Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in a scene from ‘Outlander’ season 4 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Starz made Droughtlander a lot easier to suffer through, announcing today that Outlander has been renewed for seasons five and six. The network also confirmed that the popular series based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling books will return for season four in November 2018.
Filming is currently underway on season four’s 13 episodes.
“Fans can rest assured their beloved Claire and Jamie will be back facing new challenges, adversaries, and adventures in seasons five and six as we delve into American history and continue the story of the Frasers as they settle in the New World,” said Chris Albrecht, Starz President and CEO.
According to the official announcement, season five will consist of 12 episodes and will be based on The Fiery Cross. Season six will also consist of 12 episodes and will be adapted from Gabaldon’s A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Whoooooooop! So excited!!! Thank you to our cast, crew and writers for making this show so much fun to work on. We’re so excited to continue on this journey. And thanks to our amazing partners @Outlander_STARZ and @SPTV AND….thanks to the BEST FANS EVER!!!! https://t.co/ZUBwYBKeBm
The long-awaited film adaptation of Garth Stein’s bestselling novel The Art of Racing in the Rain has begun production. Fox 2000 announced filming has just gotten underway in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This Is It star Milo Ventimiglia is taking on the role of Denny Smith, dog lover and race car driver. Kevin Costner is providing the voice of Enzo, Denny’s beloved best friend and canine companion. The cast also includes Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Ryan Keira Armstrong, and Martin Donovan.
Simon Curtis (Goodbye Christopher Robin, My Week with Marilyn) is directing and Mark Bomback (War for the Planet of the Apes, The Wolverine) adapted Stein’s critically acclaimed novel for the screen. Neal H. Moritz, Patrick Dempsey and Tania Landau are producing, with Donald J. Lee and Joannie Burstein on board as executive producers.
The dramatic film will be released theatrically by Twentieth Century Fox.
“We are elated to join forces with this amazing team of filmmakers and cast to bring this long-awaited adaptation to the screen. The book is beloved by millions of people, and we believe audiences will also embrace this emotional and uplifting film that shows life through the wise and humorous vision of Enzo, the dog,” stated Fox 2000 President Elizabeth Gabler.
The Plot: Based on the bestselling novel by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo.
Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift, an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.
The film follows Denny and the loves of his life – his wife, Eve, their young daughter Zoe, and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.
The newest trailer for the dramatic thriller American Animals delves further into the preparation of the art heist at the heart of the story. Based on true events, American Animals comes from writer/director Bart Layton and is set to open in theaters on June 1, 2018.
The cast includes Evan Peters (American Horror Story, X-Men: Days of Future Past), Barry Keoghan (The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Dunkirk), Blake Jenner (The Edge of Seventeen, Everybody Wants Some!), Jared Abrahamson (Travelers), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale, The Leftovers), and Udo Kier (Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot).
The Plot:American Animals is the unbelievable but entirely true story of four young men who attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history. The film centers around two friends from the middle-class suburbs of Lexington, Kentucky.
Spencer (Keoghan) is determined to become an artist but feels he lacks the essential ingredient that unites all great artists – suffering. His closest friend, Warren (Peters), has also been raised to believe that his life will be special, and that he will be unique in some way. But as they leave the suburbs for universities in the same town, the realities of adult life begin to dawn on them and with that, the realization that their lives may in fact never be important or special in any way. Determined to live lives that are out of the ordinary, they plan the brazen theft of some of the world’s most valuable books from the special collections room of Spencer’s college Library.
Enlisting two more friends, accounting major Eric (Abrahamson) and fitness fanatic Chas (Jenner), and taking their cues from heist movies, the gang meticulously plots the theft and subsequent fence of the stolen artworks. Although some of the group begin to have second thoughts, they discover that the plan has seemingly taken on a life of its own. Unfolding from multiple perspectives, and innovatively incorporating the real-life figures at the heart of the story, writer-director Bart Layton (The Imposter) takes the heist movie into bold new territory.
Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters star in ‘American Animals.’
The CW’s Supergirl season three episode 17 found the team going up against the three Worldkillers. Although two were dead by the end of the episode, their powers were absorbed by Reign. In season three episode 18, Team Supergirl’s going to have to attempt to defeat the incredibly powerful remaining Worldkiller.
