The legendary Judy Garland, one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, would have turned 100 on June 10, 2022. To celebrate her career, tour our photo gallery looking back at her greatest film performances.
Known as the little girl (she was only 4’11) with the big voice, Garland was a rare true triple threat, holding her own with such great dancers as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, twice receiving Oscar nominations in acting categories, as well as leaving behind a legacy of record-breaking concerts, a Grammy-winning gold album and recordings of iconic songs that no one else has ever been able to capture in quite the same way.
Born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids Minnesota, Garland was the youngest of three girls. They would eventually form the vaudeville act “The Gumm Sisters” when baby Frances was only two years old. After almost a decade of touring with her sisters,...
Known as the little girl (she was only 4’11) with the big voice, Garland was a rare true triple threat, holding her own with such great dancers as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, twice receiving Oscar nominations in acting categories, as well as leaving behind a legacy of record-breaking concerts, a Grammy-winning gold album and recordings of iconic songs that no one else has ever been able to capture in quite the same way.
Born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids Minnesota, Garland was the youngest of three girls. They would eventually form the vaudeville act “The Gumm Sisters” when baby Frances was only two years old. After almost a decade of touring with her sisters,...
- 6/9/2024
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Most any film school syllabus will likely cite Georges Méliès' 1902 film "A Trip to the Moon" (French title: "Le Voyage Dans la Lune") as the very first science fiction film ever made. Even the British Film Institute lists it as such, citing only a 1901 film called "Mister Moon" as the progenitor, and "Mister Moon" hardly counts as it is merely a musical short wherein actor Percy Honri dresses up as the moon and plays the ukulele. The film was meant to accompany a live performance. Not even the most hardcore sci-fi fans would classify that as "science fiction."
"A Trip to the Moon" is certainly one of the most recognizable silent sci-fi films, and many are likely familiar with the image of the Moon wincing in pain when a human rocket lands in its eye. "A Trip to the Moon" takes a lot of visual cues and ideas from the novels of Jules Verne,...
"A Trip to the Moon" is certainly one of the most recognizable silent sci-fi films, and many are likely familiar with the image of the Moon wincing in pain when a human rocket lands in its eye. "A Trip to the Moon" takes a lot of visual cues and ideas from the novels of Jules Verne,...
- 6/2/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
So it’s been long established that the Summer season is the “go-to” release time for animated features (along with the year-end holidays). Kids are out of school and parents need an air-conditioned refuge for the whole family. This season has begun at the multiplex with a fully CGI’d version of the “funny papers” feline, and we’ll soon get an ’emotional” reunion with a Pixar sequel and another visit from Gru and his minions. Ah, but “in between” we’re getting treated to something special and somewhat unique as it’s not part of a franchise, rather it’s based on an acclaimed graphic novel. Plus it’s done in the “classic” animation style, often referred to as 2D, much like the “hand-drawn” shorts and features (and TV shows) of the past. Oh, and it’s an Oscar nominee…from last year. Yes, it was one of the...
- 5/31/2024
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Quick Navigation The Silver Boots – Barbarella (1968) Rosie Beltzer’s Shoes – JoJo Rabbit (2019) The Parrish Sneakers – Jumanji (1995) The Edible Shoe? – Werner Herzog Eats a Shoe (1980) The One Red Shoe – The Man With One Red Shoe (1985) The Magic Jordans – Like Mike (2002) The Knife Boots – From Russia With Love (1963) The Cobbler’s Shoes – The Cobbler (2014) The Red Shoes – The Red Shoes (1948) The Ruby Slippers – The Wizard of Oz (1939) The Scuffed Jordans – Do the Right Thing (1989) Nike Air Mags – Back to the Future Part II (1989) Forrest Gump’s Nike Cortez – Forrest Gump (1994) Data’s Slick Shoes – The Goonies (1985) Cinderella’s Little Glass Slippers – Cinderella (1950)
Shoes have always been one of the most overlooked aspects of our wardrobes in everyday life.
However, this may change soon, as the rise of the “sneakerhead” has renewed attention and appreciation for footwear in general. In this article, we’ll look at some of cinema history’s most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes.
Shoes have always been one of the most overlooked aspects of our wardrobes in everyday life.
However, this may change soon, as the rise of the “sneakerhead” has renewed attention and appreciation for footwear in general. In this article, we’ll look at some of cinema history’s most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes.
- 5/27/2024
- by Jan Stromsodd
- Your Next Shoes
Actress Carrie Fisher became a global icon when she played Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars. The actress was twenty-one when the film was released and it immediately launched her into worldwide fame as the film became a phenomenon. Princess Leia was considered to be one of the best female characters in sci-fi.
Fisher was reportedly cast in the role of Leia after George Lucas considered multiple actresses. The late star was only one-film-old at the time and had only been in a couple of stage shows. According to an old interview with Fisher from 1977, Lucas chose her because she fulfilled one particular quality of the character that he had written.
Carrie Fisher Was Cast As Princess Leia Due To One Condition Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Late actress Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia Organa, the sister of Luke Skywalker and...
Fisher was reportedly cast in the role of Leia after George Lucas considered multiple actresses. The late star was only one-film-old at the time and had only been in a couple of stage shows. According to an old interview with Fisher from 1977, Lucas chose her because she fulfilled one particular quality of the character that he had written.
Carrie Fisher Was Cast As Princess Leia Due To One Condition Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Late actress Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia Organa, the sister of Luke Skywalker and...
- 5/26/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Writer-director Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams opens on a nighttime shot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The year is 1984, and the Twin Towers loom, figuratively and literally, as ghostly figures. Berger’s breathtaking adaptation of Sara Varon’s graphic novel of the same name isn’t about the towers in any specific fashion, but about a world in which change is the only constant, life of any kind is at the mercy of randomness, and joy and melancholy are in ongoing symbiosis. In other words, our world—albeit one populated here, not by humans, but by anthropomorphic, humanoid animals.
Our surrogate in this world is Dog. At home by himself on a summer night, he’s drawn to a television commercial’s beckoning text (“Are you alone?”) and orders the product advertised, initially unseen by the viewer. Robot is soon delivered (some assembly required), and...
