Disney is moving forward with another movie based on a beloved theme park attraction. This time it’s Space Mountain. The film will join the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise and The Haunted Mansion as Disney seeks to expand its theme park attractions into movies and licensed products.
While the movie has been in development limbo for quite some time, it’s being resuscitated by the showrunners of Netflix’s short-lived live-action Cowboy Bebop series which… was a thing.
Per The Hollywood Reporter…
Action scribes Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec are going to Disneyland.
The prolific team behind Amazon’s high-profile spy series Citadel and showrunners on Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, have been tapped to write Disney’s live-action adaptation of Space Mountain.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback, the banner that is behind Netflix’s hit live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, is producing the feature,...
While the movie has been in development limbo for quite some time, it’s being resuscitated by the showrunners of Netflix’s short-lived live-action Cowboy Bebop series which… was a thing.
Per The Hollywood Reporter…
Action scribes Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec are going to Disneyland.
The prolific team behind Amazon’s high-profile spy series Citadel and showrunners on Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop, have been tapped to write Disney’s live-action adaptation of Space Mountain.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback, the banner that is behind Netflix’s hit live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, is producing the feature,...
- 4/19/2024
- by PNP Newsroom
- Pirates & Princesses
Action scribes Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec are going to Disneyland.
The prolific team behind Amazon’s high-profile spy series Citadel and showrunners on Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop have been tapped to write Disney’s live-action adaptation of Space Mountain.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback, the banner that is behind Netflix’s hit live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, is producing the feature, which has been in development for several years, along with Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell of Safehouse Pictures. Harold was the project’s previous writer. Rideback’s Ryan Halprin is exec producing.
Space Mountain is the venerable space-themed indoor roller coaster that was first introduced in Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, followed by an installation in California’s Disneyland in 1977. It became a fixture in the Tomorrowland section as other parks opened up and is now in five of the six parks around the world.
The prolific team behind Amazon’s high-profile spy series Citadel and showrunners on Netflix’s adaptation of Cowboy Bebop have been tapped to write Disney’s live-action adaptation of Space Mountain.
Jonathan Eirich from Rideback, the banner that is behind Netflix’s hit live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, is producing the feature, which has been in development for several years, along with Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell of Safehouse Pictures. Harold was the project’s previous writer. Rideback’s Ryan Halprin is exec producing.
Space Mountain is the venerable space-themed indoor roller coaster that was first introduced in Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, followed by an installation in California’s Disneyland in 1977. It became a fixture in the Tomorrowland section as other parks opened up and is now in five of the six parks around the world.
- 4/19/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article contains spoilers for "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire."
After a stellar TV run with "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," which finally gave us a good human story within the "Godzilla" mythos, and an unprecedented Oscar victory for "Godzilla Minus One," Godzilla has returned to the big screen with another team-up between Godzilla and King Kong.
Part of what makes "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" interesting and unique among the MonsterVerse movies is its team-up of villains, Shimo and Skar King. They essentially serve as reflections of Godzilla and Kong, the former being a lizard-like kaiju with an energy beam, and the latter being a giant ape.
Though Shimo is barely even a character, Skar King is a fantastic addition to the MonsterVerse — a violent and evil despot like Koba in "Planet of the Apes," with a badass kaiju spine he uses as a chain-weapon and as a way to control Shimo.
After a stellar TV run with "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," which finally gave us a good human story within the "Godzilla" mythos, and an unprecedented Oscar victory for "Godzilla Minus One," Godzilla has returned to the big screen with another team-up between Godzilla and King Kong.
Part of what makes "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" interesting and unique among the MonsterVerse movies is its team-up of villains, Shimo and Skar King. They essentially serve as reflections of Godzilla and Kong, the former being a lizard-like kaiju with an energy beam, and the latter being a giant ape.
Though Shimo is barely even a character, Skar King is a fantastic addition to the MonsterVerse — a violent and evil despot like Koba in "Planet of the Apes," with a badass kaiju spine he uses as a chain-weapon and as a way to control Shimo.
- 3/29/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The genius behind Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, and the Netflix hit Wednesday, Tim Burton sat for an interview with The Independent. With a discussion ranging from his love for the gothic genre to his upcoming movie Beetlejuice 2, Burton even recalled his time when he attended the California Institute of the Arts animation programme, sponsored by Disney.
Filmmaker Tim Burton | credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taking a trip down memory lane along with various other luminaries like Brad Bird, John Musker, and more, Tim Burton recalled the time when he pretended to be a vampire, roaming through the halls of his university. Putting on quite the stunt, until he passed out, Burton even insisted on having pictures from the moment.
Tim Burton Discussed His Upcoming Movie Beetlejuice 2
From several Johnny Depp-starrer gothic movies like Edward Scissorhands to making dark television dramas like Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday, Tim Burton has created...
Filmmaker Tim Burton | credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taking a trip down memory lane along with various other luminaries like Brad Bird, John Musker, and more, Tim Burton recalled the time when he pretended to be a vampire, roaming through the halls of his university. Putting on quite the stunt, until he passed out, Burton even insisted on having pictures from the moment.
Tim Burton Discussed His Upcoming Movie Beetlejuice 2
From several Johnny Depp-starrer gothic movies like Edward Scissorhands to making dark television dramas like Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday, Tim Burton has created...
- 3/22/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
The late '70s were a dark time for Disney. Following the death of Walt Disney, the studio went through much experimentation (not all of which was successful), and the departure of animator Don Bluth and several other animators led to a mini-crisis at the studio. Still, this was a very interesting time for Disney, which released many movies unlike anything they'd made before or since, from the sci-fi adventure "The Black Hole" to the criminally underrated "The Black Cauldron."
Loosely based on the first two books in Lloyd Alexander's "The Chronicles of Prydain" series, the film follows a bard and a princess who try to destroy a powerful and ancient magical cauldron before the wicked Horned King uses it to rule the world. This is by far the darkest animated movie Disney has made, one that starts with an explanation that the Black Cauldron's power comes from an...
Loosely based on the first two books in Lloyd Alexander's "The Chronicles of Prydain" series, the film follows a bard and a princess who try to destroy a powerful and ancient magical cauldron before the wicked Horned King uses it to rule the world. This is by far the darkest animated movie Disney has made, one that starts with an explanation that the Black Cauldron's power comes from an...
- 3/3/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Five years have gone by since Tom Cruise announced that Paramount Pictures had given the greenlight to two more Mission: Impossible movies, with Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) writer/director Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm. At one point, we thought these movies were going to carry the titles Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two… but Paramount is backtracking from that decision. After Dead Reckoning Part One underwhelmed at the box office when it was released last year, the studio has dropped Part One from the subtitle and has let it be known that the next film, which is still in production, will have a different title. A decision they really should have made before releasing the first half of the story. At least we’re still getting the second half of the story, with the...
