Just yesterday, we reported how Kevin Costner is struggling to find someone who will help him finance the third and fourth parts of his planned Western epic – Horizon. Costner is an acclaimed filmmaker and Oscar winner who has left us with many memorable roles, but the guy likes the Western genre, both as an actor and as a director. After the success of Yellowstone, Costner embarked on an epic journey to explain how the Americans colonized the West, planning to make a four-part movie epic. The first two parts will be released in cinemas this year, with the first film premiering in Cannes only recently.
Costner has invested a lot of his own money into financing the projects and is now looking for studios who are willing to give money to him to finish the project. But, based on the first critics’ reviews, Costner won’t have much luck in his endeavor,...
Costner has invested a lot of his own money into financing the projects and is now looking for studios who are willing to give money to him to finish the project. But, based on the first critics’ reviews, Costner won’t have much luck in his endeavor,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is hitting back following the premiere of the controversial film “The Apprentice,” which chronicles the 2024 presidential candidate’s early years as a real estate developer.
“We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers,” the Trump campaign’s chief spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to Variety. “This garbage is pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked. As with the illegal Biden Trials, this is election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House and beat their candidate of choice because nothing they have done has worked.”
Cheung’s statement continues, “This ‘film’ is pure malicious defamation, should not see the light of day, and doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-dvd section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire.
“We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers,” the Trump campaign’s chief spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to Variety. “This garbage is pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked. As with the illegal Biden Trials, this is election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House and beat their candidate of choice because nothing they have done has worked.”
Cheung’s statement continues, “This ‘film’ is pure malicious defamation, should not see the light of day, and doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-dvd section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire.
- 5/20/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
“Super/Man,” a documentary about the life of Christopher Reeve, will hit the big screen in the fall.
The film, which was widely embraced at Sundance and sold to Warner Bros. Discovery for roughly $15 million, will play in select theaters on Sept. 21 followed by an encore presentation on Reeve’s birthday, Sept. 25. The Warners-owned DC Studios is collaborating with Fathom Events on the theatrical release.
It’s not clear if “Super/Man” will get a wider, traditional theatrical release at a later date. Plans for the film’s international rollout have yet to be announced.
“On behalf of not only Warner Bros., but also my colleagues at DC, HBO and CNN, it’s an honor to be a part of bringing Christopher Reeve and his singular legacy to audiences again,” Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution, said. “It was at this very studio where he made us all believe a man could fly,...
The film, which was widely embraced at Sundance and sold to Warner Bros. Discovery for roughly $15 million, will play in select theaters on Sept. 21 followed by an encore presentation on Reeve’s birthday, Sept. 25. The Warners-owned DC Studios is collaborating with Fathom Events on the theatrical release.
It’s not clear if “Super/Man” will get a wider, traditional theatrical release at a later date. Plans for the film’s international rollout have yet to be announced.
“On behalf of not only Warner Bros., but also my colleagues at DC, HBO and CNN, it’s an honor to be a part of bringing Christopher Reeve and his singular legacy to audiences again,” Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution, said. “It was at this very studio where he made us all believe a man could fly,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Costner confirmed in a new GQ magazine cover story that reports claiming he spent $20 million of his own money to co-finance his new Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga” are not true, as he actually contributed more than that from his personal bank account.
“I know they say I’ve got $20 million of my own money in this movie,” Costner said. “It’s not true. I’ve got now about $38 million in the film. That’s the truth. That’s the real number.”
Costner funded “Horizon: An American Saga” alongside two investors who he has not yet publicly named. The Western saga spans four movies, two of which were shot back to back. Costner recently world premiered the three-hour first movie at the Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews. Warner Bros. is releasing the first two installments in theaters this summer. Costner is already in pre-production on the third movie,...
“I know they say I’ve got $20 million of my own money in this movie,” Costner said. “It’s not true. I’ve got now about $38 million in the film. That’s the truth. That’s the real number.”
Costner funded “Horizon: An American Saga” alongside two investors who he has not yet publicly named. The Western saga spans four movies, two of which were shot back to back. Costner recently world premiered the three-hour first movie at the Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews. Warner Bros. is releasing the first two installments in theaters this summer. Costner is already in pre-production on the third movie,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
George Miller had to grind the pedal to get “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” finished in time for its global release next week.
Appearing at press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, auteur Miller discussed the tight deadline sitting beside his cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.
“We only finished the film two and a half weeks ago,” Miller told global reporters. It hits theaters on May 24. Taylor-Joy gushed about the incredible group of artisans — a team of 1,300 people — many of whom have worked on four other “Mad Max” films with Miller.
“People came out of retirement to work with George,” Taylor-Joy said. Her director piped in, saying, “I came out of retirement to work on this film.”
Australian pride was a major theme of the conference, as Miller fully embraced Australian accents on the production. Miller said his inspiration for the entire film series came from an analog childhood in Queensland.
Appearing at press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, auteur Miller discussed the tight deadline sitting beside his cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.
“We only finished the film two and a half weeks ago,” Miller told global reporters. It hits theaters on May 24. Taylor-Joy gushed about the incredible group of artisans — a team of 1,300 people — many of whom have worked on four other “Mad Max” films with Miller.
“People came out of retirement to work with George,” Taylor-Joy said. Her director piped in, saying, “I came out of retirement to work on this film.”
Australian pride was a major theme of the conference, as Miller fully embraced Australian accents on the production. Miller said his inspiration for the entire film series came from an analog childhood in Queensland.
- 5/16/2024
- by Matt Donnelly and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga starring Anya Taylor-Joy is getting rave reviews from critics. The George Miller film’s screening at the Cannes Film Festival received enough positive word-of-mouth that would pull the audiences to the theaters. While the film has seemingly impressed many, it has a long road to achieve the level of success of its prequel film, Mad Max: Fury Road. The 2015 film was a huge critical and commercial success, with a 97% Tomatometer score.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Imperator Furiosa in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Taylor-Joy’s film also stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke, and the performances of these actors were also commended by the different critics. If Furiosa manages to turn these positive reviews into box office numbers, fans can expect Miller to move ahead with his other dream projects in the franchise.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa Receives Largely Positive Reviews From Critics
Furiosa...
Anya Taylor-Joy as Imperator Furiosa in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Taylor-Joy’s film also stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke, and the performances of these actors were also commended by the different critics. If Furiosa manages to turn these positive reviews into box office numbers, fans can expect Miller to move ahead with his other dream projects in the franchise.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa Receives Largely Positive Reviews From Critics
Furiosa...
- 5/16/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Furiosa: A Max Max Saga had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, nearly a decade after the debut of Mad Max: Fury Road at the same festival. The first reviews for Furiosa have begun pouring in, and while they’re just as full of praise as those first reactions, it doesn’t sound like it reaches the heights of Fury Road.
Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman said that while Furiosa contains “a handful of awesome action moments,” the action doesn’t take center stage in the same way it did in Fury Road. “The most important thing to say about ‘Furiosa,’ however, is that what it all adds up to is a movie that can be darkly bedazzling, and that will be embraced and defended in a dozen passionate ways — but it’s one that, to me, falls very short of being a ‘Mad Max’ home run,” Gleiberman wrote.
Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman said that while Furiosa contains “a handful of awesome action moments,” the action doesn’t take center stage in the same way it did in Fury Road. “The most important thing to say about ‘Furiosa,’ however, is that what it all adds up to is a movie that can be darkly bedazzling, and that will be embraced and defended in a dozen passionate ways — but it’s one that, to me, falls very short of being a ‘Mad Max’ home run,” Gleiberman wrote.
