There is no such thing as a bad year for movies. And 2024 is already shaping up to be no exception.
As we write this intro, it's still fairly early in the year, but we've already seen plenty of terrific films. Some of them are currently in theaters. Some of them are streaming or available for rental. A few of them have played film festivals and will find their way into some kind of release this year. But all of the entries on this list of the best movies of 2024 so far have one thing in common: they're worth your time.
Comedies, science fiction epics, documentaries, action films, romances, animation -- this list already has it all, and we're just getting started. Let's dive in..
Read more: Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It)
Babes
"Babes" is an honest and slightly heartbreaking comedy about growing up,...
As we write this intro, it's still fairly early in the year, but we've already seen plenty of terrific films. Some of them are currently in theaters. Some of them are streaming or available for rental. A few of them have played film festivals and will find their way into some kind of release this year. But all of the entries on this list of the best movies of 2024 so far have one thing in common: they're worth your time.
Comedies, science fiction epics, documentaries, action films, romances, animation -- this list already has it all, and we're just getting started. Let's dive in..
Read more: Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It)
Babes
"Babes" is an honest and slightly heartbreaking comedy about growing up,...
- 3/24/2024
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
Dev Patel is one of the best actors working today so when he decided his directorial debut would be an action film inspired by everything from "Oldboy" to Indonesian action cinema and "John Wick," his film "Monkey Man" quickly became one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
The first trailer focused on the "John Wick" comparison, the brutal hand-to-hand combat and a revenge tale, but there's more to "Monkey Man" than meets the eye. The film follows Patel as Kid, a young man working at an underground fight club in a fictional Indian metropolis where he loses for cash. Eventually, Kid gets tired of just getting beaten up and decides to take the fight to the malignant elite that both killed his mother and systemically oppresses the working-class in the city. He takes up the "Monkey Man" persona, which is inspired by Hanuman, the half-human half-ape deity in the Hindu epic "Ramayana.
The first trailer focused on the "John Wick" comparison, the brutal hand-to-hand combat and a revenge tale, but there's more to "Monkey Man" than meets the eye. The film follows Patel as Kid, a young man working at an underground fight club in a fictional Indian metropolis where he loses for cash. Eventually, Kid gets tired of just getting beaten up and decides to take the fight to the malignant elite that both killed his mother and systemically oppresses the working-class in the city. He takes up the "Monkey Man" persona, which is inspired by Hanuman, the half-human half-ape deity in the Hindu epic "Ramayana.
- 3/21/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Buckle up because Universal Pictures has released a brand new trailer for "The Fall Guy." With a pair of huge stars in Ryan Gosling ("Barbie") and Emily Blunt ("Oppenheimer) at its center — both of whom are coming off of Oscars nominations for their work on two of 2023's biggest movies — this flick has summer blockbuster written all over it. A reboot of largely forgotten IP, a director who knows his way around action, and a couple of very charming stars? It's all here. Check out the trailer for yourself above.
Lots of action and lots of comedy at play here. David Leitch, whose previous credits include "Bullet Train" and "Deadpool 2," seems to be very much at home with the material, especially since he was a stuntman before becoming an A-list director. It looks, in a word, fun. That's because, for my money, it is a great deal of fun.
Lots of action and lots of comedy at play here. David Leitch, whose previous credits include "Bullet Train" and "Deadpool 2," seems to be very much at home with the material, especially since he was a stuntman before becoming an A-list director. It looks, in a word, fun. That's because, for my money, it is a great deal of fun.
- 3/20/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
SXSW 2024 is in the books, and we have a ton of coverage for you here at /Film.com. But if you're pressed for time and don't have enough hours of the day to fully immerse yourself in all the write-ups of the panels and screenings we attended, we've got you covered.
From sasquatches to stunt men, civil wars to rom-coms, from remakes to inventive documentaries, here's a list of every movie we reviewed at this year's festival, in alphabetical order.
Read more: Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It)
Babes
Pamela Adlon is no stranger to direct portrayals of the Stuff We Don't Talk About, which she chronicled in her acclaimed FX series "Better Things." She brings that bluntness to this film, her feature debut, but there's a second voice at work here: a disarming shot of gonzo millennial dorkiness that's chaotic,...
From sasquatches to stunt men, civil wars to rom-coms, from remakes to inventive documentaries, here's a list of every movie we reviewed at this year's festival, in alphabetical order.
Read more: Here's Why Movie Dialogue Has Gotten More Difficult To Understand (And Three Ways To Fix It)
Babes
Pamela Adlon is no stranger to direct portrayals of the Stuff We Don't Talk About, which she chronicled in her acclaimed FX series "Better Things." She brings that bluntness to this film, her feature debut, but there's a second voice at work here: a disarming shot of gonzo millennial dorkiness that's chaotic,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
"The Terminator" is a perfect movie. /Film's own Jacob Hall has argued director James Cameron has never surpassed it. Cameron knows how to get his money's worth from Titanic-sized budgets and the filmmaking world is a better place when he gets to reach the peak of his ambitions. Still, "The Terminator" — a lean sci-fi slasher that's both exciting and foreboding — shows that Cameron could still spin gold with more modest tools.
Even if "The Terminator" isn't much of an actor's picture, it's well-cast, particularly Michael Biehn as haggard time traveler Kyle Reese and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg assassin. This film was a key step in Schwarzenegger's climb to being the biggest movie star in the world. Even so, it's something of a Hollywood legend how these two weren't the initial picks for these roles.
In particular, it's spread through the grapevine that O.J. Simpson was considered to star as the Terminator.
Even if "The Terminator" isn't much of an actor's picture, it's well-cast, particularly Michael Biehn as haggard time traveler Kyle Reese and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg assassin. This film was a key step in Schwarzenegger's climb to being the biggest movie star in the world. Even so, it's something of a Hollywood legend how these two weren't the initial picks for these roles.
In particular, it's spread through the grapevine that O.J. Simpson was considered to star as the Terminator.
- 3/16/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Since novelist and screenwriter Alex Garland first made the leap to directing with 2014 sci-fi "Ex Machina," he's rapidly become one of the most interesting filmmakers around. Garland delivered a strong follow-up with 2017's "Annihilation," before dipping into surrealist folk horror with 2022's "Men." His foothold in genre films meant that his new film, "Civil War," was instinctively given the science fiction label, but Garland has clarified that there's really nothing sci-fi about it.
"Civil War" is set in a time that could be anywhere from the present day to a few years from now, in a version of the United States that has fractured into conflict between the "official" government, the "Florida alliance," and an "illegal secessionist government" formed by the united states of Texas and California. At least, that's how the situation is characterized in the trailer by Nick Offerman's Potus, whom seasoned war journalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst...
"Civil War" is set in a time that could be anywhere from the present day to a few years from now, in a version of the United States that has fractured into conflict between the "official" government, the "Florida alliance," and an "illegal secessionist government" formed by the united states of Texas and California. At least, that's how the situation is characterized in the trailer by Nick Offerman's Potus, whom seasoned war journalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst...
