Above: 1980 Japanese poster for Apocalypse Now. Design by Eiko Ishioka, artwork by Haruo Takino.With Francis Ford Coppola’s long-gestated Megalopolis having premiered yesterday at Cannes, it's a good time to look back at the posters from his 60-year-long career. The only problem is that many posters for his films are either too well known or nothing to write home about. Like Coppola’s career itself, there are peaks and valleys—one of my very first posts for Notebook, almost exactly fifteen years ago, was about the gorgeous design for The Rain People (1969)—but a career retrospective of his posters seems like it might result in less than the sum of its parts. Yet of all his posters there are three rare Japanese designs that have always stood out as utterly extraordinary: two for Apocalypse Now (1979) and one for Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).I’ve always seen these posters attributed to Eiko Ishioka,...
- 5/17/2024
- MUBI
Roger Corman, who died Saturday at 98, was famously involved with many of the greats of filmmaking at the start of their careers. In the case of Ron Howard, he helped the young actor transition from being a child star into a versatile director, giving him his first directing job with the action comedy “Grand Theft Auto” in 1977.
Howard noted that Corman was also known for giving women more opportunities than they typically had in the film industry at that time, including Penelope Spheeris and Gale Ann Hurd.
Howard paid tribute to Corman Sunday morning in a heartfelt message, writing, “Roger not only mentored a couple of generations of high profile filmmakers, but he also opened doors to many on the production side who were struggling to find career paths in the industry. When I was working for Roger, he had far more women in positions of authority throughout his company...
Howard noted that Corman was also known for giving women more opportunities than they typically had in the film industry at that time, including Penelope Spheeris and Gale Ann Hurd.
Howard paid tribute to Corman Sunday morning in a heartfelt message, writing, “Roger not only mentored a couple of generations of high profile filmmakers, but he also opened doors to many on the production side who were struggling to find career paths in the industry. When I was working for Roger, he had far more women in positions of authority throughout his company...
- 5/12/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
A few months ago, I wrote an article listing ten movies that – despite being well known – were difficult to find (legally) on any streaming service or even on disc. Those titles ranged from Ron Howard’s Cocoon to movies like Dawn of the Dead (the original). In the comments, many of our readers chimed in with their two cents on films they’ve found difficult to find over the years, so here are a few more challenging-to-find flicks, some of which may surprise you.
Panic Room:
The fact that David Fincher’s Panic Room has never been issued on Blu-ray blows me away. It’s been announced a few times, but a physical release never seems to happen (although you can stream it in HD pretty easily). What gives? You’d think the fact that it has Fincher’s name on it, and stars Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker,...
Panic Room:
The fact that David Fincher’s Panic Room has never been issued on Blu-ray blows me away. It’s been announced a few times, but a physical release never seems to happen (although you can stream it in HD pretty easily). What gives? You’d think the fact that it has Fincher’s name on it, and stars Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Recently, I wrote an article about how Ron Howard’s Cocoon was hard to find in any format. It came out on DVD many years ago but went out of print and has never been issued on Blu-ray. You also can’t find it digitally on any platform. This is a perfect example of why you should always hang on to your physical media, as I’m lucky enough to own the now out-of-print DVD of that movie, and while it’s far from an ideal copy, it’s something.
But that got me thinking. What other movies are hard to find? I opened up the forum on Twitter, and I was shocked by how many prominent films aren’t available digitally and have gone out of print on disc, making them all the more precious for collectors. At the same time, there are some happy endings, such as Martin Campbell’s No Escape,...
But that got me thinking. What other movies are hard to find? I opened up the forum on Twitter, and I was shocked by how many prominent films aren’t available digitally and have gone out of print on disc, making them all the more precious for collectors. At the same time, there are some happy endings, such as Martin Campbell’s No Escape,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Ron Howard has been part of our collective consciousness for as long as I can remember. Or at least he looms large in mine. Born in 1954, he was on many of the TV series I grew up watching and had his own starring role on “The Andy Griffith Show” by 1960. And his father had the idea that little “Ronny Howard” should play a good kid, not the wise-guy type popular in those “Dennis the Menace” years. He’d be nice. It stuck. He’s been known as “nice” ever since.
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
- 5/7/2024
- by Janet Maslin
- Variety Film + TV
Father Time comes for us all in different degrees. Now one sees countless ads for wrinkle creams, hair colouring, replacements or surgeries linked to boosting confidence. The most offensive is getting children as young as twelve to use skin rejuvenation products. Anubys Lopez’s film Aged (2023) takes a huge page of countless films where glands are harvested and injected more strongly. The film uses motifs of Countess Dracula (1971) and Cocoon (1985) to bring terror to the onset of gray hairs and fading memories. More importantly, it is what family members would do to make sure the clock is forcibly turned back.
Aged (2023) is oddly constructed and misdirected in places with some poor direction missing key plot moments. Bright scenes of rural landscapes and a meeting in an antiseptic stilted coffee shop with Charles Bloom (Dave McClain), meeting with Veronica Grey (Morgan Boss-Maltais) to interview as a caregiver for his ailing mother.
Aged (2023) is oddly constructed and misdirected in places with some poor direction missing key plot moments. Bright scenes of rural landscapes and a meeting in an antiseptic stilted coffee shop with Charles Bloom (Dave McClain), meeting with Veronica Grey (Morgan Boss-Maltais) to interview as a caregiver for his ailing mother.
- 5/7/2024
- by Terry Sherwood
- Horror Asylum
As the social and political turmoil of 1960s America spilled into the 1970s, network television executives and producers knew they could no longer ignore the thorny issues being argued over kitchen tables and at work/school. The Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Equal Rights Amendment, etc. were driving a wedge between families and neighbors. So when Norman Lear trotted out the unrepentant bigot Archie Bunker on "All in the Family" in 1971, many people in the country felt seen. And while they might not agree on the hot-button topics explored on this show, they could at least laugh through their many disagreements.
There came a point, however (somewhere between President Richard M. Nixon's resignation and the end of the Vietnam War), where television viewers grew weary of all these socially conscious sitcoms. Yes, they were still watching them in huge numbers, but they needed a break from the nonstop tumult of their lives.
There came a point, however (somewhere between President Richard M. Nixon's resignation and the end of the Vietnam War), where television viewers grew weary of all these socially conscious sitcoms. Yes, they were still watching them in huge numbers, but they needed a break from the nonstop tumult of their lives.
- 3/17/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Perhaps you've had this experience:
You hear about an interesting movie or show, or you remember an old favorite, and you reason that since it's a well-known title, it's several years old, and you subscribe to several streaming services, you should be able to watch it for free somewhere.
Then you conduct the research that's necessary to find anything in the vast streaming landscape, and you realize that you're gonna have to shell out to rent or buy this thing.
