Category Archives: Movies

Film Review: Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider”

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By Armando Inquig

armando inquig

Sony Pictures Classics

Written, produced, and directed by Chloé Zhao, “The Rider” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2017. There, it won the Art Cinema Award, the top prize at the festival’s Directors’ Fortnight—a section where Zhao’s debut feature film, “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” was screened and well-received in 2015.

Since its premiere, “The Rider” has garnered near-universal acclaim, enjoyed successful runs at both Telluride and Sundance in January, and secured nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards for best feature, director, editing, and cinematography. The film boasts a 97% rating on the film review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus lauding “writer-director Chloé Zhao’s use of untrained actors to convey the movie’s fact-based story.”

Drawing inspiration from its actors’ real-life experiences, this docu-fiction chronicles the journey of a young Native-American cowboy and professional horse trainer, Brady Blackburn (portrayed by real-life rider Brady Jandreau). The story delves into his physical and emotional challenges after a devastating rodeo accident leaves him with a steel plate in his head, his perseverance despite medical advice to never ride again, and his quest for a new purpose in life.

Casting Brady, a non-professional actor in the lead role, was undoubtedly a gamble. Yet it proved fruitful: critics praised his portrayal, noting its reflection of his personal experiences and how it lent the film authenticity.

So moved by Brady’s story, Zhao also enlisted his family for the film. His real father and sister, Tim and Lilly, play fictionalized versions of themselves. The film also features his friends, including former bull rider Lane Scott, who was paralyzed in a car accident in 2013.

With the story told from Brady’s viewpoint as a sidelined rodeo rider, audiences sense his life’s trials and emotional turmoil. Yet, the film retains an undertone of hope.

Early in the film, we witness visible staples embedded in his skull. But Brady persists. In his hometown, where he’s somewhat a celebrity, he’s given encouragement to chase his dreams. Audiences root for his comeback in both his career and life.

One poignant moment shows Brady training a horse. Here, he’s truly in his element, gradually winning the horse’s trust. Their bond is evident, fostering viewer optimism, regardless of impending tragedies.

In a heartrending sequence, a horse named Apollo got caught in barbed wire, severely injuring his leg. This forces Brady’s father to euthanize him. Reflecting on this, Brady tells his sister, “I got hurt like Apollo did, but I’m a person, so I got to live.”

Director Zhao says in promoting the film: “Through Brady’s journey, both on and off screen, I hope to explore our culture of masculinity and to offer a more nuanced version of the classic American cowboy. I also want to offer an authentic portrait of the rough, honest and beautiful American heartland that I deeply love and respect.”

Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, the film’s cast includes Brady Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lane Scott, and Cat Clifford. “The Rider” is now screening in select theaters across the US.

By Armando Inquig

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Zack Snyder To Tackle “The Fountainhead” Novel

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By Armando

Back in 2016, director Znyder revealed that he’s working on the script of “The Fountainhead”, an adaptation of the 1943 novel by author Ayn Rand, and now it looks like that will become a reality.

The project was revealed by Snyder himself via the social media site Vero, where Snyder frequently interact with fans, when asked about his next project.

The original philosophical fiction novel was Rand’s first major literary success, albeit somewhat controversial and polarized readers and critics.

Its story follows Howard Roark, an unconventional architect who battles an architectural establishment against compromising his work and values, a character which reflect the author’s belief of individualism over conformity and collectivism.

The book was previously adapted into the 1949 eponymous film from Warner Bros. by director King Vidor with Rand writing the script, and Gary Cooper playing individualistic architect Howard Roark.

Snyder has been attached to direct “The Last Photograph”, a drama about two men inspired to journey to Afghanistan because of a photograph. That project has lingered around Hollywood for many years and at one point was supposedly Snyder’s next film once he wrapped up “Man Of Steel”.

But with Snyder’s recent announcement, “The Last Photograph” seem to be going back again to the back-burner. Snyder recently directed “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Justice League.”

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Boba Fett Star Wars Spinoff In The Works

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By Creative Media Times

Boba Fett in Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi, 1983 (starwars.com)

With all the attention Han Solo is getting this week, Lucasfilm and Disney is already lining up its next Star Wars character spin-off in the form of Boba Fett, this according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Logan” writer and director James Mangold is apparently doing double duty again, both helming and writing the script for the film about the bounty hunter and cult favorite among fans. Mangold’s Logan collaborator Simon Kinberg is said to be working with Mangold as co-writer and producer.

