Coulda shoulda woulda — when it comes to breakthrough ‘80s comedy Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, there’s a murderers’ row of comedians who might have taken on the lead role that eventually went to Bob Hoskins. Robin Williams, Wallace Shawn and Sylvester Stallone were reportedly considered to play beleaguered private dick Eddie Valiant, but two comedy superstars in particular wished they’d thought twice about taking the job: Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy.
According to director Robert Zemeckis on the film’s DVD commentary, he and producer Steven Spielberg had Murray at the very top of their list to play Eddie. There was only one problem — neither man knew how to get hold of the Ghostbusters star. That’s not surprising for those familiar with Murray legend. The comedian doesn’t employ an agent or manager; he instead uses an unlisted 800 number to collect his messages. Sometimes (like when Sofia Coppola...
According to director Robert Zemeckis on the film’s DVD commentary, he and producer Steven Spielberg had Murray at the very top of their list to play Eddie. There was only one problem — neither man knew how to get hold of the Ghostbusters star. That’s not surprising for those familiar with Murray legend. The comedian doesn’t employ an agent or manager; he instead uses an unlisted 800 number to collect his messages. Sometimes (like when Sofia Coppola...
- 10/30/2024
- Cracked
Robert Zemeckis has always been a filmmaker who doubles as a magician. His films are loaded with neat little tricks, and, as is the case with any good magician, you find yourself wondering how he pulled them off. His debut "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" used clever editing, archival footage, and stand-ins to recreate the Beatles' debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The "Back to the Future" trilogy is bursting with eye-popping special effects. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" seamlessly blended live-action and animation. "Death Becomes Her" is overloaded with gross-out gags. "Forrest Gump" found fun little ways to insert Tom Hanks into moments of televised American history. The list goes on and on. But at some point, the trickery began to overwhelm the process. His "Beowulf," "The Polar Express," and "A Christmas Carol" embraced heavy motion-capture animation with ghastly, uncanny valley results ("The Polar Express" has somehow become a recurring...
- 10/29/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Timing is everything, horses for courses, styles make fights, and every movie, no matter how packed with potential on the page, is subject to the whims of fate. And here's a casting "what if" that, had it gone a different way, might've turned one of the most beloved movies of the 1990s into a colossal flop.
Let's take a trip back to late June 1988. The summer movie season is in full swing. After a pokey start thanks to Ron Howard's Memorial Day dud "Willow," the box office has picked up under the power of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Big," and "Coming to America." Moviegoers were gearing up for the July releases, which, with the likes of "Short Circuit 2," "Arthur 2: On the Rocks," and "License to Drive" on deck, did not look particularly promising.
And what to make of "Die Hard?" A big R-rated action movie ought to...
Let's take a trip back to late June 1988. The summer movie season is in full swing. After a pokey start thanks to Ron Howard's Memorial Day dud "Willow," the box office has picked up under the power of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Big," and "Coming to America." Moviegoers were gearing up for the July releases, which, with the likes of "Short Circuit 2," "Arthur 2: On the Rocks," and "License to Drive" on deck, did not look particularly promising.
And what to make of "Die Hard?" A big R-rated action movie ought to...
- 10/28/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Here’s why Disney rejected Back To The Future (Photo Credit – Amazon Prime Video)
When Back to the Future hit theaters on July 3, 1985, it flipped Hollywood. Michael J. Fox went from TV star to mega-celebrity, while director Robert Zemeckis made waves. Despite getting rejected by Disney for being “too scandalous,” the film ended the year as a box office champ, leaving fans craving more time-travel adventures!
How Did Back to the Future Get Made?
Zemeckis and screenwriter Bob Gale first crossed paths at USC in 1971, forming a creative bond that would ultimately shake the cinematic landscape. They dabbled in TV and scored a brief break with the Misfire 1941, which was more a flop than a blockbuster. But they brushed off that bomb and charged ahead. After creating Used Cars in 1980 with Kurt Russell, they decided it was time to unleash a wild time-travel concept. They were riding high on their...
When Back to the Future hit theaters on July 3, 1985, it flipped Hollywood. Michael J. Fox went from TV star to mega-celebrity, while director Robert Zemeckis made waves. Despite getting rejected by Disney for being “too scandalous,” the film ended the year as a box office champ, leaving fans craving more time-travel adventures!
How Did Back to the Future Get Made?
Zemeckis and screenwriter Bob Gale first crossed paths at USC in 1971, forming a creative bond that would ultimately shake the cinematic landscape. They dabbled in TV and scored a brief break with the Misfire 1941, which was more a flop than a blockbuster. But they brushed off that bomb and charged ahead. After creating Used Cars in 1980 with Kurt Russell, they decided it was time to unleash a wild time-travel concept. They were riding high on their...
- 10/27/2024
- by Heena Singh
- KoiMoi
If there’s one topic in Hollywood right now that gets the most discussion, it’s probably the use of AI. And if there’s one film right now that is taking full advantage of it, it’s Robert Zemeckis’ Here. Now, ahead of the movie’s November 1st release, the first reactions are coming out of AFI Fest.
By and large, it seems like Robert Zemeckis pulled off an incredible feat with Here, which has the bonus gimmick of being shot from the same angle for the movie’s duration. Check out some of the reactions below:
#HereMovie Nice to see Tom Hanks & Robin Wright back on the screen together 30 years after #ForrestGump. The de-aging tech in the movie was pretty expressive. It's interesting to see the entire movie from one camera angle about decades stories in one house.For me the stories of… pic.twitter.com/8mp0KJAoKD...
By and large, it seems like Robert Zemeckis pulled off an incredible feat with Here, which has the bonus gimmick of being shot from the same angle for the movie’s duration. Check out some of the reactions below:
#HereMovie Nice to see Tom Hanks & Robin Wright back on the screen together 30 years after #ForrestGump. The de-aging tech in the movie was pretty expressive. It's interesting to see the entire movie from one camera angle about decades stories in one house.For me the stories of… pic.twitter.com/8mp0KJAoKD...
- 10/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
In Hollywood, most movies tell stories. But not “Here.”
Adapted from a conceptual graphic novel by Richard McGuire where the perspective is the same on every page — the living room of a century-old American house — while rectangle-shaped panels within each frame reveal actions from different years, if not entirely separate epochs, “Here” is about an idea.
Have you ever sat in a place — maybe a hotel room, a park bench or a remote clearing — and wondered what happened there before? How many people have kissed on that exact spot? Or fought, or fallen in love? And what does that say about human experience, that people can be linked by common actions, and places can hold both memories and secrets?
There are deep thoughts to be found down such rabbit holes, and a film version of “Here” points in roughly the right direction, only to get distracted by a handful of far shallower threads — namely,...
Adapted from a conceptual graphic novel by Richard McGuire where the perspective is the same on every page — the living room of a century-old American house — while rectangle-shaped panels within each frame reveal actions from different years, if not entirely separate epochs, “Here” is about an idea.
Have you ever sat in a place — maybe a hotel room, a park bench or a remote clearing — and wondered what happened there before? How many people have kissed on that exact spot? Or fought, or fallen in love? And what does that say about human experience, that people can be linked by common actions, and places can hold both memories and secrets?
There are deep thoughts to be found down such rabbit holes, and a film version of “Here” points in roughly the right direction, only to get distracted by a handful of far shallower threads — namely,...
- 10/26/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Regular moviegoers — and even some Academy members — often believe that directing an animated feature means standing over an artist’s shoulder and simply saying, “Draw this.” But the six directors selected for Variety’s third annual Pixels and Pencils series at this year’s Scad Savannah Film Festival — Josh Cooley (“Transformers One”), Adam Elliot (“Memoir of a Snail”), Kelsey Mann (“Inside Out 2”), Morgan Neville (“Piece by Piece”), Chris Sanders (“The Wild Robot”) and Gints Zilbalodis (“Flow”) — want the industry to see animation directing on par with live-action work.