Our surrogate in this world is Dog. At home by himself on a summer night, he’s drawn to a television commercial’s beckoning text (“Are you alone?”) and orders the product advertised, initially unseen by the viewer. Robot is soon delivered (some assembly required), and...
- 5/26/2024
- by Rob Humanick
- Slant Magazine
Wayne Brady recently reflected on his coming out as pansexual, indicating the reaction he’s received is what he’d “hoped for.”
The host of Let’s Make a Deal came out as pansexual last year and said he’s “happy” he did so due to the “level of freedom” he can enjoy.
In recognition of his advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community, Brady received the Pathfinder Award at Live Out Loud’s 23rd annual Young Trailblazers Gala in New York City this week.
Ahead of the big event, Brady spoke about what it’s been like for him after coming out last year.
“It’s been a year. Folks expect your life to change in some radical way, and it doesn’t,” he told People, adding, “It just changes that you get a level of freedom that you’re happy with.”
“No one’s going to throw me a parade.
The host of Let’s Make a Deal came out as pansexual last year and said he’s “happy” he did so due to the “level of freedom” he can enjoy.
In recognition of his advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community, Brady received the Pathfinder Award at Live Out Loud’s 23rd annual Young Trailblazers Gala in New York City this week.
Ahead of the big event, Brady spoke about what it’s been like for him after coming out last year.
“It’s been a year. Folks expect your life to change in some radical way, and it doesn’t,” he told People, adding, “It just changes that you get a level of freedom that you’re happy with.”
“No one’s going to throw me a parade.
- 5/24/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Spoiler Alert: Details follow for Season 11, Episode 13 of “The Masked Singer,” “Finale: One Mask Takes It All,” which aired May 22 on Fox.
“The Masked Singer” winner Vanessa Hudgens admits she didn’t necessarily play the hiding game: At least among her friends and fans, they figured out it was her under the Goldfish costume rather quickly.
“Rita [Ora] guessed it was me straight from the jump,” Hudgens said. “But she’s also my friend. And we saw each other a few days before the first episode!”
Hudgens beat out Scott Porter, who had performed this season as Gumball, to win the “Masked Singer” trophy. Coincidentally, both Hudgens and Porter previously starred together in 2009’s “Bandslam.”
Despite their history, Hudgens said the production kept her completely in the dark as to who her competitors were. “I was so invested every step of the way,” she said. “I was trying really hard to...
“The Masked Singer” winner Vanessa Hudgens admits she didn’t necessarily play the hiding game: At least among her friends and fans, they figured out it was her under the Goldfish costume rather quickly.
“Rita [Ora] guessed it was me straight from the jump,” Hudgens said. “But she’s also my friend. And we saw each other a few days before the first episode!”
Hudgens beat out Scott Porter, who had performed this season as Gumball, to win the “Masked Singer” trophy. Coincidentally, both Hudgens and Porter previously starred together in 2009’s “Bandslam.”
Despite their history, Hudgens said the production kept her completely in the dark as to who her competitors were. “I was so invested every step of the way,” she said. “I was trying really hard to...
- 5/23/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
“The Masked Singer” will officially unmask its final mystery celebrity tonight, Wednesday, May 22 during the Season 11 finale.
The finale follows last week’s semi-finals, which revealed Thelma Houston as Clock. Clock wound up in third place for the season, after the three semi-finalists performed one more time in a battle royale, all performing their versions of “A Moment Like This,” by Kelly Clarkson. With Clock out, Gumball and Goldfish move on to this week’s finals.
This season of “The Masked Singer,” which premiered in early March, has featured themed episodes including “The Wizard of Oz,” in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the classic film; “Transformers” (marking the brand’s 40th anniversary) and music tributes including “Billy Joel Night” and “Queen Night.” Additional themes include “Girl Groups,” “Soundtrack of My Life,...
“The Masked Singer” will officially unmask its final mystery celebrity tonight, Wednesday, May 22 during the Season 11 finale.
The finale follows last week’s semi-finals, which revealed Thelma Houston as Clock. Clock wound up in third place for the season, after the three semi-finalists performed one more time in a battle royale, all performing their versions of “A Moment Like This,” by Kelly Clarkson. With Clock out, Gumball and Goldfish move on to this week’s finals.
This season of “The Masked Singer,” which premiered in early March, has featured themed episodes including “The Wizard of Oz,” in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the classic film; “Transformers” (marking the brand’s 40th anniversary) and music tributes including “Billy Joel Night” and “Queen Night.” Additional themes include “Girl Groups,” “Soundtrack of My Life,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Nicolas Cage is going to star in the upcoming independent horror film titled Longlegs. While the film looks very modern, it’s actually a throwback to one Old Hollywood icon. Interestingly the director of Longlegs has a major connection to the icon in question.
Nicolas Cage’s ‘Longlegs’ was inspired by 1 of the best directors ever
Longlegs will be directed by Oz Perkins. So far, Perkins is most famous for his films I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel. During a 2020 interview with Polygon, Perkins discussed Longlegs, saying it was inspired by the work of cinematic legend Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is remembered for horror films and thrillers such as Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, and North by Northwest. His movies often have good humor and a psychosexual subtext. Hitchcock might be the most acclaimed director of all time, with Stanley Kubrick being his only real rival.
Nicolas Cage’s ‘Longlegs’ was inspired by 1 of the best directors ever
Longlegs will be directed by Oz Perkins. So far, Perkins is most famous for his films I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel. During a 2020 interview with Polygon, Perkins discussed Longlegs, saying it was inspired by the work of cinematic legend Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is remembered for horror films and thrillers such as Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, and North by Northwest. His movies often have good humor and a psychosexual subtext. Hitchcock might be the most acclaimed director of all time, with Stanley Kubrick being his only real rival.
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Universal Pictures has dropped the second trailer for director Jon M. Chu’s Wicked.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
With a cast featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage, watch the trailer now.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda,...
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
With a cast featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage, watch the trailer now.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 12 of “The Masked Singer,” “Semi-Finals: Then There Were Three,” which aired May 15 on Fox.
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrity to be revealed on Wednesday night’s quarter finals, and it was Thelma Houston as Clock.
