The concept of the Kevin Smith horror movie Tusk came out of an episode of Smith’s SModcast podcast in which he and his co-host Scott Mosier started out joking about the idea of a walrus-themed body horror movie and then, in the midst of the banter, Smith was inspired to actually make the movie. (And I’m very thankful that he did.) Smith’s horror anthology KillRoy Was Here started out in a similar way. It has its roots in an episode of the Edumacation podcast, where Smith and co-host Andy McElfresh “accidentally brainstormed a Christmas horror anthology” that would revolve around the child-eating creature known as Krampus. Smith and McElfresh wrote a script and were moving ahead with the film, which was first called Comes the Krampus! and then re-titled Anti-Claus, but then it got abandoned when Michael Dougherty’s Krampus movie was released. It only sat dormant...
- 2/4/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
From man-eating beds to serial-killing gingerbread cookies, there’s no shortage of absurd premises in the horror genre. However, not all of these weird movies are created equal, and I’d argue that a silly premise is only half the battle when crafting a legitimately entertaining piece of absurdist genre cinema. Personally, I think that the very best of these strange projects succeed because they take an utterly ridiculous concept and play it completely straight, often revealing unexpected terrors as filmmakers show us worlds where tumors can go homicidal and mad scientists can stitch people into human centipedes.
One of my favorite examples of this kind of cinematic absurdity done right is Kevin Smith’s controversial horror-comedy Tusk, a divisive feature that’s almost equally loved and hated by the horror community. And with the flick currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, I thought that this might be a great time...
One of my favorite examples of this kind of cinematic absurdity done right is Kevin Smith’s controversial horror-comedy Tusk, a divisive feature that’s almost equally loved and hated by the horror community. And with the flick currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, I thought that this might be a great time...
- 1/29/2024
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
A Complete Guide to the Best Grinch Movies and TV Shows Out There(Photo Credit –IMDb)
The grumpy Grinch, known for his dislike of all things Christmas, has always been a staple of mainstream media during the holidays, thanks to Dr. Suess’s children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But it’s the young adults of this generation that relate to this green goblin more than children do. He’s a mean-spirited, cynical, and sarcastic creature who just does not get the appeal of Christmas. He doesn’t enjoy the racket that Christmas causes and prefers to be in a quiet, peaceful place instead. But when the folks of Whoville go too far with their festivities, he vows to destroy Christmas once and for all.
The Grinch is undeniably fascinating. There have been multiple adaptations of him across the film industry centering around the premise of him trying to ruin Christmas.
The grumpy Grinch, known for his dislike of all things Christmas, has always been a staple of mainstream media during the holidays, thanks to Dr. Suess’s children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But it’s the young adults of this generation that relate to this green goblin more than children do. He’s a mean-spirited, cynical, and sarcastic creature who just does not get the appeal of Christmas. He doesn’t enjoy the racket that Christmas causes and prefers to be in a quiet, peaceful place instead. But when the folks of Whoville go too far with their festivities, he vows to destroy Christmas once and for all.
The Grinch is undeniably fascinating. There have been multiple adaptations of him across the film industry centering around the premise of him trying to ruin Christmas.
- 12/12/2023
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
One cannot understate the popularity of Ron Howard's over-designed 2000 winter holiday film "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Although made for an exorbitant budget of $123 million, "Grinch" would earn over $345 million worldwide and become a Christmastime staple in many a home. This despite being a bloated, 105-minute expansion of a 1957 Dr. Seuss picture book that was only 64 pages.
Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was previously adapted into a 25-minute TV special in 1966, which itself garnered animated follow-ups in 1977 and 1982. Since 2000, the book was also made into a 2007 stage musical, a 2018 animated film called merely "The Grinch," and a 2020 filmed version of the stage production. 2022 also saw the release of a horror spoof of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" called "The Mean One."
This is all in addition to an unending deluge of Grinch-themed merchandise that floods malls every winter holiday season. The merch, some might say,...
Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was previously adapted into a 25-minute TV special in 1966, which itself garnered animated follow-ups in 1977 and 1982. Since 2000, the book was also made into a 2007 stage musical, a 2018 animated film called merely "The Grinch," and a 2020 filmed version of the stage production. 2022 also saw the release of a horror spoof of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" called "The Mean One."
This is all in addition to an unending deluge of Grinch-themed merchandise that floods malls every winter holiday season. The merch, some might say,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Tusk" was a theatrical experience that I will never forget. The trailer did not give much away, and it was difficult to tell whether Kevin Smith was aiming for parody or serious horror. Was this really about someone being held captive by a seaman with an affinity for walruses? The idea for "Tusk" began with a SModcast episode where Smith and his friend/producer Scott Mosier poked fun at a classified advertisement made by a homeowner who offered free lodging to someone if they dressed as a walrus for two hours a day. The strange, real-life story inspired a brainstorming session about how they might bring the story to life on film.
"I could have easily just been like, 'Oh, that was a stupid stoner idea that I won't follow through on,' but, I don't know, there seemed to be a lot of nobility in taking a stoner idea...
"I could have easily just been like, 'Oh, that was a stupid stoner idea that I won't follow through on,' but, I don't know, there seemed to be a lot of nobility in taking a stoner idea...
- 10/29/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Featuring: Joey Lauren Adams, Andrew Ahn, Trish Bendix, Scott Mosier, Kevin Smith, Guinevere Turner | Written and Directed by Sav Rodgers
On 1st May 2020, a Ted Talk video went live of Sav Rodgers sharing how 1997’s Chasing Amy saved his adolescent life while growing up queer in Kansas. Film critic Roger Ebert’s description of the film described how it forced a young artist to question all ideas he had about himself, something which is also true of Sav’s journey. This led him to make Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary about Kevin Smith’s third feature film.
As the video was shared, wider interest was ignited in the documentary Sav mentioned that he was making, leading to Kevin Smith himself reaching out. The writer/director is reflective of his past, offering friendliness while recounting how the film kept his career alive, the real-life inspirations for the story, and the regrets which linger in hindsight.
On 1st May 2020, a Ted Talk video went live of Sav Rodgers sharing how 1997’s Chasing Amy saved his adolescent life while growing up queer in Kansas. Film critic Roger Ebert’s description of the film described how it forced a young artist to question all ideas he had about himself, something which is also true of Sav’s journey. This led him to make Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary about Kevin Smith’s third feature film.
As the video was shared, wider interest was ignited in the documentary Sav mentioned that he was making, leading to Kevin Smith himself reaching out. The writer/director is reflective of his past, offering friendliness while recounting how the film kept his career alive, the real-life inspirations for the story, and the regrets which linger in hindsight.
- 10/2/2023
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
For many, Kevin Smith is a filmmaker who once upon a time made great movies while others have stuck by his side through thick and thin. With the well-reviewed Clerks III wrapping up the story 30 years in the making, it is time we take a look back at one of the most iconic careers in independent film history and we find out just Wtf Happened to Kevin Smith.
But as always we must begin at the beginning and the beginning began for Kevin Smith on August 2, 1970 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Smith has said that seeing his father struggle with his job working at the post office made him vow to never work a job that he hated, but never really thought there was a future for someone like him in the film industry despite his love for movies. Smith would make friends with people such as future Comic Book...
But as always we must begin at the beginning and the beginning began for Kevin Smith on August 2, 1970 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Smith has said that seeing his father struggle with his job working at the post office made him vow to never work a job that he hated, but never really thought there was a future for someone like him in the film industry despite his love for movies. Smith would make friends with people such as future Comic Book...
- 8/18/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
We all have our problematic faves. Especially if you’ve been watching movies for longer than, say, yesterday. The #MeToo reckoning didn’t just reveal the monsters in Hollywood’s closet, it also made it impossible to ignore the pervasive sexism, misogyny, and power imbalances permeating every aspect of the industry. So pervasive, in fact, that very few projects weren’t touched by the stench. In the case of Kevin Smith, his career is directly tied to Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax, which produced and distributed four of his early films, including one of his biggest hits, “Chasing Amy.”
Released in 1997, “Chasing Amy” followed on the heels of Smith’s debut hit “Clerks” and the sophomoric flop “Mallrats.” The film stars Joey Lauren Adams as an effortlessly cool lesbian and Ben Affleck as the persistent straight man who falls in love with (and eventually seduces) her. Funny, romantic, and a total straight man’s fantasy,...