Or worse, that film or series simply is not available. Anywhere.
If you're lucky, you can go on Amazon and have the DVD delivered in a couple of days, but you haven't seen your DVD player since Obama was in office, and you need something to watch now.
From comedy classics like Cocoon to Oscar winners like Il Postino to beloved children's movies like The Brave Little Toaster to action...
You hear about an interesting movie or show, or you remember an old favorite, and you reason that since it's a well-known title, it's several years old, and you subscribe to several streaming services, you should be able to watch it for free somewhere.
Then you conduct the research that's necessary to find anything in the vast streaming landscape, and you realize that you're gonna have to shell out to rent or buy this thing.
Or worse, that film or series simply is not available. Anywhere.
If you're lucky, you can go on Amazon and have the DVD delivered in a couple of days, but you haven't seen your DVD player since Obama was in office, and you need something to watch now.
From comedy classics like Cocoon to Oscar winners like Il Postino to beloved children's movies like The Brave Little Toaster to action...
- 3/13/2024
- by Tyler Johnson
- TVfanatic
The nominations for the 20th BAFTA Games Awards were unveiled on Thursday, with Baldur’s Gate 3 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 leading the pack with 10 and nine noms, respectively.
In the best game category, the two will compete against Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Alan Wake 2, Dave the Diver and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
A total of 40 games across 17 categories were nominated today, according to the British Academy
Among the other top contenders are Alan Wake 2 with eight nominations, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor with six each, Dave the Diver and Hi-Fi Rush with five each, as well as Cocoon, Dredge, Final Fantasy XVI, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Viewfinder with four each.
The BAFTA Games Awards 2024 will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank Centre on Thursday April 11. They will be streamed live around the world at 7 p.
In the best game category, the two will compete against Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Alan Wake 2, Dave the Diver and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
A total of 40 games across 17 categories were nominated today, according to the British Academy
Among the other top contenders are Alan Wake 2 with eight nominations, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor with six each, Dave the Diver and Hi-Fi Rush with five each, as well as Cocoon, Dredge, Final Fantasy XVI, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Viewfinder with four each.
The BAFTA Games Awards 2024 will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank Centre on Thursday April 11. They will be streamed live around the world at 7 p.
- 3/7/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sometimes it feels like Ron Howard has been around forever. The actor/director, who was born on March 1, 1954, has been a star in TV and movies for over 65 years. From his early days playing Andy Griffith‘s son Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” to his directing of the latest “Star Wars” story, “Solo,” the unassuming Howard still finds himself the center of attention.
Now primarily known as a director, Howard has won two Academy Awards — for producing and directing 2001’s Best Picture winner “A Beautiful Mind” starring Russell Crowe — and has two more nominations to his credit for producing and directing 2008 nominee “Frost/Nixon” starring Michael Sheen and Frank Langella.
Let’s take a photo gallery tour of his 17 greatest feature films, ranked from worst to best. Keep in mind that our gallery strictly focuses on his directing career and leaves out his terrific work as an actor in movies.
Now primarily known as a director, Howard has won two Academy Awards — for producing and directing 2001’s Best Picture winner “A Beautiful Mind” starring Russell Crowe — and has two more nominations to his credit for producing and directing 2008 nominee “Frost/Nixon” starring Michael Sheen and Frank Langella.
Let’s take a photo gallery tour of his 17 greatest feature films, ranked from worst to best. Keep in mind that our gallery strictly focuses on his directing career and leaves out his terrific work as an actor in movies.
- 2/23/2024
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
While those who constantly champion the value of physical media can sometimes come across as old-timers flailing their arms against the inevitable, there is a tragic truth at the heart of their arguments that keeps their feet planted in their ways. While the average person may have access to more media than at any other point in human history, countless titles remain unavailable to stream, rent, or buy via modern digital platforms
The extent of this problem isn’t always fully appreciated. When we talk about those lost movies, we’re not just talking about shot-on-video obscurities that went out with the video stores they were practically made for. From bonafide classics to major studio pictures to revolutionary works that were denied their chance at widespread reappraisal, many important movies are slipping through the cracks of digital distribution.
Before we talk about some of the best movies that you currently watch digitally,...
The extent of this problem isn’t always fully appreciated. When we talk about those lost movies, we’re not just talking about shot-on-video obscurities that went out with the video stores they were practically made for. From bonafide classics to major studio pictures to revolutionary works that were denied their chance at widespread reappraisal, many important movies are slipping through the cracks of digital distribution.
Before we talk about some of the best movies that you currently watch digitally,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Months ago, we here at JoBlo started writing about an issue near and dear to the hearts of film fanatics everywhere – the resurgence of physical media. After being shocked by how difficult it was to find the Ron Howard movie Cocoon, I decided to make a list of 10 movies that were difficult to find, but the comments on the article clued me into the fact that the issue of out-of-print classics is far more widespread than I assumed. Last week, I did an article about how movies like The Cannonball Run and Dogma are missing, and in that vein, here are five more cult classics that are surprisingly tough to find.
Ricochet:
This 1992 action film was an early attempt to turn Denzel Washington into an action star. Despite stylish direction by Russell Mulcahy and an unforgettable turn by John Lithgow as the movie’s villain, it was only a modest success.
Ricochet:
This 1992 action film was an early attempt to turn Denzel Washington into an action star. Despite stylish direction by Russell Mulcahy and an unforgettable turn by John Lithgow as the movie’s villain, it was only a modest success.
- 1/28/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Whilst terminal illness and imminent death might not be the obvious source for a delightful surreal comedy, Yasmin Afifi has built a humorous and affecting world within those parameters in BAFTA nominated short Jellyfish & Lobster. It’s a touching and very personal project created as her graduate film at the National Film and Television School, which follows two non-conformist, unapologetic patients of a care home who refuse to let their illnesses or age define them. One of ten shorts that we highlighted as favourites in our Nfts Graduate Showcase recommendations at the start of the year, Jellyfish & Lobster rides on a surreal Cocoon-esque premise as a swimming pool becomes a vehicle for the anarchic pair to escape their reality and immerse themselves in the draw of past youthful vibrancy. Afifi delicately balances real and magical elements on screen, rendering the well-honed script all the more powerful and recently spoke...
- 1/19/2024
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
Early into Pham Thien An’s sprawling, stupefying Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, there’s a shot that manifests Caravaggio inside a shack in rural Vietnam. Having traveled from Saigon to his home village to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law, Thien (Le Phong Vu) is visiting a local elder who sowed a shroud for the departed. The twenty-something wants to pay for the service; the old man doesn’t take money from neighbors. He does accept the company, though, and very generously spills a whole cascade of memories from the Vietnam War, laying bare an old bullet scar on his ribcage. And as Thien bends to graze the bruised skin under the warm, caliginous light, Pham frames the moment as one of reverential awe, an image modeled off of Caravaggio’s “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas.” It’s a beautiful shot in a film full of them. That it...
