It’s Fritz Lang versus CinemaScope, for the first and last time. The format suited to snakes and funerals effectively hamstrings the great filmmaker’s expressive camera direction, yet the movie is one of the best of MGM’s last-gasp ’50s costume dramas. Corrupt smuggler Stewart Granger is redeemed by the faith of a young boy who believes in him; in this story the words “He’s my friend” take on a big significance. Come see director Lang struggle to adapt the wide-wide screen to accommodate his brand of real cinema.
Moonfleet
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1955 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date August 13, 2019 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Stewart Granger, Jon Whiteley, George Sanders, Joan Greenwood, Viveca Lindfors, Liliane Montevecchi, Melville Cooper, Sean McClory, Alan Napier, John Hoyt, Donna Corcoran, Jack Elam, Dan Seymour, Ian Wolfe.
Cinematography: Robert H. Planck
Film Editor: Albert Akst
Original Music: Miklos Rozsa
Written by Jan Lustig,...
Moonfleet
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1955 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date August 13, 2019 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Stewart Granger, Jon Whiteley, George Sanders, Joan Greenwood, Viveca Lindfors, Liliane Montevecchi, Melville Cooper, Sean McClory, Alan Napier, John Hoyt, Donna Corcoran, Jack Elam, Dan Seymour, Ian Wolfe.
Cinematography: Robert H. Planck
Film Editor: Albert Akst
Original Music: Miklos Rozsa
Written by Jan Lustig,...
- 8/17/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The love for Fritz Lang doesn’t quit! As Lang’s biographers point out, his American films consistently focus on moral and psychological questions in crime. Lang saw murder as more than a dramatic tool as he probed for weaknesses in the legal system. His final American pictures — two separate disc releases — make excellent use of good actors. Dana Andrews stars in both, backed by name stars set loose from the studio system.
While the City Sleeps and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Separate Blu-ray releases
Warner Archive Collection
B&W / 2:1 widescreen / Street Date March 13, 2018 / 21.99 each
Original Music: Herschel Burke Gilbert
Produced by Bert E. Friedlob
Directed by Fritz Lang
Fritz Lang’s final American films.
The amazingly creative Fritz Lang almost singlehandedly pioneered a number of key genres: the fantasy epic, the gangster film, the spy thriller, and the science fiction film — all before the start of the sound era.
While the City Sleeps and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Separate Blu-ray releases
Warner Archive Collection
B&W / 2:1 widescreen / Street Date March 13, 2018 / 21.99 each
Original Music: Herschel Burke Gilbert
Produced by Bert E. Friedlob
Directed by Fritz Lang
Fritz Lang’s final American films.
The amazingly creative Fritz Lang almost singlehandedly pioneered a number of key genres: the fantasy epic, the gangster film, the spy thriller, and the science fiction film — all before the start of the sound era.
- 3/31/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Lisa Loven Kongsli (upcoming Wonder Woman, Force Majeure), Sophie Cookson (Kingsman: The Secret Service), and Peter Franzen (History Channel’s ‘Vikings’, The Gunman) have joined 2016 BAFTA Rising Star nominee Bel Powley (upcoming Carrie Pilby, The Diary Of A Teenage Girl), Jonah Hauer-King, and Martin Wallstrom (FX series ‘Mr. Robot’) in Marius Markevicius’ riveting Ashes In The Snow, it was announced by Radiant Films International President and CEO, Mimi Steinbauer.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are Sam Hazeldine (The Huntsman: Winter’S War, Monuments Men), James Cosmo (HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’, upcoming Ben-hur), Adrian Schiller (The Danish Girl, Suffragette) and Tom Sweet.
Currently in production, Radiant will present the project to international buyers at the upcoming Marche du Film in Cannes.
Ashes In The Snow is the poignant story of a 16-year-old heroine Lina Vilkas (Powley) who is separated from her family amidst Stalin’s reign of terror in the Baltic region during WWII.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are Sam Hazeldine (The Huntsman: Winter’S War, Monuments Men), James Cosmo (HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’, upcoming Ben-hur), Adrian Schiller (The Danish Girl, Suffragette) and Tom Sweet.
Currently in production, Radiant will present the project to international buyers at the upcoming Marche du Film in Cannes.