- 3/15/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Alex Garland's new film "Civil War" recently premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas and to say it's going to be one of the most talked-about movies of the year might be an understatement. It's a movie with an awful lot to say, presenting ideas in very unique ways, particularly for a war film. /Film's own Jacob Hall said in his review that the film "is less about the politics of right now, and more about the horror that accompanies a world beyond politics." To that end, Garland went to great lengths to not glorify the horrors of war, and that extended to the film's soundtrack.
Garland and the cast participated in a Q&a following the film's premiere at the festival, which I attended. "Contemporary music didn't work," the filmmaker said addressing the use of a needle drop from legendary hip-hop group De La Soul in the film. "It suddenly,...
Garland and the cast participated in a Q&a following the film's premiere at the festival, which I attended. "Contemporary music didn't work," the filmmaker said addressing the use of a needle drop from legendary hip-hop group De La Soul in the film. "It suddenly,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Every franchise out there should be making casting choices that reflect the breadth and diversity of humanity we see every single day in our own lives, but "Star Trek" in particular has even more reason than others to do so. Heralded from its earliest conception as a progressive, forward-thinking, and uniquely idealistic series of stories, the property has done its best to maintain creator Gene Roddenberry's grand vision throughout its 50+ years of existence. That's not to say "Star Trek" has a perfect track record or has avoided certain missed opportunities over the years. Still, the franchise has always gone much further and more boldly than its contemporaries could ever claim to do.
As /Film's Jacob Hall notes in his review of the "Discovery" season 5 premiere, this particular "Star Trek" series has always made it a point to foreground characters of marginalized identities who rarely get a moment in the spotlight in most other entertainment.
As /Film's Jacob Hall notes in his review of the "Discovery" season 5 premiere, this particular "Star Trek" series has always made it a point to foreground characters of marginalized identities who rarely get a moment in the spotlight in most other entertainment.
- 3/15/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Hollywood stunt people are a breed apart. They look at a skyscraper, and wonder what floor from which they could plummet onto an airbag. They encounter a ravine, and instantly want to hop astride a motorcycle and jump it. They see a fellow stunt performer get blasted with fire extinguishers after being set ablaze, and think to themselves, "I could've stayed on fire longer than that." They're wild folk, and they can make the kind of movie magic you'll savor for a lifetime.
For movie lovers, stunt people like Dar Robinson, Vic Armstrong, and Evelyn Finley are as legendary as the stars they doubled. Among casual moviegoers, however, they aren't nearly as appreciated as they should be. So when films like Richard Rush's "The Stunt Man," Hal Needham's "Hooper," or David Leitch's forthcoming "The Fall Guy" (based on the classic 1980s TV series starring Lee Majors) crash into theaters,...
For movie lovers, stunt people like Dar Robinson, Vic Armstrong, and Evelyn Finley are as legendary as the stars they doubled. Among casual moviegoers, however, they aren't nearly as appreciated as they should be. So when films like Richard Rush's "The Stunt Man," Hal Needham's "Hooper," or David Leitch's forthcoming "The Fall Guy" (based on the classic 1980s TV series starring Lee Majors) crash into theaters,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The fifth and final season of "Star Trek: Discovery" debuts on April 4, 2024, and it is a time of ambivalence. "Discovery" has struggled throughout its tenure, unsure as to what its identity should be, or what its general vibe is. Other "Star Trek" shows always featured staunch, stone-faced diplomats in ultra-professional workplace environments. The "Discovery" characters, in contrast, are teens at a slumber party, if the teens were over-dramatic theater kids and the slumber party was held after they all lost the one-act-play competition. The crew of the U.S.S. Discovery openly discuss their feelings at all times and perpetually need shoulders to cry on. The professionalism of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is long behind us.
But then, that seems to be what the show's fans like most about it. Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) encourages both emotional vulnerability and her crew to approach one another with open hearts.
But then, that seems to be what the show's fans like most about it. Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) encourages both emotional vulnerability and her crew to approach one another with open hearts.
- 3/14/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Dev Patel's directorial debut, "Monkey Man," is an ambitious endeavor that centers on no-holds-barred action amidst a complex political backdrop set in present-day India. Judging from the trailer that was released for the film, Patel plays a nameless man referred to as "Kid," who is inspired by Hanuman, the half-human, half-ape deity in the Hindu epic, "Ramayana," which eventually leads him to take up the moniker of "monkey man." Driven by retribution and the need to balance the scales of justice after experiencing trauma for years — including being a victim of social and political ills that are closely connected to status, class, and caste — Kid walks down a brutally uncompromising path with no point of return.
After the film's global premiere at SXSW 2024 in Austin, Texas, "Monkey Man" received mostly positive responses, which includes /Film's Jacob Hall rating it an 8 out of 10. The overwhelming consensus is that the film's action sequences are expertly crafted,...
After the film's global premiere at SXSW 2024 in Austin, Texas, "Monkey Man" received mostly positive responses, which includes /Film's Jacob Hall rating it an 8 out of 10. The overwhelming consensus is that the film's action sequences are expertly crafted,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
It's been several days now since this year's Oscars ceremony, and yet I'm still scratching my head as to why the Academy had Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt present a montage honoring stunts and stunt performers without mentioning why they had selected these two specific actors to do so. Then there's the bitter irony of the Academy celebrating stunt performers while stubbornly refusing to give them an Oscar of their own, but that's a whole other rabbit hole.
While it's true the pair starred in dual halves of Barbenheimer last year, they've also got a new film coming out in "The Fall Guy." Loosely adapted from Glen A. Larson's '80s action-adventure TV series of the same name, the movie casts Gosling as a stuntman who's rapidly aging out of his occupation from years of risking permanent bodily harm, only to find himself unraveling a mystery on the set...
While it's true the pair starred in dual halves of Barbenheimer last year, they've also got a new film coming out in "The Fall Guy." Loosely adapted from Glen A. Larson's '80s action-adventure TV series of the same name, the movie casts Gosling as a stuntman who's rapidly aging out of his occupation from years of risking permanent bodily harm, only to find himself unraveling a mystery on the set...
- 3/14/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
As a rule, we here at /Film try not to pit icons against each other. That said, "Anatomy of a Fall" breakout star Messi better watch his tail because he's not the only movie dog poised to win over hearts and minds at theaters these days.
By all accounts, "The Fall Guy" is an excellent and entertaining ode to stunt performers and blue-collar workers everywhere. But as much as the film is designed around the appeal of genuine movie stars like Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, may we never sleep on the novelty and appeal of a lovable dog character making an appearance in the middle of all the action, too. Look no further than the mainstream success of "John Wick," after all, although this time it's safe to say that animal lovers need not fear any grisly fates. That turns out to be a tool that director David Leitch...
By all accounts, "The Fall Guy" is an excellent and entertaining ode to stunt performers and blue-collar workers everywhere. But as much as the film is designed around the appeal of genuine movie stars like Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, may we never sleep on the novelty and appeal of a lovable dog character making an appearance in the middle of all the action, too. Look no further than the mainstream success of "John Wick," after all, although this time it's safe to say that animal lovers need not fear any grisly fates. That turns out to be a tool that director David Leitch...
