EW Scarlett Johansson covers the magazine and talks Black Widow
Guardian Guy Lodge curates a Max von Sydow mini-fest for us
Disney+ Frozen 2 is now streaming three months ahead of schedule.
EW Judi Dench delighted by her Razzie nomination for Cats
Coming Soon new Wonder Woman 1984 motion poster Coronavirus The New Yorker "what the coronavirus crisis means for watching movies"
The Oatmeal "How to touch your face less" practical advice for a pandemic time
IndieWire AMC and Regal are limiting capacity to 50% at their movie theaters to help stop the quick spread of Coronavirus
IndieWire Cannes is now waiting until April 15th to decide on whether to cancel Cannes in May (French movie theaters have now closed)
Deadline Emmy campaigning forced to change due to industry shut downs and fears...
Guardian Guy Lodge curates a Max von Sydow mini-fest for us
Disney+ Frozen 2 is now streaming three months ahead of schedule.
EW Judi Dench delighted by her Razzie nomination for Cats
Coming Soon new Wonder Woman 1984 motion poster Coronavirus The New Yorker "what the coronavirus crisis means for watching movies"
The Oatmeal "How to touch your face less" practical advice for a pandemic time
IndieWire AMC and Regal are limiting capacity to 50% at their movie theaters to help stop the quick spread of Coronavirus
IndieWire Cannes is now waiting until April 15th to decide on whether to cancel Cannes in May (French movie theaters have now closed)
Deadline Emmy campaigning forced to change due to industry shut downs and fears...
- 3/15/2020
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Actress Emily Blunt feels living in Brooklyn has made her life more "manageable".
The London-born actress and her husband John Krasinski - who have daughters Hazel, six, and Violet, three, together - love living in the borough in New York City, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Also Read:?Emily Blunt admits she wanted to a pop star
In an interview to the Guardian newspaper, Blunt said: "No one bothers us, we walk around, we don't have a car, it's very manageable. I don't know many other neighbourhoods where we would find it as easy."
Apart from this, Blunt recently revealed that she wanted to be a pop star.
"I could have been Britney (Spears)," she joked, noting that her dreams were short-lived because of one minor detail. I realised I wasn't good at dancing and I didn't want to be Britney... I don't know," she added.
The London-born actress and her husband John Krasinski - who have daughters Hazel, six, and Violet, three, together - love living in the borough in New York City, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Also Read:?Emily Blunt admits she wanted to a pop star
In an interview to the Guardian newspaper, Blunt said: "No one bothers us, we walk around, we don't have a car, it's very manageable. I don't know many other neighbourhoods where we would find it as easy."
Apart from this, Blunt recently revealed that she wanted to be a pop star.
"I could have been Britney (Spears)," she joked, noting that her dreams were short-lived because of one minor detail. I realised I wasn't good at dancing and I didn't want to be Britney... I don't know," she added.
- 3/14/2020
- GlamSham
FX's new four-part documentary series The Most Dangerous Animal of All explores the life of Earl Van Best Jr., the subject of the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by Van Best's son Gary Stewart (pictured) and journalist Susan Mustafa. Stewart, who was raised by his adoptive parents, believes that his biological father is the Zodiac Killer based on circumstantial evidence he's been gathering since he reconnected with his birth mother, Judith Gilford, in 2002. However, there's no way to ask Van Best about the accusations against him, because the Zodiac Killer suspect died in 1984, in Mexico, where he's buried in an unmarked grave, per The Guardian.
As part of the FX series, Stewart and his son traveled to Mexico City to visit Van Best's grave, but the details of his biological father's later years are scarce. What we know for sure is that Van Best was...
As part of the FX series, Stewart and his son traveled to Mexico City to visit Van Best's grave, but the details of his biological father's later years are scarce. What we know for sure is that Van Best was...
- 3/10/2020
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) once had a life filled with promise. In high school, he was a basketball phenom with a full university scholarship, when suddenly, for reasons unknown, he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Now years later, Jack is spiraling down, triggered by an unspeakable loss, and drowning in the alcoholism that cost him his marriage and any hope for a better life.
When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boys start to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?
The Way Back...
When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boys start to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?
The Way Back...
- 3/4/2020
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dazn, the streaming service that is looking to make itself the Netflix of sports, will soon be going global, company executives shared on Monday morning.
The company, pronounced “da zone,” is looking to expand from its nine current markets to about 200 markets, according to Dazn chairman — and former ESPN president — John Skipper.
“We’re more interested in being the global leader in sports than the world-wide leader in sports in the United States,” Skipper told The Wall Street Journal, while alluding to his former employer’s tagline.
Also Read: Why Discovery Won't Sell Content to Peacock, Other Streaming Services
The service, which offers high-end boxing matches and international soccer, among other choices, has about 8 million paid subscribers, according to WSJ. Dazn runs $19.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Beyond the U.S., Dazn is also available in Austria, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Spain and Switzerland.
With Dazn soon entering the U.
The company, pronounced “da zone,” is looking to expand from its nine current markets to about 200 markets, according to Dazn chairman — and former ESPN president — John Skipper.
“We’re more interested in being the global leader in sports than the world-wide leader in sports in the United States,” Skipper told The Wall Street Journal, while alluding to his former employer’s tagline.
Also Read: Why Discovery Won't Sell Content to Peacock, Other Streaming Services
The service, which offers high-end boxing matches and international soccer, among other choices, has about 8 million paid subscribers, according to WSJ. Dazn runs $19.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Beyond the U.S., Dazn is also available in Austria, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Spain and Switzerland.
With Dazn soon entering the U.
- 3/2/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Sneak Peek more new footage, plus images from Marvel Studios "Black Widow" solo feature, directed by Cate Shortland, starring Scarlett Johansson as Russian superspy 'Natasha Romanoff', opening May 1, 2020:
"...in Marvel Studios’ spy thriller 'Black Widow', 'Natasha Romanoff', aka 'Black Widow', confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.
"Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy...
"...and the broken relationships left in her wake, long before she became an 'Avenger'.
"Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as 'Natasha'/'Black Widow', Florence Pugh stars as 'Yelena', David Harbour portrays 'Alexei'/'The Red Guardian' and Rachel Weisz is 'Melina'. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, 'Black Widow', the first film in 'Phase Four' of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe', hits Us theaters May 1, 2020..."
Click...
"...in Marvel Studios’ spy thriller 'Black Widow', 'Natasha Romanoff', aka 'Black Widow', confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.
"Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy...
"...and the broken relationships left in her wake, long before she became an 'Avenger'.
"Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as 'Natasha'/'Black Widow', Florence Pugh stars as 'Yelena', David Harbour portrays 'Alexei'/'The Red Guardian' and Rachel Weisz is 'Melina'. Directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige, 'Black Widow', the first film in 'Phase Four' of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe', hits Us theaters May 1, 2020..."
Click...
- 2/3/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Above: Alternative UK poster for Parasite. Art by Andrew Bannister.Whether or not you think it’s the best film of the year, I think by now it’s safe to say that Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is the most significant film of last year and probably this year too. From its Palme d’Or win to its historic Oscar nominations, Parasite is to 2019 what Pulp Fiction was to 1994: an impossible-to-ignore global phenomenon and a brilliant work of art to boot. All great works of art inspire more great art and Parasite has been a gloriously fecund host for poster designers to feed off, inspiring ingenious commercial campaigns and fan art alike.The original Korean poster—the first glimpse any of us got of this soon-to-be sensation back last April—was designed by Kim Sang-man, a film director (Midnight FM), art director (Joint Security Area), and composer, who started...
- 1/25/2020
- MUBI
During a “Celebrating the First Amendment” event at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesaday, Fox News’ Chris Wallace called out President Trump for, well, not celebrating the First Amendment.
“I believe that President Trump is engaged in the most direct, sustained assault on freedom of the press in our history,” Wallace said, according to the Guardian.