Ashes In The Snow is the poignant story of a 16-year-old heroine Lina Vilkas (Powley) who is separated from her family amidst Stalin’s reign of terror in the Baltic region during WWII.
- 5/13/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Today was a busy day for some of the smaller guilds with the Visual Effects Society, the Cinema Audio Society, and the Makeup and Hairstylists Guilds all announcing their nominations for 2013.
First, we have the Ves, whose main category to look at is “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture,” where we find Gravity and four other nominees that are just going to have to be happy with the fact that they got nominated. This is perhaps the easiest category to call in the entirety of awards season, and I don’t mean just here, but for the Oscar as well (Last year’s winner, Life of Pi, easily took this category before going on to claim the Oscar). It’s true that films like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Star Trek Into Darkness had outstanding effects as well, but nothing even came close to the amazing,...
First, we have the Ves, whose main category to look at is “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture,” where we find Gravity and four other nominees that are just going to have to be happy with the fact that they got nominated. This is perhaps the easiest category to call in the entirety of awards season, and I don’t mean just here, but for the Oscar as well (Last year’s winner, Life of Pi, easily took this category before going on to claim the Oscar). It’s true that films like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Star Trek Into Darkness had outstanding effects as well, but nothing even came close to the amazing,...
- 1/15/2014
- by Jeff Beck
- We Got This Covered
Sky 1 will be renamed Sky Onesie for the entirety of New Year's Day tomorrow (January 1).
The channel's temporary moniker aims to encourage viewers to snuggle up in front of the television wearing onesies, in a bid to recover from the previous night's celebrations.
Highlights of Sky Onesie's programming will include the premiere of David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive - a 90-minute film which sees the broadcaster explore the iconic London museum at nighttime - at 6.30pm.
Attenborough previously said of the documentary: "I have been coming to the Natural History Museum since I was a boy. It's one of the great places to come to learn about natural history.
"In this film, we have the technology to bring back to life some of the most romantic and extraordinary extinct creatures that can be conceived; some are relatively recent animals like the dodo, others older like the dinosaurs, and...
The channel's temporary moniker aims to encourage viewers to snuggle up in front of the television wearing onesies, in a bid to recover from the previous night's celebrations.
Highlights of Sky Onesie's programming will include the premiere of David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive - a 90-minute film which sees the broadcaster explore the iconic London museum at nighttime - at 6.30pm.
Attenborough previously said of the documentary: "I have been coming to the Natural History Museum since I was a boy. It's one of the great places to come to learn about natural history.
"In this film, we have the technology to bring back to life some of the most romantic and extraordinary extinct creatures that can be conceived; some are relatively recent animals like the dodo, others older like the dinosaurs, and...
- 12/31/2013
- Digital Spy
With Ray Winstone, I just can't suspend memories of previous performances. But Moonfleet was good fun all the same
"It's all about the inplay, Raimondo. The next musket, the next heaving bosom, the next yokel with blackened teeth. Bet in play. The latest odds. 4/1 The squire to get it in the head." "Thanks bruv. You're the daddy." I can't watch Ray Winstone these days without seeing Ray Winstone. In particular the Bet365 adverts that bookend almost every break in live football on TV. Winstone started out as a geezer tough guy character actor and he's now morphed into a geezer tough-guy character actor playing himself. It's all quite unsettling – not least when I'm trying to immerse myself in some escapist hokum.
Moonfleet (Sky1) was adapted from the 19th-century children's classic by J Meade Falkner and though the screenwriter took a few liberties with the original by merging two baddies into...
"It's all about the inplay, Raimondo. The next musket, the next heaving bosom, the next yokel with blackened teeth. Bet in play. The latest odds. 4/1 The squire to get it in the head." "Thanks bruv. You're the daddy." I can't watch Ray Winstone these days without seeing Ray Winstone. In particular the Bet365 adverts that bookend almost every break in live football on TV. Winstone started out as a geezer tough guy character actor and he's now morphed into a geezer tough-guy character actor playing himself. It's all quite unsettling – not least when I'm trying to immerse myself in some escapist hokum.
Moonfleet (Sky1) was adapted from the 19th-century children's classic by J Meade Falkner and though the screenwriter took a few liberties with the original by merging two baddies into...
- 12/30/2013
- by John Crace
- The Guardian - Film News
Review Rob Smedley 29 Dec 2013 - 21:00
Despite impressive set pieces, Moonfleet's concluding chapter fails to make much impact...