- 1/17/2024
- by Leonardo Goi
- The Film Stage
Remedy’s Alan Wake 2 is looking to continue its winning ways from last year at this year’s Dice Awards. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (Aias) announced the nominees for the 27th annual show, which will be livestreamed by IGN on Thursday, February 15 from the Aria Resort in Las Vegas.
A total of 56 games released in 2023 are nominated for this year’s Dice Awards, with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 leading the way with 9 nominations, followed by Alan Wake 2 with 8 nominations, and Baldur’s Gate 3 (which won Game of The Year at The Game Awards last month) with 7 nominations.
All three games are vying for Dice’s Game of the Year award, alongside Geometric Interactive’s Cocoon and Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Other genre titles nominated at this year’s awards include Mortal Kombat 1, Diablo IV, Dead Space, Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice, and El Paso,...
A total of 56 games released in 2023 are nominated for this year’s Dice Awards, with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 leading the way with 9 nominations, followed by Alan Wake 2 with 8 nominations, and Baldur’s Gate 3 (which won Game of The Year at The Game Awards last month) with 7 nominations.
All three games are vying for Dice’s Game of the Year award, alongside Geometric Interactive’s Cocoon and Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Other genre titles nominated at this year’s awards include Mortal Kombat 1, Diablo IV, Dead Space, Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice, and El Paso,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
In its third season, "Yellowstone" did something unusual: it included an in-memoriam title card for an actor who had never worked on the show. The star in question was Wilford Brimley, the former Western actor who appeared in touchstones of the genre like "True Grit," "Gore Vidal's Billy the Kid," "Lawman," and more. Though Brimley hadn't actually appeared on Taylor Sheridan's wildly popular Montana-set drama before he died in 2020, he still earned a farewell note within the show. "In loving memory of Wilford Brimley," a title card accompanying the penultimate episode of season 3 read, continuing: "A cowboy, an artist, and a damn good friend."
There don't seem to be any links between "Yellowstone" and Brimley, aside from the fact that the former clearly takes inspiration from classic Westerns like those the legendary actor starred in throughout the 20th century. Series star Kevin Costner never acted alongside Brimley and...
There don't seem to be any links between "Yellowstone" and Brimley, aside from the fact that the former clearly takes inspiration from classic Westerns like those the legendary actor starred in throughout the 20th century. Series star Kevin Costner never acted alongside Brimley and...
- 1/6/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
You know might feel really great, and completely relaxing, after surviving the often stressful end-of-the-year holidays? Why a refreshing dip in the pool of course! Oh, but you’re not near an indoor facility, so you’ll have to wait out the long frigid winter until the temps are near ninety or so. Well, how about making a virtual splash at the multiplex? And this “cement pond” doesn’t shut down with the sunset. But doing “laps” alone in the fluorescent lit waters can be pretty spooky. And that’s the inspiration for the first new horror flick of 2024, which may just make you “swear off” any notions about taking a Night Swim. Marco…Marco…
This tale of soggy terror begins with a flashback to the early 1990s. Late one night a girl of eight or nine spies her ailing brother’s motorboat doing circles in the deep end of the family pool.
This tale of soggy terror begins with a flashback to the early 1990s. Late one night a girl of eight or nine spies her ailing brother’s motorboat doing circles in the deep end of the family pool.
- 1/5/2024
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Something interesting happened the other day. I reached out to Arrow Video to get a review copy of their upcoming Conan the Barbarian 4k release, The Conan Chronicles (which also features Conan the Destroyer). I was told their retail stock of the much-anticipated title had already sold out (don’t worry – more is on the way). To me, this is a very promising sign, with interesting companies like Arrow, Scream/Shout Factory, and Kino Lorber making really thoughtful, beautifully assembled 4K collector’s editions of cult hits on physical media that, despite being more niche than they were twenty or so years ago, are actually selling really well.
Studios have all but abandoned physical media, at least as far as library titles go. Some studios, like Paramount, still re-release their classics through labels like Paramount Presents, but for many companies, these titles are an afterthought, even for their biggest movies.
Studios have all but abandoned physical media, at least as far as library titles go. Some studios, like Paramount, still re-release their classics through labels like Paramount Presents, but for many companies, these titles are an afterthought, even for their biggest movies.
- 12/30/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 took the marquee Game of the Year prize at the 10th annual Game Awards, which were handed out tonight at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Actor Timothée Chalamet presented the Game of the Year award. Baldur’s Gate 3 also won for Best Performance, Best Community Support, Best RPG, Best Multiplayer, and copped the Player’s Voice awards.
Other winners included Alan Wake 2 for Best Direction, Alan Wake 2 for Best Narrative, Cocoon for Best Debut Indie and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Best Action/Adventure.
Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 came into the ceremony with a leading eight nominations apiece.
Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarök dominated last year’s Game Awards, with Ragnarök scoring seven wins and Elden Ring taking four, including Game of the Year.
The tech-based awards show did not skimp on star power, as it...
Actor Timothée Chalamet presented the Game of the Year award. Baldur’s Gate 3 also won for Best Performance, Best Community Support, Best RPG, Best Multiplayer, and copped the Player’s Voice awards.
Other winners included Alan Wake 2 for Best Direction, Alan Wake 2 for Best Narrative, Cocoon for Best Debut Indie and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Best Action/Adventure.
Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 came into the ceremony with a leading eight nominations apiece.
Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarök dominated last year’s Game Awards, with Ragnarök scoring seven wins and Elden Ring taking four, including Game of the Year.
The tech-based awards show did not skimp on star power, as it...
- 12/8/2023
- by Erik Pedersen and Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Something inevitable has started to happen. Hardcore movie fans have stopped buying Blu-rays (although they’re in the midst of a slight comeback). Maybe it was the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home, or perhaps it was the closure of all of our favorite mom-and-pop physical media stores, but fans started to build digital libraries rather than physical ones. I get it. One of the reasons I got into buying movies on iTunes was that whenever a fancy new 4K restoration came out, they would upgrade the version you already bought. But, as Christopher Nolan warned recently, you should buy the movies you love on physical media because when you own something digitally, you don’t really own it.
Here’s why:
Digital Copies are basically long-term rentals:
While you can be reasonably sure that the digital copy you buy will stay in your library for a long time,...
Here’s why:
Digital Copies are basically long-term rentals:
While you can be reasonably sure that the digital copy you buy will stay in your library for a long time,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The year of Oppenheimer continues with Deadline reporting that Universal, caught by surprise at the demand for a physical copy of the film, is working hard to replenish the stock of 4K Blu-rays before the holidays. Hopefully, this continues the resurgence of physical media, with many opting to return to buying Blu-rays thanks to the regular content purges that have become routine on digital services.
