HBO just unveiled the first teaser trailer for the upcoming limited series, Scenes from a Marriage. The limited series is based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1973 Swedish miniseries and stars Critics Choice Awards nominee Oscar Isaac (Show Me a Hero) and two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help) as a married couple working their way through problems in their relationship.
Hagai Levi (HBO’s In Treatment) developed the limited series and serves as writer and director. Levi also executive produces along with Isaac, Chastain, Amy Herzog, Michael Ellenberg, Lars Blomgren, Daniel Bergman, and Blair Breard. The limited series was produced by Media Res and Endeavor for HBO.
Scenes from a Marriage will premiere this September on HBO.
HBO released the following brief description of the plot:
“Scenes from a Marriage re-examines the original’s iconic depiction of love, hatred, desire, monogamy, marriage and divorce through the lens of a contemporary American couple, played by Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain.”
Oscar Isaac was recently seen starring in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Life Itself, and Annihilation. He’ll soon be seen playing Duke Leto Atreides in the epic sci-fi action thriller, Dune, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
Jessica Chastain’s credits include It Chapter 2, Molly’s Game, Dark Phoenix, and Miss Sloane. Chastain recently wrapped up work on The Eyes of Tammy Faye in which she stars as Tammy Faye Bakker opposite Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker.
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in ‘Scenes from a Marriage’ (Photo credit: Jojo Whilden/HBO)
The first full-length trailer for FX on Hulu’s American Horror Stories has arrived and it’s as weirdly wonderful as anticipated. The new horror anthology series comes from the twisted minds behind American Horror Story and will feature a different horror story in each of its season one episodes.
The new anthology will kick off with the premiere of episodes one and two on July 15, 2021.
The cast includes Matt Bomer as Michael, Gavin Creel as Troy, Sierra McCormick as Scarlett, Ashley Martin Carter as Rowena, Billie Lourd as Liv Whitley, Aaron Tveit as Adam, and Paris Jackson as Maya. Belissa Escobedo plays Shanti, Kaia Gerber is Ruby, Rhenzy Feliz plays Chad, Madison Bailey is Kelley, Virginia Gardner is Bernadette, and Kyle Red Silverstein is Quinn.
Season one also features Amy Grabow as Tipper Gore, John Carroll Lynch as Larry Bitterman, Naomi Grossman as Rabid Ruth, Dyllon Burnside as James, Nico Greetham as Zinn, Charles Melton as Wyatt, Kevin McHale as Barry, and Danny Trejo as Santa.
American Horror Story creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk executive produce along with Alexis Martin Woodall, John J. Gray, and Manny Coto. The AHS franchise is a Twentieth Television production.
Poster for ‘American Horror Stories’ (Photo Credit: FX)
Paramount+ has confirmed Evil will be back for a third season, announcing today the series’ renewal just three episodes into the second season’s debut on the subscription streaming service. Season two premiered on June 20, 2021 and has become one of Paramount+’s top acquisition drivers.
The first season of the crime drama aired on CBS and is currently available to stream on Paramount+. The streaming service reports Evil season two has gained viewers compared to season one.
Katja Herbers and Mike Colter return to lead the season two cast as Kristen Bouchard and David Acosta, respectively. Aasif Mandvi reprises his role as Ben Shakir, Michael Emerson plays Leland Townsend, Christine Lahti is Sheryl, and Kurt Fuller is Dr. Boggs. Brooklyn Shuck stars as Lynn Bouchard, Skylar Gray is Lila Bouchard, Maddy Crocco is Lexis Bouchard, and Dalya Knapp plays Laura Bouchard.
Season two consists of 13 episodes, with new episodes dropping on Sundays.
Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Rockne S. O’Bannon, and Nelson McCormick executive produce. Evil‘s produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions.
The Plot, Courtesy of Paramount+:
Evil is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a contractor as they investigate the church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions, and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there is a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work.
The second season brings evil closer to home. Kristen struggles with her darker nature, while David suffers temptation as he gets closer to his ordination. Meanwhile, Ben is visited by night terrors that prey on his greatest fears.
K-pop stars BTS just released a 33 second teaser promoting the music video for their new song “Permission to Dance.” The Grammy-nominated band is expected to release the new single as part of the “Butter” CD dropping on Friday, July 9, 2021.