Wallace continued: “He has done everything he can to undercut the media, to try and delegitimize us, and I think his purpose is clear: to raise doubts when we report critically about him and his administration that we can be trusted. Back in 2017, he tweeted something that said far more about him than it did about us: ‘The fake news media is not my enemy. It is the enemy of the American people.'”
Also Read: Fox News' Neil Cavuto Defends Chris Wallace, Tells Trump That Journalists 'Are Not Entitled to Praise...
“I believe that President Trump is engaged in the most direct, sustained assault on freedom of the press in our history,” Wallace said, according to the Guardian.
Wallace continued: “He has done everything he can to undercut the media, to try and delegitimize us, and I think his purpose is clear: to raise doubts when we report critically about him and his administration that we can be trusted. Back in 2017, he tweeted something that said far more about him than it did about us: ‘The fake news media is not my enemy. It is the enemy of the American people.'”
Also Read: Fox News' Neil Cavuto Defends Chris Wallace, Tells Trump That Journalists 'Are Not Entitled to Praise...
- 12/12/2019
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
Lee Chang-dong’s missing-person drama was a flickering gem that forwent easy thrills for a deeply unsettling unresolvedness
The 50 best films of 2019 in the UKMore best culture of 2019
South Korea has claimed its place at international cinema’s top table over the last couple of decades, what with the baroque savagery of Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy and the razor-sharp precision of Bong Joon-ho’s social parables – culminating in his Palme d’Or win for Parasite. With all the big beasts out there, it would have been a shame if this remarkable film from Lee Chang-dong had been crowded out.
Burning is adapted from a short story Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami. Jong-su is directionless twentysomething, an aspiring writer with a fondness for William Faulkner and saddled with an aggressive father – whose arrest and trial for assault means Jong-su has to spend long hours at the family farm looking after the livestock.
The 50 best films of 2019 in the UKMore best culture of 2019
South Korea has claimed its place at international cinema’s top table over the last couple of decades, what with the baroque savagery of Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy and the razor-sharp precision of Bong Joon-ho’s social parables – culminating in his Palme d’Or win for Parasite. With all the big beasts out there, it would have been a shame if this remarkable film from Lee Chang-dong had been crowded out.
Burning is adapted from a short story Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami. Jong-su is directionless twentysomething, an aspiring writer with a fondness for William Faulkner and saddled with an aggressive father – whose arrest and trial for assault means Jong-su has to spend long hours at the family farm looking after the livestock.
- 12/11/2019
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
The scriptwriter and playwright, best known for penning the gangster film starring Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren, died in London after a short illness
Obituary – Barry Keeffe
Barrie Keeffe, the scriptwriter and playwright best known for writing the landmark British gangster film The Long Good Friday, has died aged 74. His agent Stephen Durbridge announced the news, saying Keeffe had died in London after a short illness.
Born in 1945, Keeffe grew up in east London, attending East Ham grammar school and then working as a reporter for the local newspaper, the Stratford Express. According to former Guardian columnist Roy Greenslade, Keeffe’s interest in activism and politics led him towards plays and scriptwriting: “He loved the paper and his colleagues, but he was frustrated by the fact it constricted his chance to tell the stories he thought it important to tell.”...
Obituary – Barry Keeffe
Barrie Keeffe, the scriptwriter and playwright best known for writing the landmark British gangster film The Long Good Friday, has died aged 74. His agent Stephen Durbridge announced the news, saying Keeffe had died in London after a short illness.
Born in 1945, Keeffe grew up in east London, attending East Ham grammar school and then working as a reporter for the local newspaper, the Stratford Express. According to former Guardian columnist Roy Greenslade, Keeffe’s interest in activism and politics led him towards plays and scriptwriting: “He loved the paper and his colleagues, but he was frustrated by the fact it constricted his chance to tell the stories he thought it important to tell.”...
- 12/10/2019
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Jan Komasa’s “Corpus Christi,” Poland’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards, has become an arthouse hit at the local box office. The film has also become an international sales success with the number of territories sold rising to 45.
The film, which world premiered as part of Venice Days and made its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, has grossed 26 million Pln ($6.66 million) from 1.36 million admissions in Poland, making it the top arthouse drama of the year. The pic was in the top 10 for seven weeks, and is now in 11th place, playing on 60 screens.
Last year, Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Cold War” grossed 17.3 million Pln ($4.48 million) from 931,000 admissions; after the film’s re-release following its three Oscar nominations its Polish gross rose to $4.87 million.
Only around three Polish films a year reach the 1.5 million admissions mark, but these tends to be comedies,...
The film, which world premiered as part of Venice Days and made its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, has grossed 26 million Pln ($6.66 million) from 1.36 million admissions in Poland, making it the top arthouse drama of the year. The pic was in the top 10 for seven weeks, and is now in 11th place, playing on 60 screens.
Last year, Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Cold War” grossed 17.3 million Pln ($4.48 million) from 931,000 admissions; after the film’s re-release following its three Oscar nominations its Polish gross rose to $4.87 million.
Only around three Polish films a year reach the 1.5 million admissions mark, but these tends to be comedies,...
- 12/7/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel released a new teaser trailer for Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson, and it seems the story doesn't take place before her Avenger days, but somewhere in between. We also get to see a lot of cool action scenes, and a first look at David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, Rachel Weisz and this year's break out star Florence Pugh as Natasha's sister. A new simple but effective movie poster was also released. ...
- 12/3/2019
- by info@cinemovie.tv (Super User)
- CineMovie
If you are a parent of small children, you know that YouTube without content filters (and sometimes even with filters) is nothing short of a cesspool. Clicking on a video of Elmo singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” for instance, could prompt the algorithm to suggest, say, a Macedonian studio’s computer-animated version of that same song, which in turn leads to another video from that same studio, which in turns leads it to a video of an unlicensed Elmo’s head being popped like a bubble...
- 12/2/2019
- by EJ Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
Ahead of the launch on Tuesday of the Guardian’s films of the year countdown, our critic selects his personal choice of the movies, directors and performances of 2019
• The Braddies are listed in alphabetical order, rather than ranked in terms of merit
Once again, the awards season comes to its climax with my “Braddies” for the calendar year, a selection of my personal awards that exists entirely independently of Guardian Film’s best-of-the-year countdown.
As ever, there are 10 “nominees” in 10 categories: film, director, actor, actress, supporting Actor, supporting Actress, documentary, cinematography, screenplay, directorial debut. There is also the single-entry nomination in the special category: quirkiest future cult classic most likely to beoverlooked by the boomer Msm establishment. The nominees are listed in alphabetical order and readers are invited to vote below the line for their preferred winner – and complain about omissions.
• The Braddies are listed in alphabetical order, rather than ranked in terms of merit
Once again, the awards season comes to its climax with my “Braddies” for the calendar year, a selection of my personal awards that exists entirely independently of Guardian Film’s best-of-the-year countdown.
As ever, there are 10 “nominees” in 10 categories: film, director, actor, actress, supporting Actor, supporting Actress, documentary, cinematography, screenplay, directorial debut. There is also the single-entry nomination in the special category: quirkiest future cult classic most likely to beoverlooked by the boomer Msm establishment. The nominees are listed in alphabetical order and readers are invited to vote below the line for their preferred winner – and complain about omissions.
- 12/2/2019
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Warner Music gave thanks this week for a strong financial report, but the rest of the music world’s attention turned to grievances. One artist claimed he was the victim of unfair accusations of sexual harassment, while a band claimed to be concerned about the carbon footprint caused by touring.
On another front, a consortium of independent music companies worried that China’s Ten Cent buying into Universal Music would spell trouble for the overall health of the industry.
This week in music:
Placido Not Being Placid About Accusations: In his first interview since accusations of sexual harassment emerged, opera star Plácido Domingo said the situation has been “a nightmare” and denied any wrongdoing. Domingo, the founder and former head of the Los Angeles Opera, said Spaniards are naturally “warm, affectionate and loving,” adding that he has always been “gallant,” but saying “gallant gestures are viewed differently nowadays.” In August,...