- 3/2/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Known for their live action comedies Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, Jerusha and Jared Hess have, for the first time, ventured into the world of animation for their debut short as a directing duo. The film in question is Ninety-Five Senses and it’s as creative and visually driven as you’d expect, telling the story of a death row inmate who’s reflecting on his life through memories related to his senses. The film is structured across six different sections and corresponding animation styles ranging from soft, painterly visuals through to distinct, dynamic character-driven styles reminiscent of Brad Bird’s The Iron Giant. It really is a feast of a film on an aesthetic level, but it also leaves much to chew on in terms of its philosophical themes too. Dn caught up with Jerusha and Jared on the road to the Oscars to learn more from them about their experience making Ninety-Five Senses,...
- 2/15/2024
- by James Maitre
- Directors Notes
1961’s Fantastic Four may have kicked off the Marvel Universe, but the Ff aren’t really superheroes. They are explorers, they are scientists, and yes, they do fight supervillains such as Doctor Doom, but at their heart, the Fantastic Four are a family.
So when Marvel officially announced the cast for next year’s Fantastic Four movie with a Twitter post, the good news isn’t the cast. Pedro Pascal has long been rumored to play Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards, as has Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards aka Invisible Girl/Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, Aunt Petunia’s favorite nephew the Thing.
No, the big news here is that Marvel made the announcement in the form of a Valentine card. “Happy Valentine’s Day” declares the banner above the team. Below the banner, we see Reed playfully dancing with Sue,...
So when Marvel officially announced the cast for next year’s Fantastic Four movie with a Twitter post, the good news isn’t the cast. Pedro Pascal has long been rumored to play Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards, as has Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards aka Invisible Girl/Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, Aunt Petunia’s favorite nephew the Thing.
No, the big news here is that Marvel made the announcement in the form of a Valentine card. “Happy Valentine’s Day” declares the banner above the team. Below the banner, we see Reed playfully dancing with Sue,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Hideaki Anno is one of the most brilliant voices in animation -- a writer, director, and animator responsible for masterpieces such as the hugely influential "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (and its many endings), but also the anime that did the same twist as Pixar's "Lightyear" much better and decades earlier. Anno additionally belongs to the prestigious club of animators who successfully made the jump to directing live-action projects alongside Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Brad Bird, Tim Burton, and more. Anno not only brought Go Nagai's "Cutie Honey" to live-action successfully, but he also reinvented iconic franchises like "Kamen Rider" and "Godzilla."
The last one is important because Anno's "Shin Godzilla" is part of a new golden age of Godzilla stories. "Shin Godzilla" is a more satirical take on the King of the Monsters and a poignant movie inspired by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as the response...
The last one is important because Anno's "Shin Godzilla" is part of a new golden age of Godzilla stories. "Shin Godzilla" is a more satirical take on the King of the Monsters and a poignant movie inspired by the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as the response...
- 2/12/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Chef Gusteau will be turning in his grave – the restaurant which inspired Disney’s Ratatouille can’t seem to find some of its wine. It’s very expensive wine, too.
Here at Film Stories, we can’t get enough of two things: wine, and crime stories featuring anthropomorphic rodents.
Oh, and films, I suppose. They’re very much the third of the three, though.
You can imagine our excitement, then, when our Sauvignon Blanc -infused rewatch of The Great Mouse Detective was interrupted by a chilling bit of true crime trivia. La Tour d’Argent, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and inspiration for 2007’s Ratatouille, has lost rather a lot of wine. It has, they suspect, Been Stolen!
According to the BBC, the missing vintages were spotted last week during a routine inventory of the venue’s wine cellar, thought to be “the largest cellar in Paris”, and...
Here at Film Stories, we can’t get enough of two things: wine, and crime stories featuring anthropomorphic rodents.
Oh, and films, I suppose. They’re very much the third of the three, though.
You can imagine our excitement, then, when our Sauvignon Blanc -infused rewatch of The Great Mouse Detective was interrupted by a chilling bit of true crime trivia. La Tour d’Argent, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris and inspiration for 2007’s Ratatouille, has lost rather a lot of wine. It has, they suspect, Been Stolen!
According to the BBC, the missing vintages were spotted last week during a routine inventory of the venue’s wine cellar, thought to be “the largest cellar in Paris”, and...
- 1/30/2024
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
2024 Sundance Film Festival
Through Sunday, one can experience the 2024 Sundance Film Festival from the comfort of their own home, if it’s in the United States. Having seen over 50 titles in the lineup, in terms of films with tickets still available I can highly recommend Good One, Between the Temples, Tendaberry, Black Box Diaries, Ibelin, Kneecap, Didi, Brief History of a Family, Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Sujo, Seeking Mavis Beacon, Skywalkers: A Love Story, Union, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, and Realm of Satan. – Jordan R.
Where to Stream: Official Site (through Sunday only)
Amanda (Carolina Cavalli)
Sofia Coppola’s eighth feature doesn’t hit theaters for another few months, but you’d be forgiven if you thought it was actually Amanda, writer-director Carolina Cavalli’s darkly humorous,...
2024 Sundance Film Festival
Through Sunday, one can experience the 2024 Sundance Film Festival from the comfort of their own home, if it’s in the United States. Having seen over 50 titles in the lineup, in terms of films with tickets still available I can highly recommend Good One, Between the Temples, Tendaberry, Black Box Diaries, Ibelin, Kneecap, Didi, Brief History of a Family, Porcelain War, Sugarcane, Sujo, Seeking Mavis Beacon, Skywalkers: A Love Story, Union, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat, and Realm of Satan. – Jordan R.
Where to Stream: Official Site (through Sunday only)
Amanda (Carolina Cavalli)
Sofia Coppola’s eighth feature doesn’t hit theaters for another few months, but you’d be forgiven if you thought it was actually Amanda, writer-director Carolina Cavalli’s darkly humorous,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Finding a good movie to watch on Amazon Prime Video can be difficult to say the least. While Amazon’s robust library of titles is available to every Amazon Prime subscriber, they don’t exactly make it easy to find what you’re looking for. That’s where we come in. Below, we’ve assembled a growing list of the best movies on Amazon Prime right now. Our carefully curated selection runs the gamut from crowd-pleasing blockbusters to Oscar-winning dramas to delightful rom-coms and beyond. There’s a little something for everyone, so stop the endless scrolling and simply choose one of these great movies to watch.
Check out our list of the best movies on Amazon Prime video below. The list will be updated weekly with new titles.