BTS unveiled the “Butter” CD single tracklist last week, confirming their summer hit will be accompanied by “Permission to Dance.” Described as a track to get your body moving, “Permission to Dance” was co-written by four-time Grammy winner Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, and Jenna Andrews, with Mac, Andrews, and Stephen Kirk producing.
BTS and Sheeran previously collaborated on the group’s “Make It Right” off of their Map of the Soul: Persona album.
The supergroup’s expected to perform both “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” during their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon set for July 13th and 14th.
The group’s popular summer tune, “Butter,” continues to reign supreme on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, grabbing the top spot for six consecutive weeks. According to MRC Data, “Butter” amassed 28.3 million radio airplay audience impressions, up by 2%. The English-language single is now BTS’ longest-reigning number one song to date.
BTS (Photo Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment)
BTS recently wrapped up their popular fan festival, the 2021 MUSTER SOWOOZOO, with this year’s event amassing 1.33 million viewers across 195 countries/regions during its two days. The 2021 event was in celebration of their 8th anniversary and found the group hosting the two-day live-streamed fan meet June 13th and 14th. The festive event saw the band perform 15 songs on an outdoor stage. The venue embraced the “adventure” theme, complete with various planet installations and an entire stage in the form of the number ‘8’ representing both their 8th year together as a group and the infinity sign.
Among the hits performed were “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Dynamite,” “Stay,” and “Fly to My Room.” Viewers also were treated to special performances of SUGA (Agust D)’s “Daechwita” and j-hope’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” featuring all seven members.
The venue installed a big screen below the stage that showed ARMY all over the world enjoying the show. Pre-recorded cheers by ARMY were also played alongside performances of “Dis-ease,” “FIRE,” and “So What.”
Back in April 2021 it was announced BTS would become world ambassadors for Louis Vuitton. “BTS for Louis Vuitton. Joining as new House Ambassadors, the world-renowned Pop Icons are recognized for their uplifting messages that impart a positive influence,” tweeted the luxury brand’s official account. “Louis Vuitton is pleased to welcome members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook.”
On Wednesday, July 7th, the septet appeared in the Men’s Fall-Winter 2021 Fashion Show in Seoul, South Korea, where they showcased the designs of Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear. BTS modeled the looks in a “moving-image performance.” The digital fashion video directed by Jeon Go-woon “stages a conversation between space, movement, and global connectivity central to our moment in time, and explores the city of Seoul through the lens of diversity,” per the show notes.
Sir Paul McCartney looks back on his time with The Beatles and shares memories from his five decade career in Hulu’s upcoming documentary series, McCartney 3,2,1. The six-part docuseries features the legendary musician taking part in revealing talks with producer Rick Rubin.
Oscar nominee Zachary Heinzerling (Cutie and the Boxer) directs and McCartney, Rubin, Scott Rodger, Peter Berg, Matthew Goldberg, Brandon Carroll, Jeff Pollack, Frank Marshall, and Ryan Suffern executive produce. The docuseries was produced by Endeavor Content, MPL Communications Inc., Shangri-La, Film 45, Kennedy Marshall, and Diamond Docs.
Hulu has set a July 16, 2021 premiere date.
The Details, Courtesy of Hulu:
Paul McCartney sits down for a rare, in-depth, one on one with legendary producer Rick Rubin to discuss his groundbreaking work with The Beatles, the emblematic 70s arena-rock of Wings and his 50 years and counting as a solo artist. In this six-episode series that explores music and creativity in a unique and revelatory manner, join Paul and Rick for an intimate conversation about the songwriting, influences, and personal relationships that informed the iconic songs that have served as the soundtracks of our lives.
Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier, Angel Theory as Kelly, and Nadia Hilker as Magna in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 11 (Photo Credit: Josh Stringer/AMC)
AMC Networks is hosting panels in support of The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, and The Walking Dead: World Beyond during this year’s virtual version of the San Diego Comic-Con. Ultra City Smiths, Doctor Who, and Creepshow will also be represented during Comic-Con@Home as well as anthologies Slasher: Flesh & Blood, Horror Noire, and V/H/S/94.
The online version of the San Diego Comic-Con will kick off on Friday, July 23rd and finish up on Sunday, July 25th.