Released in 1997, “Chasing Amy” followed on the heels of Smith’s debut hit “Clerks” and the sophomoric flop “Mallrats.” The film stars Joey Lauren Adams as an effortlessly cool lesbian and Ben Affleck as the persistent straight man who falls in love with (and eventually seduces) her. Funny, romantic, and a total straight man’s fantasy,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
With the unfortunate history of portrayals of many marginalized communities, the first films to kick open the door to mainstream representation were often made outside of a community, resulting in work that is deemed problematic in today’s environment. Chasing Amy being one such example: though the third film from Kevin Smith met some controversy, it did not have picket lines that his fourth, Dogma, would invite.
For Sav Rodgers, a kid growing up in Kanas who adored Ben Affleck, Chasing Amy became a gateway into understanding themselves and, ultimately, who they wanted to become. In his highly personal feature film debut, the trans filmmaker expands upon his viral Ted talk, unpacking multiple problems with Chasing Amy and the ’90s independent film scene. It was a time of gatekeepers that often, intentionally or not, suppressed mainstream LGBTQ films made from within the community, bankrolling and elevating voices like Kevin Smith––in his sheer provocation,...
For Sav Rodgers, a kid growing up in Kanas who adored Ben Affleck, Chasing Amy became a gateway into understanding themselves and, ultimately, who they wanted to become. In his highly personal feature film debut, the trans filmmaker expands upon his viral Ted talk, unpacking multiple problems with Chasing Amy and the ’90s independent film scene. It was a time of gatekeepers that often, intentionally or not, suppressed mainstream LGBTQ films made from within the community, bankrolling and elevating voices like Kevin Smith––in his sheer provocation,...
- 6/12/2023
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
“Do you understand why I love this movie so much?” asks Sav Rodgers, the director whose adoration of Kevin Smith’s 1997 rom-com Chasing Amy has led them on a pilgrimage to parts of New Jersey so ungentrified that, 25 years later, they’re — seriously — almost all still there. “No,” says Shana Lory. Which is a bit of a shock, given that she was the casting director.
Although it set out to be a love letter, Rodgers’ never-less-than-engaging film always was facing an uphill struggle, and it’s to their credit — to prevent spoilers, they/them pronouns will be used here just for the purposes of this review — that they’re even prepared to debate such “problematic” material at a time when pop culture is cheering on the cancellation of major artists such as Pablo Picasso by people with less gravitas than the UK’s Princess of Wales, who at least can...
Although it set out to be a love letter, Rodgers’ never-less-than-engaging film always was facing an uphill struggle, and it’s to their credit — to prevent spoilers, they/them pronouns will be used here just for the purposes of this review — that they’re even prepared to debate such “problematic” material at a time when pop culture is cheering on the cancellation of major artists such as Pablo Picasso by people with less gravitas than the UK’s Princess of Wales, who at least can...
- 6/9/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
The first clip has been unveiled for “Chasing Chasing Amy,” which will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival.
In the feature documentary, Sav Rodgers takes a journey of self-discovery while making a documentary about Kevin Smith’s 1997 film “Chasing Amy” and its polarizing reputation among LGBTQ+ people. The film explores the transformational impact of the rom-com on a 12-year-old queer kid from Kansas, coming of age and to terms with his identity. For young Sav Rodgers, the cult classic became a life raft. As Rodgers examines the film and its making as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema, he finds himself at a complicated crossroads.
Participants in the film include Smith, “Go Fish” screenwriter Guinevere Turner, “Fire Island” director Andrew Ahn and “Chasing Amy” stars Joey Lauren Adams and Scott Mosier.
Rodgers said: “The journey of making ‘Chasing Chasing Amy’ has been eye-opening in so many ways. When I was younger,...
In the feature documentary, Sav Rodgers takes a journey of self-discovery while making a documentary about Kevin Smith’s 1997 film “Chasing Amy” and its polarizing reputation among LGBTQ+ people. The film explores the transformational impact of the rom-com on a 12-year-old queer kid from Kansas, coming of age and to terms with his identity. For young Sav Rodgers, the cult classic became a life raft. As Rodgers examines the film and its making as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema, he finds himself at a complicated crossroads.
Participants in the film include Smith, “Go Fish” screenwriter Guinevere Turner, “Fire Island” director Andrew Ahn and “Chasing Amy” stars Joey Lauren Adams and Scott Mosier.
Rodgers said: “The journey of making ‘Chasing Chasing Amy’ has been eye-opening in so many ways. When I was younger,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Movies mean different things to different people. Predicting which films will strike a chord for any individual is impossible, and some movies become more personal than others. For Sav Rodgers, Kevin Smith‘s Chasing Amy helped him discover truths he could not define. In today’s Chasing Chasing Amy trailer, we find Rodgers going on a journey of self-discovery for a documentary focusing on Smith’s confrontational LGBTQ+ romance film.
The feature documentary explores the transformational impact of the ’90s rom-com on a 12-year-old queer kid from Kansas, coming of age and coming to terms with his identity. The Kevin Smith cult classic became a life raft for young Sav Rodgers. As Rodgers examines the film and its making as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema, he finds himself at a difficult crossroads. While Sav finds Chasing Amy a gateway to becoming more comfortable with his identity, sections of the LGBTQ...
The feature documentary explores the transformational impact of the ’90s rom-com on a 12-year-old queer kid from Kansas, coming of age and coming to terms with his identity. The Kevin Smith cult classic became a life raft for young Sav Rodgers. As Rodgers examines the film and its making as a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ cinema, he finds himself at a difficult crossroads. While Sav finds Chasing Amy a gateway to becoming more comfortable with his identity, sections of the LGBTQ...
- 5/5/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
After years and years of being hugely successful, Oscar-winning stars that have had tremendous success at the box office, respectively, two powerhouse actresses are going to share the screen for the very first time in a new action-thriller. The movie in question is "Maude v Maude" and it will see Halle Berry ("X-Men") and Angelina Jolie ("Maleficent") going toe-to-toe. Here's what we know about the project thus far.
According to Deadline, plot details are largely being kept under wraps but it is being described as a "Bond vs. Bourne" global action thriller. The package was subject to a pretty intense bidding war, but Warner Bros. came out on top and will release the movie when the time comes. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but one assumes they paid a pretty penny for the privilege. But Warner Bros. didn't just buy a pair of stars: they bought a...
According to Deadline, plot details are largely being kept under wraps but it is being described as a "Bond vs. Bourne" global action thriller. The package was subject to a pretty intense bidding war, but Warner Bros. came out on top and will release the movie when the time comes. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but one assumes they paid a pretty penny for the privilege. But Warner Bros. didn't just buy a pair of stars: they bought a...
- 4/19/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Image Source: Getty / Michael Tran / Samir Hussein
Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry are teaming up for a new film, which will see both legendary stars face off as spies. Warner Bros. confirmed to Popsugar that they have landed the new project, titled "Maude v Maude." Deadline was the first to report news of the exciting movie.
Full details of "Maude v Maude" are under wraps for now, but an insider told Deadline that it will be a global action thriller - a sort of "Bond vs. Bourne." Roseanne Liang will direct from a script by Scott Mosier. Berry and Jolie are also attached as producers on the flick.
The film marks the first time the pair have worked together, though the Oscar winners are no strangers to the spy and action genres. Berry starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in 2002's James Bond film "Die Another Day," appeared in the third John Wick film,...
Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry are teaming up for a new film, which will see both legendary stars face off as spies. Warner Bros. confirmed to Popsugar that they have landed the new project, titled "Maude v Maude." Deadline was the first to report news of the exciting movie.
Full details of "Maude v Maude" are under wraps for now, but an insider told Deadline that it will be a global action thriller - a sort of "Bond vs. Bourne." Roseanne Liang will direct from a script by Scott Mosier. Berry and Jolie are also attached as producers on the flick.
The film marks the first time the pair have worked together, though the Oscar winners are no strangers to the spy and action genres. Berry starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in 2002's James Bond film "Die Another Day," appeared in the third John Wick film,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry are to co-star in a new "Bond vs Bourne" action thriller. The pair will join forces for 'Maude v Maude', which Warner Bros. has landed the rights to following a multi-studio bidding war. According to Deadline, Jolie and Berry will produce the motion picture alongside Holly Jeter - Berry's producing partner - Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth. Roseanne Liang is to direct the film from a script by Scott Mosier, who will also executive produce alongside the filmmaker. Insiders told the publication that the film will be a "Bond vs Bourne" type movie, but exact plot details are yet to be revealed. The movie's package was on the market last week, and the bidding war headed into the weekend before Warner Bros. eventually sealed the deal. Berry is currently working alongside Jeter on movie 'Never Let Go'. She is starring in the Lionsgate film,...
- 4/19/2023
- by James Adam Leyfield
- Bang Showbiz
Deadline reports that Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry are set to join forces for Maude v Maude, an action thriller which sparked a multi-studio bidding war over the weekend.