On another front, a consortium of independent music companies worried that China’s Ten Cent buying into Universal Music would spell trouble for the overall health of the industry.
This week in music:
Placido Not Being Placid About Accusations: In his first interview since accusations of sexual harassment emerged, opera star Plácido Domingo said the situation has been “a nightmare” and denied any wrongdoing. Domingo, the founder and former head of the Los Angeles Opera, said Spaniards are naturally “warm, affectionate and loving,” adding that he has always been “gallant,” but saying “gallant gestures are viewed differently nowadays.” In August,...
- 11/30/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Leonardo DiCaprio has denied an unfounded accusation from Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, that he had funded the fires consuming the Amazon rainforest.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Saturday morning, DiCaprio wrote, “The future of these irreplaceable ecosystems is at stake and I am proud to stand with the groups protecting them. While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted.”
DiCaprio’s statement can be seen in full at the bottom.
Also Read: Nat Geo Acquires Leonardo DiCaprio-Produced Documentary 'Sea of Shadows'
On Friday, Bolsonaro appeared to be commenting on social media posts saying that the World Wildlife Fund had been paying volunteer firefighters for images that the organization would then use to solicit donations, Reuters reported. According to some of these postings, DiCaprio was one such donor who made a $500,000 contribution.
The Brazilian president had also criticized the actor and other non-profit...
In a statement posted on his Instagram account on Saturday morning, DiCaprio wrote, “The future of these irreplaceable ecosystems is at stake and I am proud to stand with the groups protecting them. While worthy of support, we did not fund the organizations targeted.”
DiCaprio’s statement can be seen in full at the bottom.
Also Read: Nat Geo Acquires Leonardo DiCaprio-Produced Documentary 'Sea of Shadows'
On Friday, Bolsonaro appeared to be commenting on social media posts saying that the World Wildlife Fund had been paying volunteer firefighters for images that the organization would then use to solicit donations, Reuters reported. According to some of these postings, DiCaprio was one such donor who made a $500,000 contribution.
The Brazilian president had also criticized the actor and other non-profit...
- 11/30/2019
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Wrap
Clive James, a poet, television critic and former ITV presenter, has died after a decade-long battle with cancer. He was 80.
James passed away on Sunday at his Cambridge home, according to The Guardian. His funeral services have already taken place.
“Clive died almost 10 years after his first terminal diagnosis, and one month after he laid down his pen for the last time,” James’ agents said in a statement. “He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this ‘great, good world.'”
Also Read: Gary Rhodes, British Celebrity Chef and 'MasterChef' Host, Dies at 59
James was born Vivian James in 1939 in Sydney, Australia. He moved to London in the 1960s for college.
The prolific writer, who had also taken up poetry by this point, became the TV critic for The Observer in...
James passed away on Sunday at his Cambridge home, according to The Guardian. His funeral services have already taken place.
“Clive died almost 10 years after his first terminal diagnosis, and one month after he laid down his pen for the last time,” James’ agents said in a statement. “He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this ‘great, good world.'”
Also Read: Gary Rhodes, British Celebrity Chef and 'MasterChef' Host, Dies at 59
James was born Vivian James in 1939 in Sydney, Australia. He moved to London in the 1960s for college.
The prolific writer, who had also taken up poetry by this point, became the TV critic for The Observer in...
- 11/27/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Getting its world premiere in Frontlight, Tonje Hessen Schei’s gripping AI doc “iHuman” drew an audience of more than 700 to a 10 a.m. Sunday screening at the incongruously old-school Pathé Tuschinski cinema. Many had their curiosity piqued by the film’s timely subject matter—the erosion of privacy in the age of new media, and the terrifying leaps being made in the field of machine intelligence—but it’s fair to say that quite a few were drawn by the promise of a Skype Q&a with National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, who made headlines in 2013 by leaking confidential U.S. intelligence to the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper.
Snowden doesn’t feature in the film, but it couldn’t exist without him: “iHuman” is an almost exhausting journey through all the issues that Snowden was trying to warn us about, starting with our civil liberties. Speaking after the film...
Snowden doesn’t feature in the film, but it couldn’t exist without him: “iHuman” is an almost exhausting journey through all the issues that Snowden was trying to warn us about, starting with our civil liberties. Speaking after the film...
- 11/26/2019
- by Damon Wise
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Lawson and Dan Milmo discuss the sustainability of the streaming service. Plus: Lara Spirit on why you should register to vote before Tuesday’s deadline
Netflix has risen from obscurity to be one of the most powerful media companies in the world with more than 150 million global subscribers. It has launched critically acclaimed hits such as House of Cards, The Crown and Unbelievable, as well as showcasing the back catalogues of popular television series. But as part of its rapid growth, the company has racked up huge debts.
Joining Anushka Asthana to discuss the long-term sustainability of Netflix are the TV critic Mark Lawson and the Guardian’s deputy business editor Dan Milmo.
Netflix has risen from obscurity to be one of the most powerful media companies in the world with more than 150 million global subscribers. It has launched critically acclaimed hits such as House of Cards, The Crown and Unbelievable, as well as showcasing the back catalogues of popular television series. But as part of its rapid growth, the company has racked up huge debts.
Joining Anushka Asthana to discuss the long-term sustainability of Netflix are the TV critic Mark Lawson and the Guardian’s deputy business editor Dan Milmo.
- 11/25/2019
- by Presented by Anushka Asthana with Mark Lawson, Dan Milmo and Lara Spirit; produced by Hannah Moore, Nicola Kelly,Courtney Yusuf and Axel Kacoutié; executive producers Nicole Jackson and Phil Maynard
- The Guardian - Film News
This past Saturday, the Golden Horse film awards took place in Taipei, which are the equivalent of the Chinese Oscars. However, the event was marked by a conspicuous absence of talent, which didn’t go unnoticed by Golden Horse festival chairman Ang Lee.
“This is not easy to comment on, everyone knows that,” said Taiwanese filmmaker Lee, as reported by The Guardian. “Of course it is a loss, which can be seen on the red carpet or in the works participating in the film festival.
Mounting tensions between Taiwan and Beijing culminated in China issuing a boycott on the awards ceremony altogether. Hong Kong director Johnnie To previously resigned from his duties as head of the jury, citing a contractual issue, and other filmmakers followed.
“We of course feel regret due to fewer (movies and participants) this year but our arms are opened forever, as long as you are a...
“This is not easy to comment on, everyone knows that,” said Taiwanese filmmaker Lee, as reported by The Guardian. “Of course it is a loss, which can be seen on the red carpet or in the works participating in the film festival.
Mounting tensions between Taiwan and Beijing culminated in China issuing a boycott on the awards ceremony altogether. Hong Kong director Johnnie To previously resigned from his duties as head of the jury, citing a contractual issue, and other filmmakers followed.
“We of course feel regret due to fewer (movies and participants) this year but our arms are opened forever, as long as you are a...
- 11/24/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
K-pop star Goo Hara was found dead at her home in Seoul, South Korea Sunday. The singer, formerly a member of the K-pop girl group Kara, was 28.
The Associated Press reports that the Gangnam Police Department said Goo’s cause of death is still under investigation after an acquaintance of the singer found her dead early Sunday morning. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reports that police stated suicide is a possibility.
Hours before her death, Goo posted a photo of herself lying in bed to her 1.6 million Instagram followers.
The Associated Press reports that the Gangnam Police Department said Goo’s cause of death is still under investigation after an acquaintance of the singer found her dead early Sunday morning. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reports that police stated suicide is a possibility.
Hours before her death, Goo posted a photo of herself lying in bed to her 1.6 million Instagram followers.
- 11/24/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Hip-hop legend Eric B. avoided additional jail time after he was arrested in October on an 17-year-old outstanding warrant, with a judge instead sentencing the producer to probation Friday.