These auteurs reflect on their experiences shaping their films and their challenges in bringing animated stories to life.
Read: You can see all Academy Award predictions in all 23 categories on one page on the Variety Awards Circuit.
‘Transformers One’
Josh Cooley (“Transformers One”)
Cooley’s passion for the “Transformers” franchise is evident in his origin story, which explores the relationship between Autobots Optimus and Megatron.
These auteurs reflect on their experiences shaping their films and their challenges in bringing animated stories to life.
Read: You can see all Academy Award predictions in all 23 categories on one page on the Variety Awards Circuit.
‘Transformers One’
Josh Cooley (“Transformers One”)
Cooley’s passion for the “Transformers” franchise is evident in his origin story, which explores the relationship between Autobots Optimus and Megatron.
- 10/25/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Mere months after coming unnervingly close to killing off Conan O’Brien, Hot Ones just hosted another comedy icon of sorts: Peter Griffin. The popular YouTube show, which is predicated on the idea that celebrities will only abandon regurgitated talk show banter in favor of genuine human thought when their taste buds are being bombarded with brain-melting levels of spiciness, just crossed over with Family Guy in order to celebrate the cartoon’s 25th anniversary.
The Seth MacFarlane patriarch began the episode by claiming that he was happy to have been invited to the “decline of American journalism,” and the whole thing ultimately ended with a pantsless Peter Griffin attempting to shove his hot sauce-coated finger into host Sean Evans’ eyeball.
Play
This isn’t the first time that Evans hosted a literal cartoon character on his show, possibly because Hot Ones canonically takes place inside of the Who Framed Roger Rabbit universe.
The Seth MacFarlane patriarch began the episode by claiming that he was happy to have been invited to the “decline of American journalism,” and the whole thing ultimately ended with a pantsless Peter Griffin attempting to shove his hot sauce-coated finger into host Sean Evans’ eyeball.
Play
This isn’t the first time that Evans hosted a literal cartoon character on his show, possibly because Hot Ones canonically takes place inside of the Who Framed Roger Rabbit universe.
- 10/23/2024
- Cracked
Between modern thrillers, horror comedies, and Universal monster movies, Peacock is a perfect streamer for Spooky Season
With Halloween right around the corner, Peacock’s library this month is fuller than ever, jam-packed with excellent seasonal classics like “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” “Jennifer’s Body,” “Halloween,” and many others. Complete with Peacock Originals and other films from Universal Pictures and Focus Features, there’s no shortage of great movies to spoil you on the streamer at the moment.
If you’re looking to add to your watch list and the best of what Peacock has to offer, here are my picks for the best seven movies currently available to stream!
Sign Up $7.99+ / month peacocktv.com Top 7 Movies Streaming on Peacock Right Now:
No. 7: ‘Death Becomes Her’
No. 6 ‘It Follows’
No. 5: ‘Dìdi’
No. 4 ‘Let the Right One In’
No. 3 ‘A Thousand and One’
No. 2 ‘Get Out’
No. 1 ‘Bride of Frankenstein’
No.
With Halloween right around the corner, Peacock’s library this month is fuller than ever, jam-packed with excellent seasonal classics like “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” “Jennifer’s Body,” “Halloween,” and many others. Complete with Peacock Originals and other films from Universal Pictures and Focus Features, there’s no shortage of great movies to spoil you on the streamer at the moment.
If you’re looking to add to your watch list and the best of what Peacock has to offer, here are my picks for the best seven movies currently available to stream!
Sign Up $7.99+ / month peacocktv.com Top 7 Movies Streaming on Peacock Right Now:
No. 7: ‘Death Becomes Her’
No. 6 ‘It Follows’
No. 5: ‘Dìdi’
No. 4 ‘Let the Right One In’
No. 3 ‘A Thousand and One’
No. 2 ‘Get Out’
No. 1 ‘Bride of Frankenstein’
No.
- 10/22/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
While desert island games and tales of Robinson Crusoe have long held a special place in the cultural imagination, the reality of life on a deserted island is far more dangerous. Yet, for generations, young readers and moviegoers have found this setup unbelievably exciting. Kensuke’s Kingdom follows in this lineage, allowing audiences to imagine the world of a young boy and his dog finding survival in an unlikely source. The adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s popular novel, Kensuke’s Kingdom, highlights a boy versus nature narrative while tapping into powerful human connection.
Related Probably the Greatest Animated Movie of All Time and It Has 0 Dialogue- Flow Can Truly Beat Pedro Pascal’s The Wild Robot Kensuke’s Kingdom Plot
Following the story from Morpurgo, Kensuke’s Kingdom follows a young boy named Michael (Aaron MacGregor) as his family takes a trip around the world. While he struggles to connect with his mother (Sally Hawkins...
Related Probably the Greatest Animated Movie of All Time and It Has 0 Dialogue- Flow Can Truly Beat Pedro Pascal’s The Wild Robot Kensuke’s Kingdom Plot
Following the story from Morpurgo, Kensuke’s Kingdom follows a young boy named Michael (Aaron MacGregor) as his family takes a trip around the world. While he struggles to connect with his mother (Sally Hawkins...
- 10/16/2024
- by Alan French
- FandomWire
2014’s Boyhood took 12 years to make. Some of these films make Boyhood look like an episode of South Park.
14 ‘Kill It and Leave This Town’: 14 Years
Polish animator Mariusz Wilczyński set out to make a short animated film about a person whose entire family dies, so they run off to a land of memories where time doesn’t exist and everyone is alive. At some point, Wilczyński decided it should actually become a feature length psychological horror, which took just a smidge longer to animate.
13 ‘The Evil Within’: 15 Years
Writer/director Andrew Getty self-financed this horror film, which was based on his childhood nightmares, for about $6 million. He filmed his deepest fears inside his own mansion, toiled away for years on special effects, and died before he could finish. The producer had to do the final editing to get it across the finish line.
12 ‘Pakeezah’: 16 Years
The...
14 ‘Kill It and Leave This Town’: 14 Years
Polish animator Mariusz Wilczyński set out to make a short animated film about a person whose entire family dies, so they run off to a land of memories where time doesn’t exist and everyone is alive. At some point, Wilczyński decided it should actually become a feature length psychological horror, which took just a smidge longer to animate.
13 ‘The Evil Within’: 15 Years
Writer/director Andrew Getty self-financed this horror film, which was based on his childhood nightmares, for about $6 million. He filmed his deepest fears inside his own mansion, toiled away for years on special effects, and died before he could finish. The producer had to do the final editing to get it across the finish line.
12 ‘Pakeezah’: 16 Years
The...
- 10/9/2024
- Cracked
Bob Yerkes, the Hollywood stunt performer known for his work in the Star Wars and Back to the Future franchises, has died. He was 92.
The former acrobat died Tuesday morning at his Northridge, California home, according to a statement shared by his fellow stunt performer Darlene Williams Bostock, who grew up training with Yerkes.
“I am horribly sad to hear that my mentor and stunt coach Bob Yerkes passed away this morning in Northridge, California,” announced Bostock in a Facebook post. “Bobby opened the door to his home and backyard to everyone that either needed a place to stay or to train for a job. … I would not have had a career in stunts without Bob Yerkes.”
She added in part, “There will never be another Bob Yerkes! My heart is broken. I am proud and honored to have known him. He was a true legend!”
Born Feb. 11, 1932 in Los Angeles County,...
The former acrobat died Tuesday morning at his Northridge, California home, according to a statement shared by his fellow stunt performer Darlene Williams Bostock, who grew up training with Yerkes.
“I am horribly sad to hear that my mentor and stunt coach Bob Yerkes passed away this morning in Northridge, California,” announced Bostock in a Facebook post. “Bobby opened the door to his home and backyard to everyone that either needed a place to stay or to train for a job. … I would not have had a career in stunts without Bob Yerkes.”
