Ron Howard has been part of our collective consciousness for as long as I can remember. Or at least he looms large in mine. Born in 1954, he was on many of the TV series I grew up watching and had his own starring role on “The Andy Griffith Show” by 1960. And his father had the idea that little “Ronny Howard” should play a good kid, not the wise-guy type popular in those “Dennis the Menace” years. He’d be nice. It stuck. He’s been known as “nice” ever since.
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
That made him much too easy to dismiss. However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. By then I was reviewing films, and I overlooked him to a fault. I didn’t even give...
- 5/7/2024
- by Janet Maslin
- Variety Film + TV
Heather Graham has worked on many R-rated films, such as “Boogie Nights,” “Austin Powers,” and “The Hangover.”
Heather Graham and Mark Wahlberg in character as Rollergirl and Dirk Diggler, respectively, on the dynamic set of ‘Boogie Nights’, a pivotal film from 1997 that explores the adult film industry of the 1970s (Credit: New Line Cinema)
While Drew Barrymore and Tatum O’Neal were also up for the part, Heather Graham got the role of Brandy/”Rollergirl” in the 1997 American period drama film Boogie Nights.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson had not considered Heather Graham for the part as it required nudity. However, her agent called him and asked if she could audition. The rest is history; she has received critical praise for her performance.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson giving direction to Heather Graham on the set of ‘Boogie Nights’, capturing a behind-the-scenes moment from the making of this critically acclaimed 1997 drama (Credit: New...
Heather Graham and Mark Wahlberg in character as Rollergirl and Dirk Diggler, respectively, on the dynamic set of ‘Boogie Nights’, a pivotal film from 1997 that explores the adult film industry of the 1970s (Credit: New Line Cinema)
While Drew Barrymore and Tatum O’Neal were also up for the part, Heather Graham got the role of Brandy/”Rollergirl” in the 1997 American period drama film Boogie Nights.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson had not considered Heather Graham for the part as it required nudity. However, her agent called him and asked if she could audition. The rest is history; she has received critical praise for her performance.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson giving direction to Heather Graham on the set of ‘Boogie Nights’, capturing a behind-the-scenes moment from the making of this critically acclaimed 1997 drama (Credit: New...
- 4/20/2024
- by Jan Stromsodd
- Your Next Shoes
The Matrix played a key role in reshaping the sci-fi landscape in Hollywood. It was one of the most influential sci-fi projects and established Keanu Reeves as one of the biggest action stars. The fans are in shock as Warner Bros. has announced a fifth installment in the franchise. Following the failure of The Matrix Resurrections, nobody expected them to take a risk with The Matrix 5.
Several reasons led to the downfall of The Matrix Resurrections, with one of the primary reasons being the absence of Hugo Weaving. Although Jonathan Groff played the role of Smith, it was nothing compared to Weaving’s charismatic aura as the Og antagonist. While the fans have started brainstorming the possibilities of the events for the fifth film, Weaving’s return is undoubtedly crucial.
Why do we need Hugo Weaving back for The Matrix 5?
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
The Matrix, made by Lana...
Several reasons led to the downfall of The Matrix Resurrections, with one of the primary reasons being the absence of Hugo Weaving. Although Jonathan Groff played the role of Smith, it was nothing compared to Weaving’s charismatic aura as the Og antagonist. While the fans have started brainstorming the possibilities of the events for the fifth film, Weaving’s return is undoubtedly crucial.
Why do we need Hugo Weaving back for The Matrix 5?
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
The Matrix, made by Lana...
- 4/7/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
The Matrix franchise is one of the most beloved ones when it comes to the action film genre. Predominantly known for revolutionizing the action genre with well-choreographed action sequences and slow-motion effects, the franchise has a cult following with fans from across the world.
With its ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, the franchise has four movies so far. However, that is about to change soon if recent updates are anything to go by. While it is no secret that Reeves’ potential attachment to any project is enough for fans to get excited, this time around, that does not seem to be the case.
The Matrix Catapulted Keanu Reeves to Stardom
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
Keanu Reeves ventured into the film industry with the Canadian film Hangin’ In and had his Hollywood breakthrough with the sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. By 1994, he had...
