How hard is it to act completely normal when you discover you’re spending your vacation with a total psychopath? For the unsuspecting travelers in Speak No Evil, the answer is that it’s impossible.
“When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare,” reads Blumhouse’s synopsis.
James McAvoy (Split, Glass) puts off an incredibly creepy vibe as Paddy, the “charismatic, alpha-male estate owner whose untrammeled hospitality masks an unspeakable darkness.” Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate) and SAG award-winner Scoot McNairy (A Quiet Place Part II) play the American couple who naively accept an invitation and have their lives turned into a living hell, along with their 11-year-old daughter (Alix West Lefler). Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones) plays Paddy’s wife, Ciara, and Dan Hough stars as their mute son.
James Watkins wrote and directed Speak No Evil, based on the 2022 Danish film Gæsterne from writers Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup. Paul Ritchie and Blumhouse’s Jason Blum serve as producers, with Beatriz Sequeira, Jacob Jarek, and Christian Tafdrup executive producing.
Speak No Evil will have a special sneak peek at the San Diego Comic-Con. It’ll open nationwide in theaters on September 13, 2024.
Wicked director Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) says he wants audiences to feel like they are transported to Oz. To accomplish that goal, his team built Emerald City and Munchkinland. The production team grew 9 million tulips, the forest set is enormous, and the train featured in the film actually weighs 16 tons. Chu took incredible steps to ensure audiences would feel immersed in the magical world of Wicked.
“To see all that detail, all of it adds to the things that you can imagine,” says two-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba. Ariana Grande (Glinda) added, “A lot of it is real, physical, tangible sets.”
“Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart,” reads Universal Pictures’ synopsis.
“The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”
Joining Grande and Erivo are Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman), and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Wicked is written by Winnie Holzman, based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire. Marc Platt and David Stone serve as producers, with Schwartz, David Nicksay, and Jared LeBoff executive producing.
Wicked opens in theaters on November 22, 2024. Part Two follows on November 26, 2025.
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the critically acclaimed sequel to 2016’s Best Animated Film Oscar winner, has set a new box office record. Just six weeks after its theatrical release, Inside Out 2 has taken the #1 spot as the highest-grossing animated film of all time. As of today, it’s rung up $1.462 billion in ticket sales worldwide, overtaking Frozen 2 for first place.
Disney reports it’s also the fastest animated film to reach $1 billion globally, hitting the mark after just 19 days. Inside Out 2 is the only 2024 theatrical release to pass $1 billion, and it’s now the highest-grossing film (not just animated) in history in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay.
All this, and it still hasn’t opened in Japan. By the end of its theatrical run, the family-friendly film should move up from its current spot at 13 on the all-time box office chart.
“Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions,” reads Disney’s synopsis. “Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up.”
Returning Inside Out voice cast members include Amy Poehler as Joy, Lewis Black as Anger, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Diane Lane as Riley’s mom, and Kyle MacLachlan as Riley’s dad. Newcomers include Liza Lapira as Disgust, Tony Hale as Fear, Maya Hawke as Anxiety, Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui, and Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment.
Kelsey Mann directed the sequel from a screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. Mark Nielsen served as a producer, with Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and Dan Scanlon executive producing.
Lionsgate’s final Borderlands trailer is short on dialogue but packed with over-the-top action. The nearly two-minute trailer has weird creatures, gun battles, a robot with a bad sense of direction, a stuffed bunny with a maniacal laugh, and Cate Blanchett asking, “How are we going to get through this?”
Hopefully it all makes sense to fans of the video game franchise.
Cate Blanchett’s joined in the on screen mayhem by Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Edgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Eli Roth co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Crombie and directs.
Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, and Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Borderlands’ (Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes)
“Lilith (Blanchett), an infamous bounty hunter with a mysterious past, reluctantly returns to her home, Pandora, the most chaotic planet in the galaxy. Her mission is to find the missing daughter of Atlas (Ramírez), the universe’s most powerful S.O.B. Lilith forms an unexpected alliance with a ragtag team of misfits – Roland (Hart), a seasoned mercenary on a mission; Tiny Tina (Greenblatt), a feral pre-teen demolitionist; Krieg (Munteanu), Tina’s musclebound protector; Tannis (Curtis), the oddball scientist who’s seen it all; and Claptrap (Black), a wiseass robot,” reads Lionsgate’s synopsis. “Together, these unlikely heroes must battle an alien species and dangerous bandits to uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. The fate of the universe could be in their hands – but they’ll be fighting for something more: each other. Based on one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time, welcome to BORDERLANDS.”
Ari Arad, Avi Arad, and Erik Feig serve as producers. Executive producers include Tim Miller, Ethan Smith, Louise Rosner, Emmy Yu, Lucy Kitada, Christopher Woodrow, K. Blaine Johnston, Randy Pitchford, and Strauss Zelnick.
Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet’s showing off his singing skills again, this time in a biopic on the iconic singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. The first A Complete Unknown teaser trailer has the Wonka star singing Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”
Searchlight Pictures’ first teaser was accompanied by photos from the film featuring Chalamet as Dylan.
“Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965,” reads Searchlight Pictures’ synopsis.
In addition to Timothée Chalamet, the cast of the music-driven biopic includes Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez. Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, and Scoot McNairy also star. Two-time Oscar nominee James Mangold, director of Walk the Line and Logan, co-wrote the screenplay and directs.
Producers include Mangold, Chalamet, Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, Peter Jaysen, Bob Bookman, Alan Gasmer, and Jeff Rosen.
Timothée Chalamet’s recent credits include Dune: Part Two, Wonka, Bones and All, Don’t Look Up, Dune: Part One, and The French Dispatch. In 2018, Chalamet earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Call Me by Your Name opposite Armie Hammer. He’s been nominated for five Screen Actors Guild awards as well as earning Critics Choice, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations.
A Complete Unknown is set to open in theaters this December.
Back in 2016, Ryan Reynolds rejoined the Marvel Universe, bringing to life the anti-hero with twisted wit and over-the-top action in the first standalone Deadpool film. A year later, Hugh Jackman portrayed the X-Men’s Wolverine in what was to be his swan song performance as the character in the gritty and moving Logan. Now seven years later, Marvel’s never-aging loner hero and the smart aleck super mercenary team up for the third entry in the Deadpool film franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine.
The action catches up with Wade Wilson making the best of his life after the break-up with his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin, Gotham). He’s still sulking after being turned down to join the Avengers, and he’s hung up his Deadpool suit. While celebrating his birthday with his few but very loyal friends, Wilson suddenly finds himself yanked away and placed in front of a mysterious man known as Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen, Succession). Paradox informs him that since Wolverine sacrificed himself for Laura, this world will cease to exist in 72 hours. Luckily for the Merc with a Mouth, Paradox has special plans for him, so he will not face the same fate.
Wilson refuses to accept the end of his world and sets out to either resurrect Wolverine or find one from the Multiverse to help him save his world.
After a hilarious montage of numerous Wolverines, Wilson-once again suited up as Deadpool-finds a brooding, semi-drunk, and easily annoyed Logan in a bar. “Alright, I’m sort of on the tick-tick here, so upsy-daisy, here we go,” says Deadpool, literally dragging Logan out of the bar and into his fight to save his world.
Insanely funny, extremely violent, and substantially upping the vulgar factor over its predecessors, Deadpool & Wolverine is one of the best Marvel superhero films to date. Its relentlessly crass humor, high-octane action scenes, dozens of surprise cameos, and hugely entertaining performances make it a fine tribute to countless FOX superheroes, as well as a launching pad for the next wave of Marvel superhero adventures.
Ryan Reynolds is once again hilarious as Deadpool, the obnoxious, sarcastic but brave anti-hero who must team up with Wolverine to save his world. Reynolds has not only revived the Marvel character but has also reinvigorated the Marvel Universe by starring in and being one of the main creative forces behind the R-rated action-comedy. Reynolds, Jackson, and director Shawn Levy delivered huge laughs and incredible over-the-top action to the screen, making the six-year wait between Deadpool 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine well worthwhile.
Hugh Jackman reprises the role that made him famous and launched his film career, coming out of X-Men retirement and donning Wolverine’s adamantium claws (at least) once more. Jackman’s the perfect Wolverine and, as expected, delivers another stellar performance as Logan. Jackman’s running on all cylinders here, bringing the brooding and angry Logan back to life on the screen and being the emotional center of the film. Witnessing Reynolds and Jackman’s off-screen friendship transform into a hate-love bromance between Deadpool and Wolverine is enough to justify the price of admission.
The Crown’s Emma Corrin is the very definition of a scene-stealer as Cassandra Nova, one of the film’s main villains who’s cunning, clever, and deadly. Corrin’s Nova is the best villain in the Marvel Universe since Thanos, and Corrin’s performance is mesmerizing.
The action scenes have the perfect mix of over-the-top violence with ridiculous humor, and the use of pop and rock songs only adds to the comic absurdity of the sequences. And while I can’t mention any by name, just know that every cameo is given its moment to shine. Profanity-filled, action-packed, and wildly funny, Deadpool & Wolverine is the best of the Deadpool films and the best Marvel film since Avengers: Endgame.
GRADE: B+
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, gore, sexual references, and strong bloody violence
Warner Bros Pictures’ Joker: Folie À Deux (formerly known as Joker 2) trailer focuses on the budding relationship between Arthur Fleck/Joker and Harley Quinn. There’s music mixed in with the madness as Joker and Harley Quinn prepare to put on a show and give the people what they want.
Joaquin Phoenix reprises his Oscar-winning role in 2019’s Joker, and Oscar-winner Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born) stars as Harley Quinn. The comic book-inspired film also features Oscar nominee Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin), two-time Oscar nominee Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich, Capote), and Zazie Beetz, returning as Sophie Dumond.
“Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker,” reads Warner Bros synopsis. “While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.”
Todd Phillips returns to direct Joker 2 from a screenplay he co-wrote with Scott Silver. Returning members of Phillips’ behind-the-scenes team include director of photography Lawrence Sher, production designer Mark Friedberg, editor Jeff Groth, executive music director Jason Ruder, and composer Hildur Guđnadóttir. Joining the sequel are costume designer Arianne Phillips and casting director Francine Maisler. Randall Poster and George Drakoulias are the music supervisors.
Joker: Folie À Deux opens in theaters on October 4, 2024 domestically and October 2nd internationally.
Poster for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ (Photo Credit: Warner Bros Pictures)
Neon’s second trailer for Cuckoo is, well, cuckoo. As YouTube commenters point out, Dan Stevens is excellent at playing twisted characters. And trailer #2 confirms everything about Cuckoo – including Stevens’ character – is twisted.
“Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma,” reads Neon’s synopsis. “Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.”
In addition to Dan Stevens, director Tilman Singer’s latest horror film stars Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), Jessica Henwick (The Royal Hotel), Greta Fernandez (La Hija de un Ladron), Marton Csokas (Chevalier), and Jan Bluthardt.
Cuckoo currently sits at 81% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes after a festival run that included the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, SXSW, and the Overlook Film Festival. Neon’s set an August 9, 2024 theatrical release date.
Poster for ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ season 6 (Photo Credit: FX)
FX has set a premiere date for the sixth and final season of What We Do in the Shadows. The upcoming final season will premiere on October 21, 2024 at 10pm ET/PT with the release of the first three episodes. New episodes of the 11-episode season will follow on Mondays.
Stars Matt Berry (“Laszlo Cravensworth”), Kayvan Novak (“Nandor the Relentless”), Mark Proksch (“Colin Robinson”), and Kristen Schaal (“The Guide”) will join executive producer/writer Paul Simms and executive producer/director Kyle Newacheck as the farewell tour kicks off at the San Diego Comic-Con. The WWDITS panel will take place in Hall H on Thursday, July 25th at 3:30pm PT. FX confirmed those in attendance will be the first to check out an exclusive preview of a season six episode.
“What We Do in the Shadows documents the nightly exploits of vampire roommates Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) as they navigate the modern world of Staten Island with the help of their former familiar and current human friend, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) as well as their vampire bureaucrat acquaintance, The Guide (Kristen Schaal),” reads FX’s synopsis. “After a very brief stint as a full-blown vampire, Guillermo is re-evaluating his life. Who is he if not a familiar who will do anything to please his Master in hopes of one day being turned into a vampire? Meanwhile, the vampires are reevaluating, too. When their former roommate reappears after a 50-year nap, they realize how little they’ve done in half a century — not one goal accomplished, not one dream pursued, not one part of the New World conquered (except for their street and part of Ashley Street).
In the sixth and final season of the Emmy-nominated comedy, Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, Colin and Guillermo will enter the workforce, visit New Hampshire, go to a human dinner party, fête The Baron, and conjure a demon — all while trying to find their place and their purpose in this crazy, mixed-up world.”
The series is currently nominated for eight Emmys including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Matt Berry), Writing, Costumes, Production Design, Picture Editing, Sound Mixing, and Stunt Coordination.
Paul Simms, Jemaine Clement, Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis, and Yana Gorskaya serve as executive producers. Additional executive producers include Kyle Newacheck, Taika Waititi, Garrett Basch, and Eli Bush.
The news Bridgerton fans have been waiting for has arrived, but not in the form of a new letter from Lady Whistledown. Instead, Netflix released a short video announcing that fan-favorite Benedict (Luke Thompson) is in the spotlight in season four.
“Benedict has always been a little lost — or free depending on the way you want to look at it,” said Luke Thompson in a feature on Netflix’s Tudum. “But now he’s trying to find something a bit more solid in himself.”
Netflix’s logline for season four reads: “The fourth season of Bridgerton turns its focus to bohemian second son Benedict (Luke Thompson). Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down — until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.”
Who is this mysterious Lady in Silver? The answer will probably come much closer to the premiere of the eight-episode fourth season. However, Netflix hasn’t announced when the new season will arrive.
“He’s a charming man who’s trying to find his way,” said series creator Shonda Rhimes, discussing Benedict. “He’s very delightful and funny. I’m excited for everybody to watch him.”
Season three aired in two parts, beginning on May 16, 2024, and focused on #Polin: Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. The third season starred Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury. Ruth Gemmell starred as Violet Bridgerton, Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton.
Harriet Cains played Philipa Featherington, Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington, Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper, Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton, Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich, and Will Tilston played Gregory Bridgerton. The season three ensemble also included Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix, and Sam Phillips as Lord Debling. Julie Andrews returned as the voice of Lady Whistledown.