Director Christopher Nolan himself warned fans that they should buy a Blu-ray version of the movie so that “no evil streaming service can come steal it from you.” Indeed, the film has been selling out at most retailers, with Best Buy and Amazon out of stock. On some online marketplaces, Deadline is reporting that steelbook editions of the film are selling at about $200 bucks a pop.
This is a suitable fate for the $900 million grossing film, which has beaten the odds every step of the way.
Director Christopher Nolan himself warned fans that they should buy a Blu-ray version of the movie so that “no evil streaming service can come steal it from you.” Indeed, the film has been selling out at most retailers, with Best Buy and Amazon out of stock. On some online marketplaces, Deadline is reporting that steelbook editions of the film are selling at about $200 bucks a pop.
This is a suitable fate for the $900 million grossing film, which has beaten the odds every step of the way.
- 11/28/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
1968's "Planet of the Apes" is one of the most legendary sci-fi movies in cinematic history. Co-written by Rod Serling of "The Twilight Zone" fame and directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, it spawned a franchise that is still going strong to this day.
It all started, however, with the story of astronauts landing on a mysterious planet filled with intelligent apes, only to discover that they were actually on Earth in the distant future. Led by Charlton Heston, the film boasted an incredible cast — not to mention some legendary practical makeup effects that helped bring the apes to life. Unfortunately, when a film is more than 50 years old, not many people from the cast are going to be around any longer. Luckily, a couple of key cast members are indeed still here to help keep the legacy alive.
Read more: Critically-Panned Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Worth Your Time
Linda Harrison (Nova)
Linda Harrison,...
It all started, however, with the story of astronauts landing on a mysterious planet filled with intelligent apes, only to discover that they were actually on Earth in the distant future. Led by Charlton Heston, the film boasted an incredible cast — not to mention some legendary practical makeup effects that helped bring the apes to life. Unfortunately, when a film is more than 50 years old, not many people from the cast are going to be around any longer. Luckily, a couple of key cast members are indeed still here to help keep the legacy alive.
Read more: Critically-Panned Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Worth Your Time
Linda Harrison (Nova)
Linda Harrison,...
- 11/25/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
It’s not quite high-stakes poker and we certainly can’t envisage Christopher Nolan devising a scene where 007 battles it out with a super villain over a game of bingo, but that isn’t to say that the game isn’t suited to the silver screen – emphasis on the silver…
This game which is readily associated with nursing homes and cramped community centres has actually been incorporated into a number of Hollywood movies throughout the decades, being used by directors as a narrative device to inject drama, comedy and moments of calm in all manner of films.
In this article we take a look at some of the most famous examples of bingo in movies.
Big Momma’s House 2
In the 2000s it felt as though Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Will Ferrell were coming out with a slapstick comedy every five minutes. One of the classics of that genre is...
This game which is readily associated with nursing homes and cramped community centres has actually been incorporated into a number of Hollywood movies throughout the decades, being used by directors as a narrative device to inject drama, comedy and moments of calm in all manner of films.
In this article we take a look at some of the most famous examples of bingo in movies.
Big Momma’s House 2
In the 2000s it felt as though Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and Will Ferrell were coming out with a slapstick comedy every five minutes. One of the classics of that genre is...
- 11/18/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The Game Awards 2023 panel has revealed the full list of nominees who will be eligible to win at this year’s show. While many of the nominees are relatively unsurprising, there are certainly a few games that did (and didn’t) get nominated that will get people talking.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Game Awards 2023’s nominees and voting process.
The Game Awards 2023: How Voting Works
According to the Game Awards website, Game Awards winners are determined by a “blended vote” that accounts for jury votes and fan votes. The jury votes account for 90% of the voting weight while the fan votes make up the remaining 10%.
Though an example of that formula is not provided, it’s basically best to think of the system like a 10-person voting jury. Nine of the jurors would represent voting individuals of the group, and the 10th person would...
Here’s everything you need to know about The Game Awards 2023’s nominees and voting process.
The Game Awards 2023: How Voting Works
According to the Game Awards website, Game Awards winners are determined by a “blended vote” that accounts for jury votes and fan votes. The jury votes account for 90% of the voting weight while the fan votes make up the remaining 10%.
Though an example of that formula is not provided, it’s basically best to think of the system like a 10-person voting jury. Nine of the jurors would represent voting individuals of the group, and the 10th person would...
- 11/13/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Imagine if you will a line of dominoes that increase in size as they move left to right. A man stands behind the smallest domino, poised to knock it forward, which will instigate a chain reaction leading to the largest domino toppling over. This "domino theory" illustration helps to visualize the causal interconnection between a seemingly innocuous event in the past and a monumental event in the present or near future. It's especially handy when attempting to understand how 20th Century Fox studio head Darryl F. Zanuck's mother getting a cold in 1908 led indirectly to the creation and broad success of the comedy procedural series "Bones" in 2005. And not because "Bones" was a Fox show. The connection is much more serpentine and intriguing.
You see, when the Wahoo, Wisconsin-born Sarah Louise Zanuck caught a hard-to-shake chill in the latter years of the 20th century's first decade, she thought it'd...
You see, when the Wahoo, Wisconsin-born Sarah Louise Zanuck caught a hard-to-shake chill in the latter years of the 20th century's first decade, she thought it'd...
- 11/5/2023
- by Ryan Coleman
- Slash Film
As someone with an insect phobia, exploring the world—or more accurately, worlds—of Cocoon began as one of the most subtly unsettling experiences I’ve seen out of games in some time. It’s a place equal parts reminiscent of the Shimmer from Alex Garland’s adaptation of Annihilation and the organic lifeforms that sprout in any number of Björk music videos. Throughout, you’re harnessing the building blocks that make up the natural world, though here they’ve been warped into something vaguely familiar yet demonstrably alien. This is the world within worlds that Cocoon’s player character, a cicada-like creature, is birthed into.
Over the course of Cocoon’s short play time, you wander those worlds solving puzzles, pushing forward as you unravel the mysteries that are laced into the landscapes. In the process you find out just how quickly one can adapt to any environment. That...
Over the course of Cocoon’s short play time, you wander those worlds solving puzzles, pushing forward as you unravel the mysteries that are laced into the landscapes. In the process you find out just how quickly one can adapt to any environment. That...
- 10/4/2023
- by Justin Clark
- Slant Magazine
There's no shortage of kickass cyberpunk movies out there, but these stories tend to be exclusively told from the perspective of humans adapting to a not-so-distant future filled with androids and lots of bisexual lighting. Sure, it's cool to see how lone-wolf adults adjust to a world like "Blade Runner," but what about families with children? What about rural areas far from overpopulated cities with a lack of resources? What about beloved family pets? In 2022, BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive flipped the script and pivoted to an unconventional protagonist in a cyberpunk environment: an adorably stealthy cat in the adventure game "Stray."
