Will Ferrell is coming to Netflix. Ferrell and Ramy Youssef are co-creating Golf, a comedy series which Ferrell will lead. Josh Rabinowitz also serves a co-creator. The series will be the comedy actor’s first TV comedy series. The 10-episode series will follow Ferrell as a fictional golf legend. Youssef will also play a role. Ferrell is best known for his iconic characters in films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Run Burgundy, Elf, Step Brothers, and Stranger Than Fiction. Along with producing partner Jessica Elbaum, Ferrell is a co-founder of Gloria Sanchez Productions, with is credited with critically acclaimed films Hustlers, Booksmart, Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar, Theater Camp, and Quiz Lady. Coming soon, Ferrell will star in Amazon Studio’s comedy You’re Cordially Invited alongside Reese Witherspoon. He is repped by UTA, Mosaic, The Lede Company and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Youssef is best known for...
- 5/15/2024
- TV Insider
When Kristen Wiig took the stage in Studio 8H to host “Saturday Night Live” April 6, she achieved one of the most coveted milestones in sketch comedy: joining the Five-Timers Club. One of the show’s longest-running traditions is gifting people who have hosted five times an honorary jacket during their monologue, which typically features appearances from other celebrities in the club.
“I am so happy to be back, and I am so excited because it is my fifth time hosting,” Wiig said when she took the stage. “So I’m officially in the Five-Timers Club!”
But while Wiig’s monologue did feature plenty of A-list cameos, few actually had the distinction of being Five-Timers. She was quickly visited by Matt Damon, who wore the special jacket despite having only hosted the show twice.
“Lorne said the first time I hosted was so good, it accounted for three, and then the...
“I am so happy to be back, and I am so excited because it is my fifth time hosting,” Wiig said when she took the stage. “So I’m officially in the Five-Timers Club!”
But while Wiig’s monologue did feature plenty of A-list cameos, few actually had the distinction of being Five-Timers. She was quickly visited by Matt Damon, who wore the special jacket despite having only hosted the show twice.
“Lorne said the first time I hosted was so good, it accounted for three, and then the...
- 4/7/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Many romantic comedies utilize deception as a key plot point. However, for every film that incorporates an inciting fib with smarts and heart (from “While You Were Sleeping” to “You’ve Got Mail”), there are others that lack a similar savvy finesse (like “How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days” and “The Wedding Date”). “Players” competes in the latter league. Acting as a dumbed-down, gender-swapped kissing cousin to “Hitch,” it centers on a gal and her pals who know all the right moves to land hookups. Director Trish Sie’s middling and at times mawkish film not only makes us hate the game, but also its players.
Sports reporter Mack (Gina Rodriguez) has been playing the field for a long time and she likes it that way. She and her conniving friends Adam (Damon Wayans Jr.), Sam (Augustus Prew) and his younger brother Little (Joel Courtney) routinely scheme and lie...
Sports reporter Mack (Gina Rodriguez) has been playing the field for a long time and she likes it that way. She and her conniving friends Adam (Damon Wayans Jr.), Sam (Augustus Prew) and his younger brother Little (Joel Courtney) routinely scheme and lie...
- 2/14/2024
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
Kristen Wiig headlines Apple TV+ comedy drama Palm Royale, and here’s the trailer for the upcoming show.
Kristen Wiig made her name as one of the cast members of Saturday Night Live, alongside the likes of Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Bill Hader.
Since then, she found huge success as a writer, scripting and starring in 2012’s Bridesmaids and 2021’s Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar with Annie Mumolo. She has also starred in several films she hasn’t written, including Girl Most Likely and Craig Johnson’s wonderful 2014 film The Skeleton Twins, in which she stars alongside Hader.
She now headlines Apple TV+ comedy drama Palm Royale. The synopsis reads as follows:
Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavours to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots,...
Kristen Wiig made her name as one of the cast members of Saturday Night Live, alongside the likes of Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Bill Hader.
Since then, she found huge success as a writer, scripting and starring in 2012’s Bridesmaids and 2021’s Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar with Annie Mumolo. She has also starred in several films she hasn’t written, including Girl Most Likely and Craig Johnson’s wonderful 2014 film The Skeleton Twins, in which she stars alongside Hader.
She now headlines Apple TV+ comedy drama Palm Royale. The synopsis reads as follows:
Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavours to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Harper Steele is, with no exaggeration, one of my favorite comedy writers to ever do it. Not only did she write on "Saturday Night Live" from 1995-2015, the years when I was developing my own sense of humor, but she's also behind the Lifetime film "A Deadly Adoption" and the Academy Award-nominated Netflix flick, "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." She was also a writer on the "Doug" episode "Doug's Cool Shoes," which has some of the best visual joke-telling of the animated series' first season. This is to say that Steele has been formative in shaping my ability to find humor in the world around me.
Over the years, Steele has become best friends with Will Ferrell, arguably one of the most recognizable comedic actors in the world. Ferrell and Steele are frequent collaborators, and their latest project is "Will & Harper," a documentary about the pair...
Over the years, Steele has become best friends with Will Ferrell, arguably one of the most recognizable comedic actors in the world. Ferrell and Steele are frequent collaborators, and their latest project is "Will & Harper," a documentary about the pair...
- 2/5/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
“Will & Harper,” a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary about Will Ferrell’s cross-country road trip with his best friend Harper Steele, who recently came out as transgender, sold to Netflix after its Sundance Film Festival debut. Financial terms of the pact were not disclosed, but “Will & Harper” was drawing interest from several buyers.
The film, directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” filmmaker Josh Greenbaum, was warmly embraced in Park City with two standing ovations after the credits rolled.
“We are thrilled about how audiences received the movie with open arms at Sundance,” the filmmakers said in a statement. “It’s a movie about the power of friendship and acceptance, that we hope can help shift the culture, and so we are excited to have a partner in Netflix that has the ability to reach the largest possible audience worldwide.”
Ferrell and Steele were hired at...
The film, directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” filmmaker Josh Greenbaum, was warmly embraced in Park City with two standing ovations after the credits rolled.
“We are thrilled about how audiences received the movie with open arms at Sundance,” the filmmakers said in a statement. “It’s a movie about the power of friendship and acceptance, that we hope can help shift the culture, and so we are excited to have a partner in Netflix that has the ability to reach the largest possible audience worldwide.”
Ferrell and Steele were hired at...
- 2/1/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In the latest high-profile acquisition at Sundance Neon is understood to have acquired worldwide rights to Steven Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence starring Lucy Liu.
The Premieres selection debuted last Friday and plays again this upcoming weekend. David Koepp wrote the screenplay.
Shot in one location, Presence follows a family that moves into a suburban home inhabited by a ghost. The cast includes Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Julia Fox, Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland.
Julie M. Anderson and Ken Meyer served as producers and Koepp and Corey Bayes are executive producers. Michael Sugar of Sugar23 brokered the deal with attorney Jamie Feldman and Meyer.
The Premieres selection debuted last Friday and plays again this upcoming weekend. David Koepp wrote the screenplay.
Shot in one location, Presence follows a family that moves into a suburban home inhabited by a ghost. The cast includes Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Julia Fox, Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland.