Houston, of course, is best known for her classic hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” For Clock, Rita Ora got it right with Thelma Houston. Robin Thicke went with Stephanie Mills. Ken Jeong said it was Janet Jackson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was Roberta Flack.
Clock wound up in third place for the season, after the three semi-finalists performed one more time in a battle royale, all performing their versions of “A Moment Like This,” by Kelly Clarkson. With Clock out, Gumball and Goldfish move on to next week’s finals.
The semi-finals episode opened this week with all three...
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrity to be revealed on Wednesday night’s quarter finals, and it was Thelma Houston as Clock.
Houston, of course, is best known for her classic hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” For Clock, Rita Ora got it right with Thelma Houston. Robin Thicke went with Stephanie Mills. Ken Jeong said it was Janet Jackson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was Roberta Flack.
Clock wound up in third place for the season, after the three semi-finalists performed one more time in a battle royale, all performing their versions of “A Moment Like This,” by Kelly Clarkson. With Clock out, Gumball and Goldfish move on to next week’s finals.
The semi-finals episode opened this week with all three...
- 5/16/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
We're not in Kansas any more...
Universal Pictures has pulled back the curtain on Jon M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of Broadway hit, Wicked, with an extended trailer, and if you're not too familiar with the story, don't worry - this teaser tells you everything you need to know.
We're used to trailers giving a bit too much away at this stage, but this really takes the flying monkey!
The movie, which is set to hit theaters on November 27, will tell the story of how a shy green-skinned woman named Elphaba becomes a cackling villain with an aversion to water we first met in The Wizard of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, who will ultimately become the "Wicked Witch of the West," while pop megastar Ariana Grande will play Glinda, aka "Good Witch of the East."
It's probably not a major to spoiler to note that their friendship doesn't last!
Universal Pictures has pulled back the curtain on Jon M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of Broadway hit, Wicked, with an extended trailer, and if you're not too familiar with the story, don't worry - this teaser tells you everything you need to know.
We're used to trailers giving a bit too much away at this stage, but this really takes the flying monkey!
The movie, which is set to hit theaters on November 27, will tell the story of how a shy green-skinned woman named Elphaba becomes a cackling villain with an aversion to water we first met in The Wizard of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, who will ultimately become the "Wicked Witch of the West," while pop megastar Ariana Grande will play Glinda, aka "Good Witch of the East."
It's probably not a major to spoiler to note that their friendship doesn't last!
- 5/15/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Since the film is being produced and distributed by Universal, which streamer it will land on is easy to answer; when, however, is more complicated.
Did you hear a distinctive call coming from the western skies on Wednesday? If so, it might have been caused by the release of the thrillifying trailer for the upcoming film adaptations of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked.” Directed by Jon M. Chu, the iconic musical will be broken up into two films, with the first will be released on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, the day before Thanksgiving. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film’s trailer already has the internet buzzing and while the musical’s legions of fans will undoubtedly show up to see the film in theaters, you might already be wondering when you will be able to stream Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” on repeat at home. Fortunately, we here at The Streamable...
Did you hear a distinctive call coming from the western skies on Wednesday? If so, it might have been caused by the release of the thrillifying trailer for the upcoming film adaptations of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked.” Directed by Jon M. Chu, the iconic musical will be broken up into two films, with the first will be released on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, the day before Thanksgiving. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film’s trailer already has the internet buzzing and while the musical’s legions of fans will undoubtedly show up to see the film in theaters, you might already be wondering when you will be able to stream Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” on repeat at home. Fortunately, we here at The Streamable...
- 5/15/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
“Wicked” is a new musical fantasy feature, adapting “The Wizard of Oz”, directed by Jon M. Chu starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, releasing November 27, 2024 in theaters:
“…set in the ‘Land of Oz’, before and continuing after the arrival of ‘Dorothy Gale' from Kansas, the film revolves around ‘Elphaba Thropp’. a green-skinned woman, and explores the path that leads her to become the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’…
‘… all while forming an unlikely friendship and later rivalry with ‘Glinda Upland’. who would go on to become ‘Glinda the Good’…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…set in the ‘Land of Oz’, before and continuing after the arrival of ‘Dorothy Gale' from Kansas, the film revolves around ‘Elphaba Thropp’. a green-skinned woman, and explores the path that leads her to become the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’…
‘… all while forming an unlikely friendship and later rivalry with ‘Glinda Upland’. who would go on to become ‘Glinda the Good’…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 5/15/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are ready to defy expectations in the new trailer for the movie adaptation of Wicked.
On Wednesday, Universal Pictures released the first full promo for the initial installment of the two-part film version. Jon M. Chu’s film, which stars Grande as Glinda and Erivo as Elphaba, hits theaters Nov. 27.
Wicked’s teaser trailer aired during Super Bowl Lviii on Feb. 11 and provided the first look at the movie that adapts the Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name, which is itself based on author Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The project adapts characters that originated in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and were brought to life in the Oscar-winning 1939 film musical The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy.
The Wicked film follows green-skinned Elphaba and her...
On Wednesday, Universal Pictures released the first full promo for the initial installment of the two-part film version. Jon M. Chu’s film, which stars Grande as Glinda and Erivo as Elphaba, hits theaters Nov. 27.
Wicked’s teaser trailer aired during Super Bowl Lviii on Feb. 11 and provided the first look at the movie that adapts the Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name, which is itself based on author Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The project adapts characters that originated in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and were brought to life in the Oscar-winning 1939 film musical The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy.
The Wicked film follows green-skinned Elphaba and her...
- 5/15/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ariana Grande and Cynthia ErivoScreenshot: Universal/YouTube
The ongoing trend of trailers obscuring that a movie is a musical is reaching epidemic levels. Wicked is one of the most beloved and highest grossing Broadway musicals ever—that’s the whole point of adapting Wicked for the screen. Yet while the...
The ongoing trend of trailers obscuring that a movie is a musical is reaching epidemic levels. Wicked is one of the most beloved and highest grossing Broadway musicals ever—that’s the whole point of adapting Wicked for the screen. Yet while the...