Warner Bros. came out the victor in the battle of Maude v Maude. Roseanne Liang (Shadow in the Cloud) will direct the movie from a script by Scott Mosier (The Grinch). Not much is known about the project, but an insider described it as a “Bond vs Bourne” type of action thriller. I can get onboard with that. While both Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry have their share of action movies under their belts, this will be the first time that the two actors have worked together.
Related Maria: Angelina Jolie to star as opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s upcoming biopic
Of course, Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life,...
Warner Bros. came out the victor in the battle of Maude v Maude. Roseanne Liang (Shadow in the Cloud) will direct the movie from a script by Scott Mosier (The Grinch). Not much is known about the project, but an insider described it as a “Bond vs Bourne” type of action thriller. I can get onboard with that. While both Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry have their share of action movies under their belts, this will be the first time that the two actors have worked together.
Related Maria: Angelina Jolie to star as opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s upcoming biopic
Of course, Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Following an intense multi-studio bidding war that went into the weekend, Warner Bros has landed the package Maude v Maude that has Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry attached to star. Roseanne Liang is on board to direct from Scott Mosier’s script. Berry and Jolie will produce along with Berry’s producing partner Holly Jeter via their banner HalleHolly, along with Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth who will produce through Rk Films. Mosier and Liang will exec produce.
Exact details are being kept under wraps, but and insider describes the pic as a “Bond vs. Bourne” type of globl action thriller with locations to be announced.
While Berry and Jolie have had careers that have spanned three decades, the two have never worked together. Both are veterans of the genre, though; Jolie starred as the title character in the hit action thriller Salt, and Berry played Jinx in the...
Exact details are being kept under wraps, but and insider describes the pic as a “Bond vs. Bourne” type of globl action thriller with locations to be announced.
While Berry and Jolie have had careers that have spanned three decades, the two have never worked together. Both are veterans of the genre, though; Jolie starred as the title character in the hit action thriller Salt, and Berry played Jinx in the...
- 4/18/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Smith's 2014 film "Tusk" has a rather strange origin story. On a 2013 episode of his long-running podcast "SModcast" -- the episode titled "The Walrus and the Carpenter" -- Smith and his co-host Scott Mosier came across a real-life British want ad from a man seeking a roommate. The want ad described a strange scenario wherein the lodger would be allowed to stay with the man rent-free, provided the lodger dress and behave like a walrus. The man who posted the ad evidently recalled a wonderful time in his past when he had bonded with a real-life walrus and wanted to recreate the feeling.
Smith and Mosier spend 60 full minutes discussing the veracity of the ad and laughing as they imagine this walrus-like scenario as it might appear in a feature film. The two of them become so enamored by their conversation that, by the end of the hour, they...
Smith and Mosier spend 60 full minutes discussing the veracity of the ad and laughing as they imagine this walrus-like scenario as it might appear in a feature film. The two of them become so enamored by their conversation that, by the end of the hour, they...
- 11/13/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Filmmaker Kevin Smith started his career by making a movie with his friends, and honestly, nothing's really changed. The prolific writer and director recently released his goodbye to the View Askewniverse, "Clerks III," and pulled out all of the stops bringing his famous (and not-so-famous) friends together for one last hurrah.
There are so many cameos in "Clerks III" that it's almost difficult to determine what's a cameo and what's simply someone reprising a role from one of the other Askewniverse films, but that's honestly part of the fun. After all, this is a universe where there are at least five different men walking around looking and sounding like Ben Affleck, including a brand new one introduced in "Clerks III."
Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) are back, of course, along with a few other View Askewniverse favorites that actually have too much screen-time to be "cameos," but there...
There are so many cameos in "Clerks III" that it's almost difficult to determine what's a cameo and what's simply someone reprising a role from one of the other Askewniverse films, but that's honestly part of the fun. After all, this is a universe where there are at least five different men walking around looking and sounding like Ben Affleck, including a brand new one introduced in "Clerks III."
Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal (Jeff Anderson) are back, of course, along with a few other View Askewniverse favorites that actually have too much screen-time to be "cameos," but there...
- 9/17/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Independent movies have been a thing for just about as long as movies have been a popular form of entertainment. But there was a point in the '90s when major studios realized that indie movies could also be good business, and Miramax was at the cutting edge of that movement, acquiring a string of films out of the festival circuit and turning them into hits. Miramax, founded by Bob Weinstein and the since-disgraced Harvey Weinstein (who is currently in prison), was so successful that Disney ended up buying the company in 1993.
Miramax wanted to prove that it could still do what it had always done despite being owned by the Mouse House. So, in 1994, the studio went to Sundance and went on a spending spree. Most notably, it acquired Quentin Tarantino's all-time classic "Pulp Fiction," which went on to become a gigantic hit and perhaps one of the...
Miramax wanted to prove that it could still do what it had always done despite being owned by the Mouse House. So, in 1994, the studio went to Sundance and went on a spending spree. Most notably, it acquired Quentin Tarantino's all-time classic "Pulp Fiction," which went on to become a gigantic hit and perhaps one of the...
- 9/17/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
After his heart attack in 2018, Kevin Smith isn't even supposed to be here today — but boy, are we glad he still is! The New Jersey native with the gift of the gab has spent the better part of the past three decades willing his whimsy into reality. They say write about what you know, and Smith has made a solid career out of doing precisely that, much to the adoration of his die-hard fans across the globe.
It's more than that though. As one of the original indie filmmakers of the early '90s, Smith proved that anyone could make a movie. While Quentin Tarantino splattered us with blood and Wes Anderson perfected immaculate shots, Smith seemed like one of us — just a regular guy, with a regular life, who loved dissecting the big issues of the day like movies, TV, and the logistics of building a Death Star.
Cut...
It's more than that though. As one of the original indie filmmakers of the early '90s, Smith proved that anyone could make a movie. While Quentin Tarantino splattered us with blood and Wes Anderson perfected immaculate shots, Smith seemed like one of us — just a regular guy, with a regular life, who loved dissecting the big issues of the day like movies, TV, and the logistics of building a Death Star.
Cut...
- 9/13/2022
- by Simon Bland
- Slash Film
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
Nearly 30 years after its cinematic debut, I assure you, the Quick Stop is open once again thanks to "Clerks III." After trying to manifest this project in a number of different ways since the release of the second film in 2006, fan-favorite filmmaker Kevin Smith is finally presenting the third chapter in Dante Hicks and Randal Graves' story in a theater near you. And interestingly enough, this movie brings the New Jersey native all the way back to his first chapter as the characters that kickstarted his career back in the early '90s are now making their own movie about working in a convenience store.
To avoid the real tragedy of showing up at the theater when you're not even supposed to be there today,...
Nearly 30 years after its cinematic debut, I assure you, the Quick Stop is open once again thanks to "Clerks III." After trying to manifest this project in a number of different ways since the release of the second film in 2006, fan-favorite filmmaker Kevin Smith is finally presenting the third chapter in Dante Hicks and Randal Graves' story in a theater near you. And interestingly enough, this movie brings the New Jersey native all the way back to his first chapter as the characters that kickstarted his career back in the early '90s are now making their own movie about working in a convenience store.
To avoid the real tragedy of showing up at the theater when you're not even supposed to be there today,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
Exclusive: We hear that Scott Mosier has closed a deal to direct the live-action movie Meebo and Me at Warner Bros.
Deadline first told you that Warners snapped up the comedic family adventure spec by Free Guy‘s Matt Lieberman in a bidding war back in April.
In Meebo and Me, a divorced dad goes through great lengths to get his son the hot new toy, an adorable robot. But when the other toy robots rise up against their owners, the dad and his defective robot set out to save his son and the world while building a profound friendship along the way.
Kenya Barris is producing through his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Lieberman and Adam Kolbrenner’s Lit Entertainment Group.
Lieberman’s Free Guy was one of the high points for original movies over the pandemic summer, earning $121.6 million at the domestic box office and $210M worldwide.
Mosier...
Deadline first told you that Warners snapped up the comedic family adventure spec by Free Guy‘s Matt Lieberman in a bidding war back in April.
In Meebo and Me, a divorced dad goes through great lengths to get his son the hot new toy, an adorable robot. But when the other toy robots rise up against their owners, the dad and his defective robot set out to save his son and the world while building a profound friendship along the way.
Kenya Barris is producing through his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Lieberman and Adam Kolbrenner’s Lit Entertainment Group.
Lieberman’s Free Guy was one of the high points for original movies over the pandemic summer, earning $121.6 million at the domestic box office and $210M worldwide.
Mosier...