Comic-Con@Home Panel Details, Courtesy of AMC Networks:
V/H/S/94 – Panel Time: Friday, July 23 at 1:00 PM PT
The Shudder Original Film V/H/S/94 marks the return of the infamous “found footage” anthology. Moderated by Richard Newby of Fangoria and The Hollywood Reporter, the panel will feature co-creator Brad Miska, producer Josh Goldbloom and segment directors Simon Barrett, Timo Tjahjanto, Jennifer Reeder, Ryan Prows and Chloe Okuno.
The fourth installment in the hit horror V/H/S anthology franchise, V/H/S/94 debuts this fall on SHUDDER. In V/H/S/94, after the discovery of a mysterious VHS tape, a brutish police swat team launch a high-intensity raid on a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy.
SLASHER: FLESH & BLOOD – Panel Time: Friday, July 23 at 6:00 PM PT
Shudder presents the original horror anthology event series, Slasher: Flesh & Blood with a panel moderated by Bloody Disgusting’s Meagan Navarro, and featuring stars David Cronenberg, Paula Brancati, Rachael Crawford, showrunner Ian Carpenter, and Slasher creator Aaron Martin. The panel will also debut a first look trailer.
Slasher: Flesh & Blood follows a wealthy but dysfunctional family that gathers for a reunion on a secluded island only to learn they’ll be pitted against one another in a cruel game of life and death, all while being stalked by a mysterious masked killer. Nothing is what it seems, and no one is safe as the tension- and the body count- ratchets up.
As with the past installments of the series, Slasher: Flesh & Blood will combine elements of traditional murder mystery with the intense horror and bold kills that audiences have come to expect.
ULTRA CITY SMITHS – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 AM PT
Streaming on AMC+ beginning July 22, Ultra City Smiths’ story unfolds via the stop-motion animation of baby dolls repurposed as a grown-up cast of characters. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Kristen Baldwin, series creator, writer, co-director and showrunner Steve Conrad and co-director David Brooks will be joined by cast members Jimmi Simpson, Debra Winger, Luis Guzmán, Hana Mae Lee, Tim Heidecker, and Chris Conrad.
The series hinges on an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of fictional metropolis Ultra City’s most famous magnate. Two intrepid detectives follow the case, rallying to fight against their city’s dangerous corruption, at a high cost to themselves and their families, all in pursuit of a gentler place to call home.
FEAR THE WALKING DEAD – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 1:00 PM PT Fear the Walking Dead will present a panel for the series’ upcoming seventh season, premiering later this year. Moderated by Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead), the panel will feature chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe, Scott M. Gimple, showrunners and executive producers Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg, and cast members Lennie James, Alycia Debnam- Carey, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Jenna Elfman, Karen David, Mo Collins, and Christine Evangelista. The panel will feature an exclusive first look at the new season.
At the end of last season, Teddy (John Glover) brought about his vision of “The End” when he detonated nuclear warheads across the Texas landscape. In the series’ new season, it will be up to those who survived to decide what “The Beginning” will look like. And they’ll have to do it in a world devoid of light and hope, where the outside air is just as deadly as the walkers they face. The survivors will find out who they really are and what they’re really made of. Some will rise to the occasion, some will find new purpose, and some will redefine themselves — even if it comes at a terrible cost to those they once considered family.
THE WALKING DEAD: WORLD BEYOND – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 2:00 PM PT
The third series in the wildly successful The Walking Dead Universe, The Walking Dead: World Beyond returns to Comic-Con@Home to discuss the upcoming second season and share an exclusive first look, with a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead), featuring chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe, Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive producer Matt Negrete, and cast members Aliyah Royale, Alexa Mansour, Nicolas Cantu, Hal Cumpston, Nico Tortorella, Annet Mahendru, Julia Ormond, Jelani Alladin, and Joe Holt.
Season two of The Walking Dead: World Beyond concludes the epic story of Iris (Royale), Hope (Mansour), Elton (Cantu), and Silas (Cumpston) — four friends who journeyed across the country on a mission that transformed everything they knew about themselves and the world. As they face off against the mysterious Civic Republic Military and fight for control of their own destiny, goals will shift, bonds will form and crumble, and innocence will be both lost and found.
