughout "Challengers." (Be sure to read /Film's review by Witney Seibold if you haven't yet.) As Zendaya's Tashi Duncan proves on multiple occasions, the art of being really good at hitting a ball with a racket can feel like an interpretive dance ... provided you have the right partner. Both players tune out the larger world in the heat of the moment and, in Tashi's words, "go somewhere beautiful" together. In that light, it's no wonder the actual filming of director Luca Guadagnino's latest movie naturally lent itself to moments of spontaneity and improvisation between the main trio of actors.
If there's one moment everybody walked out of the theater buzzing about -- besides the provocative ending,...
If there's one moment everybody walked out of the theater buzzing about -- besides the provocative ending,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
This is the year of the nunsploitation renaissance and evil pregnancies. Before the best horror show on TV (aka "Evil") comes back for its final season in May, the battle of the nuns happened at the box office between "Immaculate" and "The First Omen." Both are very different yet thematically similar horror films with gruesome and striking takes on the religious horror genre.
"Immaculate" stars Sydney Sweeney as a devout woman who is preparing to take her vows as a nun when she's invited to join an Italian convent. Things get complicated when she discovers she is pregnant seemingly out of the blue, and the young woman slowly uncovers the horrific secrets that the convent is hiding. What ensues is a film with some stunningly shocking imagery, which works thanks to the power of Sydney Sweeney.
While "Immaculate" earned an enthusiastic reception following its premiere at SXSW earlier this year,...
"Immaculate" stars Sydney Sweeney as a devout woman who is preparing to take her vows as a nun when she's invited to join an Italian convent. Things get complicated when she discovers she is pregnant seemingly out of the blue, and the young woman slowly uncovers the horrific secrets that the convent is hiding. What ensues is a film with some stunningly shocking imagery, which works thanks to the power of Sydney Sweeney.
While "Immaculate" earned an enthusiastic reception following its premiere at SXSW earlier this year,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is now in theaters, and while the movie offers silly but fun Saturday morning cartoon vibes (according to Witney Seibold's review for /Film), one former MonsterVerse cast member's absence will be felt. Talented actor Lance Reddick passed away unexpectedly in 2023, and though he didn't seem to have a planned return to the franchise in the works at the time of his death, he appeared in 2021's "Godzilla vs. Kong."
The MonsterVerse may not have had big plans for the future of Guillerman, the Monarch Director whom Reddick played in Legendary's first Godzilla-Kong showdown, but director Adam Wingard did initially intend for Reddick to have a larger part of that film. "Originally, Lance's part was a little bit bigger as he plays the Monarch director, he's running the organization," Wingard told GamesRadar+ around the time that "Godzilla vs. Kong" was released in theaters (per Syfy). The veteran actor,...
The MonsterVerse may not have had big plans for the future of Guillerman, the Monarch Director whom Reddick played in Legendary's first Godzilla-Kong showdown, but director Adam Wingard did initially intend for Reddick to have a larger part of that film. "Originally, Lance's part was a little bit bigger as he plays the Monarch director, he's running the organization," Wingard told GamesRadar+ around the time that "Godzilla vs. Kong" was released in theaters (per Syfy). The veteran actor,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Sanguis bibimus! Corpus edimus! In a partnership between Mutant, Hollywood Records, and 20th Century Films, the haunting soundtrack to "The First Omen" can soon be yours on vinyl. The prequel to Richard Donner's 1976 masterpiece, director Arkashsa Stevenson's most excellent "The First Omen" is the rare example of a legacy film done right, and what /Film's Witney Seibold described in his review, as "a film of dank, bloody, spittle-flecked dread, made no less powerful by the foregone conclusion." Donner's original film shocked audiences upon release and is believed to this day to be a cursed film, but Stevenson's prequel film had to fight with the MPA to avoid an Nc-17 rating, so the franchise tradition of scaring the squares is alive and well.
"The Omen" was scored by Jerry Goldsmith, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score, but took home the "Best Original Song" statue for the movie's theme "Ave Satani,...
"The Omen" was scored by Jerry Goldsmith, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score, but took home the "Best Original Song" statue for the movie's theme "Ave Satani,...
- 4/5/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The box office needed a hero. It got two monster-sized heroes over the weekend in the form of Godzilla and King Kong. Warner Bros. and Legendary's "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" stomped into theaters and, quite frankly, obliterated expectations. The latest entry in the MonsterVerse pulled in $80 million domestically over Easter weekend which was significantly more than pre-release box office tracking suggested it was going to make.
Put simply, audiences ate up what director Adam Wingard had to offer, which was a massive monster beat-em-up even more overflowing with action than the filmmaker's 2021 entry in the franchise, "Godzilla vs. Kong." Internationally, "GxK" also outperformed expectations, pulling in $114 million for a total global opening of $194 million. It's exactly what movie theaters needed and it's great news for those who want to see this franchise continue. So, what went so right? Why did this kaiju duo sell so many more tickets than anyone expected?...
Put simply, audiences ate up what director Adam Wingard had to offer, which was a massive monster beat-em-up even more overflowing with action than the filmmaker's 2021 entry in the franchise, "Godzilla vs. Kong." Internationally, "GxK" also outperformed expectations, pulling in $114 million for a total global opening of $194 million. It's exactly what movie theaters needed and it's great news for those who want to see this franchise continue. So, what went so right? Why did this kaiju duo sell so many more tickets than anyone expected?...
- 4/1/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
If the Barbenheimer phenomenon taught us anything, it's that audiences love the combination of hot pink aesthetics and wide-scale destruction -- and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" is here to prove it. After setting a new record for the MonsterVerse with $10 million from Thursday night preview ticket sales, the team-up sequel is now on track for the franchise's biggest opening weekend since 2014's "Godzilla," the movie that kicked things off.
"Godzilla vs. Kong" director Adam Wingard returned to helm "The New Empire," in which King Kong has a cool new metal glove and Godzilla's atomic energy has a pink glow. It looks like those selling points were enough for audiences, as Deadline reports that "Godzilla x Kong" grossed a massive $37 million on its opening day (including the $10 million from previews) and is expected to gross $75 million or more over its first weekend in theaters, with potential to climb as high as $80 million.
"Godzilla vs. Kong" director Adam Wingard returned to helm "The New Empire," in which King Kong has a cool new metal glove and Godzilla's atomic energy has a pink glow. It looks like those selling points were enough for audiences, as Deadline reports that "Godzilla x Kong" grossed a massive $37 million on its opening day (including the $10 million from previews) and is expected to gross $75 million or more over its first weekend in theaters, with potential to climb as high as $80 million.