She added in part, “There will never be another Bob Yerkes! My heart is broken. I am proud and honored to have known him. He was a true legend!”
Born Feb. 11, 1932 in Los Angeles County,...
- 10/4/2024
- by Glenn Garner
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Yerkes, the acrobatic stunt performer who slid down a clock tower cable for Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future and hung around the Statue of Liberty under repair for Fred Ward in Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, has died. He was 92.
Yerkes died Tuesday of natural causes in Northridge, Darlene Ava Williams, a stunt performer and one of his many mentees, announced.
The amiable Yerkes, who started out in the circus and was a skilled trapeze aerialist and tightrope walker, also plummeted from a helicopter through a roof in Breakout (1975), starring Charles Bronson.
“I was getting ready for the stunt and the guy said, ‘Break a Leg!,” and I broke them both,” he recalled in a 2017 interview. He said he also broke legs while working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Her Alibi (1989), but, in a career that spanned eight decades, that was the extent of his serious injuries.
Yerkes died Tuesday of natural causes in Northridge, Darlene Ava Williams, a stunt performer and one of his many mentees, announced.
The amiable Yerkes, who started out in the circus and was a skilled trapeze aerialist and tightrope walker, also plummeted from a helicopter through a roof in Breakout (1975), starring Charles Bronson.
“I was getting ready for the stunt and the guy said, ‘Break a Leg!,” and I broke them both,” he recalled in a 2017 interview. He said he also broke legs while working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Her Alibi (1989), but, in a career that spanned eight decades, that was the extent of his serious injuries.
- 10/3/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert Watts, a production manager on George Lucas’ Star Wars and producer on its first two sequels along with Steven Spielberg’s first three blockbuster Indiana Jones movies and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, died Monday in his sleep at his home in West Sussex, England. He was 88.
His rep Julian Owen of Alliance Media confirmed the news to Deadline, writing: “Goodnight to my wonderful friend and client Robert Watts, Producer of some of the most famous films in cinema history. … Talking about his career was his favourite thing to do. We had some amazing adventures together which I will cherish forever.”
After working on Star Wars, Watts was an associate producer on smash 1980 sequel The Empire Strikes Back, which solidified and furthered the Star Wars galaxy as a cultural touchstone. The next year he served in the same role for Raiders of the Lost Ark, which introduced the world to...
His rep Julian Owen of Alliance Media confirmed the news to Deadline, writing: “Goodnight to my wonderful friend and client Robert Watts, Producer of some of the most famous films in cinema history. … Talking about his career was his favourite thing to do. We had some amazing adventures together which I will cherish forever.”
After working on Star Wars, Watts was an associate producer on smash 1980 sequel The Empire Strikes Back, which solidified and furthered the Star Wars galaxy as a cultural touchstone. The next year he served in the same role for Raiders of the Lost Ark, which introduced the world to...
- 10/1/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Watts, the British producer and production manager who collaborated with George Lucas on the first three Star Wars films and the first three Indiana Jones movies, has died. He was 86.
Watts died Monday in his sleep at his home in East Sussex, England, his rep, Julian Owen at Alliance Agents, told The Hollywood Reporter. “We were with him for a decade taking him to conventions all over the world, where he could connect with fans and talk about his career,” Owen said.
Watts also worked alongside Indiana Jones director Steven Spielberg on the Spielberg-produced Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991).
For the extremely challenging first Star Wars film, Watts served as production supervisor under production designer John Barry, and the two traveled to Morocco and Tunisia to scout locations. He then did some third-unit directing.
“We were under a great deal of pressure from 20th Century Fox,...
Watts died Monday in his sleep at his home in East Sussex, England, his rep, Julian Owen at Alliance Agents, told The Hollywood Reporter. “We were with him for a decade taking him to conventions all over the world, where he could connect with fans and talk about his career,” Owen said.
Watts also worked alongside Indiana Jones director Steven Spielberg on the Spielberg-produced Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991).
For the extremely challenging first Star Wars film, Watts served as production supervisor under production designer John Barry, and the two traveled to Morocco and Tunisia to scout locations. He then did some third-unit directing.
“We were under a great deal of pressure from 20th Century Fox,...
- 10/1/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Like Woody at the end of Toy Story 4, filmmaker Josh Cooley was striking out on a new adventure. It was March 2020, and the filmmaker had won an Oscar for Toy Story a month earlier. Despite the accolades, he made the consequential decision to leave Pixar, the company where he had spent his entire professional career after starting there as an intern 18 years earlier.
It was a Friday, his last day of work before he uprooted his family to try his luck in Los Angeles. He had made the decision after realizing that given the realities of the Pixar slate pipeline, if he stayed he wouldn’t release a movie for another decade. He was sad, but excited.
Then came Monday, March 16. The day America shut down because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A sickening knot in his stomach twisted and squirmed.
“I don’t have health insurance for my family anymore.
It was a Friday, his last day of work before he uprooted his family to try his luck in Los Angeles. He had made the decision after realizing that given the realities of the Pixar slate pipeline, if he stayed he wouldn’t release a movie for another decade. He was sad, but excited.
Then came Monday, March 16. The day America shut down because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A sickening knot in his stomach twisted and squirmed.
“I don’t have health insurance for my family anymore.
- 9/20/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We seem to be living through a golden age of Death Becomes Her fandom.
The Robert Zemeckis black comedy was a box office hit when it first hit theaters in 1992, and has since been embraced by a legion of LGBTQ film lovers, many of whom see the campy Meryl Streep vehicle as a “cornerstone of Queer culture.” These days, Death Becomes Her seems to be everywhere. There’s the musical adaptation, which is coming soon to Broadway…
…and the movie was clearly the inspiration for Sabrina Carpenter’s recent music video “Taste,” featuring Carpenter and Jenna Ortega in the Streep and Goldie Hawn roles, respectively.
While Death Becomes Her wasn’t a runaway blockbuster like some of Zemeckis’ other films, such as Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Why Is This Walking Corpse Taking Me to the North Pole (aka The Polar Express), it was instrumental in...
The Robert Zemeckis black comedy was a box office hit when it first hit theaters in 1992, and has since been embraced by a legion of LGBTQ film lovers, many of whom see the campy Meryl Streep vehicle as a “cornerstone of Queer culture.” These days, Death Becomes Her seems to be everywhere. There’s the musical adaptation, which is coming soon to Broadway…
…and the movie was clearly the inspiration for Sabrina Carpenter’s recent music video “Taste,” featuring Carpenter and Jenna Ortega in the Streep and Goldie Hawn roles, respectively.
While Death Becomes Her wasn’t a runaway blockbuster like some of Zemeckis’ other films, such as Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Why Is This Walking Corpse Taking Me to the North Pole (aka The Polar Express), it was instrumental in...
- 9/4/2024
- Cracked
At the very start of the noughties, the horror genre was churning out some decent, if unspectacular movies. We saw the re-emergence of the spoof with the first entry in the Scary Movie franchise, Pinhead and co. continued to wreak spiky havoc in Hellraiser: Inferno, while the werewolf genre would get revived with the fun and well received Ginger Snaps. We also got a pretty poor Blair Witch sequel, and let’s face it, the first movie in that series only got traction due to an ingenious marketing campaign, and the media spouting bollocks about people being sick in the cinema from shock. Not the incredibly shaky camera work. Requiem for a Dream provided some messed up thrills, as did the similarly perverted Hollow Man. However, for every decent horror movie that was released, we also got howlers like Da Hip Hop Witch with Eminem. My point is, what the...