THE WALKING DEAD – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 3:00 PM PT The Walking Dead panel will spotlight the 11th season, debuting August 22 on AMC, with the first installment of eight episodes kicking off the series’ massive 24-episode final season. Moderated by Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead), the panel will feature chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe, Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive Producer Angela Kang, and cast members Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Khary Payton, Christian Serratos, Josh McDermitt, Eleanor Matsuura, and Michael James Shaw as they answer fan questions, tease what’s coming next for some of our favorite characters, share behind-the-scenes stories about filming the final season, and reveal the highly anticipated trailer for season 11.
In the series’ new season, the carnage and devastation of the Whisperer War has left Alexandria a former shell of the home it once was, and its residents are struggling to refortify its walls and feed its increased population as survivors from the Kingdom and the Hilltop join their ranks. Meanwhile, part of the group is being held captive by mysterious soldiers who are members of a larger and unforthcoming group.
HORROR NOIRE – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 4:00 PM PT
A new Shudder original anthology, Horror Noire makes its Comic-Con debut with a panel moderated by writer/editor/speaker Ashley C. Ford, and featuring anthology writers Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Victor LaValle, and Shernold Edwards as they share the inspiration behind their adapted stories, discuss how they go about adapting them for different formats, and delve into why now is an important time to tell these stories.
Horror Noire is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror and features new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters.
CREEPSHOW – Panel Time: Saturday, July 24 at 6:00 PM PT Creepshow returns to Comic-Con to discuss the upcoming third season of the Shudder Original series. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Clark Collis, the panel will feature showrunner and executive producer Greg Nicotero, director Rusty Cundieff, writer Mattie Do, and cast members Michael Rooker and James Remar as they chat about the series’ newest monsters and what it takes to bring these creatures to life, while offering insight into which stories they’ll be adapting and paying homage to next. They will also share an exclusive first look at season three, coming to Shudder this fall.
Creepshow, the anthology series based on the 1982 horror comedy classic, is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! A comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable. You never know what will be on the next page…
DOCTOR WHO – Panel Time: Sunday, July 25 at 10:00 AM PT
Moderated by Salon.com’s Melanie McFarland, the panel will feature showrunner Chris Chibnall, the Thirteenth Doctor – Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, new Doctor Who cast member, John Bishop and a very special surprise guest as they share exclusive content from Doctor Who. Pre-recorded panel presented by the BBC and BBC AMERICA
Lionsgate’s new two minute behind the scenes video from American Underdog features the film’s star Zachary Levi discussing ex-NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. Levi, who plays Warner in the feature film, says that when he was a kid everyone knew Warner’s story. Warner went from supermarket clerk to arena football to starting QB for the Rams to Super Bowl hero, and the film charts his rise from everyman to superstar.
“I’ve had so many people tell me your story is made for Hollywood. It’s made for the big screen,” says Kurt Warner, an executive producer on the film and first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Anna Paquin who plays Kurt Warner’s wife, Brenda, believes Kurt’s story is one of hope. “He’s come from nothing. He’s tried…he’s failed…he’s picked himself back up again. And then eventually he actually does succeed at getting his dream,” explains Paquin.
Brenda Warner is also involved in American Underdog as an executive producer. Brenda, who believes her husband has remained grounded throughout his journey, had this to say about the film: “It’s about relationships. It’s about real life. He is a champion but he was the same person before all this happened.”
In addition to Zachary Levi (Shazam!) and Anna Paquin (True Blood), the American Underdog cast features Dennis Quaid as Coach Dick Vermeil.
Lionsgate’s peek behind the scenes was accompanied by the first batch of official photos.
American Underdog will open in theaters on December 10, 2021.
The Plot, Courtesy of Lionsgate:
American Underdog chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt Warner (Levi), who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film chronicles Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player, and when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Paquin) and the encouragement of his family that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is inside.
American Underdog is an inspirational story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.
Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner in ‘American Underdog’ (Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy / Lionsgate)Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner (Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy / Lionsgate)Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil (Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy / Lionsgate)Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner (Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy / Lionsgate)Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner and Kurt Warner on the set of ‘American Underdog’ (Photo Credit: Michael Kubeisy / Lionsgate)
United Artists and MGM just released a new trailer for the animated sequel, The Addams Family 2, which finds the creepy and kooky family hitting the road for a family vacation. The two minute trailer promises this new adventure will take the Addams where no Addams has ever gone before.