Season three episode 18 is titled “Shelter From the Storm” and will air on May 14, 2018. The episode was directed by Antonio Negret from a script by Lindsay Gelfand and Allison Weintraub.
The season three cast includes Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers/Supergirl, Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers, David Harewood as J’onn J’onzz, Jeremy Jordan as Winn Schott, Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen, Katie McGrath as Lena Luthor, Chris Wood as Mon-El of Daxam, and Odette Annable as Reign. The series is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Robert Rovner, and Jessica Queller.
The “Shelter From the Storm” Plot: REIGN SETS HER SIGHTS ON RUBY – When Reign (Annable) starts hunting Ruby (guest star Emma Tremblay), Supergirl (Benoist) and Alex (Leigh) work together to keep her safe. Supergirl and J’onn (Harewood) look to Sam’s mother (guest star Betty Buckley) for advice on how to stop Reign and come away with some shocking news.
LD Entertainment’s just released the official teaser trailer for the comedy, Dog Days. The 2018 release stars The Vampire Diaries‘ Nina Dobrev and High School Musical‘s Vanessa Hudgens and was directed by How to Be a Latin Lover‘s Ken Marino.
In addition to Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, and scene-stealing four-legged actors, the cast includes Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), Finn Wolfhard (It, Stranger Things), Adam Pally (The Mindy Project, Making History), Tone Bell (Truth Be Told), Jon Bass (Molly’s Game), Michael Cassidy (People of Earth), Thomas Lennon (Lethal Weapon, Santa Clarita Diet), Tig Notaro (One Mississippi), and Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us).
Elissa Matsueda wrote the script and Mickey Liddell, Jennifer Monroe, and Pete Shilaimon served as producers. Michael Glassman, Scott Holroyd, Alison Semenza, and Nicole Stojkovich executive produced the comedy.
LD Entertainment has set an August 10, 2018 theatrical release.
The Plot:Dog Days is a hilarious and heartfelt ensemble comedy that follows the lives of multiple dog owners and their beloved fluffy pals around sunny Los Angeles. When these human and canine’s paths start to intertwine, their lives begin changing in ways they never expected.
Vanessa Hudgens stars as “Tara” and Jon Bass stars as “Garrett” in Ken Marino’s ‘Dog Days,’ a LD Entertainment release. (Photo Credit: Jacob Yakob / LD Entertainment)
“Are you telling me you’re going to betray one of your own because he doesn’t meet some arbitrary intellectual standard?” asks Cisco (Carlos Valdes). “Ah, so you do understand unlike your simple friend…auf wiedersehen,” replies Heir Wells in season four episode 21 of The CW series The Flash.
The episode begins with Barry (Grant Gustin) waking up in the middle of the night and checking on Iris (Candice Patton) who’s sitting on the floor in their living room surrounded by papers and photos. Iris tells Barry she wants to write an article and post it on her blog warning the world of DeVoe’s plan to make everyone simple-minded. Barry, surprised by Iris’s idea, isn’t sure it’s the right move but doesn’t say anything.
At S.T.A.R. Labs, Team Flash isn’t sure why DeVoe hasn’t launched his satellites yet. Barry suggests their best move is to shoot the satellites down when he does launch them. Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) reminds Barry that with one of DeVoe’s meta powers he can control any tech they try to use. Iris suggests they brainstorm and try to find a way to do it without using tech. Harry (Tom Cavanagh) tells Cisco he’s sure he could predict DeVoe’s next move if he consults the Council of Wells.
Harry and Cisco connect with the German Wells who quickly figures out that Harry is now truly “simple Harry” because his thinking cap backfired. He refuses to help. Cisco suggests to Harry they seek the help of another council, the Council of Harrisons, since there are so many in the multiverse.
Joe (Jesse L. Martin) checks in on Caitlin who’s still trying to figure out a way to bring back Killer Frost and gives her a short pep talk, telling her that when he’s working a missing persons case and is getting nowhere he tries to come at it from a different angle. This gives Caitlin an idea.
Caitlin suggests to the team that they join forces with Amunet Black (Katee Sackhoff) because her powers shouldn’t be affected by DeVoe’s. Barry, Iris, and Joe are not fans of the idea of asking help from a criminal, but Caitlin reminds them they worked with Snart and Killer Frost before and both are criminals. The team reluctantly agrees and sets out to find her.