- 3/30/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Hollywood isn't investing nearly as much in straight-up comedies as they used to. While 2023 saw many of the best comedies of the year come from the indie and arthouse world. "Barbie" was a big winner last year, but that's a blockbuster doing a lot more heavy-lifting than just bringing laughs, with an adventure fueled by one of the most recognizable intellectual properties of all time. "No Hard Feelings" and "Anyone But You" brought some raunchy, romantic laughs to the proceedings, and we were certainly grateful that Jennifer Lawrence and Sydney Sweeney took risks as producers on R-rated studio comedies like that. Otherwise, most of the laughs come from cross-genre comedy hybrids that have bigger box office potential because of a high-concept story that just so happens to bring some hilarity, such as "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" or "Cocaine Bear."
So how is comedy shaping up in 2024? Unfortunately, with some worrisome box office potential,...
So how is comedy shaping up in 2024? Unfortunately, with some worrisome box office potential,...
- 3/29/2024
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
Recently, you might have heard the news that there are only two perfect horror movies and only two perfect sci-fi movies ... at least according to Rotten Tomatoes. Yes, the Tomatometer bestowed a perfect 100 percent score upon only a handful of films, obviously signaling that these movies were unquestionably perfect. Now, it seems we could have a new addition to the hallowed 100 percent club: "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2."
Yes, you read that right. But how? In 2023, director Rhys Frake-Waterfield took A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard's "Winnie-the-Pooh" universe, which had entered the public domain the year prior, and ran amok, turning the beloved bear and his friends into nightmarish slasher killers. The movie made $5.2 million on a $100,000 budget and became a surprise horror box office hit in the process. But whatever propelled that success, it wasn't necessarily the content of the film itself. "Blood and Honey" was nothing but a humorless bloodbath,...
Yes, you read that right. But how? In 2023, director Rhys Frake-Waterfield took A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard's "Winnie-the-Pooh" universe, which had entered the public domain the year prior, and ran amok, turning the beloved bear and his friends into nightmarish slasher killers. The movie made $5.2 million on a $100,000 budget and became a surprise horror box office hit in the process. But whatever propelled that success, it wasn't necessarily the content of the film itself. "Blood and Honey" was nothing but a humorless bloodbath,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Kids from the '90s kids rejoice! The X-Men are back, specifically the version from the animated series. Though it's been decades since "X-Men: The Animated Series" went off the air, the new show treats it as if no time has passed.
Despite the controversial last-minute firing of the show's creator, "X-Men '97" is exactly what you'd want it to be. In his review for /Film, Witney Seibold wrote "Just like classic rock, "X-Men '97" is familiar and comforting." Indeed, this is a rare revival that truly feels like a proper continuation of the original. Sure, the animation is a big upgrade and the action scenes are spectacular, but a lot of effort was put into making the new episodes feel like they belong to the same show as the '90s episodes.
But as someone who grew up watching the Latin American Spanish dub of "X-Men: The Animated Series...
Despite the controversial last-minute firing of the show's creator, "X-Men '97" is exactly what you'd want it to be. In his review for /Film, Witney Seibold wrote "Just like classic rock, "X-Men '97" is familiar and comforting." Indeed, this is a rare revival that truly feels like a proper continuation of the original. Sure, the animation is a big upgrade and the action scenes are spectacular, but a lot of effort was put into making the new episodes feel like they belong to the same show as the '90s episodes.
But as someone who grew up watching the Latin American Spanish dub of "X-Men: The Animated Series...
- 3/23/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
After crashing and burning at the box office, becoming the subject of multiple jokes at its expense during the Academy Awards, and even driving its own main star to completely disassociate herself from anything to do with it, "Madame Web" admirably lived up to its billing as 2024's heir apparent to the "Morbius" debacle. These sorts of high-profile flops don't come around very often, even as the superhero bubble seems to have well and truly burst in recent years, so I'm being sincere when I say I hope we all thoroughly enjoyed the phenomenon of society coming together to good-naturedly clown on one misguided movie in particular.
But the fun doesn't have to end just yet! "Madame Web" might as well be the movie that the term "guilty pleasure" was invented for, based on /Film's rather tepid review by Witney Seibold, so we all have yet another chance to experience...
But the fun doesn't have to end just yet! "Madame Web" might as well be the movie that the term "guilty pleasure" was invented for, based on /Film's rather tepid review by Witney Seibold, so we all have yet another chance to experience...
- 3/15/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
"Drive-Away Dolls" may be fresh out in theaters, but the wild (and wildly entertaining) road trip comedy from Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke has already reached one destination quicker than expected: it's now available on digital platforms.
If you missed your chance to catch "Drive-Away Dolls" in cinemas -- which, given the lackluster box office impression it made during its late February debut, wouldn't be surprising -- you can still watch the ribald queer comedy from the comfort of your living room for about the price of two matinee tickets. The movie is currently available to rent or own on premium video-on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play. Each platform seems to be offering a 4K Ultra HD rental option for $19.99, while some also include a purchase price of $29.99. When it comes to the film's rollout on the home market, though, "Drive-Away Dolls" still has some road left to travel.
If you missed your chance to catch "Drive-Away Dolls" in cinemas -- which, given the lackluster box office impression it made during its late February debut, wouldn't be surprising -- you can still watch the ribald queer comedy from the comfort of your living room for about the price of two matinee tickets. The movie is currently available to rent or own on premium video-on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play. Each platform seems to be offering a 4K Ultra HD rental option for $19.99, while some also include a purchase price of $29.99. When it comes to the film's rollout on the home market, though, "Drive-Away Dolls" still has some road left to travel.
- 3/12/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain in 2022, and director Rhys Frake-Waterfield immediately took full advantage. His 2023 movie "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" was a slasher film where an adult Christopher Robin finds himself being hunted down by his old childhood friends, Winnie and Piglet. It's a gory nightmare of a movie made popular by the gimmick of having its killers be the sweet, cuddly characters we've all grown up loving.
The movie was not well-received by critics, mainly because it doesn't offer a whole lot beyond the initial shock value of its premise. As /Film's own Witney Seibold put it in his review, "'Blood and Honey' will disappoint fans of Pooh, fans of irony, and fans of horror. Don't bother." But despite the movie's 3% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was still a clear-cut financial success, making $5 million at the international box office despite its reported budget of under $100,000. This is...
The movie was not well-received by critics, mainly because it doesn't offer a whole lot beyond the initial shock value of its premise. As /Film's own Witney Seibold put it in his review, "'Blood and Honey' will disappoint fans of Pooh, fans of irony, and fans of horror. Don't bother." But despite the movie's 3% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was still a clear-cut financial success, making $5 million at the international box office despite its reported budget of under $100,000. This is...