This review contains spoilers.
Previously on Moonfleet... Pistols! Smuggling! Hangings! Brandy! Nudity! More pistols! There, you're all caught up now. And you do need to keep up, as Sky One's buckswashling drama moves like a runaway brandy barrel. It means it's never dull, but it does feel rushed at the expense of some of the more dramatic beats. There's no chance to savour any of the few emotions present.
Moonfleet feels like it's going through the motions; rattling from one set piece to another rapidly but mechanically. That's probably because Elzevir Block and John Trenchard don't feel like characters in control of their own fate, but puppets with the twin hands of good luck and misfortune thrust up them. Something happens, to which Ray Winstone responds with a growl and...
Despite impressive set pieces, Moonfleet's concluding chapter fails to make much impact...
This review contains spoilers.
Previously on Moonfleet... Pistols! Smuggling! Hangings! Brandy! Nudity! More pistols! There, you're all caught up now. And you do need to keep up, as Sky One's buckswashling drama moves like a runaway brandy barrel. It means it's never dull, but it does feel rushed at the expense of some of the more dramatic beats. There's no chance to savour any of the few emotions present.
Moonfleet feels like it's going through the motions; rattling from one set piece to another rapidly but mechanically. That's probably because Elzevir Block and John Trenchard don't feel like characters in control of their own fate, but puppets with the twin hands of good luck and misfortune thrust up them. Something happens, to which Ray Winstone responds with a growl and...
- 12/29/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Death Comes to Pemberley continued to pull in viewers for BBC One with an audience of 4.43 million on Saturday (December 28).
20% of the audience share tuned in to watch the conclusion of the Pd James adaptation, which serves as a follow-up to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, at 9pm.
Meanwhile, a new series of All Star Family Fortunes managed to top the night's ratings for ITV. 4.84m viewers (22.68%) saw the Dancing on Ice team take on the cast of Coronation Street in the series premiere at 7pm.
Back on BBC One, a showing of Disney Pixar's Up pulled in 3.55m (16.5%) at 6.50pm, while Atlantis dropped 1.9m viewers from last week, with the season finale attracting 3.67m (15.8%) at 8.15pm.
Over on BBC Two, Dad's Army was seen by 1.93m (8.84%) at 7.30pm, while a repeat of 2010 documentary 100 Years of the Palladium attracted 1.8m (7.84%) at 8pm.
Sci-fi drama I am Number Four, starring Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron,...
20% of the audience share tuned in to watch the conclusion of the Pd James adaptation, which serves as a follow-up to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, at 9pm.
Meanwhile, a new series of All Star Family Fortunes managed to top the night's ratings for ITV. 4.84m viewers (22.68%) saw the Dancing on Ice team take on the cast of Coronation Street in the series premiere at 7pm.
Back on BBC One, a showing of Disney Pixar's Up pulled in 3.55m (16.5%) at 6.50pm, while Atlantis dropped 1.9m viewers from last week, with the season finale attracting 3.67m (15.8%) at 8.15pm.
Over on BBC Two, Dad's Army was seen by 1.93m (8.84%) at 7.30pm, while a repeat of 2010 documentary 100 Years of the Palladium attracted 1.8m (7.84%) at 8pm.
Sci-fi drama I am Number Four, starring Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron,...
- 12/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Review Rob Smedley 28 Dec 2013 - 22:11
Moonfleet, Sky One's adventure two-parter starring Ray Winstone, gets off to a rip-roaring start...
This review contains spoilers.
There's something about that tinselly interstice between Christmas and New Year when - your senses broken down by joyless fistfuls of Quality Street - you're willing to submit to the Television and hope that there's something good on for the family. Fortunately Sky One's adaptation of J. Meade Falkner's 1898 novel, Moonfleet (a Pointless answer in the making...) is an offering that might help fill the chocolatey void with its rattling adventure.
The year: 1757. The place: the coastal village of Moonfleet. The brandy: currently being smuggled ashore under the watchful gaze of Ray Winstone's Elzevir Block (surely the name of a coldsore cream?). Block who, presumably by virtue of having the biggest coat in the village, is in charge of smuggling tobacco, rum,...
Moonfleet, Sky One's adventure two-parter starring Ray Winstone, gets off to a rip-roaring start...
This review contains spoilers.
