Back in 2014, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar rekindled people’s great interest in science fiction movies. The story of an astronaut on his way to a wormhole to find a new home for humanity attracted the attention of millions of viewers around the world.
Few of them know there was a 90s movie that literally paved the way for all modern sci-fi films. Since then it has gained a cultish status, but, nevertheless, it still seems underrated, especially given the fact that fans compare it to Nolan’s masterpiece.
The plot revolves around Dr. Ellie Arroway, a Seti employee who dedicated her life to the search for extraterrestrial life. After eventually finding the evidence of it, she faces skepticism from other scientists, politicians and media, but it’s high time to go further.
On her way to making contact with aliens, she is forced to fight against a number of opposing forces,...
Few of them know there was a 90s movie that literally paved the way for all modern sci-fi films. Since then it has gained a cultish status, but, nevertheless, it still seems underrated, especially given the fact that fans compare it to Nolan’s masterpiece.
The plot revolves around Dr. Ellie Arroway, a Seti employee who dedicated her life to the search for extraterrestrial life. After eventually finding the evidence of it, she faces skepticism from other scientists, politicians and media, but it’s high time to go further.
On her way to making contact with aliens, she is forced to fight against a number of opposing forces,...
- 6/2/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
This Star Trek: Discovery article contains spoilers.
Since 2020, Star Trek: Discovery has harbored a strange sci-fi temporal anomaly. Starting with the episode “Die Trying,” in season 3, director David Cronenberg—the mastermind who gave us The Fly and more recently, Crimes of the Future—has appeared semi-regularly as a mysterious figure known only as “Dr. Kovich.” As Discovery’s latter seasons have gone on, Kovich’s true purpose has become more clear, even if we don’t fully understand why he wears that all-black, somewhat contemporary-looking suit.
While it’s been tempting to say that David Cronenberg has just been playing David Cronenberg this entire time, the Discovery series finale actually fully answers the question of who Kovich really is and his larger role in Star Trek canon. In fact, Cronenberg’s strange character is revealed to be, perhaps, one of the most crucial people in the entire universe.
Kovich Is...
Since 2020, Star Trek: Discovery has harbored a strange sci-fi temporal anomaly. Starting with the episode “Die Trying,” in season 3, director David Cronenberg—the mastermind who gave us The Fly and more recently, Crimes of the Future—has appeared semi-regularly as a mysterious figure known only as “Dr. Kovich.” As Discovery’s latter seasons have gone on, Kovich’s true purpose has become more clear, even if we don’t fully understand why he wears that all-black, somewhat contemporary-looking suit.
While it’s been tempting to say that David Cronenberg has just been playing David Cronenberg this entire time, the Discovery series finale actually fully answers the question of who Kovich really is and his larger role in Star Trek canon. In fact, Cronenberg’s strange character is revealed to be, perhaps, one of the most crucial people in the entire universe.
Kovich Is...
- 5/30/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Every April 5th, Star Trek fans celebrate First Contact Day. As established in the 1996 movie Star Trek: First Contact, First Contact Day celebrates the anniversary of Vulcans establishing contact with humans, after the latter launches their first warp-capable vehicle. From that moment, humanity took its first steps into the wider galaxy, establishing Starfleet and then exploring the cosmos, as documented in the prequel series Star Trek: Enterprise.
But apparently First Contact and Enterprise weren’t enough to tell that Star Trek origin story. According to a report by THR, the first film in production will be an origin film “set decades before the events of the 2009 movie that was directed J.J. Abrams, likely around modern times,” and dealing with “the creation of Starfleet and humankind’s first contact with alien life.”
At best, such an origin story is repetitive and unnecessary. At worst, it misses the entire point of Star Trek.
But apparently First Contact and Enterprise weren’t enough to tell that Star Trek origin story. According to a report by THR, the first film in production will be an origin film “set decades before the events of the 2009 movie that was directed J.J. Abrams, likely around modern times,” and dealing with “the creation of Starfleet and humankind’s first contact with alien life.”
At best, such an origin story is repetitive and unnecessary. At worst, it misses the entire point of Star Trek.
- 5/28/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
It was announced today in the Hollywood Reporter that Simon Kinberg is taking over the development of the new "Star Trek" feature film, currently working its way through pre-production at Paramount. This new film will be the fourth to be connected to the Kelvin timeline of "Star Trek," a timeline which started with the events of J.J. Abrams' 2009 "Star Trek" film. As of this writing, Toby Haynes ("Andor") is slated to direct, while Seth Grahame-Smith has signed on to write. Kinberg is a notable Hollywood player who wrote "X-Men: The Last Stand," "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "X-Men: Apocalypse," and "Dark Phoenix" (among many others) and who produced "The New Mutants," "Deadpool," "Logan," "X-Men: First Class," "Cinderella," "The Martian," and "Elysium" (among many others). He is a franchise guy through-and-through, and Paramount likely wanted a new producer with high-profile experience.
It has been reported that the new "Star Trek" movie will,...
It has been reported that the new "Star Trek" movie will,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Robert Zemeckis has always loved his toys, but the "Back to the Future" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" director's fondness for tinkering with the latest filmmaking technology has eclipsed his passion for storytelling for a long time. However, between his love-it-or-hate-it Best Picture winner "Forrest Gump" and his motion-capture phase in the aughts, there was a period where Zemeckis found a string of projects that eloquently married his love of tech with his maturing sensibilities as a storyteller. This began with 1997's "Contact," a film adaptation of the late Carl Sagan's 1985 novel of the same name and possibly the unofficial start of the "Matthew McConaughey Takes Off His Shirt in All His Movies" era (but feel free to fact-check me on that).
McConaughey, as it were, plays Palmer Joss, a successful Christian philosopher, and the love interest for the film's protagonist, the scientist Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Ann Arroway (Jodie Foster...
McConaughey, as it were, plays Palmer Joss, a successful Christian philosopher, and the love interest for the film's protagonist, the scientist Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Ann Arroway (Jodie Foster...
- 5/14/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Most of today’s audience, especially the young ones, recognize Matthew McConaughey as a great sci-fi actor mostly due to his performance in Christopher Nolan’s 2014 movie Interstellar. Yes, he was extremely convincing in the role of a strong-willed astronaut who travels through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home for humanity.
However, back in 1997, long before starring in Nolan’s masterpiece, the actor took part in a science fiction feature, which gained iconic status among the genre’s lovers. Interestingly, McConaughey doesn’t play an astronaut, like in Interstellar, or some kind of a scientist, no, he’s definitely gonna surprise you with quite an unexpected role.
The movie’s plot revolves around a Seti scientist Dr. Arroway, who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and then, fighting against skeptics and political games, proves it’s necessary to find a way for communication and further encounter with aliens.
However, back in 1997, long before starring in Nolan’s masterpiece, the actor took part in a science fiction feature, which gained iconic status among the genre’s lovers. Interestingly, McConaughey doesn’t play an astronaut, like in Interstellar, or some kind of a scientist, no, he’s definitely gonna surprise you with quite an unexpected role.