The game has players taking on the role of a stray cat who ends up in a walled-off city filled with robots and mutant bacteria. With the help of a friendly drone companion named B-12, you as the cat must evade the antagonistic Zurks and Sentinels which want you dead,...
The game has players taking on the role of a stray cat who ends up in a walled-off city filled with robots and mutant bacteria. With the help of a friendly drone companion named B-12, you as the cat must evade the antagonistic Zurks and Sentinels which want you dead,...
- 9/5/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Ben Kingsley, who likes to go to extremes, has played his share of frowningly overcivilized repressed geeks and also his share of seething walking-id maniacs. But for all of Kingsley’s dexterous light-and-dark range, it’s still rare to see him take on a character as painfully mild as Milton, the small-town codger he plays in “Jules.”
Milton, who is 78, lives by himself in a handsome dark-shingled house in Boonton, Penn. In the opening scene, he takes one of his long slow walks through town, then stands up at the open-mic forum in front of the Boonton city council, where he suggests changing the town motto from “A great place to call home” to “A great place to refer to as home.” He’s that kind of harmless eccentric fuddy-duddy with maybe a screw or two coming loose. The following week, he attends another city council meeting, where he stands...
Milton, who is 78, lives by himself in a handsome dark-shingled house in Boonton, Penn. In the opening scene, he takes one of his long slow walks through town, then stands up at the open-mic forum in front of the Boonton city council, where he suggests changing the town motto from “A great place to call home” to “A great place to refer to as home.” He’s that kind of harmless eccentric fuddy-duddy with maybe a screw or two coming loose. The following week, he attends another city council meeting, where he stands...
- 8/6/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
A lot of smaller films are coming out this month to help fill the void left by titles that members of the AMPTP have recently pushed back indefinitely––a move that seems to prove just how valuable creatives are to the filmmaking process before and after a movie is completed and their worth to be paid fairly in that role. Theaters need product to survive, so here’s hoping a return to more independent fare reminds ticket buyers what it was like before the big studios monopolized screens.
Inventive marketing is therefore needed more than ever to cut through the noise. How will that poster of a small film compete with the giant standee in the lobby? It’s one thing to finally get it on the wall, it’s another to make certain customers see it there.
Cutouts
Because the trailer for Jules feels like an old 1980s movie...
Inventive marketing is therefore needed more than ever to cut through the noise. How will that poster of a small film compete with the giant standee in the lobby? It’s one thing to finally get it on the wall, it’s another to make certain customers see it there.
Cutouts
Because the trailer for Jules feels like an old 1980s movie...
- 8/4/2023
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
While it was one of the most popular games in the UK during the 1970s and 80s, the cultural significance of bingo varies according to where you are on the globe. In some countries, it was used largely as a teaching tool, and in others, it’s very much associated with certain types of players.
It is these stereotypes and tropes that are often played on when bingo is shown on the silver screen or portrayed in television shows. This has led to some of the best scenes from some of the best-known movies, including:
Cocoon
As a classic of its time, Cocoon followed the story of a retirement community that has been infiltrated by aliens that are giving the residents a new lease on life. The protagonists, Joe, Ben, and Arthur, are swimming in the pool one day when they come across alien lifeforms that harbour the power to rejuvenate themselves.
It is these stereotypes and tropes that are often played on when bingo is shown on the silver screen or portrayed in television shows. This has led to some of the best scenes from some of the best-known movies, including:
Cocoon
As a classic of its time, Cocoon followed the story of a retirement community that has been infiltrated by aliens that are giving the residents a new lease on life. The protagonists, Joe, Ben, and Arthur, are swimming in the pool one day when they come across alien lifeforms that harbour the power to rejuvenate themselves.
- 7/24/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Ron Howard’s 1985 classic “Cocoon” was “E.T.” for an older generation in many ways. And every generation needs an update on a tried and true classic, right? Well, that could be the new film “Jules” about a UFO and extra-terrestrial that disrupts the lives of the elderly.
Read More: Summer 2023 Movie Preview: 52 Must-See Films To Watch
When an elderly man in a small town receives an unexpected visitor, his life and the lives of two women in his community are upended completely in this delightful comedic drama, “Jules,” directed by Marc Turtletaub.
Continue reading ‘Jules’ Trailer: Ben Kingsley’s Life Is Upended By A UFO & An Extra-Terrestrial at The Playlist.
Read More: Summer 2023 Movie Preview: 52 Must-See Films To Watch
When an elderly man in a small town receives an unexpected visitor, his life and the lives of two women in his community are upended completely in this delightful comedic drama, “Jules,” directed by Marc Turtletaub.
Continue reading ‘Jules’ Trailer: Ben Kingsley’s Life Is Upended By A UFO & An Extra-Terrestrial at The Playlist.
- 7/10/2023
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Nuri Bilge Ceylan likes to take his time. The Turkish director is one of the greatest living practitioners of slow cinema. The filmmaking ethos — pioneered by Russian auteur Andrei Tarkovsky and taken up by the likes of Theo Angelopoulos, Albert Serra, Béla Tarr, Kelly Reichardt and Lav Diaz — eschews the rapid editing and relentless nonstop forward-driving plots of the Hollywood blockbuster (looking at you, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) for a more contemplative, metaphysical approach.
The characters in a Ceylan movie don’t do much. There’s little action or traditional suspense, and the storylines are fairly basic. In 2002’s Distant, a rural factory worker visits his cousin in Istanbul. Homicide police unearth the body of a murder victim and take a long drive back to the city for the autopsy in 2011’s Once Upon a Time in Anatolia. An old actor, his wife and his sister sit...
The characters in a Ceylan movie don’t do much. There’s little action or traditional suspense, and the storylines are fairly basic. In 2002’s Distant, a rural factory worker visits his cousin in Istanbul. Homicide police unearth the body of a murder victim and take a long drive back to the city for the autopsy in 2011’s Once Upon a Time in Anatolia. An old actor, his wife and his sister sit...
- 5/27/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One thing Douglas Adams taught us in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is this: Dolphins usually know what's up when it comes to visitors from outer space. They're ahead of the curve at the beginning of "Cocoon," too, which opens with the friendly marine mammals frolicking in a sunken city before witnessing strange lights beaming through the clouds.
Ron Howard's fourth feature shares similarities with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," although the beats are different. Its focus is on a group of seniors hitching a ride with friendly aliens to avoid illness and mortality, rather than a guy who is quite happy leaving his kids behind for a fantastic UFO journey. It's one of that '80s micro-genre of sci-fi movies centering around elderly actors, which Steven Spielberg had a big hand in. "Kick the Can," his segment in "Twilight Zone: The Movie," followed a group of...