- 2/19/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Let's just say your Spidey-Sense better be tingling, because this article contains spoilers for "Madame Web."
It's not really on the same level as Nick Fury welcoming Tony Stark into a much wider world than he ever imagined, but "Madame Web" has now officially entered Sony's Spider-Man Universe. The live-action shared universe may be built entirely around Spider-Man's rogues gallery and assorted supporting characters ... but it doesn't actually feature the famous Web-Crawler himself. Yeah, we're still trying to figure that one out. Whatever the case may be, this oddly cobbled-together franchise made up of both "Venom" movies and the disaster known as "Morbius" now has another ignominious addition to its ranks, and, well, it went about as badly as everyone expected.
But with great power comes great responsibility, as some fictional dead guy you might've heard of once said, and the same certainly applies to how "Madame Web" teases...
It's not really on the same level as Nick Fury welcoming Tony Stark into a much wider world than he ever imagined, but "Madame Web" has now officially entered Sony's Spider-Man Universe. The live-action shared universe may be built entirely around Spider-Man's rogues gallery and assorted supporting characters ... but it doesn't actually feature the famous Web-Crawler himself. Yeah, we're still trying to figure that one out. Whatever the case may be, this oddly cobbled-together franchise made up of both "Venom" movies and the disaster known as "Morbius" now has another ignominious addition to its ranks, and, well, it went about as badly as everyone expected.
But with great power comes great responsibility, as some fictional dead guy you might've heard of once said, and the same certainly applies to how "Madame Web" teases...
- 2/14/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Dakota Johnson is a fascinatingly eccentric celebrity (and I very much mean that as a compliment), so it should come as no surprise that she's also been the most entertaining part of the marketing for "Madame Web." To some extent, the latest entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe -- a movie that /Film's Witney Seibold describes in his review as a "clunky, earnest, and weirdly charming" oddity -- seems almost tailor-made for her. The "Fifty Shades of Grey" actor has a peculiar appeal as a public figure, from her handling of "lime-gate" to the wry, understated shade she threw at the meme birthed by the "Madame Web" trailer line, "He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died." The line itself isn't even in the film, which only makes both the meme and Johnson's reaction to it all the more curiously amusing.
- 2/14/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
AppleTV may be betting a lot on their big budget, expansive follow-up to the acclaimed "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" miniseries with the WWII drama "Masters of the Air," but this week the war drama that is making waves is actually on Netflix — and it came out a decade ago.
As we've seen time and time again, Netflix can give underseen titles a second chance at finding a global audience — and maybe even lead to a continuation of the original story. This time it is the 2014 war drama "Fury," starring Brad Pitt and Shia Labeouf, that has audiences enthralled.
The film was written and directed by David Ayer and is without a doubt his best movie. "Fury" follows the crew of an American tank fighting their way through Germany during the final weeks of World War II, focusing on the heavy casualties suffered by American crews when engaging in combat against German tanks.
As we've seen time and time again, Netflix can give underseen titles a second chance at finding a global audience — and maybe even lead to a continuation of the original story. This time it is the 2014 war drama "Fury," starring Brad Pitt and Shia Labeouf, that has audiences enthralled.
The film was written and directed by David Ayer and is without a doubt his best movie. "Fury" follows the crew of an American tank fighting their way through Germany during the final weeks of World War II, focusing on the heavy casualties suffered by American crews when engaging in combat against German tanks.
- 2/7/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Biblical epics used to be Hollywood's bread and butter. From "The Ten Commandments" to "Ben-Hur," the unique blend of high-stakes drama, and big-scale spectacle used to dominate the box office as well as awards season. Today, they've all but disappeared from the filmmaking landscape. This makes the release of a movie like "The Book of Clarence" all the more special.
Written and directed by Jeymes "The Bullitts" Samuel ("The Harder They Fall"), "The Book of Clarence" combines a biblical epic with the comedic tone of Monty Python's "Life of Brian" or Mel Brook's "History of the World," poking fun at the story of a rising messiah, and the man who sees that fame and power and decides to get some of that for himself.
/Film's own Witney Seibold reviewed "The Book of Clarence" and called it "aspirational, unique, moving, funny, weird, and very shaggy." The film stars Lakeith Stanfield ("Atlanta...
Written and directed by Jeymes "The Bullitts" Samuel ("The Harder They Fall"), "The Book of Clarence" combines a biblical epic with the comedic tone of Monty Python's "Life of Brian" or Mel Brook's "History of the World," poking fun at the story of a rising messiah, and the man who sees that fame and power and decides to get some of that for himself.
/Film's own Witney Seibold reviewed "The Book of Clarence" and called it "aspirational, unique, moving, funny, weird, and very shaggy." The film stars Lakeith Stanfield ("Atlanta...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
For as long as horror movies have existed, there have been carny-like marketing campaigns boasting audience members fainting, vomiting, running out of theaters in terror, and in some of the most extreme cases, having a heart attack. Films like "Psycho," "The Exorcist," and even 2023's "Talk To Me" have all become modern urban legends with the reported reactions from fans, but few films come close to the reputation of "Antrum." The Canuxploitation film from David Amito and Michael Laicini is two films in one: a documentary about "Antrum," a lost film from the 1970s that has been connected with over 85 deaths, and the remaining footage from the only known print of the film. Before the film plays, a warning covers the screen.
Legal Notice: By continuing to watch this film you agree that the producers of this film have made you aware of the history and danger(s) associated with 'Antrum.
Legal Notice: By continuing to watch this film you agree that the producers of this film have made you aware of the history and danger(s) associated with 'Antrum.
- 1/21/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The year that was 2023 is almost over, and it was a good year for movies. By extension, it was also a good year to write about movies. We here at /Film strive to bring you reviews of every major release, and then some — but what is the role of a movie review? Some folks think a movie review exists merely to tell the reader if a film is good or bad, and nothing more. It's a guide to whether or not you should plop down your hard-earned cash at the box office. But that shouldn't be a movie review's primary goal.
A movie review should also engage with the work; to examine it, study it, and try to figure out what makes it tick. And in the end, the final choice should be yours. Often, when I file a negative review of a film, it will be met with a reply from someone stating,...
A movie review should also engage with the work; to examine it, study it, and try to figure out what makes it tick. And in the end, the final choice should be yours. Often, when I file a negative review of a film, it will be met with a reply from someone stating,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
"Godzilla Minus One" is not only one of the best movies of the year, but one of the best "Godzilla" movies ever, with /Film's own Witney Seibold saying in his review that it includes "some of the best, most exciting destruction visuals in the franchise's long history."
