Challengers has finally taken to the court.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the movie earned $1.9 million in box office previews for MGM and Amazon Studios as it prepares to open everywhere on Friday. The majority came from Thursday night shows, but there was also a special Imax sneak earlier this week.
The critically acclaimed movie features Zendaya as a tennis player caught up in a love triangle. She stars opposite Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor.
“Smart, seductive and bristling with sexual tension, Challengers is arguably Luca Guadagnino’s most purely pleasurable film to date; it’s certainly his lightest and most playful,” writes THR‘s David Rooney in his rave review. “As agile and dynamic as the many tennis matches it depicts, the love-triangle drama pits the rivalry on the court of two former best friends against their competing desire for a self-possessed woman whose hunger to win is not diminished...
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the movie earned $1.9 million in box office previews for MGM and Amazon Studios as it prepares to open everywhere on Friday. The majority came from Thursday night shows, but there was also a special Imax sneak earlier this week.
The critically acclaimed movie features Zendaya as a tennis player caught up in a love triangle. She stars opposite Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor.
“Smart, seductive and bristling with sexual tension, Challengers is arguably Luca Guadagnino’s most purely pleasurable film to date; it’s certainly his lightest and most playful,” writes THR‘s David Rooney in his rave review. “As agile and dynamic as the many tennis matches it depicts, the love-triangle drama pits the rivalry on the court of two former best friends against their competing desire for a self-possessed woman whose hunger to win is not diminished...
- 4/26/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon MGM Studios’ Challengers, starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, made $1.9M in previews, a figure $100K shy of what Universal’s Cocaine Bear did. The tennis sexy romcom is hoping to open to $15M for the weekend.
Critics love Challengers at 91% certified fresh, but last night’s audiences were so-so on it with three stars on Screen Engine/Comscore’s PostTrak at 3 1/2 stars, 75% positive and a 56% definite recommend. Women over 25 at 35% came out as well as womn under 25 at 25%, but guys over 25 got pulled along as dates at 25% with men under 25 at 14%. It wasn’t Zendaya’s girl fans who liked the movie the most, but men over 25 at 80%. Overall best demo grades for Challengers came from the 25-34 bunch and 45-54 folks. Originally the movie was scheduled to go in mid-September, but got pushed to this weekend due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Critics love Challengers at 91% certified fresh, but last night’s audiences were so-so on it with three stars on Screen Engine/Comscore’s PostTrak at 3 1/2 stars, 75% positive and a 56% definite recommend. Women over 25 at 35% came out as well as womn under 25 at 25%, but guys over 25 got pulled along as dates at 25% with men under 25 at 14%. It wasn’t Zendaya’s girl fans who liked the movie the most, but men over 25 at 80%. Overall best demo grades for Challengers came from the 25-34 bunch and 45-54 folks. Originally the movie was scheduled to go in mid-September, but got pushed to this weekend due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
- 4/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Unsung Hero’ Review: The Family That Prays Together, Plays Together in Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic
The heartrending hook behind “Unsung Hero” isn’t solely discovering how one tight knit family birthed two chart-topping contemporary Christian musical acts, although that is an interesting draw. It’s not necessarily learning how the Aussie expats survived a slew of hardships through togetherness and fortitude. The fascinating angle it adopts is similar to the way Steven Spielberg explored a tumultuous time in his childhood with “The Fablemans,” as Joel Smallbone (who co-wrote and directed with Richard L. Ramsey) also engages with family history, portraying his father grappling with financial and personal crises. The co-directors re-contextualize character-building circumstances, crafting a soul-stirring testament to the power of family and faith in the process.
David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) is at the top of his game in early 1991. He’s got a great support system at work as one of Australia’s top Christian artist concert promoters, luring in such performers as the heavy metal hair band Stryper.
David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) is at the top of his game in early 1991. He’s got a great support system at work as one of Australia’s top Christian artist concert promoters, luring in such performers as the heavy metal hair band Stryper.