The movie’s plot revolves around a Seti scientist Dr. Arroway, who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and then, fighting against skeptics and political games, proves it’s necessary to find a way for communication and further encounter with aliens.
- 4/27/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Jodie Foster is undoubtedly one of the biggest female stars in Hollywood. The actress made a name for herself by playing the young prostitute Iris Steensma in Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, after having appeared in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore two years prior. But, while her filmography includes some important titles like The Accused (1988), Sommersby (1993), Maverick (1994), Contact (1997), Anna and the King (1999), Panic Room (2002), Flightplan (2005), Inside Man (2006), The Brave One (2007), Nim’s Island (2008), Carnage (2011), Elysium (2013), The Mauritanian (2021), and Nyad (2023), her best-known role is that of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, which also brought her her second Oscar. Recently, she also appeared in True Detective: Night Country.
But, while she has definitely gathered a large number of major roles, she has also – as you might have assumed – rejected and lost several other major roles, and from what we know now, one of these roles was a major Star Wars role.
But, while she has definitely gathered a large number of major roles, she has also – as you might have assumed – rejected and lost several other major roles, and from what we know now, one of these roles was a major Star Wars role.
- 4/23/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Eric Roth wanted Robert Zemeckis to make a sequel to 1997’s Contact – but the conversation didn’t get very far.
In a very special episode of the Film Stories podcast, I’ve had the enormous pleasure of chatting at length to Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth. You can find the episode right here…
Early on in the conversation, he talks about working with director Robert Zemeckis, the pair of whom both took home Oscars for Forrest Gump. They’ve reteamed on another movie that’s due later this year by the name of Here, but Eric Roth told me he’d originally approached Zemeckis with an idea for something else.
“I called Bob actually to see if he’d be interested in me writing Contact 2 for him, because I really liked that. I really like that whole arena”.
Zemeckis, in Roth’s words, quickly declined the idea, with difficulties surrounding getting...
In a very special episode of the Film Stories podcast, I’ve had the enormous pleasure of chatting at length to Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth. You can find the episode right here…
Early on in the conversation, he talks about working with director Robert Zemeckis, the pair of whom both took home Oscars for Forrest Gump. They’ve reteamed on another movie that’s due later this year by the name of Here, but Eric Roth told me he’d originally approached Zemeckis with an idea for something else.
“I called Bob actually to see if he’d be interested in me writing Contact 2 for him, because I really liked that. I really like that whole arena”.
Zemeckis, in Roth’s words, quickly declined the idea, with difficulties surrounding getting...
- 3/1/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Oscar nominations were announced in Los Angeles at 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 23. The backlash began by sunrise. Barbie received eight nominations, including for best picture, but where were individual nods for director Greta Gerwig or star Margot Robbie, the A-list architects who constructed a billion-dollar blockbuster out of an $18 plastic doll that was born in 1959? Barbie fans went berserk online, denouncing the Academy for what they saw as a sexist snub. Breathless press coverage of the controversy dominated the news cycle for days, and even Hillary Clinton weighed in to support her shunned sisters.
By Jan. 26, producer Lynda Obst had heard enough. “I have to write about this misplaced horror,” Obst unloaded on Facebook, offering a history lesson pulled from personal experience, reminding her readers that comedies rarely fare well at the Academy Awards in top categories. Furthermore, she and best friend Nora Ephron “didn’t flip out” when...
By Jan. 26, producer Lynda Obst had heard enough. “I have to write about this misplaced horror,” Obst unloaded on Facebook, offering a history lesson pulled from personal experience, reminding her readers that comedies rarely fare well at the Academy Awards in top categories. Furthermore, she and best friend Nora Ephron “didn’t flip out” when...
- 2/29/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On-set accidents aren’t something that we often get to hear from stars and individuals involved in a major project, more so because of them being rare than anything else. Thus, when legendary actress Jodie Foster recently went public with an incident that featured her in a life-or-death situation, it was sure to raise a lot of eyebrows.
Jodie Foster in a still from Contact (1997)
This incident took place when she was still a young child actress in the industry and during the shoot of her then-upcoming film Napoleon and Samantha, the lion they were shooting on set grabbed her lightly with jaws and started carrying her. This was such a terrifying experience that every crew member upon seeing this was scrambling all over the place.
Jodie Foster Was In The Jaws Of A Lion On The Sets Of Her Film Napoleon And Samantha
Jodie Foster in a still from...
Jodie Foster in a still from Contact (1997)
This incident took place when she was still a young child actress in the industry and during the shoot of her then-upcoming film Napoleon and Samantha, the lion they were shooting on set grabbed her lightly with jaws and started carrying her. This was such a terrifying experience that every crew member upon seeing this was scrambling all over the place.
Jodie Foster Was In The Jaws Of A Lion On The Sets Of Her Film Napoleon And Samantha
Jodie Foster in a still from...
- 2/18/2024
- by Deepak Bisht
- FandomWire
Get ready for a journey into the future as “Halo” makes its long-awaited debut with Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Contact.” Airing on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 12:00 Pm on Showtime, this thrilling series transports viewers to the year 2552, where a battle for independence unfolds on the planet Madrigal.
In this epic sci-fi saga, humanity finds itself locked in a struggle for freedom from Earth’s control. However, the path to independence takes a dangerous turn when a fatal encounter with the formidable Alien Covenant threatens to derail their plans.
Enter Master Chief John-117 and his elite team of super-soldiers known as “Spartans.” These legendary warriors are humanity’s last hope as they join the battle to defend Madrigal and secure the future of their species.
With breathtaking visuals, intense action sequences, and a gripping storyline, “Halo” promises to be a game-changing addition to the world of science fiction television. Fans of the...
In this epic sci-fi saga, humanity finds itself locked in a struggle for freedom from Earth’s control. However, the path to independence takes a dangerous turn when a fatal encounter with the formidable Alien Covenant threatens to derail their plans.
Enter Master Chief John-117 and his elite team of super-soldiers known as “Spartans.” These legendary warriors are humanity’s last hope as they join the battle to defend Madrigal and secure the future of their species.
With breathtaking visuals, intense action sequences, and a gripping storyline, “Halo” promises to be a game-changing addition to the world of science fiction television. Fans of the...
- 2/4/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Get ready for a cosmic journey as “Resident Alien” returns with its highly-anticipated Season 3 premiere, titled “Season 3 First Contact.” Set your calendars for Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 8:59 Pm on Syfy, because this episode is about to take you on a thrilling ride through the past two seasons of the show.
In “Season 3 First Contact,” viewers will get a chance to recap all the incredible moments, mysteries, and hilarious antics that have unfolded in Seasons 1 and 2. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your memory and catch up on the adventures of Harry Vanderspeigle, the alien who crash-landed on Earth and has been trying to blend in as a human doctor.
“Resident Alien” has captured hearts with its unique blend of science fiction, humor, and heartwarming moments. From alien conspiracies to small-town shenanigans, this series has it all, and this recap episode promises to be a fantastic refresher for dedicated fans...
In “Season 3 First Contact,” viewers will get a chance to recap all the incredible moments, mysteries, and hilarious antics that have unfolded in Seasons 1 and 2. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your memory and catch up on the adventures of Harry Vanderspeigle, the alien who crash-landed on Earth and has been trying to blend in as a human doctor.