- 3/13/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
The crew of the U.S.S. Discovery will sign off on their final transmission this year when "Star Trek: Discovery" comes to an end after 5 seasons. The first "Star Trek" show of the Paramount+ era has gone through plenty of highs and lows across 55 episodes and counting, but with the end in sight, it's the perfect time for the cast and crew to reflect on the best memories they have from years spent bringing the series to life.
Cast members were in attendance for the world premiere of "Discovery" season 5 at South By Southwest this week (as was /Film's Jacob Hall), where star Wilson Cruz fondly recalled a particularly wholesome on-set tradition the entire cast participated in. Cruz, who plays Dr. Hugh Culber in the show, replied to a question about the cast's favorite set memories by explaining that specific crew members were given the spotlight each day. "I...
Cast members were in attendance for the world premiere of "Discovery" season 5 at South By Southwest this week (as was /Film's Jacob Hall), where star Wilson Cruz fondly recalled a particularly wholesome on-set tradition the entire cast participated in. Cruz, who plays Dr. Hugh Culber in the show, replied to a question about the cast's favorite set memories by explaining that specific crew members were given the spotlight each day. "I...
- 3/13/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
"Star Trek" might feel like a property at the peak of its powers these days, but things were very different as recently as 2017. "Star Trek Beyond" had just wrapped up the trilogy of "Kelvin-verse" movies on the cinematic side of the equation, but Trekkies continued to wait for the franchise's grand return to its small-screen roots. Not since the end of "Enterprise" in 2005 had fans been able to enjoy "Trek" television, an over decade-long gap rivaled only by the 13 years between "The Animated Series" and "The Next Generation." Then, "Discovery" arrived on the scene, kickstarting this current era that has since flourished into a genuine Golden Age with multiple shows streaming concurrently.
As the series begins to wind down with its fifth and final season this year, Paramount brought the "Discovery" season 5 premiere the ongoing South by Southwest film festival taking place in Austin, Texas. /Film's Jacob Hall reviewed the...
As the series begins to wind down with its fifth and final season this year, Paramount brought the "Discovery" season 5 premiere the ongoing South by Southwest film festival taking place in Austin, Texas. /Film's Jacob Hall reviewed the...
- 3/13/2024
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Dev Patel, who movie lovers are surely familiar with from his on-screen work in movies such as "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Green Knight," is beginning a new phase of his career. The actor-turned-director has his feature directorial debut "Monkey Man" coming our way in April (you can check out the trailer right here), and it's an action-packed, wild ride. Patel also stars in the lead role, and it required him to kick a lot of ass. Kicking all of that ass, it turns out, comes at a cost, as he broke his hand early on while filming. But, for various reasons, the show had to go on, broken bone and all.
"Monkey Man" recently held its world premiere at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the film was met with a very warm response, with /Film's Jacob Hall giving it an 8 out of 10 review. I was lucky enough to be on...
"Monkey Man" recently held its world premiere at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and the film was met with a very warm response, with /Film's Jacob Hall giving it an 8 out of 10 review. I was lucky enough to be on...
- 3/12/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Dev Patel's feature directorial debut "Monkey Man" hit the ground running with its world premiere at South By Southwest ... but before the movie about an underground brawler hell-bent on revenge became a reality, the actor-turned-filmmaker says it was an idea he was hesitant to bring to life himself. /Film's Ryan Scott is attending SXSW in Austin this week, where Patel spoke about how he went from an actor and co-writer on the project to the man behind the camera.
"I was just trying to find a way to tell this story," Patel explained. "I wanted it out there. Originally, I hired a friend to write it." Paul Angunawela ("Keith Lemon: The Film") and John Collee ("Hotel Mumbai") are both credited as co-writers on the final product, but initially, Patel says two of them worked on it during an intense year-long process. "I ended up co-writing it and then we,...
"I was just trying to find a way to tell this story," Patel explained. "I wanted it out there. Originally, I hired a friend to write it." Paul Angunawela ("Keith Lemon: The Film") and John Collee ("Hotel Mumbai") are both credited as co-writers on the final product, but initially, Patel says two of them worked on it during an intense year-long process. "I ended up co-writing it and then we,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Say what you will about "Saltburn" -- the film that /Film's own Jacob Hall touted as the "feel bad" comedy of 2023 -- Emerald Fennell's follow-up to "Promising Young Woman" has inspired a bit of pearl-clutching and eye-rolling in equal measure. Its "twist" ending, admittedly, isn't all that surprising but the film's final moments more than make up for any alleged predictability.
"Saltburn" derives its name from the ancestral home of a well-to-do English family, and the bulk of its action takes place on the lush property in the summer of 2007. When golden boy Felix (Jacob Elordi) brings his lower-class friend Oliver (Barry Keoghan) home for the holiday, a sultry, psychosexual class war ensues. Its descent into madness is chalk full of depraved yearning, posh dinner parties, and laugh-out-loud line readings. "Saltburn" is a film best experienced cold, but among its most talked-about scenes is its final closing moment.
When the dust finally settles,...
"Saltburn" derives its name from the ancestral home of a well-to-do English family, and the bulk of its action takes place on the lush property in the summer of 2007. When golden boy Felix (Jacob Elordi) brings his lower-class friend Oliver (Barry Keoghan) home for the holiday, a sultry, psychosexual class war ensues. Its descent into madness is chalk full of depraved yearning, posh dinner parties, and laugh-out-loud line readings. "Saltburn" is a film best experienced cold, but among its most talked-about scenes is its final closing moment.
When the dust finally settles,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
For as long as there has been James Bond, there has been the James Bond "girl." And for as long as there has been the James Bond "girl," there have been people rightfully noting that this descriptor is a bit demeaning. After all, these character are women and should be treated accordingly.
And the James Bond "woman" has run the gamut over the years. People have rightfully called out the franchise over the decades for its often shallow, childish sexism, teaming up Agent 007 with bimbos bearing ridiculous names. The laziest films in the series reduce the female co-stars to shallow eye candy, existing to be impressed by Bond and to be rescued in the climax. But we can't ignore the movies that get it right. For every film that gets the Bond woman wrong, there's one that gets it right — characters with complex motivations, intriguing backstories, wry senses of humor,...
And the James Bond "woman" has run the gamut over the years. People have rightfully called out the franchise over the decades for its often shallow, childish sexism, teaming up Agent 007 with bimbos bearing ridiculous names. The laziest films in the series reduce the female co-stars to shallow eye candy, existing to be impressed by Bond and to be rescued in the climax. But we can't ignore the movies that get it right. For every film that gets the Bond woman wrong, there's one that gets it right — characters with complex motivations, intriguing backstories, wry senses of humor,...
- 1/13/2024
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
The year that was 2023 is almost over, and it was a good year for movies. By extension, it was also a good year to write about movies. We here at /Film strive to bring you reviews of every major release, and then some — but what is the role of a movie review? Some folks think a movie review exists merely to tell the reader if a film is good or bad, and nothing more. It's a guide to whether or not you should plop down your hard-earned cash at the box office. But that shouldn't be a movie review's primary goal.
A movie review should also engage with the work; to examine it, study it, and try to figure out what makes it tick. And in the end, the final choice should be yours. Often, when I file a negative review of a film, it will be met with a reply from someone stating,...