- 8/26/2024
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
A little while back, we ran a special Wtf episode about the 1979 Disney movie, The Black Hole, an uncommonly adult film for the family-friendly studio. It kicked off an experiment for the studio to move into adult fare, eventually spawning no less than three subsidiaries that produced some of the most influential movies of the 80s, 90s and 2000s. These off-shoots paved the way for Disney’s place as the most powerful motion picture studio in the world, with them owning Lucasfilm, Pixar and the MCU. This summer, the Mouse House released an uncommonly bold MCU movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, which sported an R-rating, and has done blockbuster business. Many are wondering if perhaps this could have the way for Disney to tackle some adult fare, but it wouldn’t be the first time, and maybe now is the time to bring back Touchstone Pictures.
So, what’s Touchstone Pictures...
So, what’s Touchstone Pictures...
- 8/24/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
It may not be easy to stream these days, but whether you've seen it or not, "Maude" remains an important cornerstone of the sitcom house Norman Lear built. Premiering in 1972, "Maude" was originally conceived as a spinoff to the ever-in-the-zeitgeist sitcom "All in the Family," but it soon took on a life of its own. The show starred a pre-"Golden Girls" Bea Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, well-to-do liberal feminist with a knack for telling everyone around her what's what.
Maude was also a middle-aged woman, a reality that was never more apparent than in the show's most famous, controversial episode. The 1972 two-parter "Maude's Dilemma" saw Maude contemplate –- and ultimately choose –- abortion after finding herself pregnant in her late '40s. Released before the establishment of Roe vs. Wade, "Maude's Dilemma" was a lightning rod for heated conversations about reproductive rights, and remains an enduring part of the show's legacy today.
Maude was also a middle-aged woman, a reality that was never more apparent than in the show's most famous, controversial episode. The 1972 two-parter "Maude's Dilemma" saw Maude contemplate –- and ultimately choose –- abortion after finding herself pregnant in her late '40s. Released before the establishment of Roe vs. Wade, "Maude's Dilemma" was a lightning rod for heated conversations about reproductive rights, and remains an enduring part of the show's legacy today.
- 8/11/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The casting in 20th Century Fox's "X-Men" movies was always a mixed bag. Some picks were perfect at bringing the comic character to life — Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, Kelsey Grammer as Beast, etc. Others were swings and misses — Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse (but really any actor would have struggled inside that makeup), etc. Then there were some in the middle — actors who didn't really match the character on paper but still worked well due to the strength of their performances, like Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.
Marvel first started pursuing an "X-Men" movie in the 1980s, more than a decade before it was finally released. In 1990, Stan Lee and longtime "X-Men" comic book writer Chris Claremont met with James Cameron about him directing the movie, but Cameron was more interested in a "Spider-Man" movie (which...
Marvel first started pursuing an "X-Men" movie in the 1980s, more than a decade before it was finally released. In 1990, Stan Lee and longtime "X-Men" comic book writer Chris Claremont met with James Cameron about him directing the movie, but Cameron was more interested in a "Spider-Man" movie (which...
- 8/4/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Eddie Murphy’s journey through Hollywood has been nothing short of legendary, but not all of his animated ventures have hit the mark. Before becoming the voice of the iconic Donkey in Shrek, Murphy took a detour from one of the greatest animated comedies of the 20th century. With his role in Shrek, the star not only bounced back but cemented his place as a voice-acting powerhouse.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Eddie Murphy Productions
Dive into the story of how one comedian’s initial skepticism turned into a groundbreaking animated triumph.
Eddie Murphy’s Regret: Turning Down Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Finding Redemption in Shrek Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop 4 trailer | Eddie Murphy Productions
Who would’ve thought the man behind some of the raunchiest, most iconic comedy films of the 80s would turn down a...
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Eddie Murphy Productions
Dive into the story of how one comedian’s initial skepticism turned into a groundbreaking animated triumph.
Eddie Murphy’s Regret: Turning Down Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Finding Redemption in Shrek Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop 4 trailer | Eddie Murphy Productions
Who would’ve thought the man behind some of the raunchiest, most iconic comedy films of the 80s would turn down a...
- 8/3/2024
- by Heena Singh
- FandomWire
Eddie Murphy has made sure to don some of the most fan-favorite roles throughout his star-studded career, with his iconic Beverly Hills Cop role of Axel Foley ranking as one of his best ones to date. Even then, despite holding some really significant titles to his role like Coming to America and Trading Places, the actor holds some serious regrets about the roles he turned down.
Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop 3 | Paramount Pictures
While one of the roles that he was offered but couldn’t take on included one from the critically acclaimed Ghostbusters film franchise, it wasn’t the only one. As it turns out, one other $351 million comedy movie that he was offered but ended up turning down eventually became one of his biggest regrets in Hollywood. This movie was 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Eddie Murphy Deeply Regrets Turning Down Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Within...
Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop 3 | Paramount Pictures
While one of the roles that he was offered but couldn’t take on included one from the critically acclaimed Ghostbusters film franchise, it wasn’t the only one. As it turns out, one other $351 million comedy movie that he was offered but ended up turning down eventually became one of his biggest regrets in Hollywood. This movie was 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Eddie Murphy Deeply Regrets Turning Down Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Within...
- 7/15/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Walt Disney brought in Steven Spielberg as a producer to turn Gary K. Wolf’s 1981 novel into Who Framed Roger Rabbit in 1988. Mark Sturdivant and Terry Gilliam were the initial choices for producer and director, however, they dropped out due to too much work. Spielberg’s addition brought his protege Robert Zemeckis into the film, who gained popularity in the Hollywood circles with his Back to the Future project.
A promotional poster of Who Framed Roger Rabbit | Walt Disney Pictures
Spielberg and Zemeckis’s successful collaboration in the film led the studio to plan another film. What they came up with was a prequel project that was set before the original, with the Nazis as the satirical villain. However, the Jaws director was not on board with the idea and Disney eventually shelved the film.
Steven Spielberg Refused To Do This Prequel Film Due to Schindler’s List A still...
A promotional poster of Who Framed Roger Rabbit | Walt Disney Pictures
Spielberg and Zemeckis’s successful collaboration in the film led the studio to plan another film. What they came up with was a prequel project that was set before the original, with the Nazis as the satirical villain. However, the Jaws director was not on board with the idea and Disney eventually shelved the film.
Steven Spielberg Refused To Do This Prequel Film Due to Schindler’s List A still...
- 7/10/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
San Diego Comic-Con's 2024 Special Guest List Is One More Reason to Get Excited - Main Image
The upcoming San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner, and fans would want to know which artists the convention center will welcome to the panel. Check out the special guests at the San Diego Comic-Con this 2024 below!
The comic-con will last from Thursday, July 25 up to Sunday, July 28, 2024. Attendees can plan ahead of their agendas for the convention once they see which of their favorite authors and artists they'll get to see live. Here are a few highlights:
Sonic the Hedgehog's Scott Shaw
Scott Shaw is best known for a number of animated TV series, but most prominently for Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog in its early series run.
He has also previously written and drawn underground and mainstream comics
You may also recognize his works in comic stripes for Bugs Bunny and Woodsy Owl,...
The upcoming San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner, and fans would want to know which artists the convention center will welcome to the panel. Check out the special guests at the San Diego Comic-Con this 2024 below!
The comic-con will last from Thursday, July 25 up to Sunday, July 28, 2024. Attendees can plan ahead of their agendas for the convention once they see which of their favorite authors and artists they'll get to see live. Here are a few highlights:
Sonic the Hedgehog's Scott Shaw
Scott Shaw is best known for a number of animated TV series, but most prominently for Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog in its early series run.
He has also previously written and drawn underground and mainstream comics
You may also recognize his works in comic stripes for Bugs Bunny and Woodsy Owl,...
- 7/8/2024
- EpicStream
George Lucas changed the world when he created the space opera Star Wars. The filmmaker told a story of a rebellion against a galactic empire that was set in a galaxy far away and it was the highest-grossing film of all time back when it was released in 1977.