- 5/15/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“If,” a fantasy-comedy from director John Krasinski and star Ryan Reynolds, looks to collect a promising $40 million in its box office debut.
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Get ready to return to Arrakis, now from the comfort of your couch.
Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” will be available to stream on Max next Tuesday, May 21.
Stream 'Dune: Part Two' On Max $9.99/Month
The blockbuster shook up the box office as it passed $500 million at the global box office in March, surpassing the entire run of “Dune: Part One.” The film opened with $81.5 million in its domestic debut opening weekend, and $97 million at the international box office. Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment co-produced and co-financed “Dune: Part Two,” which cost $190 million to produce and around $100 million more to promote.
Based on the second half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science-fiction novel, “Dune: Part Two” continues the conquest of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen and seeks to save the galaxy from the Harkonnen empire, who are responsible for the death of his father.
Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” will be available to stream on Max next Tuesday, May 21.
Stream 'Dune: Part Two' On Max $9.99/Month
The blockbuster shook up the box office as it passed $500 million at the global box office in March, surpassing the entire run of “Dune: Part One.” The film opened with $81.5 million in its domestic debut opening weekend, and $97 million at the international box office. Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment co-produced and co-financed “Dune: Part Two,” which cost $190 million to produce and around $100 million more to promote.
Based on the second half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science-fiction novel, “Dune: Part Two” continues the conquest of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen and seeks to save the galaxy from the Harkonnen empire, who are responsible for the death of his father.
- 5/14/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
On May 10, 2024, 20th Century Studios released “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” written by Josh Friedman and directed by Wes Ball. The sequel to 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” is the fourth installment of this reboot franchise and stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon and William H. Macy.
Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. The highly anticipated blockbuster is a hit with critics and audiences alike, with the critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reading, “Carving out a new era for ‘The Planet of the Apes’ with lovable characters and rich visuals, ‘Kingdom’ doesn’t take the crown as best of the franchise but handily justifies its continued reign.
Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. The highly anticipated blockbuster is a hit with critics and audiences alike, with the critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reading, “Carving out a new era for ‘The Planet of the Apes’ with lovable characters and rich visuals, ‘Kingdom’ doesn’t take the crown as best of the franchise but handily justifies its continued reign.
- 5/13/2024
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
Chris Pine would amass a number of successful movies over the years of his career since his breaking out in J.J. Abrams‘ reboot of Star Trek in 2009. The son of CHiPs star Robert Pine had carved out a nice little resume for himself and would make the move to behind the camera as he brought a passion project of his to life with this year’s Poolman. That move was naturally a risk, and unfortunately, Pine’s film would not garner a positive response. Our own Chris Bumbray said in his review, “Poolman ranks with the worst movies I’ve ever reviewed at JoBlo. It’s a stunningly unfunny comic noir vanity project for star Chris Pine, who also directed and co-wrote the film. […] it has already become notorious at the festival for the amount of walkouts taking place at the screenings.”
That review would be among a bevy of bad ones,...
That review would be among a bevy of bad ones,...
- 5/10/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Chris Pine earned some of the worst reviews of his career for “Poolman,” a Los Angeles-set comedy mystery in the vein of “Chinatown” that Pine directed, co-wrote and starred in. The movie is Pine’s feature directorial debut, but it got eviscerated by critics when it premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Variety critic Owen Gleiberman called it an “absurdist disaster,” for instance.
Making the press rounds to support the “Poolman” theatrical release, Pine stopped by the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and refused to believe that he made a complete dud of a movie.
“Criticism as an actor is just a part of the game, but there’s a lot of stuff to hide behind,” Pine said. “There’s the director and the writer and the release pattern, etc. As an actor you come on set and you do your dance and you go off and by...
Making the press rounds to support the “Poolman” theatrical release, Pine stopped by the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and refused to believe that he made a complete dud of a movie.
“Criticism as an actor is just a part of the game, but there’s a lot of stuff to hide behind,” Pine said. “There’s the director and the writer and the release pattern, etc. As an actor you come on set and you do your dance and you go off and by...
- 5/9/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg is having a bit of a “hail the conquering hero” moment that very few people would have expected him to be having this far into the 21st century, least of all himself. Although he has had many successes in film and in the theater over the last 60 years or so, he remains most famous as the director of the Beatles documentary “Let It Be” — and that 1970 film remains most famous as something that has been kept locked in the vault since it got a brief VHS and laserdisc release in the early 1980s. Shot in 1969 as the Beatles recorded their next-to-last album, “Let It Be” has been remembered largely as a glum look at a great band, rehearsing not so much for an album or concert as rehearsing for a breakup.
But what if it wasn’t really that at all? Two surprising developments have occurred to...
But what if it wasn’t really that at all? Two surprising developments have occurred to...
- 5/8/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
(This article is unintentionally a counterpoint to my colleague Owen Gleiberman’s considerably more-positive take on the Beatles’ “Let It Be” film, restored by Peter Jackson and released today on Disney+.)
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
When I was a Beatles-obsessed seven-year-old, my mother, in an act of selfless parental love, took me to a Fab Four film festival: “Hard Day’s Night,” “Let It Be,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Help!,” one after the other. My mom was a cool assistant professor of English at the local university who dressed “hip,” loved music and picked up some listening habits from her students. My obsession began after she brought home the “Sgt. Pepper” album a year or two earlier.
“Hard Day’s Night” was the Beatles the world fell in love with — sweet songs, charming cheeky personalities, matching clothes, screaming girls, moptops. But “Let It Be” was so different: the Beatles as grown-ups, real people who weren...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
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After releasing in theaters March 8, the thriller-crime film “Love Lies Bleeding” is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Rent 'Love Lies Bleeding' on prime video $19.99
The movie follows Kristen Stewart as Lou, a lonely manager of a gym who falls in love with an ambitious bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian), who is journeying to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love leads to violence as they get pulled into the web of Lou’s criminal family, including her abusive husband-in-law (Dave Franco) and criminal father (Ed Harris).
The film first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where, in addition to “Love Lies Bleeding,” Stewart also celebrated her starring role in the existential sci-fi romance “Love Me.” “Love Lies Bleeding...
After releasing in theaters March 8, the thriller-crime film “Love Lies Bleeding” is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Rent 'Love Lies Bleeding' on prime video $19.99
The movie follows Kristen Stewart as Lou, a lonely manager of a gym who falls in love with an ambitious bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian), who is journeying to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love leads to violence as they get pulled into the web of Lou’s criminal family, including her abusive husband-in-law (Dave Franco) and criminal father (Ed Harris).
The film first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where, in addition to “Love Lies Bleeding,” Stewart also celebrated her starring role in the existential sci-fi romance “Love Me.” “Love Lies Bleeding...
- 5/6/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Raven Banner Entertainment will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Market for Steven Kostanski’s latest feature “Frankie Freako.”
Kostanski’s previous feature “Psycho Goreman” premiered at SXSW in 2020 and gathered a cult following worldwide. Reviewing the film for Variety, critic Owen Gleiberman described the film as “‘The Toxic Avenger’ remade by the Robert Rodriguez of ‘Spy Kids.'”
“Frankie Freako” is described by Raven Banner as Kostanki’s homage to the practical-fx-driven monster horror-comedies of the 1980s like “Gremlins 2” and “Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College.” It tells the story of workaholic yuppie Conor Sweeney whose perfect life is turned upside down when he accidentally unleashes a trio of tiny trouble-makers into his home, led by the maniacal rock-n-roll party monster Frankie Freako. It’s a race against time as Conor must defeat the trio and clean up their trail of destruction before his wife returns from her weekend work trip,...