A movie review should also engage with the work; to examine it, study it, and try to figure out what makes it tick. And in the end, the final choice should be yours. Often, when I file a negative review of a film, it will be met with a reply from someone stating,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Some pretty famous actor/director pairings have defined a sizable portion of classic cinema over the years. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro; the Coen brothers and Frances McDormand; Guillermo del Toro and Doug Jones. It's a legendary list and one that should most certainly include James Wan and Patrick Wilson. Dating back to 2010's smash hit "Insidious," the duo have worked together on six of Wan's directorial efforts (and many more that he's produced). That sixth collaboration came in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," which is just now making its way to theaters after several long delays.
But why is it that Wan continues to cast Wilson in his films? In fairness, this is a sequel and Wilson's Orm is a big part of the story. Even so, the two clearly want to keep working with one another. /Film's own Jacob Hall recently spoke with Wan in anticipation...
But why is it that Wan continues to cast Wilson in his films? In fairness, this is a sequel and Wilson's Orm is a big part of the story. Even so, the two clearly want to keep working with one another. /Film's own Jacob Hall recently spoke with Wan in anticipation...
- 12/21/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Right after the huge success of "Wonder Woman" but also the horrible, awful, franchise-ending "Justice League," the first "Aquaman" was a pleasant surprise. James Wan's second superhero movie ("Furious 7" features as many if not more acts of superheroism) felt like a fresh jolt of energy, featuring an octopus that plays drums, Julie Andrews as a monster, and the masterpiece that is Pitbull's cover of Toto's "Africa." This is a pure James Wan joint, one that features a terrifying horror scene with deep-sea monsters. And it was a bonafide hit, becoming the highest-grossing Dceu movie.
Before the Dceu officially ends with the release of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," /Film's own Jacob Hall talked to director James Wan about the making of the film, and why Wan was never interested in making a realistic take on the character. "I had to embrace the quirkiest side of this world,...
Before the Dceu officially ends with the release of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," /Film's own Jacob Hall talked to director James Wan about the making of the film, and why Wan was never interested in making a realistic take on the character. "I had to embrace the quirkiest side of this world,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" is almost here after Covid delays and all the changes at Warner Bros. It's one I'm looking forward to, because, even though this is the last film that's part of the old DC Extended Universe (Dceu), the first film was a blast. I mean, it had a drum-playing octopus named Topo. How can you not love that?
Director James Wan didn't try to stay in the sort of darker vibe the Dceu was giving off at the time. He was making a movie about a superhero who swims through fish poop, and he made it fun. The film grossed over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office (according to Box Office Mojo). A sequel was inevitable. However, after James Gunn and producer Peter Safran took the reins over at DC, announcing that things were going to change, the remaining Dceu films were sort of left hanging without much purpose.
Director James Wan didn't try to stay in the sort of darker vibe the Dceu was giving off at the time. He was making a movie about a superhero who swims through fish poop, and he made it fun. The film grossed over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office (according to Box Office Mojo). A sequel was inevitable. However, after James Gunn and producer Peter Safran took the reins over at DC, announcing that things were going to change, the remaining Dceu films were sort of left hanging without much purpose.
- 12/19/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for the second season premiere of "Reacher."
The Jack Reacher series has had 28 books so far, and every fan's got a personal favorite. At a press day panel for "Reacher" season 2, /Film's own Jacob Hall asked Alan Ritchson, who plays Reacher in the series, what his favorite "Reacher" novel was. His answer was "Die Trying," the second book in the series. It was published in 1998 and follows Reacher as he unexpectedly comes across a kidnapping of a random woman in Chicago in the middle of the day. He tries to help, ends up kidnapped alongside her, and has to figure his way out of the chaotic situation that's been thrust upon him.
It's this style of plot that appeals most to Alan Ritchson. At least, this is the sort of story that best reflects who Reacher is at his core. "Reacher just wants to be left alone,...
The Jack Reacher series has had 28 books so far, and every fan's got a personal favorite. At a press day panel for "Reacher" season 2, /Film's own Jacob Hall asked Alan Ritchson, who plays Reacher in the series, what his favorite "Reacher" novel was. His answer was "Die Trying," the second book in the series. It was published in 1998 and follows Reacher as he unexpectedly comes across a kidnapping of a random woman in Chicago in the middle of the day. He tries to help, ends up kidnapped alongside her, and has to figure his way out of the chaotic situation that's been thrust upon him.
It's this style of plot that appeals most to Alan Ritchson. At least, this is the sort of story that best reflects who Reacher is at his core. "Reacher just wants to be left alone,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Hollywood has always been enamored of franchises. Universal became synonymous with horror movies in the 1930s with their Classic Monsters run, while MGM mined Mickey Rooney's Andy Hardy character for 16 films. And then there's the "Blondie" series based on Chic Young's comic strip, which Columbia Pictures wrung bone dry for a staggering 28 installments.
For the most part, these films were produced quickly and cheaply for a quick score at the box office. It wasn't until 1962, when United Artists made a killing with the first James Bond movie ("Dr. No"), that studios began to view franchises as cash cows. With the subsequent success of the "Pink Panther" and "Planet of the Apes" movies, the industry became increasingly eager to turn its blockbusters into ongoing sagas. This filmmaking approach went into hyperdrive in 1977 with the unprecedented phenomenon of "Star Wars." From that point forward, Hollywood quickly became a franchise-driven town.
For the most part, these films were produced quickly and cheaply for a quick score at the box office. It wasn't until 1962, when United Artists made a killing with the first James Bond movie ("Dr. No"), that studios began to view franchises as cash cows. With the subsequent success of the "Pink Panther" and "Planet of the Apes" movies, the industry became increasingly eager to turn its blockbusters into ongoing sagas. This filmmaking approach went into hyperdrive in 1977 with the unprecedented phenomenon of "Star Wars." From that point forward, Hollywood quickly became a franchise-driven town.
- 12/18/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Nintendo saw the millions upon millions that "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" brought in and decided to ... do something completely different and bet on big risks and in Avi Arad. The game studio and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced last month that Wes Ball will direct a live-action feature film adaptation of "The Legend of Zelda" video game series. That's right. A live-action film, not an animated one.
Wes Ball is a surprising choice, to be sure, but a welcome one. As our own Jacob Hall wrote, the upcoming adaptation "isn't guaranteed to be a great movie, but it's taken a big and important first step by hiring a young, promising, exciting filmmaker with a giant well of talent and a lot to prove. The quest begins."
Nothing makes it clearer that Wes Ball at least has the right inspirations than a recent interview he did with Entertainment Weekly where he...
Wes Ball is a surprising choice, to be sure, but a welcome one. As our own Jacob Hall wrote, the upcoming adaptation "isn't guaranteed to be a great movie, but it's taken a big and important first step by hiring a young, promising, exciting filmmaker with a giant well of talent and a lot to prove. The quest begins."
Nothing makes it clearer that Wes Ball at least has the right inspirations than a recent interview he did with Entertainment Weekly where he...