- 12/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Snoochie Boochies! After landing an SXSW premiere in March of 2021, the life and legacy of filmmaker/actor/all-around nerd Kevin Smith once again grabs the spotlight in "Clerk," a feature behind-the-scenes documentary directed by Malcolm Ingram.
Featuring never-before-seen interviews with Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier, Jason Mewes, Stan Lee, Justin Long, Penn Jillette, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and more key players in Smith's career, "Clerk." has a new trailer that dropped via 1091 Pictures.
In a press release, Smith relishes the moment:
"I'm legit thrilled that 1091 snapped up Malcolm's masterpiece, Clerk. To say I love this deep-dive documentary into my favorite subject...
The post Clerk Trailer: The Life and Career of Kevin Smith Gets the Documentary Spotlight appeared first on /Film.
Featuring never-before-seen interviews with Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier, Jason Mewes, Stan Lee, Justin Long, Penn Jillette, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and more key players in Smith's career, "Clerk." has a new trailer that dropped via 1091 Pictures.
In a press release, Smith relishes the moment:
"I'm legit thrilled that 1091 snapped up Malcolm's masterpiece, Clerk. To say I love this deep-dive documentary into my favorite subject...
The post Clerk Trailer: The Life and Career of Kevin Smith Gets the Documentary Spotlight appeared first on /Film.
- 10/26/2021
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
"More often than not, a hero’s most epic battle is the one you never see; it’s the battle that goes on within him or herself." Love him or hate him, Kevin Smith is a fascinating guy and iconic filmmaker. Love him or hate him, he has made 13 movies (so far), created a podcast empire, and cemented himself in pop culture history as a famous fanboy. Like many of us, he started as a film lover. He always wanted to be a storyteller, but had no idea if he could ever be successful. After seeing Linklater's Slacker, off he went to the Vancouver Film School in the 1990s, where he met producer / filmmaker Scott Mosier, and the rest is history. Malcolm Ingram's new documentary Clerk, which just premiered at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, take us through Smith's entire life, examining his legacy and many accomplishments – both as a filmmaker and as a person.
- 3/19/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
What more can you say about a guy who’s been an open book for the last two-and-a-half decades? Herein lies the challenge of Malcolm Ingram’s warm, American Masters-style portrait of friend Kevin Smith, the kind of guy who frankly feels like a friend to all of his fans. The film, titled Clerk, allows others besides Silent Bob to contribute to the Smith story, chronicling his extensive career in filmmaking, comics, e-commerce, and podcasting.
The documentary begins with a moving confessional as the young Smith records a video thanking his dad before going off on his first adventure, leaving his Jersey shore enclave of Highlands for an accelerated film program in Vancouver. While in Canada, Smith would link up with Scott Mosier, producer of his earlier films until years later when Mosier decides to take a sabbatical and become a director in his own right with The Grinch.
While...
The documentary begins with a moving confessional as the young Smith records a video thanking his dad before going off on his first adventure, leaving his Jersey shore enclave of Highlands for an accelerated film program in Vancouver. While in Canada, Smith would link up with Scott Mosier, producer of his earlier films until years later when Mosier decides to take a sabbatical and become a director in his own right with The Grinch.
While...
- 3/17/2021
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
The Kevin Smith’s Mallrats 2-Disc Blu-ray set will be available from Arrow Video October 13th
They Re Not There To Shop. They Re Not There There To Work. They Re Just There.
Following the smash success of his first feature, Clerks, Kevin Smith returned with Mallrats. Spawning a raft of characters and in-jokes that Smith would carry throughout his career, the film continued the one-of-a-kind comedic world known as the View Askewniverse.
Simultaneously dumped by their girlfriends, comic book obsessive Brodie (Jason Lee) and best friend Ts (Jeremy London) plan to ease the pain of their losses by taking take a trip to the local mall. Amongst shoppers, they discover the mall is being used as the venue for a dating show, in which Ts s girlfriend Brandi is the star. Hatching a plan to win back their significant others, Brodie and Ts enlist the help of professional delinquents...
They Re Not There To Shop. They Re Not There There To Work. They Re Just There.
Following the smash success of his first feature, Clerks, Kevin Smith returned with Mallrats. Spawning a raft of characters and in-jokes that Smith would carry throughout his career, the film continued the one-of-a-kind comedic world known as the View Askewniverse.
Simultaneously dumped by their girlfriends, comic book obsessive Brodie (Jason Lee) and best friend Ts (Jeremy London) plan to ease the pain of their losses by taking take a trip to the local mall. Amongst shoppers, they discover the mall is being used as the venue for a dating show, in which Ts s girlfriend Brandi is the star. Hatching a plan to win back their significant others, Brodie and Ts enlist the help of professional delinquents...
- 9/30/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: CBS All Access is developing The Multivorce, an adult animated TV series created by Kirker Butler (Family Guy) and Scott Mosier (The Grinch), I have learned. It hails from Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment and CBS TV Studios.
Described by sources as Marriage Story mixed with Rick and Morty, The Multivorce is a half-hour animated comedy about the Gundersons, a seemingly normal American family: mother, father, three kids dealing with the complicated realities of divorce. However, instead of the kids having to spend every other weekend at their father’s shitty bachelor apartment across town, they spend every other weekend with their warrior queen mother in her very exciting (and often very dangerous) kingdom somewhere in the Multivorce.
Butler and Mosier executive produce with Kapital’s Kaplan and Dana Honor.
Mosier produced his first movie, Clerks, at age twenty-one with writer-director Kevin Smith. He went on to produce Smith’s Mallrats,...
Described by sources as Marriage Story mixed with Rick and Morty, The Multivorce is a half-hour animated comedy about the Gundersons, a seemingly normal American family: mother, father, three kids dealing with the complicated realities of divorce. However, instead of the kids having to spend every other weekend at their father’s shitty bachelor apartment across town, they spend every other weekend with their warrior queen mother in her very exciting (and often very dangerous) kingdom somewhere in the Multivorce.
Butler and Mosier executive produce with Kapital’s Kaplan and Dana Honor.
Mosier produced his first movie, Clerks, at age twenty-one with writer-director Kevin Smith. He went on to produce Smith’s Mallrats,...
- 8/27/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Samantha Buck and Marie Schlingmann’s Sister Aimee, which had its premiere in the Next section at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, has been acquired by 1091 (formerly known as The Orchard Film Group) and Obscured Pictures. It will now hit theaters September 27 at the Village East Cinema in New York and the Laemmle Glendale in Los Angeles ahead of a further rollout and a VOD bow October 1.
The pic written and directed by Buck and Schlingmann tells the mostly fictional story of the real-life early 20th century mega-star evangelist Sister Aimee Semple McPherson (played by Anna Margaret Hollyman), with the movie’s plot revolving around the media sensation faking her own death at the pinnacle of her fame to run away to Mexico with her married lover. In real life, the Foursquare Church founder was allegedly kidnapped and held captive for more than a month, but the...
The pic written and directed by Buck and Schlingmann tells the mostly fictional story of the real-life early 20th century mega-star evangelist Sister Aimee Semple McPherson (played by Anna Margaret Hollyman), with the movie’s plot revolving around the media sensation faking her own death at the pinnacle of her fame to run away to Mexico with her married lover. In real life, the Foursquare Church founder was allegedly kidnapped and held captive for more than a month, but the...
- 8/5/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Aaron Sagers Jul 17, 2019
We speak with director/podcaster/personality extraordinaire Kevin Smith about Jay and Silent Bob Reboot and his Sdcc memories.
It is hard to imagine a San Diego Comic-Con without Kevin Smith, but there was an era we’ll call Bks where Saturday nights at the event didn’t conclude with the Jerseyed One from Jersey taking the main stage.
In actuality, the director, podcaster, comedian and nerd culture commentator didn’t make it to Sdcc until 1995. He went to screen Mallrats -- offsite at the Horton Plaza mall -- and didn’t even hold a panel. By ’96, Smith was speaking to a packed room at the con.
“That’s when I felt like I had arrived at Comic-Con,” he said in a recent interview. “The following year, '97, we'd had Chasing Amy out there, and when I went back, I had a bigger room to do the Q&a,...
We speak with director/podcaster/personality extraordinaire Kevin Smith about Jay and Silent Bob Reboot and his Sdcc memories.
It is hard to imagine a San Diego Comic-Con without Kevin Smith, but there was an era we’ll call Bks where Saturday nights at the event didn’t conclude with the Jerseyed One from Jersey taking the main stage.
In actuality, the director, podcaster, comedian and nerd culture commentator didn’t make it to Sdcc until 1995. He went to screen Mallrats -- offsite at the Horton Plaza mall -- and didn’t even hold a panel. By ’96, Smith was speaking to a packed room at the con.