The DJ born Eric Barrier spent two weeks in jail earlier this month after he was arrested at the U.S./Canada border. The warrant stemmed from his failure to show up to a 2002 sentencing in New Jersey that followed his pleading guilty to eluding arrest and aggravated assault; at the sentencing, Barrier was given a year-long prison term, which was never completed.
The DJ born Eric Barrier spent two weeks in jail earlier this month after he was arrested at the U.S./Canada border. The warrant stemmed from his failure to show up to a 2002 sentencing in New Jersey that followed his pleading guilty to eluding arrest and aggravated assault; at the sentencing, Barrier was given a year-long prison term, which was never completed.
- 11/23/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Aardman Animations, the Oscar-winning UK stop-motion outfit behind Shaun The Sheep, Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, is making its first project for Netflix with Christmas special Robin Robin.
The 30-minute ‘mini movie’ is in production at Aardman’s Bristol studio and will debut on Netflix in time for the holidays in 2020.
It will tell the story of a bird who, after her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump, is raised by a loving family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse.
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please created and are directing the project. Helen Argo is producing, with Sarah Cox as executive producer.
Aardman has a long-standing relationship with the BBC, and this deal marks a rare departure from that. In an interview today with the Guardian,...
The 30-minute ‘mini movie’ is in production at Aardman’s Bristol studio and will debut on Netflix in time for the holidays in 2020.
It will tell the story of a bird who, after her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump, is raised by a loving family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse.
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please created and are directing the project. Helen Argo is producing, with Sarah Cox as executive producer.
Aardman has a long-standing relationship with the BBC, and this deal marks a rare departure from that. In an interview today with the Guardian,...
- 11/22/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Last month, basketball legend Michael Jordan opened the first of two clinics for the uninsured and underinsured in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Michael Jordan speaks at the opening of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic.
With tears streaming down his cheeks, the six-time NBA champion and Charlotte Hornets owner said, “This is a very emotional thing for me to be able to give back to a community that has supported me over the years, from when I was playing the game of basketball, to now when I’m a part of this community.”
The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic was made possible by a $7million donation from Jordan, and is strategically placed to care for people who might otherwise struggle to find access to the care they need.
Tens of millions of people in the United States do not have medical insurance. According to The Guardian, “the...
Michael Jordan speaks at the opening of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic.
With tears streaming down his cheeks, the six-time NBA champion and Charlotte Hornets owner said, “This is a very emotional thing for me to be able to give back to a community that has supported me over the years, from when I was playing the game of basketball, to now when I’m a part of this community.”
The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic was made possible by a $7million donation from Jordan, and is strategically placed to care for people who might otherwise struggle to find access to the care they need.
Tens of millions of people in the United States do not have medical insurance. According to The Guardian, “the...
- 11/18/2019
- Look to the Stars
The recent stream of Avengers: Endgame set material continues with this new photo of Chris Hemsworth, shared via Instagram by his co-star Mark Ruffalo.
The pic shows the Thor actor sporting his latest beard on the set of Tony Stark’s lakeside cabin, and from the look of things, the star has dozed off between takes. Ruffalo captioned the image as follows:
“Weekend relaxation mode, feat. @ChrisHemsworth.”
While Hemsworth is looking pretty worn out here, the final minutes of Endgame suggest that his run in the McU isn’t over quite yet. In particular, it’s expected that he’ll return for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is reportedly scheduled to begin filming next year. That being said, the Endgame writers are reluctant to confirm whether or not Thor is now an official Guardian, leaving it up to director James Gunn to decide where exactly the character goes from here.
The pic shows the Thor actor sporting his latest beard on the set of Tony Stark’s lakeside cabin, and from the look of things, the star has dozed off between takes. Ruffalo captioned the image as follows:
“Weekend relaxation mode, feat. @ChrisHemsworth.”
While Hemsworth is looking pretty worn out here, the final minutes of Endgame suggest that his run in the McU isn’t over quite yet. In particular, it’s expected that he’ll return for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is reportedly scheduled to begin filming next year. That being said, the Endgame writers are reluctant to confirm whether or not Thor is now an official Guardian, leaving it up to director James Gunn to decide where exactly the character goes from here.
- 5/20/2019
- by David Pountain
- We Got This Covered
We may remember Independence Day, The Matrix, The Phantom Menace. But what about these forgotten 90s sci-fi films? And are any worth seeing?
Think back to the science fiction cinema of the 1990s, and some of the decade's biggest box-office hits will immediately spring to mind: The Phantom Menace, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Men In Black, Armageddon and Terminator 2 were all in the top 20 most lucrative films of the era.
But what about the sci-fi films of the 1990s that failed to make even close to the same cultural and financial impact of those big hitters? These are the films this list is devoted to - the flops, the straight-to-video releases, the low-budget and critically-derided. We've picked 50 live-action films that fit these criteria, and dug them up to see whether they're still worth watching in the 21st century.
So here's a mix of everything from hidden classics to forgettable dreck,...
Think back to the science fiction cinema of the 1990s, and some of the decade's biggest box-office hits will immediately spring to mind: The Phantom Menace, Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Men In Black, Armageddon and Terminator 2 were all in the top 20 most lucrative films of the era.
But what about the sci-fi films of the 1990s that failed to make even close to the same cultural and financial impact of those big hitters? These are the films this list is devoted to - the flops, the straight-to-video releases, the low-budget and critically-derided. We've picked 50 live-action films that fit these criteria, and dug them up to see whether they're still worth watching in the 21st century.
So here's a mix of everything from hidden classics to forgettable dreck,...
- 7/16/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Gong for 12 Years a Slave nominee would follow year of real progress, but history shows such breakthroughs are illusive
Steve McQueen may not be the favourite to win the Oscar for best director when the statuettes are handed out on 2 March, but if he does it will represent a historic breakthrough for black film-makers: none has ever been honoured in this category and only two others have even been nominated – John Singleton in 1992 for Boyz n the Hood and Lee Daniels in 2009 for Precious.
The claims of Alfonso Cuarón, director of space-walk thriller notwithstanding, we may witness a moment equal to that of Kathryn Bigelow's, when in 2009 she became the first woman to win the best director Oscar for The Hurt Locker (defeating Daniels as she did so).
McQueen's prominence arrives on the back of a year that saw real progress for black film-makers, particularly in the Us.
Fruitvale Station,...
Steve McQueen may not be the favourite to win the Oscar for best director when the statuettes are handed out on 2 March, but if he does it will represent a historic breakthrough for black film-makers: none has ever been honoured in this category and only two others have even been nominated – John Singleton in 1992 for Boyz n the Hood and Lee Daniels in 2009 for Precious.
The claims of Alfonso Cuarón, director of space-walk thriller notwithstanding, we may witness a moment equal to that of Kathryn Bigelow's, when in 2009 she became the first woman to win the best director Oscar for The Hurt Locker (defeating Daniels as she did so).
McQueen's prominence arrives on the back of a year that saw real progress for black film-makers, particularly in the Us.
Fruitvale Station,...
- 1/17/2014
- by Andrew Pulver, Ashley Cowburn
- The Guardian - Film News
From Formula One to football and boxing to baseball, here are the big screen's finest sport sagas
Rush
Don't get excited, Liverpool fans: director Ron Howard's latest film isn't about the Reds' all-time leading scorer Ian Rush and his rubbish 'tache. Instead, it tells the extraordinary story of the 1976 Formula One season, dominated by the battle between dashing British playboy driver James Hunt (played by Chris "Thor" Hemsworth) and austere Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel "Good Bye, Lenin!" Brühl). After a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring, Lauda returned just six weeks later, his horrific scalp burns still bandaged and bleeding, to defend his world title. It's scripted by Peter Morgan, who's made a career out of dramatising real events in the likes of The Queen and Frost/Nixon.
The Damned United
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the country. But I'm in the top one." Director Tom Hooper...
