The key to telling an historical drama, no matter what the subject matter is, often centers on the entertainment factor. Even if the story is deadly serious, if your audience is not having a good time, your ship is sunk. That doesn’t mean a Holocaust movie or a film about slavery needs to be fun, but there needs to be captivating actor, a narrative you invest in, and an overall feeling that what you’re watching isn’t homework. Luckily, The Banker checks off all of these boxes. The first foray into prestige cinema by Apple TV+ is a charming, as well as important, success story. Delayed from 2019 into 2020, it’s likely no longer an Academy Award hopeful, but it’s still a story well executed and well worth seeing. The film is a drama, somewhat fictionalizing the true story of how two African American men secretly started a business empire in the 1960s.
- 3/6/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
, “The Banker” tells the little-known story of Bernard Garrett, a brilliant and enterprising black man who broke through two of America’s most racist industries by hiring a white handyman to play the face of his business. Considered in that context, it’s “BlackKklansman” for math nerds, but absent the shit-stirring righteousness that made Spike Lee’s film so much fun.
On the contrary, this wooden tale of socioeconomic privilege is as stiff and disjointed as a middle school play, with every line of over-enunciated dialogue pitched to the rafters so that all of the parents can hear it (save for a third act so full of banking jargon you’d need an Mba to make sense of it all). Even if the Apple TV+ drama hadn’t been postponed due to credible allegations of sexual abuse and wanton revisionism, it would still reek of inauthenticity. Garrett’s victories are too convenient,...
On the contrary, this wooden tale of socioeconomic privilege is as stiff and disjointed as a middle school play, with every line of over-enunciated dialogue pitched to the rafters so that all of the parents can hear it (save for a third act so full of banking jargon you’d need an Mba to make sense of it all). Even if the Apple TV+ drama hadn’t been postponed due to credible allegations of sexual abuse and wanton revisionism, it would still reek of inauthenticity. Garrett’s victories are too convenient,...
- 3/5/2020
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
After abruptly pulling the George Nolfi-directed The Banker on the eve of its closing-night berth at AFI Fest last year and indefinitely postponing the December 6 release that was to mark Apple’s debut as a theatrical distributor, Apple has finally come forward and dated the period film for a March 6 theatrical release before it is placed on the Apple TV+ streaming service March 20.
Apple’s PR has steadfastly been ducking calls on this situation, which cropped up after allegations were made of sexual assault by Cynthia Garrett, who said her brother Bernard Garrett Jr molested both she and her sister when they were children.
The film tells the story of two black entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett Sr (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who after becoming millionaires through Los Angeles real estate dealings banded together to buy banks in Texas, a perilous pursuit in the Jim Crow South.
Apple’s PR has steadfastly been ducking calls on this situation, which cropped up after allegations were made of sexual assault by Cynthia Garrett, who said her brother Bernard Garrett Jr molested both she and her sister when they were children.
The film tells the story of two black entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett Sr (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who after becoming millionaires through Los Angeles real estate dealings banded together to buy banks in Texas, a perilous pursuit in the Jim Crow South.
- 1/16/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Banker” director George Nolfi and the movie’s cast, crew, producers, and writers signed an open letter published Monday defending the film based on the life of African American businessman Bernard Garrett. Distributor Apple delayed its release last month after Garrett’s daughter Cynthia Garrett accused her half brother Bernard Garrett Jr., one of the film’s producers, of sexual abuse and helping craft an inaccurate narrative of their father’s life. The filmmakers in their letter wrote the film was based not on the memories of the Garrett children, but from interviews with Garrett himself, and transcripts, court rulings, and media reports. (Via Variety).
In the statement, Nolfi, cast members Anthony Mackie (who protrays Garrett), Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and others, expressed sympathy for Cynthia Garrett in light of allegations that Garrett Jr. sexually abused her as a child, but defended the film and “its positive message of empowerment.
In the statement, Nolfi, cast members Anthony Mackie (who protrays Garrett), Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and others, expressed sympathy for Cynthia Garrett in light of allegations that Garrett Jr. sexually abused her as a child, but defended the film and “its positive message of empowerment.