- 12/5/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The "John Wick" franchise is at a series high in terms of critical acclaim (our own Jacob Hall couldn't stop raving about it after its SXSW premiere) and box office success, but if you saw "Chapter 4" you know that it feels like the final word on the main story. But when the last movie, a 2.5-hour R-rated action epic, pulls in over $400 million at the box office alone you know that's not the last time we're seeing this world.
Even before the massive success of "Chapter 4," the powers that be were working on spin-offs, both in the feature film and limited series spaces, and both prequels.
On the film side, we have "Ballerina" starring Ana de Armas and featuring "Wick" vets Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, the great Lance Reddick (in one of his final performances), and, of course, Keanu Reeves as John Wick making an appearance of some sort.
Peacock...
Even before the massive success of "Chapter 4," the powers that be were working on spin-offs, both in the feature film and limited series spaces, and both prequels.
On the film side, we have "Ballerina" starring Ana de Armas and featuring "Wick" vets Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, the great Lance Reddick (in one of his final performances), and, of course, Keanu Reeves as John Wick making an appearance of some sort.
Peacock...
- 5/13/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Two's a coincidence, but three films about the origins of real-life brands releasing in the span of a few months? That's a trend.
On the heels of "Tetris" and "Air" comes "Flamin' Hot," the latest entry in the growing sub-genre that /Film's Rafael Motamayor has referred to as "the brand movie or product biopic (the prodpic?)." This time, the focus is on Richard Montañez, who rose from being a humble janitor at a Frito-Lay factory to a successful businessman and the self-proclaimed creator of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The film is based on Montañez's memoir, "A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive," and was directed by former "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria, drawing from Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette's script.
Similar to "Tetris," Longoria's brand movie will be skipping theaters to release directly to streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally -- although,...
On the heels of "Tetris" and "Air" comes "Flamin' Hot," the latest entry in the growing sub-genre that /Film's Rafael Motamayor has referred to as "the brand movie or product biopic (the prodpic?)." This time, the focus is on Richard Montañez, who rose from being a humble janitor at a Frito-Lay factory to a successful businessman and the self-proclaimed creator of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The film is based on Montañez's memoir, "A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive," and was directed by former "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria, drawing from Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette's script.
Similar to "Tetris," Longoria's brand movie will be skipping theaters to release directly to streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally -- although,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Evil Dead Rise" is a wild cinematic experience. As our own Jacob Hall wrote in his review out of SXSW, "While certainly darker than Raimi's films, this is, like them, a hyper-violent tour through a nightmarish funhouse that pauses only to show off something gnarly enough that you can only scream or laugh." After the remake delivered an unhinged, cruel, unfunny film, "Evil Dead Rise" knows when to dial up the joy and the fun, while also being rather bleak and scary.
Lee Cronin's "Evil Dead Rise" stars Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland in two star-making roles, with a story that takes the franchise out of the woods and into the big city. But now the film is headed somewhere else — home.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced (via Bloody Disgusting) that the film is heading to VOD tomorrow, May 9, 2023, for $24.99. It will also be available for 48-hour rental via...
Lee Cronin's "Evil Dead Rise" stars Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland in two star-making roles, with a story that takes the franchise out of the woods and into the big city. But now the film is headed somewhere else — home.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced (via Bloody Disgusting) that the film is heading to VOD tomorrow, May 9, 2023, for $24.99. It will also be available for 48-hour rental via...
- 5/8/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Watching the first few episodes of "Mrs. Davis," you may find yourself wondering, "Is this show even about anything?" And not in a bad way either, as counterintuitive as that might feel.
Forget dipping one toe into the pool at a time; creators Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof plunge you head-first into the show's bizarre sci-fi setting. Its pilot merrily skips from a baffling prologue — itself like a Ridley Scott historical epic inexplicably filled with the cartoonish gore of a Monty Python skit — to sub-plots involving a castaway (and his cat) on an island, jam-making nuns, civilians governed by a seemingly omniscient AI, and German soldiers who feel lifted out of "The Big Lebowski."
There's "a messiness by design inherent" to the series early on, as /Film's Jacob Hall put it. Yet, by the time you reach the end of the first four episodes, a design begins to emerge. The show's themes about technology,...
Forget dipping one toe into the pool at a time; creators Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof plunge you head-first into the show's bizarre sci-fi setting. Its pilot merrily skips from a baffling prologue — itself like a Ridley Scott historical epic inexplicably filled with the cartoonish gore of a Monty Python skit — to sub-plots involving a castaway (and his cat) on an island, jam-making nuns, civilians governed by a seemingly omniscient AI, and German soldiers who feel lifted out of "The Big Lebowski."
There's "a messiness by design inherent" to the series early on, as /Film's Jacob Hall put it. Yet, by the time you reach the end of the first four episodes, a design begins to emerge. The show's themes about technology,...
- 5/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There's nothing quite like gathering with your friends for a rowdy session of "Dungeons & Dragons" or any fantasy tabletop role-playing game. But if that's not an option, playing together virtually from home will do in a pinch.
Despite having dominated the tabletop RPG market ever since its arrival in 1974, "Dungeons & Dragons" hasn't had the easiest time translating its appeal to the screen. Courtney Solomon's 2000 "D&d" movie is more of a cringe-fest than an amiable cheese-fest, save for a never-hammier Jeremy Irons somehow doing both the most and the least as the film's villain. (That it somehow got two straight-to-video sequels is an achievement even the savviest D&d player would struggle to pull off.) More than two decades later, Paramount finally gave the property another go with "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," hiring John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein — the duo behind 2018's glorious action...
Despite having dominated the tabletop RPG market ever since its arrival in 1974, "Dungeons & Dragons" hasn't had the easiest time translating its appeal to the screen. Courtney Solomon's 2000 "D&d" movie is more of a cringe-fest than an amiable cheese-fest, save for a never-hammier Jeremy Irons somehow doing both the most and the least as the film's villain. (That it somehow got two straight-to-video sequels is an achievement even the savviest D&d player would struggle to pull off.) More than two decades later, Paramount finally gave the property another go with "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," hiring John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein — the duo behind 2018's glorious action...
- 5/1/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This post contains minor spoilers for Peacock's "Mrs. Davis."
The year is 2023. In an alternative timeline, an all-seeing, all-knowing artificial intelligence program has taken over society under the guise of being a benevolent force. Among the masses, who are mostly obedient to this force of technology, is a nun who embarks on a quest to retrieve the Holy Grail with the intention of dismantling said AI. This is the premise of Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez's techno-thriller "Mrs. Davis," which melds warring genres, tones, and sentiments to create a smorgasbord of zany adventures brimming with hilarity.
The first two episodes of "Mrs. Davis" first premiered at this year's SXSW, which /Film's Jacob Hall described as "the most audacious science fiction TV show ... since the early episodes of HBO's 'Westworld,'" while praising its willingness to take "big swings" and its "outlandish comedy." Peacock has decided to drop the...
The year is 2023. In an alternative timeline, an all-seeing, all-knowing artificial intelligence program has taken over society under the guise of being a benevolent force. Among the masses, who are mostly obedient to this force of technology, is a nun who embarks on a quest to retrieve the Holy Grail with the intention of dismantling said AI. This is the premise of Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez's techno-thriller "Mrs. Davis," which melds warring genres, tones, and sentiments to create a smorgasbord of zany adventures brimming with hilarity.