The Flash and Caitlin speed over to Amunet’s old hideout but only find Norvock (Mark Sweatman), Amunet’s right-hand man who tells them he hasn’t heard from her in months since a deal went bad. She might be dead.
Back at S.T.A.R. Labs, Team Flash looks into Amunet’s past and finds her non-meta identity, Leslie Jocoy, in the hopes of finding her. Joe and Caitlin go to where Amunet as Leslie last worked to see if she’s laying low there. Barry has a hallway chat with Iris about her article telling her he’s not sure if it’s the right move. He reminds her the Team usually keeps things like this to themselves. Iris counters saying she believes it will help and that they have an obligation to warn the public. She heads off to finish her article.
Cisco and Harry meet with the new Council of Harrisons to seek help. It’s made up of Sonny Wells, the French Poet Harrison, HP Wells, and the playboy Wells who was kicked out of the other council. Annoyed, Harry’s reluctant to seek help from the council which he calls the “Council of Rejects.” Cisco pushes and after the new council hears about Harry’s accident with the cap, they agree to help.
Joe and Caitlin find the place Leslie worked at which looks to be a little store. As Joe and Caitlin look around, Joe tells Caitlin he knows she wants to team up with Amunet to help her with getting Killer Frost back. Caitlin admits that Amunet had a piece of tech that helped her control Frost and hopes to get her hands on it to bring Frost back. Joe asks why she didn’t tell the team and she admits she was afraid they would say no.
Joe notices a back door that opens to another room and he and Caitlin go through to discover an underground casino. Caitlin quickly sees Amunet as a dealer and heads over to talk. Joe flashes his badge and tells everyone he’s CCPD and to get out because he’s shutting things down. Amunet gets ready to fight, creates her meta-powered metal glove, and flings metal shrapnel at Caitlin and Joe. However, Joe already signaled The Flash. The Scarlet Speedster races in and grabs the shards before they get near Joe or Caitlin. “We don’t want to fight. We want your help,” says The Flash.
Back at S.T.A.R. Labs, Amunet is not sure she wants to team up with The Flash but Caitlin reminds her that DeVoe’s mind-wiping plan will happen to her no matter where she goes in the world. Amunet insists on The Flash unmasking himself because she already knows he’s the speedster she almost bought from the ex-warden from Iron Heights. Barry complies and with a little more encouragement from Caitlin, Amunet agrees to help but she needs Team Flash to help her find her large stash of special metal shards that were stolen from their hiding place.
Caitlin takes Amunet aside to her medical bay and tells her she needs the transgenetic splicer Amunet used on her before to bring back Killer Frost. Amunet agrees to give it to her if Caitlin and Frost will do one more job for her. Caitlin, desperate to get Frost back, agrees. Amunet tells Caitlin the splicer was stolen along with her metal shards.
The Flash and Caitlin go with Amunet to look for clues at her big storage locker. Barry uses his CSI skills to discover the venom used to destroy the lock. Amunet recognizes that venom and that it was her right-hand man Norvock who stole her goods.
Team Flash is trying to find the metal shards using their satellites but so far nothing. Barry tells the team that Norvock has left Amunet’s old hideout. Caitlin, becoming more and more impatient, keeps snapping at Iris about tracking the shards. Joe tells her to reveal to the team why she’s so obsessed. Caitlin admits to them her deal with Amunet to do a job for her if she got the splicer and got Killer Frost back. Upset and feeling as though she’s lost Frost for good, Caitlin leaves the cortex to pout.
The Council of Harrisons talk it over and tell Harry that what he really needs he already possesses in order to figure out DeVoe’s next move. They explain he needs to look into his heart and see what motivation DeVoe is missing. After they leave, Harry calls the meeting of the Harrisons a “colossal waste of time,” getting the word colossal from Cisco who feels terrible for Harry.
Barry and Iris talk again about her article on DeVoe and Barry tells her it’s too risky and doesn’t want her to publish it. Iris argues The Thinker is trying to rob the people of their intelligence and they should have faith in the public to do the right thing. But, she’ll leave it up to him to decide. Whatever he decides, she’ll stand by.
Caitlin’s sitting in the pipeline feeling down when Amunet comes looking for her. Amunet tells Caitlin she hates to see her so down and comes clean, admitting the splicer never really worked. Caitlin realizes that Amunet basically used the fake splicer as a placebo to get her to control Frost on her own. Amunet tells Caitlin how in awe she is of her powers and alter ego and that the answer to bringing Killer Frost back lies inside her. Amunet suddenly realizes during their talk where Norvock is.