- 5/15/2024
- by Mary Kate Carr
- avclub.com
‘Wicked’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Lead Jon M. Chu’s Adaptation Of The Broadway Musical
“The Wizard of Oz” is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. And though we tend to poopoo any talk of prequels and sequels to treasured classics, there’s no denying everyone’s excitement for “Wicked.” The two-part film debuts its first half later this year and is expected to have the potential of being a major blockbuster.
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 50 Must-See Films To Watch
As seen in the trailer for “Wicked,” the film is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, two budding witches as they go to the Shiz University to help grow their craft.
Continue reading ‘Wicked’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Lead Jon M. Chu’s Adaptation Of The Broadway Musical at The Playlist.
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 50 Must-See Films To Watch
As seen in the trailer for “Wicked,” the film is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, two budding witches as they go to the Shiz University to help grow their craft.
Continue reading ‘Wicked’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Lead Jon M. Chu’s Adaptation Of The Broadway Musical at The Playlist.
- 5/15/2024
- by Martin Miller
- The Playlist
Ozians are putting aside their panic for this one day, to celebrate!
The cause for commotion? Universal finally unveiled the first full-length trailer for its adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The dazzling, more than three-minute-long footage finally captures Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba singing two of the show’s anthems, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.”
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” recounts the events that happened before Dorothy followed that iconic yellow brick road and Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin, became the Wicked Witch of the West. It tells the story of the unlikely friendship (turned rivalry) of Elphaba and Glinda, who first met as classmates at Shiz University, and asks a central question: “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
In the glittering trailer, Elphaba meets her (blonde!) roommate Glinda and gets gifted her signature black witch hat.
The cause for commotion? Universal finally unveiled the first full-length trailer for its adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The dazzling, more than three-minute-long footage finally captures Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba singing two of the show’s anthems, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.”
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” recounts the events that happened before Dorothy followed that iconic yellow brick road and Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin, became the Wicked Witch of the West. It tells the story of the unlikely friendship (turned rivalry) of Elphaba and Glinda, who first met as classmates at Shiz University, and asks a central question: “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
In the glittering trailer, Elphaba meets her (blonde!) roommate Glinda and gets gifted her signature black witch hat.
- 5/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Jerry Herman’s musical “Hello, Dolly!” dominated the 18th Tony Awards which took place at the New York Hilton on May 24, 1964. “Hello, Dolly!” entered the ceremony with 11 nominations and walked out with ten awards including best musical, best actress for Carol Channing, original score for Herman and for Gower Champion’s choreography and direction.
Other musicals in contention for multiple awards that year were “High Spirits,” based on Noel Coward’s classic comedy “Blithe Spirit,” “Funny Girl,” which transformed Barbra Streisand into a Broadway superstar, and “110 in the Shade,” based on the straight play “The Rainmaker.”
Bert Lahr, best known as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” won lead actor in a musical for “Foxy,” based on Ben Jonson’s “Volpone.” The musical was not a hit closed after 72 performances. Also nominated in the category was Bob Fosse for a short-lived revival of Rodgers and Hart’s “Pal Joey.
Other musicals in contention for multiple awards that year were “High Spirits,” based on Noel Coward’s classic comedy “Blithe Spirit,” “Funny Girl,” which transformed Barbra Streisand into a Broadway superstar, and “110 in the Shade,” based on the straight play “The Rainmaker.”
Bert Lahr, best known as the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” won lead actor in a musical for “Foxy,” based on Ben Jonson’s “Volpone.” The musical was not a hit closed after 72 performances. Also nominated in the category was Bob Fosse for a short-lived revival of Rodgers and Hart’s “Pal Joey.
- 5/15/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Quentin Tarantino‘s movies have a lot in common with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, as they are all violent, funny, and intelligently crafted. Tarantino may have gone too far by saying Jaws was once the greatest movie ever made. He contrasted Jaws with films from an earlier generation.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
- 5/14/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Wizard of Oz and Transformers are among the theme nights featured in the 11th season of the The Masked Singer TV show on Fox. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like The Masked Singer is cancelled or renewed for season 12. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the 11th season episodes of The Masked Singer here. *Status Update Below.
A Fox mystery singing competition series, The Masked Singer TV show is hosted by Nick Cannon, with Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora (stepping in for Nicole Scherzinger) sitting at the judges' table. The show features singing celebrities facing off against one another...
A Fox mystery singing competition series, The Masked Singer TV show is hosted by Nick Cannon, with Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Rita Ora (stepping in for Nicole Scherzinger) sitting at the judges' table. The show features singing celebrities facing off against one another...
- 5/14/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The year of 2022 was quite fruitful for horror features, as we saw such genre’s gems, as Barbarian, The Menu, Smile and Scream. However, they all didn’t make enough noise to be everywhere on the Net not only at the time, but over the course of these 2 years too.
There is one movie which obviously managed to do so, given the enormous amount of memes, viral videos and Halloween costumes inspired by it. It’d be surprising to hear that it appears to be a sequel, but it definitely overhyped the original movie.
Its plot focuses on the life of a mentally ill young woman forced to live with her abusive parents and her husband at the farm. She can’t stand this way of life and lusts for the glamorous life of a chorus girl or a film star, but her dreams don't seem to come true.
You...
There is one movie which obviously managed to do so, given the enormous amount of memes, viral videos and Halloween costumes inspired by it. It’d be surprising to hear that it appears to be a sequel, but it definitely overhyped the original movie.
Its plot focuses on the life of a mentally ill young woman forced to live with her abusive parents and her husband at the farm. She can’t stand this way of life and lusts for the glamorous life of a chorus girl or a film star, but her dreams don't seem to come true.
You...
- 5/12/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.
Black Swan by Sinossi
Darth Vader by John Gallagher
The Godfather by Ruiz Burgos
Mega Man X by Jerry Padilla
Planet of the Apes by Jason Edmiston
Reservoir Dogs by El...
Black Swan by Sinossi
Darth Vader by John Gallagher
The Godfather by Ruiz Burgos
Mega Man X by Jerry Padilla
Planet of the Apes by Jason Edmiston
Reservoir Dogs by El...
- 5/11/2024
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 10 of “The Masked Singer,” “Quarter Finals: Final Four,” which aired May 8 on Fox.
