The Göteborg Film Festival’s film industry confab, the Nordic Film Market, unspooling Jan 31-Feb. 2, has unveiled in exclusivity to Variety its 2024 lineup comprising 58 new and upcoming Nordic films.
These are directed by newcomers and bona fide helmers such as Hans Petter Moland, Rúnar Rúnarsson, Charlotte Sieling, Daniel Espinosa and Pirjo Honkasalo.
Just over two weeks before kick-off, a record number of delegates – 507 from 33 countries – have signed up for the biggest film market in the Nordic region.
The 90-plus international buyers, 90 funding bodies, 60 festival programmers and 50 sales agents can look forward to a revamped showcase, both in terms of programming and set-up, with a new hub for networking and accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Draken. “We’re very excited about making this year’s venue both new and familiar for delegates coming to Göteborg,” said head of industry Josef Kullengård.
“The industry has entered a slowdown, but creatively, the Nordic...
These are directed by newcomers and bona fide helmers such as Hans Petter Moland, Rúnar Rúnarsson, Charlotte Sieling, Daniel Espinosa and Pirjo Honkasalo.
Just over two weeks before kick-off, a record number of delegates – 507 from 33 countries – have signed up for the biggest film market in the Nordic region.
The 90-plus international buyers, 90 funding bodies, 60 festival programmers and 50 sales agents can look forward to a revamped showcase, both in terms of programming and set-up, with a new hub for networking and accommodation at the Clarion Hotel Draken. “We’re very excited about making this year’s venue both new and familiar for delegates coming to Göteborg,” said head of industry Josef Kullengård.
“The industry has entered a slowdown, but creatively, the Nordic...
- 1/16/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures has entered production on Hedda, its reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s famed 1891 stage play Hedda Gabler, announcing the addition of six to its cast. Newcomers include Imogen Poots (Baltimore), Tom Bateman (Thirteen Lives), Finbar Lynch (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Mirren Mack (The Witcher: Blood Origins), Jamael Westman (Hamilton), and Saffron Hocking (Top Boy).
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, and Nicholas Pinnock, as previously announced.
Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler revolves around Hedda Tesman, a newlywed stifled by societal norms. Frustrated and trapped, she resorts to manipulation and destructive actions. As secrets unravel, the play explores themes of power, gender roles, and the tragic consequences of societal expectations in the late 19th century.
Directing from her own script is Nia DaCosta, the filmmaker behind Uni’s newest Candyman horror pic and the acclaimed crime drama Little Woods. Producers include Plan B,...
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, and Nicholas Pinnock, as previously announced.
Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler revolves around Hedda Tesman, a newlywed stifled by societal norms. Frustrated and trapped, she resorts to manipulation and destructive actions. As secrets unravel, the play explores themes of power, gender roles, and the tragic consequences of societal expectations in the late 19th century.
Directing from her own script is Nia DaCosta, the filmmaker behind Uni’s newest Candyman horror pic and the acclaimed crime drama Little Woods. Producers include Plan B,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Charlie Weber, Rryla McIntosh, Jon Voight, Madison Bailey, Marie Avgeropoulos, Luisa d’Oliveira, Max Montesi | Written by Brian Buccellato | Directed by Kimani Ray Smith
The Painter is another tale of a former covert operative forced to pick up his weapons and get back in the game. Can director Kimani Ray Smith and writer Brian Buccellato find a way to give the year a fresh start with the usual assortment of high-stakes espionage mixed with personal and professional betrayals?
Peter was one of the CIA’s top agents until he was sent to kill the same person his wife Elena’s team was sent to bring back alive. She lost the child she was carrying, and their marriage fell apart soon after.
It also destroyed his trust in the agency and in his adoptive father Henry Byrne. He adopted Peter after his parents, who were also agents, were killed in a...
The Painter is another tale of a former covert operative forced to pick up his weapons and get back in the game. Can director Kimani Ray Smith and writer Brian Buccellato find a way to give the year a fresh start with the usual assortment of high-stakes espionage mixed with personal and professional betrayals?
Peter was one of the CIA’s top agents until he was sent to kill the same person his wife Elena’s team was sent to bring back alive. She lost the child she was carrying, and their marriage fell apart soon after.
It also destroyed his trust in the agency and in his adoptive father Henry Byrne. He adopted Peter after his parents, who were also agents, were killed in a...
- 1/5/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
The Crown has been the most-streamed show in the UK over the past week, but the final season’s ratings have lost a little shine when compared with last year.
Season 6 of the lavish Left Bank Pictures royal drama premiered last Thursday and viewing figures are now in for its first seven days on Netflix.
Propelled by a storyline about Princess Diana’s final days, the opening episode has been watched by nearly 2.8M viewers, according to Barb audience figures supplied by overnights.tv.
Episode two of The Crown was watched by 2.3M, while episodes three and four entertained audiences of 2M and 1.7M respectively.
They were the four best performing titles of the week, per overnights.tv. Cold Pursuit, the 2019 Liam Neeson feature, was in fifth place behind The Crown after tracking down 832,157 viewers on Netflix.
The Crown comfortably beat shows on other streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and Disney+,...
Season 6 of the lavish Left Bank Pictures royal drama premiered last Thursday and viewing figures are now in for its first seven days on Netflix.
Propelled by a storyline about Princess Diana’s final days, the opening episode has been watched by nearly 2.8M viewers, according to Barb audience figures supplied by overnights.tv.
Episode two of The Crown was watched by 2.3M, while episodes three and four entertained audiences of 2M and 1.7M respectively.
They were the four best performing titles of the week, per overnights.tv. Cold Pursuit, the 2019 Liam Neeson feature, was in fifth place behind The Crown after tracking down 832,157 viewers on Netflix.
The Crown comfortably beat shows on other streaming services, including BBC iPlayer and Disney+,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
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Bill Burr’s “Old Dads” has extended its reign as the most-watched title currently on Netflix. For the second week in a row, the comedy topped the streamer’s English-language film list and scored more views than any other single title during the time period.
In its second week on the list, “Old Dads” brought in 16.3 million views, taking the movie’s total view count up to 29.6 million in only 10 days. It secured 13.3 million views last week.
On the English-language film list, “Old Dads” was followed by Emily Blunt and Chris Evans’ drama “Pain Hustlers” with 14.1 million views, Jennifer Lawrence’s sex comedy “No Hard Feelings” with 13.1 million views, Liam Neeson and Laura Dern’s 2019 action thriller “Cold Pursuit” with 6.7 million views and the 2011 family comedy “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked...
Bill Burr’s “Old Dads” has extended its reign as the most-watched title currently on Netflix. For the second week in a row, the comedy topped the streamer’s English-language film list and scored more views than any other single title during the time period.
In its second week on the list, “Old Dads” brought in 16.3 million views, taking the movie’s total view count up to 29.6 million in only 10 days. It secured 13.3 million views last week.
On the English-language film list, “Old Dads” was followed by Emily Blunt and Chris Evans’ drama “Pain Hustlers” with 14.1 million views, Jennifer Lawrence’s sex comedy “No Hard Feelings” with 13.1 million views, Liam Neeson and Laura Dern’s 2019 action thriller “Cold Pursuit” with 6.7 million views and the 2011 family comedy “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked...
- 10/31/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Coven (Terrifier 2) has boarded sales ahead of the AFM on the 2023 Tribeca horror Somewhere Quiet.
The psychological horror feature follows a woman as she readjusts to normalcy after her kidnapping and the successful ransom for her return. Her sense of reality begins to deteriorate when she travels to her husband’s family compound for the winter.
Vertical has acquired North American and UK/Ireland rights.
Cast includes Jennifer Kim (The Kill Room), Marin Ireland (Hell or High Water), Kentucker Audley (She Dies Tomorrow), and Micheál Neeson (Cold Pursuit). Pic is written and directed by newcomer Olivia West Lloyd.