Rush
Don't get excited, Liverpool fans: director Ron Howard's latest film isn't about the Reds' all-time leading scorer Ian Rush and his rubbish 'tache. Instead, it tells the extraordinary story of the 1976 Formula One season, dominated by the battle between dashing British playboy driver James Hunt (played by Chris "Thor" Hemsworth) and austere Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel "Good Bye, Lenin!" Brühl). After a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring, Lauda returned just six weeks later, his horrific scalp burns still bandaged and bleeding, to defend his world title. It's scripted by Peter Morgan, who's made a career out of dramatising real events in the likes of The Queen and Frost/Nixon.
The Damned United
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the country. But I'm in the top one." Director Tom Hooper...
- 9/7/2013
- by Michael Hogan
- The Guardian - Film News
It's generated some classics and more than a few stinkers, but too many buddy-cop films are simply boring
Reading this on mobile? Click here to view
2 Guns shows that the cop buddy movie has flatlined. It only took 24 hours for the film to vanish from my mind – and I took notes. Yes, it's the umpteenth buddy-cop retread, where two wily but likable antagonists are forced to team up to fulfil their competing agendas. Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington play undercover operatives posing as drug traffickers in order to snag Edward James Olmos's Latin drug lord. Their chemistry and fast-talking effervescence are instantly appealing: Washington the swaggeringly confident dandy, and Wahlberg all nerves, jitters and querulousness.
But as usual, the problem is the formula, not the duo. Diverting as the banter is, there's no dodging the fact that Walter Hill's 48 Hrs has officially now been remade for the bazillionth time in 31 years.
Reading this on mobile? Click here to view
2 Guns shows that the cop buddy movie has flatlined. It only took 24 hours for the film to vanish from my mind – and I took notes. Yes, it's the umpteenth buddy-cop retread, where two wily but likable antagonists are forced to team up to fulfil their competing agendas. Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington play undercover operatives posing as drug traffickers in order to snag Edward James Olmos's Latin drug lord. Their chemistry and fast-talking effervescence are instantly appealing: Washington the swaggeringly confident dandy, and Wahlberg all nerves, jitters and querulousness.
But as usual, the problem is the formula, not the duo. Diverting as the banter is, there's no dodging the fact that Walter Hill's 48 Hrs has officially now been remade for the bazillionth time in 31 years.
- 8/12/2013
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
Why is no one making new rap movies? Come on, budding directors, now's your time to revive this flagging genre. I've even come up with a few tips to help you along
Reading on mobile? Click here to watch video
Earlier this month, the trailer for a new TLC biopic appeared online, inspiring a swath of girls to dust off their Tommy Hilfiger boiler suits and bandanas in preparation for its October release. Although the video seems to have limited archive footage and more than a few clunky catchphrases crowbarred in, the fact that fans are so excited by such a low-budget VH1 flick proves how scarce good rap films have become. Biopics in general are notoriously difficult to make – thanks to the acquisition of life and music rights – but it's about time there were more films documenting the careers of the greatest rap artists, giving the I'm Not Theres...
Reading on mobile? Click here to watch video
Earlier this month, the trailer for a new TLC biopic appeared online, inspiring a swath of girls to dust off their Tommy Hilfiger boiler suits and bandanas in preparation for its October release. Although the video seems to have limited archive footage and more than a few clunky catchphrases crowbarred in, the fact that fans are so excited by such a low-budget VH1 flick proves how scarce good rap films have become. Biopics in general are notoriously difficult to make – thanks to the acquisition of life and music rights – but it's about time there were more films documenting the careers of the greatest rap artists, giving the I'm Not Theres...
- 8/9/2013
- by Kieran Yates
- The Guardian - Film News
This year promises a bumper crop of hip-hop films – here's how to get up to speed with the genre
Reading this on mobile? Click here to watch video
I was never sold on The Kids Are Alright and I never got the joke about Spinal Tap – but I understand the power of a good hip-hop documentary. For hip-hop fans who weren't around to witness battle raps in the Bronx or block parties in downtown NY, hip-hop docs are a valuable commodity. This year will see two new additions to the genre: Can't Forget New Jersey looks at the migration of hip-hop out of NY and there's also For The Record: The Story of Latin Hip Hop. If the hip-hop forums are to be believed, there is also a film in the pipeline about Eazy-e's life. Those of you lucky enough to be within striking distance of New York can get...
Reading this on mobile? Click here to watch video
I was never sold on The Kids Are Alright and I never got the joke about Spinal Tap – but I understand the power of a good hip-hop documentary. For hip-hop fans who weren't around to witness battle raps in the Bronx or block parties in downtown NY, hip-hop docs are a valuable commodity. This year will see two new additions to the genre: Can't Forget New Jersey looks at the migration of hip-hop out of NY and there's also For The Record: The Story of Latin Hip Hop. If the hip-hop forums are to be believed, there is also a film in the pipeline about Eazy-e's life. Those of you lucky enough to be within striking distance of New York can get...
- 4/25/2013
- by Kieran Yates
- The Guardian - Film News
A disappointingly CGI TV Christmas… and the Trailer Trash awards 2012
Telly troubles
Christmas movies on TV were all so... how shall I put it? Computer-generated. It seems now that when the major channels look for a family movie they turn rather ploddingly to Pixar. This year felt like wall-to-Wall-e cartoons. Any movie pre-watershed and it's a Toy Story, an Incredibles or, for this New Year's Day treat, for example, an Up that plugs the gap. Although Up may indeed have managed to cram all the power of Michael Haneke's Amour into one six-minute cartoon montage, my gripes are more with the texture and rhythms of seeing all these animations in close array. The hand-drawn charm of Lady and the Tramp on Christmas Eve stood out like a beacon.
The failure of TV programmers to consider that families might want something different has been really worrying. Surely the ideal Christmas movie would bring generations together,...
Telly troubles
Christmas movies on TV were all so... how shall I put it? Computer-generated. It seems now that when the major channels look for a family movie they turn rather ploddingly to Pixar. This year felt like wall-to-Wall-e cartoons. Any movie pre-watershed and it's a Toy Story, an Incredibles or, for this New Year's Day treat, for example, an Up that plugs the gap. Although Up may indeed have managed to cram all the power of Michael Haneke's Amour into one six-minute cartoon montage, my gripes are more with the texture and rhythms of seeing all these animations in close array. The hand-drawn charm of Lady and the Tramp on Christmas Eve stood out like a beacon.
The failure of TV programmers to consider that families might want something different has been really worrying. Surely the ideal Christmas movie would bring generations together,...
- 12/30/2012
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
At the end of a bumper year for film-making, Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw unveils the contenders for his very own – imaginary – film awards
Most critics compile year-end roundups in a mood of shrugging acceptance that not every year can be great. But actually 2012 has been vintage, with some really brilliant films from the biggest names doing their best work – and some fascinating documentaries. So once again, I have created my imaginary awards nominations in the following categories: best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best documentary and best screenplay. You will have to imagine me, in full tuxedo-style evening wear announcing the Braddies at the Dorchester. (I have put Seth MacFarlane, Michael Haneke and Kylie Minogue on my table.)
So, the nominations are …
Best film
Amour (dir. Michael Haneke)
The Master (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
Holy Motors (dir. Leos Carax)
Killing Them Softly (dir.
Most critics compile year-end roundups in a mood of shrugging acceptance that not every year can be great. But actually 2012 has been vintage, with some really brilliant films from the biggest names doing their best work – and some fascinating documentaries. So once again, I have created my imaginary awards nominations in the following categories: best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best documentary and best screenplay. You will have to imagine me, in full tuxedo-style evening wear announcing the Braddies at the Dorchester. (I have put Seth MacFarlane, Michael Haneke and Kylie Minogue on my table.)
So, the nominations are …
Best film
Amour (dir. Michael Haneke)
The Master (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
Holy Motors (dir. Leos Carax)
Killing Them Softly (dir.
