"Nothing is as it seems. And the truth will be revealed." Lionsgate has unveiled an official trailer for the US remake of the film titled Longing, which was originally an Israeli film from filmmaker Savi Gabizon (aka Savi Gavison). The film is a direct remake of his own 2017 film also called Longing (or Ga'agua), and it is once again written and directed by Gabizon this time. A business mogul named Daniel Bloch runs into his old small town girlfriend from 20 years ago while she is visiting the big city only to find out that they had a child together that he was unaware of, but has since died. This remake is set to open in the US in June this summer. Starring Richard Gere as Daniel, with Diane Kruger, Suzanne Clément, Marnie McPhail, Jessica Clement, Tomaso Sanelli, and Shauna MacDonald. This trailer reveals almost the entire plot though that doesn't help much,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Take your seats. The show is about to begin. Warner Bros. brings us some new marketing for M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap this morning, including a new poster and an original song.
Saleka Shyamalan stars in the upcoming thriller as fictional pop star Lady Raven, and today brings us a first-listen preview of the song “Release” by Saleka as Lady Raven.
Give it a listen right here and find the new official poster for Trap down below.
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is headed to movie theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
As the official trailer for Trap reveals, the pop concert is actually an elaborate trap designed to catch The Butcher,...
Saleka Shyamalan stars in the upcoming thriller as fictional pop star Lady Raven, and today brings us a first-listen preview of the song “Release” by Saleka as Lady Raven.
Give it a listen right here and find the new official poster for Trap down below.
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is headed to movie theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
As the official trailer for Trap reveals, the pop concert is actually an elaborate trap designed to catch The Butcher,...
- 4/30/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Horror master M. Night Shyamalan is coming up with another movie, Trap, starring Oppenheimer actor Josh Hartnett as a serial killer. Shyamalan, who is known for his signature trait of building tension and suspense in his movies, revealed the source of inspiration for his upcoming thriller.
Rupert Grint in Servant
Tony Basgallop’s Apple TV+ show, Servant, scribed by Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan alongside Nina Braddock and Basgallop has been a source of inspiration for Trap. Servant starring Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, has enjoyed huge critical accolades and even earned praise from acclaimed director, Guillermo del Toro.
M. Night Shyamalan Reveals Trap Inspiration
Josh Hartnett in Trap
M. Night Shyamalan is not in disagreement about the fact that he derived the inspiration for Trap from the Apple TV+ show Servant. Shyamalan directed 5 of 40 episodes of the show including the pilot, while his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan directed 6 episodes.
Rupert Grint in Servant
Tony Basgallop’s Apple TV+ show, Servant, scribed by Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan alongside Nina Braddock and Basgallop has been a source of inspiration for Trap. Servant starring Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, has enjoyed huge critical accolades and even earned praise from acclaimed director, Guillermo del Toro.
M. Night Shyamalan Reveals Trap Inspiration
Josh Hartnett in Trap
M. Night Shyamalan is not in disagreement about the fact that he derived the inspiration for Trap from the Apple TV+ show Servant. Shyamalan directed 5 of 40 episodes of the show including the pilot, while his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan directed 6 episodes.
- 4/19/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Just two months after his daughter Ishana Night Shyamalan debuts on the big screen with horror movie The Watchers, M. Night Shyamalan is back with his new thriller Trap.
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is headed to movie theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024.
Watch the official trailer below to begin a twisted new mystery-box experience, which features performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan as fictional pop star Lady Raven.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
As the official trailer for Trap reveals, the pop concert is actually an elaborate trap designed to catch The Butcher, a sadistic serial killer who has been evading authorities.
Hartnett had recently described the mysterious film as “very bizarre” and “very dark.
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is headed to movie theaters nationwide on August 9, 2024.
Watch the official trailer below to begin a twisted new mystery-box experience, which features performances by rising music star Saleka Shyamalan as fictional pop star Lady Raven.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
As the official trailer for Trap reveals, the pop concert is actually an elaborate trap designed to catch The Butcher, a sadistic serial killer who has been evading authorities.
Hartnett had recently described the mysterious film as “very bizarre” and “very dark.
- 4/18/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Warner Bros. has released the trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s latest mystery thriller “Trap,” starring Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Hayley Mills and Marnie McPhail.