Julie M. Anderson and Ken Meyer served as producers and Koepp and Corey Bayes are executive producers. Michael Sugar of Sugar23 brokered the deal with attorney Jamie Feldman and Meyer.
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
Will Ferrell has some pretty cool friends. That shouldn’t come as any kind of surprise to his fans. He appeared on “Saturday Night Live” for seven seasons and still keeps in touch with co-stars like Seth Meyers, Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig. Less familiar, but no less fascinating, is former “SNL” writer Harper Steele, who befriended Ferrell when he first joined the show, believing in the crazy cut-up when others were still skeptical of his talent.
Structured as an on-camera road trip between two longtime friends, fueled by laughs and tears and the occasional “Borat”-style stunt, “Will & Harper” gives the general public a chance to meet this incredible woman. Technically, Ferrell is meeting her for the first time, too, since Steele spent the first six decades of her life as a man. After receiving a long, vulnerable coming-out email from Steele describing her decision to transition at...
Structured as an on-camera road trip between two longtime friends, fueled by laughs and tears and the occasional “Borat”-style stunt, “Will & Harper” gives the general public a chance to meet this incredible woman. Technically, Ferrell is meeting her for the first time, too, since Steele spent the first six decades of her life as a man. After receiving a long, vulnerable coming-out email from Steele describing her decision to transition at...
- 1/23/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Unlike Cannes and Venice, Sundance isn’t a film festival that inspires too many standing ovations. But moviegoers at the Eccles Theatre were moved (more than once!) to stand up and applaud after the premiere of “Will & Harper,” a funny, heartbreaking and poignant documentary about Will Ferrell taking a road trip with his longtime friend, Harper Steele, who transitioned at 61.
“Look at this! And this is for a documentary,” Ferrell said as he greeted the packed house in Park City on Monday night. “Wow! If we were going to be at Sundance, we thought it would be at a 10 a.m. screening in someone’s garage.”
“Will & Harper” chronicles the duo over 17 days as they drive from New York to California, making pit stops at basketball games, dive bars, “swanky” Las Vegas restaurants and other places where Steele hopes to feel more comfortable since she came out as...
“Look at this! And this is for a documentary,” Ferrell said as he greeted the packed house in Park City on Monday night. “Wow! If we were going to be at Sundance, we thought it would be at a 10 a.m. screening in someone’s garage.”
“Will & Harper” chronicles the duo over 17 days as they drive from New York to California, making pit stops at basketball games, dive bars, “swanky” Las Vegas restaurants and other places where Steele hopes to feel more comfortable since she came out as...
- 1/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Director Josh Greenbaum was known as a documentary filmmaker before he shifted gears for “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” and with “Will & Harper” — a nonfiction buddy comedy in which Will Ferrell drives across the country with a beloved colleague — he returns to his nonfiction roots in order to confront a series of questions that seem as far from his comfort zone as they are from Ferrell’s. Questions like: How does a straight cis male of a certain age come to terms with the fact that one of his oldest friends has just come out as trans? And what will happen to their friendship when said trans woman refuses to stop for donuts?.
Of course, the more important character in this story is the much less famous — if equally titular — Harper Steele, the Emmy-winning “SNL” senior writer behind such gonzo Ferrell efforts as “EuroVision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
Of course, the more important character in this story is the much less famous — if equally titular — Harper Steele, the Emmy-winning “SNL” senior writer behind such gonzo Ferrell efforts as “EuroVision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
- 1/23/2024
- by Lauren Wissot
- Indiewire
Four film production designers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2024 awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Thursday, November 16, at 4:00 p.m. Pt; 7:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Ray Richmond and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret (Lionsgate)
Synopsis: When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.
Bio: Steve Saklad’s career has included “Up in the Air,” “The Muppets,” “Grand Hotel” and “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret (Lionsgate)
Synopsis: When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.
Bio: Steve Saklad’s career has included “Up in the Air,” “The Muppets,” “Grand Hotel” and “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
- 11/9/2023
- by Chris Beachum and Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Lyrics that include the words “dick,” “fuck” and “pussy” are not the typical wholesome, family content the Academy’s Music Branch tends to recognize. But occasionally, they have allowed a couple to slip through. A24’s “Dicks: The Musical,” the opening night Midnight Madness at TIFF, has an onslaught of hilarious and catchy tunes that I wish the Oscars would be brave enough to nominate.
With so many hilarious tracks to choose from, including “Gay Old Life” and “The Sewer Song,” Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion brings down the house with her delivery on the rap and dance number “Out-Alpha the Alpha.” It could and should be one of the many songs to consider for this year’s Academy Awards, and distributor A24 confirms they’ll submit the movie for Oscar consideration.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Adapted from stars and writers...
With so many hilarious tracks to choose from, including “Gay Old Life” and “The Sewer Song,” Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion brings down the house with her delivery on the rap and dance number “Out-Alpha the Alpha.” It could and should be one of the many songs to consider for this year’s Academy Awards, and distributor A24 confirms they’ll submit the movie for Oscar consideration.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
Adapted from stars and writers...
- 9/9/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Awkwafina and Sandra Oh are unhinged sisters in the 20th Century and Hulu comedy “Quiz Lady,” from the producers of “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.”
“Quiz Lady” follows Anne (Awkwafina) as she and her sister Jenny (Oh) devise a way to pay their mother’s gambling debts. How does one come up with $80,000 quick? Enter a “Jeopardy”-like game show with Anne’s innate talent for remembering odd facts. After Jenny’s dog is taken by gangsters as collateral to pay off the debts, the duo embark on a cross-country road trip to make Anne a game show celebrity contestant.
Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, Holland Taylor, and Tony Hale also star in the film directed by “This Is Us” helmer Jessica Yu. “Quiz Lady” premieres at TIFF and is among IndieWire’s top fall releases to look out for.
Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, Maggie Haskins, Itay Reiss, D’Angelo,...
“Quiz Lady” follows Anne (Awkwafina) as she and her sister Jenny (Oh) devise a way to pay their mother’s gambling debts. How does one come up with $80,000 quick? Enter a “Jeopardy”-like game show with Anne’s innate talent for remembering odd facts. After Jenny’s dog is taken by gangsters as collateral to pay off the debts, the duo embark on a cross-country road trip to make Anne a game show celebrity contestant.
Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, Holland Taylor, and Tony Hale also star in the film directed by “This Is Us” helmer Jessica Yu. “Quiz Lady” premieres at TIFF and is among IndieWire’s top fall releases to look out for.
Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, Maggie Haskins, Itay Reiss, D’Angelo,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It's not easy being an R-rated comedy in 2023. After enjoying some modest success with the horror-flavored "Cocaine Bear," Universal saw its "Dracula" spin-off "Renfield" flounder at the box office earlier this year. The studio's latest adult-oriented chucklefest, "Strays," didn't fare much better upon its theatrical release in August either. Opening to lukewarm responses, the raunchy dog-com has struggled to make a dent financially.
Another major factor working against "Strays" was timing. Since the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has continued to dig its heels in rather than address the existential crisis currently faced by the striking actors' and writers' guilds, that means the "Strays" cast has been unable to promote the film. That includes comedic superstars like Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, who lend their voices to the movie's misbehaving mutts and could've easily gotten more people to turn out for the film, had they been able to make the press rounds.