Boba Fett first appeared in “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and then again in “Return of the Jedi” (1983) as a bounty hunter for the Galactic Empire and has since become a fan favorite. That said, there’s not a lot of backstory revealed around the character in the Star Wars film series.

Although in Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), it was reveled that he is an unaltered clone, with Jango Fett being his father and genetic template for clone soldiers of the empire. Where the planned Boba Fett film fits into Star Wars timeline or the recent anthology films Rogue One and Solo remains to be seen.

There is also the book based Fett stories including “Star Bounty Hunter Wars,” a trilogy of novels by K.W. Jeter which supposedly serves as Return of the Jedi sequel.

Mangold brings plenty of good reputation to the film. Logan, the third and final Wolverine solo film, was boxoffice and critical success last year. He also helmed “Walk the Line”, “3:10 to Yuma” and “Knight and Day”.

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See The Rock Leaps Tall Buildings In “Skyscraper” Second Trailer

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By Creative Media Times

Universal Pictures

Its Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson against tall buildings in the spectacular new trailer for “Skyscraper,” the megastar’s soon-to-be summer blockbuster.

The film reunites Johnson with his “Central Intelligence” director Rawson Marshall Thurber who also wrote the film. Johnson plays Will Ford, a former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader, who now assesses security for skyscrapers after having a leg amputated.

The action star is having a great year with two certified hits released during the last six months: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Rampage” proving he is the world’s biggest movie-star. And with Skyscraper’s “Die Hard” meets “Towering Inferno” vibe, it looks he’s its right in his wheelhouse.

Skyscaper, which also stars Neve Campbell, Chin Han, and Roland Møller and is set to open on July 13th.

Here’s the film’s synopsis:

Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.

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Elton John Biopic Eyes May 2019 Release Date

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By Creative Media Times

It appears that Paramount’s Elton John biopic “Rocketman” is actually arriving in theaters sooner than expected, and will now be released next year on May 17, 2019, The Wrap is reporting.

Welsh actor Taron Egerton is set to play the iconic musician, while English actor and director Dexter Fletcher will direct. The two recently worked together in the 2016 biographical sports comedy-drama “Eddie the Eagle” which co-starred Hugh Jackman.

“Rocketman” will be Fletcher’s second consecutive film about a legendary pop musician after recently completing the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The film will reportedly examine Elton John’s beginnings as a child prodigy, his rise to stardom and his partnership with songwriter Bernie Taupin. The film about the singer, songwriter, and composer has been has floated in tinseltown for awhile with a few actors such as Tom Hardy supposedly attached to play Sir Elton.

Egerton will next be seen in this November’s action-adventure “Robin Hood” playing the titular role opposite Jamie Foxx.

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Hunnam and Malek Attempts To Escape Devil’s Island In First “Papillon” Trailer

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By Creative Media Times

Bleecker Street

“The greatest escape adventure ever told,” it says on the poster of “Papillon” as Bleecker Street releases its first trailer.

The film is based on Henri Charrière autobiographies Papillon and Banco, as well as the 1973 film adaptation of the former which starred Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.

Charrière was convicted as a murderer by the French courts in 1931, sentenced to life in prison and ten years of hard labour, and in 1941 escaped from a penal colony in French Guiana with the help of another convict.

Charlie Hunnam is Charrière aka Papillon, a nickname derive from a butterfly tattoo inscribed on his chest, while Rami Malek is Louis Dega, the man he forms an unlikely alliance with in order to escape.

“If I ever get out, I’m going to live a different kind of life,” Papillon says in the trailer.

The book “Papillon” published in 1969, was an immediate success upon its release, becoming a worldwide bestseller and garnering critical acclaim.

Directed by Michael Noer (Northwest) and penned by Aaron Guzikoswski (Prisoners), “Papillon” premiered last September at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. The film is currently set to hit theaters August 24.

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“Mowgli” Trailer Shows Grittier Take On The Jungle Book

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By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros. Pictures

“Witness the darkest retelling of the beloved masterpiece,” the tagline appears on the trailer.

Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for Andy Serkis’ upcoming live-action adventure fantasy film “Mowgli,” and it looks spectacular.

An adaptation of Ruyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, the film follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli (Rohan Chand) who was raised by a pack of wolves in the jungles of India.

Rohan Chand is the titular character while Serkis plays Baloo. They are joined by Cate Blanchett as Kaa, Christian Bale as Bagheera, Matthew Rhys as John Lockwood, and Benedict Cumberbatch who plays fearsome tiger Shere Khan, the main antagonist in the book.