Kostanski’s previous feature “Psycho Goreman” premiered at SXSW in 2020 and gathered a cult following worldwide. Reviewing the film for Variety, critic Owen Gleiberman described the film as “‘The Toxic Avenger’ remade by the Robert Rodriguez of ‘Spy Kids.'”
“Frankie Freako” is described by Raven Banner as Kostanki’s homage to the practical-fx-driven monster horror-comedies of the 1980s like “Gremlins 2” and “Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College.” It tells the story of workaholic yuppie Conor Sweeney whose perfect life is turned upside down when he accidentally unleashes a trio of tiny trouble-makers into his home, led by the maniacal rock-n-roll party monster Frankie Freako. It’s a race against time as Conor must defeat the trio and clean up their trail of destruction before his wife returns from her weekend work trip,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
London- and Paris-based production, finance and sales outfit Film Constellation has boarded international sales on Titus Kaphar’s drama “Exhibiting Forgiveness.”
The film received strong reviews after its January premiere at Sundance in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section, and was picked up for North American distribution by Roadside Attractions, with plans for a wide theatrical release in the fall and awards campaign.
Film Constellation will screen the film for buyers in Cannes.
In the film, an artist finds his path to success derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a troubled man desperate to reconcile. Together, they learn that forgetting may be harder than forgiving.
The directorial debut of visual artist Kaphar, “Exhibiting Forgiveness” stars André Holland, Andra Day, John Earl Jelks and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman gave the film a positive review, describing it as “a forceful drama free of feel-good fakery” and praising Holland’s performance as “fierce,...
The film received strong reviews after its January premiere at Sundance in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section, and was picked up for North American distribution by Roadside Attractions, with plans for a wide theatrical release in the fall and awards campaign.
Film Constellation will screen the film for buyers in Cannes.
In the film, an artist finds his path to success derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a troubled man desperate to reconcile. Together, they learn that forgetting may be harder than forgiving.
The directorial debut of visual artist Kaphar, “Exhibiting Forgiveness” stars André Holland, Andra Day, John Earl Jelks and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman gave the film a positive review, describing it as “a forceful drama free of feel-good fakery” and praising Holland’s performance as “fierce,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Few people in Hollywood have track records so diverse and unique as Ryan Gosling. It’s hard to think of a genre the actor hasn’t tackled yet, and whatever he does, he does it brilliantly. In 2016, Gosling joined forces with Russell Crowe to create the most iconic mismatched duo of private investigators, and the movie they made both revived the greatest cop bromances of all time and brought a fresh take to the table.
The Nice Guys Is an Underrated Hit
To some, it might seem like it’s impossible to come up with something new and properly entertaining in the terribly overpopulated field of dynamic crime-fighting duos, noir settings, and crime comedies overall. And yet, 2016’s The Nice Guys managed to surprise the audience and critics by adding their own spin to the classic.
Shane Black’s detective comedy raked up amazing reviews: the movie boasts a 91% Critic...
The Nice Guys Is an Underrated Hit
To some, it might seem like it’s impossible to come up with something new and properly entertaining in the terribly overpopulated field of dynamic crime-fighting duos, noir settings, and crime comedies overall. And yet, 2016’s The Nice Guys managed to surprise the audience and critics by adding their own spin to the classic.
Shane Black’s detective comedy raked up amazing reviews: the movie boasts a 91% Critic...
- 4/27/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Roadside Attractions has acquired “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” the directorial debut of artist Titus Kaphar that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
The drama, about an acclaimed painter whose life is upended by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, stars André Holland (“Moonlight”) and John Earl Jelks (“Miracle at St. Anna”), along with Oscar nominees Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard”). Kaphar wrote the film, in addition to directing it.
“‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ was produced by Stephanie Allain, Derek Cianfrance, Jamie Patricof and Sean Cotton. Roadside plans to open the film nationwide for the fall awards season.
Holland stars as Tarrell Rodin, an artist who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Day), and young son Jermaine. His artwork explores the anguish of his youth. His path to success is derailed when his father, La’Ron (Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to make amends,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Get your tissues ready: “The Iron Claw” will be available to stream on Max on May 10.
The A24 biographical sports drama debuted in theaters on Dec. 22 and received critical acclaim. Starring Zac Efron, Sean Durkin’s latest feature is based on the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, who suffered a series of tragic deaths in the family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, alongside Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich and Holt McCallany as patriarch Fritz Von Erich. Lily James plays Kevin’s wife Pam Adkisson and Maura Tierney plays matriarch Doris Von Erich.
Efron famously packed on pounds of muscle to portray the professional wrestler. “That necessity to be perfect — it became an obsession,” he told Variety for his December cover story. “It was a singular focus for months. And your life goes out the window during prep.
The A24 biographical sports drama debuted in theaters on Dec. 22 and received critical acclaim. Starring Zac Efron, Sean Durkin’s latest feature is based on the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, who suffered a series of tragic deaths in the family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich, alongside Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich and Holt McCallany as patriarch Fritz Von Erich. Lily James plays Kevin’s wife Pam Adkisson and Maura Tierney plays matriarch Doris Von Erich.
Efron famously packed on pounds of muscle to portray the professional wrestler. “That necessity to be perfect — it became an obsession,” he told Variety for his December cover story. “It was a singular focus for months. And your life goes out the window during prep.
- 4/19/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Movies like Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy have proved that the harsh opinions of critics cannot be entirely trusted. The difference in opinion between critics and audiences may occur due to different factors. Some themes in films would pique the interest of movie lovers no matter what the critics say about its lack of originality. In other cases, performances deemed bad by the critics can turn out to be entertaining for audiences.
Branden Fraser and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy franchise
While critics score has the power to sway the box office results of a movie, here are 10 instances where the audiences did not pay attention to such critical opinions of movies.
10. Uncharted (2022)
Tom Holland as Nathan Drake in a still from Uncharted
Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg led the action-adventure film Uncharted. Critics were not impressed with the video game adaptation, which echoed other superior adventure films. Owen Gleiberman...
Branden Fraser and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy franchise
While critics score has the power to sway the box office results of a movie, here are 10 instances where the audiences did not pay attention to such critical opinions of movies.
10. Uncharted (2022)
Tom Holland as Nathan Drake in a still from Uncharted
Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg led the action-adventure film Uncharted. Critics were not impressed with the video game adaptation, which echoed other superior adventure films. Owen Gleiberman...
- 4/14/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ will soon be singing on Paramount+.
The biopic will release on the streamer on Friday, April 12, in the U.S. and Canada. The film’s international availability will be announced at a later date. It will also be available on MGM+.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ surpassed expectations at the box office when it opened mid-week in February for Valentine’s Day. It’s opening weekend stood at $28.6 million, and it’s surpassed $175 million at the worldwide box office so far.
Kingsley Ben-Adir stars as the reggae singer and songwriter, and Lashana Lynch plays his wife Rita Marley. The cast also includes James Norton as record producer Chris Blackwell, Tosin Cole as keyboardist Tyrone Downie, Aston Barrett Jr. as Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Anthony Welsh as Don Taylor, Sevana as Judy Mowatt, Hector Lewis as Carlton Carly Barrett, Michael Gandolfini as Howard Bloom, Nadine Marshall as Cedella Malcolm,...
The biopic will release on the streamer on Friday, April 12, in the U.S. and Canada. The film’s international availability will be announced at a later date. It will also be available on MGM+.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ surpassed expectations at the box office when it opened mid-week in February for Valentine’s Day. It’s opening weekend stood at $28.6 million, and it’s surpassed $175 million at the worldwide box office so far.