The film follows in the footsteps of Hideaki Anno's "Shin Godzilla" in reinventing the king of monsters, but it also looks back at the very origins of the franchise. The result is a movie that gives us a human story as compelling and thrilling to watch as Godzilla wreaking havoc. This is a monster that is utterly terrifying, and one with an upgraded power move that is closer to the imagery of nuclear armageddon than anything in this 70-year franchise — making it a pseudo "Oppenheimer" sequel.
Director Takashi Yamazaki brings to "Godzilla Minus One" the same energy and the same great eye...
The film follows in the footsteps of Hideaki Anno's "Shin Godzilla" in reinventing the king of monsters, but it also looks back at the very origins of the franchise. The result is a movie that gives us a human story as compelling and thrilling to watch as Godzilla wreaking havoc. This is a monster that is utterly terrifying, and one with an upgraded power move that is closer to the imagery of nuclear armageddon than anything in this 70-year franchise — making it a pseudo "Oppenheimer" sequel.
Director Takashi Yamazaki brings to "Godzilla Minus One" the same energy and the same great eye...
- 12/1/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
"The Exorcist" is one of the biggest horror movies of all time. Not only did the William Friedkin masterpiece spawn countless imitators, but it also established most tropes of the demonic possession horror movie. After a few theatrical follow-ups and an excellent TV show, we've now gotten a legacy sequel in the form of "The Exorcist: Believer."
David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer" is part of Universal and Blumhouse's ambitious attempt at recreating the success of Green and Blumhouse's "Halloween" reboot trilogy. It's a $400 million commitment that the studio is still on the hook for, the horror movie equivalent of Amazon committing to making multiple spin-offs of "Citadel" before it even came out.
The film, sadly, was not the success Universal was hoping for. In his review for /Film, Witney Seibold wrote, "'Believer' is not the worst 'Exorcist' film by any stretch, but it's certainly the least intriguing.
David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer" is part of Universal and Blumhouse's ambitious attempt at recreating the success of Green and Blumhouse's "Halloween" reboot trilogy. It's a $400 million commitment that the studio is still on the hook for, the horror movie equivalent of Amazon committing to making multiple spin-offs of "Citadel" before it even came out.
The film, sadly, was not the success Universal was hoping for. In his review for /Film, Witney Seibold wrote, "'Believer' is not the worst 'Exorcist' film by any stretch, but it's certainly the least intriguing.
- 10/23/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
One of the biggest horror movies of the year hit theaters over the weekend in the form of "The Exorcist: Believer." Yes, it was a week earlier than initially anticipated, as Universal and Blumhouse had to make room for Taylor Swift's forthcoming blockbuster concert film. But still, director David Gordon Green's revival of the iconic horror series, which is to be the beginning of a new trilogy, topped the charts in its debut. That's a good thing. Unfortunately though, Universal Pictures bet very big on this franchise, and that may come back to bite them.
Looking at "Believer" divorced of the larger picture, it performed pretty well in the early going. According to The Numbers, the film took in $27.2 million, easily taking the number one spot at the box office. That was slightly below industry projections, with opening predictions pegged at $30 million or more ahead of the weekend.
Looking at "Believer" divorced of the larger picture, it performed pretty well in the early going. According to The Numbers, the film took in $27.2 million, easily taking the number one spot at the box office. That was slightly below industry projections, with opening predictions pegged at $30 million or more ahead of the weekend.
- 10/9/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
50 years ago, "The Exorcist" changed horror as we know it. Director William Friedkin's 1973 film was far from the first great entry in the genre, but it brought an almost documentary-like sense of realism to its story of a young girl who catches a really bad case of demonic possession. The outcome was one of the most exalted horror films of all time ... and one that would inspire enough bad imitators to make your head spin like a possessed Regan MacNeil. Is it any wonder the film's sequels and prequel(s) have failed to reach the same bar (the semi-cult classic that is "Exorcist III" notwithstanding)?
The latest attempt at matching Friedkin's achievement comes from David Gordon Green, a former indie wunderkind who knows a thing or two about tackling sacred horror properties after helming Blumhouse's "Halloween" trilogy. Titled "The Exorcist: Believer," the film reunites Green and Blumhouse for a...
The latest attempt at matching Friedkin's achievement comes from David Gordon Green, a former indie wunderkind who knows a thing or two about tackling sacred horror properties after helming Blumhouse's "Halloween" trilogy. Titled "The Exorcist: Believer," the film reunites Green and Blumhouse for a...
- 10/4/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
If you're lucky enough to have missed the Movie Sex Discourse until now, allow me to fill you in. Every full moon or so, the question is posed on social media: "Are sex scenes necessary in movies?" The answer, of course, is yes, as /Film writers Witney Seibold and Bj Colangelo have eloquently argued in the past. Now, obviously, not all sex scenes are equal in terms of how they're shot and the way they treat actors. Heck, some of the more infamous ones in film history were even downright unethical in the way they were made. But there's a world of difference between saying sex scenes should be done responsibly and implying that consensual sex (a perfectly healthy thing people do every day) has no place in cinema.
This brings us to Yorgos Lathimos, the director of critical darlings like "The Lobster" and the Oscar-winning "The Favourite," and his new period film "Poor Things.
This brings us to Yorgos Lathimos, the director of critical darlings like "The Lobster" and the Oscar-winning "The Favourite," and his new period film "Poor Things.
- 9/1/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The DC Universe is about to have a brand new superhero in the form of "Blue Beetle." The latest DC Comics adaptation has been a long time coming, with the film originally produced for HBO Max before Warner Bros. decided to give it a theatrical release. "Blue Beetle" represents the first time this character has appeared in a live-action movie, and the film is also giving a Latino superhero the spotlight, which is a big deal. But did director Angel Manuel Soto manage to make a satisfying film?
Critics and fans have seen DC's latest, which features "Cobra Kai" star Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle. It's been an admittedly rough year for WB and DC, with both "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" and "The Flash" bombing in a big way. Is this movie poised to break the bad streak? Based on the early word from those who have seen the film,...
Critics and fans have seen DC's latest, which features "Cobra Kai" star Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle. It's been an admittedly rough year for WB and DC, with both "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" and "The Flash" bombing in a big way. Is this movie poised to break the bad streak? Based on the early word from those who have seen the film,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
In the rarely-used lyrics for Alexander Courage's original "Star Trek" theme song — lyrics which were written by Gene Roddenberry so he could say he co-wrote the song and leech off half the royalties — a plaintive lover coos, "Beyond the rim of the star-light, my love is wand'ring in star-flight."