Zola “Zola” (Photo credit: A24)
“Zola” should have been a bigger deal. The 2021 comedy premiered at the Sundance Film Festival just...
Check out our list of the best movies on Amazon Prime video below. The list will be updated weekly with new titles.
Zola “Zola” (Photo credit: A24)
“Zola” should have been a bigger deal. The 2021 comedy premiered at the Sundance Film Festival just...
- 1/25/2024
- by Adam Chitwood, Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
If you’re a fan of animation, you know the name John Musker, whose four decades at Disney included writing and directing such classics as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Moana. Since retiring from the studio in 2018, he independently pursued an idea for a playful hand-drawn short, which he populated with caricatures of dozens of people from his life, among them fellow animators, CalArts classmates and Disney studios execs.
I’m Hip — shortlisted for an Academy Award — is a charming, music video-like film featuring a cat singing the catchy title song, Dave Frishberg’s 1970s recording of a tune he wrote with Bob Dorough. “[The song’s] very witty, and I always thought that would make for a fun short,” says Musker, 70.
“I have a penchant for teasing people,” he says, and his film “teases people who are so desperate to be on the cutting edge of things. Certainly Los Angeles is full of those people.
I’m Hip — shortlisted for an Academy Award — is a charming, music video-like film featuring a cat singing the catchy title song, Dave Frishberg’s 1970s recording of a tune he wrote with Bob Dorough. “[The song’s] very witty, and I always thought that would make for a fun short,” says Musker, 70.
“I have a penchant for teasing people,” he says, and his film “teases people who are so desperate to be on the cutting edge of things. Certainly Los Angeles is full of those people.
- 1/10/2024
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Tracey Jacobs will end a 25-year run at UTA next year.
One of the most accomplished Hollywood talent agents of her era, Jacobs will stay on for the next several months to help with the transition of her clients and serve as an adviser to the company. She hasn’t set her next move yet, and her exit is an amicable one.
Jacobs left ICM to join United Talent Agency as a partner in 1998. She has blazed a trail for agents in Hollywood and in particular female agents, who had little voice in the hierarchy of a male-dominated industry when she came to UTA. She became the first woman to serve on an agency board when she took that post 15 years ago, and she served as the longtime head of UTA’s talent department.
Her clients – past and current – have included Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Roach, Mike White,...
One of the most accomplished Hollywood talent agents of her era, Jacobs will stay on for the next several months to help with the transition of her clients and serve as an adviser to the company. She hasn’t set her next move yet, and her exit is an amicable one.
Jacobs left ICM to join United Talent Agency as a partner in 1998. She has blazed a trail for agents in Hollywood and in particular female agents, who had little voice in the hierarchy of a male-dominated industry when she came to UTA. She became the first woman to serve on an agency board when she took that post 15 years ago, and she served as the longtime head of UTA’s talent department.
Her clients – past and current – have included Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Roach, Mike White,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a scene in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love where Julia Roberts’s character Liz basks in the experience of eating a guilt-free pizza. It was an important character moment for her–and for many audience members. And whatever your specific dietary preferences or requirements may be, we hope that you’ll enjoy whatever your guilt-free “pizza moment” is this Thanksgiving, surrounded by friends and family (chosen or otherwise.)
Food, of course, has played as major a role in cinema as any other basic human biological function, from the sprawling bowls of pasta in the works of Martin Scorsese, to the last decade’s trend of thoughtfully investigative health-leaning food docs such as Food Inc. and Forks Over Knives. Today, though, we’re leaving the scare-mongering at the kids’ table and indulging in some seriously calorie-dense, celebratory depictions of food on film.
So cinch up that lobster bib and...
Food, of course, has played as major a role in cinema as any other basic human biological function, from the sprawling bowls of pasta in the works of Martin Scorsese, to the last decade’s trend of thoughtfully investigative health-leaning food docs such as Food Inc. and Forks Over Knives. Today, though, we’re leaving the scare-mongering at the kids’ table and indulging in some seriously calorie-dense, celebratory depictions of food on film.
So cinch up that lobster bib and...
- 11/21/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
(Welcome to Best Action Scene Ever, a column dedicated to breaking down the best, most effective action sequences throughout the genre. In this edition, we revisit the surprisingly dark, highly emotional, but quintessentially Superman moment of self-sacrifice in the climax of "The Iron Giant.")
Over 20 years after its release, time has been immensely kind to "The Iron Giant." A perfect example of a film creating a lasting legacy far beyond its disappointing box office performance, the groundbreaking animation effort would put filmmaker Brad Bird on the map (along with his notoriously exacting reputation and painstaking filmmaking approach) and go on to establish itself as one of the best superhero movies of all time. Not too shabby for a hand-drawn production featuring an absolute bare minimum of action scenes and a first-time director at the helm. The 1999 classic is also one of the greatest anti-gun pleas ever committed to film, so...
Over 20 years after its release, time has been immensely kind to "The Iron Giant." A perfect example of a film creating a lasting legacy far beyond its disappointing box office performance, the groundbreaking animation effort would put filmmaker Brad Bird on the map (along with his notoriously exacting reputation and painstaking filmmaking approach) and go on to establish itself as one of the best superhero movies of all time. Not too shabby for a hand-drawn production featuring an absolute bare minimum of action scenes and a first-time director at the helm. The 1999 classic is also one of the greatest anti-gun pleas ever committed to film, so...
- 11/15/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
David Ellison’s fledgling Skydance Animation — run by head of animation John Lasseter and president Holly Edwards — has moved its movie slate from Apple Studios to Netflix. The multi-year streaming deal commences with next year’s musical fantasy “Spellbound,” directed by Vicky Jenson (“Shrek” and “Shark Tale”), featuring the voice talent of Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem, and boasting a score from Alan Menkin and original songs with lyricist Glen Slater. It’s about a princess who tries to reverse a spell that transformed her parents into monsters.
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
Set for release in 2025 is “Pookoo,” a buddy comedy about two enemies — a woodland creature and a majestic bird — that magically trade places. It’s helmed by former Disney director Nathan Greno (“Tangled”), with original music composed by Siddhartha Khosla.
Also in the works are two prestigious features that are a result of Lasseter’s strong relationships with directors Brad Bird...
- 10/18/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
’Spellbound’, Pookoo’ first titles in upcoming slate.
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
Skydance Animation has signed a multi-year exclusive agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated films to be released directly on Netflix.
The deal kicks off with Spellbound (pictured) in 2024 followed by Pookoo a year later and expands on the prior relationship between the streamer and Skydance Media.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as Skydance Animation’s multi-year deal with Apple ends as the latter shifts its focus to other types of film. Spellbound had been set to debut on Apple TV+ but will now launch on Netflix.