Norvock’s doing a deal with some underworld thugs to sell them the special metal shards at an abandoned rental substation. The Flash, Amunet, Joe, and Caitlin (armed with the cold gun) speed over to stop the deal. Flash takes on Norvock who uses his snake eye and sprays him with venom, causing Barry to struggle with the poison. Amunet uses her powers to throw metal shards at Norvock, but he has created a gun that vacuums up her shards.
Joe and Caitlin go after the thugs as they try to drive away and Joe shoots at the car, causing them to crash. The two thugs come out shooting and Joe and Caitlin go for cover behind some old vehicles.
Iris tells Barry he needs to phase through the poison before it reaches his heart. Joe informs Caitlin he’s running out of ammo. She looks up and blasts the roof with the cold gun, creating a large icicle. Joe shoots it and it comes crashing down on top of the thugs, knocking them out. Amunet uses her powers again and this time, by using the trunk full of metal shards from the thug’s car, she’s able to create a head mask on Norvock, effectively trapping him. Barry phases through the poison and is okay.
Amunet’s about to kill Norvock but Barry and Caitlin talk her out of it. Caitlin’s sure there’s still good in her. Amunet does, however, cut out Norvock’s snake eye as punishment. She’s about to leave when she reminds Team Flash that now that she’s armed with her metal shards, they should just let her go. Caitlin reminds her she can’t hide from DeVoe’s plan and Amunet gives Caitlin a special ball of her shards which she says should be able to take down the satellites if used right, sort of like a special metal shrapnel grenade. Amunet then leaves in a metal tornado of her creation.
Back at S.T.A.R. Labs, Caitlin apologizes to the team for getting so intense about Amunet. They’ve already forgiven her. Caitlin invites Joe to grab a coffee before heading back to CCPD. Harry tells the Team he knows why DeVoe hasn’t launched his satellites yet; it’s because he has lost his wife who’s on the run from him. (Seems the whole looking into his heart idea worked for Harry.) Barry tells the team they’ll start looking for her right away. He then pulls Iris aside and tells her to publish her article and that he believes informing the public is the right thing to do.
Over at Jitters, Caitlin buys Joe his coffee as a thank you for his pep talks and advice. He asks her if she has any new ideas about getting Killer Frost back and she tells him that now she knows the key to finding Frost is in her own mind.
The last scene has Barry asleep in bed. Iris wakes him up and shows him all the hits and responses she’s getting from her DeVoe story. Citizens who’ve read her article are responding with DeVoe sightings. “Let’s see you hide now,” says Barry.
The Flash Season 4 Episode 21 Review:
Filled with humor and an exciting action scene, season four episode 21 titled “Harry and the Harrisons” is entertaining but feels more like a filler episode stretching the series until the big showdown between Team Flash and The Thinker.
The stand-out performance goes to guest star Katee Sackhoff, reprising her role as Amunet the once queen of the underworld who is now in hiding just trying to survive. Sackhoff is wonderful as the slightly over-the-top Amunet who’s always looking to get herself back on top but deep down likes and has real admiration for Caitlin. Danielle Panabaker and Sackhoff have solid chemistry in their scenes together. It’s those scenes that are the highlights of the episode.
Another big highlight is the action scene late in the episode where Amunet takes on Norvock and Joe and Caitlin take on the thugs. Well–paced, choreographed, and above-average special effects made this action scene one of the best of this season.
With Team Flash now on the hunt for Mrs. DeVoe and the public trying to help look for him, it seems as though the odds are improving for our heroes to stop DeVoe once and for all.
Fox’s Lucifer season three episode 23 was one of the season’s most emotionally gut-wrenching for Lucifans. Lucifer spent the episode determined to get things back to normal with Chloe, while Chloe concentrated on solving a murder case that was tied to Charlotte’s past. Charlotte and Amenadiel spent a lot of time trying to figure out whether it was possible for her to go to Heaven and, unfortunately, by the end of the episode we learned the answer. Charlotte moved in front of Amenadiel, saving his life after Pierce fired on them from a nearby hiding spot. Amenadiel’s wings returned and he carried Charlotte to Heaven.
Episode 23 also found Lucifer admitting, again, that he’s the Devil and Chloe once again not taking him literally. They shared a romantic kiss before being interrupted with the news of Charlotte’s death.