Producers are Taylor Shung (co-producer on Nomadland), Eamon Downey and Emma Hannaway (Strawberry Mansion). Exec producers are Last Rodeo Studios and The Population.
International sales will be conducted by Priscilla Ross Smith and Kendall Anlian of The Coven, coming off 2022’s cult hit Terrifier 2, currently re-releasing in 800+ theaters this month,...
The psychological horror feature follows a woman as she readjusts to normalcy after her kidnapping and the successful ransom for her return. Her sense of reality begins to deteriorate when she travels to her husband’s family compound for the winter.
Vertical has acquired North American and UK/Ireland rights.
Cast includes Jennifer Kim (The Kill Room), Marin Ireland (Hell or High Water), Kentucker Audley (She Dies Tomorrow), and Micheál Neeson (Cold Pursuit). Pic is written and directed by newcomer Olivia West Lloyd.
Producers are Taylor Shung (co-producer on Nomadland), Eamon Downey and Emma Hannaway (Strawberry Mansion). Exec producers are Last Rodeo Studios and The Population.
International sales will be conducted by Priscilla Ross Smith and Kendall Anlian of The Coven, coming off 2022’s cult hit Terrifier 2, currently re-releasing in 800+ theaters this month,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Escalation is an action drama film directed by Jimmy Mak from a screenplay by Brett Caron and Matthew Nayman. The action film follows the story of a former police officer who must put aside his anger at the force and ask for the help of a younger detective in order to catch his brother’s killer. Escalation stars Chris Mark, Nina Kiri, Cindy Sampson, and George Tchortov. So, if you liked Escalation here are some similar movies you could watch next.
The Accountant (Hulu Add-On & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.
Synopsis: Christian Wolff (Affleck) is a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town Cpa office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. With the Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starting to close in, Christian...
The Accountant (Hulu Add-On & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.
Synopsis: Christian Wolff (Affleck) is a math savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Behind the cover of a small-town Cpa office, he works as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations. With the Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division, run by Ray King (J.K. Simmons), starting to close in, Christian...
- 9/6/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
You can call the DC superhero movies a lot of things, but “consistent” isn’t one of them. Even the intentionally interconnected films of the DC Extended Universe vary wildly and unpredictably in quality, with instant classics like “Wonder Woman” and “Shazam!” followed up by giant misfires like “Wonder Woman 1984” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” (and those were from the same filmmakers).
So after “The Flash” turned out be a historic disaster on many levels, you could be forgiven for wanting give up on this mixed bag of a franchise as-is and wait patiently for the next reboot. Or, failing that, the next-next reboot, because if there’s one thing DC loves it’s completely redoing a superhero universe, over and over again in every medium.
But that’s a pretty rotten state of mind with which to enter a theater showing “Blue Beetle,” which is a delightful...
So after “The Flash” turned out be a historic disaster on many levels, you could be forgiven for wanting give up on this mixed bag of a franchise as-is and wait patiently for the next reboot. Or, failing that, the next-next reboot, because if there’s one thing DC loves it’s completely redoing a superhero universe, over and over again in every medium.
But that’s a pretty rotten state of mind with which to enter a theater showing “Blue Beetle,” which is a delightful...
- 8/16/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Tubi opens June with an intense WWII drama “Inglourious Basterds.” Allied officer Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) assembles a team of five tough Jewish soldiers to spread fear throughout the Third Reich. They have one assignment: assassinate Nazi leaders. Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the unconventional war drama. Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, and Christopher Walz co-star.
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
- 5/31/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Exclusive: Netflix has unveiled the cast for its coming-of-age sports drama Rez Ball, set in the world of Native American basketball, which Sydney Freeland (Marvel Studios’ Echo) boarded as director in 2021. Among those set to star are Jessica Matten (Dark Winds), Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Amber Midthunder (Prey), Kiowa Gordon (Dark Winds), Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs), Cody Lightning (Echo), Ernest Tsosie (Better Call Saul) and Kauchani Bratt.
The ensemble will also feature a big set of newcomers in Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind and Zoey Reyes. Production in New Mexico is now underway, with filming taking place on the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.
(L-r) Jaren K. Robledo, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Jojo Jackson, Devin Sampson-Craig, Henry Wilson Jr., Kauchani Bratt, Kusem Goodwind, Avery Hale,...
The ensemble will also feature a big set of newcomers in Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind and Zoey Reyes. Production in New Mexico is now underway, with filming taking place on the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.
(L-r) Jaren K. Robledo, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Jojo Jackson, Devin Sampson-Craig, Henry Wilson Jr., Kauchani Bratt, Kusem Goodwind, Avery Hale,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Donald Glover has described the uncompromising advice he gave to Malia Obama while collaborating on a TV series.
Obama, who is the daughter of former US president Barack Obama, worked as a staff writer on the recent Prime Video series Swarm, which Glover created.
In an interview with GQ, Glover – who has been mentoring the 24-year-old – recalled an early interaction with Obama.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” he said.
According to the Atlanta star, he told her: “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Elsewhere in the piece, Glover discussed his production studio Gilga, and the origins of Liam Neeson’s provocative appearance in the third season of Atlanta.
In the series, Neeson appears as himself, patronising a bar called the “cancel club”. In an interaction...
Obama, who is the daughter of former US president Barack Obama, worked as a staff writer on the recent Prime Video series Swarm, which Glover created.
In an interview with GQ, Glover – who has been mentoring the 24-year-old – recalled an early interaction with Obama.
“The first thing we did was talk about the fact that she will only get to do this once,” he said.
According to the Atlanta star, he told her: “You’re Obama’s daughter. So if you make a bad film, it will follow you around.”
Elsewhere in the piece, Glover discussed his production studio Gilga, and the origins of Liam Neeson’s provocative appearance in the third season of Atlanta.
In the series, Neeson appears as himself, patronising a bar called the “cancel club”. In an interaction...
- 4/4/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Donald Glover has opened up about Liam Neeson’s 2022 cameo in Atlanta, revealing that the Northern Irish actor initially turned down the role due to a race row.
While promoting the revenge movie Cold Pursuit in 2019, Neeson told The Independent that he once walked the streets with a cosh for days, looking to kill a “Black bastard” after someone close to him was raped many years ago.
Neeson said that he felt “ashamed” of his past “awful” behaviour. His comments were widely condemned and the premiere of Cold Pursuit was cancelled.
Last year, Neeson had a cameo in Glover’s dark comedy Atlanta, in a scene in which Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) meets Neeson at a bar called “Cancel Club” and discusses his past “transgression”.
In a new interview with British GQ, Glover said that Neeson had originally said no to the scene as he was “trying...
While promoting the revenge movie Cold Pursuit in 2019, Neeson told The Independent that he once walked the streets with a cosh for days, looking to kill a “Black bastard” after someone close to him was raped many years ago.
Neeson said that he felt “ashamed” of his past “awful” behaviour. His comments were widely condemned and the premiere of Cold Pursuit was cancelled.
Last year, Neeson had a cameo in Glover’s dark comedy Atlanta, in a scene in which Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) meets Neeson at a bar called “Cancel Club” and discusses his past “transgression”.
In a new interview with British GQ, Glover said that Neeson had originally said no to the scene as he was “trying...
- 4/4/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Liam Neeson has been in some of the biggest movies of the last three decades. But after appearing in Taken, which grossed over $226 million worldwide, the actor established himself as a coveted action hero.
However, at the age of 70, Neeson is surprised that he still receives scripts and offers for lead roles in action flicks. And in a recent interview, he joked about movie producers forgetting how old he is when casting him in such action-packed roles.
Liam Neeson recreated a famous ‘Taken’ scene for a hockey game
Neeson has been in dozens of blockbuster films over his 47-year career, including Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and Batman Begins. But most fans remember him from Taken, and its two sequels.
In March 2023, Neeson recreated the famous phone scene from the 2008 movie at a hockey game. In the scene, Neeson’s character receives...