Skydance Media and Apple continue to...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
David Ellison’s Skydance Animation has found a new home at Netflix, ending a lucrative distribution pact with Apple Studios.
Skydance Animation, run by John Lasseter with president Holly Edwards, will now exclusively release its animated movies directly to Netflix in an arrangement that will span multiple years, with the studio’s existing slate also moving exclusively to the streamer.
The first up will be “Spellbound,” which was previously set up at Apple. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Tituss Burgess, is now set for release by Netflix in 2024, followed by “Pookoo” in 2025. Future films include “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird and an untitled Jack and the Beanstalk project directed by Rich Moore. Theatrical releases do not seem to be a part of the new Netflix-Skydance Animation agreement.
While the animation deal has ended, Apple and Skydance will continue its business on live-action films and series, including movies from...
Skydance Animation, run by John Lasseter with president Holly Edwards, will now exclusively release its animated movies directly to Netflix in an arrangement that will span multiple years, with the studio’s existing slate also moving exclusively to the streamer.
The first up will be “Spellbound,” which was previously set up at Apple. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Tituss Burgess, is now set for release by Netflix in 2024, followed by “Pookoo” in 2025. Future films include “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird and an untitled Jack and the Beanstalk project directed by Rich Moore. Theatrical releases do not seem to be a part of the new Netflix-Skydance Animation agreement.
While the animation deal has ended, Apple and Skydance will continue its business on live-action films and series, including movies from...
- 10/18/2023
- by Matt Donnelly and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In a shocking move, Skydance Animation has inked a multiyear agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animation features that will be released directly on Netflix. According to the release, the deal also brings Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate exclusively to Netflix.
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
The move comes only two years after a wide-ranging partnership between Skydance Animation and Apple TV+ was announced, following Apple’s acquisition of Skydance Animation’s “Luck.” That deal was meant to include both television and features. (The Netflix release doesn’t mention television series.)
“Spellbound,” a high-concept musical fantasy from director Vicky Jenson, will be the first film released under the pact, in 2024. The movie features a score by composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater and an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess. The movie was previewed at this...
- 10/18/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
That didn’t take long. Skydance Animation has found a new home, signing a multi-year agreement with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies to be released directly on Netflix. This deal means Skydance’s full existing animated feature slate will be released exclusively on Netflix.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
Deal comes as a multi-year pact with Apple comes to an end. Skydance Animation is already staked with Netflix, and the deal expands on a number of different projects. The first new one is Spellbound, a film that began its road at Apple, but will now debut on Netflix in 2024. That will be followed by Pookoo in 2025.
This deal expands on the existing relationship between the two companies who have already partnered on a number of projects including the films The Adam Project, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, and Spy Kids: Armageddon along with the series Fubar, Altered Carbon and Grace and Frankie.
- 10/18/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Animation has signed a multiyear pact with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies for the streamer. First up for release under the deal is Spellbound, a title that was previously set up at Apple, where Skydance Animation signed a pact in 2021. Now, the animation arm of the David Ellison-run studio has found a new streaming home at a time when Netflix is restructuring its animation efforts.
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anything is possible in October as the month that finds fall in full swing, welcomes in spooky season and kicks off the holiday season frenzy at the end of each year. The new arrivals on Netflix provide escapes of all kinds, whether they be science fiction, horror, holiday buzz or the world of superheroes. Action, romance, emotion, adrenaline and more can be accessed through various movies available to stream starting on the first of the month.
The first four of Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” franchise promise all kinds of action, suspense and thrills. Jordan Peele’s “Us” and “Get Out” provoke thrills and suspense of a different kind. “Dune” plunges viewers into a whole different planet in a galaxy warring for precious spice. “The Amazing Spider-Man” recounts Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker and his battles with villains like the Lizard and Electro. “Love Actually” hints at the heartwarming holiday romance to come.
The first four of Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible” franchise promise all kinds of action, suspense and thrills. Jordan Peele’s “Us” and “Get Out” provoke thrills and suspense of a different kind. “Dune” plunges viewers into a whole different planet in a galaxy warring for precious spice. “The Amazing Spider-Man” recounts Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker and his battles with villains like the Lizard and Electro. “Love Actually” hints at the heartwarming holiday romance to come.
- 10/8/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
“Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon” producer Osnat Shurer has left the Magic Kingdom.
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
- 9/27/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The lineup for Beyond Fest 2023 has been announced, and, as per usual, attendees will be in for a pretty incredible lineup of sci-fi classics, horror favorites, and more than 30 premieres. The event takes place from September 26th – October 10th.
With 55 features, Beyond Fest 2023 looks like a winner yet again. Some of the major attractions this year are special screenings of The Abyss (hopefully with news of a 4K Blu-ray?), Manhunter, Piranha, The Raven, and Pacific Rim, all with their directors – James Cameron, Michael Mann, Joe Dante, Roger Corman, and Guillermo del Toro – in attendance…and those are just some of the retro screenings! Fans might also want to try nabbing tickets for movies like folk-horror All You Need is Death, Cannes debuted Vincent Must Die, the remake of The Toxic Avenger, and so many more.
You can see the full lineup for the 2023 Beyond Fest below, complete with details on the premiere,...
With 55 features, Beyond Fest 2023 looks like a winner yet again. Some of the major attractions this year are special screenings of The Abyss (hopefully with news of a 4K Blu-ray?), Manhunter, Piranha, The Raven, and Pacific Rim, all with their directors – James Cameron, Michael Mann, Joe Dante, Roger Corman, and Guillermo del Toro – in attendance…and those are just some of the retro screenings! Fans might also want to try nabbing tickets for movies like folk-horror All You Need is Death, Cannes debuted Vincent Must Die, the remake of The Toxic Avenger, and so many more.