Kingsley Ben-Adir stars as the reggae singer and songwriter, and Lashana Lynch plays his wife Rita Marley. The cast also includes James Norton as record producer Chris Blackwell, Tosin Cole as keyboardist Tyrone Downie, Aston Barrett Jr. as Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Anthony Welsh as Don Taylor, Sevana as Judy Mowatt, Hector Lewis as Carlton Carly Barrett, Michael Gandolfini as Howard Bloom, Nadine Marshall as Cedella Malcolm,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is poised to stomp all over the box office competition… again.
After its better-than-expected debut, Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment’s monster tentpole has generated $95 million domestically and $210 worldwide to date. Now, “Godzilla x Kong” looks to add $32 million to $36 million in its second weekend of release. Those ticket sales, down roughly 55% from its opening, will easily be enough to lead over two newcomers, director Dev Patel’s action-thriller “Monkey Man” and Disney and 20th Century’s supernatural prequel “The First Omen.”
“Monkey Man” is targeting $12 million to start, while “The First Omen” is projected to pull ahead with $14 million to $15 million. Holdovers, including “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Dune: Part Two” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” will otherwise round out box office charts.
“Monkey Man” was initially destined for Netflix and not the big screen. But Universal Pictures landed rights after Jordan Peele, whose production...
After its better-than-expected debut, Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment’s monster tentpole has generated $95 million domestically and $210 worldwide to date. Now, “Godzilla x Kong” looks to add $32 million to $36 million in its second weekend of release. Those ticket sales, down roughly 55% from its opening, will easily be enough to lead over two newcomers, director Dev Patel’s action-thriller “Monkey Man” and Disney and 20th Century’s supernatural prequel “The First Omen.”
“Monkey Man” is targeting $12 million to start, while “The First Omen” is projected to pull ahead with $14 million to $15 million. Holdovers, including “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Dune: Part Two” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” will otherwise round out box office charts.
“Monkey Man” was initially destined for Netflix and not the big screen. But Universal Pictures landed rights after Jordan Peele, whose production...
- 4/3/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is looking mighty as it heads into its opening weekend, earning an impressive $10 million in Thursday previews.
The muscular results come despite the fact that the film suffered meh reviews — critics faulted the latest clash of the primordial titans for hectic pacing and overstuffed plotting. Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman, for instance, dismissed the film as “overly busy boilerplate” (though he liked the finale). And yet audiences don’t seem to care about the middling notices. “Godzilla x Kong: New Empire” scored the best preview results of any entry in Legendary’s Monsterverse series, just ahead of 2014’s “Godzilla,” which earned $9.3 million while kicking off this whole scaly saga.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment co-produced “New Empire,” which cost $135 million. It was initially expected to open to a sizable $50 million to $55 million and could bring in between $80 million to $85 million at the international box office.
The muscular results come despite the fact that the film suffered meh reviews — critics faulted the latest clash of the primordial titans for hectic pacing and overstuffed plotting. Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman, for instance, dismissed the film as “overly busy boilerplate” (though he liked the finale). And yet audiences don’t seem to care about the middling notices. “Godzilla x Kong: New Empire” scored the best preview results of any entry in Legendary’s Monsterverse series, just ahead of 2014’s “Godzilla,” which earned $9.3 million while kicking off this whole scaly saga.
Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment co-produced “New Empire,” which cost $135 million. It was initially expected to open to a sizable $50 million to $55 million and could bring in between $80 million to $85 million at the international box office.
- 3/29/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has released a trailer ahead of the May 3 release of “Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg,” about the legendary muse to the Rolling Stones. Scarlett Johansson provides the voice for Pallenberg, based on the words of her unpublished memoir. Pallenberg’s children, Marlon and Angela Richards, and their father, Keith Richards are also included in the docu.
Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill direct the portrait of the rock ‘n’ roll actor, muse and mother who was called an “evil seductress” and accused of trying to break up the Rolling Stones.
The documentary screened at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, with critic Owen Gleiberman describing Pallenberg as the “beautiful and imperious scenester of the ’60s and ’70s, Hollywood actress and icon of scruffy-chic rock royalty, partner of Keith Richards, muse to several of the other Rolling Stones.”
The review continues, “In addition to Pallenberg’s memoir, the...
Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill direct the portrait of the rock ‘n’ roll actor, muse and mother who was called an “evil seductress” and accused of trying to break up the Rolling Stones.
The documentary screened at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, with critic Owen Gleiberman describing Pallenberg as the “beautiful and imperious scenester of the ’60s and ’70s, Hollywood actress and icon of scruffy-chic rock royalty, partner of Keith Richards, muse to several of the other Rolling Stones.”
The review continues, “In addition to Pallenberg’s memoir, the...
- 3/28/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
New York, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Woody Allen’s newest film is set for release in select theaters across the United States on April 5, 2024. Coup De Chance, a romantic thriller shot entirely in French and starring an acclaimed international cast including Lou de Laâge (International Emmy winner. The Mad Women’s Ball), Valérie Lemercier, (The Visitors), Melvil Poupaud, (Eric Rohmer’s A Tale of Summer), and Niels Schneider (Heartbeats, How I Killed My Mother) is Allen’s 50th film as director.
A sensation when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival, Coup De Chance has received glowing reviews during its international release across Europe and Asia with comparisons to some of Allen’s most acclaimed masterpieces including Blue Jasmine, Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris.
In English, the title means “stroke of luck,” and the film centers around the central role of chance and luck in our lives. Fanny (de Laâge) and Jean (Poupaud,...
A sensation when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival, Coup De Chance has received glowing reviews during its international release across Europe and Asia with comparisons to some of Allen’s most acclaimed masterpieces including Blue Jasmine, Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris.
In English, the title means “stroke of luck,” and the film centers around the central role of chance and luck in our lives. Fanny (de Laâge) and Jean (Poupaud,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Molly Se-kyung
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
In news likely to simultaneously delight and appall across the cinema world, a third instalment of IP-bludgeoning slasher ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ has been confirmed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield and Scott Chambers of prolific horror banner Jagged Edge Productions.
According to the producers, ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ will have a bigger budget than the previous films and will introduce new characters from the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories, including Rabbit, the heffalumps and the woozles. All will no doubt be given sadistic, murderous twists.
The news comes with ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2’ now in U.S. cinemas as part of its 3-day theatrical run via Fathom Events, and just over a year after the release of the first of what is now a quick-fire three-part franchise.
Despite poor reviews, the original ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ became an unexpected box office smash and cultural talking point in early 2023 for a premise that saw...
According to the producers, ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ will have a bigger budget than the previous films and will introduce new characters from the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories, including Rabbit, the heffalumps and the woozles. All will no doubt be given sadistic, murderous twists.
The news comes with ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2’ now in U.S. cinemas as part of its 3-day theatrical run via Fathom Events, and just over a year after the release of the first of what is now a quick-fire three-part franchise.
Despite poor reviews, the original ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ became an unexpected box office smash and cultural talking point in early 2023 for a premise that saw...
- 3/28/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Six months after world-premiering to poor reviews at the Venice Film Festival, Roman Polanski’s latest film “The Palace” has been acquired by a French distribution company, Swashbuckler Films.
The Paris-based banner, which specializes in classic movies, is hoping to release “The Palace” on May 15. The company’s owner, Sebastien Tiveyrat, told Variety he hasn’t yet obtained the exhibition visa from the National Film Board and hasn’t started contacting exhibitors in France to book theaters.