“That’s when I felt like I had arrived at Comic-Con,” he said in a recent interview. “The following year, '97, we'd had Chasing Amy out there, and when I went back, I had a bigger room to do the Q&a,...
- 7/17/2019
- Den of Geek
There’s an unfortunate imbalance to be found within The Secret Life of Pets 2. Last time, the ingenious concept of what our animal companions do when we’re not around was done to decent effect, creating an animal take on the Toy Story plot. Nothing on the level of Pixar, but still cute and fun. Here, the scales are tilted in the wrong direction. Far too much of this film, which admittedly is aimed at children, opts to be silly nonsense just meant to divert young eyes. The potential of the first movie is mostly abandoned. One aspect here is handled well, but the rest is disappointing and trying for an adult to sit through. Consider me very much let down. The film is a sequel, of course, to The Secret Life of Pets. Again, we follow along with the adventures of various animals while their owners are out and about.
- 6/5/2019
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Features the voices of: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Pharrell Williams, Tristan O’Hare, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury | Written by Michael LeSieur, Tommy Swerdlow | Directed by Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Whoville when he runs out of food. Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger,...
The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Whoville when he runs out of food. Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger,...
- 3/11/2019
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
With Tuesday’s numbers included, Illumination and Universal Pictures’ The Grinch steered the sleigh across the half-billion mark worldwide. The split is $270M domestic and $231M at the international box office for $501M global. This is the 6th title from the folks at Chris Meledandri’s animation powerhouse to reach $500M.
Domestically known as Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, the Benedict Cumberbatch-voiced update on the Christmas classic opened No. 1 with $67.6M in November. That gave Illumination its 7th No. 1 bow with the movie going on to become the 6th highest-grossing title of 2018 and the 2nd biggest animated film of the year in North America.
Overseas, where Dr Seuss is not well-known outside the English-speaking markets and Germany, the movie was titled simply The Grinch and has remained in the Top 10 for nine consecutive weeks. It opened No. 1 in 30 territories, including the UK, France, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Norway, India, Thailand, Vietnam,...
Domestically known as Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, the Benedict Cumberbatch-voiced update on the Christmas classic opened No. 1 with $67.6M in November. That gave Illumination its 7th No. 1 bow with the movie going on to become the 6th highest-grossing title of 2018 and the 2nd biggest animated film of the year in North America.
Overseas, where Dr Seuss is not well-known outside the English-speaking markets and Germany, the movie was titled simply The Grinch and has remained in the Top 10 for nine consecutive weeks. It opened No. 1 in 30 territories, including the UK, France, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Norway, India, Thailand, Vietnam,...
- 1/9/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Illumination and Universal Pictures’ “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” has surpassed the $500 million mark at the worldwide box office, making it the sixth Illumination movie to reach the half-billion mark.
The film’s opening weekend grossed $67.7 million (Illumination’s seventh no. 1 opening) and has since grossed $270 million domestically. That makes it the sixth-highest grossing film of 2018 and the second-highest grossing animated film of the year.
The film also opened no. 1 in 30 territories that included Norway, Mongolia, Thailand, Iceland, Romania, France, Spain, Belgium, Greece and New Zealand. Internationally, the film has earned $231 million.
Also Read: 'The Grinch' Pilfers $66 Million at Box Office
Worldwide, “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” was the highest-grossing opening for a Christmas-themed movie and has since become the highest-grossing Christmas-themed movie ever — as well as the biggest Dr. Seuss film ever.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” featured the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the infamous Grinch, who lives alone in a cave on Mt.
The film’s opening weekend grossed $67.7 million (Illumination’s seventh no. 1 opening) and has since grossed $270 million domestically. That makes it the sixth-highest grossing film of 2018 and the second-highest grossing animated film of the year.
The film also opened no. 1 in 30 territories that included Norway, Mongolia, Thailand, Iceland, Romania, France, Spain, Belgium, Greece and New Zealand. Internationally, the film has earned $231 million.
Also Read: 'The Grinch' Pilfers $66 Million at Box Office
Worldwide, “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” was the highest-grossing opening for a Christmas-themed movie and has since become the highest-grossing Christmas-themed movie ever — as well as the biggest Dr. Seuss film ever.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” featured the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the infamous Grinch, who lives alone in a cave on Mt.
- 1/9/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Kevin Smith has launched pre-production on his long-promised “Jay and Silent Bob” reboot with Jay Mewes and producer Jordan Monsanto.
Smith, who first announced the project in August, 2017, made the announcement in Jan. 1 tweet: “Spent the first day of 2019 having a #JayAndSilentBobReboot pre-pre-production meeting.”
Smith and Mewes made their film debut in the 1994 comedy “Clerks,” funded for $27,000 through Smith maxing out his credit cards. Smith wrote, directed, co-produced, and acted in “Clerks,” portraying the character Silent Bob as part of the team of Jay and Silent Bob.
Smith’s subsequent films featured Jay and Silent Bob and were mostly set in his home state of New Jersey. Those included “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and 2006’s “Clerks 2” — the final film in which the characters appeared. Smith produced the interconnected films through his View Askew Productions, which he co-founded with Scott Mosier.
Smith also directed and...
Smith, who first announced the project in August, 2017, made the announcement in Jan. 1 tweet: “Spent the first day of 2019 having a #JayAndSilentBobReboot pre-pre-production meeting.”
Smith and Mewes made their film debut in the 1994 comedy “Clerks,” funded for $27,000 through Smith maxing out his credit cards. Smith wrote, directed, co-produced, and acted in “Clerks,” portraying the character Silent Bob as part of the team of Jay and Silent Bob.
Smith’s subsequent films featured Jay and Silent Bob and were mostly set in his home state of New Jersey. Those included “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and 2006’s “Clerks 2” — the final film in which the characters appeared. Smith produced the interconnected films through his View Askew Productions, which he co-founded with Scott Mosier.
Smith also directed and...
- 1/2/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Christmas Chronicles
Stars: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Oliver Hudson, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Debra Wilson, Kari Wahlgren, Andrew Morgado, Debi Derryberry, Michael Yurchak, Jessica Lowe | Written by Matt Lieberman | Directed by Clay Kaytis
The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.
Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles has only one factor that kept it out of the clutches of a dollar bin – the absurdly affectionate performance of Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. A role in which he revels in with humorous and lively exploits. The rest is your standard merit of a traditional direct-to-video treatment that has moments of entertainment but stagnates in saturated genre convention. Russell steals the show undoubtedly. His charisma and charm is the lifeblood of the picture. A wonderfully exuberant and joyous role is clearly on display,...
Stars: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Oliver Hudson, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Debra Wilson, Kari Wahlgren, Andrew Morgado, Debi Derryberry, Michael Yurchak, Jessica Lowe | Written by Matt Lieberman | Directed by Clay Kaytis
The story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.
Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles has only one factor that kept it out of the clutches of a dollar bin – the absurdly affectionate performance of Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. A role in which he revels in with humorous and lively exploits. The rest is your standard merit of a traditional direct-to-video treatment that has moments of entertainment but stagnates in saturated genre convention. Russell steals the show undoubtedly. His charisma and charm is the lifeblood of the picture. A wonderfully exuberant and joyous role is clearly on display,...
- 12/18/2018
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Photo: Sony Pictures Animation).
Sony Animation’s Spider-Man reboot swung into Australian cinemas last weekend but trailed Universal/Illumination’s powerhouse The Grinch, which ruled again in its third frame.
Andre Rieu fans turned out for his concert filmed at Sydney Town Hall while Fox’s M-rated Once Upon a Deadpool had a middling start, in line with its Us debut.
Meanwhile Peter Jackson, Universal Pictures and co-financiers Media Rights Capital and Perfect World Pictures are facing a write-off of $100 million or more on Mortal Engines, which bombed in the Us.
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black is winding down after 13 weeks, having generated $11.9 million for Sony.
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which chronicles a turbulent year in the lives of a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City, is having a brief run in a handful of cinemas including the Ritz, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne and...
Sony Animation’s Spider-Man reboot swung into Australian cinemas last weekend but trailed Universal/Illumination’s powerhouse The Grinch, which ruled again in its third frame.
Andre Rieu fans turned out for his concert filmed at Sydney Town Hall while Fox’s M-rated Once Upon a Deadpool had a middling start, in line with its Us debut.
Meanwhile Peter Jackson, Universal Pictures and co-financiers Media Rights Capital and Perfect World Pictures are facing a write-off of $100 million or more on Mortal Engines, which bombed in the Us.
Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black is winding down after 13 weeks, having generated $11.9 million for Sony.