There's something about that tinselly interstice between Christmas and New Year when - your senses broken down by joyless fistfuls of Quality Street - you're willing to submit to the Television and hope that there's something good on for the family. Fortunately Sky One's adaptation of J. Meade Falkner's 1898 novel, Moonfleet (a Pointless answer in the making...) is an offering that might help fill the chocolatey void with its rattling adventure.
The year: 1757. The place: the coastal village of Moonfleet. The brandy: currently being smuggled ashore under the watchful gaze of Ray Winstone's Elzevir Block (surely the name of a coldsore cream?). Block who, presumably by virtue of having the biggest coat in the village, is in charge of smuggling tobacco, rum,...
- 12/28/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Atlantis: BBC One, 8.15pm
Pasiphae finds Ariadne guilty of treason and sentences her to a gruesome execution, and with the court fully behind the Queen, it seems Jason, Hercules and Pythagoras are the young woman's last hope. But they will need all the help they can get if they are to save their friend's life. Last in series.
Charlie Brooker's 2013 Wipe: BBC Two, 10.40pm
The writer and broadcaster takes a satirical look back at the events of the past 12 months, which included the horse-meat scandal, the charging of athlete Oscar Pistorius with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and Pope Benedict XVI's resignation.
Moonfleet: Sky 1, 8pm
Ray Winstone stars in this two-part tale following the adventures of an orphan and a grizzled smuggler thrown together on a quest to find a fabled diamond. Young John is bored of his life in the coastal village of Moonfleet...
Pasiphae finds Ariadne guilty of treason and sentences her to a gruesome execution, and with the court fully behind the Queen, it seems Jason, Hercules and Pythagoras are the young woman's last hope. But they will need all the help they can get if they are to save their friend's life. Last in series.
Charlie Brooker's 2013 Wipe: BBC Two, 10.40pm
The writer and broadcaster takes a satirical look back at the events of the past 12 months, which included the horse-meat scandal, the charging of athlete Oscar Pistorius with the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and Pope Benedict XVI's resignation.
Moonfleet: Sky 1, 8pm
Ray Winstone stars in this two-part tale following the adventures of an orphan and a grizzled smuggler thrown together on a quest to find a fabled diamond. Young John is bored of his life in the coastal village of Moonfleet...
- 12/28/2013
- Digital Spy
'The closest I've come to death? I drove off the edge of a 1,000ft cliff'
Ray Winstone, 56, was raised in Essex, where his parents ran a fruit and veg business. He studied acting at Corona Theatre School in London before being cast by Alan Clarke in the BBC play Scum in the late 70s. In 1997, he played the abusive husband in Gary Oldman's film Nil By Mouth, winning an award for his role. His subsequent movies include Fanny And Elvis, Sexy Beast, Cold Mountain, The Departed and Snow White & The Huntsman. Tonight and tomorrow, he appears in the TV drama Moonfleet, on Sky 1 HD.
When were you happiest?
When my three kids were born.
What is your greatest fear?
Not being around long enough to see them grow up properly and have kids of their own.
What is your earliest memory?
Sitting on the step at my mum and dad's house in Plaistow,...
Ray Winstone, 56, was raised in Essex, where his parents ran a fruit and veg business. He studied acting at Corona Theatre School in London before being cast by Alan Clarke in the BBC play Scum in the late 70s. In 1997, he played the abusive husband in Gary Oldman's film Nil By Mouth, winning an award for his role. His subsequent movies include Fanny And Elvis, Sexy Beast, Cold Mountain, The Departed and Snow White & The Huntsman. Tonight and tomorrow, he appears in the TV drama Moonfleet, on Sky 1 HD.
When were you happiest?
When my three kids were born.
What is your greatest fear?
Not being around long enough to see them grow up properly and have kids of their own.
What is your earliest memory?
Sitting on the step at my mum and dad's house in Plaistow,...
- 12/28/2013
- by Rosanna Greenstreet
- The Guardian - Film News
Sky1 has unveiled official details of its Christmas and New Year schedule for 2013/14.
A new episode of The Simpsons, Trollied's festive special and the series one finale of Yonderland will all air over the holiday, alongside Ray Winstone drama Moonfleet and Mad Dogs' series four finale.