“This Is Us” star Chrissy Metz knew “The Masked Singer” would be a challenge. But that’s why Metz, who was revealed as latest celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday night’s quarter finals, figured she had to do it.
“When I watched the show, and I would see either my friends or peers on the show, I’m like, how do they do it?” said Metz, who was revealed as the Poodle Moth. “And it was harder than I thought. I knew it was gonna be like trying, because it’s enough to just stand on the stage and sing. But like to put on a massive costume, to not really know where you’re going and to be led by people in...
“This Is Us” star Chrissy Metz knew “The Masked Singer” would be a challenge. But that’s why Metz, who was revealed as latest celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday night’s quarter finals, figured she had to do it.
“When I watched the show, and I would see either my friends or peers on the show, I’m like, how do they do it?” said Metz, who was revealed as the Poodle Moth. “And it was harder than I thought. I knew it was gonna be like trying, because it’s enough to just stand on the stage and sing. But like to put on a massive costume, to not really know where you’re going and to be led by people in...
- 5/9/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
I recently wrote about the surprise Best Supporting Actress Oscar win by Anna Paquin for 1993’s “The Piano.” At 11 years of age, she became the second youngest competitive Academy Award recipient in history. She remains the last child Oscar champ, though several have since been nominated.
The record for the youngest competitive Oscar victory by a child (someone age 17 or younger) was actually set two decades before the practically hyperventilating Paquin accepted her statuette. And it was in the same category — Best Supporting Actress. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal, daughter of the late Ryan O’Neal (a Best Actor nominee for 1970’s “Love Story”), delivered a performance in “Paper Moon” that was loved enough by the academy to bring her the coveted award. The younger O’Neal played Addie Loggins, a child turned con artist who teams up with a man posing as her father during The Great Depression. She was nominated alongside...
The record for the youngest competitive Oscar victory by a child (someone age 17 or younger) was actually set two decades before the practically hyperventilating Paquin accepted her statuette. And it was in the same category — Best Supporting Actress. Ten-year-old Tatum O’Neal, daughter of the late Ryan O’Neal (a Best Actor nominee for 1970’s “Love Story”), delivered a performance in “Paper Moon” that was loved enough by the academy to bring her the coveted award. The younger O’Neal played Addie Loggins, a child turned con artist who teams up with a man posing as her father during The Great Depression. She was nominated alongside...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
With X, Ti West lovingly re-conjured the scuzzy spirit of ‘70s classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. With its surprise prequel Pearl, he dialled back to clock to early Technicolor game-changers like The Wizard Of Oz, taking the yellow brick road and painting it blood-red. And now, for his trilogy-capper MaXXXine, he’s heading into the 1980s – taking Mia Goth’s aspiring star Maxine and plunging her into the sinister, seductive world of Hollywood.
As well as taking audiences six years beyond the events of X, in which Goth’s Maxine was the sole survivor of the Farmer’s Daughter massacre, the ‘80s setting of MaXXXine is a major influence on how the film looks and feels. “A big part of the aesthetic of the movie is the shiny parts of Hollywood [versus] the seedy parts of Hollywood,” West tells Empire in the Deadpool & Wolverine issue. “The shiny type of movies that are made,...
As well as taking audiences six years beyond the events of X, in which Goth’s Maxine was the sole survivor of the Farmer’s Daughter massacre, the ‘80s setting of MaXXXine is a major influence on how the film looks and feels. “A big part of the aesthetic of the movie is the shiny parts of Hollywood [versus] the seedy parts of Hollywood,” West tells Empire in the Deadpool & Wolverine issue. “The shiny type of movies that are made,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
More essays have been written about "Citizen Kane" than any other movie (with the possible exceptions of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Star Wars"), so it feels churlish to recount the plot here, but for the uninitiated, however, here's a brief rundown:
A vicious newspaper tycoon named Charles Foster Kane (Welles) has died in bed, locked deep in his massive, palatial mansion. He clutched a snow globe in his hand in his final moments, moved by the sight of the swirling faux weather inside. He enigmatically whispers the word "Rosebud" before perishing. The film then shifts focus to a reporter (William Alland) who spends the film interviewing Kane's associates, wives, and lovers, hoping to get a full portrait of the man. He finds that Kane was a cad ruined by wealth and power. He finds that Kane was possessed of a deep and abiding unhappiness, likely spurred by having to...
A vicious newspaper tycoon named Charles Foster Kane (Welles) has died in bed, locked deep in his massive, palatial mansion. He clutched a snow globe in his hand in his final moments, moved by the sight of the swirling faux weather inside. He enigmatically whispers the word "Rosebud" before perishing. The film then shifts focus to a reporter (William Alland) who spends the film interviewing Kane's associates, wives, and lovers, hoping to get a full portrait of the man. He finds that Kane was a cad ruined by wealth and power. He finds that Kane was possessed of a deep and abiding unhappiness, likely spurred by having to...
- 5/5/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 9 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group B Finals: Soundtrack of My Life Night,” which aired May 1 on Fox.
For years, the panelists on “The Masked Singer” have thrown out names like Corey Feldman, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken while trying to figure out what celebrities were disguised on stage. This week, those names finally became true.
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s Group B finale, and it was Feldman as the Seal and Studdard/Aiken together as the Beets.
“For about 25 years, there was this kind of dark age where nobody really wanted to admit that my music was a real thing or that it existed or that I was doing it on a full capacity,” Feldman told Variety. “It was kind of overlooked and ignored for a long time.
For years, the panelists on “The Masked Singer” have thrown out names like Corey Feldman, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken while trying to figure out what celebrities were disguised on stage. This week, those names finally became true.
“The Masked Singer” revealed the latest celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s Group B finale, and it was Feldman as the Seal and Studdard/Aiken together as the Beets.
“For about 25 years, there was this kind of dark age where nobody really wanted to admit that my music was a real thing or that it existed or that I was doing it on a full capacity,” Feldman told Variety. “It was kind of overlooked and ignored for a long time.
- 5/2/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Growing up in Omaha, Amber Ruffin didn’t have many role models who looked like her. “I had not seen Black female performances that weren’t a stereotype and honestly, it was a while until it became regular.” Luckily, there were two movies on regular rotation in her home: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “The Wiz.”