- 12/13/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
American celebrities were only too happy to voice their thoughts on the super storm
Lost in Showbiz is pleased to note the wide variety of responses to Hurricane Sandy from America's celebrities. At one extreme, there was hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who lambasted Mayor Bloomberg for making insufficient provision for New York's homeless: "They're fucked, it's terrible." At the other there was Nicole "Coco Marie" Austin, mammiferous wife of rapper Ice-t, who posted an online video of herself in New Jersey, jiggling her surgically enhanced breasts at the incoming storm. But Lost in Showbiz's favourite celebrity reaction came via Lindsay Lohan, who before the storm hit took to Twitter to complain: "Why is everyone in Such a panic about hurricane? Stop projecting negativity! Think positive and pray for peace!" Lost in Showbiz salutes Hollywood's own answer to Michael Fish, steadfast in the belief that a Category 2 hurricane can be diverted...
Lost in Showbiz is pleased to note the wide variety of responses to Hurricane Sandy from America's celebrities. At one extreme, there was hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who lambasted Mayor Bloomberg for making insufficient provision for New York's homeless: "They're fucked, it's terrible." At the other there was Nicole "Coco Marie" Austin, mammiferous wife of rapper Ice-t, who posted an online video of herself in New Jersey, jiggling her surgically enhanced breasts at the incoming storm. But Lost in Showbiz's favourite celebrity reaction came via Lindsay Lohan, who before the storm hit took to Twitter to complain: "Why is everyone in Such a panic about hurricane? Stop projecting negativity! Think positive and pray for peace!" Lost in Showbiz salutes Hollywood's own answer to Michael Fish, steadfast in the belief that a Category 2 hurricane can be diverted...
- 11/2/2012
- by Alexis Petridis
- The Guardian - Film News
Dark Shadows; Wrath of the Titans; Top Cat; Something from Nothing – The Art of Rap; Strawberry Fields
Heralded by a laugh-out-loud trailer that painted it as the kookiest comedy of the year, Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (2012, Warner, 12) arrived in cinemas as a head-scratchingly weird mess of a movie more notable for its deadpan drollery and bizarre tonal shifts than for the advertised rib-tickling kitsch. Based on an arcane TV show little known here in the UK, this casts Johnny Depp as 18th-century vampire Barnabas Collins, escaping centuries of entombment to reclaim his now ruined family estate in the cultural void of 1972.
Faced with rebellious teens, garish wardrobes and "tiny songstrels" hiding within television sets, Barnabas attempts to reassert his authority over Eva Green's witchy temptress, with the help of Michelle Pfeiffer's haughty matriarch, Helena Bonham Carter's sozzled shrink and an apparently ageless Alice Cooper. Flitting from...
Heralded by a laugh-out-loud trailer that painted it as the kookiest comedy of the year, Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (2012, Warner, 12) arrived in cinemas as a head-scratchingly weird mess of a movie more notable for its deadpan drollery and bizarre tonal shifts than for the advertised rib-tickling kitsch. Based on an arcane TV show little known here in the UK, this casts Johnny Depp as 18th-century vampire Barnabas Collins, escaping centuries of entombment to reclaim his now ruined family estate in the cultural void of 1972.
Faced with rebellious teens, garish wardrobes and "tiny songstrels" hiding within television sets, Barnabas attempts to reassert his authority over Eva Green's witchy temptress, with the help of Michelle Pfeiffer's haughty matriarch, Helena Bonham Carter's sozzled shrink and an apparently ageless Alice Cooper. Flitting from...
- 10/13/2012
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
We take a look back at the work of the much loved star of The Green Mile, who died yesterday
Michael Clarke Duncan's move from bodyguard duties into acting was pretty seamless: lots of bit parts in TV shows and films like Back in Business, Bulworth and The Players Club came his way, all of the "bouncer", "body builder" and "security guard" variety. His big break came after he stopped real-life minding, and scored a role in Jerry Bruckheimer's epic space-disaster movie Armageddon. Though only one of the squad guys, he earned instant immortality with his "you the man" utterance in the final climactic sequence. (It's at 4:48.)
And anyone supposing he was the new Ving Rhames was put to rights in the scene where Duncan began frugging in leopardskin underpants - it's even more effective with the Spanish dubbing.
But it was his subsequent casting in The Green Mile,...
Michael Clarke Duncan's move from bodyguard duties into acting was pretty seamless: lots of bit parts in TV shows and films like Back in Business, Bulworth and The Players Club came his way, all of the "bouncer", "body builder" and "security guard" variety. His big break came after he stopped real-life minding, and scored a role in Jerry Bruckheimer's epic space-disaster movie Armageddon. Though only one of the squad guys, he earned instant immortality with his "you the man" utterance in the final climactic sequence. (It's at 4:48.)
And anyone supposing he was the new Ving Rhames was put to rights in the scene where Duncan began frugging in leopardskin underpants - it's even more effective with the Spanish dubbing.
But it was his subsequent casting in The Green Mile,...
- 9/4/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Directed by rapper Ice-t and featuring himself as principal investigator, this documentary consists of some 50 performers discussing how they got into the rap business and giving impromptu demonstrations of their work and items from their repertoire. They claim that rap partly emerged because, for financial reasons, there were few musical instruments in largely black schools, driving the kids to express themselves using record players. They also discuss the distinctions between being a rapper and an Mc, and the difference between rap and hip-hop. There are no non-Americans, a couple of women rappers and a single white one (Eminem, of course, of whom Ice-t says: "Whoever would have thought that one of the great rappers of our time would be a white cat?").
What they don't talk about, on Ice-t's specific instructions, are the moral, social and psychological aspects of the art, and there's little on how rap relates to...
What they don't talk about, on Ice-t's specific instructions, are the moral, social and psychological aspects of the art, and there's little on how rap relates to...
- 7/21/2012
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
The Dark Knight Rises (12A)
(Christopher Nolan, 2012, Us/UK) Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine. 164 mins
As big and dark and serious as The Avengers was big and light and fun, the climax to Nolan's Batman trilogy ticks most of the boxes it was demanded to – which is quite an achievement. There's an Occupy-style theme to baddy Bane's Gotham City lockdown, which forces Bruce Wayne to consider his 1% financial status and Batman to revive his punching and growling skills (prompted by Hathaway's slinky cat burglar). Some cheesy cliches (and questionable politics) are needed to tie it all together, but it's still the solid, epic finale you'd hoped for.
Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap (15)
(Ice-t, Andy Baybutt, 2012, UK/Us) 111 mins
The well-connected director calls on the biggest names in rap (Eminem, Q-Tip, Melle Mel, Snoop Dogg, etc), asks them a...
(Christopher Nolan, 2012, Us/UK) Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine. 164 mins
As big and dark and serious as The Avengers was big and light and fun, the climax to Nolan's Batman trilogy ticks most of the boxes it was demanded to – which is quite an achievement. There's an Occupy-style theme to baddy Bane's Gotham City lockdown, which forces Bruce Wayne to consider his 1% financial status and Batman to revive his punching and growling skills (prompted by Hathaway's slinky cat burglar). Some cheesy cliches (and questionable politics) are needed to tie it all together, but it's still the solid, epic finale you'd hoped for.
Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap (15)
(Ice-t, Andy Baybutt, 2012, UK/Us) 111 mins
The well-connected director calls on the biggest names in rap (Eminem, Q-Tip, Melle Mel, Snoop Dogg, etc), asks them a...
- 7/20/2012
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Hammersmith Apollo, London
Ice-t was always among the most charismatic of hip-hop's early stars, but who knew he was also such an assiduous historian? The former gangster rapper has interviewed almost 50 of his peers to chronicle the history of the genre in a tremendous new film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which received its European premiere here before some distinctly old-school live performances.
The movie focuses on the creative process behind hip-hop's most dextrous rhymes, with rappers from Krs-One to Eminem analysing their inspirations. In a sparky post-showing Q & A session, Ice-t claimed rap had paved the way for Barack Obama, and was effusive on his motivation for making the documentary: "It's simple – it's a love letter to hip-hop."
Firmly into middle age and all packing a paunch, four of rap's venerable icons then revisited their greatest moments in a section that came perilously close to being a...