According to the official logline, “Trap” follows a “father and teen daughter attending a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.” The film’s first look was screened at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
In the trailer, Hartnett’s character and his daughter, Jody, are at the concert of pop star Lady Raven. When Hartnett runs off to the bathroom, he sees that there is a heavy police presence at the concert and quickly learns they are there to catch a serial killer. The twist is that Hartnett is the killer they are looking for, and it is revealed on his phone that he is holding a victim hostage. The trailer ends with Hartnett maniacally laughing to himself.
According to the official logline, “Trap” follows a “father and teen daughter attending a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.” The film’s first look was screened at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
In the trailer, Hartnett’s character and his daughter, Jody, are at the concert of pop star Lady Raven. When Hartnett runs off to the bathroom, he sees that there is a heavy police presence at the concert and quickly learns they are there to catch a serial killer. The twist is that Hartnett is the killer they are looking for, and it is revealed on his phone that he is holding a victim hostage. The trailer ends with Hartnett maniacally laughing to himself.
- 4/18/2024
- by Jack Dunn and Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Just two months after his daughter Ishana Night Shyamalan debuts on the big screen with horror movie The Watchers, the master M. Night Shyamalan is back with a movie of his own.
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is titled Trap, and it was originally set for release on August 2.
But Trap will now release in theaters on August 9, 2024, we’ve learned today.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
Hartnett had recently described the mysterious film as “very bizarre” and “very dark.”
According to IMDb, the cast for Trap also includes Hayley Mills, Marnie McPhail, Vanessa Smythe, Saleka Shyamalan, Scott Ian MacDougall, Kristi Woods, and Cali Lorella.
Trap is the first film Shyamalan has...
M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller for Warner Bros. – the sixteenth movie in his Oscar-nominated career thus far – is titled Trap, and it was originally set for release on August 2.
But Trap will now release in theaters on August 9, 2024, we’ve learned today.
In the upcoming thriller starring Josh Hartnett, “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.”
Hartnett had recently described the mysterious film as “very bizarre” and “very dark.”
According to IMDb, the cast for Trap also includes Hayley Mills, Marnie McPhail, Vanessa Smythe, Saleka Shyamalan, Scott Ian MacDougall, Kristi Woods, and Cali Lorella.
Trap is the first film Shyamalan has...
- 4/9/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Beacon 23 is a sci-fi psychological thriller series created by Zak Penn. The MGM+ series has finally returned for its second season, filmed simultaneously with its first season. Based on a short story series of the same name by Hugh Lowey, the sci-fi series is set in the 23rd century and it tells us the story of two strangers stranded together at the end of the known universe at a lighthouse in space.
Season 2 picks up the story right where the first ended and we see Halan trying to figure out Aster’s fate and handle a military attack. Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake take the helm as co-showrunners for Season 2 replacing Zak Penn. So, if you loved the first season of Beacon 23 and are excited about what’s coming, we are here to keep you informed.
Beacon 23 Season 2 – Episode Guide (When Will The New Episodes Air?) Credit...
Season 2 picks up the story right where the first ended and we see Halan trying to figure out Aster’s fate and handle a military attack. Glen Mazzara and Joy Blake take the helm as co-showrunners for Season 2 replacing Zak Penn. So, if you loved the first season of Beacon 23 and are excited about what’s coming, we are here to keep you informed.
Beacon 23 Season 2 – Episode Guide (When Will The New Episodes Air?) Credit...
- 4/8/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Beacon 23 has a return date. MGM+ has announced the debut of the eight episode second season with the release of a trailer. The streaming service announced the sci-fi series' renewal two days after the first season concluded in December.
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the sci-fi series based on Hugh Howey’s novel follows the residents of a Beacon at the edge of the universe during the 23rd century. The residents will face new challenges during season two.
Read More…...
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the sci-fi series based on Hugh Howey’s novel follows the residents of a Beacon at the edge of the universe during the 23rd century. The residents will face new challenges during season two.
Read More…...
- 2/27/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
M. Night Shyamalan has signed a multi-year first-look directing and producing agreement with Warner Bros., and up first is a mysterious psychological thriller titled Trap.
The film has been dated for theatrical release on August 2, 2024, and it’s reportedly set at a concert. Josh Hartnett (30 Days of Night) stars, and he teases in a new chat with Indiewire that Shyamalan’s new movie is going to be a big time “pivot” for him as an actor.