Frankly, the lyrics to the "Star Trek" theme song are extremely corny and have little, if anything, to do with "Star Trek," unless the show was secretly being told from the perspective of Captain Kirk's girlfriend, who he left behind in Iowa. But in their schmaltziness there lies a glimmer of something real, the start of a discussion about the way those old scientists were on an emotional as well as literal journey. Surrounded by stars, nevertheless in a void.
Highlighting the personal feelings of the characters in "Star Trek" requires more than good acting and writing, it also requires a lot of actual,...
Frankly, the lyrics to the "Star Trek" theme song are extremely corny and have little, if anything, to do with "Star Trek," unless the show was secretly being told from the perspective of Captain Kirk's girlfriend, who he left behind in Iowa. But in their schmaltziness there lies a glimmer of something real, the start of a discussion about the way those old scientists were on an emotional as well as literal journey. Surrounded by stars, nevertheless in a void.
Highlighting the personal feelings of the characters in "Star Trek" requires more than good acting and writing, it also requires a lot of actual,...
- 8/7/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
"Star Trek" might have a buttoned-up reputation as the thinking man's sci-fi, taking a much more philosophical bent than rival "Star Wars," but nothing quite punctures that largely exaggerated aura like the (surprisingly frequent) moment when this franchise lets its hair down a little. On top of its many other charms, "Strange New Worlds" has managed to find a satisfying balance to such disparate tones, capable of debuting an episode that basically gave the creative team an excuse to go Larp-ing one week (as was the case last season) along with going someplace shockingly dark and sobering, as with the most recent episode, "Under the Cloak of War."
One of the most highly-anticipated episodes came one episode earlier, however, with the hilarious crossover episode between "Strange New Worlds" and the animated "Lower Decks" series. (You can check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here.) Of the many delightful surprises packed within the hour,...
One of the most highly-anticipated episodes came one episode earlier, however, with the hilarious crossover episode between "Strange New Worlds" and the animated "Lower Decks" series. (You can check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here.) Of the many delightful surprises packed within the hour,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
If "Star Trek" is about going boldly where no one has gone before, well, this latest episode of "Strange New Worlds" truly went for it. Luckily, it's difficult to imagine any other franchise feeling better equipped to suddenly drop a musical episode the likes of "Subspace Rhapsody" into the mix. (Feel free to check out /Film's review by Witney Seibold here.) But the thing about big swings is that they're always going to hit all the right notes for some fans (see what I did there?) while striking the wrong tone for others, leaving the creative team in the unenviable spot of having to figure out how far might be too far.
One such moment rears its cranial-ridged forehead in the grand finale of the episode, when the plot requires that as many people as possible break out into song in order to fix the subspace rift that threatens to overwhelm the entire galaxy.
One such moment rears its cranial-ridged forehead in the grand finale of the episode, when the plot requires that as many people as possible break out into song in order to fix the subspace rift that threatens to overwhelm the entire galaxy.
- 8/3/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
It's been 10 years since Hayao Miyazaki's last feature film, "The Wind Rises" — a gentle portrait of aeronautics engineer Jiro Horikoshi whose plane creations were used in Pearl Harbor (it would make an interesting pairing with the latest release "Oppenheimer"). Now, Miyazaki's final film will release in 2023, an adaptation of Genzaburo Yoshino's 1937 novel "How Do You Live?" which will be titled "The Boy and the Heron" in the US.
/Film writer Witney Seibold says the novel, which revolves around a 15-year-old boy and his uncle, "unfolds through a series of conversations and diary entries that cover ethics and philosophy. The title is a central existential query directed toward the audience." The IMDb short summary for the film reads: "Through encounters with his friends and uncle, follows a teenage boy's psychological development. He enters a magical world with a talking grey heron after finding an abandoned tower in his new town.
/Film writer Witney Seibold says the novel, which revolves around a 15-year-old boy and his uncle, "unfolds through a series of conversations and diary entries that cover ethics and philosophy. The title is a central existential query directed toward the audience." The IMDb short summary for the film reads: "Through encounters with his friends and uncle, follows a teenage boy's psychological development. He enters a magical world with a talking grey heron after finding an abandoned tower in his new town.
- 7/31/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Ever since "Star Trek" debuted its new live-action shows on Paramount+ it's been a little bit confusing. "Star Trek: Discovery" and its spin-off "Strange New Worlds" take place prior to some of the previously established events in "Star Trek" canon (quite a few of them too), and feature characters we already intimately know from their future stories ... which came out in our past. Look, I said it's confusing.
Throw in some jarring continuity shifts about what Klingons look like, characters with more siblings than we ever knew about, and a general visual aesthetic that has more in common with the alternate "Kelvinverse" movies than the more canonical TV shows, and you'd be forgiven for thinking all bets were off. The latest "Star Trek" shows have been throwing continuity out the window.
But you'd be wrong. Well, somewhat.
While we can always hem and/or haw about various canonical flubs and...
Throw in some jarring continuity shifts about what Klingons look like, characters with more siblings than we ever knew about, and a general visual aesthetic that has more in common with the alternate "Kelvinverse" movies than the more canonical TV shows, and you'd be forgiven for thinking all bets were off. The latest "Star Trek" shows have been throwing continuity out the window.
But you'd be wrong. Well, somewhat.
While we can always hem and/or haw about various canonical flubs and...
- 7/24/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Making a list of the 100 greatest movies of all time is the definition of "damned if you do, damned if you don't." You're always going to leave something off. It's never going to feel complete. A particular genre, era, or filmmaker will be neglected. People are going to be mad at you no matter what, so why do such a thing?
Well, why climb Mount Everest? Because it is there. Because we must.
This isn't your list of the 100 best movies ever made. This is /Film's list of the 100 best movies ever made, as voted by a selection of writers and editors, with the final list determined via several hours of impassioned arguments and debates (which we recorded and you can listen to here and here). Those who participated were given simple instructions: Nominated films needed to be movies they truly love. Established canon should be thrown to the wayside,...
Well, why climb Mount Everest? Because it is there. Because we must.
This isn't your list of the 100 best movies ever made. This is /Film's list of the 100 best movies ever made, as voted by a selection of writers and editors, with the final list determined via several hours of impassioned arguments and debates (which we recorded and you can listen to here and here). Those who participated were given simple instructions: Nominated films needed to be movies they truly love. Established canon should be thrown to the wayside,...
- 5/22/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "Fast X."