“Resident Alien” has captured hearts with its unique blend of science fiction, humor, and heartwarming moments. From alien conspiracies to small-town shenanigans, this series has it all, and this recap episode promises to be a fantastic refresher for dedicated fans...
- 2/4/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Julian Senior, the veteran Warner Bros. marketing and publicity executive in Europe who enjoyed close relationships with filmmakers including Oscar winners Stanley Kubrick, Clint Eastwood, David Puttnam and Neil Jordan, has died. He was 85.
Senior died Jan. 1 of pneumonia and heart failure in a hospital near his home in Borehamwood, England, Conor Nolan, his friend and onetime Warner Bros. colleague, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of South Africa, Senior joined Warner Bros. in 1970 after an eight-year run at MGM, where he was an advertising and publicity consultant in its European Regional Office, and he stuck with the studio through 2000.
At the start, Senior helped mastermind the advertising and publicity campaign for the landmark Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange (1971), and he also worked with the famed director on The Shining (1980), Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
“He taught me how publicity, advertising and marketing operates,” Senior once said of Kubrick.
Senior died Jan. 1 of pneumonia and heart failure in a hospital near his home in Borehamwood, England, Conor Nolan, his friend and onetime Warner Bros. colleague, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of South Africa, Senior joined Warner Bros. in 1970 after an eight-year run at MGM, where he was an advertising and publicity consultant in its European Regional Office, and he stuck with the studio through 2000.
At the start, Senior helped mastermind the advertising and publicity campaign for the landmark Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange (1971), and he also worked with the famed director on The Shining (1980), Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
“He taught me how publicity, advertising and marketing operates,” Senior once said of Kubrick.
- 1/23/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On Saturday, October 28th rugby fans around the world watched as the final leg of the 2023 Rugby World Cup played out in France at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis. All the matches played in nine venues across 10 host cities. South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final to win their third consecutive match by one point and claim a record fourth Webb Ellis Trophy.
Prior to that at the Six Nations Championship, on March 18, 2023, Ireland won the tournament for a 15th time, along with a 13th Triple Crown and a fourth Grand Slam; it was also the first time they won the title in Dublin.
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men’s competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Previously called the Home Nations Championship and the Five Nations Championship, the tournament has been running since 1883.
Six Nations and producers of Formula 1: Drive to Survive...
Prior to that at the Six Nations Championship, on March 18, 2023, Ireland won the tournament for a 15th time, along with a 13th Triple Crown and a fourth Grand Slam; it was also the first time they won the title in Dublin.
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men’s competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Previously called the Home Nations Championship and the Five Nations Championship, the tournament has been running since 1883.
Six Nations and producers of Formula 1: Drive to Survive...
- 1/17/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tracy Tormé, a UFO expert and son of stylish crooner Mel Tormé who co-created the 1990s series Sliders and was hand-picked by Gene Roddenberry to serve as the head writer on Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died. He was 64.
Tormé died Thursday of complications from diabetes in Escondido, California, his sister and brother, actress Daisy Tormé (Superman & Lois) and recording artist James Tormé, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Tormé also was a writer on Saturday Night Live during its eighth season (1982-83); wrote and produced with Travis Walton the fantasy drama film Fire in the Sky (1993), starring D.B. Sweeney and Robert Patrick; and was a consultant on the acclaimed Robert Zemeckis sci-fi drama Contact (1997).
He wrote the original treatment for the Francis Lawrence-directed I Am Legend (2007) and received co-producer credit on that film, which grossed $585.4 million for Warner Bros. Smith battles mutants as the last human in New York...
Tormé died Thursday of complications from diabetes in Escondido, California, his sister and brother, actress Daisy Tormé (Superman & Lois) and recording artist James Tormé, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Tormé also was a writer on Saturday Night Live during its eighth season (1982-83); wrote and produced with Travis Walton the fantasy drama film Fire in the Sky (1993), starring D.B. Sweeney and Robert Patrick; and was a consultant on the acclaimed Robert Zemeckis sci-fi drama Contact (1997).
He wrote the original treatment for the Francis Lawrence-directed I Am Legend (2007) and received co-producer credit on that film, which grossed $585.4 million for Warner Bros. Smith battles mutants as the last human in New York...
- 1/10/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This Star Trek: Picard article contains spoilers.
Do you remember how great it felt when Jean-Luc Picard stepped onto the bridge of the restored USS Enterprise-d, with all the members of his senior staff around him and ready for one last adventure? Remember how much better that was than watching Icheb from Voyager get mutilated or watching Picard ride dune buggies in Star Trek: Nemesis? Patrick Stewart does not.
In a recent interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stewart talked about an upcoming Star Trek movie centered on at least part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast. “I heard only last night about a script that is being written, but written specifically with the actor, Patrick, to play in it,” Stewart told host Josh Horowitz. “And I’ve been told to expect to receive it within a week or so.”
That sounds exciting, right? After all, while...
Do you remember how great it felt when Jean-Luc Picard stepped onto the bridge of the restored USS Enterprise-d, with all the members of his senior staff around him and ready for one last adventure? Remember how much better that was than watching Icheb from Voyager get mutilated or watching Picard ride dune buggies in Star Trek: Nemesis? Patrick Stewart does not.
In a recent interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stewart talked about an upcoming Star Trek movie centered on at least part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast. “I heard only last night about a script that is being written, but written specifically with the actor, Patrick, to play in it,” Stewart told host Josh Horowitz. “And I’ve been told to expect to receive it within a week or so.”
That sounds exciting, right? After all, while...
- 1/8/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Prepare for an intergalactic showdown as Showtime launches the much-anticipated “Halo” series with Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Contact.” Airing at 8:00 Pm on Monday, January 8, 2024, this sci-fi epic catapults viewers into the year 2552, where humans on the planet Madrigal are embroiled in a fight for independence from Earth.
The stakes escalate when a fatal encounter with the formidable Alien Covenant adds a layer of complexity to the struggle for autonomy. Enter Master Chief John-117 and his elite team of super-soldier “Spartans,” as they join the battle to defend Madrigal against extraterrestrial forces. The episode promises a riveting blend of high-stakes conflict, cutting-edge technology, and the indomitable spirit of the Spartans.
For fans of the iconic gaming franchise and newcomers alike, “Halo” on Showtime is set to be a thrilling ride through the expansive universe of one of gaming’s most beloved sagas. Don’t miss the premiere, where “Contact” marks the...
The stakes escalate when a fatal encounter with the formidable Alien Covenant adds a layer of complexity to the struggle for autonomy. Enter Master Chief John-117 and his elite team of super-soldier “Spartans,” as they join the battle to defend Madrigal against extraterrestrial forces. The episode promises a riveting blend of high-stakes conflict, cutting-edge technology, and the indomitable spirit of the Spartans.
For fans of the iconic gaming franchise and newcomers alike, “Halo” on Showtime is set to be a thrilling ride through the expansive universe of one of gaming’s most beloved sagas. Don’t miss the premiere, where “Contact” marks the...