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Two of the more anticipated star turns on Broadway this season — Steve Carell making his debut in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Uncle Vanya and The Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli returning to the New York stage in Circle in the Square’s An Enemy of the People — got no love from Tony Award nominators today, and the West End hit Patriots, written by The Crown‘s Peter Morgan, barely registered on the roster, with only one nom for lead actor Michael Stuhlbarg.
Even more empty-handed than Patriots was The Wiz, the cheery, if rote, revival of the beloved Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Despite a star turn by Wayne Brady, it’s possible that Tony nominators saw the Broadway revival for the uninspired road show it is.
Other shows with zero nominations included I Need That starring Danny DeVito, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical Harmony,...
Even more empty-handed than Patriots was The Wiz, the cheery, if rote, revival of the beloved Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Despite a star turn by Wayne Brady, it’s possible that Tony nominators saw the Broadway revival for the uninspired road show it is.
Other shows with zero nominations included I Need That starring Danny DeVito, the Barry Manilow-Bruce Sussman musical Harmony,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“More stars than there are in heaven” was once the slogan for Hollywood’s largest studio. Larger-than-life celebrities like Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, Jean Harlow and Gene Kelly were common fixtures at MGM. Today, MGM is an IP outpost purchased by Amazon for $8.5 billion in 2022, but in its day, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had the biggest lot in Hollywood and produced some of the most extravagant films. Located in Culver City, MGM’s famously sprawling lot began as it grew from the 40 acres owned by Samuel Goldwyn. The legendary MGM property was 3 miles long and housed more than 45 buildings and 14 stages, in addition to numerous outdoor sets that would be built over the years.
MGM was home to countless classic films, and in 1939 alone, the studio backed the timeless fantasy The Wizard of Oz and distributed the Oscar-winning Gone With the Wind, the Ernst Lubitsch/Greta Garbo comedy Ninotchka,...
MGM was home to countless classic films, and in 1939 alone, the studio backed the timeless fantasy The Wizard of Oz and distributed the Oscar-winning Gone With the Wind, the Ernst Lubitsch/Greta Garbo comedy Ninotchka,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Chris Yogerst
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 8 of “The Masked Singer,” “Girl Group Night,” which aired April 24 on Fox.
Jenifer Lewis spent a year recovering from a devastating 10-foot fall while on safari in Tanzania. It was while she was still in bed, convalescing, that she got a call from “The Masked Singer.” “I still couldn’t walk,” she told Variety. “And my friends encouraged me to get out of bed and go do what I love to do. ‘You’ll be in front of a live audience, you’ll be singing, you’ll be in a mask, but you’ll still be doing what you really love to do, which is to entertain.'”
“The Masked Singer” revealed on Wednesday night’s edition that “Black-ish” star Lewis was Group B’s “Miss Cleocatra.” Lewis was unmasked after performing “Free Your Mind,” by En Vogue,...
Jenifer Lewis spent a year recovering from a devastating 10-foot fall while on safari in Tanzania. It was while she was still in bed, convalescing, that she got a call from “The Masked Singer.” “I still couldn’t walk,” she told Variety. “And my friends encouraged me to get out of bed and go do what I love to do. ‘You’ll be in front of a live audience, you’ll be singing, you’ll be in a mask, but you’ll still be doing what you really love to do, which is to entertain.'”
“The Masked Singer” revealed on Wednesday night’s edition that “Black-ish” star Lewis was Group B’s “Miss Cleocatra.” Lewis was unmasked after performing “Free Your Mind,” by En Vogue,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette is filming now and some exciting things are happening.
Like other seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Jenn’s season will feature familiar faces popping up to host dates.
And thanks to Reality Steve, we know who two of those popular past cast members will be.
The Bachelor besties, Kelsey Anderson and Daisy Kent will be showing up and showing their support.
The pair was spotted together in Seattle to film the group date and they were dressed to the nines.
Kelsey stunned in an emerald green gown while Daisy wowed in hot pink.
Per Reality Steve, the theme for the date was The Wizard of Oz, and he suspects it has something to do with the upcoming Wicked film, which will be hitting theaters in November.
(Spoiler): Jenn’s date today in Seattle is Wicked/Wizard of Oz themed. Prob...
Like other seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Jenn’s season will feature familiar faces popping up to host dates.
And thanks to Reality Steve, we know who two of those popular past cast members will be.
The Bachelor besties, Kelsey Anderson and Daisy Kent will be showing up and showing their support.
The pair was spotted together in Seattle to film the group date and they were dressed to the nines.
Kelsey stunned in an emerald green gown while Daisy wowed in hot pink.
Per Reality Steve, the theme for the date was The Wizard of Oz, and he suspects it has something to do with the upcoming Wicked film, which will be hitting theaters in November.
(Spoiler): Jenn’s date today in Seattle is Wicked/Wizard of Oz themed. Prob...
- 4/22/2024
- by Shaunee Flowers
- Monsters and Critics
Do you remember the very first moment when you realized a movie could be far more than just a brief, amiable diversion from the temporal slog of life as an extant human? That first moment you realized film could be art capable of providing a fully nourishing spiritual experience? That perhaps even made you want to become a filmmaker in order to provide that experience to someone else? Just as important: Do you recall the most recent movie that gave you that same feeling or fit of inspiration? Well, in this week’s Survey Says that’s just what we asked: What’s the first movie you saw that you considered a masterpiece… and the most recent?
Thirty-plus years of Film Independent Artist Development, of course, means access to the accumulated wisdom Film Independent Fellows. So with our latest query in hand, we took a trip down memory road to...
Thirty-plus years of Film Independent Artist Development, of course, means access to the accumulated wisdom Film Independent Fellows. So with our latest query in hand, we took a trip down memory road to...
- 4/22/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Cult wines are a very American and, more specifically, Californian phenomenon. Akin to another industry-beloved status symbol, the Hermès Birkin bag, they are meticulously crafted, sought-after commodities that are exceedingly scarce and difficult to procure. The term rose in popularity in Napa Valley in the 1990s to describe flashy cabernet sauvignon blends with perfect scores by top wine critics, outrageous prices and insatiable demand.