However, at the age of 70, Neeson is surprised that he still receives scripts and offers for lead roles in action flicks. And in a recent interview, he joked about movie producers forgetting how old he is when casting him in such action-packed roles.
Liam Neeson recreated a famous ‘Taken’ scene for a hockey game
Neeson has been in dozens of blockbuster films over his 47-year career, including Schindler’s List, Gangs of New York, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and Batman Begins. But most fans remember him from Taken, and its two sequels.
In March 2023, Neeson recreated the famous phone scene from the 2008 movie at a hockey game. In the scene, Neeson’s character receives...
- 3/10/2023
- by Mishal Ali Zafar
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Liam Neeson is not a fan of fighter Conor McGregor or the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s mixed-martial arts style. In a fan Q&a video with Men’s Health, the “Taken” actor dismissed his fellow Irishman as “a little leprechaun” who “gives Ireland a bad name.”
In the video, the 6’4” actor ranted, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, oh please. He gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.” McGregor, who at 34 is less than half Neeson’s age, is 5’9.”
“UFC I can’t stand,” Neeson added. “That to me is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, ‘No, you’re wrong… the months of training we do…’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That’s the next stage of the UFC. I f—ing hate it.
In the video, the 6’4” actor ranted, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, oh please. He gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.” McGregor, who at 34 is less than half Neeson’s age, is 5’9.”
“UFC I can’t stand,” Neeson added. “That to me is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, ‘No, you’re wrong… the months of training we do…’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That’s the next stage of the UFC. I f—ing hate it.
- 2/4/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Boxing movies tend to be pretty great fodder for a harrowing feel-good story. Even people who don't give a damn about boxing otherwise would be hard-pressed not to cheer by the end of "Rocky" or "Cinderella Man." Sure, there is the occasional dark boxing tale, such as "Raging Bull," that makes for equally -- if not more -- compelling cinema. Today though brings us what appears to be an underdog story, and a familiar one for many fans of the sport, as the trailer for "Big George Foreman" is here. Or, to be more specific regarding the title, "Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World." And yes, they did put all of that on the poster.
In any case, this is the tale of George Foreman and, more specifically, his wildly unlikely comeback story as a boxer advanced in his years.
In any case, this is the tale of George Foreman and, more specifically, his wildly unlikely comeback story as a boxer advanced in his years.
- 2/1/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
It’s the end of the world as we know it and HBO Max feels fine. The Warner Bros. Discovery streamer’s list of new releases for January 2023 is highlighted by one long-awaited post-apocalyptic adventure.
HBO’s TV adaptation of beloved video game The Last of Us premieres on Jan. 15. Created by Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin, this story will follow the game storyline of Joel (Pedro Pascal) guiding 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through a virus-ridden wasteland towards hope. It’s probably gonna be awesome.
The other big original series this month is animated mystery comedy Velma. Brought to life by Mindy Kaling, this show will be all about Scooby-Doo’s bespectacled buddy Velma Dinkley. Jinkies indeed!
There aren’t any major HBO Max original movie releases this January. The first of the month sees the arrival of Ghostbusters (1984), Hereditary, John Wick, and more. Recent theatrical release The Menu premieres on Jan.
HBO’s TV adaptation of beloved video game The Last of Us premieres on Jan. 15. Created by Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin, this story will follow the game storyline of Joel (Pedro Pascal) guiding 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through a virus-ridden wasteland towards hope. It’s probably gonna be awesome.
The other big original series this month is animated mystery comedy Velma. Brought to life by Mindy Kaling, this show will be all about Scooby-Doo’s bespectacled buddy Velma Dinkley. Jinkies indeed!
There aren’t any major HBO Max original movie releases this January. The first of the month sees the arrival of Ghostbusters (1984), Hereditary, John Wick, and more. Recent theatrical release The Menu premieres on Jan.
- 1/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The new year brings new offerings on HBO and HBO Max. There are a number of fresh titles hitting the streaming service on Jan. 1, perfect for watching with friends or family on the first day of 2023.
HBO is adding an eclectic list of dramas, comedies, action and horror films in January. There’s “Insidious: Chapter 2,” “The Cabin in the Woods” and “Hereditary” for those who prefer Halloween to New Year’s. Award-winning dramas coming to the platform include “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Captain Phillips,” and “The Artist.” Comedy offerings include “White Chicks,” “Horrible Bosses 2,” and “Our Idiot Brother.” And you can also check out the first three films in the John Wick franchise before “John Wick: Chapter 4” hits theaters this spring.
On the original programming side, there’s the Season 29 premiere of “Real Sports With Bryan Gumbel,” as well as the second season of “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?...
HBO is adding an eclectic list of dramas, comedies, action and horror films in January. There’s “Insidious: Chapter 2,” “The Cabin in the Woods” and “Hereditary” for those who prefer Halloween to New Year’s. Award-winning dramas coming to the platform include “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Captain Phillips,” and “The Artist.” Comedy offerings include “White Chicks,” “Horrible Bosses 2,” and “Our Idiot Brother.” And you can also check out the first three films in the John Wick franchise before “John Wick: Chapter 4” hits theaters this spring.
On the original programming side, there’s the Season 29 premiere of “Real Sports With Bryan Gumbel,” as well as the second season of “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?...
- 1/1/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey star in ‘The Last of Us’ (Photograph by Courtesy of HBO)
The Mandalorian‘s Pedro Pascal and Game of Thrones‘ Bella Ramsey star in the post-apocalyptic thriller The Last of Us, premiering on HBO Max on January 15, 2023. The streaming service’s January lineup also includes the new adult animated series Velma which delves into the backstory of Scooby-Doo’s Velma Dinkley. And Aquaman‘s Jason Momoa hosts the competition series The Climb featuring amateur climbers battling for a 100,000 cash prize.
HBO Max will also be debuting live sports beginning with coverage of the U.S. Women’s National Team vs. New Zealand soccer match on January 17th. In With the Old returns for its third season on January 11th and Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? is back for a second season starring January 6th.
Series & Films Arriving On HBO Max In January 2023:
January 1:
20 Feet From Stardom,...
The Mandalorian‘s Pedro Pascal and Game of Thrones‘ Bella Ramsey star in the post-apocalyptic thriller The Last of Us, premiering on HBO Max on January 15, 2023. The streaming service’s January lineup also includes the new adult animated series Velma which delves into the backstory of Scooby-Doo’s Velma Dinkley. And Aquaman‘s Jason Momoa hosts the competition series The Climb featuring amateur climbers battling for a 100,000 cash prize.
HBO Max will also be debuting live sports beginning with coverage of the U.S. Women’s National Team vs. New Zealand soccer match on January 17th. In With the Old returns for its third season on January 11th and Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? is back for a second season starring January 6th.
Series & Films Arriving On HBO Max In January 2023:
January 1:
20 Feet From Stardom,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: Ron Perlman (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Yolonda Ross (The Chi) and Daniel Diemer (The Midnight Club) will star opposite Liam Neeson in the mob thriller Thug, reteaming the Oscar nominee with Cold Pursuit director Hans Petter Moland.
The film from Sculptor Media and Electromagnetic Production, which is currently shooting in Boston, revolves around an aging Boston gangster (Neeson) who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, though the criminal underworld won’t loosen its grip willingly.
Tony Gayton (Hell on Wheels) wrote the screenplay. Sculptor Media’s Warren Goz and Eric Gold are producing alongside Roger Birnbaum (Rush Hour franchise) and Michael Besman (About Schmidt) for Electromagnetic Productions, as well as Force Majeure (Copshop). Mark Kimsey is exec producing along with James Masciello, Matt Sidari and Mitchell Zhang of Raven, which has a slate financing and production partnership with Sculptor Media and is financing Thug.
The film from Sculptor Media and Electromagnetic Production, which is currently shooting in Boston, revolves around an aging Boston gangster (Neeson) who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, though the criminal underworld won’t loosen its grip willingly.