- 12/2/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The cast and crew of “The Banker” are rising to the defense of the film after Apple delayed its release. The technology giant had originally planned to debut “The Banker” in the height of awards season, giving it a prime release date as it moves more aggressively into the content space. However, things changed after Cynthia Garrett, the daughter of the film’s protagonist, Bernard Garrett, accused Bernard Garrett, Jr., one of the film’s producers and her half-brother, of sexual abuse.
In a statement, the film’s director, writer, and producer George Nolfi, as well as cast members such as Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and other key talent say they stand by the film and “its positive message of empowerment.” While expressing sympathy for Cynthia Garrett, they note that the film is not based on the memories of Garrett’s children, but on interviews with Garrett himself,...
In a statement, the film’s director, writer, and producer George Nolfi, as well as cast members such as Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and other key talent say they stand by the film and “its positive message of empowerment.” While expressing sympathy for Cynthia Garrett, they note that the film is not based on the memories of Garrett’s children, but on interviews with Garrett himself,...
- 12/2/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Breaking: On the week that their film was supposed to open in theaters as Apple’s first theatrical release, the makers of The Banker — above and below the line — have issued a statement in solidarity and support for the message contained within a feature film that became embattled when Apple abruptly pulled it from the coveted AFI closing night slot and indefinitely postponed its theatrical release. Apple took those steps after allegations were made in social media posts by Cynthia Garrett — daughter of the film’s main character Bernard Garrett Sr — that her half brother Bernard Garrett Jr (who was listed as co-producer) molested her and her sister decades ago. Garrett Jr has denied those charges and his name immediately disappeared from the producing credits, which he said was his decision. Garrett Jr’s name also doesn’t appear among the 53 who signed the statement below.
Cynthia Garrett has also...
Cynthia Garrett has also...
- 12/2/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Bernard Garrett Jr., the co-producer on the film “The Banker” and the son of one of the subjects portrayed in the film, has denied accusations that he sexually molested his half sisters Cynthia and Sheila Garrett.
Last week, Apple cancelled the premiere and the theatrical release of its film “The Banker” after the two sisters accused Garrett Jr. of sexually molesting them over the course of several years in the early 1970s when he was 15 and they were children. Garrett Jr. in a statement to Deadline now denied the accusations, saying that his sisters blame him for the break-up of their father and mother.
Further, Garrett Jr. says that their father, Garrett Sr. (portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the film), twice refused to allow Cynthia Garrett the rights to make a film about their father and instead entrusted his life rights to his son.
Also Read: 'The Banker'...
Last week, Apple cancelled the premiere and the theatrical release of its film “The Banker” after the two sisters accused Garrett Jr. of sexually molesting them over the course of several years in the early 1970s when he was 15 and they were children. Garrett Jr. in a statement to Deadline now denied the accusations, saying that his sisters blame him for the break-up of their father and mother.
Further, Garrett Jr. says that their father, Garrett Sr. (portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the film), twice refused to allow Cynthia Garrett the rights to make a film about their father and instead entrusted his life rights to his son.
Also Read: 'The Banker'...
- 11/25/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Apple has delayed the release of “The Banker” from its planned Dec. 6 release date, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
The delay comes after it was reported this week that a woman had accused one of the film’s co-producers, and the son of the fact-based film’s subjects, of sexual misconduct. The film was meant to be released on Dec. 6 in association with Bleecker Street before debuting on Apple TV+ in 2020.
Apple previously canceled the gala premiere of the movie as the closing night film of the AFI Film Festival and issued this statement about the cancellation:
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy,” an Apple representative told TheWrap in a statement. “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some...
The delay comes after it was reported this week that a woman had accused one of the film’s co-producers, and the son of the fact-based film’s subjects, of sexual misconduct. The film was meant to be released on Dec. 6 in association with Bleecker Street before debuting on Apple TV+ in 2020.