With its ensemble cast led by Keanu Reeves, the franchise has four movies so far. However, that is about to change soon if recent updates are anything to go by. While it is no secret that Reeves’ potential attachment to any project is enough for fans to get excited, this time around, that does not seem to be the case.
The Matrix Catapulted Keanu Reeves to Stardom
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
Keanu Reeves ventured into the film industry with the Canadian film Hangin’ In and had his Hollywood breakthrough with the sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. By 1994, he had...
- 4/3/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
Mark Wahlberg, formerly known as Marky Mark starred in the 1997 film titled Boogie Nights which was a great film. Being the breakout film for Wahlberg, the actor has fond memories of the movie but not so much for his co-star Burt Reynolds.
When he was at the height of stardom, Reynolds starred in the film alongside Mark Wahlberg but he didn’t quite enjoy it. In an interview, the Ted actor talked about how the 1997 film was Reynolds’ worst nightmare because of reasons that were purely selfish!
Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights
Mark Wahlberg’s Breakthrough Film Was A Nightmare For Burt Reynolds!
The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, narrates the story of a high school dropout who goes on to become a highly successful p*rn star. His career takes a hit, however, when he gets addicted to drugs. Being a comedy/drama film, Boogie Nights received great reviews and high ratings.
When he was at the height of stardom, Reynolds starred in the film alongside Mark Wahlberg but he didn’t quite enjoy it. In an interview, the Ted actor talked about how the 1997 film was Reynolds’ worst nightmare because of reasons that were purely selfish!
Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights
Mark Wahlberg’s Breakthrough Film Was A Nightmare For Burt Reynolds!
The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, narrates the story of a high school dropout who goes on to become a highly successful p*rn star. His career takes a hit, however, when he gets addicted to drugs. Being a comedy/drama film, Boogie Nights received great reviews and high ratings.
- 3/14/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
It has been two years since Regina King’s only son Ian Alexander Jr. took his life, leaving the Academy Award winner in a state of grief ever since. Known for her work in films including If Beale Street Could Talk, and Boyz n the Hood, the actor rose to mainstream prominence after starring in Jerry Maguire, and would later go on to excel as a director.
However, tragedy struck when she lost her only child in 2022 to suicide, which led to the actor completely disappearing from the public limelight. But finally, King has broken her silence, giving an insight into how the loss turned her life around.
Regina King | Credit: Watchmen
Regina King Opens Up About How Grief Reshaped Her
Only two days after his birthday, Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life on 21 January 2022. Grief-stricken by the loss of her only son, whom she shared with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr.
However, tragedy struck when she lost her only child in 2022 to suicide, which led to the actor completely disappearing from the public limelight. But finally, King has broken her silence, giving an insight into how the loss turned her life around.
Regina King | Credit: Watchmen
Regina King Opens Up About How Grief Reshaped Her
Only two days after his birthday, Ian Alexander Jr. took his own life on 21 January 2022. Grief-stricken by the loss of her only son, whom she shared with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr.
- 3/14/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
When a World War II drama series about airmen features the likes of Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan and Callum Turner, it’s reasonable to presume that one of them would be playing the story’s quintessential hotshot pilot. Instead, that honor belongs to Nate Mann, who portrays Lieutenant Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal, one of the most decorated real-life B-17 pilots to serve in WWII, on Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air. Rosie had already established a successful career as a lawyer in New York until the attack on Pearl Harbor eventually led him to Laredo Air Force Base, where he developed his crack piloting skills.
Knowing full well the significance of Rosenthal both on the screen and in real life, Mann refused to gloss over the details of the B-17 and the many responsibilities that a bomber pilot has before, during and after a flight. So he took the words...
Knowing full well the significance of Rosenthal both on the screen and in real life, Mann refused to gloss over the details of the B-17 and the many responsibilities that a bomber pilot has before, during and after a flight. So he took the words...