- 1/1/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Jodie Foster is fast becoming a sure thing for a Best Supporting Actress nomination at this year’s Oscars and her status as Golden Globe favorite for “Nyad” only boosts that theory.
Foster c0-stars in this Netflix biopic which charts Diana Nyad’s attempts to swim across the 110-mile open ocean from Cuba to Florida. Annette Bening takes on the titular role while Foster features as Nyad’s coach and friend, Bonnie Stoll. Foster arguably has the meatier role out of the two as the entire climax of the film features Bening’s Nyad swimming, largely without dialogue. That leaves Foster’s Stoll as the narrative anchor and the actress delivers a supporting turn that feels like a co-lead (this is something Oscar voters love in this category but we’ll get back to that later). Critics love Foster’s performance, too.
Peter Debruge (Variety) observed: “Foster proves a...
Foster c0-stars in this Netflix biopic which charts Diana Nyad’s attempts to swim across the 110-mile open ocean from Cuba to Florida. Annette Bening takes on the titular role while Foster features as Nyad’s coach and friend, Bonnie Stoll. Foster arguably has the meatier role out of the two as the entire climax of the film features Bening’s Nyad swimming, largely without dialogue. That leaves Foster’s Stoll as the narrative anchor and the actress delivers a supporting turn that feels like a co-lead (this is something Oscar voters love in this category but we’ll get back to that later). Critics love Foster’s performance, too.
Peter Debruge (Variety) observed: “Foster proves a...
- 12/18/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Golden Globes displayed a fair amount of consensus with the Recording Academy when it unveiled its first Golden Globe nominations for Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, giving nominations Monday to such recently Grammy-nominated comedians as Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes, Trevor Noah and Sarah Silverman.
Rock was nominated for Netflix’s Selective Outrage, which was certainly the most discussed special of the year given its kickoff of a livestreaming initiative for the service, as well as Rock’s long anticipated dissection of his altercation with Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards, when Smith rose from the audience and slapped Rock on stage after a joke made at the expense of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Establishing itself in recent years as the leading purveyor of stand-up specials, Netflix leads this morning’s noms haul in the category with a commanding five nominations out of six, seeing Sykes recognized...
Rock was nominated for Netflix’s Selective Outrage, which was certainly the most discussed special of the year given its kickoff of a livestreaming initiative for the service, as well as Rock’s long anticipated dissection of his altercation with Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards, when Smith rose from the audience and slapped Rock on stage after a joke made at the expense of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Establishing itself in recent years as the leading purveyor of stand-up specials, Netflix leads this morning’s noms haul in the category with a commanding five nominations out of six, seeing Sykes recognized...
- 12/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Advances in astronomy and science make it more clear by the day that, unexpectedly, the math is on the side of aliens. As late as the 1990s, scientists weren’t sure that there were planets anywhere else in our galaxy or in the universe beyond, but advances like the Kepler Space Telescope have led astronomers to believe now that nearly every star is like our sun, possessing so-called “exo-planets,” and that, by extension, there are many habitable planets with conditions to support life as we recognize it.
Recent estimates imagine...
Recent estimates imagine...
- 11/25/2023
- by Garrett M. Graff
- Rollingstone.com
Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey didn’t speak to his mother for almost a decade after she developed a habit of spilling intimate details about him to the press. The 52-year-old actor shot to fame in the 1990s with roles in films like ‘A Time To Kill’ and ‘Contact’ but said that because of his status, he and his mother Mary ended up becoming “estranged” for a period of time as she would spill intimate details about him to the media, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Speaking on the ‘Whine Down’ podcast, he told host Jana Kramer: “I tried to change my mom. For eight years her and I had an estranged relationship where I couldn’t have more than a conversation of, ‘Hi, Mom, doing good. Love you. Bye.’ Anything she asked me, I couldn’t tell her personally because she didn’t have a governor, she’d go to the press.
Speaking on the ‘Whine Down’ podcast, he told host Jana Kramer: “I tried to change my mom. For eight years her and I had an estranged relationship where I couldn’t have more than a conversation of, ‘Hi, Mom, doing good. Love you. Bye.’ Anything she asked me, I couldn’t tell her personally because she didn’t have a governor, she’d go to the press.
- 10/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey didn’t speak to his mother for almost a decade after she developed a habit of spilling intimate details about him to the press. The 52-year-old actor shot to fame in the 1990s with roles in films like ‘A Time To Kill’ and ‘Contact’ but said that because of his status, he and his mother Mary ended up becoming “estranged” for a period of time as she would spill intimate details about him to the media, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
Speaking on the ‘Whine Down’ podcast, he told host Jana Kramer: “I tried to change my mom. For eight years her and I had an estranged relationship where I couldn’t have more than a conversation of, ‘Hi, Mom, doing good. Love you. Bye.’ Anything she asked me, I couldn’t tell her personally because she didn’t have a governor, she’d go to the press.
Speaking on the ‘Whine Down’ podcast, he told host Jana Kramer: “I tried to change my mom. For eight years her and I had an estranged relationship where I couldn’t have more than a conversation of, ‘Hi, Mom, doing good. Love you. Bye.’ Anything she asked me, I couldn’t tell her personally because she didn’t have a governor, she’d go to the press.
- 10/5/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Daft Punk will continue their 10th anniversary celebration of Random Access Memories this November with a “drumless edition” of their Grammy-winning 2013 album.
Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition), due out November 17, features all 13 songs from the original LP, but as the title suggests, the drums and percussion have been stripped from the defunct dance duo’s tracks.
Ahead of the reworked LP’s release, Daft Punk has shared the “drumless” version of the ballad “Within”; although already one of Random Access Memories’ less percussive tracks, the “drumless edition” take spotlights Chilly Gonzales’s piano work.
Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition), due out November 17, features all 13 songs from the original LP, but as the title suggests, the drums and percussion have been stripped from the defunct dance duo’s tracks.
Ahead of the reworked LP’s release, Daft Punk has shared the “drumless” version of the ballad “Within”; although already one of Random Access Memories’ less percussive tracks, the “drumless edition” take spotlights Chilly Gonzales’s piano work.
- 9/28/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Daft Punk are still keeping the good times rolling as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of their final studio album. After sharing an extended deluxe version of it earlier this year, the French house duo have announced Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition), a track-by-track reimagining of the record without a single drum beat.
While it’s hard to imagine most Daft Punk songs drumless, Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) should pique interest in fans wanting to delve deeper into the layers of the band’s compositions. Pre-orders are ongoing now before the album is out in full November 17th.
See the artwork and tracklist for Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) below.
Earlier this year, Daft Punk released a deluxe edition of Random Access Memories, featuring 35 minutes of previously unreleased music. In an interview corresponding with its release, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter said he was “relieved” that the duo disbanded,...
While it’s hard to imagine most Daft Punk songs drumless, Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) should pique interest in fans wanting to delve deeper into the layers of the band’s compositions. Pre-orders are ongoing now before the album is out in full November 17th.
See the artwork and tracklist for Random Access Memories (Drumless Edition) below.