Up next, the season three finale airing on May 14, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT. Season three episode 24 is titled “A Devil of My Word” and features guest stars Gonzalo Menendez as John Barrow and Jared Ward as Steve Chamberlain.
Season three stars Tom Ellis as Lucifer, Lauren German as Chloe, DB Woodside as Amenadiel, Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze, Kevin Alejandro as Dan, Scarlett Estevez as Trixie, Rachael Harris as Linda Martin, Tricia Helfer as Charlotte, Aimee Garcia as Ella, and Tom Welling as Marcus Pierce/Cain.
The “A Devil of My Word” Plot: Shocked by someone’s death, Chloe, Lucifer and the rest of the team work together to investigate and take down the killer. Then, Lucifer has an epiphany, Maze decides to mend a broken friendship, and Chloe finally sees the truth in the all-new “A Devil of My Word” season finale episode.
Lauren German, Tom Ellis and Kevin Alejandro in ‘Lucifer’ season 3 episode 24 (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)Tom Ellis in the “A Devil of My Word” season finale episode of ‘Lucifer’ (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)Tom Ellis, Lauren German and Kevin Alejandro in ‘Lucifer’ season 3 episode 24 (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)Tom Welling as Marcus Pierce in ‘Lucifer’ (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)Kevin Alejandro in ‘Lucifer’ season 3 episode 24 (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)Aimee Garcia in the season three finale of ‘Lucifer’ (Photo by Jordan Althaus / FOX)
After nine episodes it’s all come down to this… Will King Robert and Willow exchange vows on E!’s The Royals season four episode 10 or will the wedding wind up in a coup in which Prince Liam replaces his brother on the throne? Season four’s finale titled “With Mirth in Funeral and With Dirge in Marriage” is set to air on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT.
E!’s released a trailer for season four episode 10 which shows there’s going to be a lot of drama packed into just 60 minutes. The network also unveiled a one minute clip featuring Queen Helena getting into a cat fight with the mother of the bride. “I learned this move from Dynasty re-runs, b**ch!” snarls Helena as she pulls out Willow’s mother’s hair. Willow’s mom responds by calling the Queen a “scraggy old cow.”
Season four consists of 10 one-hour episodes starring Elizabeth Hurley as Queen Helena, Max Brown as King Robert, Jake Maskall as Cyrus, Tom Austen as Jasper, Alexandra Park as Princess Eleanor, William Moseley as Prince Liam, and Genevieve Gaunt as Wilhelmina. Brian Robbins, Joe Davola (One Tree Hill, Smallville), and Shauna Phela are the executive producers.
The “With Mirth in Funeral and With Dirge in Marriage” Plot: The finale culminates in a day that will change the family and the nation forever. A burgeoning uprising has Robert suspicious of everyone, as the rest of the family unites to combat a formidable foe.
The Royals Season 4 Plot: Drama about a fictional British Royal family, who inhabit a world of luxury and regal tradition, but one that also involves intrigue and unexpected twists revealing the complexities faced by royals trying to maintain high-profile relationships under scrutiny, and continuing to shine a light on the anarchy in the monarchy.
The fourth season of The Royals picks up after the charming, potentially duplicitous, Prince Robert (Brown) is crowned King of England. Prince Liam (Moseley) and his recently dethroned uncle Cyrus (Maskall) form an unlikely alliance, Queen Helena (Hurley) struggles to control her unruly brood as she figures out her role in the palace. And, after a heated on again-off again relationship, bodyguard Jasper (Austen) tries to capture Princess Eleanor’s (Park) heart one more time just as they are about to face their biggest obstacle yet.
Universal Pictures has released the final trailer leading up to the theatrical release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. The studio’s also unveiled a new poster featuring the large ensemble cast looking ready to burst into song.
The 2018 sequel to 2008’s Mamma Mia! was directed by Ol Parker. Parker (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) also wrote the screenplay, and Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus returned to provide the film’s music and lyrics. The musical comedy’s executive produced by Andersson, Ulvaeus, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Phyllida Lloyd, Richard Curtis and Nicky Kentish Barnes. Mamma Mia!‘s producers Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman are back as producers for the sequel.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is set to open in theaters on July 20, 2018. (The original opened on July 18, 2008.)