Tony Gayton (Hell on Wheels) wrote the screenplay. Sculptor Media’s Warren Goz and Eric Gold are producing alongside Roger Birnbaum (Rush Hour franchise) and Michael Besman (About Schmidt) for Electromagnetic Productions, as well as Force Majeure (Copshop). Mark Kimsey is exec producing along with James Masciello, Matt Sidari and Mitchell Zhang of Raven, which has a slate financing and production partnership with Sculptor Media and is financing Thug.
- 10/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Raoul Trujillo (Mayans M.C.) has signed with Innovative Artists for representation in all areas.
Trujillo is an actor, dancer and choreographer with over 100 film, television and theater credits who recently wrapped filming his role as Conrad Carapax (Aka Carapax the Indestructible Man) in Warner Bros.’ DC Film Blue Beetle, in which he stars alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén and more.
The actor also notably portrays Che ‘Taza’ Romero on FX’s crime drama series Mayans M.C., which has been renewed for a fifth season. He’s otherwise known for his performance as Zero Wolf in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto and worked as both an actor and choreographer on Terrence Malick’s The New World, opposite Colin Farrell.
Additional film credits include Cold Pursuit opposite Liam Neeson and Emmy Rossum; the Sicario sequel Day of the Soldado opposite Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin; Jean Francois Richet’s Blood Father,...
Trujillo is an actor, dancer and choreographer with over 100 film, television and theater credits who recently wrapped filming his role as Conrad Carapax (Aka Carapax the Indestructible Man) in Warner Bros.’ DC Film Blue Beetle, in which he stars alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén and more.
The actor also notably portrays Che ‘Taza’ Romero on FX’s crime drama series Mayans M.C., which has been renewed for a fifth season. He’s otherwise known for his performance as Zero Wolf in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto and worked as both an actor and choreographer on Terrence Malick’s The New World, opposite Colin Farrell.
Additional film credits include Cold Pursuit opposite Liam Neeson and Emmy Rossum; the Sicario sequel Day of the Soldado opposite Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin; Jean Francois Richet’s Blood Father,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Don’t Worry Darling seems to be destined for infamy – and the film isn’t even out yet.
The psychological sci-fi thriller, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, premiered this week at the Venice film festival, amid mounting reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil.
From a rumoured “falling out” between the film’s director and its star, to a dispute over a controversial cast departure, Don’t Worry Darling has truly endured the promotional campaign from hell.
Click here for a timeline of the behind-the-scenes controversies that have surrounded the film.
However, Don’t Worry Darling isn’t the only film to have its launch thrown into disarray by a wayward promotional campaign.
Whether we’re talking huge studio blockbusters or buzzy indie gems, sometimes all it takes is for one errant interview to spark a wave of bad – or merely strange – publicity.
Here are five of the most disastrous film campaigns in the history of cinema.
The psychological sci-fi thriller, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, premiered this week at the Venice film festival, amid mounting reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil.
From a rumoured “falling out” between the film’s director and its star, to a dispute over a controversial cast departure, Don’t Worry Darling has truly endured the promotional campaign from hell.
Click here for a timeline of the behind-the-scenes controversies that have surrounded the film.
However, Don’t Worry Darling isn’t the only film to have its launch thrown into disarray by a wayward promotional campaign.
Whether we’re talking huge studio blockbusters or buzzy indie gems, sometimes all it takes is for one errant interview to spark a wave of bad – or merely strange – publicity.
Here are five of the most disastrous film campaigns in the history of cinema.
- 9/6/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
Lionsgate will be giving the action film Bullet Proof a theatrical, VOD, and Digtial release this Friday, August 19th – and in anticipation of this release, we’ve gotten our hands on an Exclusive clip from the movie that shows star Vinnie Jones (Snatch) participating in a tense standoff. Check it out in the embed above!
The feature directorial debut of James C. Clayton, who also stars in the movie with Jones, Bullet Proof has the following synopsis:
Vinnie Jones plays Temple, a sadistic mob boss, in this gritty, white-knuckle action ride. After stealing millions in cash from Temple’s drug-dealing hideout, the Thief finds a stowaway in his getaway car – Temple’s pregnant wife, Mia! Desperate to reclaim his cash – and his unborn son – Temple sends out a squad of hit men and bounty hunters to bring in Mia and the Thief. Speed, cleverness, and good aim give the duo a brief advantage,...
The feature directorial debut of James C. Clayton, who also stars in the movie with Jones, Bullet Proof has the following synopsis:
Vinnie Jones plays Temple, a sadistic mob boss, in this gritty, white-knuckle action ride. After stealing millions in cash from Temple’s drug-dealing hideout, the Thief finds a stowaway in his getaway car – Temple’s pregnant wife, Mia! Desperate to reclaim his cash – and his unborn son – Temple sends out a squad of hit men and bounty hunters to bring in Mia and the Thief. Speed, cleverness, and good aim give the duo a brief advantage,...
- 8/15/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Liam Neeson appears in the third season of “Atlanta” to unpack his 2019 racially-charged controversial comments. The “Taken” star has a cameo in the May 5 episode for FX on Hulu.
Critically-acclaimed meta surreal series “Atlanta,” created by star Donald Glover, didn’t shy away from having Neeson address his past statements about seeking out a “Black bastard” who raped his friend 40 years ago. “It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that,” Neeson told The Independent in 2019. However, his film “Cold Pursuit” subsequently canceled its premiere soon thereafter and Neeson publicly apologized for trying to avenge his female friend.
Now, in 2022, Neeson stars opposite Brian Tyree Henry in a new “Atlanta” episode penned by Glover. The scene includes Henry as rapper Paper Boi sitting at a bar called Cancel Club talking to Neeson, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, as reported by People.
“You might’ve heard...
Critically-acclaimed meta surreal series “Atlanta,” created by star Donald Glover, didn’t shy away from having Neeson address his past statements about seeking out a “Black bastard” who raped his friend 40 years ago. “It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that,” Neeson told The Independent in 2019. However, his film “Cold Pursuit” subsequently canceled its premiere soon thereafter and Neeson publicly apologized for trying to avenge his female friend.
Now, in 2022, Neeson stars opposite Brian Tyree Henry in a new “Atlanta” episode penned by Glover. The scene includes Henry as rapper Paper Boi sitting at a bar called Cancel Club talking to Neeson, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, as reported by People.
“You might’ve heard...
- 5/6/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Liam Neeson shocked “Atlanta” viewers when he popped up for a cameo appearance during the eighth episode of the show’s fourth season. The episode, titled “New Jazz,” was written by Donald Glover. Neeson appeared as a version of himself sitting at a bar (the napkins for which read “Cancel Club”) that main character Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) strolls into. The two have a brief discussion in which Neeson poked fun at his 2019 racism controversy, in which he told The Independent that he once sought to kill a Black man out of revenge for the rape of his friend.
“You might’ve heard or read about my transgression,” Neeson tells Paper Boi. “You know, what I said about what I wanted to do to a Black guy, any Black guy, when I was a younger man in London. A friend of mine had been raped and I acted out of anger.
“You might’ve heard or read about my transgression,” Neeson tells Paper Boi. “You know, what I said about what I wanted to do to a Black guy, any Black guy, when I was a younger man in London. A friend of mine had been raped and I acted out of anger.
- 5/6/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Lopez wants to save it. Netflix wants to save it. Rose Matafeo wants to save it. Indie film has already saved it. But this weekend, “Marry Me” proved to be another uninspiring example of the studio-backed American rom-com. Even with a title that seemed custom-made for the return of superstar JLo to a genre she appears to genuinely love, plus the multi-hyphenate performing multiple original songs in the film, the film opened this pre-Valentine’s Day weekend to $8 million.
You could blame the slow return of women to theaters, Super Bowl Weekend, or that the film played for free on Peacock; any or all could be true. But here’s another reason: “Marry Me,” like so many rom-coms before it, isn’t very good. While Lopez is an extraordinary performer, all those songs start to feel like product placements. The ostensible reason for the film — how Lopez as superstar...