Although Polanski’s inclusion at the Venice festival sparked a controversy due to the fact that he’s still currently facing sexual assault allegations, “The Palace” sold across many territories, including Germany, Russia, Hungary, Estonia, Bulgaria and French-speaking Switzerland where it came out between September and January. The black comedy will next open in Portugal on April 4. Goodfellas handles international sales on the movie.
“The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve...
The Paris-based banner, which specializes in classic movies, is hoping to release “The Palace” on May 15. The company’s owner, Sebastien Tiveyrat, told Variety he hasn’t yet obtained the exhibition visa from the National Film Board and hasn’t started contacting exhibitors in France to book theaters.
Although Polanski’s inclusion at the Venice festival sparked a controversy due to the fact that he’s still currently facing sexual assault allegations, “The Palace” sold across many territories, including Germany, Russia, Hungary, Estonia, Bulgaria and French-speaking Switzerland where it came out between September and January. The black comedy will next open in Portugal on April 4. Goodfellas handles international sales on the movie.
“The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve...
- 3/26/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
After its premiere at South by Southwest on March 8, 2024, “Road House” began streaming on Prime Video March 21 via Amazon MGM Studios. The reimagining of the 1989 film starring Patrick Swayze stars Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter who takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
The film directed by Doug Liman was written by Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry. Reviews of the film have been mixed, but it currently holds fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 68%. The critics consensus reads, “Road House updates a cult classic for a new generation, happily replicating the original’s emphasis on cheesy brawn over narrative brains.” Supporting players in the movie include Conor McGregor, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen and Jessica Williams. Read our full review round-up below.
See ‘Road House’ remake trailer: Jake Gyllenhaal...
The film directed by Doug Liman was written by Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry. Reviews of the film have been mixed, but it currently holds fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 68%. The critics consensus reads, “Road House updates a cult classic for a new generation, happily replicating the original’s emphasis on cheesy brawn over narrative brains.” Supporting players in the movie include Conor McGregor, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen and Jessica Williams. Read our full review round-up below.
See ‘Road House’ remake trailer: Jake Gyllenhaal...
- 3/23/2024
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
Disney+ subscribers’ wish has come true, as the Mouse House’s latest animated movie is now available to stream from home.
“Wish” takes place in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where everyone carries their own “wish” around with them. Ariana DeBose plays 17-year-old Asha, who applies to become the apprentice of King Magnifico, voiced by Chris Pine. However, Asha soon finds that Magnifico is stealing the wishes from his people, under the benevolent guise of freeing everyone from their chief desires.
Sream "Wish" On Disney+
One night, Asha makes a wish so big that it calls forth a glowing yellow star, a cute character aptly named Star. Asha and Star then face off against Magnifico, who, threatened by the prospect of losing his royal power, has turned to dark magic. Accompanied by her friends and family, Asha works to restore the wishes of the kingdom and save her people from Magnifico’s corruption.
“Wish” takes place in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where everyone carries their own “wish” around with them. Ariana DeBose plays 17-year-old Asha, who applies to become the apprentice of King Magnifico, voiced by Chris Pine. However, Asha soon finds that Magnifico is stealing the wishes from his people, under the benevolent guise of freeing everyone from their chief desires.
Sream "Wish" On Disney+
One night, Asha makes a wish so big that it calls forth a glowing yellow star, a cute character aptly named Star. Asha and Star then face off against Magnifico, who, threatened by the prospect of losing his royal power, has turned to dark magic. Accompanied by her friends and family, Asha works to restore the wishes of the kingdom and save her people from Magnifico’s corruption.
- 3/18/2024
- by Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
A moviegoer at Mjr Southgate Cinema in suburban Detroit was arrested for allegedly engaging in lewd behavior during a screening of the new Kristen Stewart film “Love Lies Bleeding.”
The Southgate Police Department confirmed to Variety that a patron was arrested after a Thursday night screening of the noir-ish thriller and is still in police custody as of Friday morning. He has not yet been arraigned and no charges have been brought forth. “Love Lies Bleeding” is a sexually charged film about a pair of lesbian lovers that is set in the world of bodybuilding.
A manager at Mjr Southgate also confirmed to Variety that there was an ongoing investigation into the incident.
A Nsfw photo of a man asleep in a reclining movie theater chair with his penis exposed was posted by Twitter / X user @UglyXKorean, who captioned the image, “Went to go see ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and this...
The Southgate Police Department confirmed to Variety that a patron was arrested after a Thursday night screening of the noir-ish thriller and is still in police custody as of Friday morning. He has not yet been arraigned and no charges have been brought forth. “Love Lies Bleeding” is a sexually charged film about a pair of lesbian lovers that is set in the world of bodybuilding.
A manager at Mjr Southgate also confirmed to Variety that there was an ongoing investigation into the incident.
A Nsfw photo of a man asleep in a reclining movie theater chair with his penis exposed was posted by Twitter / X user @UglyXKorean, who captioned the image, “Went to go see ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and this...
- 3/15/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
“Rebel Moon” star Sofia Boutella made headlines earlier this month when she told Vulture that critics bashing on Zack Snyder’s space epic impacted her emotionally. The same wasn’t exactly true for Snyder. The writer-director recently spoke to Empire magazine ahead of the second “Rebel Moon” film coming to streaming and said he doesn’t have much of a reaction to the negative reviews for “Part One.” He seems a bit perplexed over how anything in the first “Rebel Moon” could warrant such hostile reviews.
“I don’t really have a rebuttal to the reviews,” Snyder said. “For whatever reason, the reaction to my movies is very polarizing, and it always has been. The movie, it doesn’t seem like there’s that much in it that would warrant such visceral responses.”
“Rebel Moon” started as a “Star Wars” pitch that Snyder originally offered to Lucasfilm. The film stars...
“I don’t really have a rebuttal to the reviews,” Snyder said. “For whatever reason, the reaction to my movies is very polarizing, and it always has been. The movie, it doesn’t seem like there’s that much in it that would warrant such visceral responses.”
“Rebel Moon” started as a “Star Wars” pitch that Snyder originally offered to Lucasfilm. The film stars...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Jack Black’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has done a decent job of impressing the critics as a standalone film, but it might be the weakest entry in the franchise. Despite the franchise’s immense popularity, the declining trend in the appeal of the films was clearly visible in the box office number of the last outing. However, the upcoming movie is expected to make the highest profits among the four films due to its low production budget.
Jack Black’s Po & Awkwafina’s Zhen in Kung Fu Panda 4
Kung Fu Panda 4 arrives as a major competitor to Dune: Part Two which is making big waves at the box office. While the lower rating compared to other films has brought some negative press for the film, it is expected to collect $45-50 million in its opening weekend.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Might Become The Most Profitable Movie In...
Jack Black’s Po & Awkwafina’s Zhen in Kung Fu Panda 4
Kung Fu Panda 4 arrives as a major competitor to Dune: Part Two which is making big waves at the box office. While the lower rating compared to other films has brought some negative press for the film, it is expected to collect $45-50 million in its opening weekend.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Might Become The Most Profitable Movie In...
- 3/7/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
“Rebel Moon” star Sofia Boutella told Vulture that it was hard to endure the critical beating the film took when it arrived on Netflix late last year. A passion project for writer-director Zack Snyder, “Rebel Moon” is a two-part space opera starring Boutella as a former soldier who recruits warriors to fight back against the evil Imperium when her farming colony is threatened. “Part One: A Child of Fire” earned pans and boasts a 21% on Rotten Tomatoes, while “Part Two: The Scargiver” is coming in April.