Believe it or not, The Fast Saga didn't start out as a full-blown action blockbuster experience. The first installment, "The Fast and the Furious," was actually a drama with a whole lot of street racing and car culture thrown in. In fact, the 2001 movie was part of a wider car-modding cultural phenomenon, where all me and my friends were interested in for a few years was "Need For Speed Underground," "Midnight Club," and how we could fit our Peugeot 206s with Nos.
But if you take a look at the "Fast & Furious" timeline, you'll see how the franchise made an abrupt turn with "Fast Five" back in 2011, pivoting from street racing to focus on action set pieces and high-octane heists. Or, as Alan Ritchson's Aimes puts it in "Fast X," the "Fast" crew are basically "street racers who became hijackers" and "graduated to high speed smuggling.
Believe it or not, The Fast Saga didn't start out as a full-blown action blockbuster experience. The first installment, "The Fast and the Furious," was actually a drama with a whole lot of street racing and car culture thrown in. In fact, the 2001 movie was part of a wider car-modding cultural phenomenon, where all me and my friends were interested in for a few years was "Need For Speed Underground," "Midnight Club," and how we could fit our Peugeot 206s with Nos.
But if you take a look at the "Fast & Furious" timeline, you'll see how the franchise made an abrupt turn with "Fast Five" back in 2011, pivoting from street racing to focus on action set pieces and high-octane heists. Or, as Alan Ritchson's Aimes puts it in "Fast X," the "Fast" crew are basically "street racers who became hijackers" and "graduated to high speed smuggling.
- 5/22/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The action sequence montage that was "John Wick: Chapter 4" has cemented the series' status as a serious blockbuster franchise (even though the movie has only slightly outdone the third entry's domestic box office). Director Chad Stahelski's approach recalls that of George Lucas when he conceived of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as a series of adventure set pieces, then hired writer Lawrence Kasdan to connect them all together narratively. But in Stahelski's case, his John Wick movies are basically a series of insane gun-fu action scenes threaded together with a much more loose narrative and bolstered by multi-layered lore.
And with the latest entry, those action scenes took even more precedence, as Stahelski and his team pushed themselves to outdo previous entries. With a final act that is basically a full hour of non-stop combat and stunt choreography, the director and his team certainly managed to fill the...
And with the latest entry, those action scenes took even more precedence, as Stahelski and his team pushed themselves to outdo previous entries. With a final act that is basically a full hour of non-stop combat and stunt choreography, the director and his team certainly managed to fill the...
- 5/6/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
If action hero extraordinaire Keanu Reeves wonders if a film went too far with the stunts, then it probably did. "John Wick: Chapter 4" is three hours long, which means there's a hell of a lot of time for Reeves' hitman to stylishly murder innumerable thugs throughout the runtime. Which, unsurprisingly, resulted in a kill count of around 140 in just the fourth movie alone, leading some, including /Film's own Witney Seibold, to opine that "John Wick: Chapter 4" is proof that an action movie can have too much action.
But regardless of your thoughts on whether the insane amount of combat and action set-pieces were worth it, there's no doubt director Chad Stahelski and his stunt team pushed themselves beyond anything they'd done before. The John Wick movies are known for putting the emphasis on meticulously crafted gun-fu combat, but the fourth entry somehow manages to up the ante even more,...
But regardless of your thoughts on whether the insane amount of combat and action set-pieces were worth it, there's no doubt director Chad Stahelski and his stunt team pushed themselves beyond anything they'd done before. The John Wick movies are known for putting the emphasis on meticulously crafted gun-fu combat, but the fourth entry somehow manages to up the ante even more,...
- 4/30/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
With the latest entry in the "John Wick" franchise, director Chad Stahelski pushed himself and his team beyond anything they'd done before. "John Wick: Chapter 4" is three hours long and packed with more elaborate action than any of the previous three entries in the saga -- which is saying something.
This latest entry seemingly lurched from one set-piece to another, providing ever more inventive ways to punish its protagonist and showcase some stylish combat in the process. There was the infamous back-breaking staircase scene in Paris, which saw John Wick battle his way to the top of a staircase leading to the Sacré-Cœr, only to fall all the way back down and have to start over. That followed another memorable set-piece that involved John Wick fighting waves of attackers amidst speeding traffic at the Arc de Triomphe -- an outlandish scene that even prompted Keanu Reeves to wonder if...
This latest entry seemingly lurched from one set-piece to another, providing ever more inventive ways to punish its protagonist and showcase some stylish combat in the process. There was the infamous back-breaking staircase scene in Paris, which saw John Wick battle his way to the top of a staircase leading to the Sacré-Cœr, only to fall all the way back down and have to start over. That followed another memorable set-piece that involved John Wick fighting waves of attackers amidst speeding traffic at the Arc de Triomphe -- an outlandish scene that even prompted Keanu Reeves to wonder if...
- 4/30/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Star Trek: Picard."
Last night, "Star Trek: Picard" wrapped up its 3-season run with its most widely-celebrated arc yet. (You can check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here.) Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and the rest of the Enterprise crew all faced their most formidable enemy, the Borg, and managed to defeat them once and for all. Cue the happy celebrations, the extended epilogue wrapping up the stories of our classic heroes while setting the stage for new adventures to come, and an emotional final scene that sent the original "The Next Generation" cast off into the sunset in as satisfying a way as anyone could've asked for.
All's well that ends well, right? Well, maybe not.
A large part of the season dealt with the presence of Picard and Beverly Crusher's (Gates McFadden) secret lovechild, Jack...
Last night, "Star Trek: Picard" wrapped up its 3-season run with its most widely-celebrated arc yet. (You can check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here.) Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and the rest of the Enterprise crew all faced their most formidable enemy, the Borg, and managed to defeat them once and for all. Cue the happy celebrations, the extended epilogue wrapping up the stories of our classic heroes while setting the stage for new adventures to come, and an emotional final scene that sent the original "The Next Generation" cast off into the sunset in as satisfying a way as anyone could've asked for.
All's well that ends well, right? Well, maybe not.
A large part of the season dealt with the presence of Picard and Beverly Crusher's (Gates McFadden) secret lovechild, Jack...
- 4/20/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Warning: This article contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Star Trek: Picard."
Unless you've been living in a derelict Borg cube hopelessly severed from the Collective, you've probably noticed that this season of "Star Trek: Picard" has doubled down on "The Next Generation" to whole new levels of nostalgia. For some, that's exactly what they've been waiting for from this series ever since it was first announced. For others, well, just check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold of the very last episode, titled "Vox," for the other end of the spectrum of reactions.