- 4/25/2024
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
The month of April seemingly sailed by with far too many moderate releases, and the month ends this weekend with more of the same. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino returns with the sexy tennis drama “Challengers,” starring the powerhouse trio of Zendaya (“Euphoria”), Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and Mike Faist (“West Side Story”) as superstar tennis players who fall into a competitive love triangle. This is Zendaya’s first movie after “Dune: Part Two,” and it will be a real test for her as a box office star, since sports dramas can be hit or miss. “Challengers” really is riding on her popularity to avoid the pitfalls of the genre.
Tennis has had an especially tough time at the box office, as seen by Will Smith‘s Oscar-winning turn in the 2021 release “King Richard,” about the father of Venus and Serena Williams,...
Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino returns with the sexy tennis drama “Challengers,” starring the powerhouse trio of Zendaya (“Euphoria”), Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and Mike Faist (“West Side Story”) as superstar tennis players who fall into a competitive love triangle. This is Zendaya’s first movie after “Dune: Part Two,” and it will be a real test for her as a box office star, since sports dramas can be hit or miss. “Challengers” really is riding on her popularity to avoid the pitfalls of the genre.
Tennis has had an especially tough time at the box office, as seen by Will Smith‘s Oscar-winning turn in the 2021 release “King Richard,” about the father of Venus and Serena Williams,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Jinger Duggar Vuolo hobnobbed with the stars of the new faith-based movie Unsung Hero at a recent screening of the film in Los Angeles.
The former Counting On star and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, were among those attending the event. Other guests included ex-Hallmark Channel star Candace Cameron Bure, Oscar winner Mel Gibson, and Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer.
Jinger Duggar attends ‘Unsung Hero’ screening Joshua Walsh, Abbe Walsh, Jeremy Duggar Vuolo, Jinger Vuolo, Candace Cameron Bure, and Valeri Bure attend ‘Unsung Hero’ screening. | Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate)
Unsung Hero is inspired by the true story of the Smallbone family, who moved from Australia to Nashville so that dad David could pursue his career in music. Several of the Smallbone children went on to successful careers as Christian recording artists, including Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King and Country.
At the screening, which...
The former Counting On star and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, were among those attending the event. Other guests included ex-Hallmark Channel star Candace Cameron Bure, Oscar winner Mel Gibson, and Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer.
Jinger Duggar attends ‘Unsung Hero’ screening Joshua Walsh, Abbe Walsh, Jeremy Duggar Vuolo, Jinger Vuolo, Candace Cameron Bure, and Valeri Bure attend ‘Unsung Hero’ screening. | Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate)
Unsung Hero is inspired by the true story of the Smallbone family, who moved from Australia to Nashville so that dad David could pursue his career in music. Several of the Smallbone children went on to successful careers as Christian recording artists, including Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King and Country.
At the screening, which...
- 4/24/2024
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Who loves Zendaya? Show of hands? Well if you do, and Amazon MGM Studios is betting that plenty of 18-24 olds do, you can watch the Euphoria Emmy winner in Imax in Amazon MGM Studio’s Challengers this weekend, then sit around and watch her again in Legendary/Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two.
The R-rated menage a trois tennis romantic comedy, Challengers, finally steps on the court this weekend after being pushed from its Sept. 15 release date due to the actors strike, with an eye at a $15M domestic opening at 3,400 locations, give or take. The pic will serve as a testament to Zendaya’s box office drawing power sans any attachments to major IP, read Dune or Spider-Man. Already working in the favor of the Luca Guadagnino directed, Amy Pascal produced movie are excellent reviews at 95% certified fresh. If this movie can truly breakout, it’s a win...