Returning cast members include Amanda Seyfried as Sophie, Dominic Cooper as Sky, Meryl Streep as Donna, Julie Walters as Rosie, Christine Baranski as Tanya, Pierce Brosnan as Sam, Stellan Skarsgård as Bill, and Colin Firth as Harry. Newcomers include Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver) as Young Donna, Alexa Davies (A Brilliant Young Mind) as Young Rosie, Jessica Keenan Wynn (The Mysteries of Laura) as Young Tanya, Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) as Young Sam, Josh Dylan (Allied) as Young Bill, and Hugh Skinner (Kill Your Friends) as Young Harry. Additional cast members include Andy Garcia (Kill the Messenger) and Cher.
The original Mamma Mia! was directed by Phyllida Lloyd and had a $50 million budget. The film’s opening weekend rang up $27 million domestically and went on to gross $609 million worldwide before exiting theaters. Mamma Mia! was nominated for two Golden Globes and three BAFTA Awards. It won a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor (Pierce Brosnan) as well as the “Movie You Wanted to Love, But Just Couldn’t” award from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists.
Class Rank’s plot description has a bit of an Election ring to it, but tone-wise this appealing romantic comedy is nothing like that 1999 R-rated satirical dark comedy. And unlike most high school and coming of age films, Class Rank’s flawed characters are minus any real mean streaks.
The film revolves around the nerdy and earnest Bernard Flannigan (Skyler Gisondo, Santa Clarita Diet) and Veronica Krauss (Olivia Holt, the star of Freeform’s upcoming series Cloak & Dagger), a student body officer who’s obsessed with being number one and driven by the desire to become a Supreme Court Justice. When Veronica learns her overall rank in school is second, she immediately panics and attempts to sway those in charge to do away with rankings altogether. When that doesn’t work, she sets her sights on convincing Bernard to run for the School Board.
Bernard’s a constant presence at School Board meetings, completely unafraid of voicing his heavily researched opinions on a variety of topics that affect students. None of his requests are taken seriously, and any change he suggests is immediately voted down.
Although Bernard doesn’t have any political aspirations, Veronica’s able to convince him the best way to enact change is from within as a member of the ruling body. After much consideration, Bernard embraces the idea of running for a seat on the School Board and wholeheartedly throws himself into the campaign.
Bernard and Veronica share the same goal: to get Bernie, as Veronica rebrands him, a place on the School Board. However, their approach to drumming up support for Bernie’s campaign is dramatically different. Veronica’s used to telling people what they need to hear to get them on board her many projects (all of which are aimed at padding her résumé for college), while Bernie’s a straight-shooter who over-explains his position on any given topic. Still, they’re able to bond over the course of the campaign and their firm beliefs in doing what’s best for their fellow students win over not just their fellow peers but also the audience of this delightful comedy.
Eric Stoltz, a man who knows a thing or two about stories set in high school, directed Class Rank from a script by Benjamin August (2015’s Remember). As an actor, Stoltz spent the 1980s starring in films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Wild Life, The New Kids, Mask, and Some Kind of Wonderful. Among his recent directing credits are 12 episodes of the television high school comedy/drama, Glee. Stoltz’s experience pays off with a film that feels both genuine and timeless.
Class Rank is John Hughes-lite, so to speak, and that’s meant as a compliment. Hughes understood his audience and his films were grounded in reality, albeit a reality sprinkled with exaggerated personalities. Director Stoltz and writer August’s fictional high school is also populated with well-written, realistic characters who are dealing with complex issues while treading the awkward stage between childhood and adulthood.
Skyler Gisondo and Olivia Holt are terrific as high school students attempting to navigate through one of the most difficult stages of life. Stoltz surrounds Gisondo and Holt with a talented cast of supporting players that includes Bruce Dern, Kristin Chenoweth, and Kathleen Chalfant. In fact, Dern’s so good as Gisondo’s grandfather that it would have been fun to spend a bit more time with his character. The on-screen relationship between Gisondo and Dern is so compelling it nearly outshines Gisondo’s scenes with Holt.
Class Rank is an engaging coming of age film with a few unexpected twists that keep it from being too predictable. And, thankfully, the political campaign at the center of the film bears no resemblance to current affairs.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: Not rated
Running Time 101 minutes
Release Date: Cinedigm’s releasing Class Rank in theaters, on digital, and On Demand on May 11, 2018