Apple previously canceled the gala premiere of the movie as the closing night film of the AFI Film Festival and issued this statement about the cancellation:
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy,” an Apple representative told TheWrap in a statement. “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some...
- 11/22/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Apple is delaying the theatrical release of “The Banker,” originally set for Dec. 6 with assistance from Bleecker Street, insiders familiar with the company said.
It’s being delayed as the filmmakers review accusations of historical inaccuracy and sexual abuse at the hands of co-producer Bernard Garrett Jr. The film was also set to premiere on Apple TV Plus in January, which is also being postponed due to the theatrical release’s delay.
“The Banker” is the story of Garrett Jr.’s father, portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the film. Apple announced on Nov. 20 that it had canceled a planned gala screening of “The Banker,” one of the tech company’s flagship original films that was meant to close AFI Fest on Nov. 21 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre Hollywood. Netflix stepped in and screened Noah Baumbach’s acclaimed “Marriage Story” in its place.
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as...
It’s being delayed as the filmmakers review accusations of historical inaccuracy and sexual abuse at the hands of co-producer Bernard Garrett Jr. The film was also set to premiere on Apple TV Plus in January, which is also being postponed due to the theatrical release’s delay.
“The Banker” is the story of Garrett Jr.’s father, portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the film. Apple announced on Nov. 20 that it had canceled a planned gala screening of “The Banker,” one of the tech company’s flagship original films that was meant to close AFI Fest on Nov. 21 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre Hollywood. Netflix stepped in and screened Noah Baumbach’s acclaimed “Marriage Story” in its place.
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as...
- 11/22/2019
- by Dave McNary and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Apple has not publicly disclosed why it canceled the planned premiere of its film “The Banker,” but it did so less than a week after producer Bernard Garrett, who is also the son of the film’s subject (portrayed by Anthony Mackie), was publicly accused of sexual assault by one of his half-sisters.
And on Wednesday night, the Hollywood Reporter reported that Garrett had been accused of sexual assault by both of his half-sisters.
“The Banker” was originally scheduled to premiere as the closing film of the 2019 AFI Festival in Los Angeles, but the screening was abruptly canceled Wednesday afternoon. Apple did not disclose the reason for doing so, saying in a statement only that “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this,...
And on Wednesday night, the Hollywood Reporter reported that Garrett had been accused of sexual assault by both of his half-sisters.
“The Banker” was originally scheduled to premiere as the closing film of the 2019 AFI Festival in Los Angeles, but the screening was abruptly canceled Wednesday afternoon. Apple did not disclose the reason for doing so, saying in a statement only that “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this,...
- 11/21/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
“Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention.”
Apple has pulled the world premiere of The Banker as Thursday’s closing night film at AFI Fest citing “concerns surrounding the film”, and Netflix has stepped in to screen Marriage Story in its place.
In a statement released on Wednesday Apple said, “We purchased The Banker earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy. Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time...
Apple has pulled the world premiere of The Banker as Thursday’s closing night film at AFI Fest citing “concerns surrounding the film”, and Netflix has stepped in to screen Marriage Story in its place.
In a statement released on Wednesday Apple said, “We purchased The Banker earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy. Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time...
- 11/20/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Apple has cancelled the planned premiere of its film “The Banker” as the closing night film of the AFI Fest this Thursday over new “concerns” the company now has regarding the film.
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy,” an Apple representative told TheWrap in a statement. “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this, we are no longer premiering ‘The Banker’ at AFI Fest.”
The drama starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson is based on the true story of two real estate investors and businessmen, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who managed to buy banks and homes in all-white neighborhoods and...
“We purchased ‘The Banker’ earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy,” an Apple representative told TheWrap in a statement. “Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps. In light of this, we are no longer premiering ‘The Banker’ at AFI Fest.”
The drama starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson is based on the true story of two real estate investors and businessmen, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who managed to buy banks and homes in all-white neighborhoods and...
- 11/20/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Finalists have been revealed for the 2020 Humanitas Prize, which honors film and television writers whose work inspires compassion, hope, and understanding in the human family. Titles include awards-season heavies Bombshell, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and The Farewell on the film side and When They See Us, Pose, This Is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale on the small-screen side.