But for showrunner Terry Matalas, this third and final season has provided the best excuse to go out on a high note, smashing together various eras of "Trek" history to give Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and the rest of our original heroes one last grand adventure. While...
Unless you've been living in a derelict Borg cube hopelessly severed from the Collective, you've probably noticed that this season of "Star Trek: Picard" has doubled down on "The Next Generation" to whole new levels of nostalgia. For some, that's exactly what they've been waiting for from this series ever since it was first announced. For others, well, just check out /Film's recap by Witney Seibold of the very last episode, titled "Vox," for the other end of the spectrum of reactions.
But for showrunner Terry Matalas, this third and final season has provided the best excuse to go out on a high note, smashing together various eras of "Trek" history to give Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and the rest of our original heroes one last grand adventure. While...
- 4/13/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Joel and Ethan Coen's "The Big Lebowski" might as well be the textbook definition of a film ahead of its time. We here at /Film have already devoted an entire week to commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Coen brothers' cult classic shaggy dog tale of Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) and his search for justice after a case of mistaken identity leads to the desecration of his prized living room rug. Now, Fathom Events is getting in on the action with a special two-night showing of the film in select theaters.
"The Big Lebowski" will return to the big screen as part of Fathom's Big Screen Classics lineup this year, with screenings planned on both April 16 (at 4Pm and 7Pm local times) and April 20 (at 7Pm local time). Per the announcement trailer embedded below, these screenings will include commentary and "insights" from film critic and historian...
"The Big Lebowski" will return to the big screen as part of Fathom's Big Screen Classics lineup this year, with screenings planned on both April 16 (at 4Pm and 7Pm local times) and April 20 (at 7Pm local time). Per the announcement trailer embedded below, these screenings will include commentary and "insights" from film critic and historian...
- 3/17/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This article discusses major spoilers for the latest episode of "Star Trek: Picard."
Going into season 3 of "Star Trek: Picard," every Trekkie knew to expect a "The Next Generation" reunion that has been decades in the making, and so far the first few episodes have fully delivered on that promise. But episode 3, titled "Seventeen Seconds" (you can read /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here), may have just reshuffled the deck of cards completely. The biggest plot twist of this young season, as it turns out, has connections to a very different "Trek" series altogether: "Deep Space Nine." The ramifications of this development will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the rest of the season.
In the waning moments of episode 3, the season's dual storylines finally come together in one jaw-dropping reveal. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and her son Jack (Ed Speelers) have mostly only felt...
Going into season 3 of "Star Trek: Picard," every Trekkie knew to expect a "The Next Generation" reunion that has been decades in the making, and so far the first few episodes have fully delivered on that promise. But episode 3, titled "Seventeen Seconds" (you can read /Film's recap by Witney Seibold here), may have just reshuffled the deck of cards completely. The biggest plot twist of this young season, as it turns out, has connections to a very different "Trek" series altogether: "Deep Space Nine." The ramifications of this development will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the rest of the season.
In the waning moments of episode 3, the season's dual storylines finally come together in one jaw-dropping reveal. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and her son Jack (Ed Speelers) have mostly only felt...
- 3/2/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
We can file this one under the "No, duh" news column for the day. Future sequels for the latest blockbuster superhero movie depend entirely on whether audiences turn out to watch it or not in theaters? Who would've thought! Well, if you're a longsuffering DC Comics movie fan, then you should know that nothing is simple when it comes to this particular franchise in the last few years.
On the face of it, the circumstances surrounding "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" should be pretty straightforward. As the sequel to a heartwarming, family-friendly (and occasionally gory) original that performed solidly enough at the box office, "Fury of the Gods" looks to up the ante with an even more packed team of supporting superheroes and a group of villains played by name-brand stars. But the film's release can't help but feel a little overshadowed by all the goings-on over at Warner Bros. Discovery,...
On the face of it, the circumstances surrounding "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" should be pretty straightforward. As the sequel to a heartwarming, family-friendly (and occasionally gory) original that performed solidly enough at the box office, "Fury of the Gods" looks to up the ante with an even more packed team of supporting superheroes and a group of villains played by name-brand stars. But the film's release can't help but feel a little overshadowed by all the goings-on over at Warner Bros. Discovery,...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
On February 16, 2023, the third and final season of “Star Trek: Picard” premiered on the Paramount+ streaming service. Critics have unanimously praised this last installment of the series as its best yet, landing the show a perfect 100 freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus reads, “Finally getting the band back together, Picard‘s final season boldly goes where the previous generation had gone before — and is all the better for it.”
Four-time Emmy nominee Patrick Stewart stars as retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard. In the 25th century he reunites with the former command crew of the USS Enterprise (Geordi La Forge, Worf, William Riker, Beverly Crusher, and Deanna Troi), who are being hunted by a mysterious new enemy, Vadic. The cast includes LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden and Marina Sirtis. Read our review roundup below.
See Don’t ignore this: Paramount+’s ‘Fatal Attraction’ series sets premiere date
Dave Nemetz of TV Line says,...
Four-time Emmy nominee Patrick Stewart stars as retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard. In the 25th century he reunites with the former command crew of the USS Enterprise (Geordi La Forge, Worf, William Riker, Beverly Crusher, and Deanna Troi), who are being hunted by a mysterious new enemy, Vadic. The cast includes LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden and Marina Sirtis. Read our review roundup below.
See Don’t ignore this: Paramount+’s ‘Fatal Attraction’ series sets premiere date
Dave Nemetz of TV Line says,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
It's a reunion that's been decades in the making. Most Trekkies naturally assumed that, once "Star Trek: Picard" was officially announced to continue the adventures of one Jean-Luc Picard, season 1 of the spin-off series would've been the one to bring the gang back together for one big, grand "The Next Generation" nostalgia tour. Granted, the first two seasons featured quite a few notable cameos and supporting appearances straight out of the good ol' days, from Jonathan Frakes' William T. Riker and Marina Sirtis' Deanna Troi to John de Lancie's Q to Brent Spiner in, well, a whole swath of various roles that also included a poignant send-off for the android Data. But viewers have had to wait until the third go-around to finally see Patrick Stewart's Admiral Picard rub shoulders with his beloved crew from the starship Enterprise.
But as much of a no-brainer as that might have...
But as much of a no-brainer as that might have...
- 2/14/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
With the release of "M3GAN," discourse about MPAA ratings has again reared its ugly head. "M3GAN," which scooped in 45 million worldwide during its opening weekend, is rated PG-13. And that has many horror fans deriding the rating, with some arguing that the film suffers from its lack of an R since much of the gore and violence has been tamed for a younger demographic. That's not to say "M3GAN" doesn't have enough bite. It has plenty. As /Film writer Witney Seibold posits, "M3GAN" has enough "nerve" as a PG-13 film. It doesn't need to be rated R.