Another major factor working against "Strays" was timing. Since the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has continued to dig its heels in rather than address the existential crisis currently faced by the striking actors' and writers' guilds, that means the "Strays" cast has been unable to promote the film. That includes comedic superstars like Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, who lend their voices to the movie's misbehaving mutts and could've easily gotten more people to turn out for the film, had they been able to make the press rounds.
- 9/5/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Strays" “Strays” has Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Sofia Vergara, Josh Gad and Will Ferrell voicing various dogs in this raunchy comedy from director Josh Greenbaum (“Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”) from a script written by Dan Perrault. Should you do tricks for this film? (See review below)
The post “Strays” & “Blue Beetle” Movie Reviews appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
The post “Strays” & “Blue Beetle” Movie Reviews appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
- 8/23/2023
- by manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
“Strays” might be the most unexpectedly uproarious comedy of the year. And it’s even more satisfying because the words “R-rated dog comedy” probably don’t instill much hope.
And yet, here we are.
It starts to make more sense when you consider that the director behind the project is Josh Greenbaum, who directed 2021’s hilarious “Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar”. And because it stars Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx as the voice of two dogs who are on a quest (along with their dog pals voiced by Randall Park and Ilsa Fisher) to bring violent revenge to Ferrell’s former owner (Will Forte).
As to how Greenbaum wound up with “Strays,” which is in theaters now, he was sent a pitch email with pretty much the logline above and a “Gif of a small dog humping a larger dog,” which shot it to the top of his reading list.
And yet, here we are.
It starts to make more sense when you consider that the director behind the project is Josh Greenbaum, who directed 2021’s hilarious “Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar”. And because it stars Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx as the voice of two dogs who are on a quest (along with their dog pals voiced by Randall Park and Ilsa Fisher) to bring violent revenge to Ferrell’s former owner (Will Forte).
As to how Greenbaum wound up with “Strays,” which is in theaters now, he was sent a pitch email with pretty much the logline above and a “Gif of a small dog humping a larger dog,” which shot it to the top of his reading list.
- 8/22/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Producer Erik Feig could have been describing “SuperBad” or “Good Boys” when he outlined his new movie to Universal, pitching them on backing his mid-budget film with a detailed slideshow that included everything from ideas for TikTok promotions to potential merchandising. “This is a raunchy, cinematic comedy with heart, about finding your people and your purpose,” a slideshow for the Picturestart founder’s new project, “Strays,” read. Except, in this case, there’s a twist. “It just happens to star a pack of dogs.”
It’s getting harder and harder to convince studios to take the plunge when it comes to movies that aren’t based on toys or comic books. That’s something Feig knows all too well, having previously served as the head of Lionsgate’s film division.
“It’s always a challenge to get a ‘yes,'” Feig says. “It’s a hard job and there’s...
It’s getting harder and harder to convince studios to take the plunge when it comes to movies that aren’t based on toys or comic books. That’s something Feig knows all too well, having previously served as the head of Lionsgate’s film division.
“It’s always a challenge to get a ‘yes,'” Feig says. “It’s a hard job and there’s...
- 8/18/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Curzon is re-releasing Lars von Trier’s ‘The Idiots’.
Warner Bros’ superhero sci-fi Blue Beetle and Universal’s canine comedy Strays head the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, in a post-Barbenheimer test of how the market can handle two wide studio releases.
Opening in 556 cinemas, Blue Beetle is the third feature from Puerto Rican filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto. In the film, after an alien scarab chooses a teenager to be its symbiotic host, the youngster becomes the eponymous superhero with an unpredictable suit of armour.
Xolo Mariduena leads the cast, which also includes Bruna Marquezine, Damian Alcazar, George Lopez and Adriana Barraza.
Warner Bros’ superhero sci-fi Blue Beetle and Universal’s canine comedy Strays head the new titles at the UK-Ireland box office, in a post-Barbenheimer test of how the market can handle two wide studio releases.
Opening in 556 cinemas, Blue Beetle is the third feature from Puerto Rican filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto. In the film, after an alien scarab chooses a teenager to be its symbiotic host, the youngster becomes the eponymous superhero with an unpredictable suit of armour.
Xolo Mariduena leads the cast, which also includes Bruna Marquezine, Damian Alcazar, George Lopez and Adriana Barraza.
- 8/18/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
It’s been said, probably, that every movie would be even better with wiener jokes. I don’t think this was said by very mature individuals, nor do I think they were sober when they said it, but I’m pretty sure it’s been said at least once or twice. Probably by college students binge-watching “South Park” and huffing Cheeto dust.
In any case, those amateur philosophers are probably the target audience for “Strays,” a talking animal movie in the illustrious vein of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and the Owen Wilson version of “Marmaduke.” But although the majority of films where live-action animals talk with the assistance of flappy-mouthed CGI are made for children — who theoretically are enchanted by such things — “Strays” is full of profanity, jokes about sex and violence, and pervasive themes about abusive relationships.
And while it’s easy to imagine a cranky old critic waving his cane around,...
In any case, those amateur philosophers are probably the target audience for “Strays,” a talking animal movie in the illustrious vein of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and the Owen Wilson version of “Marmaduke.” But although the majority of films where live-action animals talk with the assistance of flappy-mouthed CGI are made for children — who theoretically are enchanted by such things — “Strays” is full of profanity, jokes about sex and violence, and pervasive themes about abusive relationships.
And while it’s easy to imagine a cranky old critic waving his cane around,...
- 8/17/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
After years of doubting the viability of cinema releases, "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" have effectively put those fears to rest ... at least for a while. After one big blockbuster after another, August seems surprisingly light, with major players seemingly afraid to try and compete with the Barbenheimer craze. With the undeniable success of "Oppenheimer," Universal Pictures are seeking to continue its run with a film that is the polar opposite of the Cillian Murphy-led biopic: a talking dog movie.
The mere phrase "talking dog movie" is enough elicit groans. While talking-animal movies are prominent in animation, the live-action counterparts tend to be various levels of unbearable -- consider "Marmaduke," "Think Like A Dog," or the "Cats & Dogs" franchise. But "Strays" seeks to buck the trend of disastrous talking-dog movies, and it's got some surprising pedigree behind it. Directed by Josh Greenbaum (who also helmed the vastly underappreciated "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar...
The mere phrase "talking dog movie" is enough elicit groans. While talking-animal movies are prominent in animation, the live-action counterparts tend to be various levels of unbearable -- consider "Marmaduke," "Think Like A Dog," or the "Cats & Dogs" franchise. But "Strays" seeks to buck the trend of disastrous talking-dog movies, and it's got some surprising pedigree behind it. Directed by Josh Greenbaum (who also helmed the vastly underappreciated "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar...
- 8/17/2023
- by Barry Levitt
- Slash Film
Pet owners spend an inordinate amount of time imagining, ascribing, even acting out the behaviors of their animals. “Strays” feels like the natural — if comically exaggerated — extension of that impulse, chronicling the personality of a border terrier named Reggie as he and three canine pals make an arduous trek back to Reggie’s owner, along with all of the attendant misunderstandings and misinterpretations about the human world around them.
Produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, written by “American Vandal” co-creator Dan Perrault and directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” director Josh Greenbaum, “Strays” balances human expectations and lost-in-translation animal experiences for a smart, suitably raunchy adventure that should resonate even if you don’t have a furry friend waiting at home for you afterward.
Will Ferrell, firmly in Buddy the Elf mode, provides the voice of Reggie, a naive terrier who worships his abusive, largely...
Produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, written by “American Vandal” co-creator Dan Perrault and directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” director Josh Greenbaum, “Strays” balances human expectations and lost-in-translation animal experiences for a smart, suitably raunchy adventure that should resonate even if you don’t have a furry friend waiting at home for you afterward.
Will Ferrell, firmly in Buddy the Elf mode, provides the voice of Reggie, a naive terrier who worships his abusive, largely...
- 8/17/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
We’re fully into the “Dog Days of Summer” now, and while “Barbenheimer” has been running rampant over the box office for months, it might be time for a few new movies to take over this weekend … maybe? Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
After over a month in theaters, one expects that both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” might have to finally give up some screens — Christopher Nolan will hang onto most IMAX screens, thank you very much — and along comes two movies from the same studios that will try to avoid the legendary pitfalls of a mid-to-late August release.
Opening in 3,900 theaters is Warner Bros’ “Blue Beetle,” the studio’s third DC superhero movie of the year after “Shazam! The Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash,” this one based on possibly a lesser-known superhero. “Blue Beetle” is also the very first LatinX superhero to get a solo movie in theaters.
After over a month in theaters, one expects that both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” might have to finally give up some screens — Christopher Nolan will hang onto most IMAX screens, thank you very much — and along comes two movies from the same studios that will try to avoid the legendary pitfalls of a mid-to-late August release.
Opening in 3,900 theaters is Warner Bros’ “Blue Beetle,” the studio’s third DC superhero movie of the year after “Shazam! The Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash,” this one based on possibly a lesser-known superhero. “Blue Beetle” is also the very first LatinX superhero to get a solo movie in theaters.
- 8/16/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being reviewed here wouldn't exist.
Though the summer of 2023 has long since become the summer of "Barbenheimer," it's also the summer offering the best action film of the year, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One." The Tom Cruise-starring seventh entry in the "M:i" franchise is as propulsive and thrilling as any other of the series' installments, full of globe-trotting action, jaw-dropping stunts, unexpected twists, and a disturbingly relevant villain in the form of artificial intelligence. It is -- perhaps fittingly -- all but impossible to not think about the "Mission: Impossible" series, especially its most recent title, while watching the new Netflix actioner "Heart of Stone." No one from "Dead Reckoning" shows up here, but there is a distinct bargain-basement feel to "Heart of Stone...
Though the summer of 2023 has long since become the summer of "Barbenheimer," it's also the summer offering the best action film of the year, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One." The Tom Cruise-starring seventh entry in the "M:i" franchise is as propulsive and thrilling as any other of the series' installments, full of globe-trotting action, jaw-dropping stunts, unexpected twists, and a disturbingly relevant villain in the form of artificial intelligence. It is -- perhaps fittingly -- all but impossible to not think about the "Mission: Impossible" series, especially its most recent title, while watching the new Netflix actioner "Heart of Stone." No one from "Dead Reckoning" shows up here, but there is a distinct bargain-basement feel to "Heart of Stone...
- 8/11/2023
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Gal Gadot in Heart Of StoneImage: Netflix
On its surface, Heart Of Stone certainly has all the markings of an intriguing spy-thriller: A hero who’d sacrifice themselves for the greater good battling a villain who’d stop at nothing, a mystery revolving around a powerful artificial intelligence device, a...
On its surface, Heart Of Stone certainly has all the markings of an intriguing spy-thriller: A hero who’d sacrifice themselves for the greater good battling a villain who’d stop at nothing, a mystery revolving around a powerful artificial intelligence device, a...
- 8/11/2023
- by Courtney Howard
- avclub.com
August is often referred to as the “Dog Days of Summer,” and it’s not just because of the intense heat that is permeating the country, but also because at a certain point, the box office just dies, as people go on vacation and others prepare to return to school in September.
This is a particularly onerous August, not just due to the ongoing strikes that will guarantee no late night talk show appearances … or shows, for that matter. But also, since July got super-primed by the whole “Barbenheimer” craziness, as well as how well “Sound of Freedom” has done (after barely getting a mention in my July preview), the pressure is on more than ever.
Still, the best bets for the month will be the franchise films, with a number of comic book movies and a sequel to a surprise hit. Read on for Gold Derby’s August 2023 box office preview.
This is a particularly onerous August, not just due to the ongoing strikes that will guarantee no late night talk show appearances … or shows, for that matter. But also, since July got super-primed by the whole “Barbenheimer” craziness, as well as how well “Sound of Freedom” has done (after barely getting a mention in my July preview), the pressure is on more than ever.
Still, the best bets for the month will be the franchise films, with a number of comic book movies and a sequel to a surprise hit. Read on for Gold Derby’s August 2023 box office preview.
- 7/31/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Bridesmaids co-writer Annie Mumolo has signed on to co-create animated kids series Lulu and the Help You Crew.
She is working up the 3D CGI-animated show with comedian Ariane Price, a senior member of The Groundlings improv comedy sketch theater. Both had small roles in Bridesmaids, the 2011 comedy feature Mumolo co-wrote with Kristen Wiig.
They’re working closely with UK-based kids company Cake, which is leading development and production, and North American full-service studio Reel FX Animation. Cake will sell the show internationally.
The series, running to 52 11-minute eps, will target 3-5 year-olds. According to producers, it follows Lulu, an “extraordinary eight-year-old girl who lives in the multicultural melting pot of Vista Feliz with her Argentinian grandmother Abuelita and an eccentric, hilarious and perfectly imperfect crew of rescued pets: a cat, chameleon, turtle and puppy, all of whom she gave a second chance, a home and a different kind of family.
She is working up the 3D CGI-animated show with comedian Ariane Price, a senior member of The Groundlings improv comedy sketch theater. Both had small roles in Bridesmaids, the 2011 comedy feature Mumolo co-wrote with Kristen Wiig.
They’re working closely with UK-based kids company Cake, which is leading development and production, and North American full-service studio Reel FX Animation. Cake will sell the show internationally.
The series, running to 52 11-minute eps, will target 3-5 year-olds. According to producers, it follows Lulu, an “extraordinary eight-year-old girl who lives in the multicultural melting pot of Vista Feliz with her Argentinian grandmother Abuelita and an eccentric, hilarious and perfectly imperfect crew of rescued pets: a cat, chameleon, turtle and puppy, all of whom she gave a second chance, a home and a different kind of family.
- 5/24/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures has pushed the release date of Jamie Foxx’s upcoming movie “Strays” by two months as he continues to recover from an emergency “medical complication.”
On Monday, Universal Pictures announced that the comedy/adventure will move its theatrical release from June 9 to August 18, replacing the untitled comedy from Please Don’t Destroy- the writing trio of “Saturday Night Live”- as the film skips theatres and sets a Peacock debut instead, as per Variety.