You can see the full lineup for the 2023 Beyond Fest below, complete with details on the premiere,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Beyond Fest have just unveiled the lineup for this year's edition of the two-week spectacle. As always, the lineup is a stellar mix of contemporary hits and celebrated classics. Among the classic that genre lovers will not want to miss there is a special screening of The Abyss Special Edition with James Cameron in attendance. Cronenberg's Crash Nc-17 Cut, Manhunter with Michael Mann in attendance, Iron Giant with Brad Bird stopping by and Pacific Rim with Guillermo Del Toro on site are just some of the screening featuring special guests. You will not want to miss the screening of Caligula: The Ultimate Cut with genre legend Malcolm McDowell. Contemporary circuit standouts include Suitable Flesh, When Evil Lurks, Kill, Raging Grace, The Becomers and Femme. There are...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/14/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Beyond Fest returns with an eclectic mix of films that will have you racing to pick up tickets! With over 55 films, there's something for everyone, including early screenings of The Toxic Avenger, a 10th anniversary screening of Pacific Rim with Guillermo del Toro in attendence, a screening of The Wicker Man with Britt Ekland in attendance, and more. Here are all of the details from the press release:
Beyond Fest, the highest-attended genre film festival in the US, is excited to announce its complete slate of 2023 programming comprising 55 features, including 5 world premieres, 3 North American Premieres, 7 US premieres, and 18 West Coast Premieres. After entertaining over 19,000 guests in 2022, Beyond Fest returns for its 11th edition from September 26th - October 10th. Built in partnership with the American Cinematheque and presented exclusively by Neon, Beyond Fest will screen at the Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3 and Regency Village Theatre with all ticket sales going...
Beyond Fest, the highest-attended genre film festival in the US, is excited to announce its complete slate of 2023 programming comprising 55 features, including 5 world premieres, 3 North American Premieres, 7 US premieres, and 18 West Coast Premieres. After entertaining over 19,000 guests in 2022, Beyond Fest returns for its 11th edition from September 26th - October 10th. Built in partnership with the American Cinematheque and presented exclusively by Neon, Beyond Fest will screen at the Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3 and Regency Village Theatre with all ticket sales going...
- 9/14/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The 2023 Beyond Fest lineup is set. America’s biggest genre-focused festival is returning this month with a 55-film slate that includes a Roger Corman career celebration, special screening of The Abyss with James Cameron, the world premiere of Rlje Films/Shudder’s It’s a Wonderful Knife and much more.
The 11th edition of the fest runs from September 26-October 10 in at the Los Feliz 3 in Los Angeles, the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and Regency Village Theatre in Westwood. See the full lineup below.
Beyond Fest 2023 will open with Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi epic The Creator from 20th Century Studios and close with Kristoffer Borgli’s A24 pic Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage. It also will feature the world premieres of It’s a Wonderful Knife, Welcome Space Brothers, History of Evil and the 4K restorations of Cemetery Man (1994) and The Church (1989).
Other highlights include Legendary’s new remake of Troma classic The Toxic Avenger,...
The 11th edition of the fest runs from September 26-October 10 in at the Los Feliz 3 in Los Angeles, the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and Regency Village Theatre in Westwood. See the full lineup below.
Beyond Fest 2023 will open with Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi epic The Creator from 20th Century Studios and close with Kristoffer Borgli’s A24 pic Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage. It also will feature the world premieres of It’s a Wonderful Knife, Welcome Space Brothers, History of Evil and the 4K restorations of Cemetery Man (1994) and The Church (1989).
Other highlights include Legendary’s new remake of Troma classic The Toxic Avenger,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Beyond Fest is one of the greatest, most unsung movie events of the year in Los Angeles. Happening over 15 days this year (from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9), it is a go-for-broke celebration of genre cinema – smartly programmed, lovingly assembled and genuinely thrilling.
And this year is no different, with highlights being a screening of the special edition of “The Abyss” (the wave lives!) with an appearance by director James Cameron; a screening of “Manhunter,” with director Michael Mann in attendance; a robust Roger Corman retrospective (including a screening of “Piranha” with director Joe Dante) and the West Coast premiere of new movies like Macon Blair’s “The Toxic Avenger” and Nicolas Cage in A24’s “Dream Scenario.”
There are also retrospective screenings of “The Iron Giant” (with Brad Bird), “Pacific Rim” (with Guillermo del Toro) and a presentation of the new 4K restoration of “The Raid,” among many, many other things.
And this year is no different, with highlights being a screening of the special edition of “The Abyss” (the wave lives!) with an appearance by director James Cameron; a screening of “Manhunter,” with director Michael Mann in attendance; a robust Roger Corman retrospective (including a screening of “Piranha” with director Joe Dante) and the West Coast premiere of new movies like Macon Blair’s “The Toxic Avenger” and Nicolas Cage in A24’s “Dream Scenario.”
There are also retrospective screenings of “The Iron Giant” (with Brad Bird), “Pacific Rim” (with Guillermo del Toro) and a presentation of the new 4K restoration of “The Raid,” among many, many other things.
- 9/14/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Ratatouille (2007) was one of Pixar‘s masterpieces of the 2000s. A Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava project, Ratatouille became Pixar’s eighth produced film. The movie was an all-round success, being critically acclaimed and a box-office success. Unsurprisingly, Ratatouille became the sixth highest-grossing film of the year and the second highest-grossing animated movie. Ratatouille won the Oscars for Best Animated Feature at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, receiving nominations in several categories. However, particular praise went to the voice talents behind the film’s characters. Taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these are the top cast membersof Ratatouille (2007) and...
- 9/12/2023
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Jake Bloom, the larger-than-life Hollywood attorney who negotiated rich deals for clients including Nicolas Cage, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Depp, died Thursday in Sun Valley, Idaho, his wife Ruth confirmed. He was 81.
In 2019, Bloom retired along with his partner Alan Hergott while the firm was still in the midst of litigation with former client Depp.
Bloom Hergott was founded in 1970, with a stable of high-profile clients that also included directors Brad Bird, Martin Scorsese and Rob Cohen, producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and actor Jason Statham.
Over the years, he worked with Hollywood’s top names thanks to close relationships with CAA and ICM. Bloom famously negotiated Depp’s first deal to star in Disney’s live-action “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, which held back merchandising and theme park rights, resulting in a big payoff for Depp and Bruckheimer.
In 2001, Bloom secured a massive $29.25 million contract for Schwarzenegger to star in “Terminator 3.
In 2019, Bloom retired along with his partner Alan Hergott while the firm was still in the midst of litigation with former client Depp.
Bloom Hergott was founded in 1970, with a stable of high-profile clients that also included directors Brad Bird, Martin Scorsese and Rob Cohen, producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Lorenzo di Bonaventura, and actor Jason Statham.
Over the years, he worked with Hollywood’s top names thanks to close relationships with CAA and ICM. Bloom famously negotiated Depp’s first deal to star in Disney’s live-action “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, which held back merchandising and theme park rights, resulting in a big payoff for Depp and Bruckheimer.
In 2001, Bloom secured a massive $29.25 million contract for Schwarzenegger to star in “Terminator 3.
- 9/7/2023
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Jake Bloom, one of the top attorneys in Hollywood and founding partner of Bloom, Hergott Llp, died at his Idaho home at the age of 81.
Born in Brooklyn and a graduate of Cornell Law School, Bloom moved to Los Angeles and joined the California Bar in 1968. Two years later, he co-founded Bloom, Hergott Llp, which at its height employed 75 lawyers and represented many of the top filmmakers and actors of the 20th century.