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
- 11/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
AppleTV+ has launched the trailer for real-life drama ‘The Banker’ starring Avengers co-stars Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Anthony Mackie (The Falcon).
Directed by George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) and produced by Joe Viertel. Brad Feinstein produced under his Romulus Entertainment banner, along with producers Nolfi, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jonathan Baker, David Lewis Smith, and Anthony Mackie.
Also in trailers – Henry Cavill stars in new trailer for ‘The Witcher’
The film hits Us cinemas on December 6th before heading over to Apple TV+ in January.
The Banker Synopsis
Based on a true story, the film centres on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working-class white man, Matt Steiner...
Directed by George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) and produced by Joe Viertel. Brad Feinstein produced under his Romulus Entertainment banner, along with producers Nolfi, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jonathan Baker, David Lewis Smith, and Anthony Mackie.
Also in trailers – Henry Cavill stars in new trailer for ‘The Witcher’
The film hits Us cinemas on December 6th before heading over to Apple TV+ in January.
The Banker Synopsis
Based on a true story, the film centres on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working-class white man, Matt Steiner...
- 11/5/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Joseph Baxter Jan 17, 2020
Apple TV+ movie The Banker reunites Avengers actors Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie, joined by Nicholas Hoult, for a fact-based drama.
The Banker is a big-names-headlined feature film that will complement a rapidly-expanding array of television content for the just-launched premium streaming service, Apple TV+.
...And by “big names,” we mean two members in good standing of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Avengers, Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie. However, the thing for which the duo will assemble here is a 1960s-set drama in which they play the U.S.’s first African-American bankers, who initially had to operate behind a white figurehead they trained, played here by Nicholas Hoult. – Essentially a version of the Remington Steele gambit.
George Nolfi stepped in as director for The Banker, working off a fact-based script that he co-wrote with Niceole Levy, along with burgeoning scribes David Lewis Smith and Stan Younger,...
Apple TV+ movie The Banker reunites Avengers actors Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie, joined by Nicholas Hoult, for a fact-based drama.
The Banker is a big-names-headlined feature film that will complement a rapidly-expanding array of television content for the just-launched premium streaming service, Apple TV+.
...And by “big names,” we mean two members in good standing of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Avengers, Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie. However, the thing for which the duo will assemble here is a 1960s-set drama in which they play the U.S.’s first African-American bankers, who initially had to operate behind a white figurehead they trained, played here by Nicholas Hoult. – Essentially a version of the Remington Steele gambit.
George Nolfi stepped in as director for The Banker, working off a fact-based script that he co-wrote with Niceole Levy, along with burgeoning scribes David Lewis Smith and Stan Younger,...
- 11/4/2019
- Den of Geek
How do you end segregation and racial inequality in America? In the first trailer for “The Banker” starring Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie, you do it by buying land back from white folks one plot at a time.
“The Banker” is based on the true story of two real estate investors and businessmen, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who managed to buy banks and homes in all-white neighborhoods and loan it back to black people looking to find their own American dream in a still segregated world that made that dream difficult.
But to manage their risky plan, they trained a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as them in all their business transactions and learn how to talk to rich white people. Eventually though, their plan caught the attention of the federal government that made it a little more complicated.
Also Read:...
“The Banker” is based on the true story of two real estate investors and businessmen, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who managed to buy banks and homes in all-white neighborhoods and loan it back to black people looking to find their own American dream in a still segregated world that made that dream difficult.
But to manage their risky plan, they trained a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as them in all their business transactions and learn how to talk to rich white people. Eventually though, their plan caught the attention of the federal government that made it a little more complicated.
Also Read:...
- 11/4/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Apple is kicking off its foray into film by playing ball with Hollywood. The tech giant on Friday announced theatrical release dates for its first three films, coming this fall.
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
- 9/27/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Apple has charted the first round of release dates for its original film slate — which includes the tech giant’s grand entrance into American movie theaters.
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
- 9/27/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.