You could blame the slow return of women to theaters, Super Bowl Weekend, or that the film played for free on Peacock; any or all could be true. But here’s another reason: “Marry Me,” like so many rom-coms before it, isn’t very good. While Lopez is an extraordinary performer, all those songs start to feel like product placements. The ostensible reason for the film — how Lopez as superstar...
- 2/14/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Stars: Annie Tuma, Ariana Marquis, Jane Siberry, Jamar Adams Thompson | Written by Jennifer Mancini | Directed by Alexandra Senza
Flee the Light, the first film from both writer Jennifer Mancini and director Alexandra Senza, is a tale of two sisters, Andra (Annie Tuma) and Delfi (Ariana Marquis; Nuptials). Andra is a psychology student focused on Ericksonian therapy and has just been accepted to a prestigious grad school. Delfi is constantly run down and sufferers from persistent visions of a woman vanishing in a burst of coloured light and smoke.
After a therapy session that seems to indicate the problems aren’t all in her mind, Delfi is referred to spiritualist. This causes a rift between the two, Delfi wants to see them, Andra insists her sister needs to see a real doctor and get medication. From here Flee the Light delivers an incredibly cryptic phone call that leads to a witch’s brew of suppressed memories,...
Flee the Light, the first film from both writer Jennifer Mancini and director Alexandra Senza, is a tale of two sisters, Andra (Annie Tuma) and Delfi (Ariana Marquis; Nuptials). Andra is a psychology student focused on Ericksonian therapy and has just been accepted to a prestigious grad school. Delfi is constantly run down and sufferers from persistent visions of a woman vanishing in a burst of coloured light and smoke.
After a therapy session that seems to indicate the problems aren’t all in her mind, Delfi is referred to spiritualist. This causes a rift between the two, Delfi wants to see them, Andra insists her sister needs to see a real doctor and get medication. From here Flee the Light delivers an incredibly cryptic phone call that leads to a witch’s brew of suppressed memories,...
- 11/16/2021
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
February 11 2022 US release set via Briarcliff Entertainment.
Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn action thriller Blacklight has sold out across the world for The Solution at the virtual AFM after the recent deal with Briarcliff Entertainment for US rights.
Deals have closed in the UK (Signature), Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), France (Metropolitan), Benelux (Dfw), Germany (Wild Bunch), Scandinavia/Iceland (Nordisk), Italy (Notorious) Latin America (California Filmes), Japan (Klockworx), South Korea (First Run), Spain (Key 2), Middle East (Eagle) and Canada (Vvs).
In further sales Blacklight has gone in Cis (Top Films), Eastern Europe (Vertical), Taiwan (Vs Cinemas), India, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus (Tanweer), Hong Kong,...
Liam Neeson and Aidan Quinn action thriller Blacklight has sold out across the world for The Solution at the virtual AFM after the recent deal with Briarcliff Entertainment for US rights.
Deals have closed in the UK (Signature), Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), France (Metropolitan), Benelux (Dfw), Germany (Wild Bunch), Scandinavia/Iceland (Nordisk), Italy (Notorious) Latin America (California Filmes), Japan (Klockworx), South Korea (First Run), Spain (Key 2), Middle East (Eagle) and Canada (Vvs).
In further sales Blacklight has gone in Cis (Top Films), Eastern Europe (Vertical), Taiwan (Vs Cinemas), India, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus (Tanweer), Hong Kong,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Scott Budnick’s One Community has tapped Ameet Shukla to serve as head of content.
In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company’s slate of film and television projects and will report directly to Budnick.
“Ameet’s vision and passion for making content that can change the world bowled us over,” One Community CEO Scott Budnick said, announcing Shukla’s hiring. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have him on board to lead our content team and we are excited to continue growing our slate so that we can continue growing our impact.”
Shukla previously served as president of production for Michael Shamberg’s Mas Production, as well as VP of production at Double Feature Films (under Shamberg and Stacey Sher). Shukla’s producing credits include “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson; “Freeheld,” starring Julianne Moore and Elliot Page; and Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here.”
“From my first meeting,...
In his new role, Shukla will oversee the company’s slate of film and television projects and will report directly to Budnick.
“Ameet’s vision and passion for making content that can change the world bowled us over,” One Community CEO Scott Budnick said, announcing Shukla’s hiring. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have him on board to lead our content team and we are excited to continue growing our slate so that we can continue growing our impact.”
Shukla previously served as president of production for Michael Shamberg’s Mas Production, as well as VP of production at Double Feature Films (under Shamberg and Stacey Sher). Shukla’s producing credits include “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson; “Freeheld,” starring Julianne Moore and Elliot Page; and Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here.”
“From my first meeting,...
- 8/24/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Photo: ‘Sweet Girl’ Revenge at a Cost From director and producer Brian Andrew Mendoza comes ‘Sweet Girl’, a revenge action-thriller that was released to Netflix this past Friday. The film follows Jason Momoa as Ray, a father who recently lost his wife, as he embarks on a quest to bring justice to those responsible for his wife’s death while also protecting the only family he has left, his daughter Rachel portrayed by Isabela Merced. The film attempts to find a spot somewhere between the styles of other revenge thrillers such as the recent Liam Neeson film ‘Cold Pursuit’ or the Keanu Reeves film ‘John Wick’, trying to offer surprises and thrills while also delivering on the common expectations and conventions of the subgenre. Related article: ‘In the Heights’ – Behind the Scenes and Full Commentary/Reactions from Cast & Crew Related article: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase: “The...
- 8/23/2021
- by Sean Aversa
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Exclusive: Virgin River‘s Benjamin Hollingsworth is set for a recurring role in Joe Pickett, Spectrum Originals drama based on C.J Box’s novels.
The ten-part series, which comes from Waco creators John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, Paramount Television Studios and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher’s Red Wagon Entertainment, will be headlined by Michael Dorman and also features David Alan Grier, Julianna Guill, Sharon Lawrence, Mustafa Speaks, Paul Sparks, Skywalker Hughes and Kamryn Pliva.
Joe Pickett follows a game warden (Dorman) and his family as they navigate the changing political and socio-economic climate in a small rural town in Wyoming. Surrounded by rich history and vast wildlife, the township hides decades of schemes and secrets that are yet to be uncovered. The series will air for a nine-month exclusive run on Spectrum.
Hollingsworth will portray Ote Keeley, a big game poacher whose brazen and unpredictable behavior makes...
The ten-part series, which comes from Waco creators John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, Paramount Television Studios and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher’s Red Wagon Entertainment, will be headlined by Michael Dorman and also features David Alan Grier, Julianna Guill, Sharon Lawrence, Mustafa Speaks, Paul Sparks, Skywalker Hughes and Kamryn Pliva.
Joe Pickett follows a game warden (Dorman) and his family as they navigate the changing political and socio-economic climate in a small rural town in Wyoming. Surrounded by rich history and vast wildlife, the township hides decades of schemes and secrets that are yet to be uncovered. The series will air for a nine-month exclusive run on Spectrum.
Hollingsworth will portray Ote Keeley, a big game poacher whose brazen and unpredictable behavior makes...
- 7/7/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
StudioCanal announced a handful of new projects earlier this morning, and while Paddington 3 received the most press — and rightfully so — there were a couple of other projects that might be of interest. While there's not a lot of information at this point, THR has reported that the studio is developing sequels to Cold Pursuit and Gunpowder Milkshake.…...
- 7/6/2021
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Paddington 3 is set to begin shooting in Q2 2022, Studiocanal announced Tuesday during the Cannes Film Festival.
The anticipated threequel, which will have a story by Paddington 1 & 2 collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton and a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, will be one of the company’s flagship movies in coming years as it looks to invest $1 billion in content between now and 2024, it said.
Studiocanal, which celebrates it 30th anniversary this year, is doubling down on the bear franchise with a third season of TV series The Adventures of Paddington, which is also made with Heyday.