Lucas’ sci-fi franchise has been extremely influential since then and has inspired generations of filmmakers. While his directorial debut Thx 1138 was a box-office bomb, the film was reportedly screened for students at his alma mater USC School of Cinematic Arts, which was attended by a young Robert Zemeckis, who would go on to make Back to the Future.
George Lucas’ Directorial Debut Was Screened At USC For A Young Robert Zemeckis A still from George Lucas’ Thx 1138 | Credits: American Zoetrope
Robert Zemeckis is known for directing films such as Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Who Frame Roger Rabbit.
Lucas’ sci-fi franchise has been extremely influential since then and has inspired generations of filmmakers. While his directorial debut Thx 1138 was a box-office bomb, the film was reportedly screened for students at his alma mater USC School of Cinematic Arts, which was attended by a young Robert Zemeckis, who would go on to make Back to the Future.
George Lucas’ Directorial Debut Was Screened At USC For A Young Robert Zemeckis A still from George Lucas’ Thx 1138 | Credits: American Zoetrope
Robert Zemeckis is known for directing films such as Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Who Frame Roger Rabbit.
- 7/4/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
While I do have some affection for Mickey Mouse as a character, he’s almost never made me laugh. Whereas nearly every Looney Tunes short has laugh-out-loud moments that are still funny today, Mickey, at his best, is usually cute and adventurous but never quite funny. In fact, at his worst, he’s downright dull.
On occasion, however, Mickey has been very funny. Here are four such examples…
4 The 2013 ‘Mickey Mouse’ TV Show Play
In this 2013 cartoon series — simply named Mickey Mouse — Mickey is still adventurous and a spunky optimist, but it’s turned up to 11 in a hilarious, almost SpongeBob-esque way. His heroics extend to him being gung-ho about everything and often dragging his friends — and himself — into danger. He’s a bit more impatient as well, which nicely compliments his relentless energy. The shorts themselves also have a darkly comedic vibe to them that’s surprising for Disney.
On occasion, however, Mickey has been very funny. Here are four such examples…
4 The 2013 ‘Mickey Mouse’ TV Show Play
In this 2013 cartoon series — simply named Mickey Mouse — Mickey is still adventurous and a spunky optimist, but it’s turned up to 11 in a hilarious, almost SpongeBob-esque way. His heroics extend to him being gung-ho about everything and often dragging his friends — and himself — into danger. He’s a bit more impatient as well, which nicely compliments his relentless energy. The shorts themselves also have a darkly comedic vibe to them that’s surprising for Disney.
- 7/4/2024
- Cracked
The history of 20th century cinema knows a great number of really rewatchable gems that can amaze even the most cynical, but how many of them really hold up in 2024?
Here are 7 classic gems that pass the test of time, according to Reddit.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
“There’s like two effects that are obviously CGI because it’s 33 years old, but good lord the rest of it could have been made today,” claims Redditor @TheRoaringTide.
Indeed, this flick set the bar really high for sci-fi actions and didn’t become outdated at all.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, our favorite dinosaur movie presented groundbreaking computer-generated imagery with life-sized animatronics that are still considered convincing. Even its expensive modern sequels can’t beat the greatness of the original.
Alien (1979)
This sci-fi’s creature design and the timeless greatness of its female lead, Sigourney Weaver, are truly unique.
“First Alien...
Here are 7 classic gems that pass the test of time, according to Reddit.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
“There’s like two effects that are obviously CGI because it’s 33 years old, but good lord the rest of it could have been made today,” claims Redditor @TheRoaringTide.
Indeed, this flick set the bar really high for sci-fi actions and didn’t become outdated at all.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, our favorite dinosaur movie presented groundbreaking computer-generated imagery with life-sized animatronics that are still considered convincing. Even its expensive modern sequels can’t beat the greatness of the original.
Alien (1979)
This sci-fi’s creature design and the timeless greatness of its female lead, Sigourney Weaver, are truly unique.
“First Alien...
- 6/30/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Today, MeTV Toons goes live, bringing back the wacky animated shows you may remember from the 60s to the 80s and beyond. Viewers will see classic cartoons from Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Universal Pictures and Fleischer Studios. This means you can kick back with icons like Woody Woodpecker, Bugs Bunny, Popeye, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, Speed Racer and more!
If you’d like to stream the channel, you have two options: Philo and Frndly TV.
Philo gives you 18 of the top 35 cable channels, compared to Frndly TV with 4. Philo also includes free AMC+.
7-Day Free Trial $28+ / month philo.com 7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com Dtv Stream Frndly TV Fubo Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube Free Trial Free Trial Free Trial Free 3-Day Trial Free Trial Get 50% Off Sign Up $79.99 $7.99 $94.99 $76.99 $28 $40 $40 $72.99 MeTV Toons - ✓ - - ✓ - - - MeTV Toons Shows
At launch, these are the titles on the MeTV Toons schedule:...
If you’d like to stream the channel, you have two options: Philo and Frndly TV.
Philo gives you 18 of the top 35 cable channels, compared to Frndly TV with 4. Philo also includes free AMC+.
7-Day Free Trial $28+ / month philo.com 7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com Dtv Stream Frndly TV Fubo Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube Free Trial Free Trial Free Trial Free 3-Day Trial Free Trial Get 50% Off Sign Up $79.99 $7.99 $94.99 $76.99 $28 $40 $40 $72.99 MeTV Toons - ✓ - - ✓ - - - MeTV Toons Shows
At launch, these are the titles on the MeTV Toons schedule:...
- 6/25/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Steven Spielberg is now a legendary filmmaker in the industry, having directed many acclaimed and award-winning films over the years. The filmmaker is arguably the most versatile director who does not limit his films to one genre. He has made dramas, sci-fi films, historical epics, thrillers, action adventures, and big-budget extravaganzas.
Steven Spielberg made Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Doom in the 80s | Paramount Pictures
By the late 80s, Spielberg was already a big filmmaker with many successful films elevating his power in the industry. In addition to directing, he produced several projects under his production company Amblin Entertainment. The director pulled off the impossible, as he convinced Disney and Warne Bros to license their iconic cartoon characters for 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Steven Spielberg Pulled Off An Epic Crossover Event With Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Bob Hoskins and Roger Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit...
Steven Spielberg made Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Doom in the 80s | Paramount Pictures
By the late 80s, Spielberg was already a big filmmaker with many successful films elevating his power in the industry. In addition to directing, he produced several projects under his production company Amblin Entertainment. The director pulled off the impossible, as he convinced Disney and Warne Bros to license their iconic cartoon characters for 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Steven Spielberg Pulled Off An Epic Crossover Event With Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Bob Hoskins and Roger Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit...
- 6/23/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
The year was 1989 when Michael Keaton first donned the cape and cowl for Tim Burton’s Batman, Cher wanted to turn back time, and Marty McFly bungled the most sure-fire get-rich-quick scheme in cinematic history in Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future Part II.
After the monumental success of Back to the Future, Univeral Studios approached Robert Zemeckis about creating a sequel to his film that had quickly become a pop culture touchstone. Hesitant about capturing lightning in a bottle twice, Zemeckis said he wouldn’t make the film unless Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd returned as Marty McFly and Doc Brown, respectively. Thankfully, both were game to gas up the DeLorean and push the speedometer to 88mph for another excursion through time. With Fox and Lloyd confirmed, Zemeckis arranged his ceremonial objects to summon his writing partner, Bob Gale, to determine where Marty and Doc would travel next.
After the monumental success of Back to the Future, Univeral Studios approached Robert Zemeckis about creating a sequel to his film that had quickly become a pop culture touchstone. Hesitant about capturing lightning in a bottle twice, Zemeckis said he wouldn’t make the film unless Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd returned as Marty McFly and Doc Brown, respectively. Thankfully, both were game to gas up the DeLorean and push the speedometer to 88mph for another excursion through time. With Fox and Lloyd confirmed, Zemeckis arranged his ceremonial objects to summon his writing partner, Bob Gale, to determine where Marty and Doc would travel next.