Ron Howard's fourth feature shares similarities with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," although the beats are different. Its focus is on a group of seniors hitching a ride with friendly aliens to avoid illness and mortality, rather than a guy who is quite happy leaving his kids behind for a fantastic UFO journey. It's one of that '80s micro-genre of sci-fi movies centering around elderly actors, which Steven Spielberg had a big hand in. "Kick the Can," his segment in "Twilight Zone: The Movie," followed a group of...
- 4/30/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
From Executive Producers The Duffer Brothers (“Stranger Things”), Netflix today announced a series order for “The Boroughs,” an upcoming supernatural mystery series.
“The Boroughs” is created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), and the duo will also serve as Showrunners.
Here’s the logline for the upcoming sci-fi series, which sounds like a mixture of “Stranger Things” and Cocoon. Old folks battling otherworldly monsters… we like the sound of that!
“In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have… time.”
Eight episodes have been ordered, with Hilary Leavitt also Executive Producing. The project is from the Duffer Brothers x Netflix collaboration label Upside Down Pictures.
The Duffer Brothers said in a statement, “We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will...
“The Boroughs” is created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), and the duo will also serve as Showrunners.
Here’s the logline for the upcoming sci-fi series, which sounds like a mixture of “Stranger Things” and Cocoon. Old folks battling otherworldly monsters… we like the sound of that!
“In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have… time.”
Eight episodes have been ordered, with Hilary Leavitt also Executive Producing. The project is from the Duffer Brothers x Netflix collaboration label Upside Down Pictures.
The Duffer Brothers said in a statement, “We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will...
- 4/20/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The hit TV show Happy Days aired on ABC from 1974 to 1984. Here’s what we know about the cast today.
Henry Winkler Henry Winkler and the ‘Happy Days’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Henry Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. After Happy Days,, Winkler appeared in One Christmas (1994), Monty (1994), and The Waterboy (1998). He is currently starring in the HBO series Barry.
Don Most
Don Most played the character Ralph Malph. After Happy Days, he continued his acting career. Some of Most’s acting credits include appearances in The Munsters Today (1989), Charles in Charge (1989), The New Lassie (1991), and Bones (2010). His most recent role was in the 2022 film County Line: No Fear.
Ron Howard Ron Howard | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Ron Howard played the character Richie Cunningham. After Happy Days, Howard pursued a directing and production career. Some of his credits...
Henry Winkler Henry Winkler and the ‘Happy Days’ cast | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Henry Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. After Happy Days,, Winkler appeared in One Christmas (1994), Monty (1994), and The Waterboy (1998). He is currently starring in the HBO series Barry.
Don Most
Don Most played the character Ralph Malph. After Happy Days, he continued his acting career. Some of Most’s acting credits include appearances in The Munsters Today (1989), Charles in Charge (1989), The New Lassie (1991), and Bones (2010). His most recent role was in the 2022 film County Line: No Fear.
Ron Howard Ron Howard | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Ron Howard played the character Richie Cunningham. After Happy Days, Howard pursued a directing and production career. Some of his credits...
- 3/23/2023
- by Sheiresa Ngo
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1982, the same year Sir Ben Kingsley won his Best Actor Oscar for Gandhi, the year’s other big movie was Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. Now, 40 years later, Kingsley has found his own E.T., a sort of combination of that classic with a bit of Cocoon, and perhaps The Father. But Jules, the new dramedy having its world premiere on opening night of the Sonoma Film Festival, marches to its own sweet beat, and represents yet another game attempt to bring that older adult audience back to theaters. A smart distributor should take a close look.
Directed by industry veteran producer and director Marc Turtletaub and written by Gavin Steckler, this slight but engaging, even quirky little film, is a crowd-pleaser that presents Kingsley with a role that fits like a glove, and one we haven’t seen him often do, especially with a full head of hair.
Directed by industry veteran producer and director Marc Turtletaub and written by Gavin Steckler, this slight but engaging, even quirky little film, is a crowd-pleaser that presents Kingsley with a role that fits like a glove, and one we haven’t seen him often do, especially with a full head of hair.
- 3/23/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
You People. (L to R) Jonah Hill (Writer-Producer) as Ezra and Eddie Murphy as Akbar in You People. Cr. Tyler Adams/Netflix © 2023.
For those of us who grew up with comedian and actor Eddie Murphy, our first exposure to this gifted entertainer was on Saturday Night Live’s “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood“.
For decades now, Murphy has always been there, whether on TV or in the movies, and continues to have loyal, diehard fans who grew up in the 80’s to his hilarious standups “Delirious” and “Raw”, as well as his pop single “Party All The Time”.
Personally, while my siblings and I were in high school, after moving cross country from Connecticut to Idaho, Murphy saved us as we listened repeatedly to the cassette of Delirious in 1984. He had us laughing and made us forget our feelings of being the “new kids” in a new town at a new school.
For those of us who grew up with comedian and actor Eddie Murphy, our first exposure to this gifted entertainer was on Saturday Night Live’s “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood“.
For decades now, Murphy has always been there, whether on TV or in the movies, and continues to have loyal, diehard fans who grew up in the 80’s to his hilarious standups “Delirious” and “Raw”, as well as his pop single “Party All The Time”.
Personally, while my siblings and I were in high school, after moving cross country from Connecticut to Idaho, Murphy saved us as we listened repeatedly to the cassette of Delirious in 1984. He had us laughing and made us forget our feelings of being the “new kids” in a new town at a new school.
- 1/26/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: German Films, the agency that promotes German cinema globally, has unveiled the seven participants for the eighth edition of its annual Face to Face campaign, which include talents who have worked on projects ranging from Berlin Alexanderplatz to David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future to Amazon Prime Video hit We Children of Bahnhof Zoo.
This year’s edition, which is dubbed Face to Face with German Films – The Filmmakers, will showcase seven filmmakers who have made a lasting impact on the German film industry with their creative and artistic work. The initiative is considered a prominent platform for showcasing German talent to the international film and television worlds.
The participants this year are: screenwriter Sönke Anderson, who has worked on projects such as 2019 Grimme Award winner Familie Lotzmann Auf Den Barrikaden and upcoming opera film Orphea In Love; actor Welket Bungué, who has appeared in Berlin Alexanderplatz, Body...
This year’s edition, which is dubbed Face to Face with German Films – The Filmmakers, will showcase seven filmmakers who have made a lasting impact on the German film industry with their creative and artistic work. The initiative is considered a prominent platform for showcasing German talent to the international film and television worlds.
The participants this year are: screenwriter Sönke Anderson, who has worked on projects such as 2019 Grimme Award winner Familie Lotzmann Auf Den Barrikaden and upcoming opera film Orphea In Love; actor Welket Bungué, who has appeared in Berlin Alexanderplatz, Body...