The R-rated menage a trois tennis romantic comedy, Challengers, finally steps on the court this weekend after being pushed from its Sept. 15 release date due to the actors strike, with an eye at a $15M domestic opening at 3,400 locations, give or take. The pic will serve as a testament to Zendaya’s box office drawing power sans any attachments to major IP, read Dune or Spider-Man. Already working in the favor of the Luca Guadagnino directed, Amy Pascal produced movie are excellent reviews at 95% certified fresh. If this movie can truly breakout, it’s a win...
- 4/23/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
While the industry fears further theatrical date shakeups for 2023 due to the strikes, next year is getting beefed up. Today, Lionsgate has dated another faith-based music feature from Kingdom Story Company for April 26, that being Unsung Hero.
The pic joins MGM’s Luca Guadagnino-directed R-rated Zendaya romance pic, Challengers, which is already on that date.
Directed and written by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, Unsung Hero follows the true story of David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone), whose successful music company collapses. He moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.
Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin...
The pic joins MGM’s Luca Guadagnino-directed R-rated Zendaya romance pic, Challengers, which is already on that date.
Directed and written by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone, Unsung Hero follows the true story of David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone), whose successful music company collapses. He moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.
Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin...
- 8/1/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has picked up Kingdom Story Company’s Unsung Hero, the directorial debut of Joel Smallbone, one half of the Christian music duo For King + Country.
The drama centers on the Smallbone family, which also includes For King + Country member Luke Smallbone and singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, as they come to America from their native Australia after the collapse of their father’s successful music company.
The movie also follows the family’s mother, Helen Smallbone (Daisy Betts) as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The title for the film comes from a For King + Country song of the same name that was dedicated to the parents of Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father, David Smallbone, with other cast including Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott.
The drama centers on the Smallbone family, which also includes For King + Country member Luke Smallbone and singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, as they come to America from their native Australia after the collapse of their father’s successful music company.
The movie also follows the family’s mother, Helen Smallbone (Daisy Betts) as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The title for the film comes from a For King + Country song of the same name that was dedicated to the parents of Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father, David Smallbone, with other cast including Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott.
- 8/1/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For King & Country, the Grammy-winning band led by Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, and Monarch Media are teaming for two movies projects.
The feature documentary Return to Sydney: The for King & Country Journey will chronicle the Australian brothers and their sister, singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, returning home after conquering the music world and earning a dozen honors including Grammys and Billboard Music Awards.
The doc, now in production and directed by brother Ben Smallbone, will use home videos and never-before-seen footage of the band’s two sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Andrea Royer, Steve Barnett ...
The feature documentary Return to Sydney: The for King & Country Journey will chronicle the Australian brothers and their sister, singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, returning home after conquering the music world and earning a dozen honors including Grammys and Billboard Music Awards.
The doc, now in production and directed by brother Ben Smallbone, will use home videos and never-before-seen footage of the band’s two sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Andrea Royer, Steve Barnett ...
For King & Country, the Grammy-winning band led by Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, and Monarch Media are teaming for two movies projects.
The feature documentary Return to Sydney: The For King & Country Journey will chronicle the Australian brothers and their sister, singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, returning home after conquering the music world and earning a dozen honors, including Grammys and Billboard Music Awards.
The doc, now in production and directed by brother Ben Smallbone, will use home videos and never-before-seen footage of the band’s two sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Andrea Royer, Steve Barnett ...
The feature documentary Return to Sydney: The For King & Country Journey will chronicle the Australian brothers and their sister, singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, returning home after conquering the music world and earning a dozen honors, including Grammys and Billboard Music Awards.
The doc, now in production and directed by brother Ben Smallbone, will use home videos and never-before-seen footage of the band’s two sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Andrea Royer, Steve Barnett ...