Among the directors and producers represented by Bloom, Hergott were George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Brad Bird, Ron Howard, Charles Roven, John Hughes, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Among the actors Bloom represented were Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone and Jackie Chan.
During his career from 1968 to 2019, Bloom also donated his time and money to several philanthropic endeavors, serving as a founding member of the LA Museum of Contemporary Art and the Venice Art Walk. He also donated...
Born in Brooklyn and a graduate of Cornell Law School, Bloom moved to Los Angeles and joined the California Bar in 1968. Two years later, he co-founded Bloom, Hergott Llp, which at its height employed 75 lawyers and represented many of the top filmmakers and actors of the 20th century.
Among the directors and producers represented by Bloom, Hergott were George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Brad Bird, Ron Howard, Charles Roven, John Hughes, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Among the actors Bloom represented were Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone and Jackie Chan.
During his career from 1968 to 2019, Bloom also donated his time and money to several philanthropic endeavors, serving as a founding member of the LA Museum of Contemporary Art and the Venice Art Walk. He also donated...
- 9/7/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Jake Bloom has died. He passed away this morning in his Sun Valley Idaho home of natural causes. He was 81 years old.
The veteran and founding partner of Bloom, Hergott Llp Bloom created and helmed the largest and most successful entertainment law firm in Hollywood in history. Begun in 1970, at it’s height the company employed over 75 attorneys and had one of the most impressive stables of high-profile clients ever assembled.
His roster included producers Jerry Bruckheimer, George Lucas, Charles Roven, John Davis, Larry Gordon, Martin Scorsese and Lorenzo di Bonaventura as well as directors John Hughes, Ron Howard and Brad Bird.
It was his representation of the biggest motion picture and television personalities in the world that Bloom was most respected and admired for. His clients included actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Jason Patric and Jackie Chan among many others.
He also repped Johnny Depp,...
The veteran and founding partner of Bloom, Hergott Llp Bloom created and helmed the largest and most successful entertainment law firm in Hollywood in history. Begun in 1970, at it’s height the company employed over 75 attorneys and had one of the most impressive stables of high-profile clients ever assembled.
His roster included producers Jerry Bruckheimer, George Lucas, Charles Roven, John Davis, Larry Gordon, Martin Scorsese and Lorenzo di Bonaventura as well as directors John Hughes, Ron Howard and Brad Bird.
It was his representation of the biggest motion picture and television personalities in the world that Bloom was most respected and admired for. His clients included actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Jason Patric and Jackie Chan among many others.
He also repped Johnny Depp,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Skydance Media CEO David Ellison called the creative process a “community” where “both sides of this disagreement actually need one another to move forward. So, my hope is that we can find a path to compromise so that everybody can get back to work and we can position ourselves for success going forward.”
“We are not a member of the AMPTP, and some of my closest friends are the writers and actors that we work with to create content. And, we literally work with every member on the AMPTP side,” he said during a Q&a at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia media conference in San Francisco when asked about the strike – day 127 for the WGA and day 54 for SAG-AFTRA.
The annual investor event is mostly limited to public companies. At privately-held Skydance, “We want to always make sure we position ourselves to be able to be a publicly-traded company,” Ellison said.
“We are not a member of the AMPTP, and some of my closest friends are the writers and actors that we work with to create content. And, we literally work with every member on the AMPTP side,” he said during a Q&a at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia media conference in San Francisco when asked about the strike – day 127 for the WGA and day 54 for SAG-AFTRA.
The annual investor event is mostly limited to public companies. At privately-held Skydance, “We want to always make sure we position ourselves to be able to be a publicly-traded company,” Ellison said.
- 9/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
If you had a gun to your head and had to answer candidly, what would you say is the best action movie franchise of the 21st century? While John Wick is quickly climbing the ranks and a real argument for the Fast and Furious can be made, when it comes to jaw-dropping stunts and eye-popping setpieces that continue to get better each time out, it’s hard to top what Tom Cruise has been able to achieve with the Mission: Impossible franchise. Indeed, while early results from directors like Brian De Palma and John Woo might be varied, Tom Cruise has remained the one constant and used his superstar wattage to help everyone from JJ Abrams to Brad Bird retain his own stamp while improving the overall quality of the franchise. With that in mind, the collaboration between Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie has catapulted the Mission Impossible Franchise...
- 8/30/2023
- by Jake Dee
- JoBlo.com
The "Mission: Impossible" series has become easily my favorite film franchise over the course of the last decade. Not only is its consistency unmatched in today's Hollywood blockbuster landscape, but the franchise has pulled off the remarkable feat of remaining consistent; the later entries of the series are actually the best of the bunch. As the series has spanned 27 years now, people come to the "Mission: Impossible" films at different times. I'd say there are two major entry points. Obviously, you have Brian De Palma's original "Mission: Impossible," but I would also say Brad Bird's fourth installment, "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol," would be the other film where a new generation of people hopped in.
Mine wasn't either of these films. My first experience with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt was J.J. Abrams' "Mission: Impossible III." This was a film that came out at the height of...
Mine wasn't either of these films. My first experience with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt was J.J. Abrams' "Mission: Impossible III." This was a film that came out at the height of...
- 8/26/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Jules is a sci-fi comedy-drama film directed by Marc Turtletaub from a screenplay by Gavin Steckler. The sci-fi film follows the story of an old man who lives a quiet life but his life gets upended when a UFO crashed into his backyard and an alien becomes his houseguest. Soon, his quiet life gets thrown into chaos as his nosy neighbors get involved in his life and the government closes in on the alien’s location. Jules stars the always brilliant Ben Kingsley in the lead role with Jane Curtin, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Zoe Winters taking on supporting roles. So, if you loved Jules here are some similar movies for you to check out next.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Journey back to the magic and adventure of “one of the great American films” (Leonard Maltin) with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,...
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Journey back to the magic and adventure of “one of the great American films” (Leonard Maltin) with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Clockwise from top left: The Lion King (Disney), 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner Bros.), Toy Story 3 (Disney), The Muppet Movie (Disney)Illustration: AVClub
It’s hard to imagine a world without G-rated movies, but we’re getting there. Since the rating system was instituted in 1968, beloved films like Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,...
It’s hard to imagine a world without G-rated movies, but we’re getting there. Since the rating system was instituted in 1968, beloved films like Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Ian Spelling
- avclub.com
These days, it feels like so many major Hollywood movies are based on preexisting properties or serving as sequels, prequels, or remakes to popular films that there's no room for fresh ideas. Fortunately, movies based on original concepts do still make an impact on the film industry and continue to garner critical acclaim and commercial support at the box office. Looking back through cinema history, those movies that made their mark without becoming a franchise stand out as truly special experiences.