“I always thought that I was fully armed to take on those punches, and then I read the critics that came down on ‘Rebel Moon’ and it really affected me,” Boutella said about the extremely negative reviews. “I’m just gonna be honest about it. I feel like I’m carrying it for everybody that cared so much about this project, and that’s what affected me.
“I always thought that I was fully armed to take on those punches, and then I read the critics that came down on ‘Rebel Moon’ and it really affected me,” Boutella said about the extremely negative reviews. “I’m just gonna be honest about it. I feel like I’m carrying it for everybody that cared so much about this project, and that’s what affected me.
- 3/4/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Get in losers, we’re going to Paramount+ to watch “Mean Girls” again. The 2024 movie musical will stream on Paramount+ beginning March 5, following its January theatrical release.
An adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 2004 film, Tina Fey’s latest rendition of the high school comedy surpassed $100 million at the global box office after six weeks of release. It held the top spot at the domestic box office for three consecutive weeks following its Jan. 12 release. “Mean Girls” was originally slated to debut directly on Paramount+, however executives decided on a theatrical release after enthusiastic test screenings.
Taking on the role Lindsay Lohan originated, Angourie Rice stars as Cady Heron, who is forced to navigate high school politics for the first time after moving from Africa to the suburbs of Illinois. She soon encounters and infiltrates the Plastics, the most popular clique in school ruled by queen bee Regina George.
An adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 2004 film, Tina Fey’s latest rendition of the high school comedy surpassed $100 million at the global box office after six weeks of release. It held the top spot at the domestic box office for three consecutive weeks following its Jan. 12 release. “Mean Girls” was originally slated to debut directly on Paramount+, however executives decided on a theatrical release after enthusiastic test screenings.
Taking on the role Lindsay Lohan originated, Angourie Rice stars as Cady Heron, who is forced to navigate high school politics for the first time after moving from Africa to the suburbs of Illinois. She soon encounters and infiltrates the Plastics, the most popular clique in school ruled by queen bee Regina George.
- 3/4/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The 1990s were full of top-notch science fiction films that won over critics and set the box office on fire -- after all, we're talking about a decade that produced "Independence Day" (which beat "Mars Attacks!" to theaters), "The Matrix" (albeit with some complex behind-the-scenes activity), "The Fifth Element" (ripping off Plato to great effect) and the list goes on and on. But not every sci-fi release can be a winner, and the decade also had its fair share of stinkers. Whether they were derivative of other (better) films, hacked to pieces as a result of studio interference, or let down by the limitations of 1990s technology, there are endless reasons why an ambitious science-fiction project might crash and burn.
However, many of these ambitious but panned sci-fi movies are often not without their redeeming factors, and despite their negative reception -- especially on Rotten Tomatoes -- you can often...
However, many of these ambitious but panned sci-fi movies are often not without their redeeming factors, and despite their negative reception -- especially on Rotten Tomatoes -- you can often...
- 3/3/2024
- by Audrey Fox
- Slash Film
Despite three new releases, Paramount’s Bob Marley biographical drama “One Love” is projected to top the box office again.
This weekend’s newcomers, Hilary Swank’s inspirational drama “Ordinary Angels” and director Ethan Coen’s comedic thriller “Drive-Away Dolls,” are targeting single digits in their debuts. With those paltry ticket sales, “Bob Marley: One Love” looks to repeat No. 1 after scoring a better-than-expected $28.6 million over the weekend and $52 million through the extended holiday frame. The musical film could add $12 million to $14 million in its sophomore outing.
Sony and Crunchyroll’s “Demon Slayer” sequel “Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” also opens this weekend and is aiming for about $10 million to start. That’s on par with its immediate predecessor, 2023’s anime adventure “Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village” ($10.1 million in its initial weekend) but far behind 2021’s “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” (an impressive $21 million amid pandemic-era theater closures...
This weekend’s newcomers, Hilary Swank’s inspirational drama “Ordinary Angels” and director Ethan Coen’s comedic thriller “Drive-Away Dolls,” are targeting single digits in their debuts. With those paltry ticket sales, “Bob Marley: One Love” looks to repeat No. 1 after scoring a better-than-expected $28.6 million over the weekend and $52 million through the extended holiday frame. The musical film could add $12 million to $14 million in its sophomore outing.
Sony and Crunchyroll’s “Demon Slayer” sequel “Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” also opens this weekend and is aiming for about $10 million to start. That’s on par with its immediate predecessor, 2023’s anime adventure “Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village” ($10.1 million in its initial weekend) but far behind 2021’s “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” (an impressive $21 million amid pandemic-era theater closures...
- 2/21/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Lost Kingdom is now inside of your home, as “Aquaman 2” swims to streaming on Feb. 27.
The Jason Momoa-led superhero sequel will be available to watch on Max just two months after it debuted in theaters over the Christmas holiday.
The film — which also stars Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park and Dolph Lundgren — follows Momoa’s oceanic stud as he once again goes up against Black Manta, who threatens to unleash an evil and ancient force using the Black Trident. Aquaman teams up with his half-brother Orm, the former king of Atlantis, to put aside their differences and save their underwater world from permanent destruction.
“Aquaman 2” floundered at the box office, collecting only $123 million domestically and $433 million worldwide. Compare that to 2018’s “Aquaman,” which raked in $335 million in the U.S. and Canada alone (and more than $1.1 billion globally).
Variety chief film critic...
The Jason Momoa-led superhero sequel will be available to watch on Max just two months after it debuted in theaters over the Christmas holiday.
The film — which also stars Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park and Dolph Lundgren — follows Momoa’s oceanic stud as he once again goes up against Black Manta, who threatens to unleash an evil and ancient force using the Black Trident. Aquaman teams up with his half-brother Orm, the former king of Atlantis, to put aside their differences and save their underwater world from permanent destruction.
“Aquaman 2” floundered at the box office, collecting only $123 million domestically and $433 million worldwide. Compare that to 2018’s “Aquaman,” which raked in $335 million in the U.S. and Canada alone (and more than $1.1 billion globally).
Variety chief film critic...
- 2/20/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Cillian Murphy shouted out his “Oppenhomies” while accepting his leading actor BAFTA award.
After thanking the film’s director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and Universal Pictures chief Donna Langley, Murphy said: “I want to thank my fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies and, in fact, all of you in the room. I know it’s a cliché to say I’m in awe of you, but I genuinely am in awe.”
Murphy played J. Robert Oppenheimer in Nolan’s biographical drama, which took home seven awards throughout the night, including best director for Nolan and best film. The film, which scored 13 nominations in total, chronicles the life and career of Oppenheimer as he develops the atomic bomb during World War II.
“Thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn’t see myself,” Nolan told the director while accepting his award. “Chris, thank you for that extraordinary, exhilarating...
After thanking the film’s director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and Universal Pictures chief Donna Langley, Murphy said: “I want to thank my fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies and, in fact, all of you in the room. I know it’s a cliché to say I’m in awe of you, but I genuinely am in awe.”
Murphy played J. Robert Oppenheimer in Nolan’s biographical drama, which took home seven awards throughout the night, including best director for Nolan and best film. The film, which scored 13 nominations in total, chronicles the life and career of Oppenheimer as he develops the atomic bomb during World War II.
“Thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn’t see myself,” Nolan told the director while accepting his award. “Chris, thank you for that extraordinary, exhilarating...
- 2/18/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran and K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Roses are red, violets are blue, two new movies will open in theaters on Valentine’s Day, but neither are expected to break through.