“It’s a pivot,” Hartnett tells Indiewire. “But I try to make all of my roles pivots. If you’re playing the same thing again and again, it gets boring to the audience.”
“Working with M. Night was one of the best experiences of my career,” Hartnett adds. “I think he’s a true artist in the capital-a sense of the word. And I think people are gonna be really surprised and excited about the movie we make.
The film has been dated for theatrical release on August 2, 2024, and it’s reportedly set at a concert. Josh Hartnett (30 Days of Night) stars, and he teases in a new chat with Indiewire that Shyamalan’s new movie is going to be a big time “pivot” for him as an actor.
“It’s a pivot,” Hartnett tells Indiewire. “But I try to make all of my roles pivots. If you’re playing the same thing again and again, it gets boring to the audience.”
“Working with M. Night was one of the best experiences of my career,” Hartnett adds. “I think he’s a true artist in the capital-a sense of the word. And I think people are gonna be really surprised and excited about the movie we make.
- 2/26/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Hallmark Channel has found its way home, again. Time-travel family drama The Way Home returns for its sophomore season in January 2024. The new episodes will pick up immediately after season 1’s cliffhanger finale, which ended with Kat having a critical realization about what may have happened to her missing younger brother, Jacob.
In The Way Home Season 2, Kat reveals to her mother, Del, her theory about what happened to Jacob. As Kat continues her quest to find Jacob, the Landry women learn more about their family’s origins, which answers some questions while also raising new ones.
How to watch the new season of ‘The Way Home’ Evan Williams, Marnie McPhail, Chyler Leigh, and Andie MacDowell in ‘The Way Home’ Season 2 | ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Peter Stranks
The Way Home Season 2 premieres Sunday, Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. Et on Hallmark Channel. If you don’t have cable, the Hallmark Channel is...
In The Way Home Season 2, Kat reveals to her mother, Del, her theory about what happened to Jacob. As Kat continues her quest to find Jacob, the Landry women learn more about their family’s origins, which answers some questions while also raising new ones.
How to watch the new season of ‘The Way Home’ Evan Williams, Marnie McPhail, Chyler Leigh, and Andie MacDowell in ‘The Way Home’ Season 2 | ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Peter Stranks
The Way Home Season 2 premieres Sunday, Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. Et on Hallmark Channel. If you don’t have cable, the Hallmark Channel is...
- 1/15/2024
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Beacon 23 is officially returning to MGM+ for a second season. The series was initially renewed for a second season when it was set to air on Spectrum Originals, but the streaming service shut down before the series aired. MGM+ picked up the sci-fi series in September 2023. The eight-episode second season will arrive in April 2024.
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the series is based on the novel by Hugh Howey and follows a pair as they find themselves trapped in a beacon at the edge of the universe in the 23rd century.
Read More…...
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the series is based on the novel by Hugh Howey and follows a pair as they find themselves trapped in a beacon at the edge of the universe in the 23rd century.
Read More…...
- 12/19/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Vulture Watch
Is Aster a friend, a foe, or both? Has the Beacon 23 TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on MGM+? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Beacon 23, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A science-fiction mystery thriller series airing on MGM+, the Beacon 23 TV show stars Lena Headey and Stephan James, with Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling. The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.” Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent,...
Is Aster a friend, a foe, or both? Has the Beacon 23 TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on MGM+? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Beacon 23, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
A science-fiction mystery thriller series airing on MGM+, the Beacon 23 TV show stars Lena Headey and Stephan James, with Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling. The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.” Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent,...
- 11/13/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Harlan's suspicions may be correct in the first season of the Beacon 23 TV show on MGM+. As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Beacon 23 is cancelled or renewed for season two. MGM+ collects its own data. If you've been watching this TV series, we'd love to know how you feel about the first season episodes of Beacon 23 here.
An MGM+ science-fiction mystery thriller series, the Beacon 23 TV show stars Lena Headey and Stephan James, with Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling. The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.” Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent while Halan Kai...
An MGM+ science-fiction mystery thriller series, the Beacon 23 TV show stars Lena Headey and Stephan James, with Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling. The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.” Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent while Halan Kai...
- 11/13/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Network: MGM+
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: November 12, 2023 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Lena Headey, Stephan James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling.
TV show description:
A science-fiction mystery thriller series, the Beacon 23 TV show was created by Zak Penn and is based on short stories by Hugh Howey.
The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.”
Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent, while Halan Kai Nelson (James) is a stoic ex-military man. Their fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons...
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: November 12, 2023 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Lena Headey, Stephan James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Carolina Bartczak, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa Scott, and Tara Rosling.
TV show description:
A science-fiction mystery thriller series, the Beacon 23 TV show was created by Zak Penn and is based on short stories by Hugh Howey.
The story is set in the 23rd Century and takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way, in a remote “lighthouse.”
Aster Calyx (Headey) is a government agent, while Halan Kai Nelson (James) is a stoic ex-military man. Their fates become entangled after they find themselves trapped together inside one of many Beacons...
- 11/13/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
At first glance, The Way Home was an off-brand original series for Hallmark, thanks to time travel being utilized to tell a multi-generational story.
However, the series is synonymous with the heartwarming programming at the heart of Hallmark's schedule.
With The Way Home Season 2 in the works, TV Fanatic has rounded up everything there is to know about the hit series' upcoming season.
The Way Home Season 2 Renewal Status
Hallmark officially picked up The Way Home Season 2 in March 2023, revealing that the show had been a winner in the TV ratings in its Sunday night timeslot.
Even more impressive is that it beat out the likes of The Real Housewives of Potomac, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way, and Home Town in key demographics.
The Way Home Season 1 was also the No. 1 most-watched program on Sundays among households, P2+, W18+, and P18+ on a L+Sd basis.
Related: Wednesday Season...
However, the series is synonymous with the heartwarming programming at the heart of Hallmark's schedule.
With The Way Home Season 2 in the works, TV Fanatic has rounded up everything there is to know about the hit series' upcoming season.
The Way Home Season 2 Renewal Status
Hallmark officially picked up The Way Home Season 2 in March 2023, revealing that the show had been a winner in the TV ratings in its Sunday night timeslot.
Even more impressive is that it beat out the likes of The Real Housewives of Potomac, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way, and Home Town in key demographics.
The Way Home Season 1 was also the No. 1 most-watched program on Sundays among households, P2+, W18+, and P18+ on a L+Sd basis.
Related: Wednesday Season...
- 10/23/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Beacon 23 arrives on MGM+ next month, and viewers are now getting a look at footage from the sci-fi thriller series. MGM+ has released a trailer and poster teasing the upcoming series based on the book by Hugh Howey.
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the sci-fi thriller is set in the 23rd century and follows a pair who find themselves trapped at the end of the universe.
Read More…...
Starring Lena Headey, Stephen James, Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling, the sci-fi thriller is set in the 23rd century and follows a pair who find themselves trapped at the end of the universe.
Read More…...
- 10/19/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Beacon 23 has found a new home on MGM+. The sci-fi psychological thriller series was ordered by AMC Networks and Spectrum Originals before the latter shut down.
Starring Lena Headey and Stephen James, the sci-fi thriller is based on the book by Hugh Howey. Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling also star in the series which takes place in the 23rd century and revolves around two people who become trapped togeteth in a remote "lighthouse" at the end of the universe.
The season will have eight episodes. Beacon 23 was reportedly renewed for a second season back in August 2022.
Read More…...
Starring Lena Headey and Stephen James, the sci-fi thriller is based on the book by Hugh Howey. Marnie McPhail, Daniel Malik, Cyrus Faird, Sydney Ozerov-Meyer, Hannah Melissa, and Scott Tara Rosling also star in the series which takes place in the 23rd century and revolves around two people who become trapped togeteth in a remote "lighthouse" at the end of the universe.
The season will have eight episodes. Beacon 23 was reportedly renewed for a second season back in August 2022.
Read More…...
- 9/21/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
With “Dream Scenario,” Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli continues his thematic preoccupations with envy, sudden fame, marketing and reversals of fortune. Working in English with an American studio and a Hollywood star onboard, his work readily invites comparisons with the high- concept ethos of Charlie Kaufman.
Nicolas Cage and a few other cast members surprisingly took the stage at the film’s world premiere on Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival, where actors have been largely absent amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The movie’s studio, A24, has signed the interim SAG agreement.
Cage, who memorably portrayed Kaufman (and his fictional twin) in the Kaufman-penned “Adaptation,” similarly deglamorizes himself here to play Paul Matthews, college ethology professor. Though tenured, Paul still craves recognition. His grad school classmate Sheila (Paula Boudreau) is about to publish a paper based on an idea he shared three decades ago, and deny him credit for it.