- 3/1/2024
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Wachowskis' 1999 cyber-thriller "The Matrix" took the world by surprise. Although cyber-thrillers and V.R.-inflected sci-fi films were de rigueur throughout the '90s, the Wachowskis' unique blend of black-trench coat cool, overloaded action, and trippy pop existentialism shook the zeitgeist in unprecedented ways. The premise was powerful: in the distant future, humanity will be enslaved by intelligent machines and bodily stuffed into goopy cocoons. The electrical impulses in human brains are used by the Machines as a power supply, and every human being has a needle plugged into their skulls. In order to keep those impulses pulsing, the Machines have created an elaborate virtual reality for its living batteries, an electric realm called the Matrix. The Matrix is what you or I might call "the real world."
The notion that our perceived lives are merely an illusion is quite ancient, and even the sci-fi spin on that philosophy...
The notion that our perceived lives are merely an illusion is quite ancient, and even the sci-fi spin on that philosophy...
- 2/17/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The acquisition is part of the Irish exhibitor’s ambitious expansion plans.
Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema Group has acquired the five existing Empire Cinema locations in the UK as part of its ambition to become a major player in UK exhibition.
Cinemas in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank and High Wycombe will open this month, with more to be announced in 2024. The Group is making an investment of £22.5m over 18 months to acquire and renovate these existing locations and has confirmed it has secured 150 jobs.
Staff members at the sites will be taken on at their existing terms.
Three of the...
Ireland’s Omniplex Cinema Group has acquired the five existing Empire Cinema locations in the UK as part of its ambition to become a major player in UK exhibition.
Cinemas in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank and High Wycombe will open this month, with more to be announced in 2024. The Group is making an investment of £22.5m over 18 months to acquire and renovate these existing locations and has confirmed it has secured 150 jobs.
Staff members at the sites will be taken on at their existing terms.
Three of the...
- 12/5/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
It’s the final month of 2023, and Hulu is just saying goodbye not just to the year but also to dozens of its top film titles. This December, the streamer will lose multiple franchise collections, including “Men in Black,” “The Matrix,” the “Bourne” collection.
At the end of the month, Hulu is wasting no time and will also clear out many of the titles in its holiday collection, meaning Dec. 31 will be your last opportunity to watch favorites such as “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” and “The Polar Express” on the streamer.
Bid farewell to 2023 by watching The Streamable’s Top 5 picks for what’s leaving the streamer this month, and check out the full list to make sure you catch your favorites one last time before they leave!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in December 2023? “An Education” | Sunday,...
At the end of the month, Hulu is wasting no time and will also clear out many of the titles in its holiday collection, meaning Dec. 31 will be your last opportunity to watch favorites such as “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” and “The Polar Express” on the streamer.
Bid farewell to 2023 by watching The Streamable’s Top 5 picks for what’s leaving the streamer this month, and check out the full list to make sure you catch your favorites one last time before they leave!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in December 2023? “An Education” | Sunday,...
- 12/1/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Los Angeles, April 25 (Ians) Hollywood star Keanu Reeves didn’t tell anyone about his spinal injury so he could star in ‘The Matrix’.
The 58-year-old actor agreed to play Thomas Anderson/Neo in the 1999 sci-fi action film and recalled how he had to keep the problem secret through four months of training so he didn’t lose the part, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“I met with the Wachowskis and I loved the script, and they showed me pre-vis for bullet time which was extraordinary, and one of the things they talked about in the meeting was training in Hong Kong-style martial arts and asked if I was okay with that, and that it was over four months and I was like, ‘Yeah, that sounds okay, ” Keanu said on The Art of Action podcast.
“The only problem – I was dealing with a neck issue which was getting worse, I’d spent a...
The 58-year-old actor agreed to play Thomas Anderson/Neo in the 1999 sci-fi action film and recalled how he had to keep the problem secret through four months of training so he didn’t lose the part, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“I met with the Wachowskis and I loved the script, and they showed me pre-vis for bullet time which was extraordinary, and one of the things they talked about in the meeting was training in Hong Kong-style martial arts and asked if I was okay with that, and that it was over four months and I was like, ‘Yeah, that sounds okay, ” Keanu said on The Art of Action podcast.
“The only problem – I was dealing with a neck issue which was getting worse, I’d spent a...