Paramount’s musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” is projected to collect $30 million to $35 million between Wednesday and President’s Day on Monday. Those ticket sales should be enough to lead over Sony’s comic book adventure “Madame Web,” which looks to generate $22 million to $25 million during the same six-day period.
Given the budgets of each film — “Bob Marley” cost $70 million and “Madame Web” cost $80 million, not including marketing — those aren’t especially encouraging estimates. Even worse, those anemic figures span six days, not the traditional three-day weekend.
The presence of two new offerings will be a welcome boost for cinemas. But it won’t be enough to revive the domestic box office as it remains down 15% from 2023. Comparisons to last year will be tough because...
Paramount’s musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” is projected to collect $30 million to $35 million between Wednesday and President’s Day on Monday. Those ticket sales should be enough to lead over Sony’s comic book adventure “Madame Web,” which looks to generate $22 million to $25 million during the same six-day period.
Given the budgets of each film — “Bob Marley” cost $70 million and “Madame Web” cost $80 million, not including marketing — those aren’t especially encouraging estimates. Even worse, those anemic figures span six days, not the traditional three-day weekend.
The presence of two new offerings will be a welcome boost for cinemas. But it won’t be enough to revive the domestic box office as it remains down 15% from 2023. Comparisons to last year will be tough because...
- 2/13/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Controversial director Woody Allen’s 50th film “Coup de Chance” is coming to U.S. theaters. MPI Media Group will release the movie on April 5 for North American markets, with a digital/VOD release on April 12.
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, drew both protests and an enthusiastic two-and-a-half minute standing ovation.
U.S. theatrical distributors have generally avoided Allen since the #MeToo movement resurfaced Dylan Farrow’s allegations of child molestation against him, and actors like Rebecca Hall, Timothée Chalamet and Greta Gerwig have expressed regret over working with him.
“Coup de Chance,” which translates to “stroke of luck,” stars Valerie Lemercier, Niels Schneider, Lou de Laage, Elsa Zylberstein and Melvil Poupaud in a tale of murder and intrigue that follows a beautiful couple living in Paris whose lives change when a former flame re-enters their orbit.
Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman...
The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, drew both protests and an enthusiastic two-and-a-half minute standing ovation.
U.S. theatrical distributors have generally avoided Allen since the #MeToo movement resurfaced Dylan Farrow’s allegations of child molestation against him, and actors like Rebecca Hall, Timothée Chalamet and Greta Gerwig have expressed regret over working with him.
“Coup de Chance,” which translates to “stroke of luck,” stars Valerie Lemercier, Niels Schneider, Lou de Laage, Elsa Zylberstein and Melvil Poupaud in a tale of murder and intrigue that follows a beautiful couple living in Paris whose lives change when a former flame re-enters their orbit.
Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman...
- 2/12/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
A new standalone “Predator” movie is in the works at 20th Century Studios, with filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg set to direct.
Plot details for “Badlands,” which will be set in the future, are currently under wraps, but the film will begin production this year.
Trachtenberg landed an Emmy nomination for his 2022 “Predator” prequel “Prey,” which follows a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation named Naru (Amber Midthunder) as she sets out to protect her people from a mysterious danger threatening their camp.
Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman reviewed the film positively in the scope of the franchise, writing, “As an alien-attack thriller, ‘Prey’ is competent and well-paced, though with little in the way of surprise. But the journey of Naru lends it a semblance of emotional coherence that most of the ‘Predator’ films have lacked.”
In 2022, Hulu reported that the film, which was released directly on the streamer, was its biggest-ever premiere,...
Plot details for “Badlands,” which will be set in the future, are currently under wraps, but the film will begin production this year.
Trachtenberg landed an Emmy nomination for his 2022 “Predator” prequel “Prey,” which follows a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation named Naru (Amber Midthunder) as she sets out to protect her people from a mysterious danger threatening their camp.
Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman reviewed the film positively in the scope of the franchise, writing, “As an alien-attack thriller, ‘Prey’ is competent and well-paced, though with little in the way of surprise. But the journey of Naru lends it a semblance of emotional coherence that most of the ‘Predator’ films have lacked.”
In 2022, Hulu reported that the film, which was released directly on the streamer, was its biggest-ever premiere,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The domestic box office will grind to a near halt this weekend as the horror-comedy “Lisa Frankenstein” takes on the second weekend of Apple’s big-budget action-adventure “Argylle” in North America.
Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle,” which topped the box office despite its dismal debut, will likely retain the No. 1 spot again with $6 million to $8 million. But don’t get too excited. The film cost $200 million to produce, so it’s shaping up to be the year’s first big bomb. So far, ticket sales have reached just $18.5 million domestically and $35 million globally. The filmmaker’s dreams of turning “Argylle” into a trilogy appear to have faded unless Apple decides to embrace a new corporate mandate to light money on fire.
“Lisa Frankenstein” will also fall short of double digits, targeting a soft $4 million to $6 million from 3,140 theaters. However, Focus Features only spent $13 million to make the film, which may cushion any box office shortcomings.
Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle,” which topped the box office despite its dismal debut, will likely retain the No. 1 spot again with $6 million to $8 million. But don’t get too excited. The film cost $200 million to produce, so it’s shaping up to be the year’s first big bomb. So far, ticket sales have reached just $18.5 million domestically and $35 million globally. The filmmaker’s dreams of turning “Argylle” into a trilogy appear to have faded unless Apple decides to embrace a new corporate mandate to light money on fire.
“Lisa Frankenstein” will also fall short of double digits, targeting a soft $4 million to $6 million from 3,140 theaters. However, Focus Features only spent $13 million to make the film, which may cushion any box office shortcomings.
- 2/7/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Put on your winged eyeliner and get your nail polish out because Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” is streaming on Max beginning Feb. 23, following its October theatrical release.
Based on the book “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla Presley, the A24 film stars Cailee Spaeny in the titular role, chronicling her marriage to Elvis Presley, played by Jacob Elordi. From their first time meeting in Germany to the life they shared at Graceland, “Priscilla” details the rise and fall of the iconic couple’s marriage while offering a different perspective on the king of rock ‘n’ roll as told through the eyes of his wife.
Spaeny received a Golden Globe nomination for best performance by a female actor. The film was also nominated for the Golden Lion at the 80th annual Venice Film Festival, with Spaeny winning the Coppa Volpi for best actress.
Named one of Variety’s Critic’s Picks, Owen Gleiberman...
Based on the book “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla Presley, the A24 film stars Cailee Spaeny in the titular role, chronicling her marriage to Elvis Presley, played by Jacob Elordi. From their first time meeting in Germany to the life they shared at Graceland, “Priscilla” details the rise and fall of the iconic couple’s marriage while offering a different perspective on the king of rock ‘n’ roll as told through the eyes of his wife.
Spaeny received a Golden Globe nomination for best performance by a female actor. The film was also nominated for the Golden Lion at the 80th annual Venice Film Festival, with Spaeny winning the Coppa Volpi for best actress.
Named one of Variety’s Critic’s Picks, Owen Gleiberman...
- 2/1/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has acquired “Skywalkers: A Love Story” following the documentary feature’s debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Skywalkers,” which premiered Jan. 18 at the Ray Theatre, follows daring couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus from Moscow, who saved their relationship and career by climbing one of the world’s tallest buildings. Per the official logline: “A daredevil couple journey across the globe to climb the world’s last super skyscraper and perform a bold acrobatic stunt on the spire.” The documentary took seven years of production.