Earlier this year, Daft Punk released a deluxe edition of Random Access Memories, featuring 35 minutes of previously unreleased music. In an interview corresponding with its release, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter said he was “relieved” that the duo disbanded,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
In the age of "Stranger Things," everyone wants to make their nostalgia-soaked Amblin-esque movie. And every one of those movies arrives with a wink — Look at us! We're remixing and reheating that thing you love! That makes "UFO Sweden," an out-of-nowhere miracle of a science fiction adventure from the Swedish filmmaking collective Crazy Pictures, all the more satisfying. Everyone in Hollywood wants to capture those Spielberg-ian, those Donner-ian vibes. They lean so hard on the "Remember this thing you loved?" pump that they forget to make something that actually stands alone, capturing the quality that defined that kind of movie while eschewing the obvious trappings.
Leave it to a bunch of uber-talented Swedes to out-Hollywood Hollywood and craft the kind of character-centric adventure that used to be this industry's bread and butter. The 1996 setting of "UFO Sweden" isn't just an aesthetic (even though it is well utilized), but a...
Leave it to a bunch of uber-talented Swedes to out-Hollywood Hollywood and craft the kind of character-centric adventure that used to be this industry's bread and butter. The 1996 setting of "UFO Sweden" isn't just an aesthetic (even though it is well utilized), but a...
- 9/25/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Exclusive: The Austin Film Festival has set producer Lauren Shuler Donner, writer-producer James V. Hart and filmmaker So Young Shelly Yo as honorees of its 30th edition, taking place from October 26 – November 2.
Donner will receive the Polly Platt Award for Producing, with Hart claiming the the Heart of Film Award and Shelly accepting the New Voice Award.
Introduced in 2019 as a means of honoring producers with a keen sense of story and a history of fostering new talent, the Producing prize has previously been bestowed upon Dede Garner, Stephanie Allain and Sarah Green.
Coming in recognition of Hart’s contributions to film and television, as well as his service to the screenwriting community, the Heart of Film Award has also since 2013 been bestowed on the likes of Enchanted producer Barry Josephson and Beverly Hills Cop scribe Daniel Petrie Jr.
Also established in 2019 was the New Voice Award, recognizing unique and captivating new voices in film,...
Donner will receive the Polly Platt Award for Producing, with Hart claiming the the Heart of Film Award and Shelly accepting the New Voice Award.
Introduced in 2019 as a means of honoring producers with a keen sense of story and a history of fostering new talent, the Producing prize has previously been bestowed upon Dede Garner, Stephanie Allain and Sarah Green.
Coming in recognition of Hart’s contributions to film and television, as well as his service to the screenwriting community, the Heart of Film Award has also since 2013 been bestowed on the likes of Enchanted producer Barry Josephson and Beverly Hills Cop scribe Daniel Petrie Jr.
Also established in 2019 was the New Voice Award, recognizing unique and captivating new voices in film,...
- 8/8/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Arthur “Artie” R. Schmidt, who won Oscars for editing Robert Zemeckis films “Forrest Gump” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” died Saturday at his home in Santa Barbara. He was 86.
Schmidt and Zemeckis were longtime collaborators, having worked on a total of ten films together, including “Forrest Gump” (1994), the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990), “Cast Away” (2000), and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Other prominent films Schmidt worked on include “Jaws 2” (1978), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), for which he was Oscar-nommed; “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “Addams Family Values” (1993) and “Contact” (1997). He was also brought on to help with “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) in the midst of its production.
Additionally, Schmidt collaborated with director Mike Nichols on three films: “The Fortune” (1975) “The Birdcage” (1996), and “Primary Colors” (1998). He also took on the challenge of editing a film that combines both animation and live-action: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Schmidt and Zemeckis were longtime collaborators, having worked on a total of ten films together, including “Forrest Gump” (1994), the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990), “Cast Away” (2000), and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Other prominent films Schmidt worked on include “Jaws 2” (1978), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), for which he was Oscar-nommed; “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “Addams Family Values” (1993) and “Contact” (1997). He was also brought on to help with “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) in the midst of its production.
Additionally, Schmidt collaborated with director Mike Nichols on three films: “The Fortune” (1975) “The Birdcage” (1996), and “Primary Colors” (1998). He also took on the challenge of editing a film that combines both animation and live-action: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
- 8/7/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Robert Schmidt, the film editor whose decades-long collaboration with director Robert Zemeckis on classics such as Forrest Gump, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cast Away, Contact and all three Back to the Future films won him two Oscars, has died, Deadline has confirmed. He was 86.
Schmidt’s two Best Film Editing Oscars came for Roger Rabbit (1988) and Forrest Gump (1994). His other collaborations with Zemeckis included Death Becomes Her (1992) and What Lies Beneath (2000).
“Arthur Schmidt was incredibly talented and a joy to work with,” Zemeckis said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a true gentleman and I am honored to have known him and to have created what we did together.”
Schmidt had a distinguished career beyond that artistic partnership.
He edited films directed by Michael Mann, Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Mike Nichols, Barry Sonnenfeld and many others.
In addition to his Oscars, Schmidt won Ace Eddies for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl...
Schmidt’s two Best Film Editing Oscars came for Roger Rabbit (1988) and Forrest Gump (1994). His other collaborations with Zemeckis included Death Becomes Her (1992) and What Lies Beneath (2000).
“Arthur Schmidt was incredibly talented and a joy to work with,” Zemeckis said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a true gentleman and I am honored to have known him and to have created what we did together.”
Schmidt had a distinguished career beyond that artistic partnership.
He edited films directed by Michael Mann, Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Mike Nichols, Barry Sonnenfeld and many others.
In addition to his Oscars, Schmidt won Ace Eddies for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl...
- 8/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Arthur Schmidt, 2-time Academy Award-winning editor and longtime collaborator of Robert Zemeckis, died this past Saturday at the age of 86, his brother Ron announced.
Schmidt’s four-decade career includes some of the biggest films of the late 20th Century, including Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future” trilogy, “Contact” and “Cast Away.” He also received his two Oscars for “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “Forrest Gump,” the latter of which won Best Picture.
Born in Los Angeles, Schmidt’s career followed in the footsteps of his father, Arthur P. Schmidt, who also had a decorated editing career with films like “Ace in the Hole,” “Sabrina,” “Some Like It Hot,” and Billy Wilder’s legendary noir “Sunset Boulevard.”
The younger Schmidt’s career didn’t start until after his father’s death in 1965, working as an apprentice and assistant editor throughout the 1970s including on films like “Jaws 2.” His big breakthrough came...
Schmidt’s four-decade career includes some of the biggest films of the late 20th Century, including Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future” trilogy, “Contact” and “Cast Away.” He also received his two Oscars for “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “Forrest Gump,” the latter of which won Best Picture.
Born in Los Angeles, Schmidt’s career followed in the footsteps of his father, Arthur P. Schmidt, who also had a decorated editing career with films like “Ace in the Hole,” “Sabrina,” “Some Like It Hot,” and Billy Wilder’s legendary noir “Sunset Boulevard.”