Nicolas Cage and a few other cast members surprisingly took the stage at the film’s world premiere on Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival, where actors have been largely absent amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The movie’s studio, A24, has signed the interim SAG agreement.
Cage, who memorably portrayed Kaufman (and his fictional twin) in the Kaufman-penned “Adaptation,” similarly deglamorizes himself here to play Paul Matthews, college ethology professor. Though tenured, Paul still craves recognition. His grad school classmate Sheila (Paula Boudreau) is about to publish a paper based on an idea he shared three decades ago, and deny him credit for it.
- 9/10/2023
- by Martin Aubert Tsai
- The Wrap
The true story of golf's 1913 U.S. Open is full of the stuff inspiring movies are made of: underdog triumph, the breaking of class barriers, a down-to-the-wire showdown. In his first nonfiction book, "The Greatest Game Ever Played", writer-producer Mark Frost exhumed the event that once riveted the nation -- an unlikely match between a 20-year-old amateur and the game's reigning champ. He adapts the tale to the big screen with economy but not without conceding to certain rules of the genre; there's a familiarity to the saga as it hits predictable plot points. Still, actor-turned-helmer Bill Paxton has fashioned solid family entertainment in this well-cast feature, which in turn should provide solid boxoffice returns.
If the film makes its points early and sets out on an obvious trajectory, Paxton's love of the game is evident throughout. He and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut inject pizzazz into the proceedings with ball's-p.o.v. shots and telescoping effects. Although the story can't escape a certain sentimentality, Paxton leavens the inspirational element with admirable dramatic restraint, particularly in the two central performances.
Shia LaBeouf is full of quiet determination as Brookline, Mass., boy Francis Ouimet. He's been obsessed with golf since he began caddying at a tender age at the country club across the street from his working-class parents' home. From his Irish mother (Marnie McPhail) he receives undying encouragement, while his wary French father (Elias Koteas, bringing an affecting complexity to what could have been a by-the-numbers role) sees only heartbreak ahead for a poor boy dabbling in a gentleman's game.
But with the support and coaching of golfer Hastings (Justin Ashforth) and pro-shop expert Campbell (Luke Askew), Francis makes his way onto the green as a player, nabbing amateur titles until he finds himself squaring off in the U.S. Open against world-class players. Further bending the game's etiquette, circumstances leave Francis with a 10-year-old caddie, Eddie (Josh Flitter), who's not much taller than the bag. Eddie feeds Francis wisdom and rhyming pep talks with the delivery of a pintsize Borscht Belt comedian.
If the heart of the story is Francis' pairing with the spunky Eddie, its soul is the unspoken connection between him and his chief competition, Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), the British superstar of the game. Despite his professional status, Vardon feels he is the working-class outsider among the moneyed elite. The specter of a crucial moment from his Isle of Jersey childhood, hauntingly depicted in the film's prologue, arises to unnerve him during crucial moments at the tee. With his doleful gaze and self-contained intensity, the estimable Dillane movingly conveys Harry's profound pleasure in Francis' performance.
The fine supporting cast includes Stephen Marcus as Harry's no-nonsense colleague; Peter Firth as the hissable Lord Northcliffe, sponsor of Harry and Ted's stateside expedition; George Asprey as Britain's top amateur, a snob of the first order with a mean talent for smoke rings; Michael Weaver as the defending U.S. champion, a man of frothing nationalistic fervor; Robin Wilcock as the Brit journalist who loves the story; and Peyton List as the Smith girl who takes an interest in Francis, in a subplot that feels tacked-on.