The official synopsis for “Strays” reads: “They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? In that case, it might be time for some sweet revenge, doggy style.
Read More: Nick Cannon Sends Love To ‘Big Brother’ Jamie Foxx As It’s Revealed He’s Replacing Actor On ‘Beat Shazam’ Amid Health Scare
“When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is...
On Monday, Universal Pictures announced that the comedy/adventure will move its theatrical release from June 9 to August 18, replacing the untitled comedy from Please Don’t Destroy- the writing trio of “Saturday Night Live”- as the film skips theatres and sets a Peacock debut instead, as per Variety.
The official synopsis for “Strays” reads: “They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? In that case, it might be time for some sweet revenge, doggy style.
Read More: Nick Cannon Sends Love To ‘Big Brother’ Jamie Foxx As It’s Revealed He’s Replacing Actor On ‘Beat Shazam’ Amid Health Scare
“When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is...
- 5/9/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Universal has moved “Strays” from June 9 to August 18, placing the R-rated talking-animal comedy in the same general release slot where the likes of “Good Boys” and “We’re The Millers” found fortune and glory in years prior. Now, instead of opening against “Transformers: Rise of the Beast,” itself something of a talking-animal tentpole, it’ll square off against DC’s “Blue Beetle.”
It will replace the untitled comedy from the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group. That film, starring “Saturday Night Live” vets Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, will now go straight to Peacock on Nov. 17. It further highlights the challenges in releasing big new comedies in theaters since you still might need big new stars. While most “Saturday Night Live” movies were not theatrically successful, “Wayne’s World” and “Blues Brothers” are the exception, the near-disappearance of the SNL comedian-to-movie star pipeline is one reason why we have yet...
It will replace the untitled comedy from the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group. That film, starring “Saturday Night Live” vets Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, will now go straight to Peacock on Nov. 17. It further highlights the challenges in releasing big new comedies in theaters since you still might need big new stars. While most “Saturday Night Live” movies were not theatrically successful, “Wayne’s World” and “Blues Brothers” are the exception, the near-disappearance of the SNL comedian-to-movie star pipeline is one reason why we have yet...
- 5/8/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Ready to go back to “The Afterparty?” Because the hit Apple TV+ series is back this summer, premiering on the streaming platform on Wednesday, July 12. RSVP now.
The announcement for the return date was posted to Twitter, in typically stylish fashion (what did you expect?). You can watch the announcement below.
A cast so stacked it needed 3 layers.
The Afterparty returns July 12. pic.twitter.com/tlPE01djG7
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) April 11, 2023
This season seems to center around a wedding that returning main characters Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoë Chao) are attending. When the groom is murdered, everybody is a suspect. Of course, Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) shows up to help them solve the killer crime.
Once again, the show takes place over a single evening and “explores a different character’s account of one fateful evening, all told through the lens of popular film genres and unique visuals to...
The announcement for the return date was posted to Twitter, in typically stylish fashion (what did you expect?). You can watch the announcement below.
A cast so stacked it needed 3 layers.
The Afterparty returns July 12. pic.twitter.com/tlPE01djG7
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) April 11, 2023
This season seems to center around a wedding that returning main characters Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoë Chao) are attending. When the groom is murdered, everybody is a suspect. Of course, Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) shows up to help them solve the killer crime.
Once again, the show takes place over a single evening and “explores a different character’s account of one fateful evening, all told through the lens of popular film genres and unique visuals to...
- 4/11/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Every so often a film comes along and completely shakes the cultural landscape to its core. A movie so remarkable, so emotionally powerful, so entertaining — filmmakers quake with the devastating realization that nothing they ever make will be able to reach the heights set by the film. Features like "Citizen Kane," "Casablanca," "Jaws," and "The Godfather Part II" have all set the standard, but few were prepared for the cinematic brilliance of 2021's "Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar."
In the Josh Greenbaum-directed comedy from Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, "Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar" follows the screenwriters as the titular besties from Soft Rock, Nebraska as they embark on their greatest adventure yet — a tourist resort in Southern Florida. Unfortunately for them, they arrive in the midst of a supervillain's master plan to destroy the resort, and only Barb and Star can take her down.
In the Josh Greenbaum-directed comedy from Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, "Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar" follows the screenwriters as the titular besties from Soft Rock, Nebraska as they embark on their greatest adventure yet — a tourist resort in Southern Florida. Unfortunately for them, they arrive in the midst of a supervillain's master plan to destroy the resort, and only Barb and Star can take her down.
- 2/8/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Reyn Doi, who stars as Ozzie on “That ’90s Show”, helped bring an important scene to life that’s resonated with audiences since the series premiered last week.
The 14-year-old actor told People it “was definitely a joy” to film the heartfelt moment when his character came out as gay to the beloved “That ’70s Show” mom, Kitty Forman a.k.a. Debra Jo Rupp, who reprises her role in the reboot, this time as a grandmother.
“Being able to work with Debra Jo on such an important scene, I believe, to the show and also to Ozzie’s storyline was really amazing,” Doi told the outlet.
Read More: ‘That ’90s Show’: Fans Freak Out As Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis Reprise Their ‘That ’70s Show’ Roles
Reyn Doi as Ozzie, Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman in episode 106 of “That ‘90s Show”. — Photo: Patrick Wymore/Netflix © 2022
“And I...
The 14-year-old actor told People it “was definitely a joy” to film the heartfelt moment when his character came out as gay to the beloved “That ’70s Show” mom, Kitty Forman a.k.a. Debra Jo Rupp, who reprises her role in the reboot, this time as a grandmother.
“Being able to work with Debra Jo on such an important scene, I believe, to the show and also to Ozzie’s storyline was really amazing,” Doi told the outlet.
Read More: ‘That ’90s Show’: Fans Freak Out As Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis Reprise Their ‘That ’70s Show’ Roles
Reyn Doi as Ozzie, Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman in episode 106 of “That ‘90s Show”. — Photo: Patrick Wymore/Netflix © 2022
“And I...
- 1/24/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
It's been more than 15 years since "That '70s Show" went off the air, but fans of the groovy throwback sitcom have never stopped loving it. From the basement "circle" where the core cast of teens kicked back and smoked weed, to the water tower where Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) repeatedly fell, to the driveway of the Formans' home where Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) shared a decade's worth of awkward and romantic moments, Point Place, Wisconsin is a sitcom town that's never really left fans' hearts.
Luckily, we can go back. The series' original creators are returning to Point Place with "That '90s Show," a sequel series that follows a new generation of teenager nerds and ne'er-do-wells as they get stoned,...
It's been more than 15 years since "That '70s Show" went off the air, but fans of the groovy throwback sitcom have never stopped loving it. From the basement "circle" where the core cast of teens kicked back and smoked weed, to the water tower where Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) repeatedly fell, to the driveway of the Formans' home where Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) shared a decade's worth of awkward and romantic moments, Point Place, Wisconsin is a sitcom town that's never really left fans' hearts.