- 1/19/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Film editor Mike Hill, an Oscar winner for 1996’s “Apollo 13” and prolific collaborator on Ron Howard feature films, has died due to complications from pneumonia. He was 73.
Hill, who died Thursday at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, worked in tandem with Dan Hanley on nearly two dozen Ron Howard feature films, from 1982’s “Night Shift” to 2015’s “Heart of the Sea.”
Besides the Apollo 13 win, the duo of Hill and Hanley were nominated three times – for “A Beautiful Mind” (2002), “Cinderella Man” (2006) and “Frost/Nixon” (2009).
Also Read:
Quinn K. Redeker, Beloved Soap Star of ‘Days Of Our Lives’ and ‘The Young And The Restless,’ Dies at 86
Howard praised Hill in a statement, describing “a remarkable and dedicated collaborator on our 22 movies but an even more valued friend” as someone who was “gifted and lauded” for his craft, yet “was even prouder of his family and the life they built together in Omaha.
Hill, who died Thursday at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, worked in tandem with Dan Hanley on nearly two dozen Ron Howard feature films, from 1982’s “Night Shift” to 2015’s “Heart of the Sea.”
Besides the Apollo 13 win, the duo of Hill and Hanley were nominated three times – for “A Beautiful Mind” (2002), “Cinderella Man” (2006) and “Frost/Nixon” (2009).
Also Read:
Quinn K. Redeker, Beloved Soap Star of ‘Days Of Our Lives’ and ‘The Young And The Restless,’ Dies at 86
Howard praised Hill in a statement, describing “a remarkable and dedicated collaborator on our 22 movies but an even more valued friend” as someone who was “gifted and lauded” for his craft, yet “was even prouder of his family and the life they built together in Omaha.
- 1/9/2023
- by Slav Kandyba
- The Wrap
Mike Hill, the film editor who worked on 22 consecutive Ron Howard features, winning an Oscar for his work on Apollo 13 and earning nominations for A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man and Frost/Nixon, has died. He was 73.
Hill died Thursday of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, a rare lung condition, at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, a family spokesperson announced.
Hill and editing partner Daniel P. Hanley partnered with Howard for the first time on Night Shift (1982) and for the last time on In the Heart of the Sea (2015).
In between, they handled Splash (1984), Cocoon (1985), Willow (1988), Backdraft (1991), Ransom (1996), Edtv (1999), The Missing (2003) and The Da Vinci Code (2006), to name just seven films, in addition to their Oscar-lauded efforts on Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Cinderella Man (2005) and Frost/Nixon (2008).
Hill and Hanley also collected three BAFTA nominations, which included a win for Howard’s Rush (2013), and three Ace Eddie nominations.
“Mike was a...
Hill died Thursday of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, a rare lung condition, at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, a family spokesperson announced.
Hill and editing partner Daniel P. Hanley partnered with Howard for the first time on Night Shift (1982) and for the last time on In the Heart of the Sea (2015).
In between, they handled Splash (1984), Cocoon (1985), Willow (1988), Backdraft (1991), Ransom (1996), Edtv (1999), The Missing (2003) and The Da Vinci Code (2006), to name just seven films, in addition to their Oscar-lauded efforts on Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Cinderella Man (2005) and Frost/Nixon (2008).
Hill and Hanley also collected three BAFTA nominations, which included a win for Howard’s Rush (2013), and three Ace Eddie nominations.
“Mike was a...
- 1/9/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before he won an Oscar for “A Beautiful Mind” and directed classic films like “Apollo 13” and “Cocoon,” Ron Howard was one of America’s most popular screen actors. Beginning his career as a child star on “The Andy Griffith Show,” he went on to become a household name in the 1970s for his roles in “Happy Days” and “American Graffiti.”
But in the years since he has primarily spent his time working behind the camera (save for his memorable stint as the narrator on “Arrested Development”). And in a new interview with Variety, Howard revealed that he would only return to acting if his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard was directing him.
“It would probably be Bryce,” Howard said. “It would probably be Bryce directing something and saying, ‘Dad, I really need you to come in and do this,’ or ‘You have to.’ Either of those would probably get me...
But in the years since he has primarily spent his time working behind the camera (save for his memorable stint as the narrator on “Arrested Development”). And in a new interview with Variety, Howard revealed that he would only return to acting if his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard was directing him.
“It would probably be Bryce,” Howard said. “It would probably be Bryce directing something and saying, ‘Dad, I really need you to come in and do this,’ or ‘You have to.’ Either of those would probably get me...
- 12/18/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In an episode of ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” youngest son Adam suffers a grievous lapse in judgment. It’s Mother’s Day, but rather than spend time with his devoted, if meddling mother, he wants to see “Willow,” the potentially life-changing new George Lucas project. When the conflict comes to a head, Adam tells his mother he hates her, then sprints to the cineplex for what he’s convinced will be the next great franchise from an unparalleled cinematic genius. He emerges two hours later in the grips of despair having realized that “Willow” was barely worth watching, much less worth committing emotional matricide for.
In fairness to the 1988 film, “Willow” wasn’t an abject failure, at least not in the way we currently think of cinematic missteps. With a box office haul four times its budget and a passionate cult following, however small, “Willow” would have been for many...
In fairness to the 1988 film, “Willow” wasn’t an abject failure, at least not in the way we currently think of cinematic missteps. With a box office haul four times its budget and a passionate cult following, however small, “Willow” would have been for many...
- 11/30/2022
- by Joshua Alston
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s “Willow,” like Amazon Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Power of the Ring” and HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” is a big-budget fantasy adventure steeped in a preexisting property. There’s magic and creatures and a mythic quest embarked upon by a group of unlikely heroes. But unlike these other projects, “Willow” isn’t crushed by the weight of expectations.
“There was nobody at Lucasfilm slamming their fist on a table and saying, ‘We need a ‘Willow’ series!’” Jonathan Kasdan, the creator of the new show, told TheWrap during a recent visit to the show’s editing bay. This creative freedom allowed the team to discover what “Willow” could be, free from external (or internal) pressures.
George Lucas conceived of “Willow” (originally with the unfortunate title “Munchkins”) before he began production on “Star Wars,” with the idea that he would create a...
“There was nobody at Lucasfilm slamming their fist on a table and saying, ‘We need a ‘Willow’ series!’” Jonathan Kasdan, the creator of the new show, told TheWrap during a recent visit to the show’s editing bay. This creative freedom allowed the team to discover what “Willow” could be, free from external (or internal) pressures.
George Lucas conceived of “Willow” (originally with the unfortunate title “Munchkins”) before he began production on “Star Wars,” with the idea that he would create a...