“Skywalkers” is directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist, with Maria Bukhonina as co-director. Zimbalist and Bukhonina produced the film alongside Library Films’ Chris Smith and XYZ Films’ head of documentary Tamir Ardon, while XYZ Films’ Nick Spicer executive produced. XYZ Films and Library Films were co-studios on the All Rise Films production.
Variety‘s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman wrote in his “Skywalkers” review:...
“Skywalkers,” which premiered Jan. 18 at the Ray Theatre, follows daring couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus from Moscow, who saved their relationship and career by climbing one of the world’s tallest buildings. Per the official logline: “A daredevil couple journey across the globe to climb the world’s last super skyscraper and perform a bold acrobatic stunt on the spire.” The documentary took seven years of production.
“Skywalkers” is directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist, with Maria Bukhonina as co-director. Zimbalist and Bukhonina produced the film alongside Library Films’ Chris Smith and XYZ Films’ head of documentary Tamir Ardon, while XYZ Films’ Nick Spicer executive produced. XYZ Films and Library Films were co-studios on the All Rise Films production.
Variety‘s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman wrote in his “Skywalkers” review:...
- 1/27/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
“Presence,” a twisty new thriller that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, has sold to Neon.
The movie, which is directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, puts an inventive spin on the haunted house genre. It unfolds from the perspective of the spectral entity and is primarily interested in dramatizing the issues of the people living in the home, who seem to be grappling with a lot of interpersonal problems.
“I wanted to find a different way to tell the story,” Soderbergh told Variety in a recent profile. “Everything is revealed through the glimpses of this family that this presence sees. And the whole ghost genre element is a Trojan horse to show a group of people in danger of falling apart.”
The market at Sundance has been slower than usual, with deals taking longer to hammer out — that’s a sign of how challenging the box office has become for indie pictures.
The movie, which is directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, puts an inventive spin on the haunted house genre. It unfolds from the perspective of the spectral entity and is primarily interested in dramatizing the issues of the people living in the home, who seem to be grappling with a lot of interpersonal problems.
“I wanted to find a different way to tell the story,” Soderbergh told Variety in a recent profile. “Everything is revealed through the glimpses of this family that this presence sees. And the whole ghost genre element is a Trojan horse to show a group of people in danger of falling apart.”
The market at Sundance has been slower than usual, with deals taking longer to hammer out — that’s a sign of how challenging the box office has become for indie pictures.
- 1/24/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
All pie is good pie in the first trailer for Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s new dark comedy “Hit Man.” Netflix debuted footage of the film Monday morning, giving audiences a first look at one of the biggest crowdpleasers of the fall festival circuit.
It will release on Netflix on June 7 in the U.S. and other select countries with a limited theatrical release prior.
Based on the 2001 Texas Monthly magazine article of the same name by Skip Hollandsworth, “Hit Man” follows a Houston police associate (Powell) who disguises himself as an assassin in order to catch willing clients. After getting invested in saving one particular woman (Adria Arjona) in an abusive relationship, hijinks ensue. The film also stars Austin Amelio, Retta and Molly Bernard.
Coming off the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Anyone but You,” Powell writes himself the role of a lifetime with “Hit Man,” collaborating with Linklater on the script.
It will release on Netflix on June 7 in the U.S. and other select countries with a limited theatrical release prior.
Based on the 2001 Texas Monthly magazine article of the same name by Skip Hollandsworth, “Hit Man” follows a Houston police associate (Powell) who disguises himself as an assassin in order to catch willing clients. After getting invested in saving one particular woman (Adria Arjona) in an abusive relationship, hijinks ensue. The film also stars Austin Amelio, Retta and Molly Bernard.
Coming off the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Anyone but You,” Powell writes himself the role of a lifetime with “Hit Man,” collaborating with Linklater on the script.
- 1/22/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
One week after Jonathan Majors was convicted of assault and harassment, his film “Magazine Dreams” has been released back to the filmmakers by Searchlight, which will no longer be distributing, Variety has confirmed.
The Walt Disney Studios specialty arm acquired the body building drama a few weeks after it premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. The filmmakers will now be free to shop the film to other distributors.
“Magazine Dreams,” directed by Elijah Bynum, debuted to positive reviews at the festival and sold for a reported mid-seven figures. Majors was hailed for his performance as amateur body builder Killian Maddox.
But Majors’ March 25 arrest put the film’s release in question, and it was officially removed from Searchlight’s calendar in October.
The Majors conviction came after an incident involving his ex-partner Grace Jabbari. His sentence hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6.
Marvel dropped Majors from his role as villain Kang the Conqueror,...
The Walt Disney Studios specialty arm acquired the body building drama a few weeks after it premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. The filmmakers will now be free to shop the film to other distributors.
“Magazine Dreams,” directed by Elijah Bynum, debuted to positive reviews at the festival and sold for a reported mid-seven figures. Majors was hailed for his performance as amateur body builder Killian Maddox.
But Majors’ March 25 arrest put the film’s release in question, and it was officially removed from Searchlight’s calendar in October.
The Majors conviction came after an incident involving his ex-partner Grace Jabbari. His sentence hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6.
Marvel dropped Majors from his role as villain Kang the Conqueror,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
David Gordon Green has exited “The Exorcist: Deceiver,” the 2025 sequel to last year’s poorly received sequel in the horror franchise. Universal and Blumhouse are searching for a new director.
“Deceiver” has been removed from Universal’s release calendar and replaced with Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” arriving April 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Green is in production on “Nutcrackers” starring Ben Stiller and Season 4 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones.”
“The Exorcist: Believer” failed to conjure up big bucks at the box office and received frighteningly bad reviews, with Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman writing, “The clichés of demonic possession pile up with dutiful nostalgia, but they’ve lost their shock value.”
“Believer” brought in $65 million at the domestic box office, plus $70 million in international markets. Green wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler and shares a “story by” credit with Scott Teems and “Righteous Gemstones” mastermind Danny McBride, who also...
“Deceiver” has been removed from Universal’s release calendar and replaced with Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” arriving April 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Green is in production on “Nutcrackers” starring Ben Stiller and Season 4 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones.”
“The Exorcist: Believer” failed to conjure up big bucks at the box office and received frighteningly bad reviews, with Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman writing, “The clichés of demonic possession pile up with dutiful nostalgia, but they’ve lost their shock value.”
“Believer” brought in $65 million at the domestic box office, plus $70 million in international markets. Green wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler and shares a “story by” credit with Scott Teems and “Righteous Gemstones” mastermind Danny McBride, who also...
- 1/11/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Kristen Stewart is Variety’s Sundance cover star and said while recording a “Know Their Lines” video that she “hated” making “Charlie’s Angels,” the Elizabeth Banks-directed action-comedy that flopped at the box office in fall 2019. Stewart was joined in the film by Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska. While reviews were mixed, Stewart’s performance as the rebellious Sabina earned widespread acclaim. Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman’s praised her “flashing-eyed magnetism,” for instance.
During “Know Their Lines,” Stewart got a prompt that included dialogue from the opening scene of her “Charlie’s Angels” reboot: “Did you know that it takes men an additional seven seconds to perceive a woman as a threat compared to a man?”
“This was a mouthful at the time,” Stewart said. “I remember saying that. That was from a little film called ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ We wanted a strong opener, you know? We wanted to really like...
During “Know Their Lines,” Stewart got a prompt that included dialogue from the opening scene of her “Charlie’s Angels” reboot: “Did you know that it takes men an additional seven seconds to perceive a woman as a threat compared to a man?”
“This was a mouthful at the time,” Stewart said. “I remember saying that. That was from a little film called ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ We wanted a strong opener, you know? We wanted to really like...
- 1/11/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
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