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which chronicles a turbulent year in the lives of a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City, is having a brief run in a handful of cinemas including the Ritz, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne and...
- 12/16/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
In the competitive world of feature animation, it takes more than an entertaining yarn and a bit of slapstick comedy to cut through the noise. To make an impact at the box office in 2018—and at the Oscars, heading now into its 91st go-round—filmmakers are called upon to pursue a new standard of excellence, going back to the drawing board with each new effort, and finding exciting ways to break the mold.
Leading the charge as regular contenders for Best Animated Feature since the category was created in 2001, Walt Disney Studios, and its Bay area subsidiary Pixar, once again enter the field of 25 films, with two projects that embody the category’s ideals. First, there’s Incredibles 2, Brad Bird’s return to the groundbreaking superhero world he established in 2004. Sending the Parr family off on new adventures, the film easily achieved hard-to-get hit sequel status, setting a record for best debut for an animated film—with a gross of $182.7 million in its opening weekend—on the way to becoming the second highest-grossing animated pic of all time, second only to Disney’s own Frozen, in fact.
Bowing just a few weeks ago, Ralph Breaks the Internet transcended that same sequel challenge. A follow-up to the beloved Wreck-It Ralph, this iteration from Phil Johnston and Rich Moore (the writer and director behind the Oscar-winning Zootopia) capitalizes on the boundless world the original set up, following compelling video game characters (and best friends) Ralph and Vanellope into the Internet. Impeccably designed, the film visualizes the web as it’s never been seen before, offering up thoughtful satire on the culture embedded within the information superhighway, with a timely critique of Disney princess tropes and the ideas about gender that have circulated for as long as stories have been told.
Bearing in mind that Disney-produced offerings have won the Animation Oscar in 10 out of the last 11 years—in an unprecedented stretch—competing studios are working tirelessly to up their game, in hopes of breaking the behemoth’s spell. The top candidate to do so this year would have to be Fox Searchlight, with Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. The second stop-motion outing from the critically praised auteur, the film follows a Japanese boy living in the retrofuture, on a quest to find his missing dog. Lovingly crafted by hand, the film features an astonishing assortment of environments and gorgeously sculpted characters, pushing the medium of stop-motion and bending towards Anderson’s signature stylings. It opened the 68th Berlin International Film Festival, where its director was awarded the Silver Bear.
Another pillar of stop-motion—behind such classics as Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit—Nick Park has won four Oscars to date, and looks to compete again with Aardman Animations’ Early Man. Set at the dawn of time, the comedy takes an altogether new angle on history, following a group of cavemen as they face off against the powers of the Bronze Age in a football match, with life as they know it at stake.
Four other studios are also making a run at Oscar. A major presence in the animation conversation since its inception in 2007, Illumination Entertainment is back with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, directed by Yarrow Cheney and first-timer Scott Mosier. The third adaptation of a classic 1957 tale by the beloved children’s author, this version sees Benedict Cumberbatch tap into the withered spirit of the iconic green curmudgeon, setting out to ruin Christmas for those poor Whos of Whoville yet again. Also featuring the voices of Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely and Angela Lansbury—with narration by Pharrell Williams—Illumination’s film sought to pay reverential homage to Seuss’ work, while making it feel fresh, introducing the Grinch to a new generation of viewers.
From Sony Pictures Animation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse really shakes things up. A postmodern take on Spidey—and the first-ever animated film centering on Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s iconic creation—the immersive, action-and-laugh-packed flick brings the style of vintage comic books to CG animation, playing with form, and employing meta-level self-awareness. From innovative producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this Spider-Man film is the first to star Miles Morales—an Afro-Latino version of the character existing within a Marvel multiverse. The film introduces the viewer to parallel dimensions and several Spider-people, demonstrating that there’s no single definition of a superhero. Anyone can wear the mask, so long as they’re willing to stand up for what’s right.
Also on the Sony slate is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, the latest installment in a franchise from Genndy Tartakovsky, which takes Dracula away from the comforts of his hotel, and out onto the sea, where new characters including Van Helsing (voiced by Jim Gaffigan) emerge.
At Paramount, John Stevenson brings his skill to Sherlock Gnomes, a sequel to 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet. It sends a band of garden gnomes out into a different genre and setting, as Sherlock Gnomes investigates the mysterious disappearance of garden ornaments in contemporary London. Executive produced by Elton John, the film even features some captivating Elton originals.
Rounding out the studio offerings this year is Warner Bros., with Smallfoot—centered on a Yeti who is convinced humans don’t exist—and Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, based on a popular television series, involving the exploits of DC superheroes.
On the international front, it can take even more craft to draw Oscar’s attention—and yet in 2018, the animation shortlist is as diverse as it’s ever been, with submissions from Mexico (Ana y Bruno), China (Have a Nice Day), and Taiwan (On Happiness Road). One of three particular stand-outs is Ruben, Brandt Collector, Sony Pictures Classics’ R-rated art and cinema pastiche from 66-year-old first-time director Milorad Krstić, who weaves a tapestry of all of the works of art that have consumed him over the years. From Gkids, Mfkz is based on a comic series of the same name and follows one of many deadbeats making his way through the violent Dark Meat City. Also on the dystopian front, Shout! Factory’s Tito and the Birds (Brazil) paints a picture of a world where fear manifests as a disease, and a villain (inspired by President Donald Trump) weaponizes mass hysteria for his own malevolent purposes. Notably, this season’s list features a record eight films produced in Japan, many of which strive to take anime to new heights. These include Fireworks, The Laws of the Universe – Part I, two films from Masaaki Yuasa, Mamoru Hosoda’s Mirai, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms from first-time director Mari Okada, and Liz and the Blue Bird from Naoko Yamada.
Completing the list of contenders this year are Tall Tales, coming out of France, and Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, from director Richard Lanni. Providing some resolution in a season with an overabundance of solid works, the Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2019.
Leading the charge as regular contenders for Best Animated Feature since the category was created in 2001, Walt Disney Studios, and its Bay area subsidiary Pixar, once again enter the field of 25 films, with two projects that embody the category’s ideals. First, there’s Incredibles 2, Brad Bird’s return to the groundbreaking superhero world he established in 2004. Sending the Parr family off on new adventures, the film easily achieved hard-to-get hit sequel status, setting a record for best debut for an animated film—with a gross of $182.7 million in its opening weekend—on the way to becoming the second highest-grossing animated pic of all time, second only to Disney’s own Frozen, in fact.
Bowing just a few weeks ago, Ralph Breaks the Internet transcended that same sequel challenge. A follow-up to the beloved Wreck-It Ralph, this iteration from Phil Johnston and Rich Moore (the writer and director behind the Oscar-winning Zootopia) capitalizes on the boundless world the original set up, following compelling video game characters (and best friends) Ralph and Vanellope into the Internet. Impeccably designed, the film visualizes the web as it’s never been seen before, offering up thoughtful satire on the culture embedded within the information superhighway, with a timely critique of Disney princess tropes and the ideas about gender that have circulated for as long as stories have been told.
Bearing in mind that Disney-produced offerings have won the Animation Oscar in 10 out of the last 11 years—in an unprecedented stretch—competing studios are working tirelessly to up their game, in hopes of breaking the behemoth’s spell. The top candidate to do so this year would have to be Fox Searchlight, with Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. The second stop-motion outing from the critically praised auteur, the film follows a Japanese boy living in the retrofuture, on a quest to find his missing dog. Lovingly crafted by hand, the film features an astonishing assortment of environments and gorgeously sculpted characters, pushing the medium of stop-motion and bending towards Anderson’s signature stylings. It opened the 68th Berlin International Film Festival, where its director was awarded the Silver Bear.
Another pillar of stop-motion—behind such classics as Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit—Nick Park has won four Oscars to date, and looks to compete again with Aardman Animations’ Early Man. Set at the dawn of time, the comedy takes an altogether new angle on history, following a group of cavemen as they face off against the powers of the Bronze Age in a football match, with life as they know it at stake.
Four other studios are also making a run at Oscar. A major presence in the animation conversation since its inception in 2007, Illumination Entertainment is back with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, directed by Yarrow Cheney and first-timer Scott Mosier. The third adaptation of a classic 1957 tale by the beloved children’s author, this version sees Benedict Cumberbatch tap into the withered spirit of the iconic green curmudgeon, setting out to ruin Christmas for those poor Whos of Whoville yet again. Also featuring the voices of Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely and Angela Lansbury—with narration by Pharrell Williams—Illumination’s film sought to pay reverential homage to Seuss’ work, while making it feel fresh, introducing the Grinch to a new generation of viewers.