The first two episodes of "Mrs. Davis" first premiered at this year's SXSW, which /Film's Jacob Hall described as "the most audacious science fiction TV show ... since the early episodes of HBO's 'Westworld,'" while praising its willingness to take "big swings" and its "outlandish comedy." Peacock has decided to drop the...
- 4/20/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
The more we see studios embrace the legacy sequel, the more impenetrable franchises become. Nowadays, fans are encouraged to consume more than the thing they are just watching, with spin-off media from across several years becoming necessary just to understand a simple Easter egg or cameo.
It's the reason why the current landscape of "Star Wars" is so divisive, with the idea of everything being connected leading to 15 years' worth of "Star Wars" media being required to recognize Glup Shitto in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian." Likewise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is quickly becoming as convoluted as its comics counterpart, which — like DC — is nearly impossible for newcomers to get into without extensive research and reading guides.
This is to say, it could have been very easy for "Evil Dead Rise" to act as a continuation of the original trilogy or "Ash vs Evil Dead," spending the opening scene...
It's the reason why the current landscape of "Star Wars" is so divisive, with the idea of everything being connected leading to 15 years' worth of "Star Wars" media being required to recognize Glup Shitto in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian." Likewise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is quickly becoming as convoluted as its comics counterpart, which — like DC — is nearly impossible for newcomers to get into without extensive research and reading guides.
This is to say, it could have been very easy for "Evil Dead Rise" to act as a continuation of the original trilogy or "Ash vs Evil Dead," spending the opening scene...
- 4/19/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
In 2012, the Canadian government-sanctioned Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers discovered that its precious barrels of sweet sap had been (gasp) stolen. Gone was the sugary liquid that filled the Fpaq warehouses. In its stead was mere water, unfit to pour over a hot stack of pancakes or glaze a juicy pork chop. It sounds silly, but the event cost Fpaq $18.7 million Cad and ranks among the most costly thefts in Canadian history. Judging by the fact that syrup production accounts for about $1.1 billion Cad to Canada's Gdp, the country's government took the crime very seriously. Now, the story is getting the Hollywood adaptation treatment in a half-hour comedy series coming to Prime Video.
Canada produces 90% of the world's maple syrup, and about 72% of that supply comes from the province of Quebec. That means at least 70% of the entire world's syrup was stolen and illegally distributed sometime between 2011 and...
Canada produces 90% of the world's maple syrup, and about 72% of that supply comes from the province of Quebec. That means at least 70% of the entire world's syrup was stolen and illegally distributed sometime between 2011 and...
- 4/18/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Do you ever find yourself sitting quietly at home when you suddenly realize your house is full of stuff that could easily kill you? Your average kitchen alone contains multiple items or devices that can accidentally butcher a person if used incorrectly: knives, blenders, garbage disposals, and so on. And let's not forget cheese graters! There's a good reason the Protagonist (John David Washington) immediately goes for one of the suckers while fighting a pack of Russian goons in "Tenet." Smack 'em, throat punch 'em, and slam their head against the wall! Truly it's the only kitchen utensil you'll ever need, and it's dishwasher safe.
Anyway, where was I? Right, your house can kill you. That's long been an unspoken implication in horror films and the "Evil Dead" movies are no exception. Most of them take place in a remote cabin in the forest or, in the case of "Army of Darkness,...
Anyway, where was I? Right, your house can kill you. That's long been an unspoken implication in horror films and the "Evil Dead" movies are no exception. Most of them take place in a remote cabin in the forest or, in the case of "Army of Darkness,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The two biggest streaming releases this week could not be more different. One is a nostalgia-fueled special based on one of the most popular franchises of the '90s, in the form of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always." The other is a brand new, original, and very bizarre TV show, "Mrs. Davis." Elsewhere, for those looking for more tokusatsu fun like "Power Rangers," there are anime series like "Ssss Dynazenon" and "Love After World Domination," which offer unique spins on the "Power Rangers" formula. Or perhaps you want something that embraces the fun of these stories while offering something more serious, like "Shin Godzilla." Similarly, while you're waiting to know more about the mystery that is "Mrs. Davis," you would do well to check out co-creator Damon Lindelof's previous work on "Lost" and its vast mythology, the darkly weird blend of sexy and funny in "Alien: Covenant,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The following post contains spoilers for "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves."
Before we begin, I have a confession. I've never played Dungeons and Dragons. I've always wanted to, but all the players I knew were deep in campaigns with more characters and subplots than a Tolkien appendix. It was daunting to jump in. Before seeing this movie, I didn't know a mimic from a displacer beast, and I only had a vague idea of the dangers of gelatinous cubes. After "Honor Among Thieves," I'm posting a Craigslist ad for a bard seeking a patient Dungeon Master and other rogues to join his party. Lucky for noobs like me, the internet is littered with beginner's guides. Goodbye, hours of my life. Hello, new nerd obsession.
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is a rollicking time and deserves to be seen on a big screen. As Jacob Hall of /Film put it in his review,...
Before we begin, I have a confession. I've never played Dungeons and Dragons. I've always wanted to, but all the players I knew were deep in campaigns with more characters and subplots than a Tolkien appendix. It was daunting to jump in. Before seeing this movie, I didn't know a mimic from a displacer beast, and I only had a vague idea of the dangers of gelatinous cubes. After "Honor Among Thieves," I'm posting a Craigslist ad for a bard seeking a patient Dungeon Master and other rogues to join his party. Lucky for noobs like me, the internet is littered with beginner's guides. Goodbye, hours of my life. Hello, new nerd obsession.
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is a rollicking time and deserves to be seen on a big screen. As Jacob Hall of /Film put it in his review,...
- 4/4/2023
- by Ben Begley
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
All good things must eventually come to an end — or do they?
That's the ominous question hanging heavy over the proceedings of "John Wick: Chapter 4." Long before the film's shocking ending, which strongly implies that Keanu Reeves' title character gives up the ghost and finally achieves a modicum of peace in death that he rarely found in life, the besieged assassin repeatedly runs up against the idea of what comes next. After killing the villainous Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) and defeating rival hitman Caine (Donnie Yen) and freeing himself from the shackles of the oppressive High Table ... then what? It's almost shocking for such a proven moneymaker of a franchise to come right out and address its own sense of futility, all but turning to audiences and asking us what more we could possibly want out of future "John Wick...
All good things must eventually come to an end — or do they?
That's the ominous question hanging heavy over the proceedings of "John Wick: Chapter 4." Long before the film's shocking ending, which strongly implies that Keanu Reeves' title character gives up the ghost and finally achieves a modicum of peace in death that he rarely found in life, the besieged assassin repeatedly runs up against the idea of what comes next. After killing the villainous Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) and defeating rival hitman Caine (Donnie Yen) and freeing himself from the shackles of the oppressive High Table ... then what? It's almost shocking for such a proven moneymaker of a franchise to come right out and address its own sense of futility, all but turning to audiences and asking us what more we could possibly want out of future "John Wick...