On Sunday, December 22, The Simpsons' episode 'The Changing of the Guardian' will air at 6pm. The series one finale of Yonderland will follow at 6.30pm, as danger looms for Debbie in the magical realm.
Strike Back: Shadow Warfare broadcasts at 9pm on Monday, December 23. The action show sheds light on the virus and Al-Zuhari's planned attack.
A new episode of All Aboard: East Coast Trains will air on Christmas Eve at 8pm, followed by the Christmas special of Trollied at 9pm.
The supermarket sitcom will see a brewing snowstorm threaten to derail everyone's holiday plans.
On Christmas Day, a trio of Little Crackers will air from 9pm.
A new episode of The Simpsons, Trollied's festive special and the series one finale of Yonderland will all air over the holiday, alongside Ray Winstone drama Moonfleet and Mad Dogs' series four finale.
On Sunday, December 22, The Simpsons' episode 'The Changing of the Guardian' will air at 6pm. The series one finale of Yonderland will follow at 6.30pm, as danger looms for Debbie in the magical realm.
Strike Back: Shadow Warfare broadcasts at 9pm on Monday, December 23. The action show sheds light on the virus and Al-Zuhari's planned attack.
A new episode of All Aboard: East Coast Trains will air on Christmas Eve at 8pm, followed by the Christmas special of Trollied at 9pm.
The supermarket sitcom will see a brewing snowstorm threaten to derail everyone's holiday plans.
On Christmas Day, a trio of Little Crackers will air from 9pm.
- 12/4/2013
- Digital Spy
The first trailer for Ray Winstone's new big budget Sky1 drama Moonfleet has been released.
The two-part drama series features Winstone playing smuggling leader Elzevir Block, alongside Aneurin Barnard, who plays young John Trenchard.
Trenchard and Block embark on an adventure that takes them from 18th century Dorset to the Jewel quarter of The Hague and a final epic sea voyage.
"I'm incredibly excited to be working with Sky - I can't wait to start filming and it's a real honour to be bringing such an epic adventure story to life," said Winstone.
The drama has been written by Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes).
Moonfleet will air on Sky1 on Friday, December 27.
The two-part drama series features Winstone playing smuggling leader Elzevir Block, alongside Aneurin Barnard, who plays young John Trenchard.
Trenchard and Block embark on an adventure that takes them from 18th century Dorset to the Jewel quarter of The Hague and a final epic sea voyage.
"I'm incredibly excited to be working with Sky - I can't wait to start filming and it's a real honour to be bringing such an epic adventure story to life," said Winstone.
The drama has been written by Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes).
Moonfleet will air on Sky1 on Friday, December 27.
- 11/28/2013
- Digital Spy
Sir David Attenborough and Jamie Oliver will be among Jonathan Ross's guests on the festive edition of his chat show.
Attenborough will be promoting his new Sky 3D film, Natural History Museum Alive, which airs on New Year's Day.
Comedian John Bishop and actor Ray Winstone, who is currently promoting the Sky drama Moonfleet, will also be on the sofa.
Susan Boyle is the guest musical act.
Other upcoming guests in the latest series of Ross's chat show include a first post-retirement interview from David Beckham and an appearance from Will Ferrell, promoting Anchorman 2.
The Jonathan Ross Show currently airs on Saturdays after The X Factor on ITV.
Attenborough will be promoting his new Sky 3D film, Natural History Museum Alive, which airs on New Year's Day.
Comedian John Bishop and actor Ray Winstone, who is currently promoting the Sky drama Moonfleet, will also be on the sofa.
Susan Boyle is the guest musical act.
Other upcoming guests in the latest series of Ross's chat show include a first post-retirement interview from David Beckham and an appearance from Will Ferrell, promoting Anchorman 2.
The Jonathan Ross Show currently airs on Saturdays after The X Factor on ITV.
- 11/27/2013
- Digital Spy
From the Nutcracker to American Psycho, from Mary Poppins to Kurt Vile, our critics pick their must-sees of the festive season
If you wish it could be Christmas every day
Nutcrackers, various
You know it's Christmas in the ballet world by the number of Nutcrackers touring the world's stages. In the UK alone, there are close to a dozen doing the rounds, but the top three remain the Royal Ballet's exquisitely traditional version, the sparky family friendly production by Birmingham Royal Ballet, and English National Ballet's – with the best snow scene of them all. Royal Opera House, London (020-7304 4000), 4 December to 16 January; Birmingham Hippodrome (0844 338 5000), to 12 December; London Coliseum (020-7845 9300), 11 December to 5 January.