The younger Schmidt’s career didn’t start until after his father’s death in 1965, working as an apprentice and assistant editor throughout the 1970s including on films like “Jaws 2.” His big breakthrough came...
- 8/7/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Arthur Schmidt, the two-time Oscar-winning film editor who collaborated with director Robert Zemeckis on 10 films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and the Back to the Future trilogy, has died. He was 86.
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Rhett Bartlett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For a time in the 1990s, a film adaptation of a John Grisham novel was guaranteed to turn a tidy profit at the box office, if not mushroom into a full-on blockbuster. "The Firm," "The Pelican Brief" and "The Client" all made loads of money off of a built-in audience that just had to see how the lawyer-turned-bestselling author's latest book was brought to life by Hollywood's biggest stars. Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, Tommy Lee Jones, and Susan Sarandon, among many others, were enlisted to turn these page-turners into big-screen spectacles. They were never better than over-produced B movies, but you didn't care because the material was never more than risible. Grisham wrote disposable legal thrillers that moved fast enough to get you past their myriad implausibilities, and there was nothing wrong with this.
"A Time to Kill" was a different animal. Based on Grisham's debut novel,...
"A Time to Kill" was a different animal. Based on Grisham's debut novel,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
It’s that time of year again when we ask ourselves: “Does Barack Obama really have that good of music taste?”
On Thursday, the former President released his yearly summer playlist — featuring tracks by a diverse set of artists, including Peso Pluma, Kelela, Boygenius, Rauw Alejandro, and even Janelle Monae’s polyamory anthem, “Only Have Eyes 42.“
“Like I do every year, here are some songs I’ve been listening to this summer — a mix of old and new,” he wrote. “Look forward to hearing what I’ve missed.”
Like I do every year,...
On Thursday, the former President released his yearly summer playlist — featuring tracks by a diverse set of artists, including Peso Pluma, Kelela, Boygenius, Rauw Alejandro, and even Janelle Monae’s polyamory anthem, “Only Have Eyes 42.“
“Like I do every year, here are some songs I’ve been listening to this summer — a mix of old and new,” he wrote. “Look forward to hearing what I’ve missed.”
Like I do every year,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The time has come again for Barack Obama to share his summer playlist; as usual, it’s a mix of classics and modern hits. Catch the former president with headphones on, and you may hear him listening to modern cool kids like boygenius or Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj, or revered legends like Leonard Cohen. You may also hear him listening to “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
You could clown on Obama for including the latter track, but you can’t say The Bangles don’t deliver some summery fun! Those good vibes continue with cuts like 2Pac’s “California Love” and Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Elsewhere, the 2023 playlist slows down for Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe” and Luke Combs’ take on “Fast Car,” Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song that recently charted even higher than before thanks to the unlikely country cover.
Other tracks that prove...
You could clown on Obama for including the latter track, but you can’t say The Bangles don’t deliver some summery fun! Those good vibes continue with cuts like 2Pac’s “California Love” and Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Elsewhere, the 2023 playlist slows down for Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe” and Luke Combs’ take on “Fast Car,” Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song that recently charted even higher than before thanks to the unlikely country cover.
Other tracks that prove...
- 7/20/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
Stars: Paul Kandarian, Anna Shields, James Liddell, Chris Cimperman, Caitlin Duffy, Michael L. Parker | Written and Directed by Bruce Wemple
First Contact, the latest film from writer/director Bruce Wemple, sees him mixing the monster movie themes that he’s used in films like Dawn of the Beast with the time travel and sci-fi concepts from Lake Artifact and The Tomorrow Job with a hint of Lovecraftian cosmic terror. Add in some musings about family and the result is an entertaining if somewhat muddled, film.
Dr. Ian Bradach is a scientist working on something that seems incredibly important, finds his work interrupted by the arrival of a creature who we can’t really see, but we can tell is very hostile. It all ends with a column of bright white light exploding skyward.
From there we join Casey as she arrives at her father’s house. Her estranged brother Dan...
First Contact, the latest film from writer/director Bruce Wemple, sees him mixing the monster movie themes that he’s used in films like Dawn of the Beast with the time travel and sci-fi concepts from Lake Artifact and The Tomorrow Job with a hint of Lovecraftian cosmic terror. Add in some musings about family and the result is an entertaining if somewhat muddled, film.
Dr. Ian Bradach is a scientist working on something that seems incredibly important, finds his work interrupted by the arrival of a creature who we can’t really see, but we can tell is very hostile. It all ends with a column of bright white light exploding skyward.
From there we join Casey as she arrives at her father’s house. Her estranged brother Dan...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
David Byrne’s upcoming production, Here Lies Love, is facing opposition from a labor union that represents Broadway musicians. American Federation of Musicians are taking issue with the production’s decision to use pre-recorded tracks instead of a live band in the musical, which is set to have previews next month.
Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians told The New York Times that it has a contract with the Broadway League that requires musicals at the Broadway Theatre to employ 19 musicians, a quota that is not being met with...
Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians told The New York Times that it has a contract with the Broadway League that requires musicals at the Broadway Theatre to employ 19 musicians, a quota that is not being met with...
- 5/30/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Daft Punk have unveiled the 10th anniversary reissue of their final album, Random Access Memories. Featuring nine previously-unreleased tracks — totaling 35 minutes of new music — the release offers a unique glimpse into the French duo’s creative process, and pays homage to the celebrated, 2x album that marked the end of their run.
The duo also unveiled a video for the new track “Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo),” featuring Julian Casablancas + The Voidz, which they note will be their final music video. Watch it below.
“Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo)” was recorded during the initial sessions for Random Access Memories at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles and Electric Lady Studios in New York. Built around a literal loop, the song (and its animated video) allude to the confluence of humanity and technology, a theme present throughout the album. “It’s lovely and bizarre, like a human,” Casablancas said in a statement. “And, like a human,...
The duo also unveiled a video for the new track “Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo),” featuring Julian Casablancas + The Voidz, which they note will be their final music video. Watch it below.
“Infinity Repeating (2013 Demo)” was recorded during the initial sessions for Random Access Memories at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles and Electric Lady Studios in New York. Built around a literal loop, the song (and its animated video) allude to the confluence of humanity and technology, a theme present throughout the album. “It’s lovely and bizarre, like a human,” Casablancas said in a statement. “And, like a human,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
Carl Sagan, for those who may not know, was an astronomer and charismatic cosmologist who came into the public eye in 1980 with the broadcast of his PBS series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage." That show, in addition to Sagan's many novels, books, and lectures, helped popularize astral science, bringing casual conversations about space to new heights.
Sagan's popularity is understandable. He was affable and well-spoken, and he talked about fun scientific concepts like the existence of UFOs, and the actual, mathematical odds that an alien civilization might someday visit Earth; given the size of the universe, Sagan calculated that there are at least a million Earth-like civilizations out there somewhere. The film "Contact" is based on his novel. Sagan was also a major advocate for marijuana use, and was rather spiritual, despite often speaking out against religion or the existence of an intelligent God. He was a fascinating dude.
Sagan...