From Sony Pictures Animation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse really shakes things up. A postmodern take on Spidey—and the first-ever animated film centering on Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s iconic creation—the immersive, action-and-laugh-packed flick brings the style of vintage comic books to CG animation, playing with form, and employing meta-level self-awareness. From innovative producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this Spider-Man film is the first to star Miles Morales—an Afro-Latino version of the character existing within a Marvel multiverse. The film introduces the viewer to parallel dimensions and several Spider-people, demonstrating that there’s no single definition of a superhero. Anyone can wear the mask, so long as they’re willing to stand up for what’s right.
Also on the Sony slate is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, the latest installment in a franchise from Genndy Tartakovsky, which takes Dracula away from the comforts of his hotel, and out onto the sea, where new characters including Van Helsing (voiced by Jim Gaffigan) emerge.
At Paramount, John Stevenson brings his skill to Sherlock Gnomes, a sequel to 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet. It sends a band of garden gnomes out into a different genre and setting, as Sherlock Gnomes investigates the mysterious disappearance of garden ornaments in contemporary London. Executive produced by Elton John, the film even features some captivating Elton originals.
Rounding out the studio offerings this year is Warner Bros., with Smallfoot—centered on a Yeti who is convinced humans don’t exist—and Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, based on a popular television series, involving the exploits of DC superheroes.
On the international front, it can take even more craft to draw Oscar’s attention—and yet in 2018, the animation shortlist is as diverse as it’s ever been, with submissions from Mexico (Ana y Bruno), China (Have a Nice Day), and Taiwan (On Happiness Road). One of three particular stand-outs is Ruben, Brandt Collector, Sony Pictures Classics’ R-rated art and cinema pastiche from 66-year-old first-time director Milorad Krstić, who weaves a tapestry of all of the works of art that have consumed him over the years. From Gkids, Mfkz is based on a comic series of the same name and follows one of many deadbeats making his way through the violent Dark Meat City. Also on the dystopian front, Shout! Factory’s Tito and the Birds (Brazil) paints a picture of a world where fear manifests as a disease, and a villain (inspired by President Donald Trump) weaponizes mass hysteria for his own malevolent purposes. Notably, this season’s list features a record eight films produced in Japan, many of which strive to take anime to new heights. These include Fireworks, The Laws of the Universe – Part I, two films from Masaaki Yuasa, Mamoru Hosoda’s Mirai, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms from first-time director Mari Okada, and Liz and the Blue Bird from Naoko Yamada.
Completing the list of contenders this year are Tall Tales, coming out of France, and Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, from director Richard Lanni. Providing some resolution in a season with an overabundance of solid works, the Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2019.
- 12/13/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Mortal Engines’. (Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)
Following on from middling reviews, Universal’s Mortal Engines, produced and co-written by Peter Jackson, couldn’t match The Grinch, Bohemian Rhapsody or Creed II at the Aussie box office last weekend.
Directed by Christian Rivers and based on the novel by Philip Reeve, the Nz-shot sci-fi starring Hera Hilmar and Hugo Weaving opened on $1.4 million from 327 screens. Due to release in the Us this week, it totalled just $US18 million in 43 international markets over the weekend.
Illumination/Universal’s The Grinch stole the number one spot in Oz its second round, reaping $2.5 million from 323 screens – a fall of only 11 per cent. Co-directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the animated Dr. Seuss adaptation features a voice cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely and Rashida Jones. In total, the film has amassed $7.4 million to date in Australia, $US223.5 million in North America and $US322.4 million internationally.
Following on from middling reviews, Universal’s Mortal Engines, produced and co-written by Peter Jackson, couldn’t match The Grinch, Bohemian Rhapsody or Creed II at the Aussie box office last weekend.
Directed by Christian Rivers and based on the novel by Philip Reeve, the Nz-shot sci-fi starring Hera Hilmar and Hugo Weaving opened on $1.4 million from 327 screens. Due to release in the Us this week, it totalled just $US18 million in 43 international markets over the weekend.
Illumination/Universal’s The Grinch stole the number one spot in Oz its second round, reaping $2.5 million from 323 screens – a fall of only 11 per cent. Co-directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the animated Dr. Seuss adaptation features a voice cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely and Rashida Jones. In total, the film has amassed $7.4 million to date in Australia, $US223.5 million in North America and $US322.4 million internationally.
- 12/10/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
‘Creed II’ (Photo: Warner Bros).
MGM/Warner Bros’ Creed sequel and Universal/Illumination’s The Grinch understandably didn’t pack the punch of their stellar Us debuts in Australian cinemas last weekend – but the former opened far better than the original and the latter is positioned to trade strongly as school holidays approach.
Mks Retail’s science-fiction thriller 2.0. attracted plenty of Bollywood fans but it will need to make a motza given the reported budget of ₹543 crore ($A106 million).
Among the limited releases, Palace’s Normandy Nude and Transmission’s Lean on Pete struggled and Universal’s zany comedy Sorry to Bother You resonated strongly on just four screens.
Louis Theroux admirers turned up for Sharmill Films’ alternate content release Love Without Limits at upscale venues such as Cinema Nova but in lesser numbers at other locations.
The top 20 titles harvested $14.8 million, virtually flat with the previous weekend, according to Numero.
MGM/Warner Bros’ Creed sequel and Universal/Illumination’s The Grinch understandably didn’t pack the punch of their stellar Us debuts in Australian cinemas last weekend – but the former opened far better than the original and the latter is positioned to trade strongly as school holidays approach.
Mks Retail’s science-fiction thriller 2.0. attracted plenty of Bollywood fans but it will need to make a motza given the reported budget of ₹543 crore ($A106 million).
Among the limited releases, Palace’s Normandy Nude and Transmission’s Lean on Pete struggled and Universal’s zany comedy Sorry to Bother You resonated strongly on just four screens.
Louis Theroux admirers turned up for Sharmill Films’ alternate content release Love Without Limits at upscale venues such as Cinema Nova but in lesser numbers at other locations.
The top 20 titles harvested $14.8 million, virtually flat with the previous weekend, according to Numero.
- 12/3/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Avid fans of the Dr. Seuss canon that were excited to bring one of the author’s most well-known characters to life in a new animated iteration, Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney set out on a long process of trial and error, seeking to bring a freshness to The Grinch. The third adaptation of a classic 1957 children’s book, Illumination Entertainment’s latest would place Benedict Cumberbatch in the role of the iconic green curmudgeon, setting out to ruin Christmas for those pesky Whos of Whoville once and for all.
Making his feature debut alongside veteran Cheney, Mosier had produced a 3D animated film in 2013—Free Birds, starring Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson—getting a “crash course” in the form. So, when it came to The Grinch, the challenge wasn’t learning the ropes—it was taking a pre-existing world and fleshing its 60-something pages out, playing with story, character and world design where possible,...
Making his feature debut alongside veteran Cheney, Mosier had produced a 3D animated film in 2013—Free Birds, starring Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson—getting a “crash course” in the form. So, when it came to The Grinch, the challenge wasn’t learning the ropes—it was taking a pre-existing world and fleshing its 60-something pages out, playing with story, character and world design where possible,...
- 11/21/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For the third major retelling of Dr. Seuss' classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Illumination Entertainment decided to go back to the mean one's very roots. Instead of taking their cues from Chuck Jones' famous 1966 TV version, featuring the voice of Boris Karloff as both the narrator and the Grinch, or cribbing from Ron Howard's 2000 live-action version — in which Jim Carrey starred in green-face — filmmakers picked up Seuss' original 1957 children's book.
Scott Mosier, who along with Yarrow Cheney directed the new computer-animated The Grinch, which Universal will release Nov. 9 — just in ...
Scott Mosier, who along with Yarrow Cheney directed the new computer-animated The Grinch, which Universal will release Nov. 9 — just in ...
- 11/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
For the third major retelling of Dr. Seuss' classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Illumination Entertainment decided to go back to the mean one's very roots. Instead of taking their cues from Chuck Jones' famous 1966 TV version, featuring the voice of Boris Karloff as both the narrator and the Grinch, or cribbing from Ron Howard's 2000 live-action version — in which Jim Carrey starred in green-face — filmmakers picked up Seuss' original 1957 children's book.
Scott Mosier, who along with Yarrow Cheney directed the new computer-animated The Grinch, which Universal will release Nov. 9 — just in ...
Scott Mosier, who along with Yarrow Cheney directed the new computer-animated The Grinch, which Universal will release Nov. 9 — just in ...
- 11/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update, writethru…: Thrashing to a massive China start, Sony’s Venom has reclaimed the No. 1 spot at the worldwide and international box office this weekend. Chomping on $111M in the Middle Kingdom, the Tom Hardy-starrer is the 2nd best bow there ever for a superhero title, the 5th best for an imported film and Sony’s biggest China launch of all time.