Father Christmas
Does Father Christmas use the loo? Does he secretly long for summer? Does he have strong views on the size of chimneys? You bet he does. Raymond Briggs's gorgeous picture book gets a heartwarming makeover for under-sixes.
If you wish it could be Christmas every day
Nutcrackers, various
You know it's Christmas in the ballet world by the number of Nutcrackers touring the world's stages. In the UK alone, there are close to a dozen doing the rounds, but the top three remain the Royal Ballet's exquisitely traditional version, the sparky family friendly production by Birmingham Royal Ballet, and English National Ballet's – with the best snow scene of them all. Royal Opera House, London (020-7304 4000), 4 December to 16 January; Birmingham Hippodrome (0844 338 5000), to 12 December; London Coliseum (020-7845 9300), 11 December to 5 January.
Father Christmas
Does Father Christmas use the loo? Does he secretly long for summer? Does he have strong views on the size of chimneys? You bet he does. Raymond Briggs's gorgeous picture book gets a heartwarming makeover for under-sixes.
- 11/25/2013
- by Lyn Gardner, Michael Billington, Andrew Clements, Alexis Petridis, Judith Mackrell, John Fordham, Brian Logan, Stuart Heritage, Mark Lawson, Jonathan Jones
- The Guardian - Film News
Sky doesn't ever do subtle when it comes to launches. The broadcaster announced its new slate of homegrown drama in typically grand fashion on Tuesday (August 17), wheeling out Daniel Radcliffe, Ray Winstone and Anna Friel to add some glam and star power to the occasion.
Earlier this month, Digital Spy caught up with Sky's Head of Drama Ann Mensah to find out what her proudest achievements have been in the job and what's in store for viewers.
Looking back over your last year, what are your proudest achievements at Sky?
"Obviously Strike Back and Mad Dogs are the two big brands that we've had over the last year that are returning shortly.
"We're also proud of the Sky Arts Playhouse strand. We've had exciting projects like Matt Smith's first directing role, and these are the sorts of opportunities that Sky can give people that are really unique.
"Even before...
Earlier this month, Digital Spy caught up with Sky's Head of Drama Ann Mensah to find out what her proudest achievements have been in the job and what's in store for viewers.
Looking back over your last year, what are your proudest achievements at Sky?
"Obviously Strike Back and Mad Dogs are the two big brands that we've had over the last year that are returning shortly.
"We're also proud of the Sky Arts Playhouse strand. We've had exciting projects like Matt Smith's first directing role, and these are the sorts of opportunities that Sky can give people that are really unique.
"Even before...
- 9/18/2013
- Digital Spy
Ray Winstone has criticised TV commissioners for having too many cooking and reality shows and not enough drama on television.
The Sweeney star, who was appearing at a Sky Drama launch to promote his new series Moonfleet, said that the standards of TV were improving, but insisted that there was still a way to go before Britain could claim that it was in a "golden age of television".
When asked if he thought Britain was a in a golden age of programming, Winstone said bluntly: "Not yet, no, to be quite honest with you.
"I turn on the telly now and you see cooking programmes and Big Brother and all that crap.
"It may seem selfish because I'm an actor, but as a viewer, I want to watch great stuff. I don't want to see a geezer boil an egg. I want to see something that will take me away somewhere.
The Sweeney star, who was appearing at a Sky Drama launch to promote his new series Moonfleet, said that the standards of TV were improving, but insisted that there was still a way to go before Britain could claim that it was in a "golden age of television".
When asked if he thought Britain was a in a golden age of programming, Winstone said bluntly: "Not yet, no, to be quite honest with you.
"I turn on the telly now and you see cooking programmes and Big Brother and all that crap.
"It may seem selfish because I'm an actor, but as a viewer, I want to watch great stuff. I don't want to see a geezer boil an egg. I want to see something that will take me away somewhere.