For the purposes of this article, a movie is considered a franchise if it has at least one follow-up, including follow-ups in active development. Movies are additionally considered franchises if they're based on television series, direct-to-video films, or products, like "Barbie." Movies that receive a line of tie-in merchandising, a non-film adaptation, or that are literary adaptations are not considered franchises here. So, with those provisions, let's rank the...
For the purposes of this article, a movie is considered a franchise if it has at least one follow-up, including follow-ups in active development. Movies are additionally considered franchises if they're based on television series, direct-to-video films, or products, like "Barbie." Movies that receive a line of tie-in merchandising, a non-film adaptation, or that are literary adaptations are not considered franchises here. So, with those provisions, let's rank the...
- 8/13/2023
- by Samuel Stone
- Slash Film
"Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" was not the film that turned the "Mission: Impossible" film franchise into the "Tom Cruise Stares Death in the Face" show. No, that honor belongs to "Mission: Impossible II," which opens with Cruise's Ethan Hunt free solo rock climbing in Moab, Utah (which Cruise did for real wearing a harness ... because of course he did). "Ghost Protocol" was, however, a pivotal turning point in the series in terms of both its storytelling and technical elements.
Where director John Woo tried to turn Ethan into an American James Bond with "Mission: Impossible II," director Brad Bird brought the character down to Earth a little in "Ghost Protocol," making him the sort of plucky hero with a knack for evading disaster by the skin of his teeth. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the film's crown jewel -- the sequence in which Ethan scales the tallest building in the world,...
Where director John Woo tried to turn Ethan into an American James Bond with "Mission: Impossible II," director Brad Bird brought the character down to Earth a little in "Ghost Protocol," making him the sort of plucky hero with a knack for evading disaster by the skin of his teeth. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the film's crown jewel -- the sequence in which Ethan scales the tallest building in the world,...
- 8/13/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
In July, Tom Cruise‘s latest foray as Ethan Hunt, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” crashed into movie theaters like a runaway train, taking advantage of the fact it could get premium formats before the unstoppable “Barbenheimer” was unleashed.
Much of the narrative following “Dead Reckoning’s” opening weekend of $54.7 million is that it wasn’t performing up to spec, though one has to remember that it made another $23.8 million before the weekend for a five-day opening of $78.5 million. Although the weekend part was lower than the $61.2 million the previous “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” opened with in 2018, it was more than every previous “Mission: Impossible” movie.
See Grab the popcorn and sound off in our movie forums
The problem that “Dead Reckoning” knew it was going to face was the combination of Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan‘s “Oppenheimer,” which were always going to grab all...
Much of the narrative following “Dead Reckoning’s” opening weekend of $54.7 million is that it wasn’t performing up to spec, though one has to remember that it made another $23.8 million before the weekend for a five-day opening of $78.5 million. Although the weekend part was lower than the $61.2 million the previous “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” opened with in 2018, it was more than every previous “Mission: Impossible” movie.
See Grab the popcorn and sound off in our movie forums
The problem that “Dead Reckoning” knew it was going to face was the combination of Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan‘s “Oppenheimer,” which were always going to grab all...
- 8/11/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
When did the “Mission: Impossible” films become action movies? I’m not sure when that happened, but I do know this much: For a series like the one in question, it’s live by the action, die by the action. For a few days there, people were chattering about all the great action in “Dead Reckoning Part One,” talking up the Fiat car chase or that train-dangling-from-a-cliff climax as if we’d never seen a sequence like that one before. But all I could think was, “Don’t we have the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise for that?”
For 27 years, the “Mission: Impossible” films have been dotted with great action. That’s part of what these movies are. In a funny way, though, it can’t be the essence of what they are. Because then, no matter how spectacular Tom Cruise’s latest P.T. Barnum feat of star-in-the-air stunt work is...
For 27 years, the “Mission: Impossible” films have been dotted with great action. That’s part of what these movies are. In a funny way, though, it can’t be the essence of what they are. Because then, no matter how spectacular Tom Cruise’s latest P.T. Barnum feat of star-in-the-air stunt work is...
- 8/6/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
(Welcome to Best Action Scene Ever, a column dedicated to breaking down the best, most effective action sequences throughout the genre. In this edition, one of the best superhero movies ever made gets its due thanks to its best action scene: the jungle fight in "The Incredibles.")
As a famous filmmaker has said over and over again: Animation is cinema. When he isn't spreading the good news of scary cinematic monsters or publicly expressing his support for Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," you can usually find director Guillermo del Toro standing up for the under-appreciated virtues of animation. "Thankless" doesn't even begin to describe the superhuman work that goes into the creation of any animated movie or show, to say nothing of the fact that writers in this medium aren't even eligible for inclusion among the Writers Guild of America So in the spirit of solidarity and celebration amid the ongoing...
As a famous filmmaker has said over and over again: Animation is cinema. When he isn't spreading the good news of scary cinematic monsters or publicly expressing his support for Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," you can usually find director Guillermo del Toro standing up for the under-appreciated virtues of animation. "Thankless" doesn't even begin to describe the superhuman work that goes into the creation of any animated movie or show, to say nothing of the fact that writers in this medium aren't even eligible for inclusion among the Writers Guild of America So in the spirit of solidarity and celebration amid the ongoing...
- 7/31/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
20 years before Disney's latest attempt at a Haunted Mansion movie, the studio tried and failed to recreate the magic of the theme park ride.
This July, Disney is releasing "Haunted Mansion," an adaptation of one of its most beloved theme park attractions. The company has been trying to get this project off the ground for well over 13 years, with Guillermo del Toro, a Haunted Mansion superfan, at one point attached to direct. Justin Simien of "Dear White People" and "Bad Hair" fame is helming the finished project, and the comedy horror features a starry cast including Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. With a reported budget of over $157 million, it's a risky bet for Disney, which has seen a handful of commercial disappointments this year, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Whether or not general audiences are intrigued by a theme park ride adaptation remains to be seen,...
This July, Disney is releasing "Haunted Mansion," an adaptation of one of its most beloved theme park attractions. The company has been trying to get this project off the ground for well over 13 years, with Guillermo del Toro, a Haunted Mansion superfan, at one point attached to direct. Justin Simien of "Dear White People" and "Bad Hair" fame is helming the finished project, and the comedy horror features a starry cast including Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. With a reported budget of over $157 million, it's a risky bet for Disney, which has seen a handful of commercial disappointments this year, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Whether or not general audiences are intrigued by a theme park ride adaptation remains to be seen,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
When Tom Cruise accepted his first mission as Ethan Hunt, I bet the star never thought that he’d still be playing the character nearly thirty years later, with no plans to stop anytime soon. But, as any franchise fan can tell you, not all Mission: Impossible movies are created equal, and we’re going to try to break them down from worst to best in our Mission Impossible movies ranked list!