Master sommelier Vincent Morrow
“Most of these wines were simply well-made, small-production wines and the owners had no intention of multiyear wait lists,” says master sommelier Vincent Morrow, wine director of Michelin-starred Press Restaurant in Napa’s St. Helena.
“Given that a vineyard will take at least six to seven years before it’s producing optimum fruit, and it only bears fruit once a year, the economic nature of these small vineyards was that production could not scale at the pace of any rapid increase in demand.
Master sommelier Vincent Morrow
“Most of these wines were simply well-made, small-production wines and the owners had no intention of multiyear wait lists,” says master sommelier Vincent Morrow, wine director of Michelin-starred Press Restaurant in Napa’s St. Helena.
“Given that a vineyard will take at least six to seven years before it’s producing optimum fruit, and it only bears fruit once a year, the economic nature of these small vineyards was that production could not scale at the pace of any rapid increase in demand.
- 4/18/2024
- by Elycia Rubin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 7 of “The Masked Singer,” “Queen Night,” which aired April 17 on Fox.
“The Masked Singer” dropped a bomb on us: Singer/songwriter Charlie Wilson, who has enjoyed a tremendous career as a solo artist in addition to his time as lead vocalist for the Gap Band, was one of two celebrities revealed on Wednesday night’s edition of “The Masked Singer.” Also unmasked: “The Office” star Kate Flannery (who played the frequently inebriated Meredith).
Wilson was unveiled during the show’s Group A finals as Ugly Sweater, while Flannery was Starfish.
For the Ugly Sweater, Robin Thicke got it right with Charlie Wilson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Aaron Neville. Rita Ora guessed Smokey Robinson. Ken Jeong went with Al Green.
And then, for Starfish, Jeong figured out it was Kate Flannery. Ora picked Amy Schumer, McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was...
“The Masked Singer” dropped a bomb on us: Singer/songwriter Charlie Wilson, who has enjoyed a tremendous career as a solo artist in addition to his time as lead vocalist for the Gap Band, was one of two celebrities revealed on Wednesday night’s edition of “The Masked Singer.” Also unmasked: “The Office” star Kate Flannery (who played the frequently inebriated Meredith).
Wilson was unveiled during the show’s Group A finals as Ugly Sweater, while Flannery was Starfish.
For the Ugly Sweater, Robin Thicke got it right with Charlie Wilson. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg named Aaron Neville. Rita Ora guessed Smokey Robinson. Ken Jeong went with Al Green.
And then, for Starfish, Jeong figured out it was Kate Flannery. Ora picked Amy Schumer, McCarthy-Wahlberg thought it was...
- 4/18/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
If Michael Douglas had his way, Hank Pym would have been killed off in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
The actor was on The View promoting his Apple TV+ series, Franklin, where he was asked about wanting his character to die in Quantumania. “This actually was my request for the third one,” Douglas explained. “I said I’d like to have a serious [death], with all these great special effects. There’s got to be some fantastic way where I can shrink to an ant size and explode, whatever it is.“
Douglas continued, “I want to use all those effects. But, that was on the last one. Now, I don’t think I’m going to show up.” That last comment makes it sound as though we’ve seen the last of Hank Pym. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania didn’t receive the best reviews, which, coupled with a lackluster box-office,...
The actor was on The View promoting his Apple TV+ series, Franklin, where he was asked about wanting his character to die in Quantumania. “This actually was my request for the third one,” Douglas explained. “I said I’d like to have a serious [death], with all these great special effects. There’s got to be some fantastic way where I can shrink to an ant size and explode, whatever it is.“
Douglas continued, “I want to use all those effects. But, that was on the last one. Now, I don’t think I’m going to show up.” That last comment makes it sound as though we’ve seen the last of Hank Pym. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania didn’t receive the best reviews, which, coupled with a lackluster box-office,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Did you spot all the references? Can you always notice them all? Madman Films has debuted a wonderful new promo video for the beloved animated film Robot Dreams, which first premiered at the 2023 Cannes & Annecy Film Festivals last year. The film also snuck in and ended up nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2024 Academy Awards earlier this year, but it didn't win. This fun 60-second video examines references in this movie that are inspired by other shots & scenes in other classic movies - including from Manhattan, The Wizard of Oz, The Big Lebowski, and Psycho. A story about friendship, its importance, and its fragility. The dialogue-free animated film is based on the popular graphic novel by Sara Varon, about the adventures and misfortunes of Dog and Robot in NYC during the '80s. Dog is lonely so he orders a Robot companion, but then Robot gets stuck in the...
- 4/15/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Stars: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark, Michael Sundin, Tim Rose, Mak Wilson, Stephen Norrington, Justin Case, John Alexander, Deep Roy, Emma Ridley | Written by Walter Murch, Gill Dennis, L. Frank Baum | Directed by Walter Murch
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
- 4/15/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
New York-based director/producer Katy Scoggin has worked with high-profile U.S. documentary filmmaker/journalist Laura Poitras on two shorts and three features, notably as co-producer and Dp on Poitras’ Oscar-winner “Citizenfour” and Cannes Directors’ Fortnight’s “Risk.”
Poitras now serves as executive producer on Scoggin’s feature debut “Flood,” one of six creative documentaries to be pitched as works in progress April 16, at the Visions du Réel festival in Nyon, Switzerland.
“Flood” centers on Scoggin’s journey to repair her relationship with her former missionary father, with whom she has become estranged. As the story unfolds, she relies on evolution to try to grasp change over time: in the fossil record, in American evangelicalism and in her own shift away from her parents’ religion and back home to reconnect.
The documentary was produced by Scoggin and Will Lennon for Archelon Films, and executive produced by Poitras, Nico Opper and Adam Blackman.
Poitras now serves as executive producer on Scoggin’s feature debut “Flood,” one of six creative documentaries to be pitched as works in progress April 16, at the Visions du Réel festival in Nyon, Switzerland.
“Flood” centers on Scoggin’s journey to repair her relationship with her former missionary father, with whom she has become estranged. As the story unfolds, she relies on evolution to try to grasp change over time: in the fossil record, in American evangelicalism and in her own shift away from her parents’ religion and back home to reconnect.