- 11/18/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Dwayne Johnson has led several blockbuster franchises, but his time in "Jumanji: The Next Level" may very well be one of his most dynamic turns as an action star. Although he still rocks his typical attire — a tan shirt and cargo pants — as the video game character Dr. Xander "Smolder" Bravestone, Johnson has the unique challenge of evoking the personality of the person controlling him. In the first film, it was Alex Wolff's nerdy protagonist Spencer Gilpin, but in "The Next Level," Johnson has to personify that character's grandfather, Eddie, played by Danny DeVito. The result is undeniably entertaining, pushing Johnson to the limits as an actor and comedic talent.
DeVito, an acting juggernaut in his own right, is a delight in the "Jumanji" sequel. Playing the stereotypical out-of-touch grandfather, DeVito is a breath of fresh air in the newly-rebooted franchise. But when his character takes over the video game avatar,...
DeVito, an acting juggernaut in his own right, is a delight in the "Jumanji" sequel. Playing the stereotypical out-of-touch grandfather, DeVito is a breath of fresh air in the newly-rebooted franchise. But when his character takes over the video game avatar,...
- 9/11/2022
- by Marcos Melendez
- Slash Film
As Ron Howard was closing out the 1980s, he wanted to take a little break from some of the fantasy-driven movies he’d made earlier in the decade, like Splash, Cocoon, and the epic Willow, and do something that felt more like real life. So he started to work on the story that wound up becoming Parenthood. The film, which deftly mixed drama with comedy, featured an outstanding ensemble cast that included Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest (who earned an Oscar nomination), Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, and early appearances by a couple of future superstars, Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix. Not surprisingly, the film was a well-received box-office hit, and it even spun off a pair of TV series adaptations. When we spoke to Howard, he told us that Parenthood was his idea of doing a complete 180 from Willow. (Click on the media bar below to hear Ron Howard) https://www.
- 8/24/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Who knew when the year began that a sequel to a 36-year-old movie starring its 60-year-old actor who headlined the original would be the box office champ so far this year? But “Top Gun: Maverick” starring Tom Cruise, which was released Aug. 23 on digital formats while still flying high in theaters is not only the No. 1 film of the year with a staggering haul of 683.4 million domestically and 720 million overseas. And the acclaimed film didn’t even play in China or Russia. “Top Gun: Maverick” is also the biggest film of Cruise’s career which began in 1981 with Franco Zeffirelli’s “Endless Love.”
And with the digital release, let’s relive 1986, the year we first felt the need for speed and flew into the danger zone. The year the original “Top Gun” took our breath away.
Top 10 Box Office Hits
Top Gun (natch)
Crocodile Dundee
Platoon
The Karate Kid Part...
And with the digital release, let’s relive 1986, the year we first felt the need for speed and flew into the danger zone. The year the original “Top Gun” took our breath away.
Top 10 Box Office Hits
Top Gun (natch)
Crocodile Dundee
Platoon
The Karate Kid Part...
- 8/24/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Like the movies, playing bingo is an enjoyable pastime for many and a trip to the bingo hall is a great way to have fun and catch up with friends. Playing bingo online is also a popular choice for at-home entertainment on sites like wink bingo.
The game is a part of British culture and has been around for decades. Bingo isn’t just a scene in bingo halls but also a popular aspect in movies, with many films featuring bingo scenes to add excitement and suspense to the plot.
Here are just some of the most memorable bingo scenes that have features in well-known movies:
The Simpsons (1992)
The animated American sitcom, The Simpsons, is one of the most successful and longest running animated programs in television history. It made way for other animated sitcoms in the American market like Family Guy.
Bingo features in one episode of the programme...
The game is a part of British culture and has been around for decades. Bingo isn’t just a scene in bingo halls but also a popular aspect in movies, with many films featuring bingo scenes to add excitement and suspense to the plot.
Here are just some of the most memorable bingo scenes that have features in well-known movies:
The Simpsons (1992)
The animated American sitcom, The Simpsons, is one of the most successful and longest running animated programs in television history. It made way for other animated sitcoms in the American market like Family Guy.
Bingo features in one episode of the programme...
- 8/22/2022
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
New Release Wall
David Cronenberg plays the hits in “Crimes of the Future” (Neon), but there’s no other filmmaker today with hits like his. Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux are a pair of surgery-based performance artists whose interests intersect with a sect of plastic-eaters, while bureaucrats Kristen Stewart (giving the screen’s most divisive performance since Jared Leto in “House of Gucci”) and Don McKellar look on in fannish amazement. If you enjoy the auteur’s brand of surgical implements that look like insect exoskeletons and furniture that looks like tumors, this is your kind of movie.
Also available:
“Charm City Kings” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment): Denied a proper release during the pandemic lockdown, this saga of a young Baltimorean getting involved in the city’s motorbike culture is a powerful drama not to be missed.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Marvel Studios): Audiences differed...
David Cronenberg plays the hits in “Crimes of the Future” (Neon), but there’s no other filmmaker today with hits like his. Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux are a pair of surgery-based performance artists whose interests intersect with a sect of plastic-eaters, while bureaucrats Kristen Stewart (giving the screen’s most divisive performance since Jared Leto in “House of Gucci”) and Don McKellar look on in fannish amazement. If you enjoy the auteur’s brand of surgical implements that look like insect exoskeletons and furniture that looks like tumors, this is your kind of movie.
Also available:
“Charm City Kings” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment): Denied a proper release during the pandemic lockdown, this saga of a young Baltimorean getting involved in the city’s motorbike culture is a powerful drama not to be missed.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Marvel Studios): Audiences differed...
- 8/2/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
The fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” is set in 1986. Talk about déjà vu.
The top movie of the year was “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise and this year, the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” is the top flick earning nearly 582 million in North America. “Cobra Kai,”the TV sequel to “Karate Kid,” is one of the most popular series on Netflix and several “Star Trek” series have blasted off on “Paramount+.
A handful the top ten TV series including “Cheers,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Golden Girls” are living on in repeats. One of the top series, “60 Minutes,” is still chugging away on CBS after 54 seasons making it the longest running primetime series on the small screen. And Michael J. Fox, who won the Emmy that year for “Family Ties,” will receive an honorary Oscar this fall.
So, in honor of “Stranger Things” let’s take the time...
The top movie of the year was “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise and this year, the sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” is the top flick earning nearly 582 million in North America. “Cobra Kai,”the TV sequel to “Karate Kid,” is one of the most popular series on Netflix and several “Star Trek” series have blasted off on “Paramount+.
A handful the top ten TV series including “Cheers,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Golden Girls” are living on in repeats. One of the top series, “60 Minutes,” is still chugging away on CBS after 54 seasons making it the longest running primetime series on the small screen. And Michael J. Fox, who won the Emmy that year for “Family Ties,” will receive an honorary Oscar this fall.
So, in honor of “Stranger Things” let’s take the time...
- 7/11/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
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