- 9/17/2013
- Digital Spy
While famed filmmakers like Sofia Coppola, Darren Aronofsky, and Guillermo Del Toro have been clamoring to work with Harry Potter child star turned glamorous ingénue Emma Watson, polarizing director Matthew Vaughn has just rejected the chance to work with her, favoring a much lesser known actress for his next venture. Variety reports Vaughn has chosen relative newcomer Sophie Cookson to play the female lead in his crime thriller The Secret Service opposite Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Michael Caine, and Samuel L. Jackson. To date, Cookson.s only credited roles are in a British TV movie called Unknown Heart, and the Ray Winstone-fronted UK mini-series Moonfleet. You can see her in costume from the latter above. While neither of these has yet to air, Cookson proved in auditions to be just what Vaughn was looking for the role. Details on the part are currently being withheld. Regardless, The Secret Service...
- 9/9/2013
- cinemablend.com
Actress Sophie Cookson ("Moonfleet") has been cast as the female lead in "X-Men: First Class" director Matthew Vaughn's upcoming adaptation of Mark Millar's comic book series "The Secret Service", joining Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Michael Caine and Samuel L. Jackson.
Vaughn ("Kick-Ass") co-wrote the screenplay with Jane Goldman and will also produce through his Marv Films banner.
Millar is noted for creating "Kick-Ass" and "Wanted", both adapted as feature films.
"...Hopeless street punk 'Jake' is faced with a stark choice: continue along his current path of crime and desperation leading him toward an unpleasant end in the gutter, or follow the instruction of his uncle as he tries to hone Jake's violent tendencies and get him accepted into the ranks of the 'British Secret Service'.
"As Jake tries to make it through his uncle's training program, they will face a tragedy involving an entire town, a dark secret...
Vaughn ("Kick-Ass") co-wrote the screenplay with Jane Goldman and will also produce through his Marv Films banner.
Millar is noted for creating "Kick-Ass" and "Wanted", both adapted as feature films.
"...Hopeless street punk 'Jake' is faced with a stark choice: continue along his current path of crime and desperation leading him toward an unpleasant end in the gutter, or follow the instruction of his uncle as he tries to hone Jake's violent tendencies and get him accepted into the ranks of the 'British Secret Service'.
"As Jake tries to make it through his uncle's training program, they will face a tragedy involving an entire town, a dark secret...
- 9/7/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
22 Jump Street
Ice Cube has closed a deal to reprise his role as Captain Dickson in the comedy sequel "22 Jump Street" at Sony Pictures.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller return to helm the Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill follow-up. Filming begins later this month. [Source: THR]
The Secret Service
Sophie Cookson ("Moonfleet") has scored the female lead in Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of Mark Millar's "The Secret Service" at Fox and Marv Films. Vaughn and Jane Goldman penned the script with shooting beginning this Fall.
The story follows a veteran secret agent (Colin Firth) who takes a young upstart (Taron Egerton) under his wing. Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine also star. [Source: Variety]
Dominion
Chris Egan ("Kings") has scored the lead role in Syfy’s supernatural action drama pilot "Dominion" based on the 2010 feature "Legion". Egan plays Alex Lannen, a rebellious young soldier who discovers he’s the unlikely savior of humanity.
Ice Cube has closed a deal to reprise his role as Captain Dickson in the comedy sequel "22 Jump Street" at Sony Pictures.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller return to helm the Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill follow-up. Filming begins later this month. [Source: THR]
The Secret Service
Sophie Cookson ("Moonfleet") has scored the female lead in Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of Mark Millar's "The Secret Service" at Fox and Marv Films. Vaughn and Jane Goldman penned the script with shooting beginning this Fall.
The story follows a veteran secret agent (Colin Firth) who takes a young upstart (Taron Egerton) under his wing. Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine also star. [Source: Variety]
Dominion
Chris Egan ("Kings") has scored the lead role in Syfy’s supernatural action drama pilot "Dominion" based on the 2010 feature "Legion". Egan plays Alex Lannen, a rebellious young soldier who discovers he’s the unlikely savior of humanity.
- 9/6/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Matthew Vaughn likes to find relative newcomers when adapting Mark Millar’s work. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and especially Chloe Grace Moretz are much better known since working with him, and he has already selected Taron Egerton for The Secret Service. Another far-from-household name has just won the female lead in the new movie, with Sophie Cookson signing on.Cookson and Egerton are starring alongside established stars Colin Firth, Samuel L Jackson and Michael Caine in the film written by Vaughn and regular script collaborator Jane Goldman.Created by Millar and Dave Gibbons, The Secret Service sees an old-school Bond type (Firth) taking his street-smart nephew (Egerton) under his wing to train him in the family business. First mission: foiling a celebrity kidnap. Caine will be Firth’s spymaster and it appears Jackson is the villain.Though Vaughn had apparently has his eye on the likes of Emma Watson and Bella Heathcote for the role,...