- 6/6/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
(Courtesy image, Graphic by The Desk)
Wallet-conscious streaming TV service Frndly TV says it will offer Weigel Broadcasting’s new retro cartoon channel MeTV Toons when the network launches later this month.
The announcement was made in an email sent to some customers and business partners on Wednesday, and comes about a week after Frndly TV accidentally told a subscriber on Facebook that the channel would debut on the service.
“You’ve been asking for it, so we’re adding MeTV Toons to the Frndly TV lineup!” the email sent on Wednesday said, adding that viewers will be able to “catch all the classic cartoons on this new channel, coming soon!”
MeTV Toons is growing out of a retro cartoon block that airs weekends on MeTV. Shows like “Betty Boop,” “Scooby Doo,” “Huckleberry Hound,” “Tom & Jerry,” “Top Cat” and “Speed Racer” are listed among some of the shows that...
Wallet-conscious streaming TV service Frndly TV says it will offer Weigel Broadcasting’s new retro cartoon channel MeTV Toons when the network launches later this month.
The announcement was made in an email sent to some customers and business partners on Wednesday, and comes about a week after Frndly TV accidentally told a subscriber on Facebook that the channel would debut on the service.
“You’ve been asking for it, so we’re adding MeTV Toons to the Frndly TV lineup!” the email sent on Wednesday said, adding that viewers will be able to “catch all the classic cartoons on this new channel, coming soon!”
MeTV Toons is growing out of a retro cartoon block that airs weekends on MeTV. Shows like “Betty Boop,” “Scooby Doo,” “Huckleberry Hound,” “Tom & Jerry,” “Top Cat” and “Speed Racer” are listed among some of the shows that...
- 6/5/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Brian Levant's 1994 film version of "The Flintstones" is a classic example of how major studio blockbusters, no matter now successful, can vanish entirely from the public consciousness. "The Flintstones" is rarely regarded in 2024, often seen only as footnote in its actors' careers, or perhaps a whimsical blunder not worth remembering. Those of us alive in 1994 recall the massive advertising glut that came with "The Flintstones," as well as the toy tie-ins, the magazine covers, the Universal Studios attractions, the Williams pinball machine. "The Flintstones" was a studio tentpole writ large, boasting a beloved, decades-old IP and a dazzling cast of celebrities; John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Rosie O'Donnell, and Elizabeth Taylor appeared, while the film boasted cameos from Laraine Newman, Jay Leno, and the B-52's.
Notably, "Jurassic Park" cinematographer Dean Cundey shot the film, while "Jurassic Park" Michael Lantieri similarly served as SFX supervisor. Everything was super-slick and polished nearly to death.
Notably, "Jurassic Park" cinematographer Dean Cundey shot the film, while "Jurassic Park" Michael Lantieri similarly served as SFX supervisor. Everything was super-slick and polished nearly to death.
- 6/1/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The electronic program guide of Frndly TV. (Screen capture by The Desk)
Low-cost streaming service Frndly TV has retracted a statement made on social media that it would carry the soon-to-launch retro cartoon channel MeTV Toons when it becomes available in late June.
The statement was made in response to a comment left on Frndly TV’s Facebook page, in which a spokesperson appeared to confirm the streaming service would carry MeTV Toons when it launches on June 25.
“We will be carrying this in our lineup — stay tuned!” the spokesperson said. Hours later, an official with Frndly TV followed up in a series of Facebook messages saying the affirmation was made in error, and that the streaming service could not comment on whether it will carry MeTV Toons at launch.
Frndly TV is one of two streaming TV platforms that carries channels from Weigel Broadcasting, the media company developing MeTV Toons.
Low-cost streaming service Frndly TV has retracted a statement made on social media that it would carry the soon-to-launch retro cartoon channel MeTV Toons when it becomes available in late June.
The statement was made in response to a comment left on Frndly TV’s Facebook page, in which a spokesperson appeared to confirm the streaming service would carry MeTV Toons when it launches on June 25.
“We will be carrying this in our lineup — stay tuned!” the spokesperson said. Hours later, an official with Frndly TV followed up in a series of Facebook messages saying the affirmation was made in error, and that the streaming service could not comment on whether it will carry MeTV Toons at launch.
Frndly TV is one of two streaming TV platforms that carries channels from Weigel Broadcasting, the media company developing MeTV Toons.
- 5/27/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
The Beach Boys are back.
The seminal American band, responsible for such tunes classics as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Good Vibrations,” originally consisting of brother Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, are getting the feature-length rock doc treatment. And with good reason – the story of The Beach Boys, a band known for their sunny disposition, is fraught with tragedy, disloyalty and acrimony. But all of that pain went into their music, creating something simultaneously euphoric and melancholy. And it will all make for a very juicy documentary – just in time for summer!
When does “The Beach Boys” come out?
“The Beach Boys” premiered Friday, May 24. Just in time for the long Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick-off to summer.
Is “The Beach Boys” streaming or in theaters?
“The Beach Boys” is streaming exclusively on Disney+.
What is “The Beach Boys” about?...
The seminal American band, responsible for such tunes classics as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Good Vibrations,” originally consisting of brother Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, are getting the feature-length rock doc treatment. And with good reason – the story of The Beach Boys, a band known for their sunny disposition, is fraught with tragedy, disloyalty and acrimony. But all of that pain went into their music, creating something simultaneously euphoric and melancholy. And it will all make for a very juicy documentary – just in time for summer!
When does “The Beach Boys” come out?
“The Beach Boys” premiered Friday, May 24. Just in time for the long Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick-off to summer.
Is “The Beach Boys” streaming or in theaters?
“The Beach Boys” is streaming exclusively on Disney+.
What is “The Beach Boys” about?...
- 5/25/2024
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Grindstone Entertainment Group has bought North American rights to Uppercut, a boxing thriller starring Ving Rhames, for Hello Moment Productions.
World sales are being handled by Sublimity Entertainment, which will be presenting the film to international distributors at the Cannes marketplace.
Set in New York City, Uppercut begins in 2014 as Toni (Luiii), a determined fighter, seeks out Elliott (Ving Rhames), a former boxer turned gym owner in gritty Bushwick. Though Elliott first dismisses the idea of training her, an unexpected bond blossoms between them, breaking through the boundaries of boxing and exploring the complexities of respect, love, family, and personal convictions. It culminates in a final showdown that alters Toni’s destiny profoundly.
Years later, Toni, now a pioneering female boxing manager, guides Payne (Jordan E. Cooper) to his first championship fight, drawing upon Elliott’s wisdom. On this very night, Toni might not only lose a fight, but also herself,...
World sales are being handled by Sublimity Entertainment, which will be presenting the film to international distributors at the Cannes marketplace.
Set in New York City, Uppercut begins in 2014 as Toni (Luiii), a determined fighter, seeks out Elliott (Ving Rhames), a former boxer turned gym owner in gritty Bushwick. Though Elliott first dismisses the idea of training her, an unexpected bond blossoms between them, breaking through the boundaries of boxing and exploring the complexities of respect, love, family, and personal convictions. It culminates in a final showdown that alters Toni’s destiny profoundly.
Years later, Toni, now a pioneering female boxing manager, guides Payne (Jordan E. Cooper) to his first championship fight, drawing upon Elliott’s wisdom. On this very night, Toni might not only lose a fight, but also herself,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
With the box office being in dire straits, I feel a little awkward telling you to stay home and watch stuff on Netflix. Anyway, stay home and watch stuff on Netflix!
All kidding aside, summer is bearing down upon us, and that means unbearable, scorching hot temperatures. (Thanks global warming!) So, what better way to burn though your free time than by plopping yourself down in an air-conditioned theater and checking out the latest releases? After a relatively slow start to the year, June looks to turn things up a notch with some notable tentpoles. Tragically, however, you can't spend all of your non-working hours at the multiplex -- not even for the "Lord of the Rings" re-release.