During a Cannes presentation, the Euro studio also confirmed the Kaley Cuoco project Role Play, which we revealed today, and confirmed that long-in-the-works Benedict Cumberbatch movie War Magician, with Colin Trevorrow attached to direct, is due to begin in 2022.
Cumberbatch-starrer The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is due to release this fall,...
The anticipated threequel, which will have a story by Paddington 1 & 2 collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton and a screenplay by Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont, will be one of the company’s flagship movies in coming years as it looks to invest $1 billion in content between now and 2024, it said.
Studiocanal, which celebrates it 30th anniversary this year, is doubling down on the bear franchise with a third season of TV series The Adventures of Paddington, which is also made with Heyday.
During a Cannes presentation, the Euro studio also confirmed the Kaley Cuoco project Role Play, which we revealed today, and confirmed that long-in-the-works Benedict Cumberbatch movie War Magician, with Colin Trevorrow attached to direct, is due to begin in 2022.
Cumberbatch-starrer The Electrical Life of Louis Wain is due to release this fall,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
“Paddington 3” is among a host of slate titles revealed by Studiocanal at an event in Cannes on Tuesday.
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh said that principal photography on the keenly anticipated project would commence in the second quarter of 2022. The film reunites Studiocanal with Heyday Films, as previously reported by Variety.
The director, cast updates and location are currently under wraps. The story is by “Paddington” 1 and 2 collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton, and screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont. King will executive produce.
Studiocanal also announced that it has acquired Lailaps Films Germany and will welcome producer Nils Dünker’s company lineup to the Studiocanal folds, including films and series such as “Wild Republic,” “Eine Unerhörte Frau,” “Spurlos in Marseille,” “Vorsicht vorLeuten,” “Beste Aller Welten” and “Hannes,” which opens theatrically in Germany this fall. The Lailaps production team is currently in pre-production on the...
Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh said that principal photography on the keenly anticipated project would commence in the second quarter of 2022. The film reunites Studiocanal with Heyday Films, as previously reported by Variety.
The director, cast updates and location are currently under wraps. The story is by “Paddington” 1 and 2 collaborators Paul King, Simon Farnaby and Mark Burton, and screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster and James Lamont. King will executive produce.
Studiocanal also announced that it has acquired Lailaps Films Germany and will welcome producer Nils Dünker’s company lineup to the Studiocanal folds, including films and series such as “Wild Republic,” “Eine Unerhörte Frau,” “Spurlos in Marseille,” “Vorsicht vorLeuten,” “Beste Aller Welten” and “Hannes,” which opens theatrically in Germany this fall. The Lailaps production team is currently in pre-production on the...
- 7/6/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran and Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Completing a loose trio of ice-themed films, after 2011’s “The Grey” and 2019’s “Cold Pursuit,” the Liam Neeson-starring “The Ice Road” is a serviceable, if incredibly convoluted, addition to a recent run of bland action movies that ask the actor to do the bare minimum— scowling as things explode around him.
Read More: ‘Black Widow’: Natasha Romanoff Is Given A Final Farewell In Marvel’s Latest Entertaining, But Inconsequential Episode [Review]
The second film of 2021 to star Neeson, following “The Marksmen”, and written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, the screenwriter behind such forgettably serviceable films as “Armageddon” and “The Punisher,” “The Ice Road” takes the basic premise of an episode of “Ice Road Truckers,”—melting ice roads and the types of people that choose to drive over them—and overlays it with a confusing narrative of a nefarious drilling company in northern Manitoba.
Continue reading ‘The Ice Road’:...
Read More: ‘Black Widow’: Natasha Romanoff Is Given A Final Farewell In Marvel’s Latest Entertaining, But Inconsequential Episode [Review]
The second film of 2021 to star Neeson, following “The Marksmen”, and written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, the screenwriter behind such forgettably serviceable films as “Armageddon” and “The Punisher,” “The Ice Road” takes the basic premise of an episode of “Ice Road Truckers,”—melting ice roads and the types of people that choose to drive over them—and overlays it with a confusing narrative of a nefarious drilling company in northern Manitoba.
Continue reading ‘The Ice Road’:...
- 6/29/2021
- by Christian Gallichio
- The Playlist
Liam Neeson’s unexpected yet remarkably durable second act as a grizzled action star isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and each one of his modest hits makes it that much easier to imagine the 69-year-old actor will be able to keep this up for many years to come. His secret? Efficiency. If Neeson broke into the world of mid-budget, low-rent beat-em-ups as a gangly brawler who was ready to go anywhere and fight anyone in order to rescue his daughter, his subsequent contributions to the genre were a lot more sedentary.
Movies like “Non-Stop” and “Run All Night” tried to hide that fact behind their titles — even “The Commuter” promised a greater degree of movement than it ultimately delivered — but Neeson’s more recent efforts have stopped trying to disguise that skewed ratio between intensity and exertion. In “Cold Pursuit,” he sparked a war that allowed him...
Movies like “Non-Stop” and “Run All Night” tried to hide that fact behind their titles — even “The Commuter” promised a greater degree of movement than it ultimately delivered — but Neeson’s more recent efforts have stopped trying to disguise that skewed ratio between intensity and exertion. In “Cold Pursuit,” he sparked a war that allowed him...
- 6/25/2021
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
As if the Frozen North hadn’t already given him enough grief in “The Grey” and “Cold Pursuit,” Liam Neeson is back for more chilly punishment with “The Ice Road.” Jonathan Hensleigh’s first feature as writer-director since “Kill the Irishman” a decade ago has the star as one of three drivers making a dangerous journey to deliver equipment needed to rescue trapped miners in Northern Manitoba.
Just about every possible peril turns up to thwart their mission en route, making for an increasingly implausible action movie that will entertain most viewers, but also perhaps make them feel a bit played for fools. In the U.S., it’s going straight to Netflix on June 25, while other distributors are handling theatrical and/or online release in numerous other territories over the coming weeks.
At a Canadian diamond mine 400 miles below the Arctic Circle, a methane explosion kills eight workers and...
Just about every possible peril turns up to thwart their mission en route, making for an increasingly implausible action movie that will entertain most viewers, but also perhaps make them feel a bit played for fools. In the U.S., it’s going straight to Netflix on June 25, while other distributors are handling theatrical and/or online release in numerous other territories over the coming weeks.
At a Canadian diamond mine 400 miles below the Arctic Circle, a methane explosion kills eight workers and...
- 6/25/2021
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
"This is personal... Now I'm angry!" Yeehaw, here we go! Strap in! Netflix has debuted an official trailer for one of their summer action movie offerings, a snow rescue thriller titled The Ice Road, made by filmmaker Jonathan Hensleigh (who was a screenwriter on Armageddon). After a remote diamond mine collapses in the far northern regions of Canada, an ice driver leads an impossible rescue mission over a frozen ocean to save the lives of trapped miners despite thawing waters and a threat they never see coming. Liam Neeson stars as the heroic, badass "big rig" ice truck driver, because of course he does. The cast includes Benjamin Walker, Amber Midthunder, Marcus Thomas, and Laurence Fishburne. All the marketing for this reminds me of Liam Neeson's other snowy movie, Cold Pursuit, though that one is a remake and this movie, apparently, is not. This essentially looks like Armageddon but on ice roads which,...
- 5/18/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Who could have predicted after 2008’s “Taken” that Liam Neeson would overtake the likes of Bruce Willis and Jason Statham as Hollywood’s favorite action hero? As the Irish actor approaches 70, he shows no signs of slowing down his penchant for hard-hitting movies either.
Read More: Netflix Unveils Massive Summer Slate Teaser Trailer: New Films With Felicity Jones, Jason Mamoa, Shailene Woodley, Kevin Hart, Liam Neeson & More
Since 2018’s “The Commuter,” Neeson has been on another tear of action thrillers: 2019’s “Cold Pursuit, last year’s “Honest Thief,” and “The Marksman,” which opened this January.