- 3/27/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
On March 24, Lionsgate released “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the fourth installment of the Keanu Reeves-led franchise. John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, critics are raving, “‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ piles on more of everything — and suggests that when it comes to a well-dressed Keanu Reeves dispatching his enemies in lethally balletic style, there can never be too much.”
In addition to Reeves, the returning cast includes Laurence Fishburne as underworld boss the Bowery King, Lance Reddick as Continental Hotel concierge Charon, and Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the manager of the Continental Hotel who betrayed John at the end of “Chapter 3.” New cast members include Bill Skarsgård as the Marquis de Gramont,...
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, critics are raving, “‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ piles on more of everything — and suggests that when it comes to a well-dressed Keanu Reeves dispatching his enemies in lethally balletic style, there can never be too much.”
In addition to Reeves, the returning cast includes Laurence Fishburne as underworld boss the Bowery King, Lance Reddick as Continental Hotel concierge Charon, and Ian McShane as Winston Scott, the manager of the Continental Hotel who betrayed John at the end of “Chapter 3.” New cast members include Bill Skarsgård as the Marquis de Gramont,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
This post contains spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
"John Wick: Chapter 4" feels like the climax of everything the franchise has done until this point. It is the biggest, boldest, loudest, and most badass film in the tetralogy, and one of the most impressive American action movies since "Mad Max: Fury Road." The movie combines enough plot and set pieces that could have fit a fourth and a fifth movie into a single three-hour film that never really feels like three hours.
Indeed, this is a film that contains some of the most badass action scenes and stunts in modern film. As our own Jacob Hall said in his review out of SXSW, this film is "staged with such bravura skill and visual wit that it exposes the vast majority of American action direction as the lazy sham it is." In a movie packed to the rim with incredible set pieces,...
"John Wick: Chapter 4" feels like the climax of everything the franchise has done until this point. It is the biggest, boldest, loudest, and most badass film in the tetralogy, and one of the most impressive American action movies since "Mad Max: Fury Road." The movie combines enough plot and set pieces that could have fit a fourth and a fifth movie into a single three-hour film that never really feels like three hours.
Indeed, this is a film that contains some of the most badass action scenes and stunts in modern film. As our own Jacob Hall said in his review out of SXSW, this film is "staged with such bravura skill and visual wit that it exposes the vast majority of American action direction as the lazy sham it is." In a movie packed to the rim with incredible set pieces,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
While superhero tentpoles might be struggling in the early going of 2023, other genre films seem to be doing perfectly fine, thank you very kindly. "John Wick: Chapter 4" is the latest non-superhero flick to openly strongly at the box office, taking in a franchise-high $8.9 million in Thursday evening previews (via Variety). That's despite its 169-minute runtime, although its supporters would tell you Mr. Wick's fourth outing is perhaps the breeziest three-hour action movie to make its way into theaters this side of "Rrr."
Once again pairing the man, the myth, the legend that is Keanu Reeves with series director Chad Stahelski (drawing from a screenplay that's credited to "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" writer Shay Hatten and "Predators" scribe Michael Finch), "John Wick: Chapter 4" sends Baba Yaga on a quest for revenge against the High Table, in the hopes of securing his freedom once and for all. Far...
Once again pairing the man, the myth, the legend that is Keanu Reeves with series director Chad Stahelski (drawing from a screenplay that's credited to "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" writer Shay Hatten and "Predators" scribe Michael Finch), "John Wick: Chapter 4" sends Baba Yaga on a quest for revenge against the High Table, in the hopes of securing his freedom once and for all. Far...
- 3/24/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
It is astounding to think that "John Wick" was once meant to go straight to video instead of revolutionizing action cinema and becoming arguably the most influential American action franchise of the past decade — yet here we are. Four movies later, it is easy to understate how special and well-made these films are, with their stunning choreography but also their expansive mythology and phenomenal world-building.
We've gone from a little film about a man killing dozens of people to avenge his dog, to a globetrotting mythological epic with a great ensemble of characters, memorable villains, and an intricate world of international assassins.
Now, the story of John Wick is seemingly coming to an end — or is it? — with "John Wick: Chapter 4," a movie that feels bigger, bolder, and better than its predecessors. Continuing where the previous film left off, John...
It is astounding to think that "John Wick" was once meant to go straight to video instead of revolutionizing action cinema and becoming arguably the most influential American action franchise of the past decade — yet here we are. Four movies later, it is easy to understate how special and well-made these films are, with their stunning choreography but also their expansive mythology and phenomenal world-building.
We've gone from a little film about a man killing dozens of people to avenge his dog, to a globetrotting mythological epic with a great ensemble of characters, memorable villains, and an intricate world of international assassins.
Now, the story of John Wick is seemingly coming to an end — or is it? — with "John Wick: Chapter 4," a movie that feels bigger, bolder, and better than its predecessors. Continuing where the previous film left off, John...
- 3/24/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Film festivals tend to have at least one trend. Cannes 2021 was the year of ... well, cunnilingus, while TIFF 2018 was the year of movies about troubled musicians. In 2023, South by Southwest was the year of the brand movie or product biopic (the prodpic?). Finally, Hollywood has realized that people are tired of the same old biopics that distill someone's entire life into a truncated narrative full of cliches and tropes, reducing moments of genuine innovation into contrived deus ex machinas.
Besides, who cares about people anyway? Not Hollywood, apparently, because they have finally recognized that audience's huge interest in recognizable IP and nostalgia means they don't care about people or characters, they care about products. And so, this year's SXSW saw movie writers and producers realize that they could just cut the middlemen and deliver what the people want right to them — movies about products!
That's right. This was the year...
Besides, who cares about people anyway? Not Hollywood, apparently, because they have finally recognized that audience's huge interest in recognizable IP and nostalgia means they don't care about people or characters, they care about products. And so, this year's SXSW saw movie writers and producers realize that they could just cut the middlemen and deliver what the people want right to them — movies about products!
That's right. This was the year...
- 3/23/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Look, Paramount really wants you to check out "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." The studio is banking hard on turning the pater familias of tabletop fantasy role-playing games into a lucrative multimedia property with this film, complete with potential sequels and multiple streaming series (both scripted and unscripted). Luckily for them, the early word of mouth is "Honor Among Thieves" is actually quite excellent. As in, so much so I might even be okay with it spawning an entire multiverse of "D&d" projects, as exhausted as I imagine we are all of every franchise being turned into a cinematic multiverse these days.
Taking advantage of the film's premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) earlier this month, Paramount has dropped a final "Honor Among Thieves" trailer full of glowing critic pull quotes. That includes one from /Film's own Jacob Hall, heralding Chris Pine's performance as a "sarcastic-but-wounded" bard...
Taking advantage of the film's premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) earlier this month, Paramount has dropped a final "Honor Among Thieves" trailer full of glowing critic pull quotes. That includes one from /Film's own Jacob Hall, heralding Chris Pine's performance as a "sarcastic-but-wounded" bard...