Sagan's popularity is understandable. He was affable and well-spoken, and he talked about fun scientific concepts like the existence of UFOs, and the actual, mathematical odds that an alien civilization might someday visit Earth; given the size of the universe, Sagan calculated that there are at least a million Earth-like civilizations out there somewhere. The film "Contact" is based on his novel. Sagan was also a major advocate for marijuana use, and was rather spiritual, despite often speaking out against religion or the existence of an intelligent God. He was a fascinating dude.
Sagan...
- 5/8/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Deadline hears that Jake Busey has boarded Joel Souza’s recently restored production of Rust in Montana at the Yellowstone Film Ranch.
In the film produced and starring Alec Baldwin, Busey will play the role of Drum Parker.
The logline for Rust, written by Souza, based on a story developed by the director and Baldwin: A 13-year-old boy, left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, is taken on a violent, harrowing journey to old Mexico by his long estranged grandfather after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher.
Patrick Scott McDermott (Chicago Med, South Side) is playing the role of Lucas Hollister in the film. Frances Fisher also stars.
The film restarted production last week following the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after a prop gun held by Baldwin discharged during...
In the film produced and starring Alec Baldwin, Busey will play the role of Drum Parker.
The logline for Rust, written by Souza, based on a story developed by the director and Baldwin: A 13-year-old boy, left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, is taken on a violent, harrowing journey to old Mexico by his long estranged grandfather after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher.
Patrick Scott McDermott (Chicago Med, South Side) is playing the role of Lucas Hollister in the film. Frances Fisher also stars.
The film restarted production last week following the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after a prop gun held by Baldwin discharged during...
- 4/28/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s time for “Smash” to be your star. Ten years after the cult-favorite musical drama wrapped its two seasons on NBC, a “Smash” musical is headed to Broadway for the 2024–2025 season.
Director Susan Stroman is attached to helm the production with lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg.
Bringing back much of the series’ original creatives, Marc Shaiman is handling the music; lyrics will be by Shaiman and Scott Wittman; the musical’s book will be written by Rick Elice and Bob Martin; and the show will feature choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
“Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage,” Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement. “We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the...
Director Susan Stroman is attached to helm the production with lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg.
Bringing back much of the series’ original creatives, Marc Shaiman is handling the music; lyrics will be by Shaiman and Scott Wittman; the musical’s book will be written by Rick Elice and Bob Martin; and the show will feature choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
“Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage,” Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement. “We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the...
- 3/22/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Smash is finally heading to Broadway.
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
- 3/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The late 1990s might be remembered as a pretty good time for science fiction at the movies. There were Hollywood blockbusters with origins in sci-fi literature and loaded with VFX razzle-dazzle, while at the same time smaller and/or independent productions were offering up more cerebral, complex, concept-driven ideas.
Nestled in the middle of all this, appearing in theaters at the tail end of 1998, was a film that was perhaps the tiniest of all with regards to budget and production, but at the same time one of the biggest in terms of its central premise: Pi (aka the Greek letter π), the writing and directing debut of filmmaker Darren Aronofsky that tackled numbers theory, Jewish mysticism, and the meaning of all existence, all within 80 minutes and largely confined to one main (very cramped) set and a handful of characters.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a participating city,...
Nestled in the middle of all this, appearing in theaters at the tail end of 1998, was a film that was perhaps the tiniest of all with regards to budget and production, but at the same time one of the biggest in terms of its central premise: Pi (aka the Greek letter π), the writing and directing debut of filmmaker Darren Aronofsky that tackled numbers theory, Jewish mysticism, and the meaning of all existence, all within 80 minutes and largely confined to one main (very cramped) set and a handful of characters.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a participating city,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Star Trek: Picard" season 3.
When the Borg first appeared in "Q Who", an episode of the second season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," they instantly became a tantalizing and threatening antagonist throughout Trek's galaxy. At the end of the show's third season, the Borg returned and assimilated Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) into their collective in "The Best of Both Worlds", often hailed as one of the best episodes of the series. To that point, the Borg remained threatening, cold, unthinking, awesome villains.
In the 1996 feature film "Star Trek: First Contact," however, the Borg were ... altered. They became animal, malevolent, and sweaty. Additionally, they now had a queen (played by Alice Krige) who expressed emotions, and -- most frustratingly -- could be negotiated with. The idea of the Borg being fallible, emotional beings made them a lot less threatening. The non-threatening...
When the Borg first appeared in "Q Who", an episode of the second season of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," they instantly became a tantalizing and threatening antagonist throughout Trek's galaxy. At the end of the show's third season, the Borg returned and assimilated Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) into their collective in "The Best of Both Worlds", often hailed as one of the best episodes of the series. To that point, the Borg remained threatening, cold, unthinking, awesome villains.
In the 1996 feature film "Star Trek: First Contact," however, the Borg were ... altered. They became animal, malevolent, and sweaty. Additionally, they now had a queen (played by Alice Krige) who expressed emotions, and -- most frustratingly -- could be negotiated with. The idea of the Borg being fallible, emotional beings made them a lot less threatening. The non-threatening...
- 3/9/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
It’s been a while since we’ve read the industry runes on what behind-the-scenes studio shenanigans might mean for a new Stargate show.
Last week, Deadline reported that Courtenay Valenti has been appointed Head of Film, Streaming, and Theatrical at Amazon and MGM Studios. Valenti, who comes from Warner Bros. Pictures, will report directly to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke.
It’s big news for the studio and what it means for a new Stargate series is:
The structure following Amazon’s MGM takeover looks to be firming up. This is a prerequisite for any long-term thinking around relaunching established brands like Stargate.If we do get a new Stargate show, Valenti is ultimately the person who’ll have to be convinced it’s a good idea.
So what do we know about Courtenay Valenti?
As President, Production, and Development for Warner Bros. Pictures, Valenti has a track record for worldbuilding,...
Last week, Deadline reported that Courtenay Valenti has been appointed Head of Film, Streaming, and Theatrical at Amazon and MGM Studios. Valenti, who comes from Warner Bros. Pictures, will report directly to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke.
It’s big news for the studio and what it means for a new Stargate series is:
The structure following Amazon’s MGM takeover looks to be firming up. This is a prerequisite for any long-term thinking around relaunching established brands like Stargate.If we do get a new Stargate show, Valenti is ultimately the person who’ll have to be convinced it’s a good idea.
So what do we know about Courtenay Valenti?
As President, Production, and Development for Warner Bros. Pictures, Valenti has a track record for worldbuilding,...
- 3/9/2023
- by James Hoare
- The Companion
For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Edgar Ascensão...
Edgar Ascensão...
- 3/4/2023
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
Jena Malone has shared that she was sexually assaulted during the “Hunger Games” films.
Malone, who joined the franchise in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in 2013, shared a photo from after finishing production on “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part Two” in 2015. The sci-fi films based on Suzanne Collins’ novels recently landed a prequel film.
“This photo was taken right after I wrapped ‘Mockingjay Part Two’ and I had to say goodbye to everyone on set. We were shooting in a beautiful estate in the countryside of France and I asked the driver to let me out in this field so I could cry and capture this moment,” Malone captioned along with a trigger warning. “Even tho this time in Paris was extremely hard for me, was going thru a bad break-up and also was sexually assaulted by someone I had worked with, I was so full of gratitude for this project,...