The documentary was produced by Scoggin and Will Lennon for Archelon Films, and executive produced by Poitras, Nico Opper and Adam Blackman.
- 4/15/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
For decades, Hollywood has struggled with the concept of the reboot.
Not merely the "remake," which was a fairly common occurrence ever since Hollywood figured out how to upgrade the technology of The Wizard of Oz (1910) and re-film The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- now with sound and color! -- but specifically, the reboot.
As in upgrading not the technology but the culture of the original piece.
When The Brady Bunch Movie reboot came out in 1995, it was an audacious spectacle. It was reimagined as a tongue-in-cheek parody of 1960s/1970s culture and of the naivete of the original series.
By the early 2000s, reboots were no longer quirky experiments of avant-garde filmmakers but big money makers and even award-winning art films.
By the time Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, and Hasbro joined the reboot revolution, audiences had been lulled into a sense of tepid acceptance of all things rebooted. The visual effects were out of control.
Not merely the "remake," which was a fairly common occurrence ever since Hollywood figured out how to upgrade the technology of The Wizard of Oz (1910) and re-film The Wizard of Oz (1939) -- now with sound and color! -- but specifically, the reboot.
As in upgrading not the technology but the culture of the original piece.
When The Brady Bunch Movie reboot came out in 1995, it was an audacious spectacle. It was reimagined as a tongue-in-cheek parody of 1960s/1970s culture and of the naivete of the original series.
By the early 2000s, reboots were no longer quirky experiments of avant-garde filmmakers but big money makers and even award-winning art films.
By the time Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, and Hasbro joined the reboot revolution, audiences had been lulled into a sense of tepid acceptance of all things rebooted. The visual effects were out of control.
- 4/13/2024
- by Michael Arangua
- TVfanatic
British comedian Joe Lycett has revealed that, in the last month, he has planted four fake stories in the British media.
The Guardian newspaper reports that, on his Friday evening TV show, Late Night Lycett, the presenter – who has previously created fake walk-outs on chat shows, and doorstepped public figures – revealed four stories that he told the audience he invented, but were picked up and covered by UK newspapers and TV.
The four stories he said he fabricated were:
A footballer suffering with a bruise in the shape of Prince Harry; A statue of ‘H’ from UK pop group Steps being erected in his Welsh hometown (this story was also confirmed as fake by H aka musician Ian Watkins); Research showing that men from Birmingham (Lycett’s hometown) are the largest endowed in the UK; A mural of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz film being drawn by undercover graffiti artist Banksy.
The Guardian newspaper reports that, on his Friday evening TV show, Late Night Lycett, the presenter – who has previously created fake walk-outs on chat shows, and doorstepped public figures – revealed four stories that he told the audience he invented, but were picked up and covered by UK newspapers and TV.
The four stories he said he fabricated were:
A footballer suffering with a bruise in the shape of Prince Harry; A statue of ‘H’ from UK pop group Steps being erected in his Welsh hometown (this story was also confirmed as fake by H aka musician Ian Watkins); Research showing that men from Birmingham (Lycett’s hometown) are the largest endowed in the UK; A mural of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz film being drawn by undercover graffiti artist Banksy.
- 4/13/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Jon M. Chu revealed it was “heartbreaking” and “very hurtful” for him when he learned his 2021 musical “In the Heights” was being released in theaters and on streaming via HBO Max on the same day.
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Brian Welk and Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peter Dinklage is set to voice Dr. Dillamond in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of 'Wicked'.Jim Orr, Universal Pictures President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, shared the news about the 54-year-old 'Game of Thrones' star's casting during the studio's CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Wednesday (10.04.24).Dillamond is a goat professor at Shiz University and a mentor to protagonist Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who sings the song 'Something Bad' to warn her dark forces threatening the speaking animals of the Land of Oz.In the original Broadway musical in 2003, William Youmans had the part.Ariana Grande, 30, joins Cynthia as Glinda (The Good Witch) in the two-part adaptation, which tells the backstory of 'The Wizard of Oz' and how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be.The films are helmed by John M. Chu and the first part is set for release on November 27, 2024, with the second part to...
- 4/11/2024
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, the hit Broadway stage musical "Wicked" opened on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, and has been running there ever since. It recently surpassed "Cats" to become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, although it has a long way to go to supplant "The Lion King" as the third-longest. The musical is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," depicting the Wicked Witch of the West as a young green-skinned woman named Elphaba whose reputation has been wildly misunderstood. The show won three Tonys upon its release, and the accompanying soundtrack album won an Emmy. One might say that "Wicked" is very ... Popular.
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
- 4/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There’s no place like CinemaCon for Universal to debut enchanting new footage for Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked! On Wednesday, the studio dropped a house on the CinemaCon crowd at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, helping Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, to tell her side of a misunderstood story.
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 6 of “The Masked Singer,” “Transformers Night,” which aired April 10 on Fox.
Former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood knows the symbolism of his being unmasked on a reality show — in this case, “The Masked Singer” — is huge. Underwood, a former pro football player who made history as the first star of “The Bachelor” to come out as gay, was one of two celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s show — the other being another ex-NFL player, the Hall of Fame, former pro football linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
“You’re obviously protected by a mask, which was symbolic for me in many ways just because I’d worn one my entire life until I wasn’t,” Underwood told Variety. “To put one back on to go on stage and do something that I’ve never done, something I...
Former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood knows the symbolism of his being unmasked on a reality show — in this case, “The Masked Singer” — is huge. Underwood, a former pro football player who made history as the first star of “The Bachelor” to come out as gay, was one of two celebrities to be revealed on Wednesday night’s show — the other being another ex-NFL player, the Hall of Fame, former pro football linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
“You’re obviously protected by a mask, which was symbolic for me in many ways just because I’d worn one my entire life until I wasn’t,” Underwood told Variety. “To put one back on to go on stage and do something that I’ve never done, something I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo traveled to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal’s upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” showcased some additional footage at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, bringing down the house with a first look at Cynthia Erivo donning the iconic hat of the Wicked Witch.
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
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