That being the case, I've selected some top picks among the titles coming to Netflix in June, all of which can be enjoyed without leaving your living room (or whatever room(s...
All kidding aside, summer is bearing down upon us, and that means unbearable, scorching hot temperatures. (Thanks global warming!) So, what better way to burn though your free time than by plopping yourself down in an air-conditioned theater and checking out the latest releases? After a relatively slow start to the year, June looks to turn things up a notch with some notable tentpoles. Tragically, however, you can't spend all of your non-working hours at the multiplex -- not even for the "Lord of the Rings" re-release.
That being the case, I've selected some top picks among the titles coming to Netflix in June, all of which can be enjoyed without leaving your living room (or whatever room(s...
- 5/25/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Grindstone Entertainment is getting into the ring with Ving Rhames.
Grindstone has picked up all rights in North America for Uppercut, a boxing thriller starring the Mission Impossible and Pulp Fiction actor as a trainer who agrees to take on a new female fighter.
The English-language debut of German writer-director Torsten Ruether, Uppercut is an adaptation of Ruether’s 2021 feature Leberhaken. Both the German and English film’s star Luiii, aka Luise Grossmann, a former professional pole vaulter-turned-actress. Joanna Cassidy (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Jordan E. Cooper (Ain’t No Mo) co-star in Uppercut.
Ving Rhames and Luiii in Uppercut.
Hello Moment Productions are the lead producer on Uppercut. Sublimity Entertainment are handling world sales on the film and pitching it to buyers at the Cannes film market this year.
Set in New York City in 2014, the film follows Toni (Luiii), as she seeks out Elliott (Rhames), a former...
Grindstone has picked up all rights in North America for Uppercut, a boxing thriller starring the Mission Impossible and Pulp Fiction actor as a trainer who agrees to take on a new female fighter.
The English-language debut of German writer-director Torsten Ruether, Uppercut is an adaptation of Ruether’s 2021 feature Leberhaken. Both the German and English film’s star Luiii, aka Luise Grossmann, a former professional pole vaulter-turned-actress. Joanna Cassidy (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Jordan E. Cooper (Ain’t No Mo) co-star in Uppercut.
Ving Rhames and Luiii in Uppercut.
Hello Moment Productions are the lead producer on Uppercut. Sublimity Entertainment are handling world sales on the film and pitching it to buyers at the Cannes film market this year.
Set in New York City in 2014, the film follows Toni (Luiii), as she seeks out Elliott (Rhames), a former...
- 5/23/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert Zemeckis has always loved his toys, but the "Back to the Future" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" director's fondness for tinkering with the latest filmmaking technology has eclipsed his passion for storytelling for a long time. However, between his love-it-or-hate-it Best Picture winner "Forrest Gump" and his motion-capture phase in the aughts, there was a period where Zemeckis found a string of projects that eloquently married his love of tech with his maturing sensibilities as a storyteller. This began with 1997's "Contact," a film adaptation of the late Carl Sagan's 1985 novel of the same name and possibly the unofficial start of the "Matthew McConaughey Takes Off His Shirt in All His Movies" era (but feel free to fact-check me on that).
McConaughey, as it were, plays Palmer Joss, a successful Christian philosopher, and the love interest for the film's protagonist, the scientist Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Ann Arroway (Jodie Foster...
McConaughey, as it were, plays Palmer Joss, a successful Christian philosopher, and the love interest for the film's protagonist, the scientist Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Ann Arroway (Jodie Foster...
- 5/14/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis developed an interest in film and television at an early age and first worked in his native Chicago as an editor for TV commercials and news programs. This work led him to apply as a transfer student to the University of Southern California film school where his application material included a music video, set to a song by The Beatles. (Not surprisingly his first film would be “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” about a bunch of high school students obsessed with Beatlemania.)
He was initially rejected by USC but he begged an official to reconsider and promised to bring his low grade point average up by attending summer school. This brashness would also play a big part in his initial success as a director when he barged into Steven Spielberg’s office with a copy of his student film and asked Spielberg to employ him. The...
He was initially rejected by USC but he begged an official to reconsider and promised to bring his low grade point average up by attending summer school. This brashness would also play a big part in his initial success as a director when he barged into Steven Spielberg’s office with a copy of his student film and asked Spielberg to employ him. The...
- 5/10/2024
- by Robert Pius, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Cold feet usually come before the nuptials, but in Elsbeth Season 1 Episode 7, the groom is six feet under before the honeymoon phase has even started.
Kicking things off in "Something Blue" is the incomparable Keegan-Michael Key in the role of Ashton Hayes, father of the bride and wealthy financial advisor.
While the actor is known for his over-the-top characters, in this role, Key takes a more subdued approach in the form of an uptight uppity country club golfer.
Still, it can be said that his comedic charms are at the ready with the perfect delivery of lines.
This family that you're marrying into may seem well off, but we are, in fact, for lack of a better term, dirty stinking rich.
Ashton Permalink: This family that you're marrying into may seem well off, but we are, in fact, for lack of a... Added: May 02, 2024
There even manages to be a...
Kicking things off in "Something Blue" is the incomparable Keegan-Michael Key in the role of Ashton Hayes, father of the bride and wealthy financial advisor.
While the actor is known for his over-the-top characters, in this role, Key takes a more subdued approach in the form of an uptight uppity country club golfer.
Still, it can be said that his comedic charms are at the ready with the perfect delivery of lines.
This family that you're marrying into may seem well off, but we are, in fact, for lack of a better term, dirty stinking rich.
Ashton Permalink: This family that you're marrying into may seem well off, but we are, in fact, for lack of a... Added: May 02, 2024
There even manages to be a...
- 5/3/2024
- by Joshua Pleming
- TVfanatic
(Courtesy image, Graphic by The Desk)
After accidentally revealing the news to a handful of trade publications on earlier this week, Weigel Broadcasting and Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) formally announced the forthcoming launch of their classic cartoon television network MeTV Toons on Thursday.
The channel will debut in June on broadcast stations across the country and on free, ad-supported streaming television platforms, and will include dozens of classic animated series like “Tom & Jerry,” “The Flintstones,” “Johnny Quest” and “Scooby-Doo.”
MeTV Toons builds off a Saturday morning cartoon block that has aired on Weigel-owned MeTV for several years now, which consisted primarily of animated shows from Warner Bros. MeTV Toons will expand on this idea by incorporating other Warner Bros series into the mix, along with shows from Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony’s Columbia Pictures and others.
A teaser trailer published online Thursday offered insight into the shows that...
After accidentally revealing the news to a handful of trade publications on earlier this week, Weigel Broadcasting and Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) formally announced the forthcoming launch of their classic cartoon television network MeTV Toons on Thursday.
The channel will debut in June on broadcast stations across the country and on free, ad-supported streaming television platforms, and will include dozens of classic animated series like “Tom & Jerry,” “The Flintstones,” “Johnny Quest” and “Scooby-Doo.”
MeTV Toons builds off a Saturday morning cartoon block that has aired on Weigel-owned MeTV for several years now, which consisted primarily of animated shows from Warner Bros. MeTV Toons will expand on this idea by incorporating other Warner Bros series into the mix, along with shows from Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony’s Columbia Pictures and others.
A teaser trailer published online Thursday offered insight into the shows that...
- 5/2/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Batman: The Animated Series is regarded as one of the best superhero shows out there, but the series would have never come to fruition if Fox had not complied with a boundary that was set by Warner Brothers when it came to developing the show.
Batman: The Animated Series
Speaking with The Comic Lounge, animation extraordinaire Alan Burnett talked about the behind-the-scenes of the project, and the clauses that Warner Bros. put in that allowed Batman’s development and production to begin.