Luckily, we can go back. The series' original creators are returning to Point Place with "That '90s Show," a sequel series that follows a new generation of teenager nerds and ne'er-do-wells as they get stoned,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Academy Award-nominee Annie Mumolo, Reid Scott, Perry Mattfeld and Jordan Aaron Hall have joined the cast of Prime Video’s “The Idea of You,” starring and produced by Academy Award-winner Anne Hathaway.
The quartet join the cast as production has started on the Amazon Original movie, which is based on the best-selling, contemporary love story of the same name by Robinne Lee.
“The Idea of You” centers on Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who is “serendipitously blindsided by a second chance at love” with the lead singer of the world’s hottest boy band. Scott is set to play Solène’s estranged husband Dan, whose decision to end their marriage and subsequently cancel his Coachella trip with their 16-year-old daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin) kicks off the film’s plot.
According to the film’s synopsis, it’s at the festival, among the crowds and desert heart, where Solène meets and...
The quartet join the cast as production has started on the Amazon Original movie, which is based on the best-selling, contemporary love story of the same name by Robinne Lee.
“The Idea of You” centers on Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who is “serendipitously blindsided by a second chance at love” with the lead singer of the world’s hottest boy band. Scott is set to play Solène’s estranged husband Dan, whose decision to end their marriage and subsequently cancel his Coachella trip with their 16-year-old daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin) kicks off the film’s plot.
According to the film’s synopsis, it’s at the festival, among the crowds and desert heart, where Solène meets and...
- 10/20/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Dara Taylor's score for "The Invitation" leaves a lot to the imagination. She wants listeners to ask, "What is that sound?" That question arises right at the beginning of her score for Jessica M. Thompson's horror movie, when a deranged, reversed choir comes and goes. It's one of the many recurring motifs in this score, almost a painful chant or plead for help that, in the end, turns triumphant in a 10-minute track for the finale.
According to Taylor, she was always encouraged by Thompson to think outside the box. She wanted to strike a balance between modern horror and classic gothic romances, and she did it with some surprising techniques. Recently, the composer behind "The Tender Bar" and co-composer of "Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar" told us all about how she wanted to make an audience squirm in their seats with "The Invitation."
'It'd...
According to Taylor, she was always encouraged by Thompson to think outside the box. She wanted to strike a balance between modern horror and classic gothic romances, and she did it with some surprising techniques. Recently, the composer behind "The Tender Bar" and co-composer of "Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar" told us all about how she wanted to make an audience squirm in their seats with "The Invitation."
'It'd...
- 8/29/2022
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
Preparing for an upcoming flight isn’t just limited to packing your clothes and toiletries — have you thought about how you’re going to keep yourself entertained? The idealist in all of us might say we’re gonna read that book we’ve been putting off, but depending on the length of your flight, that may be easier said than done. If it’s on the longer side, it can be easy to get distracted and start to really feel the minutes crawling by.
The good news is that in recent years,...
The good news is that in recent years,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Jon Adams
- Rollingstone.com
Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell are headed to the altar in a new wedding comedy for Amazon Studios.
Amazon has landed rights to the untitled movie, from writer-director Nick Stoller, in which Witherspoon and Ferrell will star and produce under their respective banners. Jessica Elbaum and Ferrell will produce for Gloria Sanchez, with Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter producing for Hello Sunshine and the company’s Ashley Strumwasser serving as executive producer. Stoller — whose highly anticipated gay rom-com “Bros,” which he directed and co-wrote with star Billy Eichner, is due out Sep. 30 — will also produce for his Stoller Global Solutions alongside Conor Welch.
While details of the movie’s plot are still being kept under wraps, the premise reportedly involves two weddings that are booked at the same venue on the same weekend.
Sources say Amazon landed the rights to the project in a highly competitive situation with bids coming from both streamers and studios,...
Amazon has landed rights to the untitled movie, from writer-director Nick Stoller, in which Witherspoon and Ferrell will star and produce under their respective banners. Jessica Elbaum and Ferrell will produce for Gloria Sanchez, with Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter producing for Hello Sunshine and the company’s Ashley Strumwasser serving as executive producer. Stoller — whose highly anticipated gay rom-com “Bros,” which he directed and co-wrote with star Billy Eichner, is due out Sep. 30 — will also produce for his Stoller Global Solutions alongside Conor Welch.
While details of the movie’s plot are still being kept under wraps, the premise reportedly involves two weddings that are booked at the same venue on the same weekend.
Sources say Amazon landed the rights to the project in a highly competitive situation with bids coming from both streamers and studios,...
- 7/6/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock’s upcoming mystery thriller “The Resort” will hold its world premiere at San Diego Comic-Con, the streamer revealed on Monday. A special advance screening of the first episode will be held on Saturday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with creator Andy Siara and stars William Jackson Harper, Cristin Milioti, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Nina Bloomgarden.
Variety TV editor Michael Schneider will moderate the panel, which takes place in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The series is produced Universal Studio Group’s UCP.
Siara (“Palm Springs”) executive produces “The Resort,” along with Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot”). Peacock describes “The Resort” as a “multi-generational, coming-of-age love story disguised as a fast-paced mystery about the disappointment of time. An anniversary trip puts a marriage to the test when the couple finds themselves embroiled in one of the Mayan Riviera’s most bizarre...
Variety TV editor Michael Schneider will moderate the panel, which takes place in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The series is produced Universal Studio Group’s UCP.
Siara (“Palm Springs”) executive produces “The Resort,” along with Sam Esmail (“Mr. Robot”). Peacock describes “The Resort” as a “multi-generational, coming-of-age love story disguised as a fast-paced mystery about the disappointment of time. An anniversary trip puts a marriage to the test when the couple finds themselves embroiled in one of the Mayan Riviera’s most bizarre...
- 7/5/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“The Breakfast Club” and “Pineapple Express,” both classics within their own genres, will be leaving Hulu in July, along with a host of other films. If you want to relive Judd Nelson’s performance as delinquent John Bender or the antics of Seth Rogen and James Franco, don’t forget to catch up on these flicks before July 31.
If you haven’t already celebrated Meryl Streep’s birthday by watching one of her arguably best performances in “The Devil Wears Prada,” stream this fashion comedy before it leaves Hulu this month as well. Thankfully you’ll still be able to stream this thinly-veiled critique of Vogue’s Anna Wintour on Prime Video. That’s all.
Other notable titles that won’t be available on the streaming service after July include “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Easy A” and a slew of the Resident Evil films,...
If you haven’t already celebrated Meryl Streep’s birthday by watching one of her arguably best performances in “The Devil Wears Prada,” stream this fashion comedy before it leaves Hulu this month as well. Thankfully you’ll still be able to stream this thinly-veiled critique of Vogue’s Anna Wintour on Prime Video. That’s all.
Other notable titles that won’t be available on the streaming service after July include “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Easy A” and a slew of the Resident Evil films,...
- 7/1/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that it is inviting 397 artists and executives to join the Oscar organizer’s membership ranks. The prospective 2022 class includes 71 Oscar nominees and 15 winners, with 44 of the invitees women, and 37 of the group belongs to underrepresented communities.
See the full list below.