- 3/23/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"John Wick" is such an unlikely franchise. After all, it started with a simple tale of a man seeking revenge for the death of his dog. Now, four movies in, this tetralogy has evolved into a massive epic spanning continents, dozens of characters, and hundreds of corpses.
One thing that helped make this transition easier is the exquisite attention to worldbuilding and lore. The escalation of the world and mythology in how each movie introduces new concepts and ideas that build on what came before makes this franchise stand out as unique and special among action movies. By now, this is not just a revenge tale, it is a tragic myth.
Indeed, "John Wick: Chapter 4" is a globetrotting epic, one that — as our own Jacob Hall wrote in his review out of SXSW — "[is] staged with such bravura skill and visual wit that it exposes the vast majority of American action...
One thing that helped make this transition easier is the exquisite attention to worldbuilding and lore. The escalation of the world and mythology in how each movie introduces new concepts and ideas that build on what came before makes this franchise stand out as unique and special among action movies. By now, this is not just a revenge tale, it is a tragic myth.
Indeed, "John Wick: Chapter 4" is a globetrotting epic, one that — as our own Jacob Hall wrote in his review out of SXSW — "[is] staged with such bravura skill and visual wit that it exposes the vast majority of American action...
- 3/21/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
(Welcome to Best Action Scene Ever, a column dedicated to breaking down the best, most effective action sequences throughout the genre. In this edition, we're kicking off Wick Week with a look back at one of the most exhilarating sequences in the entire franchise: the knife fight in "John Wick: Chapter 3 -- Parabellum.")
It's not happenstance that the "John Wick" movies have exploded in popularity since first arriving on the scene in 2014. Set entirely in New York City and incredibly thin in terms of actual plot, the small-scale original nonetheless is an action masterclass, plunging audiences into an entirely new world with its own unique rules. With each and every installment that's followed, the Keanu Reeves-starring franchise has upped the ante in terms of both scope and scale. Where the first mostly kept the action constrained to various set pieces of Wick taking on hordes of bad guys while armed with a single firearm,...
It's not happenstance that the "John Wick" movies have exploded in popularity since first arriving on the scene in 2014. Set entirely in New York City and incredibly thin in terms of actual plot, the small-scale original nonetheless is an action masterclass, plunging audiences into an entirely new world with its own unique rules. With each and every installment that's followed, the Keanu Reeves-starring franchise has upped the ante in terms of both scope and scale. Where the first mostly kept the action constrained to various set pieces of Wick taking on hordes of bad guys while armed with a single firearm,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
"Evil Dead Rise" made its big debut at SXSW this week, and was met with glowing, universal praise amongst critics, including our own Jacob Hall, who wrote that with "Rise," the "classic franchise roars back to bloody life." There's a lot to love about this latest installment, especially as it retains all the mean-spirited, nihilistic fun that the 2013 reboot brought while infusing the property with both a brand new city setting and a fresh set of new characters. It's been almost unanimously agreed by all who have seen it this week that this nasty, blood-soaked film from director Lee Cronin ("The Hole in the Ground") plays amazingly with a crowd and in a proper theatrical environment.
That's why we couldn't be more grateful that even though the film was first announced to be an HBO Max streaming exclusive, it was eventually reshuffled into the Warner Bros. theatrical release schedule. We...
That's why we couldn't be more grateful that even though the film was first announced to be an HBO Max streaming exclusive, it was eventually reshuffled into the Warner Bros. theatrical release schedule. We...
- 3/18/2023
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
"John Wick: Chapter 4" is set to debut in theaters next week, and in his review, /Film's Jacob Hall has already praised the film for adding to the franchise in a major way, with "more world-building, bigger action, and a deeper embrace of what its leading man does well." While the latest film reportedly tops the rest of the Keanu Reeves-led franchise in terms of creative and mind-boggling action sequences, it's also a project that has now become heartbreaking in the wake of today's news about the passing of franchise actor Lance Reddick. This afternoon, Reeves and director Chad Stahelski released a statement in which they confirmed that the new movie will be dedicated to Reddick's memory.
While it's surreal to think about in light of the sad news, /Film's Vanessa Armstrong actually spoke with Reddick recently about his turn in the new film, where he reprised his...
While it's surreal to think about in light of the sad news, /Film's Vanessa Armstrong actually spoke with Reddick recently about his turn in the new film, where he reprised his...
- 3/18/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Horror and comedy are strange, but highly compatible bedfellows. And when we're talking about the "Evil Dead" franchise, they are natural, gruesome complements.
Sam Raimi's "The Evil Dead" is arguably the most important horror movie of the 1980s. It's a shoestring-budget fright-fest that masks its financial limitations with dizzyingly inventive framing and gonzo explosions of gore. Though it drew inspiration from George A. Romero's zombie films and the demonic possession craze kicked off by William Friedkin's "The Exorcist," its full-throttle exuberance was rooted in everything from Looney Tunes cartoons to Jerry Lewis comedies. Raimi's sequel, "Evil Dead 2," leaned harder into the zaniness, invoking The Three Stooges as we watched our hapless protagonist, Ash (Bruce Campbell), turn into a one-man Larry, Moe, and Curly.
Raimi has since handed the "Evil Dead" reins over to a new generation. Fede Álvarez took a decidedly non-comedic approach to his 2013 remake,...
Sam Raimi's "The Evil Dead" is arguably the most important horror movie of the 1980s. It's a shoestring-budget fright-fest that masks its financial limitations with dizzyingly inventive framing and gonzo explosions of gore. Though it drew inspiration from George A. Romero's zombie films and the demonic possession craze kicked off by William Friedkin's "The Exorcist," its full-throttle exuberance was rooted in everything from Looney Tunes cartoons to Jerry Lewis comedies. Raimi's sequel, "Evil Dead 2," leaned harder into the zaniness, invoking The Three Stooges as we watched our hapless protagonist, Ash (Bruce Campbell), turn into a one-man Larry, Moe, and Curly.
Raimi has since handed the "Evil Dead" reins over to a new generation. Fede Álvarez took a decidedly non-comedic approach to his 2013 remake,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof's "Mrs. Davis" is going to be one seriously wild ride. /Film's Jacob Hall has called it "The Lonely Island riffing on Neal Stephenson," but he's also detected notes of Chuck Jones and Kurt Vonnegut. Anything this anarchic — and, praise the saints, original — in this day and age demands our attention. And if it's good, we must protect it with all our might.
It's both refreshing and frustrating to write about "Mrs. Davis" sight unseen. I'm not the most avid comic book reader or gamer nowadays, so it's exciting to know there isn't a rabid fanbase that's way ahead of me as I venture into this universe. But as a viewer who prefers to know as little as possible prior to watching a new movie or TV show, I'm tasked with laying down tracks to make it sound interesting for you, the potential Peacock subscriber.
It's both refreshing and frustrating to write about "Mrs. Davis" sight unseen. I'm not the most avid comic book reader or gamer nowadays, so it's exciting to know there isn't a rabid fanbase that's way ahead of me as I venture into this universe. But as a viewer who prefers to know as little as possible prior to watching a new movie or TV show, I'm tasked with laying down tracks to make it sound interesting for you, the potential Peacock subscriber.
- 3/15/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
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