When it comes to horror, MPAA ratings have never equated quality. Many horror films have been rated PG, including "Poltergeist," for example, that are still just as effective in their storytelling and supply plenty of thrills and chills. It's a tired argument to suggest horror can only excel with an R-rating. Ultimately, the rating doesn't matter.
When it comes to horror, MPAA ratings have never equated quality. Many horror films have been rated PG, including "Poltergeist," for example, that are still just as effective in their storytelling and supply plenty of thrills and chills. It's a tired argument to suggest horror can only excel with an R-rating. Ultimately, the rating doesn't matter.
- 1/22/2023
- by Bee Delores
- Slash Film
"Superman: The Animated Series" occupies a curious middle ground in the DC Animated Universe, the continuity built by artists including Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. It never earned the rapturous critical reception of "Batman: The Animated Series," which to this day generates oral histories extolling its greatness. It also lacked the epic scope of "Justice League," which told multi-part stories featuring a huge cast of characters across time and space. But "Superman" should not be underestimated. At its best, the show's staff reinvented and condensed comics canon as elegantly as "Batman" did. Crossover episodes united Superman with Batman, Lobo and even Green Lantern, paving the way for the widescreen action of "Justice League." Best of all, "Superman: The Animated Series" introduced characters from Jack Kirby's Fourth World, including the nefarious Darkseid.
The DC Animated Universe ended in the early 2000s, but continues to influence contemporary animated series based on the characters to this day.
The DC Animated Universe ended in the early 2000s, but continues to influence contemporary animated series based on the characters to this day.
- 1/14/2023
- by Adam Wescott
- Slash Film
2023 is upon us, and you know what that means. The year of "Morbius" is no more. Now is the year of "M3GAN," and may her reign be a glorious and unholy one. Movies about dancing killer robot dolls aside, though, the box office looks to grind to a halt come January, as is its annual custom. That makes this the perfect time to either get caught up on or revisit some of the most popular franchises in Hollywood ahead of their return to the big screen in 2023.
Fortunately, both Prime Video and its free (with ads) sister channel, FreeVee, have got you covered. All four "Indiana Jones" movies and four of the six "Mission: Impossible" films will be hitting the streamers in the lead-up to their latest sequels arriving next summer. New seasons of "The Legend of Vox Machina" and "The Test" will also premiere in January, along with the...
Fortunately, both Prime Video and its free (with ads) sister channel, FreeVee, have got you covered. All four "Indiana Jones" movies and four of the six "Mission: Impossible" films will be hitting the streamers in the lead-up to their latest sequels arriving next summer. New seasons of "The Legend of Vox Machina" and "The Test" will also premiere in January, along with the...
- 12/16/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Another day, another "Black Adam" story. Improbable as it might seem, the Dwayne Johnson-led DC superhero film might wind up losing money, despite being #1 at the box office three weeks in a row.
By now, you've likely heard ad nauseam all about how "Black Adam" was supposed to change "the hierarchy of power" in the DC Universe. The movie opened in U.S. theaters back on October 21, 2022, and over the last seven weeks, it has continued its global rollout, opening in countries like China in November and Japan just last Friday. Despite Johnson's star power, a new report from Variety indicates that "Black Adam" has only had an international haul of 387 million thus far.
This sounds good by pandemic standards, but "Black Adam" was reportedly made on a budget of 195 to 200 million. The usual marketing costs for a superhero tentpole of its type would be 100 million. However, Warner Bros....
By now, you've likely heard ad nauseam all about how "Black Adam" was supposed to change "the hierarchy of power" in the DC Universe. The movie opened in U.S. theaters back on October 21, 2022, and over the last seven weeks, it has continued its global rollout, opening in countries like China in November and Japan just last Friday. Despite Johnson's star power, a new report from Variety indicates that "Black Adam" has only had an international haul of 387 million thus far.
This sounds good by pandemic standards, but "Black Adam" was reportedly made on a budget of 195 to 200 million. The usual marketing costs for a superhero tentpole of its type would be 100 million. However, Warner Bros....
- 12/6/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Quentin Tarantino's thoughts on actors have made a lot of headlines lately. The director is the latest Hollywood celebrity to comment on the fact that big movie stars just aren't as much of a thing anymore (a phenomenon that /Film's own Witney Seibold reported on just a few weeks ago), sparking lots of debates online. But even if Tarantino thinks that celebrity actors don't enjoy the same hypnotic marketing power that they once did, he's still willing to give praise where it's due — and certainly, few actors deserve more praise than Robert De Niro.
As anyone who's watched one of De Niro's many classics can tell you, the man is an incredible actor (even if his filmography includes a few less-than-stellar roles). It might be cliche to say that his performance in "Taxi Driver" is deeply, deeply chilling, but I'll never forget how disturbed it made me on my first watch.
As anyone who's watched one of De Niro's many classics can tell you, the man is an incredible actor (even if his filmography includes a few less-than-stellar roles). It might be cliche to say that his performance in "Taxi Driver" is deeply, deeply chilling, but I'll never forget how disturbed it made me on my first watch.
- 11/24/2022
- by Demetra Nikolakakis
- Slash Film
Star Trek: Prodigy's Dee Bradley Baker On The Difference Between Star Trek And Star Wars [Exclusive]
Dee Bradley Baker is one of the lucky voice acting legends who's been blessed enough to work on two of the biggest pop culture juggernauts of them all: the galaxy far, far away of "Star Wars" and the optimistic futuristic universe of "Star Trek." He's most notably the voice of all the clone troopers and the Fetts in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," as well as the lovable sentient blob Murph in "Star Trek: Prodigy."
Baker has a broad and vast array of voice acting credits, but he's mostly known for his vocalizations of different types of monsters and animals, which makes him a natural fit for these respective franchises. Outside of the many creatures and background characters he voices in the infinite "Star Wars" universe, the range of his talent is fully demonstrated in "Clone Wars" spinoff "The Bad Batch," in which he voices five different Clone characters who...
Baker has a broad and vast array of voice acting credits, but he's mostly known for his vocalizations of different types of monsters and animals, which makes him a natural fit for these respective franchises. Outside of the many creatures and background characters he voices in the infinite "Star Wars" universe, the range of his talent is fully demonstrated in "Clone Wars" spinoff "The Bad Batch," in which he voices five different Clone characters who...
- 11/15/2022
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
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