7 – Mission: Impossible II:
Here’s the thing – many people hate this movie. I honestly don’t know why. Is it the worst Mission: Impossible movie? Sure. But, simultaneously, “worst” doesn’t mean the same thing for this franchise that it does to others. Even if it is the worst Mission: Impossible movie, there’s still plenty to like about it. Arguably, John Woo was the one who transformed Tom Cruise into an action hero, as we’d...
7 – Mission: Impossible II:
Here’s the thing – many people hate this movie. I honestly don’t know why. Is it the worst Mission: Impossible movie? Sure. But, simultaneously, “worst” doesn’t mean the same thing for this franchise that it does to others. Even if it is the worst Mission: Impossible movie, there’s still plenty to like about it. Arguably, John Woo was the one who transformed Tom Cruise into an action hero, as we’d...
- 7/15/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
This weekend sees only one major new release, but its a big one! One year after Tom Cruise came barreling back to theaters and saved the movie industry as we know it, he is back again to save it from a summer of unexpected box office bombs with Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One.
We do have a bit of a leg up on our predictions with this one as it actually opened yesterday where it pulled in around $16 million with $7 million of that coming from Tuesday previews (that number is preliminary for now until official Wednesday numbers are released from the studio.) Tracking right now has the film hitting a little over $90 million for the 5-day haul with about $65 million of that coming on the weekend. Having seen the film and absolutely loving it, combined with stellar reviews (including an impressive 9/10 from our own Chris Bumbray) and strong word of mouth,...
We do have a bit of a leg up on our predictions with this one as it actually opened yesterday where it pulled in around $16 million with $7 million of that coming from Tuesday previews (that number is preliminary for now until official Wednesday numbers are released from the studio.) Tracking right now has the film hitting a little over $90 million for the 5-day haul with about $65 million of that coming on the weekend. Having seen the film and absolutely loving it, combined with stellar reviews (including an impressive 9/10 from our own Chris Bumbray) and strong word of mouth,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
The hard drives are concealed in lipstick cases and the latex face masks are now molded with the help of a 3D printer, but the considerable and surprisingly consistent pleasures of the Mission: Impossible series rely on more vintage touches: ambiguous bombshells of a classical Hollywood beauty; Cold War-era villains; and Tom Cruise’s eternal commitment to scaling buildings, escaping shackles, and crashing through plates of glass.
Mirroring phases of the star’s career, the franchise has cast Ethan Hunt as a cocksure maverick (Brian De Palma’s original), devoted romantic (John Woo’s Mission: Impossible II), and a prospective husband (J.J. Abrams’s Mission: Impossible III). Since then, a series which has never shown much interest in character-building has become the perfect embodiment of Cruise’s illegible reputation. Brad Bird’s Ghost Protocol rendered Hunt an avatar, nearly silent in his service to the director’s kinetic set pieces,...
Mirroring phases of the star’s career, the franchise has cast Ethan Hunt as a cocksure maverick (Brian De Palma’s original), devoted romantic (John Woo’s Mission: Impossible II), and a prospective husband (J.J. Abrams’s Mission: Impossible III). Since then, a series which has never shown much interest in character-building has become the perfect embodiment of Cruise’s illegible reputation. Brad Bird’s Ghost Protocol rendered Hunt an avatar, nearly silent in his service to the director’s kinetic set pieces,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Slant Staff
- Slant Magazine
We all know that Mission: Impossible is about Ethan Hunt, the living manifestation of destiny. With mega-star Tom Cruise in the role, the character of Hunt became more important to the franchise than any of the leads of the original series, Jim Phelps, Dan Briggs (Steven Hill), or Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain). But for a little while, producers considered phasing Hunt out of the series, making him the new secretary of the Impossible Mission Force while Jeremy Renner’s William Brandt became the new team leader.
Those plans changed midway through the production of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol when Christopher McQuarrie came in to finish a script started by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec. Although director Brad Bird had already started shooting scenes for Ghost Protocol, McQuarrie successfully argued that Hunt should remain the focus and could not be replaced.
This behind-the-scenes tension added a spark of electricity between Brandt and Hunt on screen.
Those plans changed midway through the production of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol when Christopher McQuarrie came in to finish a script started by Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec. Although director Brad Bird had already started shooting scenes for Ghost Protocol, McQuarrie successfully argued that Hunt should remain the focus and could not be replaced.
This behind-the-scenes tension added a spark of electricity between Brandt and Hunt on screen.
- 7/12/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
“Your life will always matter more to me than my own.” So utters a weary Ethan Hunt in the back half of his most recent mission. It hits with appropriate poignancy in context, but serves as a battle cry for what Tom Cruise’s latest big-screen endeavors have become. He’s free solo’d cliff faces and skyscrapers, clung onto airplanes (or fallen out of them), all culminating in a suicide motorcycle jump off the Paramount logo itself. Win, lose, or draw, the man is fully committed to a perverse obsession: defying death to save the future of The Movies.
Such is the nature of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, an entry that pits Ethan Hunt et al against a seemingly inescapable adversary: a superpowered form of Artificial Intelligence known as The Entity. Confronted with this faceless, inhuman destroyer that can manipulate all aspects of our increasingly digital landscape,...
Such is the nature of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, an entry that pits Ethan Hunt et al against a seemingly inescapable adversary: a superpowered form of Artificial Intelligence known as The Entity. Confronted with this faceless, inhuman destroyer that can manipulate all aspects of our increasingly digital landscape,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Conor O'Donnell
- The Film Stage
Beginning 15 years ago with Valkyrie, a WWII action-thriller centered on the ill-fated, real-life attempt to assassinate Hitler by senior military officers, Academy Award-winning writer-director Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects) has been in the Tom Cruise business and business, as everyone knows by now, has been very good, not just for Cruise but for McQuarrie too. Since that first team-up, McQuarrie contributed a series-saving, uncredited rewrite of 2011’s Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol for director Brad Bird before turning his screenwriting talents to several Cruise-led projects, including Jack Reacher, Edge of Tomorrow, and The Mummy (a rare commercial misfire). More recently, the duo collaborated on Top Gun: Maverick, the record-breaking sequel to director Tony Scott’s 1986 hit film, Top Gun....
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 7/5/2023
- Screen Anarchy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.