Ice-t was always among the most charismatic of hip-hop's early stars, but who knew he was also such an assiduous historian? The former gangster rapper has interviewed almost 50 of his peers to chronicle the history of the genre in a tremendous new film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which received its European premiere here before some distinctly old-school live performances.
The movie focuses on the creative process behind hip-hop's most dextrous rhymes, with rappers from Krs-One to Eminem analysing their inspirations. In a sparky post-showing Q & A session, Ice-t claimed rap had paved the way for Barack Obama, and was effusive on his motivation for making the documentary: "It's simple – it's a love letter to hip-hop."
Firmly into middle age and all packing a paunch, four of rap's venerable icons then revisited their greatest moments in a section that came perilously close to being a...
- 7/20/2012
- by Ian Gittins
- The Guardian - Film News
The movie industry has never known what to do with rap music. But from Nwa to Odb, the extreme lives of its stars offer epic stories for the big screen
'Are you the one?" asks the trailer. In March last year, the Los Angeles production company Morgan Creek put out an online casting call, seeking an unknown to play the part of "poet … rapper … actor … revolutionary … legend …" Tupac Shakur. Anyone could apply by submitting footage of themselves reading a scene from the script and rapping to one of Shakur's songs. The director is Antoine Fuqua, best known for the movie Training Day, and the movie's producers include Shakur's mother. The casting call received thousands of applications, which makes for some hilarious viewing on YouTube, but the question of who could fill the shoes of one of rap's biggest personalities is indicative of a bigger problem for the movies: that they...
'Are you the one?" asks the trailer. In March last year, the Los Angeles production company Morgan Creek put out an online casting call, seeking an unknown to play the part of "poet … rapper … actor … revolutionary … legend …" Tupac Shakur. Anyone could apply by submitting footage of themselves reading a scene from the script and rapping to one of Shakur's songs. The director is Antoine Fuqua, best known for the movie Training Day, and the movie's producers include Shakur's mother. The casting call received thousands of applications, which makes for some hilarious viewing on YouTube, but the question of who could fill the shoes of one of rap's biggest personalities is indicative of a bigger problem for the movies: that they...
- 7/20/2012
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
The performances in Ice-t's documentary on the composition of rap are often mesmerising
With a very simple premise, rapper Ice-t – this film's presenter and co-director with Andy Baybutt – has created a very enjoyable and often fascinating movie. His purpose is to discuss rap and hip-hop with some of its biggest stars, as far as possible concentrating on the technical aspects of composition – the prosody of rap. He's not interested in the bling or the gangsta-ism, or even much in its actual history: simply the business of rap itself. Ice-t talks to Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and many more. Essentially, what results is a series of impromptu performances – by the pool, on street corners, in the studio. Some might feel that there is too much mutual male admiration. But the performances can be mesmerising: aggressive, defiant, toweringly incorrect, brutally offensive and brilliant: some stunning displays of linguistic dexterity. What...
With a very simple premise, rapper Ice-t – this film's presenter and co-director with Andy Baybutt – has created a very enjoyable and often fascinating movie. His purpose is to discuss rap and hip-hop with some of its biggest stars, as far as possible concentrating on the technical aspects of composition – the prosody of rap. He's not interested in the bling or the gangsta-ism, or even much in its actual history: simply the business of rap itself. Ice-t talks to Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and many more. Essentially, what results is a series of impromptu performances – by the pool, on street corners, in the studio. Some might feel that there is too much mutual male admiration. But the performances can be mesmerising: aggressive, defiant, toweringly incorrect, brutally offensive and brilliant: some stunning displays of linguistic dexterity. What...
- 7/18/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Ken Loach is honoured by the French, and real male strippers liven up the Magic Mike after-party
Loach lands the Lumière
Ken Loach celebrated the news that he was to receive the prestigious Lumière award in Lyon by taking a swipe at the British government's attitude to film. "I'm surprised and thrilled to become part of a very distinguished club," he told me, as he joined previous honorees Clint Eastwood, Milos Forman and Gérard Depardieu as only the fourth recipient of the Lumière.
"I've always enjoyed such a good relationship with French audiences. If it wasn't for the French, I don't know where I'd be. I probably wouldn't be making films at all. I'd have probably stuck to documentaries and hoped to work for television.
"The reason I've been welcomed in France is because they have a government which supports their cinema. Successive British governments have had an impoverished view of cinema.
Loach lands the Lumière
Ken Loach celebrated the news that he was to receive the prestigious Lumière award in Lyon by taking a swipe at the British government's attitude to film. "I'm surprised and thrilled to become part of a very distinguished club," he told me, as he joined previous honorees Clint Eastwood, Milos Forman and Gérard Depardieu as only the fourth recipient of the Lumière.
"I've always enjoyed such a good relationship with French audiences. If it wasn't for the French, I don't know where I'd be. I probably wouldn't be making films at all. I'd have probably stuck to documentaries and hoped to work for television.
"The reason I've been welcomed in France is because they have a government which supports their cinema. Successive British governments have had an impoverished view of cinema.
- 7/14/2012
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, Nationwide
There aren't many film-makers who could add to the European premiere of their new documentary by throwing down some post-screening rhymes with the heavyweights of hip-hop, but then Ice-t is hardly a traditional film-maker. The gangsta/rapper/actor's directing debut, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, pulls on his many connections to give you a first-hand account of how hip-hop took over the world, and what inspired the great MCs. A few of them join Ice-t on stage at this Thursday's event and the event will be simulcast live to cinemas across the UK.
HMV Apollo, W6, Thu; BFI Southbank, SE1, Fri
The Luna Cinema, On tour
Still waiting for the summer to start? Perhaps it will once this roving cinema event gets moving. It's the reliable formula: a big screen, a nice venue, a classic movie and the great unpredictable British outdoors.
There aren't many film-makers who could add to the European premiere of their new documentary by throwing down some post-screening rhymes with the heavyweights of hip-hop, but then Ice-t is hardly a traditional film-maker. The gangsta/rapper/actor's directing debut, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, pulls on his many connections to give you a first-hand account of how hip-hop took over the world, and what inspired the great MCs. A few of them join Ice-t on stage at this Thursday's event and the event will be simulcast live to cinemas across the UK.
HMV Apollo, W6, Thu; BFI Southbank, SE1, Fri
The Luna Cinema, On tour
Still waiting for the summer to start? Perhaps it will once this roving cinema event gets moving. It's the reliable formula: a big screen, a nice venue, a classic movie and the great unpredictable British outdoors.
- 7/13/2012
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Magic Mike (15)
(Steven Soderbergh, 2012, Us) Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Cody Horn, Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Munn. 110 mins
The roles are reversed but the themes are familiar in this rise-and-fall tale of male strippers, making and losing their way in a (sort of) woman's world. It's like a cross between The Full Monty, Boogie Nights and Showgirls, sketching a landscape of exploitation and desperation – even as it participates in it by serving up the barely clad Tatum and other beef products.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (15)
(Lorene Scafaria, 2012, Us) Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Patton Oswalt. 101 mins
Do passion and the apocalypse mix? Or Carell and Knightley? This faltering effort tries anyway.
Detachment (15)
(Tony Kaye, 2011, Us) Adrien Brody, Marcia Gay Harden. 98 mins
No provocation left behind in this scathing schoolroom drama with a starry cast.
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift (U)
(Steve Martino, Mark Thurmeier, 2012, Us) Ray Romano, Denis Leary.
(Steven Soderbergh, 2012, Us) Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Cody Horn, Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Munn. 110 mins
The roles are reversed but the themes are familiar in this rise-and-fall tale of male strippers, making and losing their way in a (sort of) woman's world. It's like a cross between The Full Monty, Boogie Nights and Showgirls, sketching a landscape of exploitation and desperation – even as it participates in it by serving up the barely clad Tatum and other beef products.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (15)
(Lorene Scafaria, 2012, Us) Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Patton Oswalt. 101 mins
Do passion and the apocalypse mix? Or Carell and Knightley? This faltering effort tries anyway.