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, July 3. [Synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.] Wide Faith of Our Fathers Director: Carey Scott Cast: Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Downes, David A.R. White, Rebecca St. James, with Si Robertson, and Candace Cameron Bure Synopsis: "With the Vietnam War raging in 1969, two young fathers report for duty. A man of great faith and a doubtful cynic. A quarter-century later, their sons, Wayne and John Paul (David A.R. White and Kevin Downes), meet as strangers. Guided by handwritten letters from their fathers from the battlefield, they embark on an unforgettable journey to The Wall-the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they discover the devastation of war cannot break the love of a father for his son." Magic Mike Xxl Director: Gregory Jacobs Cast: Channing Tatum, Brandon Cyrus, Elizabeth Banks, Amber Heard, Matt Bomer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Joe Manganiello,...
- 7/3/2015
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Title: Suing the Devil Director: Timothy Chey Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Bart Bronson, Shannen Fields, Rebecca St. James, Tom Sizemore, Corbin Bersen, Ros Gentle Pablum would be a step up for “Suing the Devil,” an inane, moralizing Australian production from writer-director Timothy Chey that centers around a lawsuit against Satan. Aiming for some theoretical sweet spot between comedy, courtroom drama and Up-with-Jesus! sermonizing, this poorly sketched and dreadfully acted movie can’t even be saved via an attempted personality transfusion from a ranting, raving Malcolm McDowell, in the title role. Still wrapped up in grief over losing his mother to a drunk driver, a down-and-out Sydney law school student, Luke O’Brien (Bart Bronson), decides to file a suit [ Read More ]...
- 5/5/2012
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
On Monday's Hannity, the host had on Grammy-winning pop singer Rebecca St. James (me neither), as well as Fox News contributor Tamara Holder, to discuss their reactions to the international "slut walk" protests that began in Canada, spread to Boston, and will be crossing the pond to England next month. You'll remember that the whole movement was triggered by the sexist comments of a Toronto police officer back in January, who stated that women could avoid sexual assault by not dressing like sluts. The panel was unanimous in agreeing that you should never blame the victim. Holder reinforced the point by saying, "Just because you're dressed provocatively, does not mean that you welcome an abuser." But while St. James (who said she loves the "Modest is Hottest" t-shirt) more or less concurred, she added that there had to be a &[...]...
- 5/10/2011
- Nerve
Good things come to those who wait and for those who feel as though they've suffered through a year of largely uninspired films up to now will likely breathe a sigh of relief at the sound of names like Darren Aronofsky, Sofia Coppola and Peter Weir. 'Tis the season for Jim Carrey to take a pay cut to star in a gay romance like "I Love You Phillip Morris" or Javier Bardem is whispering sweet nothings to spirits in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu's "Biutiful" rather than Julia Roberts.
There is the naughty -- Kristen Stewart stripping in "Welcome to the Rileys," the would-be terrorists of the Brit comedy "Four Lions," or the evil Santa in "Rare Exports" -- and the nice -- the tap-dancing lovers in "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench," the glory of James Franco's daredevil surviving "127 Hours" and Colin Firth's verbally-challenged royal conquering his stutter in "The King's Speech.
There is the naughty -- Kristen Stewart stripping in "Welcome to the Rileys," the would-be terrorists of the Brit comedy "Four Lions," or the evil Santa in "Rare Exports" -- and the nice -- the tap-dancing lovers in "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench," the glory of James Franco's daredevil surviving "127 Hours" and Colin Firth's verbally-challenged royal conquering his stutter in "The King's Speech.
- 10/22/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
On the heels of a new national poll, that reveals 60% of U.S. Christians do not believe in the devil, comes the highly-anticipated movie that many pastors and Christian leaders are saying is one of the best Christian films in a decade. "Suing The Devil" stars legendary actor Malcolm McDowell as the devil who battles the character Luke O'Brien (played by Bart Bronson) and his wife (played by Shannen Fields, star of "Facing The Giants"). Other actors include Rebecca St. James, Corbin Bernsen, Tom Sizemore, and Ros Gentle. So far the response has been overwhelming with...
- 10/14/2010
- by Cheryl Wicker, Christian Movies Examiner
- Examiner Movies Channel
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