Continue reading ‘The Ice Road’ Trailer: Liam Neeson Leads A Dangerous Rescue Mission On Netflix at The Playlist.
Read More: Netflix Unveils Massive Summer Slate Teaser Trailer: New Films With Felicity Jones, Jason Mamoa, Shailene Woodley, Kevin Hart, Liam Neeson & More
Since 2018’s “The Commuter,” Neeson has been on another tear of action thrillers: 2019’s “Cold Pursuit, last year’s “Honest Thief,” and “The Marksman,” which opened this January.
Continue reading ‘The Ice Road’ Trailer: Liam Neeson Leads A Dangerous Rescue Mission On Netflix at The Playlist.
- 5/18/2021
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Stellan Skarsgård on Maria Sødahl’s Oscar shortlisted Hope (Håp): “Many directors just put the camera on the person talking but she records the reactions from every character in the film.”
Stellan Skarsgård starred in Hans Petter Moland’s Out Stealing Horses, In Order Of Disappearance, A Somewhat Gentle Man, Zero Kelvin, and Aberdeen. When he was approached to portray Tomas, a rendition of Moland, in Maria Sødahl’s stunning piece of auto-fiction, Hope (Håp), Stellan told me: “When I first considered I’m actually going to play one of my best friends, I was thinking, but I cannot imitate him … But then of course I just cut loose and did the material from the script."
Tomas (Stellan Skarsgård) with Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) in Hope (Håp) Photo: Manuel Alberto Claro
In Hope, Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) returning home to Oslo from directing a successful stage production abroad, is greeted by her youngest child,...
Stellan Skarsgård starred in Hans Petter Moland’s Out Stealing Horses, In Order Of Disappearance, A Somewhat Gentle Man, Zero Kelvin, and Aberdeen. When he was approached to portray Tomas, a rendition of Moland, in Maria Sødahl’s stunning piece of auto-fiction, Hope (Håp), Stellan told me: “When I first considered I’m actually going to play one of my best friends, I was thinking, but I cannot imitate him … But then of course I just cut loose and did the material from the script."
Tomas (Stellan Skarsgård) with Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) in Hope (Håp) Photo: Manuel Alberto Claro
In Hope, Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) returning home to Oslo from directing a successful stage production abroad, is greeted by her youngest child,...
- 3/7/2021
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Netflix psychological thriller Behind Her Eyes, adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s hit novel of the same name, sets its cast an unenviably tough task (and not just because almost everyone’s having to do a regional accent). Through subtleties and shifts in their performances, Eve Hewson, Tom Bateman, Simona Brown and Robert Aramayo need to keep the audience invested while keeping us guessing. What is it we’re watching? Is this six-part series the tale of Adele and David’s brittle marriage and the secrets that bind them? Or the story of single-mother Louise (Simona Brown) getting in over her head with this glamorous new couple? Could it be something else entirely?
While you’re asking yourself those questions, you’ll likely be asking another: where have I seen that guy before? While we can’t help with the former and stay spoiler-free, we can answer that one…
Eve Hewson...
While you’re asking yourself those questions, you’ll likely be asking another: where have I seen that guy before? While we can’t help with the former and stay spoiler-free, we can answer that one…
Eve Hewson...
- 2/17/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Showtime has set the cast of the upcoming Dexter revival. Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Alano Miller (Sylvie’s Love), Johnny Sequoyah (Believe) and Jack Alcott (The Good Lord Bird) have joined Michael C. Hall and Clancy Brown in the 10-episode limited series, which begins production next month in Massachusetts.
The descriptions of the new characters provide a clue about the setting of the follow-up in upstate New York.
Jones will play Angela Bishop, the first Native American Chief of Police in her town in upstate New York. Sequoyah portrays Audrey, Bishop’s brash and opinionated teenage daughter. Miller will play Logan, a sergeant for the Iron Lake Police Department and the assistant wrestling coach for the local high school. Alcott is Randall, with whom Dexter (Hall) has a meaningful encounter.
As previously reported,...
The descriptions of the new characters provide a clue about the setting of the follow-up in upstate New York.
Jones will play Angela Bishop, the first Native American Chief of Police in her town in upstate New York. Sequoyah portrays Audrey, Bishop’s brash and opinionated teenage daughter. Miller will play Logan, a sergeant for the Iron Lake Police Department and the assistant wrestling coach for the local high school. Alcott is Randall, with whom Dexter (Hall) has a meaningful encounter.
As previously reported,...
- 1/11/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
As Europe cracks down on moviegoing and ski tourism to stem Covid-19 infections, Dubai-based exhibitor Vox Cinemas is instead launching a movie theater in an indoor ski resort being touted as the Middle East’s first cinema in the snow.
Located inside Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates — which is home to the city’s indoor, snow-covered ski hill and to penguin shows — Vox Cinema’s new Snow Cinema features socially-distanced lounge-style seating and a wide range of comfort food options. Besides popcorn, they comprise: hot chocolate, also peppermint flavored, and a savory menu that includes roasted baby potatoes topped with raclette, hotdogs and burgers, all to be followed by “decadent desserts such as festive mince pies and gingerbread Dutch pancakes,” according to promotional materials.
As for the movies menu, besides family-friendly festive favorites such as “The Grinch,” “Frozen 2” and “Daddy’s Home 2” other titles set to play the...
Located inside Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates — which is home to the city’s indoor, snow-covered ski hill and to penguin shows — Vox Cinema’s new Snow Cinema features socially-distanced lounge-style seating and a wide range of comfort food options. Besides popcorn, they comprise: hot chocolate, also peppermint flavored, and a savory menu that includes roasted baby potatoes topped with raclette, hotdogs and burgers, all to be followed by “decadent desserts such as festive mince pies and gingerbread Dutch pancakes,” according to promotional materials.
As for the movies menu, besides family-friendly festive favorites such as “The Grinch,” “Frozen 2” and “Daddy’s Home 2” other titles set to play the...
- 12/11/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
At last. After a star-spangled American Film Market lineup this year was met by an initial near deafening silence from buyers, European film-tv group Studiocanal confirmed Wednesday that it has pre-sold the world, apart from the U.S. and China, on Liam Neeson action thriller “Retribution.”
A second new Studiocanal title, Working Title romantic comedy “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” with Lily James and Emma Thompson, has closed near all of Europe and Japan, also placing it among the best-selling AFM titles.
Among AFM trading, the deals add to AGC Studios’ near worldwide pre-sales on “Universe’s Most Wanted” and half the world sales sweeps for Cornerstone’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” Mister Smith’s “Lakewood” and Elle Driver’s “See For Me.” Otherwise, major AFM sales announcements, to date at least, have been few and pretty piecemeal.
Directed by Nimrod Antal (“Predators”) and produced by director-producer...
A second new Studiocanal title, Working Title romantic comedy “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” with Lily James and Emma Thompson, has closed near all of Europe and Japan, also placing it among the best-selling AFM titles.
Among AFM trading, the deals add to AGC Studios’ near worldwide pre-sales on “Universe’s Most Wanted” and half the world sales sweeps for Cornerstone’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” Mister Smith’s “Lakewood” and Elle Driver’s “See For Me.” Otherwise, major AFM sales announcements, to date at least, have been few and pretty piecemeal.
Directed by Nimrod Antal (“Predators”) and produced by director-producer...
- 11/25/2020
- by John Hopewell and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
This week has been one of the year’s strongest for new film releases. “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (Amazon) is the most talked-about movie in months. “On the Rocks” (AppleTV+ and A24) reunites the director and star of “Lost in Translation.” The director of “Cast Away” and the “Back to the Future” franchise adapted Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” (HBO Max). The creator of “Dear White People” returned to feature films with an $8 million Sundance acquisition, “Bad Hair” (Hulu). And Ben Wheatley dared to remake Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, “Rebecca” (Netflix).