Detachment (15)
(Tony Kaye, 2011, Us) Adrien Brody, Marcia Gay Harden. 98 mins
No provocation left behind in this scathing schoolroom drama with a starry cast.
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift (U)
(Steve Martino, Mark Thurmeier, 2012, Us) Ray Romano, Denis Leary.
- 7/13/2012
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Rapper whose career included hit singles and acting roles
The rapper Heavy D, who has died suddenly aged 44, after collapsing at his home, was among a handful of hip-hop stars from the 1980s who successfully established a lasting career. Having created a string of infectious, party-time hits with Heavy D & the Boyz, he was able to extend his reach into the commercial mainstream through collaborations with Bb King and Michael Jackson, and subsequently exhibited bankable skills as both a businessman and actor. Although he was past his commercial peak as a musician, his last album, Love Opus, released in September, showed that he had not entirely run out of creative juice.
He was born Dwight Arrington Myers in Mandeville, Jamaica, and his parents moved the family to Mount Vernon, New York, in 1971. His mother Eulahlee was a nurse and his father Clifford a technician. He began putting together his own...
The rapper Heavy D, who has died suddenly aged 44, after collapsing at his home, was among a handful of hip-hop stars from the 1980s who successfully established a lasting career. Having created a string of infectious, party-time hits with Heavy D & the Boyz, he was able to extend his reach into the commercial mainstream through collaborations with Bb King and Michael Jackson, and subsequently exhibited bankable skills as both a businessman and actor. Although he was past his commercial peak as a musician, his last album, Love Opus, released in September, showed that he had not entirely run out of creative juice.
He was born Dwight Arrington Myers in Mandeville, Jamaica, and his parents moved the family to Mount Vernon, New York, in 1971. His mother Eulahlee was a nurse and his father Clifford a technician. He began putting together his own...
- 11/10/2011
- by Adam Sweeting
- The Guardian - Film News
Because you demanded it, true beli– no wait, that’s the other guys.
But we’re here with the solicitations for DC Comics for Novemeber, coming soon to a Previews catalog near you. The New 52 keep rolling along, and we have the Sergio Aragones version of Batman immortalized in a statue.
So let’s take a look!
Details? Yes, we have details…
Justice League #5
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1:25 Variant cover by Eric Basaldua
1:200 B&W Variant cover by Jim Lee
On sale January 18 • 40 pg, Fc, $3.99 Us • Rated T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 Us
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Now, with the teenaged powerhouse Cyborg at their side, this group of individual heroes must somehow put their differences aside to face the terror of Darkseid!
This issue is also offered...
But we’re here with the solicitations for DC Comics for Novemeber, coming soon to a Previews catalog near you. The New 52 keep rolling along, and we have the Sergio Aragones version of Batman immortalized in a statue.
So let’s take a look!
Details? Yes, we have details…
Justice League #5
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1:25 Variant cover by Eric Basaldua
1:200 B&W Variant cover by Jim Lee
On sale January 18 • 40 pg, Fc, $3.99 Us • Rated T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 Us
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Now, with the teenaged powerhouse Cyborg at their side, this group of individual heroes must somehow put their differences aside to face the terror of Darkseid!
This issue is also offered...
- 10/17/2011
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Things fall apart for rapper as Nigerian writer makes him change forthcoming film title to avoid conflict with 1958 novel
50 Cent has been undone by one of Africa's greatest novelists, Chinua Achebe. The rapper's latest movie has been renamed ahead of its release, due to a conflict with Achebe's most famous work.
Things Fall Apart, published by Achebe in 1958, is Nigeria's most famous English-language novel. It has sold more than 8m copies worldwide. Unfortunately, 50 Cent was not aware of this. He spent much of 2010 shooting a film of the same name, the story of an American football player diagnosed with cancer. "It's a project that I wrote, produced and financed myself," he explained last year. Directed by Mario Van Peebles, it premiered at the Miami film festival in March and is expected to be released soon.
Unfortunately for Fiddy, his film will not keep its original title. After being contacted by Achebe's legal team,...
50 Cent has been undone by one of Africa's greatest novelists, Chinua Achebe. The rapper's latest movie has been renamed ahead of its release, due to a conflict with Achebe's most famous work.
Things Fall Apart, published by Achebe in 1958, is Nigeria's most famous English-language novel. It has sold more than 8m copies worldwide. Unfortunately, 50 Cent was not aware of this. He spent much of 2010 shooting a film of the same name, the story of an American football player diagnosed with cancer. "It's a project that I wrote, produced and financed myself," he explained last year. Directed by Mario Van Peebles, it premiered at the Miami film festival in March and is expected to be released soon.
Unfortunately for Fiddy, his film will not keep its original title. After being contacted by Achebe's legal team,...
- 9/14/2011
- by Sean Michaels
- The Guardian - Film News
In a cinematic landscape where the only horror films currently being greenlit by studios are remakes, you'd think that a brand new Hellraiser sequel would be a sight for sore eyes. And indeed, it probably would have been, if original writer/director Clive Barker had been involved in any way. Unfortunately, this is now the ninth film in the series and it was directed by Victor Garcia (Mirrors 2, Return to House on Haunted Hill) and written by Gary J. Tunnicliffe (Megalodon, Guardian). It looks like direct-to-video fare all the way, and to make matters worse, it's the first Hellraiser movie that doesn't star Doug Bradley as Pinhead. Word on the street is that The Weinstein Company threw this thing together just so they could retain the rights to the franchise. Clive Barker himself is none too pleased by the project; he recently tweeted, "I want to put on record...
- 8/23/2011
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Ten years after his breakthrough, Don Cheadle has changed gears. He tells John Patterson about pranks, poker and that infamous 'London' accent
This is not the first time I've met Don Cheadle. That was 10 years ago, and I remind him of this when we meet again at his office in a fancy part of Santa Monica, about five blocks from the ocean. He told me back then to meet him in a public park in Santa Monica at 8am (thanks a bunch, Don) where I duly fetched up 10 minutes early. After about 20 minutes' wait, I noticed a young man lying spreadeagled under a tree 50ft away, looking hungover or derelict. After another 10 minutes, I started getting paranoid, as I remembered that Cheadle had spent time recently with master-prankster George Clooney on Ocean's Eleven. The more my thoughts ran this way, the more the man under the tree began vaguely to resemble the lean,...
This is not the first time I've met Don Cheadle. That was 10 years ago, and I remind him of this when we meet again at his office in a fancy part of Santa Monica, about five blocks from the ocean. He told me back then to meet him in a public park in Santa Monica at 8am (thanks a bunch, Don) where I duly fetched up 10 minutes early. After about 20 minutes' wait, I noticed a young man lying spreadeagled under a tree 50ft away, looking hungover or derelict. After another 10 minutes, I started getting paranoid, as I remembered that Cheadle had spent time recently with master-prankster George Clooney on Ocean's Eleven. The more my thoughts ran this way, the more the man under the tree began vaguely to resemble the lean,...
- 8/12/2011
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
A lot to go over, including a whole lot of second issues and a hardcover collection of all of last month’s #1 issues. So let’s get to it!
Justice League #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1:25 Variant cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
1:200 B&W variant cover by Jim Lee
On sale October 19 • 40 pg, Fc, $3.99 Us • Rated T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 Us
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
What happens when the World’s Greatest Detective takes on the world’s most powerful alien? You’ll find out when Batman and Superman throw down. Batman will need all his intellect, cunning and physical prowess to take on The Man of Steel.
This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.
Justice League #2
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1:25 Variant cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
1:200 B&W variant cover by Jim Lee
On sale October 19 • 40 pg, Fc, $3.99 Us • Rated T
Combo pack edition: $4.99 Us
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.
What happens when the World’s Greatest Detective takes on the world’s most powerful alien? You’ll find out when Batman and Superman throw down. Batman will need all his intellect, cunning and physical prowess to take on The Man of Steel.
This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.
- 7/19/2011
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
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