Based on the trailer, it certainly looks like a darker and serious version when compared to the Disney adaptation released in 2016, just as Serkis originally stated in his interview with Vulture two years ago. The film was rated PG-13 by MPAA earlier this year.

Directed by Andy Serkis from the screenplay by Callie Kloves, “Mowgli” hits theaters on October 19, 2018.

Here is the synopsis for the film:

“The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.”

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Orion Classics Relaunches As A Multiplatform And Specialty Label With “The Domestics”

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Orion Classics

Orion Classics has relaunched and will focus on multiplatform and specialized releases as well as acquisitions utilizing emerging and innovative alternative distribution strategies worldwide. The label will release between 8-10 films per year across genres starting with Mike P. Nelson’s The Domestics, starring Kate Bosworth (Blue Crush, 21) and Tyler Hoechlin (Everybody Wants Some, “Teen Wolf,” “Super Girl”). The gritty thriller will be released in U.S. theaters on June 28, 2018 and on Video On Demand PVOD and Digital on June 29, 2018. The film’s world premiere is set for opening night at the Cinepocalypse film festival on June 21.

Sam Wollman, MGM’s SVP of Acquisitions, will run day to day operations for the label and will work in conjunction with MGM President of Worldwide Television & Acquisitions Chris Ottinger and Orion President John Hegeman.

“Orion Classics has a long and storied history of releasing some of the most unique and memorable specialized movies of its time, including Pedro Almodóvar’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train and Richard Linklater’s Slacker. It’s our goal to relaunch Orion Classics with that same spirit in mind, and continue to have an eye on acquisitions across all platforms that entertain specialty audiences across the globe,” said Ottinger and Hegeman in a joint statement.

Based on a screenplay by Nelson, The Domestics was produced by Gianni Nunnari (300, From Dusk Till Dawn, Seven) and Shannon Gaulding (Safe Haven, Immortals) and executive produced by Kurt Johnstad (Atomic Blonde, A Shot in the Dark) and Adam Krentzman (Moonchild, Oh My God).
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Cannes Film Festival: “Shoplifters” Wins Palme d’Or

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By Creative Media Times

Aoi Pro, Inc.

“Shoplifters,” Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, won top prize Palme d’Or, highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was awarded as the festival comes to an end.

The family drama, which was also scripted and edited by Kore-eda, tells the story of an impoverished Japanese family who reply on shoplifting to cope with their life.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world’s most renowned, with winners eventually picking up more trophies during the year’s award season. It would be interesting to see if “Shoplifters” take a similar path.

This year’s festival run from May 8 to 19, with the competition jury headed by Cate Blanchett. Asghar Farhadi’s psychological thriller “Everybody Knows” starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem opened the festival.

Here’s some of the festival winners announced on Saturday night:

Palme d’Or:
“Shoplifters” directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda

Special Palme d’Or:
Jean-Luc Godard for “The Image Book”

Best Actress:
Samal Yeslyamova for “Ayka”

Best Actor:
Marcello Fonte for “Dogman”

Best Director:
Pawel Pawlikowski for “Cold War”

Jury Prize:
“Capernaum” directed by Nadine Labaki

To see the full list, head over to Cannes website.

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Spielberg And DiCaprio To Collaborate Again For A Ulysses S. Grant Film

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Creative Media Times

Steven Spielberg
Photo: aiphotoimaging.com

It looks like the Spielberg and DiCaprio finally found the right project to reunite for as the two are teaming up once again for a Ulysses S. Grant biopic, Deadline reports. This would be the first time they will work together since 2002’s “Catch Me If You Can.”

DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson will produce at Lionsgate while “Robin Hood” writer David James Kelly will pen the script.

DiCaprio’s will next be seen in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” which is about the Manson Family murders.

Spielberg is certainly inspired by the Civil War. The last time he tackled the era was in 2012, which resulted in twelve Academy Award nominations and a trophy for start Daniel Day-Lewis.

The acclaimed director is currently riding high with the success of the film adaptation of “Ready Player One” which has so far made more than $570 million worldwide since its release on March 29. He is currently working on the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise and plans to direct a remake of “West Side Story.”

He is also said to be attached to DC Comics film “Blackhawk,” also from Warner Bros.. Given all these projects orbiting Spielberg, it it would be interesting to see when production will actually commence.

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