Turn-of-the-century period detail is strong, the Quebec locations striking. A lovely conceit strips away the crowds and noise and leaves Vardon alone on a pristine landscape, while a sequence of rain-soaked golfing benefits from Elliot Graham's dynamic editing. Brian Tyler contributes a rousing, if insistent, score, and opera star Dawn Upshaw appears onscreen to trill a composition by Joe Jackson.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Pictures
A Morra Brezner Steinberg Tenenbaum production
Credits:
Director: Bill Paxton
Screenwriter: Mark Frost
Producers: Larry Brezner, Mark Frost, David Blocker
Executive producer: David Steinberg
Director of photography: Shane Hurlbut
Production designer: Francois Seguin
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume designer: Renee April
Editor: Elliot Graham
Cast:
Francis Ouimet: Shia LaBeouf
Harry Vardon: Stephen Dillane
Lord Northcliffe: Peter Firth
Arthur Ouimet: Elias Koteas
Ted Ray: Stephen Marcus
Eddie Lowery: Josh Flitter
Ted Hastings: Justin Ashforth
Stedman Comstock: Len Cariou
Sarah Wallis: Peyton List
Alec Campbell: Luke Askew
Bernard Darwin: Robin Wilcock
John McDermott: Michael Weaver
Mary Ouimet: Marnie McPhail
Wilfred Reid: George Asprey
Soprano: Dawn Upshaw
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
If the film makes its points early and sets out on an obvious trajectory, Paxton's love of the game is evident throughout. He and cinematographer Shane Hurlbut inject pizzazz into the proceedings with ball's-p.o.v. shots and telescoping effects. Although the story can't escape a certain sentimentality, Paxton leavens the inspirational element with admirable dramatic restraint, particularly in the two central performances.
Shia LaBeouf is full of quiet determination as Brookline, Mass., boy Francis Ouimet. He's been obsessed with golf since he began caddying at a tender age at the country club across the street from his working-class parents' home. From his Irish mother (Marnie McPhail) he receives undying encouragement, while his wary French father (Elias Koteas, bringing an affecting complexity to what could have been a by-the-numbers role) sees only heartbreak ahead for a poor boy dabbling in a gentleman's game.
But with the support and coaching of golfer Hastings (Justin Ashforth) and pro-shop expert Campbell (Luke Askew), Francis makes his way onto the green as a player, nabbing amateur titles until he finds himself squaring off in the U.S. Open against world-class players. Further bending the game's etiquette, circumstances leave Francis with a 10-year-old caddie, Eddie (Josh Flitter), who's not much taller than the bag. Eddie feeds Francis wisdom and rhyming pep talks with the delivery of a pintsize Borscht Belt comedian.
If the heart of the story is Francis' pairing with the spunky Eddie, its soul is the unspoken connection between him and his chief competition, Harry Vardon (Stephen Dillane), the British superstar of the game. Despite his professional status, Vardon feels he is the working-class outsider among the moneyed elite. The specter of a crucial moment from his Isle of Jersey childhood, hauntingly depicted in the film's prologue, arises to unnerve him during crucial moments at the tee. With his doleful gaze and self-contained intensity, the estimable Dillane movingly conveys Harry's profound pleasure in Francis' performance.
The fine supporting cast includes Stephen Marcus as Harry's no-nonsense colleague; Peter Firth as the hissable Lord Northcliffe, sponsor of Harry and Ted's stateside expedition; George Asprey as Britain's top amateur, a snob of the first order with a mean talent for smoke rings; Michael Weaver as the defending U.S. champion, a man of frothing nationalistic fervor; Robin Wilcock as the Brit journalist who loves the story; and Peyton List as the Smith girl who takes an interest in Francis, in a subplot that feels tacked-on.
Turn-of-the-century period detail is strong, the Quebec locations striking. A lovely conceit strips away the crowds and noise and leaves Vardon alone on a pristine landscape, while a sequence of rain-soaked golfing benefits from Elliot Graham's dynamic editing. Brian Tyler contributes a rousing, if insistent, score, and opera star Dawn Upshaw appears onscreen to trill a composition by Joe Jackson.
THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Pictures
A Morra Brezner Steinberg Tenenbaum production
Credits:
Director: Bill Paxton
Screenwriter: Mark Frost
Producers: Larry Brezner, Mark Frost, David Blocker
Executive producer: David Steinberg
Director of photography: Shane Hurlbut
Production designer: Francois Seguin
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume designer: Renee April
Editor: Elliot Graham
Cast:
Francis Ouimet: Shia LaBeouf
Harry Vardon: Stephen Dillane
Lord Northcliffe: Peter Firth
Arthur Ouimet: Elias Koteas
Ted Ray: Stephen Marcus
Eddie Lowery: Josh Flitter
Ted Hastings: Justin Ashforth
Stedman Comstock: Len Cariou
Sarah Wallis: Peyton List
Alec Campbell: Luke Askew
Bernard Darwin: Robin Wilcock
John McDermott: Michael Weaver
Mary Ouimet: Marnie McPhail
Wilfred Reid: George Asprey
Soprano: Dawn Upshaw
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 10/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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