- 4/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Keanu Reeves hid a spinal injury so he could star in 'The Matrix'.The 58-year-old actor accepted the role of Thomas Anderson/Neo in the 1999 sci-fi action film and recalled how he had to keep the problem secret through four months of training so he didn't lose the part.Speaking on The Art of Action podcast, Keanu said: "I met with the Wachowskis and I loved the script, and they showed me pre-vis for bullet time which was extraordinary, and one of the things they talked about in the meeting was training in Hong Kong-style martial arts and asked if I was okay with that, and that it was over four months and I was like, 'Yeah, that sounds okay.'"The only problem – I was dealing with a neck issue which was getting worse, I'd spent a couple of years fighting it off, I was getting tingling."I had...
- 4/24/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
One of very few Valentine’s Day-themed horror movies, 1999 slasher Lovers Lane is back in the conversation this week, with Arrow Video announcing a brand new Blu-ray release.
Lovers Lane comes to Blu-ray on April 25, 2023.
There will be a Standard Version and an Arrow Exclusive Slipcover Limited Edition.
Arrow Video previews, “Passions are aroused and old wounds reopened in this sassy post-Scream teen slasher based on the urban legend of The Hook.”
Special Features include:
Brand new 2K restoration from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation Two versions of the film: the widescreen 1.85:1 version and the full-frame 1.33:1 version Original lossless stereo audio on both versions Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Brand new audio commentary with writer-producers Geof Miller and Rory Veal Screaming Teens: The Legacy of Lovers Lane featurette with Geof Miller and Rory Veal and actors...
Lovers Lane comes to Blu-ray on April 25, 2023.
There will be a Standard Version and an Arrow Exclusive Slipcover Limited Edition.
Arrow Video previews, “Passions are aroused and old wounds reopened in this sassy post-Scream teen slasher based on the urban legend of The Hook.”
Special Features include:
Brand new 2K restoration from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation Two versions of the film: the widescreen 1.85:1 version and the full-frame 1.33:1 version Original lossless stereo audio on both versions Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Brand new audio commentary with writer-producers Geof Miller and Rory Veal Screaming Teens: The Legacy of Lovers Lane featurette with Geof Miller and Rory Veal and actors...
- 1/27/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Rian Johnson will not apologize for who Edward Norton’s character is in “Glass Onion,” but he was slightly worried if Paul Thomas Anderson would pick up on the “Magnolia” reference or not.
Johnson revealed that Norton surprised the cast by wearing a direct copy of Tom Cruise’s “Magnolia” outfit during a flashback sequence for the “Knives Out” sequel. Norton plays pompous tech billionaire Miles Bron, whose unoriginal ideas extend even to his wardrobe. Johnson said the idea was that Norton’s character would be so unoriginal as to copy the outfit from the last movie he saw.
“He and Jenny Eagan, our costume designer, came up with the look and I had no idea,” Johnson told Insider. “I started cracking up. But then I thought, ‘Is this too much?’ I also thought, ‘What is [‘Magnolia’ director] Paul [Thomas Anderson] going to think of this?'”
Johnson added, “Hopefully...
Johnson revealed that Norton surprised the cast by wearing a direct copy of Tom Cruise’s “Magnolia” outfit during a flashback sequence for the “Knives Out” sequel. Norton plays pompous tech billionaire Miles Bron, whose unoriginal ideas extend even to his wardrobe. Johnson said the idea was that Norton’s character would be so unoriginal as to copy the outfit from the last movie he saw.
“He and Jenny Eagan, our costume designer, came up with the look and I had no idea,” Johnson told Insider. “I started cracking up. But then I thought, ‘Is this too much?’ I also thought, ‘What is [‘Magnolia’ director] Paul [Thomas Anderson] going to think of this?'”
Johnson added, “Hopefully...
- 12/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
This Interview with the Vampire review contains spoilers.
Interview with the Vampire Episode 7
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’s season 1 finale is a vast departure from the novel but makes for exciting horror TV. The episode hits all the beats of the page, but exchanges the locales for more cinematic settings, and keeps its options open.
“The Thing Lay Still” is laid out like a murder mystery, except the investigator is the most surprised person in the drawing room reveal. The vampire-interviewing journalist, Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), sets the tone by asking about death and difficult choices. His subject, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), runs through the known ways to kill creatures like himself, such as decapitation, starvation and drinking from the already-dead.