As we noted on Saturday, the China performance was powering Venom across the $600M mark globally, and with $673.5M through Sunday, Ruben Fleischer’s take on the Marvel property will soon see the other side of $700M. The overall overseas session was worth $118.2M on 44,700+ screens in 66 markets for an offshore cume of $467.3M.
The China debut makes Venom just the second superhero movie ever to hit the century mark during a 3-day Middle Kingdom bow, behind only Avengers: Infinity War. Audience reaction has been great,...
As we noted on Saturday, the China performance was powering Venom across the $600M mark globally, and with $673.5M through Sunday, Ruben Fleischer’s take on the Marvel property will soon see the other side of $700M. The overall overseas session was worth $118.2M on 44,700+ screens in 66 markets for an offshore cume of $467.3M.
The China debut makes Venom just the second superhero movie ever to hit the century mark during a 3-day Middle Kingdom bow, behind only Avengers: Infinity War. Audience reaction has been great,...
- 11/11/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
His heart may be small, but that doesn’t mean his box office returns will be.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” is looking to top the weekend box office in its debut with an estimated $67 million from 4,141 North American locations.
Benedict Cumberbatch voices the titular green Whoville denizen in Universal’s new adaptation of Seuss’ 1957 story from Illumination. Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney directed the Yuletide pic from a screenplay by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow. Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury also lent their voices to the feature, with Pharrell Williams narrating and music by Danny Elfman.
The film has an early Rotten Tomatoes score of 54% and has landed an A- CinemaScore.
The last “Grinch” adaptation, 2000’s instant classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey and directed by Ron Howard, earned $55 million in its opening weekend, giving this year’s animated version a significant box office edge.
“Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” is looking to top the weekend box office in its debut with an estimated $67 million from 4,141 North American locations.
Benedict Cumberbatch voices the titular green Whoville denizen in Universal’s new adaptation of Seuss’ 1957 story from Illumination. Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney directed the Yuletide pic from a screenplay by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow. Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely, and Angela Lansbury also lent their voices to the feature, with Pharrell Williams narrating and music by Danny Elfman.
The film has an early Rotten Tomatoes score of 54% and has landed an A- CinemaScore.
The last “Grinch” adaptation, 2000’s instant classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey and directed by Ron Howard, earned $55 million in its opening weekend, giving this year’s animated version a significant box office edge.
- 11/10/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
Holiday season has already started for “The Grinch” as it heads for a merry $61 million opening weekend at 4,140 North American locations, early estimates showed Friday.
Universal-Illumination’s animated comedy is performing right in line with forecasts of between $55 million and $65 million this weekend. Fox’s second weekend of “Bohemian Rhapsody” should lead the rest of the pack with about $28 million. Newcomers “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and World War II horror tale “Overlord” should take in about $9 million each and will probably finish behind the second weekend of Disney’s “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” for third place.
“The Grinch,” adapted from the 1957 Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” features Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the titular Yuletide-hating character. The voice cast also includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams. Frequent Illumination collaborator Yarrow Cheney took on directing duties with Scott Mosier...
Universal-Illumination’s animated comedy is performing right in line with forecasts of between $55 million and $65 million this weekend. Fox’s second weekend of “Bohemian Rhapsody” should lead the rest of the pack with about $28 million. Newcomers “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and World War II horror tale “Overlord” should take in about $9 million each and will probably finish behind the second weekend of Disney’s “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” for third place.
“The Grinch,” adapted from the 1957 Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” features Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the titular Yuletide-hating character. The voice cast also includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams. Frequent Illumination collaborator Yarrow Cheney took on directing duties with Scott Mosier...
- 11/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“The Grinch” has opened with a merry $2.2 million at 3,200 North American locations on Thursday night.
Universal-Illumination’s holiday-themed animated comedy, which began showings at 6 p.m., is expected to gross between $55 million to $65 million this weekend when it expands to 4,140 screens. “The Grinch” should dominate moviegoing over the second weekend of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the launches of thriller “The Girl In the Spider’s Web” and World War II horror tale “Overlord.”
“The Grinch,” adapted from the 1957 Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Yuletide-hating villain. The voice cast includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams. Frequent Illumination collaborator Yarrow Cheney took on directing duties with Scott Mosier from a script by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow.
“The Grinch” is the second Dr. Seuss story that Illumination has brought to the big screen following 2012’s “The Lorax,” which...
Universal-Illumination’s holiday-themed animated comedy, which began showings at 6 p.m., is expected to gross between $55 million to $65 million this weekend when it expands to 4,140 screens. “The Grinch” should dominate moviegoing over the second weekend of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and the launches of thriller “The Girl In the Spider’s Web” and World War II horror tale “Overlord.”
“The Grinch,” adapted from the 1957 Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Yuletide-hating villain. The voice cast includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams. Frequent Illumination collaborator Yarrow Cheney took on directing duties with Scott Mosier from a script by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow.
“The Grinch” is the second Dr. Seuss story that Illumination has brought to the big screen following 2012’s “The Lorax,” which...
- 11/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Illumination and Universal’s “The Grinch,” a remake of the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” earned $2.2 million in Thursday previews from 3,200 screens. It will open on 4,140 screens this weekend.
Universal is projecting an opening weekend of $50 million for “The Grinch” and as high as $62 million based on numbers from independent trackers. Illumination’s previous Dr. Seuss adaptation, “The Lorax,” exceeded expectations by opening to $70.2 million in March 2012. Both “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” have reported $75 million budgets, consistent with other Illumination films. More recently, Illumination’s 2016 film “Sing” opened to only $1.7 million in Thursday previews on the way to a $35.2 million opening.
“The Grinch” stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character along with Rashida Jones and Kenan Thompson, telling the story of a lonely green grouch who concocts a plan to steal Christmas. Longtime Illumination director Yarrow Cheney directs with Scott Mosier.
Also Read: Benedict Cumberbatch on...
Universal is projecting an opening weekend of $50 million for “The Grinch” and as high as $62 million based on numbers from independent trackers. Illumination’s previous Dr. Seuss adaptation, “The Lorax,” exceeded expectations by opening to $70.2 million in March 2012. Both “The Lorax” and “The Grinch” have reported $75 million budgets, consistent with other Illumination films. More recently, Illumination’s 2016 film “Sing” opened to only $1.7 million in Thursday previews on the way to a $35.2 million opening.
“The Grinch” stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character along with Rashida Jones and Kenan Thompson, telling the story of a lonely green grouch who concocts a plan to steal Christmas. Longtime Illumination director Yarrow Cheney directs with Scott Mosier.
Also Read: Benedict Cumberbatch on...
- 11/9/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Chicago – They should have left well enough alone, didn’t anybody learn anything from the trainwreck of the Jim Carrey live-action-as-The-Grinch? Apparently not. A more kid friendly and modern animated version of “The Grinch” opens six weeks before Christmas, and already I want to return it.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
It’s isn’t bad bad, it’s just ho-hum and lazy storytelling. It starts with the inevitable, and by this time bordering-on-satire hip hop version of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Tyler the Creator… because we all know that the kiddie target audience need hip hop 24/7. And then we hear the voice of new Grinch, and it sounds exactly like a Brit doing an American accent (stretch out those vowels!). It would have been much cooler if Benedict Cumberbatch has just done his natural voice. Oh well. At least it had a decent emotional connection at the end, but...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
It’s isn’t bad bad, it’s just ho-hum and lazy storytelling. It starts with the inevitable, and by this time bordering-on-satire hip hop version of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Tyler the Creator… because we all know that the kiddie target audience need hip hop 24/7. And then we hear the voice of new Grinch, and it sounds exactly like a Brit doing an American accent (stretch out those vowels!). It would have been much cooler if Benedict Cumberbatch has just done his natural voice. Oh well. At least it had a decent emotional connection at the end, but...
- 11/9/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Illumination and Universal's CG animated The Grinch, the latest adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss holiday tale, is unwrapping plenty of green at the North American box office, where it grossed $18.7 million on Friday for a projected weekend bow of $67 million.
Friday's gross included $2.2 million in previews.
With a Grinch voiced this time out by Benedict Cumberbatch, the $75 million movie, playing in 4,414 theaters, is the first family event film of the year-end corridor.
Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the film's voice cast also includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela ...
Friday's gross included $2.2 million in previews.
With a Grinch voiced this time out by Benedict Cumberbatch, the $75 million movie, playing in 4,414 theaters, is the first family event film of the year-end corridor.
Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the film's voice cast also includes Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela ...
- 11/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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