- 9/5/2013
- EmpireOnline
by Brett White
Variety just broke the news that "Secret Service"—the latest adaptation of a Mark Millar creation—has found its female lead. Director Matthew Vaughn, who's going for the comic book movie trifecta following directing "Kick-Ass" and "X-Men: First Class," has enlisted Sophie Cookson to serve as the female lead in the upcoming England-set spy film.
Cookson's an unknown actress, with "Secret Service" most likely set to be her big screen debut following a few UK television projects ("Unknown Heart" and "Moonfleet") scheduled to debut later this year. She joins the cast alongside equally-unknown-in-the-States leading man Taron Egerton. Variety makes a point, though, that Vaughn has a knack for finding big talent before their breakthroughs, citing "Kick-Ass'" Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloe Moretz as examples.
"Secret Service," a film about a jerky young adult being molded into a James Bond figure by a veteran superspy, counts big name...
Variety just broke the news that "Secret Service"—the latest adaptation of a Mark Millar creation—has found its female lead. Director Matthew Vaughn, who's going for the comic book movie trifecta following directing "Kick-Ass" and "X-Men: First Class," has enlisted Sophie Cookson to serve as the female lead in the upcoming England-set spy film.
Cookson's an unknown actress, with "Secret Service" most likely set to be her big screen debut following a few UK television projects ("Unknown Heart" and "Moonfleet") scheduled to debut later this year. She joins the cast alongside equally-unknown-in-the-States leading man Taron Egerton. Variety makes a point, though, that Vaughn has a knack for finding big talent before their breakthroughs, citing "Kick-Ass'" Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloe Moretz as examples.
"Secret Service," a film about a jerky young adult being molded into a James Bond figure by a veteran superspy, counts big name...
- 9/5/2013
- by Splash Page Team
- MTV Splash Page
Many fans were shocked when Matthew Vaughn chose little known actor Taron Egerton to play the lead character in The Secret Service, choosing him over several other far better known candidates. Well, he done the same again as British actress Sophie Cookson has landed the female lead in the highly anticipated big screen adaptation of the Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons series. While the director had considered Emma Watson and Bella Heathcote, he ultimately chose an actress who he believes was a better fit for the part. Cookson's only major acting credit was starring alongside Ray Winstone and Aneuirin Bernard in Sky's drama Moonfleet. She joins a cast which includes Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine. How do you guys feel about this latest casting addition?...
- 9/5/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Sky1 has announced its slate for autumn and winter 2013.
The Kumars will make their Sky debut, returning to television in a new six-part series following a seven-year absence.
"The entire Kumars family are very excited to have moved into a new home on Sky1," said Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Sherlock's Martin Freeman will also star in a film for Sky's Little Crackers strand, the broadcaster confirmed.
Returning series for Sky1 includes Moone Boy with Chris O'Dowd, Stella starring Ruth Jones, Ross Kemp's Extreme World and action-drama Strike Back.
Mad Dogs will also draw to a close in a final two-part adventure, with Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren all set to return.
Among the new commissions are comedy Yonderland, firefighter drama The Smoke and Ray Winstone-starrer Moonfleet.
Lee Mack will also host new panel quiz Duck Quacks Don't Echo, with Sky1 regular Ashley Banjo fronting new...
The Kumars will make their Sky debut, returning to television in a new six-part series following a seven-year absence.
"The entire Kumars family are very excited to have moved into a new home on Sky1," said Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Sherlock's Martin Freeman will also star in a film for Sky's Little Crackers strand, the broadcaster confirmed.
Returning series for Sky1 includes Moone Boy with Chris O'Dowd, Stella starring Ruth Jones, Ross Kemp's Extreme World and action-drama Strike Back.
Mad Dogs will also draw to a close in a final two-part adventure, with Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren all set to return.
Among the new commissions are comedy Yonderland, firefighter drama The Smoke and Ray Winstone-starrer Moonfleet.
Lee Mack will also host new panel quiz Duck Quacks Don't Echo, with Sky1 regular Ashley Banjo fronting new...
- 8/22/2013
- Digital Spy
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