Stuck at home while Covid-19 infections spike? The good news is that the best new movies to watch this week are heading straight to streaming services.
Amazon Prime subscribers can close out Steve McQueen’s masterful “Small Axe” anthology, while August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — featuring the final role of Chadwick Boseman, starring opposite never-better Viola Davis in the title role — makes its way to Netflix.
But if it’s big-screen spectacle you’re after, you’ll have to judge for yourself how safe it is to watch films such as “Monster Hunter” — in which “Resident Evil” star Milla Jovovich steps into another video game adaptation to do battle with massive CG beasts from a parallel dimension — and “Fatale,” an infidelity thriller starring Hilary Swank as the Las Vegas fling who re-enters a philandering husband’s life after he calls the cops.
On demand, Gerard Butler was supposed...
Amazon Prime subscribers can close out Steve McQueen’s masterful “Small Axe” anthology, while August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — featuring the final role of Chadwick Boseman, starring opposite never-better Viola Davis in the title role — makes its way to Netflix.
But if it’s big-screen spectacle you’re after, you’ll have to judge for yourself how safe it is to watch films such as “Monster Hunter” — in which “Resident Evil” star Milla Jovovich steps into another video game adaptation to do battle with massive CG beasts from a parallel dimension — and “Fatale,” an infidelity thriller starring Hilary Swank as the Las Vegas fling who re-enters a philandering husband’s life after he calls the cops.
On demand, Gerard Butler was supposed...
- 12/18/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Back in 1995, in the midst of cinema’s brief fixation with Jane Austen, director Roger Michell made the definitive film of “Persuasion”: as literate and elegant as it was underestimated upon release. That same year, Amy Heckerling set the bar for modernized Austen adaptations with her lithely funny and era-defining “Emma” riff “Clueless.” A quarter-century later, the straightforwardly titled “Modern Persuasion” falls some way short of either benchmark. Refashioning Austen’s bittersweet final novel about love surmounting prickly English class politics as a peppy romantic comedy of missed connections among the moneyed New York media set, Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki’s film is both too innocuous and too flatly imagined to stir much feeling either way.
What it does have going for it is Alicia Witt, a likable, spirited star too little used by Hollywood of late, but recently a leading mainstay of Hallmark holiday movies — from which...
What it does have going for it is Alicia Witt, a likable, spirited star too little used by Hollywood of late, but recently a leading mainstay of Hallmark holiday movies — from which...
- 12/16/2020
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
"What better way for me to get over my first love than to watch him fall in love with someone else...?" Samuel Goldwyn Films has released an official trailer for a romantic comedy titled Modern Persuasion, made by actors / filmmakers Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki. The film is an adaptation of Jane Austen's 1817 novel "Persuasion", updated as a story about Modern Persuasion. A happily single woman focused on her career in New York is forced to deal with the aftermath of feelings about a failed relationship when "the one that got away" hires her company. The film stars Alicia Witt as Wren Cosgrove, with Bebe Neuwirth, Daniella Pineda, Liza Lapira, Mark Moses, Li Jun Li, Dominic Rains, and Shane McRae. This looks super cliche and extra schmaltzy, but it might be a fun watch with this rather spunky cast. Take a look. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Appel & Lisecki's Modern Persuasion,...
- 11/13/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Pacific Northwest Pictures to release in Canada.
Myriad Pictures announced on Wednesday (September 30) that Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US rights to rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Samuel Goldwyn Films will release Modern Persuasion in December.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We are delighted...
Myriad Pictures announced on Wednesday (September 30) that Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US rights to rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Samuel Goldwyn Films will release Modern Persuasion in December.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We are delighted...
- 9/30/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the Alicia Witt romantic comedy “Modern Persuasion,” which will premiere at the Cannes Virtual Market.
The film, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1817 novel “Persuasion,” is directed by Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki from a script by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki. The film also stars Liza Lapira, Daniela Pineda, Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Modern Persuasion” centers on Witt’s character, a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the New York corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by a previous love, long-lost feelings are stirred.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We loved Alex’s and Jonathan’s modern day take on the Jane Austen classic and are excited to begin selling this delightful and clever romantic comedy. Alicia Witt...
The film, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1817 novel “Persuasion,” is directed by Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki from a script by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki. The film also stars Liza Lapira, Daniela Pineda, Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Modern Persuasion” centers on Witt’s character, a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the New York corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by a previous love, long-lost feelings are stirred.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We loved Alex’s and Jonathan’s modern day take on the Jane Austen classic and are excited to begin selling this delightful and clever romantic comedy. Alicia Witt...
- 6/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures produced.
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt and will launch sales and screen the film at the Cannes virtual market next week.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Tangerine Entertainment, founded by Amy Hobby and Anne Hubbell, works exclusively with female-identifying...
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt and will launch sales and screen the film at the Cannes virtual market next week.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Tangerine Entertainment, founded by Amy Hobby and Anne Hubbell, works exclusively with female-identifying...