Returning voice cast members include Charlize Theron as Morticia, Oscar Isaac as Gomez, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday, and Nick Kroll as Fester. Bette Midler provides the voice of Grandma and Snoop Dogg is It. Bill Hader joins the voice cast as Cyrus and Javon Walton is lending his voice to the youngest Addams family member, Pugsley.
Directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon are back at the helm of the sequel, with Vernon also producing along with Danielle Sterling and Alison O’Brien. Kevin Miserocchi, Jonathan Glickman, Cassidy Lange, Aaron L. Gilbert, and Jason Cloth serve as executive producers.
The Addams Family 2 opens in theaters on October 1, 2021.
The Plot, Courtesy of MGM:
In this all new movie we find Morticia and Gomez distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with “scream time.” To reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation. Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, IT, as well as many new kooky characters.
Scarlett Johansson finishes up her eight-film run as Black Widow / Natasha Romanoff in the character’s stand-alone film set after the infighting of Captain America: Civil War and before the gang reunited for Avengers: Infinity War. Black Widow isn’t at the top of most people’s lists of favorite Avengers, but that’s not a reflection of Johansson’s performances over the years. She’s done a fantastic job bringing the comic book character to life, and Black Widow is the cherry on top of her impressive stint in the MCU.
Black Widow fills in gaps in Natasha’s backstory and introduces an interesting batch of characters who played pivotal roles in her pre-Avengers life. Her past returns to haunt (and taunt) her, opening up the normally controlled Natasha to a flurry of memories and emotions and forcing her to face a powerful foe without her superhero buddies available to have her back.
The film opens with flashbacks of Natasha as a child innocently playing with her kid sister, Yelena, and loving life in small-town America. Unfortunately, her carefree childhood ends abruptly when mom and dad are outed as Russian sleeper agents and forced to flee the country.
Alexi Shostakov (David Harbour, Stranger Things) and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz, The Favourite) are greeted as heroes upon landing in Cuba, however, the girls are immediately split up despite Natasha’s attempts to protect her sister. They’re forced into becoming part of Red Room, a program that trains young girls to become highly skilled assassins controlled by corrupt Soviet politician Dreykov (Ray Winstone, King of Thieves).
Dreykov’s able to command these trained killers to do his bidding because each is implanted with a device that allows him to control their minds. These assassins – known as Widows – are scattered across the globe, giving Dreykov a nearly invincible army of super-soldiers to use to achieve Russia’s goal of world domination.
Flash-forward 21 years and Natasha Romanoff is on the run, wanted for assaulting the King of Wakanda and violating the Sokovia Accords. Even if she wanted to reunite with her super friends, Natasha can’t because the Avengers have scattered in the wind. She’s on her own and attempting to maintain a low profile when an unexpected delivery plops her directly in the path of Taskmaster and pulls her back into her old life in Budapest.
Meanwhile, kid sister Yelena (Florence Pugh, Little Women) spent years doing as Dreykov ordered until she was finally able to obtain the antidote and break free of his mind control. Once freed, Yelena makes it her mission to release the other Widows. To do so means she’ll need to reunite with Natasha, despite the fact they haven’t spoken since they were children.
Yelena and Natasha’s first meetup goes about as you’d expect, with neither willing to allow the other to get the upper hand in hand-to-hand combat. Following the fisticuffs, the sisters eventually settle into a dysfunctional siblings vibe, with Yelena revealing she thinks Natasha believes she’s hot stuff since she’s in with the Avengers and has an utterly ridiculous fighting pose (bent knee, hair toss, etc.)
The two manage to eventually let down their guards and it’s in their quieter moments together that the real Natasha’s revealed. Natasha’s proven she’s a skilled fighter but in these moments of bonding with her little sis, she seems vulnerable and human.
Natasha and Yelena’s plan necessitates breaking Alexi out of jail and, ultimately, a reunion with mom, Melina, a woman who doesn’t possess an ounce of maternal instinct. Together again, the fearsome foursome devise a plan to take down not just Dreykov but the entire Red Room program.