Malone, who joined the franchise in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in 2013, shared a photo from after finishing production on “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part Two” in 2015. The sci-fi films based on Suzanne Collins’ novels recently landed a prequel film.
“This photo was taken right after I wrapped ‘Mockingjay Part Two’ and I had to say goodbye to everyone on set. We were shooting in a beautiful estate in the countryside of France and I asked the driver to let me out in this field so I could cry and capture this moment,” Malone captioned along with a trigger warning. “Even tho this time in Paris was extremely hard for me, was going thru a bad break-up and also was sexually assaulted by someone I had worked with, I was so full of gratitude for this project,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Daft Punk will mark the 10th anniversary of their fourth and final album, Random Access Memories, by releasing an expanded edition featuring 35 minutes of unheard music. The deluxe reissue will be available in a variety of formats, including digitally and as 3xLP and 2xCD sets, beginning May 12th (pre-order here).
The expanded tracklist includes nine previously unreleased tracks, demos, sketches, and other rarities. Among the notable tracks are “Horizon” (previously only available in Japan), a demo of “Infinity Repeating,” and “Touch (2021 Epilogue).”
The announcement of this expanded release comes two years to the day of Daft Punk’s breakup on February 22nd, 2021. Last year, Consequence slotted Random Access Memories at No. 19 on our list of the 75 Best Albums of the Last 15 Years.
On April 7th, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter will release his first solo work since the group’s breakup, an orchestral album called Mythologies.
Random Access Memories (10th...
The expanded tracklist includes nine previously unreleased tracks, demos, sketches, and other rarities. Among the notable tracks are “Horizon” (previously only available in Japan), a demo of “Infinity Repeating,” and “Touch (2021 Epilogue).”
The announcement of this expanded release comes two years to the day of Daft Punk’s breakup on February 22nd, 2021. Last year, Consequence slotted Random Access Memories at No. 19 on our list of the 75 Best Albums of the Last 15 Years.
On April 7th, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter will release his first solo work since the group’s breakup, an orchestral album called Mythologies.
Random Access Memories (10th...
- 2/22/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
ABC‘s newest drama, The Company You Keep, marks Milo Ventimiglia’s return to television following the This Is Us series finale in 2022. And along with Ventimiglia come many more seasoned actors, including William Fichtner, who plays Leo Nicoletti in The Company You Keep.
William Fichtner as Leo Nicoletti | ABC/Scott Everett White William Fichtner plays Leo Nicoletti in ‘The Company You Keep’
The main cast of The Company You Keep includes:
Milo Ventimiglia as Charlie Nicoletti, a con manCatherine Haena Kim as Emma Hill, an undercover CIA officerWilliam Fichtner as Leo Nicoletti, Charlie’s father and a con manPolly Draper as Fran Nicoletti, Charlie’s mother and a con womanSarah Wayne Callies as Birdie Nicoletti, Charlie’s older sister and a con womanTim Chiou as David Hill, Emma’s brother and an incumbent Senator running for re-electionFreda Foh Shen as Grace Hill, Emma’s motherJames Saito as Joseph Hill,...
William Fichtner as Leo Nicoletti | ABC/Scott Everett White William Fichtner plays Leo Nicoletti in ‘The Company You Keep’
The main cast of The Company You Keep includes:
Milo Ventimiglia as Charlie Nicoletti, a con manCatherine Haena Kim as Emma Hill, an undercover CIA officerWilliam Fichtner as Leo Nicoletti, Charlie’s father and a con manPolly Draper as Fran Nicoletti, Charlie’s mother and a con womanSarah Wayne Callies as Birdie Nicoletti, Charlie’s older sister and a con womanTim Chiou as David Hill, Emma’s brother and an incumbent Senator running for re-electionFreda Foh Shen as Grace Hill, Emma’s motherJames Saito as Joseph Hill,...
- 2/20/2023
- by Sarah Little
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Language can be intuitive, starting somewhere in your gut before transfiguring into speech. Effective communication, however, is more complex. Feelings sometimes encompass more than words can offer, making for crossed wires and missed connections. Kelela Mizanekristos, the R&b visionary who performs under the name Kelela, is aware of her gifts in this regard. Her excellent new album Raven, released last week, is a sprawling excavation of emotion. Her process, she says, relied on instinct. “I’d record the first take as I’m listening to the song for the first time,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Jeff Ihaza
- Rollingstone.com
Christopher Smith’s films have often been obsessed, in one way or another, with time. From the recursive looping of his breakout Triangle to the branching narratives of Detour, Smith has built an impressive, albeit underappreciated collection of twisty thrillers. If 2020’s The Banishing represented something of a return to horror, then his newest, Consecration, acts as a continuation of that film’s obsession with narrative and spiritual fragmentation.
Following Jena Malone’s skeptical Grace as she travels to a remote convent to investigate the death of her priest brother, Smith’s latest is preoccupied with how the sins of the church are grafted onto individuals. Yet, like The Banishing, Consecration bears an underbaked premise that’s more interesting in its singular moments than as a complete film. Heavy on style and light on narrative clarity, almost nothing coheres.
Moody, but never as scary one would hope, it is ostensibly...
Following Jena Malone’s skeptical Grace as she travels to a remote convent to investigate the death of her priest brother, Smith’s latest is preoccupied with how the sins of the church are grafted onto individuals. Yet, like The Banishing, Consecration bears an underbaked premise that’s more interesting in its singular moments than as a complete film. Heavy on style and light on narrative clarity, almost nothing coheres.
Moody, but never as scary one would hope, it is ostensibly...
- 2/9/2023
- by Christian Gallichio
- The Film Stage
It’s a long, treacherous road for child stars. Many don’t make it to adulthood unscathed, and rarely with a respected career to show for it. Much like Kristen Stewart or Daniel Radcliffe, however, Jena Malone has comfortably moved into a mature body of work that runs the gamut from auteur-driven indies (to stay relevant) with a smattering of popular studio fare (to stay afloat).
Once a precocious kid who brought unexpected gravitas to box office hits like “Contact” (1997) and “Stepmom” (1998), Malone successfully transitioned into arty indie darling with her turn in “Donnie Darko” (2001). Since then, she’s excelled in everything from horror to sci-fi to period comedies, bringing her unique screen presence to “The Neon Demon” and “The Hunger Games” without missing a beat.
So, what’s her secret?
“Maybe I sold my soul to the independent film devil, and I’ve been moderately sacrificing my blood every new moon or something.
Once a precocious kid who brought unexpected gravitas to box office hits like “Contact” (1997) and “Stepmom” (1998), Malone successfully transitioned into arty indie darling with her turn in “Donnie Darko” (2001). Since then, she’s excelled in everything from horror to sci-fi to period comedies, bringing her unique screen presence to “The Neon Demon” and “The Hunger Games” without missing a beat.
So, what’s her secret?
“Maybe I sold my soul to the independent film devil, and I’ve been moderately sacrificing my blood every new moon or something.
- 2/8/2023
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
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