It all started with Tiny Toons being imported to Fox Batman | Source: Batman: The Animated Series
Alan Burnett talked about the various things that went into the production of the show, one that is collectively considered to be one of the best versions of Batman out there. When talking about the origin of the show, Burnett said, to The Comic Lounge:
“Around 1990 Warner Bros. and Fox Kids were...
Batman: The Animated Series
Speaking with The Comic Lounge, animation extraordinaire Alan Burnett talked about the behind-the-scenes of the project, and the clauses that Warner Bros. put in that allowed Batman’s development and production to begin.
It all started with Tiny Toons being imported to Fox Batman | Source: Batman: The Animated Series
Alan Burnett talked about the various things that went into the production of the show, one that is collectively considered to be one of the best versions of Batman out there. When talking about the origin of the show, Burnett said, to The Comic Lounge:
“Around 1990 Warner Bros. and Fox Kids were...
- 4/25/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Batman: The Animated Series is known as one of the best adaptations of the DC superhero. Running successfully from 1992 to 1995 and laying the foundation for the well-acclaimed DC Animated Universe, the series has been in the spotlight of award ceremonies as well, winning four Emmy awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.
Batman: The Animated Series [Credit: Warner Bros. Animation]The producer of the show Alan Burnett reflected on its win in an interview, as he revealed the pivotal episode that propelled its Outstanding Animated Program Emmy award.
Alan Burnett Reflected on the Emmy-Winning Episode of Batman: The Animated Series
In a conversation with Comic Lounge, the producer of the beloved DC show, Batman: The Animated Series reflected on its Outstanding Animated Program Emmy win while discussing his favorite episode of the show.
Alan Burnett (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
After discussing episodes like Almost Got ‘im, Perchance to Dream,...
Batman: The Animated Series [Credit: Warner Bros. Animation]The producer of the show Alan Burnett reflected on its win in an interview, as he revealed the pivotal episode that propelled its Outstanding Animated Program Emmy award.
Alan Burnett Reflected on the Emmy-Winning Episode of Batman: The Animated Series
In a conversation with Comic Lounge, the producer of the beloved DC show, Batman: The Animated Series reflected on its Outstanding Animated Program Emmy win while discussing his favorite episode of the show.
Alan Burnett (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
After discussing episodes like Almost Got ‘im, Perchance to Dream,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp is a movie directed by Jonathan A. Rosenbaum. It stars Eric Bauza, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Tom Kenny.
Basing on Woody, a character given life by producer Walter Lantz and cartoonist Ben “Bugs” Hardaway. Woody was a star from the 40s to 72. Yes, fifty years have passed, but here is Woody again, with all of the animation spirit.
Like what happened with the cinema adaptation of Tom & Jerry, this movie picks up an almost forgotten old cartoon and is, indeed, totally faithful to its original style: same characters, same jokes and, in current times, some might argue a bit out of context.
There will be those who like this blend of times in a kind of space-time wormhole … and others might not.
A movie totally designed for the youthful audience or for the nostalgics … very nostalgic ones.
Plot
Woody makes life miserable for everyone,...
Basing on Woody, a character given life by producer Walter Lantz and cartoonist Ben “Bugs” Hardaway. Woody was a star from the 40s to 72. Yes, fifty years have passed, but here is Woody again, with all of the animation spirit.
Like what happened with the cinema adaptation of Tom & Jerry, this movie picks up an almost forgotten old cartoon and is, indeed, totally faithful to its original style: same characters, same jokes and, in current times, some might argue a bit out of context.
There will be those who like this blend of times in a kind of space-time wormhole … and others might not.
A movie totally designed for the youthful audience or for the nostalgics … very nostalgic ones.
Plot
Woody makes life miserable for everyone,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Jun Satō
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Anatomy of a Fall actress Sandra Hüller could be making a roast for Akiva Schaffer’s The Naked Gun reboot, so how hot and wet do you like it? A report from industry insider Daniel Richtman says Sandra Hüller is in talks to play the romantic lead in the forthcoming comedy, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin from the Police Squad series and Naked Gun film trilogy.
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
- 3/20/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Before the 2001 film year, it had always been a subject of debate in years prior as to whether the Academy Awards should create a category for animated features. That finally came to fruition with an uptick in the amount of animated movies that were released annually. Prior to the category being established, several animated films would occasionally win special prizes. Such films included “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937 (for which Walt Disney received a normal-sized Oscar and seven miniature ones), “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” in 1988 and “Toy Story” in 1995. “Beauty and the Beast” also managed a major feat in 1991 when it became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, eventually losing to “The Silence of Lambs.” Tour our photo gallery below to see every Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, from “Shrek” to the most recent. Gallery updated March 2024.
- 3/11/2024
- by Charles Bright, Marcus James Dixon and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The Emmy®-winning and critically acclaimed Max Original comedy series Hacks has added Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace, and Tony Goldwyn as guest stars for the highly anticipated third season, debuting this spring.
Season 3 logline: A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.
Newly announced cast: Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace (“Clean Slate”), and Tony Goldwyn.
Returning cast: Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart and Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder return alongside Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
Season 3 credits: Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy® winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. It is...
Season 3 logline: A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.
Newly announced cast: Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace (“Clean Slate”), and Tony Goldwyn.
Returning cast: Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart and Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder return alongside Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
Season 3 credits: Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy® winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. It is...
- 3/2/2024
- by TV Shows MCM
- Martin Cid Music
Those following the saga of Coyote vs. Acme waited with bated breath Friday for Warner Bros. Discovery’s earnings report to hint at any signs of the animated film’s fate.
The feature became the most talked about movie in town on Nov. 10, when The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Warners intended to scrap the movie. The outcry from filmmakers on social media was swift, and Warners soon reversed course, and decided to allow director Dave Green to shop the film to other buyers — something Green had been preparing to do when Warners surprised him by scrapping the film. Green ultimately showed the film to multiple buyers, with at least one bid coming in at around $40 million, according to one source.
Friday brought no definitive news on Coyote vs. Acme‘s future, but there are troubling signs for those rooting for its release. As part of an earnings filing,...
The feature became the most talked about movie in town on Nov. 10, when The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Warners intended to scrap the movie. The outcry from filmmakers on social media was swift, and Warners soon reversed course, and decided to allow director Dave Green to shop the film to other buyers — something Green had been preparing to do when Warners surprised him by scrapping the film. Green ultimately showed the film to multiple buyers, with at least one bid coming in at around $40 million, according to one source.
Friday brought no definitive news on Coyote vs. Acme‘s future, but there are troubling signs for those rooting for its release. As part of an earnings filing,...
- 2/24/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros is to scrap Coyote Vs Acme after all, a report says, with the studio having turned down offers from Netflix and Amazon.
For a while there, things looked positive for Coyote Vs Acme, the Looney Tunes comedy that Warner Bros was on the cusp of scrapping in November 2023. After a vocal backlash, it looked as though the studio had changed its mind, and was thinking about selling the film to another studio instead. According to a report published by The Wrap, however, the film may never be released after all.
Despite receiving offers from other firms – including Paramount, Netflix and Amazon – Warner Bros is reportedly still intent on deleting the film and claiming it as a tax write-off, seemingly because it couldn’t get the $75- to $80m asking price it was after. The Wrap (via Comicbook.com) even claims that studio boss David Zaslav still hasn’t bothered...
For a while there, things looked positive for Coyote Vs Acme, the Looney Tunes comedy that Warner Bros was on the cusp of scrapping in November 2023. After a vocal backlash, it looked as though the studio had changed its mind, and was thinking about selling the film to another studio instead. According to a report published by The Wrap, however, the film may never be released after all.
Despite receiving offers from other firms – including Paramount, Netflix and Amazon – Warner Bros is reportedly still intent on deleting the film and claiming it as a tax write-off, seemingly because it couldn’t get the $75- to $80m asking price it was after. The Wrap (via Comicbook.com) even claims that studio boss David Zaslav still hasn’t bothered...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
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