Among this year’s Oscar winners on the list are Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur, and Kotsur’s Coda writer-director Siân Heder, who has been invited into both the Directors and Writers branches. Among those invited into multiple branches, the new member must pick one. There are a total of 17 AMPAS branches, along with 25 who today received members-at-large invitations.
Others on the list include this year’s Oscar Original Song winners Billie Eilish and brother Finneas O’Connell; actors Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Jesse Buckley, Michael Greyeyes, Olga Merediz, Jesse Plemons, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anya Taylor-Joy; writers Zach Baylin,...
See the full list below.
Among this year’s Oscar winners on the list are Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur, and Kotsur’s Coda writer-director Siân Heder, who has been invited into both the Directors and Writers branches. Among those invited into multiple branches, the new member must pick one. There are a total of 17 AMPAS branches, along with 25 who today received members-at-large invitations.
Others on the list include this year’s Oscar Original Song winners Billie Eilish and brother Finneas O’Connell; actors Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Jesse Buckley, Michael Greyeyes, Olga Merediz, Jesse Plemons, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anya Taylor-Joy; writers Zach Baylin,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Every summer, when the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invites new members, publicists scramble to update their lists. In the past seven years since #OscarsSoWhite, the Academy membership ranks have burgeoned dramatically, adding more young, diverse, and international members. As the Academy has sought to meet its diversity goals, the organization has swelled its ranks since 2015 from 6,446 to 10,665 total members (including Emeritus), if all the 2022 invitees accept membership, and the number of voting members to 9,665.
In the past two years, though, the pace has slowed, since the Academy met its goal of doubling the number of women and people of color in its membership. Instead of 819 new invites going out in 2020, the 2022 invites are just 397, a sign that the Academy is continuing to pull back on its 10 percent growth rate surge, and that the number of qualified experienced industry professionals has limits.
Next...
In the past two years, though, the pace has slowed, since the Academy met its goal of doubling the number of women and people of color in its membership. Instead of 819 new invites going out in 2020, the 2022 invites are just 397, a sign that the Academy is continuing to pull back on its 10 percent growth rate surge, and that the number of qualified experienced industry professionals has limits.
Next...
- 6/28/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Academy Invites 397 New Members, Including Billie Eilish, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jamie Dornan, Dana Walden
Anya Taylor-Joy, Billie Eilish, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan and Disney exec Dana Walden are among the 397 artists and executives invited to join the membership of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. If all of this year’s invitees accept membership, it will bring the total number of Academy members to 10,665, with 9,665 eligible to vote for the 95th Oscars set to take place on March 12, 2023.
The 2022 class is 44 women, 37 belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50 are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States. There are 71 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners, among the invitees. Some of the big names invited are recent winners Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) and Troy Kotsur (“Coda”), and nominees Jessie Buckley (“The Lost Daughter”), Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”). Also invited are a slew of global artists and artisans such as actors Robin de Jesús, Olga Merediz...
The 2022 class is 44 women, 37 belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50 are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States. There are 71 Oscar nominees, including 15 winners, among the invitees. Some of the big names invited are recent winners Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) and Troy Kotsur (“Coda”), and nominees Jessie Buckley (“The Lost Daughter”), Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”). Also invited are a slew of global artists and artisans such as actors Robin de Jesús, Olga Merediz...
- 6/28/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winners Ariana DeBose, Troy Kotsur and Billie Eilish and nominees Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons are among the 397 film professionals invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Monday.
Invitations were also extended to actors Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Renate Rensve and Anya Taylor-Joy, directors Reinaldo Marcus Green, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sian Heder and Jonas Poher Rasmussen, writers Zach Baylin, Takamasa Oe and Alex Ross Perry and film critic Leonard Maltin, who was invited to join as a member at large.
Four people were invited by two different branches, and must choose which branch they wish to join. Hamaguchi, Heder and Pawo Choyning Dorji were invited by both the Directors and Writers Branches, while Rasmussen was invited by the Directors Branch and the Documentary Branch.
Also Read:
Marlee Matlin, Jason Reitman and Jason Blum Elected to Oscars Academy...
Invitations were also extended to actors Caitriona Balfe, Jamie Dornan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Renate Rensve and Anya Taylor-Joy, directors Reinaldo Marcus Green, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sian Heder and Jonas Poher Rasmussen, writers Zach Baylin, Takamasa Oe and Alex Ross Perry and film critic Leonard Maltin, who was invited to join as a member at large.
Four people were invited by two different branches, and must choose which branch they wish to join. Hamaguchi, Heder and Pawo Choyning Dorji were invited by both the Directors and Writers Branches, while Rasmussen was invited by the Directors Branch and the Documentary Branch.
Also Read:
Marlee Matlin, Jason Reitman and Jason Blum Elected to Oscars Academy...
- 6/28/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 397 members of the global film community to join the organization, it was announced Tuesday.
Among those who will henceforth be able to vote for the Oscar nominations and winners if they accept, as the vast majority of people who have received invites historically have: newly-minted Oscar winners Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell (music branch) and Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur (actors); Paramount chief Brian Robbins and Disney general entertainment chief Dana Walden (executives); and film critic Leonard Maltin (members-at-large).
According to an Academy-provided breakdown of the new invitees, 44 percent are women, 37 percent are non-white and 50 percent are non-Americans (54 different countries are represented). If they all accept, the Academy’s overall membership will be 34 percent female, 19 percent non-white and 23 percent non-American.
Seven branches invited more women than men (actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary,...
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 397 members of the global film community to join the organization, it was announced Tuesday.
Among those who will henceforth be able to vote for the Oscar nominations and winners if they accept, as the vast majority of people who have received invites historically have: newly-minted Oscar winners Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell (music branch) and Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur (actors); Paramount chief Brian Robbins and Disney general entertainment chief Dana Walden (executives); and film critic Leonard Maltin (members-at-large).
According to an Academy-provided breakdown of the new invitees, 44 percent are women, 37 percent are non-white and 50 percent are non-Americans (54 different countries are represented). If they all accept, the Academy’s overall membership will be 34 percent female, 19 percent non-white and 23 percent non-American.
Seven branches invited more women than men (actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The major entertainment studios spoke out against Georgia’s “heartbeat” abortion bill in 2019, saying they would “rethink” their production plans in the state if the law ever went into effect.
That moment appears to be approaching fast.
On Monday night, Politico reported that a Supreme Court majority has signed on to a decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 opinion protecting the right to abortion. The Georgia law — which would outlaw abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy — has been on hold pending the outcome of that case. If the leaked draft opinion becomes final, then Georgia’s law would be allowed to take effect.
So far, no entertainment studio has said what it will do if that happens. Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony declined to comment. A Netflix representative could not be reached for comment. A Disney spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The...
That moment appears to be approaching fast.
On Monday night, Politico reported that a Supreme Court majority has signed on to a decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 opinion protecting the right to abortion. The Georgia law — which would outlaw abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy — has been on hold pending the outcome of that case. If the leaked draft opinion becomes final, then Georgia’s law would be allowed to take effect.
So far, no entertainment studio has said what it will do if that happens. Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony declined to comment. A Netflix representative could not be reached for comment. A Disney spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The...
- 5/4/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
In honor of May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day, Apple has released “Behind the Mac: Skywalker Sound.”