Black Widow is not only Scarlett Johansson’s final outing in the MCU but also her best of the lot. Johansson’s always played the character as strong, confident, and able to connect with her fellow Avengers on intellectual and emotional levels. In Black Widow, Johansson portrays Natasha as a formidable force even when she’s not surrounded by a team of superheroes. The family connection gives Johansson a different angle to play, and she does so with a sort of warmth mixed with a protective edge.
Rachel Weisz delivers the most restrained performance in the film as the cold and calculating Melina. She does a great job in a role that’s not nearly as flashy as those of her co-stars.
David Harbour nails absolutely Alexi aka Red Guardian. Even when Alexi’s whining about not being acknowledged as a worthy adversary to Captain America – a figure he deems his equal – Harbour’s able to make the character into a goofy, likable dude. His swagger’s a cover for his insecurities, and his need for reassurance is strangely touching and even a bit heart-wrenching.
Black Widow is Florence Pugh’s launching pad into the Marvel world, with her next appearance as Yelena set to be in the Hawkeye series. Johansson passed the baton to Pugh and the Oscar nominee proves she’s more than up to the task. Pugh’s got the most impressive deadpan delivery and even simple lines of dialogue have depth and bite. Harbour’s Alexi’s braggadocio hides his self-doubt; Yelena’s dark sense of humor is used for a similar purpose. For all her outwardly cool demeanor, Yelena’s wracked with feelings of betrayal and loss.
Director Cate Shortland (Lore), the first woman to direct a film in the MCU without a co-director, allows the family dynamics to drive much of the film. That’s a wise move as the chemistry between the four leads is outstanding and their shared scenes are just as entertaining as the film’s major action sequences.
Speaking of the action, Black Widow delivers some absolutely stunning action set pieces including an impressive helicopter sequence that gets your adrenaline pumping and heart racing.
It’s unusual that the big bad isn’t really all that impressive and yet the story doesn’t suffer from the lack of a compelling villain. That’s likely due to the fact this entry in the MCU involves a much more personal, character-driven tale than the other standalone films. Black Widow feels less encumbered by what’s gone on in previous MCU movies. It obviously exists in the world of Thor, Captain America, and Iron Man, but Black Widow has found its own little niche. It’s got a unique vibe that sets it apart from the other MCU films and makes it feel, strangely, more intimate.
GRADE: B
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language, intense violence/action, and thematic material
Elle’s forced to choose between spending her college days with her boyfriend or her best friend in the final chapter of The Kissing Booth trilogy. The just-released trailer for The Kissing Booth 3 also finds Elle teaming up with Lee to cross items off their bucket list.
Joey King returns as Elle, Joel Courtney’s back as Lee, and Jacob Elordi reprises his role as Noah. The cast also includes Taylor Zakhar Perez as Marco Peña, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Chloe, Meganne Young as Rachel, and Molly Ringwald as Mrs. Flynn.
Vince Marcello is back at the helm for the third The Kissing Booth film. Marcello also adapted Beth Reekles’ book for the screen along with co-writer Adam Friedlander. Michele Weisler, Ed Glauser, Andrew Cole-Bulgin, and Vince Marcello produced with Joey King and Adam Friedlander executive producing.
Netflix has set an August 11, 2021 premiere date.
The Plot:
It’s the summer before Elle heads to college, and she’s facing the hardest decision of her life: whether to move across the country with her dreamy boyfriend Noah or fulfill her lifelong promise to go to college with her BFF Lee. Whose heart will Elle break?
Joey King as Elle and Joel Courtney as Lee in ‘The Kissing Booth 3’ (Photo Credit: Marcos Cruz/NETFLIX)Molly Ringwald as Mrs. Flynn and Joey King as Elle (Photo Credit: Marcos Cruz/NETFLIX)Joey King as Elle and Jacob Elordi as Noah in ‘The Kissing Booth 3’ (Photo Credit: Marcos Cruz/NETFLIX)Joey King as Elle and Joel Courtney as Lee in ‘The Kissing Booth 3’ (Photo Credit: Marcos Cruz/NETFLIX)Meganne Young as Rachel, Joel Courtney as Lee, Joey King as Elle and Jacob Elordi as Noah (Photo Credit: Marcos Cruz/NETFLIX)