- 6/15/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Ser’Darius Blain, last seen on the big screen in Sony’s blockbuster, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, has been cast in Against All Enemies, joining Kristen Stewart, Jack O’Connell, Vince Vaughn, and Anthony Mackie. Directed by Benedict Andrews, the political thriller follows iconic actress Jean Seberg (Stewart) who, in the late 1960s, was targeted by the illegal FBI surveillance program Cointelpro in retaliation for her support of the Black Panther Party. Blain will play Louis Lewis, a Black Panther who is arrested by the FBI. Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik are producing alongside Kate Garwood and Stephen Hopkins, as well as Bradley Pilz, Alan Ritchson, and Marina Acton. The script is by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, both of whom will serve as executive producers. Blain, who up next stars in the CW’s Charmed reboot, is repped by Paradigm, Grandview, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Another Jane Austen adaptation is on its way. Alicia Witt is set to star in the indie feature Modern Persuasion, a modern adaptation of Austen’s Persuasion to be directed by Alex Appel (The Death of Alice Blue) and Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby).
Witt’s numerous feature credits include this year’s Mississippi Requiem opposite James Franco and Topher Grace, 88 Minutes opposite Al Pacino, Two Weeks Notice opposite Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.
From a script penned by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki (Expecting), Modern Persuasion centers on Wren Cosgrove (Witt), a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the NY corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. But when her firm is hired by the man who got away, Wren finds herself having to interact with her ex-boyfriend every day when...
Witt’s numerous feature credits include this year’s Mississippi Requiem opposite James Franco and Topher Grace, 88 Minutes opposite Al Pacino, Two Weeks Notice opposite Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.
From a script penned by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki (Expecting), Modern Persuasion centers on Wren Cosgrove (Witt), a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the NY corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. But when her firm is hired by the man who got away, Wren finds herself having to interact with her ex-boyfriend every day when...
- 7/19/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
From TorontoFilm.Net comes news that the 2009 Canadian feature "The Death Of Alice Blue" will have a special screening, Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 7 - 8:30pm @ Projection Booth, 1035 Gerrard St East, Toronto.
Director, screenwriter Park Bench and producer, lead actress Alex Appel will be in attendance for a Q&A with the audience after the screening :
"...shy 'Alice Blue' is the new creative intern at 'Raven Advertising'. Unfortunately for her the place is run by vampires. A group of eccentrics enlist her aid in thwarting their nefarious schemes but there's a complication.
"There's the possibility that she herself may be genetically predisposed to being the greatest vampire ever. As the only one who can save the dying breed, Alice is forced to confront herself and make a stand, whatever the outcome..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Death Of Alice Blue"...
Director, screenwriter Park Bench and producer, lead actress Alex Appel will be in attendance for a Q&A with the audience after the screening :
"...shy 'Alice Blue' is the new creative intern at 'Raven Advertising'. Unfortunately for her the place is run by vampires. A group of eccentrics enlist her aid in thwarting their nefarious schemes but there's a complication.
"There's the possibility that she herself may be genetically predisposed to being the greatest vampire ever. As the only one who can save the dying breed, Alice is forced to confront herself and make a stand, whatever the outcome..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Death Of Alice Blue"...
- 8/29/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The trailer of Jonathan Sobol's A Beginner's Guide to Endings is already online. The film is currently being screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
According to the Tiff, here's the story:
Duke White (Harvey Keitel) hasn’t been an ideal father to his five boys. An inveterate gambler who never experienced a windfall he couldn’t blow within twenty-four hours, he has come to the end of his rope, literally. Years ago, he signed up his three eldest sons for unsafe drug tests that turned out to have dire consequences: the boys’ life expectancy have been substantially reduced. Upon receiving the news after their father’s funeral, the sons return to their family home in Niagara Falls, where they respond to their eminent demises in different yet equally hilarious ways.
Womanizing Cal (Scott Caan) is determined to hook up with Miranda (Tricia Helfer), the one girl who got away.
According to the Tiff, here's the story:
Duke White (Harvey Keitel) hasn’t been an ideal father to his five boys. An inveterate gambler who never experienced a windfall he couldn’t blow within twenty-four hours, he has come to the end of his rope, literally. Years ago, he signed up his three eldest sons for unsafe drug tests that turned out to have dire consequences: the boys’ life expectancy have been substantially reduced. Upon receiving the news after their father’s funeral, the sons return to their family home in Niagara Falls, where they respond to their eminent demises in different yet equally hilarious ways.
Womanizing Cal (Scott Caan) is determined to hook up with Miranda (Tricia Helfer), the one girl who got away.
- 9/11/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
The Canadian independent film The Death of Alice Blue will have a limited release in Canada on August 6.
In the film, we follow Alice Blue (Alex Appel). She's the new creative intern at Raven Advertising. Unfortunately for her the place is run by vampires. A group of eccentrics enlist her aid in thwarting their nefarious schemes but there's a complication. There's the possibility that she herself may be genetically predisposed to being the greatest vampire ever, and the only one who can save the dying breed. Alice is forced to confront herself and make a stand, whatever the outcome.