Of course, none of those films were available in theaters. Instead, the only new wide release was graphic novel adaptation “The Empty Man,” a 20th Century title (released by Disney) produced in summer 2017. And while we don’t know the numbers for those home releases, “The Empty Man” placed fourth with $1.265 million, one of only four films that surpassed $1 million in gross.
Of course, none of those films were available in theaters. Instead, the only new wide release was graphic novel adaptation “The Empty Man,” a 20th Century title (released by Disney) produced in summer 2017. And while we don’t know the numbers for those home releases, “The Empty Man” placed fourth with $1.265 million, one of only four films that surpassed $1 million in gross.
- 10/25/2020
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
A decade after he appeared as Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson underwent the unlikeliest of later-career reinventions to become one of Hollywood’s most reliable and bankable action stars, despite pushing 60 when Taken was released. Over the next few years, he delivered a string of box office hits that all put a familiar spin on the same basic formula, and audiences couldn’t get enough of it.
Despite claiming in 2017 that he was done with the genre for good, Neeson has since appeared in action thrillers The Commuter, Widows and Cold Pursuit, while his latest effort Honest Thief follows very much in line with those aforementioned films, too. Even at 68 years old, the actor shows no signs of slowing down, and given the return to Star Wars of his former onscreen Padawan Ewan McGregor, there’ve been rumors that Qui-Gon could also be...
Despite claiming in 2017 that he was done with the genre for good, Neeson has since appeared in action thrillers The Commuter, Widows and Cold Pursuit, while his latest effort Honest Thief follows very much in line with those aforementioned films, too. Even at 68 years old, the actor shows no signs of slowing down, and given the return to Star Wars of his former onscreen Padawan Ewan McGregor, there’ve been rumors that Qui-Gon could also be...
- 10/22/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
Eight months ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic hobbled the movie business, every weekend felt like a heavyweight fight. Nowadays, each weekend is beginning to feel more like pillow fight. Still, in what turned out to be another soft weekend at the box office, Liam Neeson’s latest action thriller, Honest Thief, pulled in $3.7 million at the domestic box office and claimed the title of the No. 1 movie in North America.
The new high-octane thriller from Open Road Films starring the ageless action star as a double-crossed bank robber with a conscience had a $1,525 per-screen average in 2,425 theaters. It added another $1.3 million abroad, helping to bring its one-week worldwide total to $5.5 million.
Although the PG-13-rated film’s debut paled next to the bows of such recent Neeson macho-fests as 2019’s Cold Pursuit ($11 million opening) and 2018’s The Commuter ($13.7 million opening), the film’s freshman frame was muscular enough to unseat last week’s champion,...
The new high-octane thriller from Open Road Films starring the ageless action star as a double-crossed bank robber with a conscience had a $1,525 per-screen average in 2,425 theaters. It added another $1.3 million abroad, helping to bring its one-week worldwide total to $5.5 million.
Although the PG-13-rated film’s debut paled next to the bows of such recent Neeson macho-fests as 2019’s Cold Pursuit ($11 million opening) and 2018’s The Commuter ($13.7 million opening), the film’s freshman frame was muscular enough to unseat last week’s champion,...
- 10/19/2020
- by Chris Nashawaty <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Post-“Tenet,” when major studios have all but abandoned theaters, it’s the indies that shine a little light. They have their pick of the screens and an ability to hold them not seen since… well, ever. (“Unhinged”: nine weeks and counting in the U.S.) It’s not enough to make up the difference of a Covid-impacted marketplace, but it’s enough for Open Road’s Liam Neeson vehicle “Honest Thief” to take no. 1 with $3.7 million
Overall grosses continued a slow uptick, with this weekend’s Top Ten total of $11.8 million the best since the second weekend of “Tenet” in the U.S. The full total looks to be around $14 million, again an improvement. (The same weekend in 2019 was $138 million.)
Regal, the second-largest chain, remains all but closed. New York state and Seattle are now open; New York City, Los Angeles County, and San Francisco remain closed. Those missing theaters impacted “Honest Thief,...
Overall grosses continued a slow uptick, with this weekend’s Top Ten total of $11.8 million the best since the second weekend of “Tenet” in the U.S. The full total looks to be around $14 million, again an improvement. (The same weekend in 2019 was $138 million.)
Regal, the second-largest chain, remains all but closed. New York state and Seattle are now open; New York City, Los Angeles County, and San Francisco remain closed. Those missing theaters impacted “Honest Thief,...
- 10/18/2020
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Neeson Goes Nowhere in Another Derivative Offering
Every generation tends to spawn a golden year action star from an aging flock of matinee idols. Surely, Charles Bronson took Death Wish to his grave and Bruce Willis likewise drove Die Hard to its last breath before marinating in a continual onslaught of subpar action flicks. And then, there’s the special case of Liam Neeson, whose 2008 title Taken re-launched the Hollywood alum as a bona fide action star, spinning not only a franchise but a litany of similar titles cashing in on his newfangled popularity, from Non-Stop to Run All Night to The Commuter and what was supposedly his last entry in this vein, 2019’s Cold Pursuit (a remake of Norway’s In Order of Disappearance).…...
Every generation tends to spawn a golden year action star from an aging flock of matinee idols. Surely, Charles Bronson took Death Wish to his grave and Bruce Willis likewise drove Die Hard to its last breath before marinating in a continual onslaught of subpar action flicks. And then, there’s the special case of Liam Neeson, whose 2008 title Taken re-launched the Hollywood alum as a bona fide action star, spinning not only a franchise but a litany of similar titles cashing in on his newfangled popularity, from Non-Stop to Run All Night to The Commuter and what was supposedly his last entry in this vein, 2019’s Cold Pursuit (a remake of Norway’s In Order of Disappearance).…...
- 10/15/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Tagline: "Never Steal a Man's Second Chance." Honest Thief is releasing today, in Canada. This thriller will show international, in dozens of countries, throughout October. Honest Thief is one of the first films to show internationally, in theatres, for awhile. Centrally starring Liam Neeson (Cold Pursuit), Honest Thief looks at an ex-Marine and his attempt to live a better life. A former bank robber, Tom's plans for a peaceful way of living are interrupted by two rogue FBI agents . A multi-production creation, Honest Thief is debuting in Landmark and Cineplex Cinemas this evening. The trailer shows Tom and his desire to turn in his stealings. However, two agents are determined to gain the wealth for themselves, leading to conflict. Now, Tom will have to use his previous skills as a demolitions expert to keep himself free. Honest Thief is debuting in over thirty countries this month. Canada will be one...
- 10/9/2020
- by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
The Viola Davis-starring 2018 heist thriller “Widows” is set to hit China on Oct. 16.
It will go up against five other local titles releasing that day, but none of note. Competitive Chinese films have either timed their release for this week during the National Day holiday, or are waiting for a later time when those titles blow over, thereby leaving a bit of a gap in the schedule. Chinese authorities informally ban foreign films from releasing during the holiday as a protectionist measure.
Directed by Steve McQueen and written by the British helmer and Gillian Flynn 20th Century Fox’s “Widows” tells the story of four women stuck with the debt of their dead husbands who join forces to execute a heist. It premiered at Toronto in September, 2018 and went on to earn $42.4 million in North America and $76 million globally, with its strongest territories being the U.K. ($8.3 million) and...
It will go up against five other local titles releasing that day, but none of note. Competitive Chinese films have either timed their release for this week during the National Day holiday, or are waiting for a later time when those titles blow over, thereby leaving a bit of a gap in the schedule. Chinese authorities informally ban foreign films from releasing during the holiday as a protectionist measure.
Directed by Steve McQueen and written by the British helmer and Gillian Flynn 20th Century Fox’s “Widows” tells the story of four women stuck with the debt of their dead husbands who join forces to execute a heist. It premiered at Toronto in September, 2018 and went on to earn $42.4 million in North America and $76 million globally, with its strongest territories being the U.K. ($8.3 million) and...
- 10/2/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
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