The short film, which can be viewed on Apple’s YouTube channel, takes viewers behind the scenes at the iconic company that has continuously revolutionized the art of cinematic sound. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film follows foley artists, sound designers and mixers at the ranch’s community of creators as they explore the possibilities of sound and share the secrets behind legendary moments from the “Star Wars” universe and beyond.
The cast is a lineup of sound royalty, including Al Nelson, André Fenley, Baihui Yang, Bonnie Wild, Chris Scarabosio, Danielle Dupre, Matthew Wood, Randy Thom, Ryan Frias, Shelley Roden and Tom Myers.
Audiences will be able to see Wild break down a key scene from “The Mandalorian,” while Fenley talks about the “Jurassic Park” roars and Myers gets emotional breaking down...
The short film, which can be viewed on Apple’s YouTube channel, takes viewers behind the scenes at the iconic company that has continuously revolutionized the art of cinematic sound. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film follows foley artists, sound designers and mixers at the ranch’s community of creators as they explore the possibilities of sound and share the secrets behind legendary moments from the “Star Wars” universe and beyond.
The cast is a lineup of sound royalty, including Al Nelson, André Fenley, Baihui Yang, Bonnie Wild, Chris Scarabosio, Danielle Dupre, Matthew Wood, Randy Thom, Ryan Frias, Shelley Roden and Tom Myers.
Audiences will be able to see Wild break down a key scene from “The Mandalorian,” while Fenley talks about the “Jurassic Park” roars and Myers gets emotional breaking down...
- 5/4/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The “Encanto” song “Dos Oruguitas” and the music supervision of “Zola,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and “tick, tick…Boom!” have been honored at the 12th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, which took place in a virtual ceremony on Saturday evening.
The music supervisors of “Zola,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and “tick, tick…Boom!” won for the best supervision of a film at four different budget levels. Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” won in the Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film category, the only GMA category that corresponds to an Oscar music category.
Over the six years in which the guild has been giving out that award, the winner has gone on to take the Oscar only twice, with “City of Stars” from “La La Land” and “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born.
The music supervisors of “Zola,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and “tick, tick…Boom!” won for the best supervision of a film at four different budget levels. Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” won in the Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film category, the only GMA category that corresponds to an Oscar music category.
Over the six years in which the guild has been giving out that award, the winner has gone on to take the Oscar only twice, with “City of Stars” from “La La Land” and “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born.
- 3/21/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Vanessa Bayer first made waves as a series regular on "Saturday Night Live" from 2010-2017, even nabbing a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. In the years since, Bayer has been seen in guest and supporting roles in film and television like "Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Shrill," "What We Do In The Shadows," and "Trainwreck." Now, the comedienne is set to star on her very own series for Showtime called "I Love That For You." The half-hour comedy series is inspired by Bayer's personal history...
The post I Love That For You Trailer: Vanessa Bayer Stars in a Showtime Series Inspired By Her Own Life appeared first on /Film.
The post I Love That For You Trailer: Vanessa Bayer Stars in a Showtime Series Inspired By Her Own Life appeared first on /Film.
- 3/16/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Universal will open their animated dog comedy Strays on Friday, June 9, 2023. The studio already had dibs on the releases date; a weekend they’re sharing with Paramount’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
The live-acton/CGI hybrid directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) follows a dog who gets revenge on the dirtbag owner who ditched him.
Pic, written by Dan Perrault (American Vandal) stars Will Ferrell, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Will Forte.
Pic is produced by Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig (Cha Cha Real Smooth), Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault and Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller and their production co’s President of Film, Aditya Sood (The Martian).
Jessica Switch (Unpregnant) will executive produce and Julia Hammer (upcoming Luckiest Girl Alive) will co-produce for Picturestart. Nikki Baida will executive produce for Lord Miller. Universal picked...
The live-acton/CGI hybrid directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) follows a dog who gets revenge on the dirtbag owner who ditched him.
Pic, written by Dan Perrault (American Vandal) stars Will Ferrell, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Will Forte.
Pic is produced by Picturestart founder and CEO Erik Feig (Cha Cha Real Smooth), Louis Leterrier, Dan Perrault and Lord Miller partners Phil Lord and Chris Miller and their production co’s President of Film, Aditya Sood (The Martian).
Jessica Switch (Unpregnant) will executive produce and Julia Hammer (upcoming Luckiest Girl Alive) will co-produce for Picturestart. Nikki Baida will executive produce for Lord Miller. Universal picked...
- 2/15/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominees for the 12th annual Guild of Music Supervisors (Gms) Awards have been revealed, recognizing the craft of music supervision in film, television, games, advertising and trailers.
Among the film nominees for the 2022 edition of the Gms Awards are “Encanto,” “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and “Being the Ricardos,” each of which also scored Oscar nominations this week. Television shows that scored nods include “The White Lotus,” “Blindspotting” and “Lovecraft Country.”
Songwriters, artists and music supervisors will be recognized together for the category of best song written and/or recorded for film.
As previously announced, Diane Warren will receive the organization’s prestigious Icon Award, and Mitchell Leib will receive the Legacy Award honoring those music supervisors who have excelled within the craft of music supervision.
The 12th annual ceremony will take place virtually on Sunday, March 20.
Film
Best Music Supervision for Film Budgeted Over $25 Million
Mary Ramos – “Being the Ricardos...
Among the film nominees for the 2022 edition of the Gms Awards are “Encanto,” “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and “Being the Ricardos,” each of which also scored Oscar nominations this week. Television shows that scored nods include “The White Lotus,” “Blindspotting” and “Lovecraft Country.”
Songwriters, artists and music supervisors will be recognized together for the category of best song written and/or recorded for film.
As previously announced, Diane Warren will receive the organization’s prestigious Icon Award, and Mitchell Leib will receive the Legacy Award honoring those music supervisors who have excelled within the craft of music supervision.
The 12th annual ceremony will take place virtually on Sunday, March 20.
Film
Best Music Supervision for Film Budgeted Over $25 Million
Mary Ramos – “Being the Ricardos...
- 2/10/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The 2022 Oscar nominations are finally here, and some of the biggest films of 2021 were able to nab a couple of nominations. Leading the pack this year is "The Power of the Dog" with a whopping 12 nominations, with "Dune" following behind with 10. Disney's "Encanto" also snagged a total of three nominations - which include best original score, best animated feature film, and best original song for Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Dos Oruguitas." But sadly for fans of the film, its big record, "We Don't Talk About Bruno," wasn't eligible for an Oscar this year.
Per the Academy's set deadline, all songs to be considered for nominations should've been sent in by Nov. 1, 2021. But "Encanto" was released on Nov. 24 and hadn't been screened by critics at that point, so there was no way for Walt Disney Studios to know that audiences would rave over "We Don't Talk About Bruno" the way they did.
Per the Academy's set deadline, all songs to be considered for nominations should've been sent in by Nov. 1, 2021. But "Encanto" was released on Nov. 24 and hadn't been screened by critics at that point, so there was no way for Walt Disney Studios to know that audiences would rave over "We Don't Talk About Bruno" the way they did.
- 2/9/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
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