The film was directed and written by Park Bench.
The other stars are Park Bench, Kristen Holden-Ried, Gordon Currie, Barbara Radecki, Megan Fahlenbock, Veronica Hurnick, Carolyn Dunn, Amanda Brugel, Michael Caruana, Juno Mills Cockell, Ed Fielding, Katie Griffin and John Healy.
In the film, we follow Alice Blue (Alex Appel). She's the new creative intern at Raven Advertising. Unfortunately for her the place is run by vampires. A group of eccentrics enlist her aid in thwarting their nefarious schemes but there's a complication. There's the possibility that she herself may be genetically predisposed to being the greatest vampire ever, and the only one who can save the dying breed. Alice is forced to confront herself and make a stand, whatever the outcome.
The film was directed and written by Park Bench.
The other stars are Park Bench, Kristen Holden-Ried, Gordon Currie, Barbara Radecki, Megan Fahlenbock, Veronica Hurnick, Carolyn Dunn, Amanda Brugel, Michael Caruana, Juno Mills Cockell, Ed Fielding, Katie Griffin and John Healy.
- 8/2/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
Where to even begin describing indie horror comedy The Death Of Alice Blue. I suppose you could say that it plays like the bastard love child of Arrested Development and Edward Scissorhands era Tim Burton. I'm not entirely sure that's true or fair but it will at least get you into the right neighborhood. A low budget affair that won some good love on the festival circuit, Alice Blue will be getting a theatrical release here in Canada in early August and you know what comes with releases? Trailers!
Something strange is going on behind the doors of Raven Advertising...
Ambitious new employee Alice Blue (Alex Appel) wants to impress roguishly handsome Creative Director Stephen (Kirsten Holden-Ried). To do it, she has set her sites on signing an elusive client, Nether Wines. However, the agency has other plans for her.
Reluctantly, Alice befriends a group of co-workers who call themselves...
Something strange is going on behind the doors of Raven Advertising...
Ambitious new employee Alice Blue (Alex Appel) wants to impress roguishly handsome Creative Director Stephen (Kirsten Holden-Ried). To do it, she has set her sites on signing an elusive client, Nether Wines. However, the agency has other plans for her.
Reluctantly, Alice befriends a group of co-workers who call themselves...
- 6/26/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Year: 2009
Directors: Park Bench
Writers: Park Bench
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: Hal MacDermot
Rating: 6.7 out of 10
If you thought the corporations were sucking your blood, you were right. Canadian director Park Bench’s debut feature The Death of Alice Blue is the satirical tale of a shy young girl who takes a job as a low level creative executive in the Raven advertising agency, only to find out the place is run by vampires. Think dark humor and blood sucking executives and a plot that eventually somewhat loses itself. The Raven corporate office has a brilliantly executed grungy retro 80s look and is stocked with wonderful, old fashioned computer monitors and filthy corridors and bathrooms. It’s a Wristcutters (2006) feel, a world where everything is second hand, broken and rubbish, but with gothic touches, like the blood red offices of the executives. The lead is played by the beautiful Alex Appel,...
Directors: Park Bench
Writers: Park Bench
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: Hal MacDermot
Rating: 6.7 out of 10
If you thought the corporations were sucking your blood, you were right. Canadian director Park Bench’s debut feature The Death of Alice Blue is the satirical tale of a shy young girl who takes a job as a low level creative executive in the Raven advertising agency, only to find out the place is run by vampires. Think dark humor and blood sucking executives and a plot that eventually somewhat loses itself. The Raven corporate office has a brilliantly executed grungy retro 80s look and is stocked with wonderful, old fashioned computer monitors and filthy corridors and bathrooms. It’s a Wristcutters (2006) feel, a world where everything is second hand, broken and rubbish, but with gothic touches, like the blood red offices of the executives. The lead is played by the beautiful Alex Appel,...
- 7/29/2009
- QuietEarth.us
This film reminds me of something straight out of the 80's I can't quite place and it looks so damn good I want me a copy now! Billed as a dark comedy about a girl working in an ad agency staffed with vampires, the production design is gritty like the beginning of Joe vs. the Volcano and the music is fantastic. Written and directed by feature length first timer Park Bench (is that really his name?), the film stars Alex Appel and some other great looking talent. Really folks, you don't want to miss out on this one.
Something strange is going on behind the doors of Raven Advertising. It's Alice Blue's first day on the job and already she has set her sights on creating an impressive ad campaign for an important American wine company not to mention the agency's top creative director, Stephen. However the Agency has other plans for her.
Something strange is going on behind the doors of Raven Advertising. It's Alice Blue's first day on the job and already she has set her sights on creating an impressive ad campaign for an important American wine company not to mention the agency's top creative director, Stephen. However the Agency has other plans for her.
- 4/6/2009
- QuietEarth.us
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.