The episode opens in the pall of the increasingly uncomfortable vampire home. Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) returns to his habit...
Interview with the Vampire Episode 7
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’s season 1 finale is a vast departure from the novel but makes for exciting horror TV. The episode hits all the beats of the page, but exchanges the locales for more cinematic settings, and keeps its options open.
“The Thing Lay Still” is laid out like a murder mystery, except the investigator is the most surprised person in the drawing room reveal. The vampire-interviewing journalist, Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), sets the tone by asking about death and difficult choices. His subject, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), runs through the known ways to kill creatures like himself, such as decapitation, starvation and drinking from the already-dead.
The episode opens in the pall of the increasingly uncomfortable vampire home. Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) returns to his habit...
- 11/14/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
After a long winning streak that began with a small collection of prizes in Cannes 2021 and one that included Best Intl. Feature at the Oscars, Ryūsuke Hamaguchi will have one last victory lap for Drive My Car. The members of the International Federation of Film Critics probably awarded the film in a landslide decision – as we might recall Fipresci had award the film back in Cannes – (see the video below). The award will be handed out at the San Sebastián International Film Festival next month.
Drive My Car beat out this year’s other four Fipresci finalists: Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, Ruben Östlund’s 2022 Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness, as well as Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World.…...
Drive My Car beat out this year’s other four Fipresci finalists: Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, Ruben Östlund’s 2022 Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness, as well as Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World.…...
- 8/22/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Click here to read the full article.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese drama Drive My Car has won the Fipresci Grand Prix for best film of 2022, awarded by the members of the International Federation of Film Critics.
Drive My Car premiered in Cannes last year, where it won best screenplay honors as well as the Cannes Fipresci prize, the start of an awards season run that peaked with it taking this year’s Oscar for best international feature. The slow-burning drama, which unfolds largely through conversations between a playwright and his female chauffeur, was adapted from a short story by acclaimed Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.
For the top Fipresci honor, Drive My Car beat out this year’s other four Fipresci finalists: Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, Ruben Östlund’s 2022 Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness, as well as Joachim Trier’s...
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese drama Drive My Car has won the Fipresci Grand Prix for best film of 2022, awarded by the members of the International Federation of Film Critics.
Drive My Car premiered in Cannes last year, where it won best screenplay honors as well as the Cannes Fipresci prize, the start of an awards season run that peaked with it taking this year’s Oscar for best international feature. The slow-burning drama, which unfolds largely through conversations between a playwright and his female chauffeur, was adapted from a short story by acclaimed Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.
For the top Fipresci honor, Drive My Car beat out this year’s other four Fipresci finalists: Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, Ruben Östlund’s 2022 Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness, as well as Joachim Trier’s...
- 8/22/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Mike Judge knows that there will always be a limit to how much change viewers can expect for the animated leads of his upcoming Paramount+ series Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head.
Judge, who created MTV’s Beavis and Butt-Head in the 1990s, sat down with moderator Paul Scheer for a panel Thursday at San Diego Comic-Con to discuss what fans can expect when the new series launches Aug. 4. Judge admitted that it has crossed his mind to make his characters a bit wiser, but he has opted to steadfastly avoid this.
“There was always a temptation to make them smarter, and I’ve always resisted it,” said Judge. He explained that this had been a topic of discussion when he heard a pitch that someone made while he was working on the recently released film, Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe. “I had to say,...
Mike Judge knows that there will always be a limit to how much change viewers can expect for the animated leads of his upcoming Paramount+ series Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head.
Judge, who created MTV’s Beavis and Butt-Head in the 1990s, sat down with moderator Paul Scheer for a panel Thursday at San Diego Comic-Con to discuss what fans can expect when the new series launches Aug. 4. Judge admitted that it has crossed his mind to make his characters a bit wiser, but he has opted to steadfastly avoid this.
“There was always a temptation to make them smarter, and I’ve always resisted it,” said Judge. He explained that this had been a topic of discussion when he heard a pitch that someone made while he was working on the recently released film, Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe. “I had to say,...
- 7/22/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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